Before Game Report : Man United vs Blackburn Rovers

Fergie unruffled by Rovers' style



Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no problem with Blackburn's style of play ahead of Sunday's tussle

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Rovers' approach this season, but Ferguson believes it is "the right type of aggression".

"They are very aggressive at times but I don't have any great issue with it," said the United manager. "Maybe about three years ago they had one bad season, but you can't paint them black all the time.

"The disciplinary record this season and last season is good and that's the tell-tale sign. There's nothing wrong with being aggressive so long as it's the right kind of aggression."

Ferguson will be forced into a comprehensive change of plan after Wayne Rooney's ankle injury in training yesterday ruled the striker out of contention for four weeks.

Rooney had been in breathtaking form for United, his eight goals in the last seven games netting him the Barclays Player of the Month trophy for October.

His partnership with Carlos Tevez had helped United to 22 goals in six games, and had allowed Ferguson to treat Louis Saha with kid gloves, keeping him in a substitute's role to protect his delicate knee.

Just before Rooney sustained the injury Ferguson had praised his form and expressed his belief that Saha was currently at his most effective on the bench.

Ferguson said: "Wayne had an injury to begin with and that knocked him back a bit as he missed four or five games.

"We expect players of his ability, young players like him and (Cristiano) Ronaldo, to develop and improve themselves.

"They got 23 goals each last year and I think they are capable of getting more than that this year."

In terms of Saha, he added: "We are trying to manage the situation he finds himself in terms of his knee condition so we don't play him in every game and the dilemma is do we start him or do we bring him on.

"If you look at the composition of our side now, he is different to everyone else so he makes a bigger impact as a substitute.

"At the moment my inclination is to use him as a sub and he is fine with that."

Rooney should be back for United's trip to Liverpool on December 16.

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2872670,00.html


Others News

Hughes: Pressure greater at Man Utd when I was there
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes says expectations were greater at Manchester United when he was a player than nowadays.

Rovers can break big four
To quantify the threat posed by Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes’ men could be the team to break the four-strong monopoly at the top of the Premier League.

Blackburn can cause Man Utd problems - Hughes
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes his side are capable of 'causing Manchester United problems' at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Fergie backs 'Rottweiler' Hughes to break into top four
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes's Blackburn can be the team to break the big four's dominance of the Premier League this season.

Mach Preview: Man United vs Blackburn Rovers

Old Trafford

Sunday, 11 November

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

UNITED will be without striker Wayne Rooney for the clash with Blackburn after he injured an ankle in training.

The England international left the club's Carrington base on crutches, meaning he will not feature against Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Gary Neville is still unlikely to figure against Rovers despite having made a comeback in the reserves.

The only other absentees are those with long term-injuries - Mikael Silvestre, Paul Scholes, Park Ji-sung and Ben Foster.

Ahead of the game Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has spoken of his admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson - but is confident of outsmarting his one-time mentor this weekend.

Ferguson this week celebrated 21 years in charge at Manchester United but shows no sign of slowing down.

Yet Rovers are also enjoying a strong run of form and travel to Old Trafford on Sunday unbeaten away and only five points behind United with a game in hand.

Former United striker Hughes, who has long been tipped to succeed Ferguson one day, said: “It is fantastic what he has done and is doing.

“It is a remarkable feat that he has been able to keep going and keep the energy and enthusiasm for the game that he has. Football is his life and he has still got that drive he has had form the outset.

“By all accounts he has mellowed a bit from my time when I was a player, but maybe that comes from being so successful.

“It’s a big ask going to Manchester United, they are playing exceptionally well, as we are, but it will be very different to overcome them in the form they have been showing.

“Defensively they are rock solid and it will take a good side to overcome them - but we feel we are a good side.

“We have gone up against three out of the big four and come out of them unbeaten so there is no reason we cannot go to Old Trafford and get a positive result.

“We couldn’t be going there in better circumstances given the run we’re on. Something’s got to give, let’s hope it’s United.”

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Simpson, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Saha, Tevez.

Blackburn Rovers (from) : Friedel, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Bentley, Dunn, Tugay, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Brown, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

Last season: United 4 Blackburn 1

Key opponent: David Bentley - Probably the best crosser in the league and has a good record against United

Prediction: United 1 Blackburn 0 - Rooney's injury is a blow, but if the Reds can keep it tight at the back they should overcome this tough test

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7076650.stm,

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1023785_preview_united_v_blackburn?rss=yes

Scholes' surgery a success

Sir Alex has allayed fears Paul Scholes' recent knee injury could threaten the midfielder's career.

Scholes, who turns 33 on Friday 16 November, damaged his knee during a training session in Kyiv last month.

An initial scan was inconclusive before a second confirmed the need for surgery and three months' rest.

"Paul has had his operation and it was 100 per cent successful," the Reds' boss told United Radio.

"The specialist said the condition of his knee is fantastic… he's got the knee of a 20-year-old.

We're losing him for three months but the great news is there's nothing stopping him from playing for a few years yet.

"In January he'll come back as a fresh player, at an important time when we've got the knockout stages of Europe and the FA Cup to think about.

Remember the last time he came back after his eye injury – it was like having a new player."


Source : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=506343

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Rooney injury big blow

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wayne Rooney's ankle injury is a huge blow to their title push.

The in-form forward, who has scored eight goals in his last seven games for the Red Devils, injured his ankle during a game of 'head tennis' at United's Carrington training ground.

Rooney will therefore be unavailable for England's friendly with Austria next week and the potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21.

"I think Rooney was the man who could take England to the European championships," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.

"It was an absolute freak accident.

"He was playing a game of head tennis and he caught his foot on the stanchion that holds up the net. It's a sickening blow, but we hope he'll be back in four weeks.

"He's been in red-hot form recently, but that's football. He'll miss our games against Blackburn and Bolton - and it's obviously a big loss for England too."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64400

Rooney: Player of the Month

INJURED United striker Wayne Rooney has been named Barclays Player of the Month with former United ace Mark Hughes taking the manager's award.

Manchester United striker Rooney, 22, scored four goals in just three matches to be named Player of the Month - although he will not get the chance to reclaim his crown after suffering an ankle injury which will keep him out for the rest of November and beyond.

The former Wales manager takes the honour for the first time after leading Rovers to three straight wins in the month - with Birmingham and Reading defeated at Ewood Park and Tottenham beaten at White Hart Lane.

Hughes is the first Blackburn boss to win the award since Brian Kidd in 1998.The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.


Source : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1023787_rooney_player_of_the_month?rss=yes

Rooney out for four weeks

WAYNE Rooney has been ruled out for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury in training.

The United striker left Carrington on crutches and will miss Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn and most likely their remaining two group matches in the Champions League.

He will also be unavailable for England’s friendly with Austria next week and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21.

England coach Steve McClaren had only just named Rooney in his squad and greeted the news with understandable disappointment.

“It is hugely disappointing for us and him,” he said.

“Given the form he has been in and the contribution he has made to England over the last two games means it is a blow.

“But we have to deal with it, like we have dealt with situations like these before.

“It is an opportunity for someone else to come and do a job.”

Rooney has already been out injured this season when he broke his foot in the first game of the season against Reading.

Rooney, meanwhile, has been named the Barclays Player of Month for October.

The 22-year-old scored four goals in just three matches. The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football’s governing bodies, the media and fans.

Source : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1023780_rooney_out_for_four_weeks?rss=yes

Man Utd's Ronaldo admits battle of the bulge

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo has confessed he battles against an increased waistline because of his love for fine food!

"I have the great fortune of being able to eat at the best restaurants where the food is prepared the best and there are the noblest wines," said Ronaldo.

"It is very good, but is not the best recommended ways for a footballer.

"But I am going to be careful with what I eat because (United manager Sir Alex) Ferguson does not want me to become overweight because that affects my form on the field."

Ronaldo also revealed he's grown to love local food.

He added: "I dated a girl from Manchester and she showed me that steak pies and chips are very good."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64292

Pique: I won't quit Red Devils

Gerard Pique hopes his patience will eventually be rewarded at Manchester United after insisting he has "no intention" of leaving the club.

The 20-year-old was loaned out to Real Zaragoza last season and could easily have joined them on a permanent basis had Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson not rebuffed a substantial bid.

Pique, also linked with Atletico Madrid just this week, enhanced his reputation with a first start - and only his second appearance - in the Champions League on Wednesday, and scored his maiden United goal in the 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev.

Despite growing interest in the Barcelona academy product, Ferguson has stressed he wants to hang on to the centre-back.

Pique himself is only too happy to stay at Old Trafford, looking on the loan spell in his homeland last season as just part of his learning curve.

"When I went on loan last year what I wanted was experience. It was good for me, and now I am am getting experience here - and I am happy," said the Spain Under-21s international.

"You have to think 'it is Manchester United' and they are one of the best teams in the world'.

"The players that are here have a lot of quality, and it is very difficult to break through. You have to be patient.

"I want to play more games, but the boss decides."

Ferguson has invested a lot of time in Pique since he arrived at Old Trafford as a teenager - and he is not prepared to let all that good work go to waste.

"I am not surprised people are saying they are interested in him," said the United manager.

"Zaragoza tried to buy him in the summer. They offered a lot of money for him. But no. The boy's future is here.

"I have no fears for him. The course we have set is a good one, and there is absolutely no intention of letting him go."

Pique was relatively untroubled alongside Nemanja Vidic in a back four which also contained fellow 20-year-old Danny Simpson, also making his first Champions League start, and the established Patrice Evra.

Playing with those experienced internationals undoubtedly helped the rookies settle in.

"They are great players, and when you play with them they give you the confidence to play your game," said Pique.

"You know if you make a mistake you have them around you.

"It was a great feeling to score a goal in the first (Champions League) game you start and you help the team to win the game.

"We are now already qualified, and that is great for us. The last two games we can enjoy it - and try to be the first in the group."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2870225,00.html

Ronaldo: We're better this year

In-form winger Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester United now have a better chance of winning the Champions League than last season.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who guided the club to a dramatic European Cup win over Bayern Munich in Barcelona in 1999 and the semi-finals last season, has gone on record as saying as he would like to lift Europe's premier club competition at least one more time.

They have begun that quest well by reaching the knockout stages with two group matches still to play after Wednesday night's 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev.

And Ronaldo, whose goal against the Ukrainians at Old Trafford was his eighth in 10 matches in all competitions, believes this season the team could go all the way again.

"Manchester United have the opportunity to win [the Champions League] every season," said the Portugal international, who scored in the 3-2 first leg semi-final victory at home to eventual champions AC Milan last season only to see the side lose 3-0 in Italy a week later.

"You work for that but this season there is a better chance than last season.

"We have more options. We have new players, we have great quality and when you have quality you have the opportunity to score goals - which is what the players try to do.

"We have better players and they want to win the Champions League and the Premier League. You have to believe."

Wednesday's victory saw Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez both score - with defender Gerard Pique heading the opener - and their burgeoning partnership up front is one of the key factors behind United's success this season.

Rooney has nine goals in the campaign and the Argentina striker five, but it is their link-up play with each other which has caught the eye.

Ronaldo praised the pair for working hard to establish their partnership.

"The last five or six weeks they have played fantastically," he said.

"They know each other, score goals and do a fantastic job."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2869241,00.html

Carrick: Man Utd competition red hot

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits competition for first team places is red hot at Old Trafford.

Carrick may be one of those under the most pressure - because he is vying for a midfield place with the likes of Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves, John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs.

He returned to action in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal after a month out with a dislocated elbow, played against Dynamo Kiev in midweek and hopes to be involved for the visit of sixth-placed Blackburn on Sunday.

"The squad is terrific. A few lads have been rested, and that will continue throughout the season," said the England international.

"The manager has got a lot of bodies, but I'm sure it's a happy problem for him.

"That [competition] is what this club is all about. They are all top players - and whoever plays will not let anyone down."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64268