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January 23, 2013

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United Preview

League leaders Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, keen to make amends for their defeat in the reverse fixture back in September.

The hosts are unbeaten in seven games, and could tighten their grip on a Champions League qualification place if they extend that run here.

Scott Parker is likely to start in place of Sandro, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with after surgery on his knee, while Emmanuel Adebayor is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Jermaine Defoe is widely available at 7.5 (13/2) to get the first goal of the game, while Gareth Bale is a 9.0 (8/1) with Stan James.

Spurs are 3.1 (21/10) with Stan James for the win, with United favourites at 2.5 (6/4) with several firms. The draw is 3.6 (13/5).

The visitors kept their seven point advantage at the top of the division after beating Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford last Sunday.

The result took Sir Alex Ferguson’s men to 55 points from 22 games; their best ever start to a top flight season.

Ashley Young and Jonny Evans will both miss the game through injury, whilst Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery.

Robin Van Persie is the division’s top scorer with seventeen goals, and is priced at 5.0 (4/1) to add to that tally with the first goal of the game whilst Wayne Rooney, who made a goal scoring return in the FA Cup Third Round replay on Wednesday is available at 6.5 (11/2).

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December 21, 2012

FERGIE IS A TRUE GENIUS

The former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish praised the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by saying that he is a true genius. Even though there have been a lot of reports and interviews about his management style, the Scotsman has said that people only know only the tip of an iceberg when it comes to Ferguson. Ferguson has spent the last 26 years managing Manchester United, during which time he has managed to make that club incredibly successful in English football and in Europe. At 70 years of age, he is widely expected to retire in the next few seasons.

Alex McLeish has pointed out to the incredible detailing put in by the manager Sir Alex Ferguson in every aspect of the club. At Manchester United, Ferguson not only oversees the tactical and coaching aspects of the team, but also the transfer policy and the youth team setup as well. As a result, he has been able to be incredibly successful by not only having youth teams success, but also success in the form of players being brought in for a transfer fees as well. Alex McLeish is currently out of work after being sacked by Aston Villa during the summer. He has said that he is hoping to return to football management as soon as possible.

“I sincerely hope that those Harvard academics who worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson realise how fortunate they have been. I can absolutely guarantee this morning that any coach worth his salt will be trying desperately to source that blueprint for success. They will not be able to replicate the genius of Sir Alex Ferguson – no matter how hard they try,” said the former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish who used to play under Sir Alex Ferguson when he was at Aberdeen.

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November 21, 2012

FERGIE WANTS EUROPEAN RECORD

The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he does not want to rest until he has managed to replace Liverpool’s European record. Liverpool have the most number of European titles in English football, which currently stands at five. Liverpool have undoubtedly been one of the most successful clubs over the last five decades. It has enabled them to lift an astonishing 18 league titles, which has remained a record until it was recently broken by Manchester United. Under the guidance of Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have been able to get 19 league titles.

More than 20 years ago, Ferguson set out with the task of taking Liverpool off their perch in the league title stakes. Now, he has achieved the same, but he is now targeting the prospect of overtaking Liverpool when it comes to the European cups as well. Even with all the success Manchester United have enjoyed in the last 20 years, they have been able to have only three European cups to their name. Sir Alex Ferguson has been responsible for two of them. Now, he has said that he will be looking to get the next two titles as soon as possible. United have come close in the last four seasons by being the runners up twice.

“In terms of the history of our club, we should have won more and I want to win it again and get into the bracket of winners like Liverpool, our biggest rivals, Bayern Munich and Ajax. AC Milan and Real Madrid have got separated from the rest but that definitely drives me on a bit. I get really frustrated when I think about the opportunities we have had to win it, but you can’t be greedy,” said Ferguson when asked about the question of retirement.

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October 30, 2012

SCHOLES STILL AN INSPIRATION

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Paul Scholes for his inspirational performance in the match against Wigan Athletics. Scholes scored a goal against Wigan and helped his team achieve an easy victory. The match against Wigan was Scholes’ 700th match for United. He is one of the most experienced players of the club. He had joined the club way back in 1993 and he has been an integral part of the United team since then. With the victory over Wigan, United has moved up to the second position in the Premier League table. Alex Ferguson’s team is not too far behind Chelsea which is at the top of the table.

The United players didn’t manage to find the net in the first half, but, in the second half, they were on fire. All the four goals were scored in the second half. Scholes opened the scoring for United in the 6th minute of the second half. Nani gave a powerful cross to Carrick who passed the ball to Nani again. Nani played a flat shot towards the goal post, but, the Wigan goalkeeper, Al-Habsi, blocked his shot. Scholes got the ball on rebound and he didn’t make any mistake in deflecting it past Al-Habsi.

United’s lead was doubled by Chicharito in the 63rd minute. The goal was set up by Alexander Buttner who made Chicharito’s work easy by giving him a perfect cross. Chicharito only had to give it a finishing touch which he did superbly. Just a few minutes later, Buttner scored the third goal for United with an angular shot. After that, it was a tough task for the Wigan players to comeback in the match. Nick Powell put the final nail in the coffin by finding the net from a distance of 20 yards in the 82nd minute. Sir Alex Ferguson would have been overjoyed with the attitude of their players on the field. United will play its next match against Galatasaray on 19th of September.

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August 28, 2012

BUTTNER SIGNS FOR UNITED

Alexander Buttner has signed for Manchester United. The manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, has confirmed the signing of Buttner. The Dutch defender has joined the club on a contract of 5 years. United has bought him from Vitesse after paying a contract fee of 3.9 million pounds. Ferguson said that Buttner is a fantastic left back and his inclusion has strengthened the defense of United.

Buttner had been playing for Vitesse since the last 4 years. He had joined the club in 2008. In the last 4 seasons, Buttner has been one of the most consistent players of Vitesse. His first goal for Vitesse was against Volendam in the 2008-09 season. Due to his consistent performances for the Dutch club, Buttner was included in the Netherlands national team for Euro Cup 2012. In July 2012, Buttner was on the verge of signing for Southampton, but, due to some controversy, the deal was not finalized. However, it would not be easy for Buttner to find a place in the United’s first team. United already has a left back in the form of Patrick Evra. Evra is the first choice left back of Alex Ferguson and Buttner has been included in the team as Evra’s cover.

After signing for Manchester United, Buttner said that it had been his dream to play for Manchester United. It is one of the oldest clubs in the world and he is very excited to play for United in this season. As per Buttner, there are some great players in the Manchester United team and it would be an honour for him to play with such great payers. He can’t wait to make his debut for United. On being asked about his targets in the ongoing season, Buttner said that he is not expecting to get many opportunities to play in this season. But, whenever he goes on to the field, he would try to give his best for the team.

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July 4, 2012

KAGAWA WANTS CENTRAL ROLE

New Manchester United signing Shinji Kagawa has said that he wants to play more centrally next season at Manchester United. The English club recently secured the signing of Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa from German club Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £ 12 million, which could rise to £ 17 million depending on the success and the performances of the 23-year-old at Old Trafford.

He is expected to go straight into the starting line-up, according to the Man Utd news website. At Dortmund, Shinji Kagawa has played in central role creating everything good by the club in recent seasons. However, he faces a lot of competition for the central role in the Manchester United team.

The playmaker, though, has said that he wants to be the hub of everything that Manchester United create the season. The club has invested a lot of money in buying youth in recent times. As a result, they have some of the best wide men in the country. The arrival of Shinji Kagawa is expected to confirm the departure of another Asian at the club – Park Ji sung. The 31-year-old has been sparingly used by manager Sir Alex Ferguson this season. He could be set for a move to Turkey in the summer.

‘I want to play in the hole, where Wayne Rooney plays. I feel like that’s where I play my best football. I plan on working hard so I can win my place at the position. They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I was given a chance to play for them. I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they’ve got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn’t an easy decision. But I wanted the challenge,’ said Shinji Kagawa in his first major interview since moving to Manchester United a few weeks ago.

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May 4, 2012

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

On Monday, at the Etihad Stadium, there were only two dominant midfield players. Worryingly for the visitors, they were helping the home team. Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester united coach started the match with 5 against 4 in the midfield position, sacrificing Welbeck for the reliable and combative Park Ji-sung.

At last, the plan did not work; still Manchester United could not match the ability of Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure. Of course, United are some way better to other 18 teams in the Premier League. They would probably end with 89 points in the points table, but that huge total may not win then their 20th league.

Looking ahead, though, Sir Alex will be aware that his team would be stretched till he adds a dominant midfield player. United have talented players for that position. Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick have proved themselves time and time again, while Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones are valuable assets.

For some time, Manchester United has lacked a real fearsome midfielder, they kind of player who can pull a team and come out as a defining influence. Sir Alex can certainly defend his plans as City averaged 3 goals in each home game before this game in which they only scored once from a set piece.

Sir Alex’s frustration was clearly visible. He accused the City coach of trying to influence match officials and went furious with Roberto Mancini during the game. Both the coaches had to be separated during the finger-jabbing face-off in the 76th minute in that highly explosive derby game at Eastlands.

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April 4, 2012

FERGIE IS CONFIDENT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his confidence that his side will be able to maintain their nerve in the remaining few Premier league matches. Manchester United recently secured a three point advantage over City in the title race. United and City are the two teams playing for the title this season. Following the City’s draw with Stoke city during the weekend, Manchester United went out and won against Fulham on Monday night. This result helped them bring about a three-point advantage at the top of the table, although United still have a match to play at the Etihad stadium.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been in situations like this on numerous times, and he expressed his confidence at being able to maintain the focus over the remainder of the Premier league matches. Ferguson also said that as we get near the finale of the season, it is not about the squad strength, but more about the mental strength that matters in the title race. The Scot said that he believes that Manchester United have the mental strength in abundance, but is yet to witness the same with Manchester City. City have already shown weakness under pressure, and are yet to convince him in the title race.

“City have done exceptionally well all season to get to where they are at the moment. They have a chance. Like us, if they win all their games they will be champions, but it is much easier to say that than to actually do it. At this time of year some of the teams at the bottom of the league know they have to start winning games too, because if they don’t they will be relegated,” Ferguson said during the weekend. United have the much easier run-in of the two teams, with Blackburn Rovers up next.

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February 23, 2012

GIGGS IS AMAZING

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that no one will be capable of matching the achievements of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs. The 38-year-old Welsh star will be making his 900th appearance for Manchester United shortly. Speaking at the extraordinary occasion, Sir Alex Ferguson said that there will simply be no other player capable of matching the records of Ryan Giggs. The Welsh midfielder retired from international football many years ago, but it is simply beyond belief to see a 38-year-old player still playing at the highest level of football. Ryan Giggs is also simply not an addition in the Manchester United squad, but one of the important members as well.

He was crucial in Manchester United winning the Premier league title last season, which was incidentally the record 19th title for Manchester United. Ryan Giggs is the only player to have scored in every season of the Premier league since the inception in 1992. Ryan Giggs is also regarded as the greatest player when it comes to having the most number of club titles. One of the areas where Ryan Giggs has been left wanting is in the international scenario, where Ryan Giggs has not won any major trophy with the Welsh national team.

“It is my personal view, and not everyone will agree with me because we all have our favourites, that even if you take away the longevity, being in the Premier League for as long as he has, achieving what he has; no other player will do it. Obviously Maldini was a magnificent player but there is a distinction,” Ferguson told reporters. Ryan Giggs will be making his 900th appearance for Manchester United should he feature in the match against Ajax. Manchester United will be taking on Ajax in the last 32 of the Europa league.

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January 23, 2012

FERGIE WANTS TO CARRY ON

The retirement date for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been the source of discussion for many in recent years, but it seems that the Scotsman is keen to carry on for a number of years at Old Trafford.

He is currently thought the discussions with the head at Manchester United, the final details of his contract, which could be his last in management. The 70-year-old manager has been responsible for the two Champions League titles Manchester United have won in recent seasons, but he is keen on helping United win another final title before he retires.

So far, he has built many great sides during his 25 years at Old Trafford. However, the side that he will be building now is going to be the crucial one because it will help him realise the dream that made him take the job at Old Trafford. Winning the third Champions League title of his career will mean a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson and also the Manchester United fans because it would put him level with Bob Paisley of Liverpool. Despite winning numerous domestic titles with Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson still considers the Champions League title to be the ultimate glory.

“We have to continue the dominance of winning leagues and, without question, winning a European Cup is important at this club. I think I’ve got three years at the club. As long as my health stays up, and as long as I’m still enjoying it and still getting the satisfaction of the team doing its best,” Sir Alex Ferguson said when asked about the date he will hand over the reign of Old Trafford to another manager. He will be offered around £ 6.5 million per year for signing the new contract with Manchester United.

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