Sunday, February 11, 2007

Cristiano Ronaldo Goals 2006-2007

Kuszczak Save vs Charlton

Man Utd 2-0 Charlton

Wayne Rooney kept his nerve when it mattered to ease Manchester United to a unconvincing 2-0 win over Charlton.

After all the swagger of recent performances, the Red Devils were forced to grind out a result against Alan Pardew's brave battlers, who never let their heads drop even after Park Ji-Sung had nodded the hosts into a first-half lead.

Charlton came agonisingly close to breaching United's defences on two separate occasions, but eventually Rooney eased Sir Alex Ferguson's nerves, calmly chipping to the far post after Scott Carson had blocked his initial shot, setting up Darren Fletcher for the easiest of finishes.

Ferguson certainly could not claim his side were anywhere near their best, but it is on such triumphs championship wins are built and their advantage over Chelsea remains at six points - and now there are only 11 games to go.

Having conceded the prospect of living in a sunnier, warmer place than north-west England must hold some appeal for Cristiano Ronaldo, it was somewhat ironic Ferguson was denied the services of his brilliant young winger because of a heavy cold.

As Ronaldo warmed himself by the fire at home, his team-mates struggled, the opening period lacking any of the fluency that has characterised so many of their recent performances.

Certainly Charlton were not handicapped by any sense of inferiority. Pardew may have inherited an unenviable situation when he took over at the Valley, but it is clear the Addicks will not surrender their proud Premiership status without a fight.

The visitors should have gone ahead too but, after Dennis Rommedahl had already fired one decent opportunity into the side-netting, Tomasz Kuszczak plunged to his left to turn away a goalbound Darren Ambrose header.

It was an excellent save and one which belied the fact Kuszczak has spent almost all season sitting on the bench as understudy to Edwin van der Sar.

Kuszczak was to deny Ambrose once more before the first half was through, although by then United had managed to get their noses in front.

Given his hard-man reputation, Ben Thatcher will be disappointed at the way Park simply shrugged him aside as he rose to meet Patrice Evra's deflected cross. Once he had won the aerial duel, Park simply steered his header into the net.

The only other moment of note during an otherwise unremarkable opening period came when Rooney acrobatically controlled Ryan Giggs' long ball from almost head height, a manoeuvre that took both Thatcher and Souleymane Diawara out of the game.

Rooney needed just one more touch before letting fly with a fierce right-footed shot that skimmed the outside of a post with Carson totally beaten.

If Ferguson hoped the half-time break would help bring any more fluency to his team's efforts, he was mistaken.

United continued to labour and with Alexandre Song outstanding in Charlton's midfield, the visitors gained greater confidence and encouragement.

With a bit more calmness, Rommedahl might have done much better than blaze over from 25 yards after finding himself in plenty of space in a central position.

Having left Henrik Larsson on the bench for the first time since his arrival from Helsingborg, Ferguson introduced the veteran Swede for Giggs just after the hour mark. Even that move failed to inspire an immediate improvement in fortunes.

In fact, it was Charlton who continued to look the more likely scorers and Marcus Bent was only millimetres away from getting a vital touch to Rommedahl's inswinging free-kick, which actually flew just wide off Gary Neville's head.

The obvious problem for the visitors in those latter stages was the more they pressed, the more vulnerable they were on the counter-attack.

Rooney set up Louis Saha with a superb pass, which ended disappointingly with a shot straight at Scott Carson.

But the pattern had been established and when Carson blocked Rooney's shot with his legs shortly afterwards, the striker quickly seized on the loose ball and delivered a deft cross to the far post, which Fletcher could not fail to head home.

# Fergie sees road ahead

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester United to look forward rather than back in the final stages of the Premiership campaign.

The Red Devils struggled for long periods against Charlton at Old Trafford but eventually recorded a 2-0 win over the relegation-threatened Londoners to maintain a six-point cushion over Chelsea at the top of the table.

With only 11 games to go, it is a handy cushion to have, and United could inflict major damage if they gain maximum reward from the two matches they play - at Fulham and Liverpool - before Chelsea are in action again.

And Ferguson has made it clear his team should not start looking over the shoulders and fear the damage Chelsea may cause.

'We are playing well and with a lot of confidence,' he said.

'Sometimes in these situations, there is a tendency to look over your shoulder and concentrate on the team that is chasing.

'I prefer to look forward because we have some really promising games coming up. 'We have an FA Cup tie against Reading next week, which should be terrific and that is all we should be concentrating it on now.'

Ferguson admitted he was surprised by Charlton's enterprising approach, although he claimed his side should have taken full advantage of the pressure his team applied after Park Ji-Sung had nodded them into a first-half lead.

In the end, United had to survive a major scare when Gary Neville nodded Dennis Rommedahl's free-kick narrowly wide of his own goal before Wayne Rooney provided Darren Fletcher with the easiest of finishes to wrap up the win.

'It wasn't the greatest goal in the world but I would have taken it any time,' admitted Ferguson.

'Their free-kick was a worry because it just reminds you that at 1-0 up, the opposition can get a goal in a second.'

After stressing the value of giving all his squad some playing time recently, it was particularly pleasing for Ferguson that Park and Fletcher should get themselves on the scoresheet after standing in for injured duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick.

'We need to give everyone some miles on the clock because you never know when you might need them,' he said.

Sheffield United's win against Tottenham means that, with the exception of Wigan, second-bottom Charlton are now 10 points adrift of anyone outside the relegation zone.

However, Addicks chief Alan Pardew is still in optimistic mood, not least because star duo Darren Bent and Luke Young came through training sessions this morning and should play a full part in the club's trip to Spain next week.

'They both came through training today, which is good news and the break should help in terms of both of them being fit for our next match,' he said.

The next match could hardly be more critical as it pits Charlton against West Ham in a match neither side can afford to lose.

'We have only picked up 20 points so far this season but now we are going to have to improve,' added Pardew.

'We need to go on a run similar to the one Portsmouth went on last season and get another 20 points from our remaining games. That has to be our goal.

'Maybe at the start of the season, we could have settled for a draw if we had got ourselves into a good position in an away game. Now, we have to go for it.'

Match summary:

Monday, February 5, 2007

Tottenham 0-4 Man Utd: Six-point lead restored, match summary video

Manchester United restored their six-point lead at the top of the Premiership but victory at Tottenham was tinged with controversy as Cristiano Ronaldo won, and scored, a disputed penalty.

Ronaldo scored the opener at White Hart Lane on the stroke of half time but it was hard to tell the extent of the contact as Steed Malbranque and Lee Young-Pyo tried to stop his run.

But the incident did not affect the Portugal winger who turned in another dazzling display on the flanks and set up Paul Scholes for United's third after Nemanja Vidic had doubled the lead.

Ryan Giggs ran through to add to Spurs' embarrassment late on and John O'Shea finished in goal as Edwin van der Sar broke his nose and United had used all their substitutes.

United had lost in the capital to Arsenal and West Ham this season but held their nerve after Chelsea's victory on Saturday had closed the gap, and their glut of goals either side of the break underlined their potential to seal a first title since 2003.

As for Spurs, they remain as far from the Champions League places as they are from the relegation zone. Despite controversy for the opener and a penalty claim of their own, they were swept aside and did not look like recording their first win over United since 2001 when Willem Korsten scored twice.

The closest they had come in that period was two years ago when referee Mark Clattenburg famously failed to spot Pedro Mendes' apparent 'goal'.

He was in charge again and in the thick of the action - by awarding Ronaldo his penalty - but initially to calm a frantic opening.

Scholes had already mis-timed a challenge on Aaron Lennon and Didier Zokora had tripped Gary Neville, but it was Vidic who picked up the first booking when he went through the back of Jermain Defoe after nine minutes.

The first real chance of the game fell to Ronaldo but the Portugal winger blazed over after collecting the rebound when Michael Carrick's header from a corner had been saved by Paul Robinson.

Predictably, Carrick was jeered by home supporters on his return to White Hart Lane following his departure from the club in the summer for £18.6million. Carrick had an early shot fly over and was typically effective protecting his back four, while Tom Huddlestone did the same for the hosts.

Huddlestone, billed as Carrick's natural heir, set up Spurs' first chance but Dimitar Berbatov, after taking a touch around Rio Ferdinand, saw his finish tipped around the post by Edwin van der Sar.

United already had a penalty appeal turned down in the 29th minute when Anthony Gardner appeared to trip Henrik Larsson in the area, but Clattenburg waved away the protests that lasted minutes after the incident.

But they were not denied a spot-kick on the stroke of half-time, with Ronaldo causing plenty of problems for the home defence.

The winger has not seemed affected by abuse since his role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal at the World Cup, and he blocked out the jeers again to slam his penalty past Robinson.

Spurs had their own penalty shout when Pascal Chimbonda appeared to be held by Neville, marking a busy first half for Clattenburg.

Rooney had been living on the edge and earned a yellow card for a challenge on Lee after he had lost the ball, and Chimbonda was also booked before the break.

Robinson tipped over from Vidic and Carrick after the break but was beaten in the 48th minute when Vidic met Carrick's corner with a thumping header.

The lead was extended in the 53rd minute when Ronaldo surged down the right and crossed for Scholes to bundle in. Spurs thought they should have had a penalty on the hour mark when Berbatov was challenged by Ferdinand, but Clattenburg waved play on.

Van der Sar had to tip over from Berbatov but United extended their lead with 14 minutes left when substitute Louis Saha played Giggs through to finish.

Berbatov could have pulled one back when he got behind the United defence but Van der Sar saved his effort. The Dutch goalkeeper could not finish the game after a clash with Robbie Keane, and John O'Shea played the remaining five minutes in goal.

Match summary:

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Tottenham vs United - trailer


Manchester United defender John O'Shea admits his disappointment at failing to hold down a permanent first-team place at Old Trafford will be a small price to pay for another Barclays Premiership winner's medal at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Irishman has predominantly figured as a late substitute for Sir Alex Ferguson's men during this campaign and after starting in the Wednesday win over Watford, he could well find himself back on the bench for the trip to Tottenham.

Yet O'Shea acknowledges it is precisely the spirit engendered by a fully-fit and thriving squad which has sent his side six points clear of Chelsea and looking strong bets to reclaim their title.

O'Shea said: ``It is obviously frustrating when you are not playing week in, week out but that is the case when everyone is fit and you are top of the league. The manager has big decisions to make and when you get your chance you have got to take it.

``Everyone is chomping at the bit to get into the team. In the last couple of seasons we have had vital players missing for months but this season we have coped with everything that has been thrown at us and you can see we are enjoying it.''

United head to White Hart Lane with striker Louis Saha back in contention following a knee injury and knowing it is crucial for them to improve a recent record on their travels which reads four points from their last four games.

It is particularly imperative with potentially difficult away trips to the likes of Stamford Bridge and Anfield and a derby against City still to come this season, while Chelsea boast a relatively easier run-in.

But O'Shea insisted Chelsea's result is the last thing on the minds of the United dressing room as they focus on simply maintaining and if possible extending their lead for as long as possible.

O'Shea added: ``We are just looking at ourselves and we know it is going to be a tough game on Sunday and we have got tough games to come. But with the form we are in we are feeling very positive at the moment.

``You know what games are coming up and how difficult they are but we keep thinking after each game that that is another game down. Last time we won the league we went to these places and won these games, and that is what we have to do now.''

Tottenham defender Ricardo Rocha believes United have proven themselves as a great team by bouncing back in style from when he helped Benfica defeat them in the Champions League.

United's defeat in Portugal last season was the low point of a miserable European campaign but they have regrouped and are top of the Barclays Premiership.

Rocha is in line for a Premiership debut when United travel to White Hart Lane, with Martin Jol's defensive options limited by Ledley King's foot injury which has ruled the captain out for another six to eight weeks.

Spurs have not beaten United since 2001 but Rocha has tasted victory over Ferguson's men recently, even if he was only a late substitute last season.

``United were not very good that season and it was important for us because we had to win, and we did,'' said the 28-year-old Portugal defender. ``They have proven since then they are a great team and they are in a great moment - good teams are like this.''

King's injury means Rocha may not have time to adapt to the pace of English football, but he is relishing the chance to show the physical side of his game.

``I try to get the ball but not hurt anybody on purpose,'' he added. ``If I touch the opponent I'll say 'Sorry, I'm just doing my work'.''

Rocha is determined to make up for his mistake that allowed Jeremie Aliadiere to score on Wednesday in the Carling Cup semi-final.

He will be up against a familiar face, with Spurs' defence looking to cope with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Premiership's in-form player. Rocha knows him well from international duty with Portugal.

``He's unpredictable and can do amazing things,'' said Rocha. ``It's very difficult to stop him. I have to put pressure on him, not let him take the ball because if he does he's difficult to stop. You always have to have your eye on him.''

Only one Wayne Rooney

Friday, February 2, 2007

Man Utd 4-0 Watford

Manchester United guaranteed Sir Alex Ferguson a good night's sleep by maintaining their six-point lead at the Premiership summit with a 4-0 stroll against rock-bottom Watford.



In the aftermath of the gut-wrenching defeat at Arsenal 10 days ago, Ferguson admitted he `did not sleep a wink' as he mulled over the manner of the last-gasp loss.

But there will be no need for the Scot to burn the midnight oil in his Wilmslow home again as United roused themselves after a lethargic start to eventually romp home, extending their goal difference advantage over Chelsea to 14 in the process.

• Fergie signals determination

After Cristiano Ronaldo had slammed the hosts in front with his 14th goal of the season and Lloyd Doyley had doubled their lead with an unfortunate own goal, Henrik Larsson and Wayne Rooney also found the target as United recorded their biggest win since a similar sized success at Bolton three months ago.

Ferguson had already made it clear he intends to fully utilise his squad over the crucial final third of the campaign so - with a far more testing visit to Tottenham looming on Sunday - it was no surprise Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Larsson were all omitted from the hosts' starting line-up.

Kieran Richardson was one of the men given a rare opportunity but he did not make much of a case for more regular appearances in a lacklustre start which epitomised the general United effort.

In pulling 10 men behind the ball at every opportunity, Watford succeeded in denying their hosts space and their goal had barely been threatened when Jay Demerit instinctively tugged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's shirt as the Norwegian attempted to reach Rooney's lay-off.

Thankfully for United, eagle-eyed referee Mike Dean spotted the infringement and up stepped Ronaldo to slam the ball past Richard Lee.

The goal hardly served to send an extra sense of urgency through the home ranks and it was more through luck than judgement that they were not pegged back when Tomasz Kuszczak misread his angles as he attempted to turn Chris Powell's cross over the bar and instead pushed it onto his own post.

It was probably the shock United needed as their attacking play suddenly did become more incisive.

With Ronaldo and Rooney - both restored to Ferguson's starting line-up - growing in influence, so the Red Devils started to carve out an increasing number of chances.

Nemanja Vidic was not far off with two headers from Michael Carrick corners and Richardson saw his shot flash onto the roof of Watford's net.

The Red Devils maintained their focus after the break too, with Rooney and Ronaldo both going close before Richardson curled over the cross which Doyley, with Ronaldo breathing down his neck, stuck out his head to nod into his own net.

To all intents and purposes, it was game over. But United, mindful of how close the title battle could turn out to be, went for the jugular.

Lee had already pulled off one stupendous save to prevent Adrian Mariappa scoring a second own goal before the Red Devils really cut loose.

Five minutes after his introduction for Solskjaer, Larsson laid off a pass to Rooney, then sped onto a clinical through ball from the England man before rolling a shot into the corner.

United bagged another with their next attack, a product of an outrageous double act between Ronaldo and Rooney.

The Portugal man started it with a searing run across the visitors' box, then amazingly chipping the ball over Watford's startled defence to Rooney, who promptly launched his shot high over Lee before watching it drop into the goal.

Although it must have been tempting to inflict further damage on a Watford side whose two-game winning run was brought to an abrupt halt.

Instead, Ferguson offered Wes Brown the opportunity to replace Carrick in central midfield.

It was hardly surprising some of the fire went out of United's play after that, although only the base of a post denied a Ronaldo shot which would have completed their biggest win of the campaign.

• Fergie signals determination

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed his Manchester United thoroughbreds now have 'the bit between their teeth' as they head into the final furlong of the Premiership title race.

A 4-0 romp over rock-bottom Watford at Old Trafford means the Red Devils now require 11 wins from their final 13 games to end a three-year championship drought.

Victory for United was never in serious doubt once Cristiano Ronaldo had rifled them in front from the penalty spot and, with Henrik Larsson and Wayne Rooney adding to Lloyd Doyley's second-half own goal, the hosts not only maintained a six-point lead over main rivals Chelsea but extended their advantage in the goal difference column to 14.

'We have the bit between our teeth now,' said manager Ferguson.

'That is another game gone and we are another goal better off, so it has been a good night for us.

'Maybe we over-elaborated at times but Watford set out their stall to make it hard for us and, in the end, it was a comfortable enough win.'

With far stiffer tests to come, notably at Tottenham on Sunday, Ferguson took the opportunity to hand rare starts to Kieran Richardson, John O'Shea and Tomasz Kuszczak.

And, while there was no great fluency about United's play in the opening period, Jay DeMerit's foul on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer offered Ronaldo a golden chance to break the deadlock with his 14th goal of the campaign.

The Portugal winger gradually improved, as did Rooney, who took his tally to four in three games with a sublime finish to wrap up United's biggest win in three months.

Ferguson added: 'I have been saying for a while now that, if Wayne can get on a run where he starts scoring one a game, it will make an incredible difference to us.'

The United boss confirmed striker Louis Saha should be fit for the weekend trip to White Hart Lane although, with Larsson also finding the target for the second time since his loan move from Helsingborg, the Frenchman's presence is not quite so vital as it was earlier in the campaign.

For Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd, there was no disgrace in defeat having feared his side might be on the wrong end of the result once United had suffered their injury-time defeat at Arsenal 10 days ago.

'I knew someone was going to pay for that Arsenal result,' he said.

'Getting a result against a team like that at Old Trafford was always going to be incredibly difficult for us.

'Manchester United have a squad full of world-class players. They are capable of being the best team in the world.

'I have a feeling they are going to win the championship this season for the simple reason they have not won it for three years.

'I am a bad loser and I want to win. But we operate on a budget which is about 4% of theirs, which just emphasises how unfair the league is.

'I just told the players nobody should go home miserable tonight because they did their best and our season is not going to hinge on games like this.'

First Half Summary:


Second Half Summary:

‘Boy Wonder’ Wayne Rooney

Peter Schmeichel Saves

Man Utd 2-1 Portsmouth

Wayne Rooney answered Manchester United's FA Cup SOS at Old Trafford as the Red Devils overcame two horrendous moments of ill-fortune to book a place in the fifth round with a 2-1 home win over Portsmouth.
Rooney was only introduced on the hour as United struggled to make the decisive breakthrough against their Barclays Premiership rivals.
But, having broken a seven-match drought at Arsenal last weekend, the 21-year-old followed up with a late double, the second a sensational chipped effort from 20 yards.In contrast to his staggering second effort, Rooney's opener - his 10th of the campaign - was a tap-in from a cross by Ryan Giggs.It helped relieve the tension of a game which seemed destined to finish deadlocked, probably saving referee Mike Riley a hairdryer blast from Sir Alex Ferguson in the process.On this ground almost two years to the day ago, while he was still at Tottenham, Pedro Mendes was on the wrong end of an abysmal call when none of the officials managed to spot Roy Carroll dropping the midfielder's shot a yard over his own line.At the same end, just 12 minutes into an intriguing contest, Mendes finally gained some recompense, hooking a Nemanja Vidic header parried into his path by David James away from danger - despite the ball clearly crossing the line.If that was not bad enough for the hosts, they also saw a perfectly good Henrik Larsson volley incorrectly ruled out for offside after half-time, a moment which must have left Ferguson wondering how many ladders he had walked under recently. Ferguson praises 'audacious' Rooney In the end, though, Rooney's arrival ensured there was no need for recrimination, even if Kanu's late effort meant United were not able to book their spot in the last 16 without some anxiety.Although it was half a century since Portsmouth last won at Old Trafford, they started in enterprising fashion and had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down when returning skipper Gary O'Neil fell under Tomasz Kuszczak's sliding challenge just four minutes into the game.He did not know it at the time, but it was not to be the biggest 'non-decision' Riley would make, nor the absolute irony of it when the most controversial ruling came.Clearly, the old adage 'what comes around, goes around' was lost on Ferguson, who raced to the edge of his technical area to berate Riley for the error, the nearside assistant who made the call conveniently placed for an earful from the United boss, who had the advantage of watching TV replays.Stung by the injustice, the hosts shook off the lethargy that bedevilled their earlier efforts and went for the jugular. Park Ji-Sung was particularly prominent, as was Larsson.A well-timed Sol Campbell tackle prevented Park from bursting clear and the South Korean only just failed to meet Patrice Evra's low cross with a diving header.Larsson's hopes of steering home Giggs' cross were snuffed out by Lauren and, as the opening period drew to a close, United's danger pair combined to create an opportunity that Park blasted over.Their best chance, though, other than Vidic's header, was a virtual replica move as Giggs swung a corner onto Michael Carrick's head, with David James magnificently tipping the goalbound effort over.With Rooney on the bench and Cristiano Ronaldo not even in Ferguson's squad after spending a short break in Dubai, United's attack lacked raw pace and, with Campbell imperious, Portsmouth's defences held firm with a bit to spare.The visitors gained enough confidence from their first-half endeavours to push forward a bit more after the interval.Linvoy Primus guided a back-header onto the roof of Kuszczak's net, before former United Cup winner Andy Cole disappointingly prodded Mendes' cross straight at Rio Ferdinand when well-placed to do much better.If there was a nagging feeling this was not going to be United's night, it was only heightened by a series of events building up to the hour mark.Firstly, to his total disbelief, Larsson was ruled offside, then James somehow palmed away a Paul Scholes rocket, before Ferdinand failed to divert a twice-deflected Giggs cross into the net from barely six yards.The introduction of Rooney for Solskjaer quickly followed and the youngster's arrival instantly offered Giggs more room to work his magic.It was no surprise the Welshman should tee up Rooney for the opener either, although Larsson deserves a special mention for the calm lay-off which ensured Giggs would leave his young team-mate with no harder task than an empty net to find.The best was yet to come, though, as Rooney collected Gary Neville's pass 20 yards out before beating James with an awesome chip.Kanu breathed new life into the contest three minutes from time with a goal of his own - but United were not to be denied. Ferguson praises 'audacious' Rooney Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson praised the 'vision and audacity' of Wayne Rooney after the substitute carried the Red Devils into the last 16 of the FA Cup. Rooney came off the bench on the hour and scored twice, the second goal a sensational chipped effort from 20 yards, as United beat Portsmouth 2-1 at Old Trafford. And Ferguson likened the 21-year-old England striker to Eric Cantona as he said afterwards: 'Having the vision and audacity to do it at that time of the game -- one goal up with10 minutes to go - is really great. 'It was a fantastic goal and I remember Eric doing that in the FA Cup against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane (in 1995). 'It was nice to get Wayne scoring, after last week (the 2-1 Barclays Premiership defeat at Arsenal) and the chip really was world class.' But the Scot was less happy with two decisions which made things hard for his team. Just 12 minutes into an intriguing contest, Pedro Mendes hooked a Nemanja Vidic header away from danger - after the ball had clearly crossed the line. If that was not bad enough for the hosts, they also saw a perfectly good Henrik Larsson volley incorrectly ruled out for offside after half-time. And Ferguson continued on Sky Sports News: 'For the first one the linesman was in the right position - but he didn't see it - it's incredible. 'It wasn't inches over the line - it was a foot over it. It's amazing.' As for Larsson's effort, the Scot explained: 'It was onside and it was a fantastic finish.' He added: 'I'm pleased with the performance, we worked hard. 'There was nothing we could do about their goal - it was reasonably struck but it got a wicked deflection which gave them a lifeline and made it a bit exciting. 'We had a lot more pressure in the second half, we raised the tempo and had more chances - I thought we were in control.' Ferguson revealed 'I'd made up my mind last week to give Wayne and Cristiano (Ronaldo) a break. 'Cristiano went on holiday for a week - he played in the World Cup third place play-off on July 8 and has not missed a game all season, so it was a great time to give him a break.'

Cristiano Ronaldo Skills and Goals 2006-2007

John O’Shea “trick”