MANCHESTER UNITED FAN CLUB

Yet another battle is on the cards!

2005-04-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

Yet another battle is on the cards!
Ruud Van Nistelrooy returned to striking form as the Red Devils took one more step towards their only silverware chance by demolishing Newcastle United 4-1 at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday. In a thoroughly authoratative performance, Ruud slotted in two goals while Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo netted once each to power United into the final of the FA Cup. United will play Arsenal in the final to be played on May 21 at the same stadium they started off the 2004-05 domestic season. Incidentally this will be the fifth meeting between the two teams in the domestic season. While Arsenal won the FA Community shield at the beginning of the season, United have won both their Premier League meetings and also prevailed in the Carling Cup.
With Ruud returning to red hot form, I hope that this match will be a fitting finale to a season mostly dominated by Chelsea. Come on Reds, give us the silverware.
As for the Premiership, the manager needs some more players to bolster the midfield. Liverpool's Steven Gerrard might be a good choice but he might be too costly and if rumors are true, is already Chelsea-bound. And the team also needs a good goalkeeper. Tottenham's Paul Robinson is tipped to be a favorite. Let's see if that deal shapes up. In my personal opinion, any goalie from Italy would be good. And.. a defender from Italy could also be a nice purchase! But with the dwindling financials resources at Old Trafford, that might seem a distant dream. Anyway, let's hope for the best and
GO REDS GO. SET CARDIFF ON FIRE on MAY 21!!!

Going strong but yet..

2005-02-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Going strong but yet..
United may be going strong but the Premiership title looks all but lost. Chelsea have been putting up equally impressive performances week in and week out. Now Sir Alex should be thinking about winning the FA Cup and the Champions League. The performances against Birmingham and Manchester City must be confidence boosters for the gaffer. With Rooney finally getting some goal scoring form and Giggs and Ronaldo mastering the flanks, the prospects look bright.
There is more joy with the news of Ruud's return to the top flight action after a long injury lay-off. He would certainly put on a fine partnership with Rooney and with Europe being his favorite hunting ground, the Champions League quarterfinal game against AC Milan might just be the best stage for him to make his comeback.

The Hit and Ron at Highbury

2005-02-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

The Hit and Ron at Highbury
In a fantastic comeback, the Red Devils completed a season's double at Highbury when they beat Arsenal 4-2 in the Premiership to jump to second spot. The victory was sweeter than the one at Old Trafford for the way in which it was achieved. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in 4 minutes to put the game beyond Arsenal after they lead 2-1 at half time. The double strike gave the Red Devils so much self belief that they thwarted Arsenal in the last 20 minutes with only ten men and also scored a goal during that time. It was one of those memorable performances which is characteristic of United when time calls for it. Ryan Giggs and John O' Shea scored two spectacular goals on either side of Ron's double while Arsenal went into the lead twice in the first half through Viera and Bergkamp. Watching the match sent joyous shivers down my body everytime United scored. All the goals were gems, especially the last one when O Shea timed his run perfectly to the lay-off from Paul Scholes!
The win comes after a brilliant couple of weeks for United which saw United cross the 3rd and 4th rounds of the FA Cup. Wayne Rooney broke his goal drought at Exeter and capped it off with two of the best goals I have ever seen in the 4th round game against Middlesboro. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are showing great form as they scored in the Premiership game against Villa. The only glitch was the exit from the Carling Cup with a 1-2 loss to Chelsea at home. But with that out of the way, the Red Devils could still go on and make a miracle if Chelsea slip up in the league. Let's wait and watch!!

2005-01-17T00:33:00.000-08:00

Is the title race over?

The race for the 2004-05 Premiership title seems to be over already. Chelsea are surely poised to win their first Premiership in over 50 years thanks to a stunning 1-0 win for Bolton against Arsenal. Barring a miraculous turn around that would feature Chelsea losing atleast 4 matches and one of either United or Arsenal going on an unbeaten run (which could be possible) from here on, the winner has already been decided. United now need to set their eyes on the three remaining crowns at stake - Champions League, FA Cup and the Carling Cup. With a match in the FA Cup (rematch against Exeter) pending United must look to capture the FA Cup first. Also on the list must be the Champions League in which they are up against AC Milan in the quarters sometime in February. As for the Carling Cup, United have a decisive advantage having come off from Stamford Bridge with a goalless draw. But with Sir Alex fielding second ring teams for the Carling Cup, there are good chances that Chelsea might run away with that game too.

As with the Premiership, United completed a hat trick at Anfield when they won there in the Premiership once again thanks to a mistake by Jerzy Dudek. Dudek has been at the receiving end of lucky goals from Diego Forlan and Ryan Giggs during the past two seasons. And this one was no different either as he failed to stop a long range shot from Wayne Rooney to concede the only goal of the match. United gained good grounds on champions Arsenal who lost 0-1 at the Reebok to Bolton Wanderers. United now have 47 points to Arsenal's 48 while Chelsea are at 58.

United have some very important matches coming up in the next few days. The most important of them would be surprisingly the FA Cup 3rd round rematch against Exeter on Wednesday. After suffering a humiliating 0-0 draw at home, United will be looking to bounce back strongly with Ferguson promising to pitch in a strong team. With the likes of Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo sure to play in the game, United look strong on paper. Let's wait with fingers crossed to see how that match turns up. Then a week later, United travel to Highbury for a match that might determine who finishes second in the league. And let's hope Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs are fit to play that match. That would be one hell of a contest. And the other one is the Carling Cup semifinal return match against Chelsea. One hopes the manager decides to field a stronger side hoping to atleast clinch one title.

2005-01-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

United cap off holiday season with disappointing results!

Three different tournaments. Three different teams. Same result. Manchester United once again went back to where they began as they lost their goal scoring touch to go 270 minutes without a goal to provide a disappointing end to the holiday season. Beginning the season brightly by beating Bolton and Middlesboro by identical 2-0 margins and Aston Villa 1-0, United then drew its next 3 matches goalless - against Tottenham in the Premiership, against lowly rated Exeter in the 3rd round of the FA Cup and against Chelsea in the first leg of the Carling Cup semifinals. The disappointing fact is that two of the draws (Premiership and FA Cup) came at Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs' injury in the Premiership match was also a matter of concern. Giggs is expected to be back only in the first week of February as United get ready to face Liverpool and Arsenal away from home this month. With Ruud van Nistelrooy sidelined with surgery and Wayne Rooney firing blanks the future doesn't look bright for United. Alan Smith has also been so unpredictable and United now has to look upto to veterans Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville to wriggle them out of the rut.

On the positive side, the return of Lois Saha to first team action and a first Premiership goal for Darren Fletcher (against Middlesboro) were confidence boosters for United during the holiday season. And before limping off against Tottenham Ryan Giggs was in red hot form and everyone believed that finally United would make the turn for good.

But with three demoralizing results, United with much of their stars out of form or out of action need a miracle to claim atleast one silverware this season. Let's kee our fingers crossed!

2004-12-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Chance goes down

What a golden chance. It must have been the beginning United's charge towards the top. But it has ended up as being yet another disappointing result for United as they conceded a late equalizer to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night. Bouba Diop's equalizer cancelled out Alan Smith's early goal but United must be left ruing the chances when Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane hit the wood work. I must say, those missed chances lifted Fulham up who believed they were in with a chance and grabbed it. Anyway a draw is atleast a point. Come on United. Go for the kill. Now that Fulham is behind us give us the Christmas gift we all long for.

2004-12-05T22:27:00.000-08:00

The hunt is on..

United finally seem to have gotten the fighting spirit. Not long ago they were a buch of talented players who were struggling to find the net. But in the matter of a month, an inspired United have made an astonishing progress in the Premiership. Leapfrogging Bolton, Aston Villa and Middlesboro, United are now 4th in the table and it will only be a matter of time before they will whiz past Everton who are 3 points ahead. What's more sweet about the progress is United's second win against Arsenal in the space of 6 weeks. A young and dashing United saw off Arsenal's bunch of budding talent in the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup with a 1-0 victory, with David Bellion scoring the all important goal. More was to follow at the weekend when Paul Scholes found the net once again along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in United's 3-0 thumping of Southampton. With Ryan Giggs shining (and also deying rumors of a move to Newcastle in January) United are still maintaining the uptrend.

As a dedicated fan, my only wish would be for some team to spring up and spring a surprise on Chelsea next week so that United can close the gap. But United have an equally daunting task ahead. They will be facing their perennial threat when they meet Fulham at The Cottage on Monday night next week. In the meantime they will also travel to Turkey to complete Champions League formalities. Manager Alex Ferguson has promised the team that won against Arsenal in the Carling Cup a taste of European football. That's going to be exciting. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been sidelined with an injury and Ferguson would be keen to have Ruud on his team to Fulham just for his scoring prowess against Fulham. And finally on behalf of all fans I plead United and Ryan Giggs to arrive at an amicable deal so that we could see Ryan treat the Red Devils to more of his flamboyance!

2004-11-28T23:36:00.000-08:00

A giant leap for Man. United

Wow. What an amazing turn around! In a matter of 4 weeks, United have jumped from 8th to 4th on the Premiership table. And the icing on the cake came in the Champions League when United jumped above Lyon in their group and thus qualified to the knock-out stage. For a team that was struggling at the beginning of the month, it has been a terrific turn around. I hope the uptrend continues in the weeks to come - United are just 4 points behind second placed Arsenal :-) and 3 behind Everton who are third! As Sir Alex mentioned, all fans wish that the Red Devils will give us a X Mas present which would be second place. And then carry on with the form to capture the title. Ruud's red hot form is also great to cherish. And Paul Scholes with 3 goals in 2 games only adds to the excitement. There are going to be exciting times ahead for United and its fans - I am sure of that.

2004-11-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

A mixed week

What started off as a disastrous week with yet another goalless draw in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford ended on a positive note with United's 3-1 thumping of Newcastle. It's indeed been a mixed week. With Ruud on the sidelines, United strikers kept missing the target as they escaped with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City. The reason I say they escaped was because they never looked like scoring a goal and any instance of a fluke could have resulted in Anelka or Wright Philipps score one for City. So that way United did escape with a draw. And to rub salt into the would, Alan Smith got himself red carded! Later in the week United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in the fourth round of the Carling Cup to bring goals back to Old Trafford. And finally on Sunday, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy scored for United as United returned to winning ways with a thumping victory. There's more good news for United. United have drawn Arsenal in the quartefinals of the Carling Cup and will be playing Arsenal at home. I'd bet a 1000 dollars on Mike Riley officiating that match :-). Get on track and take alteast 3rd spot Reds, because without Champions League, there is no United!

2004-11-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ruud rolls over Sparta

After the dissapointment of the 2-0 reversal at the hands of Portsmouth over the weekend, United fans had something to cheer when Ruud van Nistelrooy scored 4 goals in a 4-1 thumping of Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Ruud proved how important he is to the team as he earned the praise of everyone with his performance. Ruud is currently serving a suspension for a foul in the Arsenal game which has made him sit out of the 3-0 win against Crewe in the Carling Cup 3rd round match and the loss to Portsmouth. We saw 3 from Rooney a month back and now we see 4 from Ruud. That's the way we want it guys. Go for glory in Europe becoz I think the Premiership is lost already :-(.

2004-10-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

Why the whining?

The Premiership clash between United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday played true to its genre - a bitter encounter. And it was expected to be so. Afterall it was in the same fixture at the same venue last season that one saw the whole Arsenal team attack Ruud van Nistelrooy on the playing field after the match ended in a goalless draw. Whether or not it was fair, it hurt me a lot. For one whole year I have been running thos awful moments in my mind. It takes a lot to keep your cool in such circumstances and Ruud showed extreme restraint.

So when the two teams met again this season, it had to be a showdown and it surely warranted some bitter moments. But what's all the whining from Arsene Wenger about? What was he doing when he watched his players attack Ruud last season. He didn't have anything to say about his players then! What was he doing when Robert Pires dived spectacularily in the penalty box against Portsmouth at Highbury? And now all of a sudden after having faced defeat for the first time in 50 matches, he has complaints! You may be in charge of a winning team Mr. Wenger. But what is required of a manager like you is a little grace in defeat. Stop the whining and start trying to win.

2004-10-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

One year later, Ruud has his revenge as United stop Arsenal's "run"

Manchester United stopped Premiership champions Arsenal's 49 match unbeaten run when they scored an emphatic 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday. In a match which had all the ingredients of a rough match, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored a penalty in the 73rd minute to ward off memories of his costly miss in the same fixture at Old Trafford last season. Wayne Rooney then scored an injury time goal to seal the match in United's favor.

This has been the moment United fans have been waiting for. For one whole year, the ruckus at the end of last season's match lingers in everyone's memory. But now it's all gone. The "great dream run" has been derailed and I am so happy. Now is time for United to push itself up. Let's hope that this win is a prelude for more things to come.

2004-10-20T01:56:00.000-07:00

What's gone with United?

What's suddenly gotten to United? Three successive stale draws and two of them goalless draws. As Sir Alex confessed, he has been selecting the wrong team for all the matches! The match against Middlesborough can be forgiven because United haven't won against them at Old Trafford on four succesive occassions. But the misses at St Andrews Park were criminal. With a team comprising of Rooney, Ruud, Smith and Scholes, one expects United to slot in a lot of goals. But on the contrary they have just scored 9 goals so far! Unfortunately United seemed to have taken the form into Europe too. Yet another goalless draw on Tuesday at Prague. After the 6-2 thrashing of Fenerbahce I thought United would run riot. Instead they have come back to where they started.

And to add to their woes Arsenal are visiting them this weekend. Given that United are 11 points adrift and languishing at 7th place, they need to win the match. And that means they have to break Arsenal's record unbeaten streak. Come on Reds. Please do it for us. Do it before it is too late. Otherwise, United sure will be written off!!

2004-09-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Rooller coaster for United

Man United 6 (Giggs - 1, Rooney - 3, Van Nistelrooy - 1, Bellion - 1) - Fenerbahce 2 (Nobre - 1, Sanli - 1)

Wayne Rooney could not have had a better debut for United - in a Champions League match. But he got more than what he wished for when he struck 3 goals in a 37 minute spell helping United maul Turkish outfit 6-2 on Tuesday night. Non United player could have had a better debut. Rooney who last scored two devastating goals for England against Croatia at Euro2004 and was then laid off for 4 months with a foot injury gave United fans a thumping boost. "We are over the moon. Because we have Roon" that's what United fans now say. That's exactly the stuff we are looking for Roo! Go Roo! Go!! Roo and Ruu.. I can't imagine what's in store for the future!! Great days are ahead.

2004-09-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

United end Spurs run

Tottenham 0 - Man Utd 1 (VanNistelrooy - 1(pen))

Tottenham Spurs' unbeaten beginning to the season was brought to and end at White Hart Lane on Saturday when a Ruud Van Nistelrooy penalty gave the Reds a 1-0 victory. The win moved the 1999 treble winners up to 12 points and into the top 7. The only goal came after John O Shea was fouled outside the penalty box. That was United's first clean sheet in a victory and that is sweet news. Come on United. Keep it going.

2004-09-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Ferdinand makes winning return

Man United 2 (Silvestre - 2) - Liverpool 1 (O'Shea - 1 (og))

Rio Ferdinand made a winning return to Premiership football as fellow defender Mikael Silvestre scored a couple on either side of the breather in United's 2-1 win over arch rivals Liverpool on Monday. I must say I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that scoreline on TV. I did not watch the match but I have been holding my breath for the past 3 days. It's indeed refreshing to know that Ferdinand did not have any trouble playing after 8 months. C'mon Ferdie that's the way. You have made our hopes soar high. Equally surprising is Silvestre's brace. With the players from the back also contributing - Heinze also scored in the last match - the Reds will surely be a force to contend with!

And Satba. .. of course this is Franklin Joseph from Baan!!

2004-09-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ruud jolt saves United from debacle

Lyon 2 (Cris - 1, Frau - 1) - Man United 2 (Van Nistelrooy - 2)

Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to what he does best - get at the end of chances and convert them - as United came from two goals behind to clinch a 2-2 draw against French side Olympic Lyonais in their Champions League Group D game on Wednesday night. With the two goals Ruud entered the record books to be the highest scorer for United in Europe. Ruud did it inspite of being half fit and Sir Alex can take that as a positive from a match where United's defensive harrows just kept continuing. Out of form keeper Tim Howard first gifted a goal to Cris and then the whole defense was caught watching as Silvan Wiltord ran 60 yards to set up the second goal. Even after the equalizer that came in the second half, United lived dangerously as the French side kept raiding the United goal. Lucky that United came off with a point.

Whatever be the result, I am happy because Ruud is back and he is scoring! With Rio coming back this weekend and Rooney almost ready United fans can now look forward to a goal fest. Congrats to Ruud for entering the record books. And with the number of years left in you we hope you will set unbreakable records!!!

2004-09-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

Heinze on target as United scrap through at the last minute again

Bolton 2 (Nolan - 1, Ferdinand - 1) - Man United 2 (Heinze - 1, Bellion - 1)

For the second successive match a late, late equalizer saved the blushes for Manchester United as they came off from Bolton with a 2-2 draw in their Premiership match on Saturday. It was yet another performance that showcased United's defensive frailities when a mix up between Tim Howard and Mikael Silvestre helped Les Ferdinand score what Bolton thought was the winning goal in the 90th minute. But deep into injury time David Bellion scored the equalizer capitalizing on a blunder this time from the Bolton defence. Earlier Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze marked his debut for United with a superb header to give United the lead in the first half. Kevin Nolan later reduced the lead minutes into the second half.

It's yet another draw and one must say United's Premiership season is all but over. Now they have to fight to salvage some pride and make themselves eligible atleast for the UEFA Cup spot. On the brighter side, it was good that Ruud van Nistelrooy was back on the field though he looked a but rusty. But then that happens with everyone who comes from a injury lay-off. Ruud we are looking up to you to score at Lyon on Wednesday and enter the record books (remember the number of goals in Europe record :-)). And Wayne!!!! get well soon because the boat is already plummeting towards the sea floor!!!!!

2004-08-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Rooney goes Red :-)

It's official at last. Wonderkid Wayne Rooney has almost joined Man United. Great news for a team which is in such disarray after the goalless draw at home with Everton. And even greater news for fans. I am relieved, atleast for the moment. Only when Rooney steps on the field onto a now famous quartet - Smith, Saha and Nistelrooy being the other three - will we know. And if the four goals at Euro2004 are anything to go by, there should be a goalfest in the offing with the other striker Alan Smith looking in ominous form!

2004-08-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

United staring down the barrel

United 0 - Everton 0

Struggling Premiership club Everton held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in a Premiership game at Old Trafford on Monday night to pull down United's hopes of taking the crown. United are now on 5 points from 4 games, 7 points from the top. On God! What's happening to United! Wake up guys!! Saha & Smith!!! What are you doing? You had 90 minutes and did not even have a chance to score 1 goal!!!!

2004-08-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

United slip further

Blackburn 1 (Dickov - 1) - Man United 1 (Smith - 1)

Alan Smith continued on his spectacular scoring form for United this season when he scored a dramatic injury time equalizer for United to wrest a point from their match against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. United who needed to win the match to stay among the top 5 were stoutly denied by the Rovers for the whole of the match before Smith pulled off the equalizer in the 4th minute of second half injury time. Earlier Blackburn took the lead from a 17th minute Paul Dickov strike. Meanwhile Arsenal and Chelsea stay at the top with 4 wins from 4 matches. Arsenla beat Norwich 4-1 while Chelsea overcame Southampton 2-1.

It's really sad to see United slip down like this as early as the beginning of the season. The only hope for me now is the news that Everton are likely to give in to United's 25 million pound offer for teenager Wayne Rooney. Reports suggest that Rooney could become an United player this weekend. Interestingly United host Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night!!

2004-08-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

United in Group D of Champions League

Manchester United have been drawn in Group D in the first round of the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League. Other teams in the group include last year's semifinalist Lyon from France, Fenerbahce from Turkey and Sparta Prague from the Czech Republic. United first travel to Lyon on the 15th of September 2004. The draw and fixtures were announced on Thursday night.

It's going to be tough for United with the visit to Lyon coming as early as September 15. One hopes Ruud van Nistelrooy is ready to play by then. But I am excited because Rio Ferdinand's ban comes to an end in September. And yes.. Wayne Rooney is still on United's roster.. probably at 25 million pounds.

2004-08-26T03:05:00.000-07:00

United qualify for Europe

Manchester United 3 (Smith - 2, Bellion - 1) - Dinamo Bucharest 0

Old Trafford new signing Alan Smith was the hero once again for United as he scored twice in United's convincing 3-0 win over Dinamo Bucharest in their second leg Champions League encounter on Wednesday night. The win enabled United to go through to the group stages of the Champions League the draw for which will be made over the weekend. The game saw the return of Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo to the United starting line-up. Missing in action was captain Roy Keane who is out of action for three weeks after suffering a rib cage injury at Stamford Bridge. Smith scored twice before being replaced. He received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford fans who have already taken him on the hero's pedestal. David Bellion then added a goal to make it a clinical performance. United will meet Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday and I hope to see a better performance from them. I still remember last season's meeting at Ewood Park that triggered the United slide resulting in United slipping to third spot!

It has been an eventful week at Old Trafford with so many things happening. First it was Diego Forlan moving away from United to pursue his career at Villareal in Spain. The striker was a cult hero at United following his double strike against Liverpool to win a match at Anfield two seasons ago but he never looked part of the team at any time. I would love to see him remain in United for another season but it's his career and he has taken the right decision. Also striker Oleg Gunnar Solskjaer has had successful knee surgery and is out for the rest of the season. Get well soon Oleg. We need you to score in this season's Champions League final :-)

United have announced that they are in the race along with Newcastle United to annexe Everton teenager Wayne Rooney. The bid is now prized at something above 20 million pounds. An earlier bid by Newcastle for 20 million pounds had been rejected by Everton. Rooney would turn out to be a prize catch with Forlan leaving and Solskjaer being injured.

Meanwhile defender Gabriel Heinze has been summoned for World Cup qualifier duty in Argentina after their Olympic campaign ends. Argentina are already in the final of the Olympic football tournament! It's now been 4 months since he was signed and he hasn't even met manager Alex Ferguson!!

2004-08-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

United get off the mark with shaky win

Manchester United 2 (Bellion - 1, Smith - 1) - Norwich City 1 (McVeigh - 1)

Manchester United scored a shaky 2-1 win over newcomers Norwich City to open their account in the Premiership on Saturday. Goals from David Bellion and Alan Smith helped United go through. But United were left to fight off 15 dangerous minutes after Paul McVeigh scored a goal after 75 minutes to leave Norwich in contention. Bellion scored a minute after Norwich had threatened to go ahead when he pounced on a chance from Smith. Later Smith himself got a goal, his first of the season for United. But United's performance left a lot to be desired of them. With a depleted side, United looked on the defensive most of the time. Performances like this are only going to further inflict deeper worries for the team. And they have to hope that Rio, Ruud, Saha and Ronaldo return as soon as possible to first team football.

2004-08-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

United look to bounce back

It's just one match into the Premiership season and there are already talks of United not making any silverware this season. And all this have come because United have had a shaky start to the season. United had a mixed pre-season tour of USA. And on return they lost the Community Shield to Arsenal. That was followed by a not so impressive victory in the Champions League qualifiers. And lastly the defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premiership. United have been playing most of these matches without their star strikers and they are not expected to return until mid-September. The road ahead looks tough but they look forward to putting up a determined show. Defender Mikael Silvestre who failed to make it to the French squad for an international friendly on Wednesday has said that United will bounce back strongly against Norwich whom they face in their next Premiership match on Saturday. Let's hope for the best with our fingers crossed!!

2004-08-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

Premiership:Disaster strikes United in opener

Chelsea 1 (Gudjohnsen - 1) - Man United 0

Struggling Manchester United got their new Premiership campaign off to a disastrous start when they lost 0-1 at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea on Sunday. United who were without many of their star players who were out due to injury and Olympic commitments dominated the entire match after Eidur Gudjohnsen put Chelsea ahead early in the match. But despite the dominance United were never able to get the goal to come out pointless. In other matches Arsenal got their Premiership campaign off to a flyer with a 4-1 thrashing of Everton while Liverpool and Newcastle United had to settle for draws.

2004-08-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

United off to mixed start

FA Community Shield: Arsenal 3(Reyes - 1, Cole - 1, Pennant - 1) - Manchester United 1 (Alan Smith - 1)

Alan Smith scored for Man United on his English season debut but United lost 1-3 to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield match on Sunday. United who were without 8 of their major players including Ruud van Nistelrooy(hernia operation), Lois Saha(knee injury) and Cristiano Ronaldo(Olympic duty) were left to rue these costly misses as Arsenal took the trophy away from Old Trafford. United won the trophy last year on penalties.

Champions League qualifier: Dynamo Bucharest 1(Fortune (og) - 1) - Manchester United 2 (Giggs - 1, Alistar(og) - 1)

Three days later United played their Champions League qualifier against Dymano Bucharest of Romania in Bucharest. Still suffering from the loss of key players United scraped through to win 2-1 through a goal from Ryan Giggs and an own goal from the Romanian side. Earlier the Bucharest side took the lead also through an own goal from Quinton Fortune.

2004-06-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

Following the fortunes of United players at Euro2004

United players have been having mixed emotions as the league stage of Euro2004 comes towards its end.

Striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored a fantastic goal against Germany but that goal wasn't enough to give Holland the victory as they finished 1-1. In their second match Ruud had to watch in disbelief as his side let a 2-0 lead slip by and lost 2-3 to the Czech Republic.

England's Neville brothers Gary and Phil and Nicky Butt had a better time as England beat Switzerland 3-0 and Croatia 4-2 to advance to the quarterfinals. Midfielder Paul Scholes scored his first international goal in 3 years in the Croatia match.

French defender Mikael Silvestre is having a nightmare but his team France have reached the quarterfinals after being unbeaten in the league stage.

Portugese teen sensation Cristiano Ronaldo who had a disappointing start was left with smiles as Portugal won both their last two league matches to enter the knockout stage. Portugal beat Russia 2-0 and beat Spain 1-0.

2004-06-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Euro2004:United players off to disappointing starts

Machester United players playing for their nations at Euro2004 were off to a mixed start in the opening league encounters played so far. United's Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal deep into injury time but that was not enough as hosts Portugal were upset 1-2 by a defiant Greece team in the tournament opener. Later on Sunday night Gary Neville and Paul Scholes were in for a devastating heart break when Zinedine Zidane scored two injury time goals to help France beat England 2-1. The only bright start was of course for French and United defender Mikael Silvestre who ended on the winning side. But Silvestre could have turned villain had Fabein Barthez not blocked a David Beckham penalty in the second half. Silvestre had brought down Wayne Rooney to award England the penalty but Beckham missed it. Unfortunately, the miss proved too costly in the end.

2004-05-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

FA Cup:United win record 11th FA Cup

Man Utd 3(Ronaldo - 1 Van Nistelrooy - 2) - Millwall 0

Ruud Van Nistelrooy broke his jinx with penalties while Cristiano Ronaldo proved what a prize catch he has been for Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United beat Millwall 3-0 at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff to lift the FA Cup for a record 11th time. The match was dominated throughout by United but the Red Devils were kept at bay by the defiant Millwall players for almost the entire first half. But one slack piece of defending let Cristiano Ronaldo slip past his marker and open the scoring a minute before half time. From then on United never looked back and won comfortably with Ruud netting two more - his sixth double strike in FA Cup matches. But the man of the match was Ronaldo. He mesmerized the Lions players with his fancy footwork and dashing runs into the penalty box. It was a deserving goal that he scored right at the stroke of half time that helped United step up the gear thereafter.
United will now have to being their new season early as they have to qualify for the the Champions League. Also with United being linked to players like Alan Smith and Wayne Rooney, manager Alex Ferguson must be a busy man during off season also. Meanwhile a host of United players have been rumored to leave the club. The list includes Van Nistelrooy(Real Madrid), Ole Solskjaer, Nicky Butt(Everton) and Diego Forlan(Middlesborough)

2004-05-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

United finish a disappointing third

Man Utd 1(Van Nistelrooy - 1) - Chelsea 1(Lampard - 1)

Aston Villa 0 - Man Utd 2(Ronaldo - 1 Van Nistelrooy - 1)

Ruud Van Nistelrooy's scoring form was the only positive point for United as they finished their Premiership campaign in a disappointing third spot. United who needed a win against Chelsea at home to keep their second place hopes alive only drew with Chelsea. The match involved a missed penalty from Van Nistelrooy who made up for that miss with a goal. United then went to Villa Park and denied them a place in next season's UEFA Cup when they beat them 2-0. But there was disappointment in victory for United as two players - Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo - were sent off as they both committed two bookable offences each.

2004-05-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Blackburn burn United's second place hopes

Blackburn 1(Stead - 1) - Man Utd 0

Manchester United were condemned to be content with third place in the Premiership when they were beaten by relegation threatened Blackburn Rovers 0-1 on Saturday. Injuries to key players Ruud van Nistelrooy, Lois Saha, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane and the suspension of Paul Scholes meant that United had to start with Ryan Giggs and Oleg Gunnar Solskjaer upfront. The combo did have some chances but failed to convert them. Earlier Rovers had a goal by Andy Cole disallowed for offisde. Blackburn kept putting the pressure and the pressure paid off when youngster John Stead clipped home the winner in the second half. Later Diego Forlan who came on as substitute missed a header from 3 yards deep into second half injury time as United slumped to their ninth defeat in the Premiership, their worst Premiership campaign in a decade. Meanwhile second placed Chelsea moved a step closer to the second spot with a 4-0 thumping of Southampton while Arsenal drew their matches against Birmingham City and Portsmouth.

2004-04-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Neville blunder costs United dear;Arsenal clinch league

Man Utd 0 - Liverpool 1(Murphy - 1)

Manchester United lost their home game against fierce rivals Liverpool in the Premiership on Saturday. In what was probably their best move of the match Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard rocketed himself into the United penalty box and was promptly brought down by Gary Neville to hand Liverpool the match winning penalty. Danny Murphy converted the penalty to given Liverpool a much needed victory in their quest for the final Champions League spot. Ryan Giggs missed a golden chance to equalize later when his shot hit both posts and went out of play. But that was probably United's only chance in the match that they dominated so much without creating any chances.

The win denied United a chance to jump to second place as Chelsea who are second were beaten by Newcastle on Sunday. Chelsea's loss also meant that Arsenal have clinched the Permiership as they drew 2-2 at Tottenham. With 82 points to their credit and Chelsea(72) having only 3 games to play Arsenal claimed the title for the second time in three years.

2004-04-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Police thwart bid to blow up Old Trafford

A mass arrest of 10 men in Manchester on Monday led police to revelations that Al-Qaeda fanatics had planned suicide attacks during Manchester United's home match against Liverpool on April 24. The terrorists had planned to mingle among the fans at Old Trafford on Saturday and blow themselves up during the match. Despite the threat United authorities have decided to go ahead with the derby against Liverpool.

2004-04-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

Neville springs the surprise again

Man Utd 2(Saha - 1 G Neville - 1) - Charlton Athletic 0

Gary Neville who has scored only 4 goals for United in his career scored his second goal in 8 days as United put up a convincing display to outplay Charlton Athletic 2-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The win took United within 1 point of second placed Chelsea on the Premiership table. United opened the scoring through a fine move from David Bellion who used the space allowed for him in midfield to provide Lois Saha with the chance. Saha readily pounced on it. Into the second half Neville sealed the match in United's favor with a goal that was initially orchestrated by him in United's half and ended up with Neville striking from the edge of the box. Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to play after a knee injury lay-off and looked sharp but was unable to score a goal. With the Premiership already in Arsenal's grasp (they need 4 more points from their remaining 5 games) United are pushing hard for the second spot which guarantees automatic qualification for the Champions League.

2004-04-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

Stone strike leaves Red Devils red faced

Portsmouth 1(Stone - 1) - Man Utd 0

United's quest for grabbing second place in the Premiership suffered a jolt on Saturday when a Steve Stone goal gave struggling Portsmouth a 1-0 victory at Fratton Park. The all important goal came in the first half from a defensive lapse from Gary Neville which Stone pounced. United which was without Ruud Van Nistelrooy andf Roy Keane never looked threatening and were left to rue their few missed chances. United next face Charlton at Old Trafford in a midweek game.

2004-04-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

Rare Neville strike helps United scrap through

Man Utd 1(G Neville - 1) - Leicester 0

Stand-in skipper Gary Neville scored his first Premiership goal in three years as Manchester United rallied to down relegation threatened Leicester City 1-0 in their Premiership clash on Tuesday night. The win took United just three points behind second placed Chelsea with a game in hand. United were rattled early on by a Leicester team who could have taken an early lead had Muzzy Izzet not kicked a loose ball wide. United then came into the match but were never threatening. Only in the second half did United show promise that resulted in the Gary Neville strike from close range. Once again it was Cristiano Ronaldo who was the man of the match as he kept pressure on the Foxes goal. It was sad that he did not score a goal despite numerous chances. With Chelsea losing at Aston Villa on Monday United's chances of grabbing second place and Champions League qualification looks highly likely. According to UEFA rules even though the third placed team also has a chance for the Champions League they will have to go through qualifiers. Arsenal are on top with 78 points with United on 68.

2004-04-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

United come from behind to keep second place chase alive

Birmingham 1(Grainger - 1) - Man Utd 2(Ronaldo -1 Saha - 1)

It took Manchester United 52 minutes to make their first shot on target againt Birmingham in their Premiership clash on Saturday. But from then on it was United all the way as they came from a goal down to score a 2-1 victory over Birmingham to close in on second placed Chelsea who were held to a goalless draw by Middlesborough. But United's first half performance was lacklustre as they conceded a goal to Grainger from a free kick. The match looked to be tilting in Birmingham's favor before Sir Alex made the impact move. He substituted Solksjaer with Cristiano Ronaldo who made the impact immediately with the equalizer from a headed goal. Ronaldo kept up the attack as he made innovative movies down the right and center before Lois Saha headed home a Ryan Giggs free kick to give United the three points. On Sunday Arsenal drew 0-0 at Newcastle to stay top at 78 points. Chelsea are 7 behind at 71 while United are 65 with a game against Leicester City in hand. That match will be played at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

2004-04-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

FA Cup:Scholes sinks Arsenal treble dreams

Arsenal 0 - Man Utd 1(Scholes - 1)

Manchester United kept their dreams of silverware alive as they beat Arsenal in the semifinals of the FA Cup on Saturday. In an absorbing contest that saw most of the frontline players missing on both sides, a 32ndf minute goal from Paul Scholes was enough for United to reach the final for the first time since winning the treble in 1999. Incidentally this was Arsenal's first loss on the FA Cup since 2001. The loss means that Arsenal's hopes of emulating United's 1999 treble winning season have been dashed. Both teams exchanged chances in the first half and keeper Roy Caroll brought of an incredible save early on to deny Kolo Toure. Arsenal kept attacking and United kept counter attacking. It was one such well constructed moves that resulted in Scholes blasting the ball past a confused Lehmann.

Into the second half Arsene Wenger brought on Thierry Henry, Jose Reyes and Nuwanko Kanu but the move proved in vain as the United defence held strong. In the meantime the United strike force which was without Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Lois Saha and Diego Forlan kept up the pressure. The makeshift strike pair of Oleg Gunnar Solksjaer and Cristiano Ronaldo were giving the Gunner's defence a hard time. Ronaldo was impressive once again as he kept the defenders on the heel always. In the end it was a deserving victory for the Red Devils who will now meet Millwall in the final. Millwall beat Sunderland by a goal on Sunday to enter the final for the first time in their history.

2004-03-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

A new record for Arsenal

Arsenal 1(Henry - 1) - Man Utd 1(Saha - 1)
Two goals by Frenchmen on either sides, one five minutes into the second half and the other with five minutes left in the second half, ensured that the much expected clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Highbury ended in a deadlock on Sunday. Arsenal looked set to grab victory on Theirry Henry's 25 metre goal and extend their lead over the Red Devils to 15 points but substitute Louis Saha scored a deserving equalizer for United towards the end. United had earlier been denied a penalty after Sol Campbell brought Ryan Giggs down on the endge of the penalty box minutes after Arsenal's goal. The result meant that Arsenal have now set a record for going 30 matches unbeaten in a season in the Premiership. Having now already played their two main rivals Arsenal could go for the incredible unbeaten season record.

The teams meet again in a week's time in the FA Cup semis at Villa Park. In the meantime both Arsenal and Man U players may have to stretch it out as they will be playing for their national teams in friendlies on Wednesday.

2004-03-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

Saha fit and raring to go at Highbury

Louis Saha has won his battle to be fit in time for Manchester United's showdown with Arsenal on Sunday. A troublesome Achilles problem has kept him sidelined in recent weeks but he has now declared himself fit for the trip to Highbury, where United will be looking to restore some pride having been completely eclipsed by the north London side this season.

Meanwhile key United players are fit and ready to get one over the Londoners ahead of their FA Cup showdown at Villa Park on April 3. Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo are back from injuries while Gary Neville has just completed a ban for a red card in the FA Cup 4th round. Oleg Gunnar Solskjaer has already been in action after returning from injury while Ruud Van Nistelrooy will have a point to prove after last year's high drama in the clash between the two teams at Old Trafford.

2004-03-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

Scholes feels he lacks form

Paul Scholes says his form has suffered this season because his role in the side has changed too frequently.The 29-year-old United star has played in every midfield position and in attack alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy this season. He believes this lack of consistency has had a negative impact on his game.

Finding the perfect role for Paul Scholes is a recurring conundrum for Sir Alex Ferguson. It appeared the search was over last season, when Scholes played just behind Van Nistelrooy and netted 14 league goals. This season, injuries and suspensions have forced Fergie to deploy Paul in various positions.

2004-03-24T22:17:00.000-08:00

Like older times

Man Utd 3(Giggs - 1, Ronaldo - 1, Bellion - 1) - Tot Spurs 0

Manchester United finally found some form and also brought memories of older times as they scored two goals in the last two minutes to seal off a 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspurs on Saturday. United needed to win the match to keep pace with the top two and they did it in style. United held control of the match from the start but the fans would have had their hearts in their mouth as United held on a lone goal lead almost till the final whistle. Ryan Giggs was instrumental in United's success as he kept raiding the Spurs goal with spirit. It paid off when a clever back flick from the Welshman gave United the lead in the 30th minute.

Into the second half United kept the pressure but failed to hit the mark. Fans were left to watch the match at the edge of their seats as United held on. But Cristiano Ronaldo and David Bellion who came on as second half substitutes laid the fear to rest with two goals in the space of 2 minutes to ensure the victory. Meanwhile Arsenal and Chelsea won their respective matches to stay ahead of United. Arsenal have already confirmed their place in next season's Champions League as they lead fourth placed Liverpool by 28 points with only 9 games left to be played!

2004-03-15T02:27:00.000-08:00

United suffer further humiliation

Man City 4(Fowler - 1, Macken - 1, Sinclair - 1, Philips - 1) - Man Utd 1(Scholes - 1)
Manchester United lost the Manchester derby to Manchester City 1-4 as their struggling Premiership campaign took a humiliating beating on Sunday. United went into the match desperately needing to win the keep pace of Arsenal and Chelsea who won their respective matches on Saturday. But United were in for a shocker as City went ahead by 2 goals with goals from Robbie Fowler and Jon Macken. United did pull one back before the break with a goal from Paul Scholes. But a defensive mistake by Mikael Silvestre costed United dear as Trevor Sinclair scored his first goal for City and Shaun Wright Philips put the icing on the cake with a goal in the last minute. United are now 12 points behind Arsenal and 3 points behind Chelsea.

2004-03-15T02:17:00.000-08:00

United get last minute heart break from Porto

Man Utd 1(Scholes - 1) - FC Porto 1(Costinha - 1)

Manchester United were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League in the last possible minute when FC Porto scored a 92nd minute equalizer at Old Trafford in the second leg of the first knock out round on Tuesday night. It was a heart break which reminded everyone of the 92nd minute winner scored by United in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich. The 60000 strong crowd which waited anxiously as the free kick which resulted in the goal was taken. The screaming shot was too hot for goalkeeper Tim Howard who could not collect the ball neatly. As he spilled the ball Porto's Costinha pounced on the rebound to score the equalizer. The crowd was stunned into silence as United failed to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time in 7 years. Earlier Paul Scholes opened the scoring in the first half and seemed to have doubled it few minutes later but he was declared offside though television replays showed otherwise - a costly error in judgement by the referee indeed!

2004-03-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

FA Cup:A face off!

V

The draw for the semifinals of the FA Cup was done on Monday and Manchester United have drawn Arsenal. United and Arsenal made it to the semis after wins last week. The teams will play in the Premiership on the 28th of March and follow it up with the FA Cup clash in the following week. United and Arsenal clashed in the 1999 quarterfinals when Ryan Giggs scored that scintillating goal. In 2003 United lost to Arsenal in the 5th round. Arsenal are unbeaten in the FA Cup since losing the 2001 final to Liverpool.

2004-03-08T01:23:00.000-08:00

FA Cup:United break the Fulham jinx

Man Utd 2(Van Nistelrooy - 2) - Fulham 1(Malbranque - 1)

Manchester United finally broke their jinx against Fulham all season by registering a 2-1 victory over the London side in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Saturday. United had earlier lost 1-3 at home and drew 1-1 away against Fulhamin in the Premiership. But this time Ruud Van Nistelrooy who has a prolific scoring record against Fulham restored his own pride by scoring both goals.

Fulham went in front from a Steed Malbranque penalty in the first half. Van then scored two minutes later from a Ryan Giggs pass and then scored the winner in the second half when he connected to a Cristiano Ronaldo pass from close range. Arsenal and Sunderland also made it to the semis while Milwall and Tranmere will replay their match after their match ended goalless.

2004-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

United slip down further!

Fulham 1(Boa Morte - 1) - Man Utd 1(Saha - 1)

Manchester United's jinx against Portugal continued into the weekend when they were felled by a Luis Boa Morte equalizer in the second half of the match against Fulham at Loftus Road on Saturday. The equalizer was yet another instance of United's loophole defence as they struggled against their London rivals. Earlier Louis Saha scored against his former club in the first half to give United the lead. But the goal was not enough as United dropped two more points. Meanwhile Chelsea and Arsenal won their respective matches. While Arsenal went 9 points clear at the top Chelsea leap frogged United into the second spot. Incidentally United will meet Fulham again in a week's time this time in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

2004-02-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

United lose in Champions League also!

FC Porto 2(Mcarthy - 2) - Man Utd 1(Fortune - 1)

Manchester United's European dream ran into rough weather on Wednesday night when they were beaten 1-2 by Portugese club FC Porto in the first leg of the first round knock out phase. United took the lead through South African Quinton Fortune but lost Roy Keane to a red card and eventually lost the match to two goals from Benny Mcarthy. The return leg will be played on March 10. With United having scored the vital away goal they stand favorties to win the return leg but it will take a mighty effort with their porous defence. Meanwhile United's Premiership rivals and fellow contenders for the Champions League trophy Arsenal and Chelsea won their respective away games at Celta Vigo and Vfb Stuttgart.

2004-02-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

United's title challenge almost over!

Man Utd 1(Scholes - 1) - Leeds Utd 1(Smith - 1)

United's chances of regaining the English Premiership crown faded further when they were held to a 1-1 draw by relagation threatened Leed United on Saturday. United had numerous chances at goal but failed to convert them during the first half. Into the second half Paul Scholes finally scored the important goal only for United to concede a goal to a Alan Smith header three minutes later. Leeds then spurred any attempts by United to earn a vital point in their quest for Premiership survival. For Manchester United though the draw has almost ended their hopes of regaining the league championship as leaders Arsenal moved further ahead with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. With only 12 games left United may be better off loking for glory in Europe and the FA Cup rather than look to win the Premiership.

2004-02-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

United enter FA Cup quarters

Man Utd 4(Scholes - 1, Van Nistelrooy - 2, Ronaldo - 1) - Man City 2(Tarnat - 1, Fowler - 1)

A 10-man Manchester United side beat cross city rivals Manchester City 4-2 in the 5th round match of the FA Cup to enter the quarterfinals for the first time in 5 years on Saturday. United lost Gary Neville to a red card after he head butted City's Steve Mcnanaman in the 39th minute. By then United had taken the lead through Paul Scholes. United held on with 10 men in the second half and then scored 3 goals within 8 minutes to seal the match in their favor. Ruud Van Nistelrooy who cannot stop scoring scored one more of his poacher's goal in the 71st minute. Two minutes later Cristiano Ronaldo made it 3-0 with a goal from an acute angle. Michael Tarnat reduced the margin by scoring at the other end before Ruud dealt the final blow with another goal in the 79th minute. Robbie Fowler got one back with a hurriedly taken free kick but United denied any more goals to City with keeper Tim Howard bringing off spectacular saves. United are joined in the quarterfinals by Arsenal, Tranmere and Milwall.

2004-02-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

Boro shatter United's title hopes!

Man Utd 2(Van Nistelrooy - 1, Giggs - 1) - Middlesborough 3(Juninho - 2, Job - 1)

Manchester United's hopes of Premiership championship suffered a blow on Wednesday night when Middlesborough defeated United at Old Trafford 3-2. With United displaying weaknesses in their defence Boro capitalized on it as Juninho headed in two first half goals in the space of 5 minutes. But United came right back in the match with a goal from Van Nistelrooy late in the firs thalf. United's revival looked complete in the second half when Ryan Giggs scored the equalizer. But a defensive mistake cost United dear as Joseph Job slotted home the winner. Earlier Arsenal beat Southampton 2-0 and Chelsea beat Portsmouth 2-0 as they finished off the top three. Arsenal are 5 points clear of United at the top while Chelsea are 1 point behind United.

2004-02-09T23:14:00.000-08:00

Van clinches thriller for Man

Everton 3(Unsworth - 1, O'Shea - 1(og), Kilbane - 1) - Man United 4(Saha - 2, Van Nistelrooy - 2)

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored his 100th and 101st goals for Manchester United and for the second successive week scored the winning goal for his team as United beat Everton 4-3 to keep their title hopes alive in the English Premiership on Saturday. But United had only themselves to blame for the nerve racking ending after having squandered a 3-0 half time lead.

Frenchman Louis Saha seemed to have already fitted into the deadly combo with Ruud as he scored his second goal in two matches as early as the 9th minute when he caught the defence napping. Ruud then opened his account as he slotted the second goal in the 25th minute. Five minutes later Saha once again broke through to score his second goal of the match as United went into the breather with heads held high.

After that it was Everton all the way. Barely into the second half David Unsworth headed in a Kevin Kilbane cross and soon it was 3-2 when John O'Shea headed in an own goal from a corner. Kilbane himself scored another goal as Everton compelted one of the greatest comebacks. The equalizer spurred Everton to go for the win and that resulted in numerous United counter attacks. Cristiano Ronaldo came and and that turned the match. He was crispt with his passing and Ruud got on the end of one of his crosses into the box to score the winner with 1 minute letft on the clock. Once again United had snatched victory in the dying minutes of a game.

2004-02-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Saha scores as United go top briefly

Man Utd 3(Saha - 1, Scholes - 1, Van Nistelrooy - 1) - Southampton 2(Philips - 2)

Louis Saha needed just 18 minutes on his Manchester United debut to get on the scoring charts as United beat Southampton 3-2 in a pulsating English Premier League match on Saturday. The win put United on top of the Premiership. Saha scored United's first goal when a free kick taken by him deflected off a defender into the Southampton net. Saha then turned provider for the next goal as his thunderous shot was not collected well by the goal keeper and the ball fell for Paul Scholes to slot in the second goal. Southampton who had beaten United earlier in the season then staged a remarkable comeback with Kevin Philips scoring yet another deflected goal. Into the second half Philips scored once again as he blasted one past Tim Howard from long range. Van Nistelrooy then scoed the winning goal when he latched on to a Wes Brown shot that resulted from a free kick and scored from within the 6 yard box. United later conceded the Premiership top spot to Arsenal who beat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday.

2004-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Ruud extends contract

Ruud van Nistelrooy has signed a new contract with Manchester United that will keep the Dutch striker at Old Trafford until June 2008, the English Premiership champions said on Thursday. Van Nistelrooy, 27, told the club's official website: "I am delighted to commit my future to the club. I have grown very fond of Manchester United, the fans are amazing.

Van Nistelrooy, whose previous contract expired in 2005, joined United in a 19 millions pounds (US$34 million) move from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2001 after a broken leg delayed his original transfer.

He is also United's joint leading scorer in European competitions, his tally of 28 goals in 30 matches equalling the record of forward Denis Law in three fewer games than it took the Scot to set his mark in the 1960s.

2004-01-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

United back to winning ways

Northampton 0 - Man Utd 3(Silvestre - 1, Hargreaves (og) - 1, Forlan - 1)

Manchester United got back to winning ways on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 win over third division team Northampton in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Manager Alex Ferguson rested key players like Van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs, Tim Howard and Roy Keane for the match while Louis Saha who signed on with United for over 12 million pounds over the weekend was also rested. Diego Forlan took it the the pitch along with David Bellion and Paul Scholes. It was a miserable start for United as Forlan missed a penalty after just 2 minutes. But United kept up the pressure and Mikael Silvestre scored for United in the 34th minute in a goal mouth melee. Into the second half United got their second when Northampton conceded an own goal from a corner. Thereafter Northampton pushed the Red Devils hard put United put up a strong face before Forlan finally got his goal from a John O'Shea cross. United threatened to run riot after that goal but repeated attempts at the goal were futile. United have now drawn either Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspurs in the fifth round. The two Premiership teams played out a draw at Maine Road on Sunday. Meanwhile Arsenal will play Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

2004-01-19T01:06:00.000-08:00

Wolves bite Red Devils hard

Wolves 1(Miller - 1) - Man Utd 0

Bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers struck a lethal blow to United's Premiership aspirations when they handed them a shock 1-0 defeat on Saturday. Playing at home in front of a hostile home crowd, the Wolves who are unbeaten in 6 Premiership matches at home frustrated the United players for most of the match with their strong defense and took the once chance that came their way with both hands to be deserving winners. Kenny Miller scored the lone goal after defender Wes Brown slipped trying to make a tackle. That left Miller with only Tim Howard to beat which he did with ease. The defeat was to cost United dearly as Arsenal went back to the top with a controversial 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Third placed Chelsea failed to push close to the top when they were held goalless at Stamford Bridge by Birmingham City.

2004-01-19T00:59:00.000-08:00

Saha almost confirmed to move to Old Trafford

Fulham have said on Sunday that they had agreed "in principle" to the transfer of their in-form French striker Louis Saha to English Premiership champions Manchester United. In a statement on their official site they have said that they have agreed to the transfer of Saha to United based on a number of conditions. It also mentioned that the club expects to resolve those conditions by next week.

Saha would be certainly needed at United as the champions are currently going through a goal drought having gone through 225 minutes without a goal in the Premiership. United also lost to bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers in the process.

2004-01-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

United stay top but drop points at home

Man United 0 - Newcastle 0

Manchester United stayed on top of the Permiership but just by 1 point as they were held to a goalless draw by a spirited Newcastle United on Sunday evening. But things could have been different had the refree awarded Newcastle a penalty earlier in the first half when custodian Tim Howard brought down Alan Shearer in the penalty box. The refree was not convinced about the incident and therefore did not award the penalty. Later in the second half he was to deny Mikael Silvestre what seemed to be a genuine goal for a "foul" that no one seemed to notice. The Magpies were a relieved lot to have come to Old Trafford and leave with a point. The fixtures normally produce a goal fest with the Red Devils always coming on top.

Going into the New Year, United had a fine run when they went top of the Premiership after Arsenal was forced to draw two of their matches. United beat Everton 3-2 on Boxing day and then fought out a tough 1-0 win at Middlesborough. Then United beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the FA Cup and followed it up with a fine 2-1 win against Bolton at the Reebok stadium.

The Results

Premiership

Man United 3 (Butt - 1, Bellion - 1, Kleberson - 1) - Everton 2 (G Neville - 1 (og), Ferguson - 1)

A make shift United side played an allround game before surviving some tense moments towards the end to win against Everton on Boxing Day.

Middlesborough 0 - Man United 1 (Mills - 1 (og))

A Danny Mills defelection of a Quinton Fortune shot was enough for United to earn three points at the Riverside. United's Scottish international Fletcher was sent off during the match.

Bolton 1 (G Neville - 1 (og)) - Man United 2 (Van Nistelrooy - 1, Scholes - 1)

Gary Neville's second own goal in three matches gave United a tough last few minutes after Paul Scholes and Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored in the first half.

FA Cup - 3rd Round

Aston Villa 1 (Angel - 1) - Man United 2 (Scholes - 2)

After being down by a goal, manager Alex Ferguson brought in Roy Keane who influenced United to a hard fought victory over Aston Villa. Paul Scholes netted both goals.

2003-12-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Chelsea to make huge offer Ruud

Chelsea chief executive Paul Smith said on Wednesday that Chelsea were ready to pay a world record 60 million pounds (85 million euros/105 million dollars) for Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy if he was ready for sale. The Dutch striker is currently renegotiating a new contract at Old Trafford but Chelsea authorities say that they were ready to dish out more than 100 million dollars for a single player. The club has already bought players for 111 million dollars since Russian oil magnet Roman Abrahamovic bought the club for 140 million dollars. Ruud had earlier said that it was not a foregone conclusion that he would renew his contract with United after rumors linked him to a possible move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

2003-12-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

Scholes on fire as United leapfrog Chelsea

Man United 3(Van Nistelrooy -1, Scholes - 2) - Man City 1(Philips - 1)

Manchester United jumped to the top of the EPL table for a day when they beat cross city rivals Manchester City 3 - 1 at Old Trafford on Saturday. The win took United to the top of the table after Chelsea suffered a shock home defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers.

Paul Scholes scored within seven minutes after kick-off and Ruud Van Nistelrooy added one more in the first half. Into the second half City struck back with a goal from Sean Wright Philips but Paul Scholes ensured vicoty for United with another strike later in the second half. Later on Sunday Arsenal regained top spot with a hard fought 1 - 0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Highbury.

2003-12-12T03:14:00.000-08:00

Butt leaving Old Trafford;rumors link him to Newcastle

United and England midfielder Nicky Butt who has had very few starts this season is set to leave Manchester Untied when the transfer windows open in January. Butt started just 9 games this season and has been regularily getting on manager Alex Ferguson's nerves with his public comments about the frustration of not being able to find a place in the starting line-up. Also the addition of new talents like Djemba-Djemba, David Bellion and Cristiano Ronaldo has reduced his chances of making it to the first team as a regular player.
In a related development, it has been reported that Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson could sign Butt for 7 million pounds in January in order to fill in the void left by the ageing Gary Speed. There are also rumors of Butt moving to Leicester City and of course joining the Roman Abrahamovic revolution at Chelsea!

2003-12-12T03:04:00.000-08:00

Van to get huge salary boost

English champions Manchester United are planning to double Ruud van Nistelrooy's wages in a five year deal worth £24 million (US$42 million). The renewed contract would leave Ruud on parity with captain Roy Keane in terms of salary earned. It has been reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid had shown interest in signing the Dutch goal machine and that spurted United manager Sir Alex to initiate the contract renewal talks. Ruud has so far scored 95 goals for United in only 123 appearances.

2003-12-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

Phenomenal Ruud powers United to top of Champions League table

Man United 2(Van Nistelrooy -1, Giggs - 1) - VFB Stuttgart 0

Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record equalling goal and another from Ryan Giggs helped United beat Stuttgart 2 - 0 and top Group E of the Champions League on Wednesday. Van Nistelrooy jumped to connect a Ryan Giggs pass in the first half as he equalled former Red Devils star Denis Law's record of 28 European goals. He then set up Ryan Giggs with a defence piercing pass as United won with ease.

2003-12-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

United may sign Viduka

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was reported Thursday to have made Leeds United striker Mark Viduka his main target when the transfer window opens in January. Viduka is seen as the man who could play the ideal foil for Ruud Van Nistelrooy who is finding the load of being the lone striker too much to handle. Van Nistelrooy has scored 14 goals for United this season but United have been struggling with the other strikers who are either injured (Scholes, Solskjaer) or inexperienced (David Bellion). Viduka, if signed, could become the right choice because of his experience in the Premiership and also because he can play in the Champions League. West Ham's Jermaine Defoe and Fulham's Louis Saha also feature in transfer speculations linking them to United.

2003-12-08T00:13:00.000-08:00

Ferguson to extend contract

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is on the verge of agreeing a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford for at least the next three seasons. The £20 million deal could be signed as early as Monday and will end speculation about Ferguson's future following his visit to hospital on Thursday for treatment to correct an irregular heart beat. He is expected to be at the United helm until the end of the 2006/07 season, by which time he will have passed the British retirement age of 65.

2003-12-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

United finish bitter week with sweet victory

Manchester United shrugged off last Sunday's Premiership loss to Chelsea and the thumping at the hands of West Brom in the Carling Cup to overcome Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday. The win brought United back close to the top after both Chelsea and Arsenal drew their weekend matches.

FA Carling Cup

West Brom 2 - Man United 0

Manager Alex Ferguson went into the match by resting most of the senior players and paid the price as West Brom thumped United to advance. West Brom had earlier dumped Newcastle out of the championship in the third round. Meanwhile United with travel to Aston Villa for the FA Cup third round tie. The draw was made during the weekend.

Premiership

Man United 4(Van Nistelrooy - 2, Forlan - 2) - Aston Villa 0

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was back on the scoring sheet as United ran into the lead as early as the 16th minute. It was a beautiful move starting with Ryan Giggs who put Van Nistelrooy through. Van Nistelrooy then played a one-to-one with Kleberson and split up the defence to score the first goal. The second came on the stroke of half time when Van Nistelrooy somehow controlled a pass from Giggs and scored despite being surrounded by a horde of Villa defenders. The second half was not as enterprising as the first half. Towards the end, Diego Forlan came in as substitute for the Dutchman. With two minutes of injury time left on the clock Forlan held on to a long clearance from Tim Howards to blast the ball into the top of the left corner of the net from outside the box. A minute later Forlan added another when a back heel from Kleberson found him onside and unmarked in the box. Next weekend it is the Manchester derby as United take on cross city rivals Manchester City.

2003-12-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

Chelsea go top with win against United

Chelsea 1(Lampard -1) - Man United 0

A controversial penalty on the half hour mark gave Roman Abrahamovic's Chelsea a much needed 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The win took Chelsea to top of the table for the first time this season as they capped off a wonderful week in which they confirmed their entry into the last 16 of the Champions League. Skipper Roy Keane was adjudged to have brought down Joe Kole inside the box and Frank Lampard converted the resulting penalty. United tryied to force the pace in the second half but were left to rue a host of missed chances from Diego Forlan and Van Nistelrooy. United next go to West Brom for the Carling Cup fourth round encounter on Wednesday.

2003-11-27T01:25:00.000-08:00

Forlan scripts United march into last 16

Panathanaikos 0 - Man United 1(Forlan - 1)

Diego Forlan continued on his impressive run in United colors when he scored the lone goal in United's victory over Greek club Panathanaikos on Wednesday night. Forlan who missed may golden chances throughout the match finally hung on to a pass from David Bellion to slot the winner in the 85th minute.

2003-11-24T02:09:00.000-08:00

United unimpressive in victory

Man Utd 2(Van Nistelrooy - 1, Kleberson - 1) - Blackburn Rovers 1(Emerton - 1)

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored his first goal from open play for almost 2 months while Brazilian Kleberson scored his first Man United goal as United beat Blackburn Rovers to remain close to the top of the Premiership. Van Nistelrooy, fresh from the hat trick for Holland in the mid-week Euro2004 play-off clash against Scotland pounced on a pass from Quinton Fortune to score the first goal. Brazilian Kleberson, returning from injury, then latched on to another pass from Fortune to score his first goal for United. United slightened their defence in the second half and paid the price when Emerton scored for Rovers. They then kept pressing for the equalizer but United held on to dear life to come away with three points. Elsewhere Arsenal and Chelsea won their matches away from home against Birmingham and Southampton respectively while Leeds slid further when they lost to Bolton Wanderers at home.

2003-11-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

Top Scorers of the season

Premiership

Van Nistelrooy - 8

Ryan Giggs - 5

Paul Scholes - 3

Roy Keane - 3

Forlan - 2

Champions League

Van Nistelrooy - 3

Forlan - 1

P Neville - 1

Silverstre - 1

Fortune - 1

Butt - 1

Solskjaer - 1

Djemba Djemba - 1

2003-11-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

United back to winning ways

Manchester United shrugged off the shock loss to Fulham at home on October 26 by winning their next four matches to return to winning ways. But the Premiership champions are still holding on to third spot in the league behind leaders Arsenal and second placed Chelsea. United beat Leeds United in a Carling Cup match at Elland Road in a match that went into extra time. They then capped that win with a thumping 3-0 victory against Portsmouth at Old Trafford on November 2. They then beat Rangers 3-0 at home in the Champions League and followed it up with a hard earned 2-1 victory over struggling Liverpool at Anfield.

The Scores

FA Carling Cup - Third Round

Leeds Utd 2(Roque Jr - 2) - Man Utd 3(Bellion - 1, Forlan - 1, Djemba Djemba - 1)

Bellion, Forlan and Djemba Djemba started the match for United that saw most of their players rested. The match ran into extra time with Djemba Djemba scoring the winner late in extra time. United next face West Brom in the fourth round.

Premiership

Man Utd 3(Forlan - 1, Ronaldo - 1, Keane - 1) - Portsmouth 0

Diego Forlan took advantage of a second successive Premiership start due to Paul Scholes' absence by putting United ahead in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane came on as substitutes in the second half and slotted a goal each in the space of 5 minutes to guarantee victory for United. It was Ronaldo's first goal in United colors.

Liverpool 1(Kewell - 1) - Man Utd 2(Giggs - 2)

Ryan Giggs capitalized on two mistakes from Liverpool custodian Jery Dudek as United pulled off a 2-1 victory at Anfield on Sunday.

Champions League
Man Utd 3(Forlan - 1, Van Nistelrooy - 2) - Rangers 0

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice and for the first time in 5 matches as Diego Forlan continued his scorching form to help United demolish Scottish giants Rangers in their return Champions League clash at Old Trafford.

2003-10-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

Fulham shock United

Man Utd 1(Forlan - 1) - Fulham 3(Clarke - 1, Malbranque - 1, Inamoto - 1)

United hadn't lost at Old Trafford for over 13 months. They hadn't conceded a goal at Old Trafford in this season for over 450 minutes. But it took Fulham just 3 minutes to topple to second record and 90 minutes to topple the first as they registered a shock victory at Old Trafford to dent United's hopes of topping the Premiership. In a match completely dominated by Fulham, a Silverstre error gave Fulham the lead in 3 minutes. Diego Forlan slotted the equalizer with a rare goal on the stroke of half time. But Fulham struck twice in the second half to put the match beyond United's reach. Manager Alex Ferguson who had to sit in the stands after a two match ban handed to him during the week attributed the loss to weariness from the mid week Battle of Britain that was played at Glasgow in the Champions League. He promised United would bounce back soon. United meet Leeds in a League Cup game this week.

2003-10-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

United put European campaign on track

Rangers 0 - Man Utd 1(P Neville - 1)

Phil Neville scored a 5th minute goal for United to snatch a much needed victory over Glasgow Rangers at Glasgow on Wednesday. United's defence held off the Rangers for the rest of the match as United got the victory to boost their Champions League push. The win made coach Alex Ferguson the first trainer to notch up 50 victories on club football's biggest stage. Ferguson had earlier been slapped a two match ban in the Premiership for using abusive languauge at a fourth official in the match against Newcastle earlier in the season.

2003-10-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

United post victory

Leeds Utd 0 - Man Utd 1(Keane - 1)

Roy Keane scored his second goal in three Premiership matches as Man United went top of the table briefly in the Barclaycard Premier League on Saturday. United travelled to Elland Road to meet Leeds United and knew that they would go top of the table if they won. But the Leeds defenders stayed rock solid for more than 80 minutes denying any chances. But Keane broke the defence when he sprung up to connect a Gary Neville cross and headed it into the back of the net. That goal was enough to get United the much needed win. The two teams meet again on October 28 in a League Cup encounter. United travel to Scotland in mid week for a Champions League clash with Scottish giants Rangers. They then meet Fulham at home in the Premiership next weekend.

2003-10-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

Top Scorers of the season

Premiership

Van Nistelrooy - 8

Paul Scholes - 3

Ryan Giggs - 3

Roy Keane - 1

John O'Shea - 1

Champions League

Van Nistelrooy - 1

Silverstre - 1

Fortune - 1

Butt - 1

Solskjaer - 1

Djemba Djemba - 1

2003-10-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

United stay close to the top but lose one match

Manchester United continued to stay at second position on the Premiership table but their unbeaten run in the Premiership came to a stunning end when a late goal by James Beattie sunk United at Southampton. United recovered to do well in other matches. But the match against Arsenal ended up in a ruffle with 8 players getting charged by the FA.
Elsewhere in the Champions League, United started off their campaign with a thumping 5 - 0 win against Panathanaikos at home before losing in a shock defeat to VFB Stuttgart of Germany in the second match.
The Premiership scores

Man Utd 1(O'Shea - 1) - Wolves 0

United were really put to test by the Premiership's bottom most team but held on thanks mainly to goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Southampton 1(Beattie - 1) - Man Utd 0

After missing a lot of chances, United let in a 92nd minute header from Beattile to return empty handed from St.Mary's park.

Man Utd 2(Van Nistelrooy - 2) - Charlton Athletic 0

United bounced back from the Southampton reverse with the help of two scrappy goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Man Utd 0 - Arsenal 0

The ill-tempered match saw Van Nistelrooy miss yet another penalty and 8 players getting involved in clashes after the match. Arsenal's Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Ashley Cole, Lauren, Ray Parlour, Jens Lehmann and United's Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo were charged by the FA for various counts of improper conduct and violent behavior.

Leicester City 1(Sinclair - 1) - Man Utd 4(Keane - 1, Van Nistelrooy - 3)

Van Nistelrooy destroyed Leicester with a hat-trick as United put the happenings of the previous match behind them. Roy Keane scored his first goal for United for 41 matches.

Man Utd 3(Van Nistelrooy - 1, Scholes - 1, Giggs - 1) - Birmingham City 0

Birmingham City's unbeaten run in the 2003-04 season was halted at Old Trafford as United put on a convincing display. Van Nistelrooy finally converted a penalty in the Premiership.

The Champions League scores

Man Utd 5(Butt - 1, Fortune - 1, Solskjaer - 1, Silvestre - 1, Djemba Djemba - 1) - Panathanaikos 0

United were totally dominant in the match as they scored goals at will to demolish their Greek opponents.

VFB Stuttgart 2(Beattie - 1) - Man Utd 1(Van Nistelrooy - 1)

Two defensive mistakes threw open United's back as Stuttgart scored twice in the space of two minutes. Van Nistelrooy scored for the first time from the spot in the season to reduce the margin but United could not get in the equalizer. Tim Howard saved a penalty later to save United the blushes.

2003-08-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

Keane leads United march over New Castle

NewCastle 1(Shearer - 1) - Man Utd 2(Van Nistelrooy - 1, Scholes - 1)
Manchester United continued its swashbuckling run in the Premisership with a 2 - 1 victory over NewCastle away from home on Saturday. The Magpies captain Alan Shearer was on target first as NewCastle went into the breather sitting on a slender one goal cushion. The first half action was marred by refree controversies as Van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs did not get justice for false tackles inside the box. Added to that Shearer looked to have pushed United defender Mikael Silvestre when he headed home the first goal. But it was a different story in the second half.

United looked a rejuvenated lot in the second half as inspirational captain Roy Keane took control of the situation. He mastered the mid field with craft and it was he who set up the equaliser from Van Nistelrooy. The Dutch goal machine who missed a chance few minutes earlier latched on to another pass from Keane and turned in typical fashion and struck the ball into the far corner. This was the Dutchman's 50th goal in the Premiership and 10th in successive Premiership matches for Manchester United. Once that equaliser was achieved, United pressed for the winner and it looked like they would run away with a scoreline similiar to the one witnessed three months back at the same stadium. But luck wouldn't favor the Red Devils. But Keane once again masterminded the winner as he put a precision pass into the box for Paul Scholes to chest it into the goal. New boy Cristiano Ronaldo came on late and showed some of his skills as United came off as comprehensive winners.

Elsewhere Arsenal and Chelsea remain the only two other teams with clear win records.

2003-08-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

United off to a flyer

Man Utd 4(Giggs-2,Scholes-1,Van Nistelrooy-1) - Bolton 0
A double by Ryan Giggs, a typical goal by Paul Scholes and a record-breaking goal by Ruud van Nistelrooy set up United's fantastic start to the 2003-04 Premiership season on Saturday. But the man who stole the show was United 12million pound signing from Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo. The boy wonder (he is just 18) who shares his name with one of the masters of the game proved he was equal in skill too as he made the Bolton defenders look hapless. In less than 30 minutes time in which he was on the field, Ronaldo set up a Ryan Giggs goal and also gave United a penalty (missed by van Nistelrooy for the first time in 19 premiership kicks). The performance should already have sent a signal to the rest of the teams in the Premier League and Europe as United look to replicate their 1999 treble success.

Earlier United went into the break with a single goal lead, provided by a Ryan Giggs free kick - a goal that according to some proved that David Beckham would not be missed at all. Then came that penalty that Ruud missed. But minutes later Ronaldo made the perfect pass to an unmarked Paul Scholes who swirled it into the 6 yeard box. Van Nistelrooy tried a tap-in that rebounded off the goalie for Giggs to slam from close range. Scholes himself scored the thrid beating the off-side trap before yet another piece of magical footwork from Diego Forlan set up Ruud to finally blast the ball into the back of the net. Van Nisteloory equalled his own record of scoring in 8 successive premiership games as he opened his account for the new season.

2003-07-11T02:25:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho makes up his mind, wants to join Manchester United

Brazilian World Cup winning star Ronaldinho has reportedly made up his mind on leaving his French club Paris St.Germain and also joining Manchester United. The star is now waiting for his old club to arrive at a deal with the English Premiership champions. With reports coming in, there are speculations that United have already closed the deal with Ronaldinho earning about US$80,000 per week at Old Trafford.

The transfer story took a different turn on Wednesday after Real Madrid announced that they have closed all new signings for the year. As reported earlier Ronaldinho was hoping to be bought by the Spanish champions. That raised hopes of United buying the Brazilian once again until Spanish giants Barcelona came up with an even higher US$30million offer to PSG that came packaged with a couple of players also. But Ronaldinho is reported to have told his brother and agent that he was intend on moving to Manchester United.

2003-07-08T03:38:00.000-07:00

United make two signings

Cameroon international midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba has completed a move to English champions Manchester United from French club Nantes on Thursday. This is United's second signing of the summer. Djemba-Djemba moves on a five-year contract after United agreed to a fee of approximately £3.5 million (US$5.8 million) with the player's French club. An additional £700,000 will be paid depending on the number of appearance the 23-year-old makes.

Earlier United had signed French star David Bellion from Sunderland for a fee of £3 million (US$5 million). Meanwhile, United's bid for Paris-St.Germain and Brazilian player Ronaldinho seems to have been totally called off with the player's agent and brother announcing that Real Madrid have struck a US$40 million deal with the French club by which the Brazilian would stay at Paris this year and move over to Madrid in 2004. United sold star player David Beckham to Real for US$40 million in June this year.

2003-07-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

Man U among Champions League elite

Manchester United and Arsenal will be among the top seeds in next season's Champions League, according to European football's governing body UEFA's statistics released Monday. UEFA released the club coefficients which determine the sides to be ranked among the top eight and, as last season, the English Premiership's top two are in the elite set.

It means they will avoid holders AC Milan, Juventus and Lazio, Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna from Spain plus German champions Bayern Munich.

2003-06-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

Barcelona shock the world, say they are looking to sign Ruud

Barcelona presidental candidate Josep Martinez-Rovira has promised to take Ruud van Nistelrooy to the Nou Camp if he is elected to the hot seat this summer.We have spoken to Ruud's agent and we believe the player is very interested in joining our project to make us great again," he claimed on Friday. "He is interested in the proposal we have made to him."

It's a twist to an earlier story that Ruud was trying to tempt Kluivert over to Old Trafford.

2003-05-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Rio to be examined on Friday

Rio Ferdinand's injured knee will be examined by Manchester United medical staff on Friday after England's flight back from their training camp at La Manga, Spain, was delayed. There is no news yet but an assessment will now take place on Friday," a United spokesman said Thursday. Ferdinand sustained the injury in Durban during last week's friendly win over South Africa.

2003-05-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

AC Milan lift Champions League Trophy

AC Milan beat Juventus 3 - 2 on penalties to lift the 2002-03 UEFA Champions League Trophy on Wednesday. Playing at the packed Old Trafford Stadium, home of Manchester United, the two Italian teams played out a high quality 120 minutes that saw no goals being scored. Juve and Milan came close to score more than once in the match. Ukraine striker Andrei Shevchenkov thought he had scored as early as the 10th minute but his goal was disallowed for off-side. Thereafter the action was on at both ends but both sides were not able to find the back of the net. Shevchenkov finally had his chance to get over the disappointment from the penalty spot after regulation time. He promptly put the ball past a diving Gianluigi Buffon to crown AC Milan as champions of Europe for the sixth time. Captain Paulo Maldini, whose father Cesare Maldini had also led AC Milan to victory in Europe on English soil in 1963, emulated his father 40 years later. Also making history was defender Clarence Seedorf who has now won the Champions League for the thrid time with three different clubs - Juventus, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

2003-05-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Van wants Fergie to continue

Ruud van Nistelrooy does not believe anyone can replace Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in the forseeable future. The Dutchman, who topped the scoring charts with 25 goals this season to help Manchester overhaul Arsenal for the English Premiership, has urged United chief executive Peter Kenyon to give the 61-year-old Ferguson a long-term contract.

United finished without a trophy in 2002 but Ferguson landed his eighth English championship with an unstoppable late surge this year. The talk is now of Ferguson extending the three-year contract he signed at the end of last season after reversing his decision to retire.

2003-05-27T03:59:00.000-07:00

Beckham,Giggs - where is their future?

David Beckham's future was in the balance last night, with both Leeds United's Harry Kewell and Brazil's Ronaldinho rumored to move to Manchester United. If Sir Alex Ferguson signs Kewell and Ronaldinho they have to replace Beckham and Ryan Giggs in the same line-up. The Australian and the Brazilian play as wide midfielders much like the current United stars. Giggs has a long-term contract and wants to stay at Old Trafford. But the fate of Beckham, with just two years remaining on his deal before he becomes a Bosman free agent, is back on the agenda despite constant denials about a transfer being made by both the club and the player.

In a related development Italian giants AC Milan are believed to have already opened talks with Old Trafford officials about a possible £35million move. Milan chiefs will make the most of the fact they are in Manchester this week for the Champions League final with Juventus to steal a march on their rivals for Beckham's signature.

2003-05-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Beckham injured in friendly

England captain and Manchest United star David Beckham was injured in a friendly match played between England and South Africa in Durban. England beat South Africa 2 - 1 through goals from Gareth Southgate and Emil Heskey. Beckham was upended in a tackle by Thabang Molefe during the first half and fell heavily on to his right arm. He was replaced six minutes into the second half by Jermaine Jenas and his hand was strapped and he was taken to hospital. A hospital official said Beckham fractured the scaphoid, a small bone leading from his thumb to his wrist.

2003-05-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

PSG denies Ronaldinho transfer

Manchester United have been forced to wait for some more time to fulfilt their desire of signing Paris St. Germain and Brazilian star striker Ronaldinho for next season. Francis Graille, who takes over as PSG’s chairman next month, insists their approach is on the back burner. He revealed: “I turned down a meeting requested by the representatives of Manchester United a fortnight ago.” But many believe Graille is resigned to losing the frontman. PSG are out of the running for a Champions League place next season.Ronaldinho, 23, is expected to seek a move after they play in the French Cup final against Auxerre on May 31.

2003-05-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

More signings this summer confirms Fergie

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that there would be more signings this summer but ruled out large scale dealings as predicted by the media earlier."There won’t be massive dealings,” Sir Alex said. “But hopefully there will be two, maybe three, that will come in.”

The news comes at a time when United chief executive Peter Kenyon has also revealed there will be “new faces” at the club by the start of season 2003/04. The manager also said that the potential signings have already been spotted and efforts are on to arrive at a deal. The summer promises to be a busy time for United off the field.

2003-05-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Van kicks Henry to snatch Golden Boot!

Ruud van Nistelrooy had more reason than most to celebrate champions Manchester United's 2-1 win over Everton here at Goodison Park on Sunday. Dutch international striker van Nistelrooy's penalty 11 minutes from time not only meant United, who had already won the title, rounded off the English Premiership season with a win but also saw their prolific striker finish as the league's top scorer with 25 goals.

Van Nistelrooy's tally put him one ahead of Arsenal forward Thierry Henry and left the former PSV Eindhoven front man understandably proud. "The golden boot and a Premiership winners' medal is a great combination," said van Nistelrooy, 26, who finished the season with 44 goals in all competitions. "Last year I won some awards but they didn't mean as much because the club didn't win anything, so today is extra special."

Van has already sounded a warning to other clubs saying that he would be looking for more goals next season. He had also expressed his willingness to be a Manchester United player for life.

2003-05-08T01:43:00.000-07:00

Van Nistelrooy promises more goals next season

Ruud van Nistelrooy has warned Premiership defenders that he will present an even more potent threat when Manchester United's next campaign kicks off in August. The Dutch striker goes into Sunday's end-of-season clash with Everton needing just three goals to equal Denis Law's record for a single season at Manchester United.

After hitting the net 36 times in his debut season at Old Trafford, the Dutchman has claimed a phenomenal 79 goals from 100 appearances at the club. And he is confident that he can maintain that form in what is expected to be a significantly strengthened United squad next season.

2003-05-08T01:41:00.000-07:00

Kluivert may join the Dutch goal machine

Barcelona's Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert has been linked to a move to English champions Manchester United. Kluivert has been targeted for abuse by some sections of the Nou Camp crowd and international team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy has said the 26-year-old would be his perfect strike partner at Manchester.

Manchester chief executive Peter Kenyon has promised summer additions to manager Alex Ferguson's squad. But Kluivert says he will not be one of them. "These rumours are completely unfounded. I've always said that I want to stay here," Kluivert told the Barcelona club website.

2003-05-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

Beckham confirms he is going nowhere

David Beckham has come out in public to deny any move to Real Madrid. Beckham put an end to all talk of a big-money move to Real Madrid on Tuesday by announcing that he is staying with English champions Manchester United. "My feelings for Manchester United, the club itself, the players, the fans and the backroom staff, are as strong as ever," said the 28-year-old who has just helped United to their eighth English Premiership title in 11 years.

"I know that the chief executive Peter Kenyon and the manager are saying they want me to stay, and that's good enough for me. My affection for the club has never changed from the day I signed for United," Beckham told the Manchester Evening News.

2003-05-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

CHAMPS!!!

A late winner by Mark Viduka against Arsenal helped Leeds United avoid relagation and at the same time helped Manchester United win the English Premier League. Needing to win the match to stay in championship contention Arsenal went all out in attack against Leeds at Highbury but Leeds took the lead thrice with Arsenal equalising for the first two times. Thierry Henry equalised Harry Kewell's strike in the first half and Denis Bergkamp brought Arsenal level after Ian Harte's free kick put Leeds in front into the second half. Arsenal were then left to rue two missed chances - by the two goal scorers - as Mark Viduka struck the death blow in the 86th minute. The result sparked off celebrations all over England and all over the world with United fans thanking their bitter rivals. Says one Manchester United fan, "Leeds United! We don't like you. But thank you".

Earlier on Saturday a Ruud van Nistelrooy hat trick against Charlton left Man United 8 points clear at the top of the table. In a match dominated by the United attackers, David Beckham opened the scoring with a deflected shot. But minutes later an error by goalie Roy Caroll put Charlton level at 1 - 1. But Ruud then took charge as he scored twice in 10 minutes. He then scored one more to become the Preimership's top scorer with 24 goals. United won 4 - 1.

2003-04-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid denies Beckham move

A day after Ryan Giggs pledged his future to Manchester United, there is even more good news for United fans. Real Madrid have denied rumors that they are looking to buy David Beckham from Old Trafford.

The Madrid statement read as follows:

"Because of information in various sections of the press on the existence of Real Madrid interest to sign David Beckham, the club would like to make clear the following points

1. There is no contact between Real Madrid and Manchester United on this subject.

2. There has been no direct or indirect contact between Real Madrid and Beckham.

3. Contrary to the rumours on this matter, Real has no intention of negotiating the signing of Beckham.

4. That, despite the club rule not to use official channels to deny rumours, this statement was sent out to finally put an end to the uncertainty created by certain sources in linking Beckham to Real Madrid.

5. In spite of the rumours, there is an unconditional, friendly relationship between the two clubs and respect for Beckham."

2003-04-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

Giggs pledges future at Old Trafford

Welsh winger Ryan Giggs says he wants nothing more than to stay at Old Trafford. Giggs has had a patchy season and has long been coveted by top clubs in Italy and Spain - but the 29-year-old, who has spent his entire professional career at United, told the News of the World he doesn't intend to jump ship.

"I can understand why some people think Real Madrid are bigger and better than United because they have four or five of the top 10 players in the world but for me, this is the place to be," Giggs insisted. "It's easy for people to say that the manager will break the team up - especially if we don't win the league. But we have real quality here and I don't accept that this team is finished."

2003-04-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Scholes, van Nistelrooy put United five clear

Goals from Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy helped Manchester United extend their lead at the top of the Premiership and lay one hand on the coveted trophy. United playing away from home against a Tottenham team that was looking to cut down on its goal difference were held goalless until the 65th minute when Scholes headed home a Ryan Giggs cross. Van Nistelrooy who has now scored in 8 consecutive premiership matches put United clear with an injury time goal - his 40th of the season. The win put United five points clear at the top of the table.

Earlier on Saturday relegation threatened Bolton Wanderers pulled off a surprise by snatching a point from their match against Arsenal to deal a stunning blow to the Gunners' title hopes. It was stunning comeback by the Wanderers after being down 0 - 2 minutes into the second half. Youri Djorkkaef's close range goal and an own goal by Martin Keown helped Bolton draw level after Sylvan Wiltord and Robert Pires had put Arsenal in front.

2003-04-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Beckham is going to Madrid after all!

England captain David Beckham, left out of Manchester United's starting lineup for Wednesday night's Champions League thriller against Real Madrid, will be playing football in Spain next summer, it was reported on Thursday. Beckham came on for the last half-hour to lash in a free-kick and bundle in a close-range effort in the 4-3 win over Real which was not enough to overturn the 3-1 defeat in the first leg in Madrid.

A deal was being worked on to take the game's second most marketable player after Ronaldo to the Bernabeu. Sources say there is a 90 per cent chance of him starting next season in Spain. Both United and Real have consistently denied any transfer but Beckham's iconic status in Asia has reportedly convinced Real Madrid to splash out £38 million (US$57 million) to prise him away from United. Last week United's Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo revealed that Beckham, 27, had been asking him about the quality of schools in Madrid. Beckham and his pop star wife, Victoria, have two young sons, Brooklyn and Romeo.

2003-04-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo hat trick sinks United

Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldo turned boos into cheers on Wednesday as his hat-trick ensured Real Madrid edged into the Champions League semi-finals despite a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in a pulsating match at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old had exited to boos from Real fans a fortnight ago during the first leg but a different welcome awaits him on his return to Madrid as his goals saw the nine-time winners triumph 6-5 on aggregate.

It was a pulsating match which saw Real take the lead 3 times and squander it each time. But each time they scored a goal, the task became tougher and tougher for United. Ronaldo who had just three chances to score in the match took all three chances and walked off to sporting cheers by the Manchester loyals when he was substituted in the second half. Real took the lead when Ronaldo latched on to a Guti ball and blasted the ball past Barthez early in the first half. United who then needed 4 goals to advance to the sem finals pushed hard as Oleg Gunnar Solksjaer came close to scoring twice. The presssure paid dividends when Ruud van Nistelrooy scored (again!!) before half time.

Minutes into the second half, Solskjaer and Juan Sebastian Veron had shots saved by Real's goalie Casillas. On the counter move Luis Figo hit the cross bar with a sublime chip. The ball came back after the clearance to Roberto Carlos who set up Ronaldo after a splendid 1-2 with Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo finished off with a perfect touch. Within minutes Veron picked up a Roy Keane pass and tried to slip it into van Nistelrooy in the box. But the ball richoted off defender Ivan Helgueira into the Real net. The scores were level again. Yet another magical move by Real set up Ronaldo's hat trick as he drove hard from well outside the box to put it beyond Barthez's reach. That goal took the match well and truly away. Veron was substitued by Beckham and now United were playing for the match victory rather than the semi final berth that looked like a distant dream. Beckham had immediate effect as he levelled the scores with a perfect free kick outside the box, Casillas not even moving. United began pressing for the goals with Solskjaer and van Nistelrooy coming close. It was van Nistelrooy who set up the next goal as he stole the ball in the box to hit into Casillas. The rebound hit Fernando Hiero and rolled towards the goals. Beckham helped the ball into the net. Suddenly United looked like they could win by the 6-3 margin that was expected. But Real held on to their nerves to go through.

In another match at the San Siro, AC Milan striker John Dahl Tomasson scored a 90th minute winner against Ajax as Milan won 3-2 (3-2 on aggregate) to set up a semifinal clash with crosstown rivals Inter Milan. Real meet Juventus in the other semifinals. Earlier on Tuesday, Juve beat Barcelona 2-1(3-2 on aggregate) in a thriller to advance to the semis while Inter lost to Valencia 1-2 (2-2 on aggregate) but advanced on the away goal rule.