Showing posts with label ferguson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ferguson. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year from Goal!

It's the end of the calendar year and spirits are in the sky... footballers and managers across the world have much to reflect on - and look forward to - as we head into 2014.

It's been a great year for Pep Guardiola, who took over from Jupp Heynckes at the helm of treble winners Bayern Munich, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery fight it out for the Balon d'Or. Gareth Bale got his big-money move to Real Madrid, though it's time for Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham to leavethe party.

Jurgen Klopp is left to drown his sorrows after losing the Champions League final and dropping out of the Bundesliga title race, Jose Mourinho is back with Chelsea, Arsene Wenger is top of the pile and Luis Suarez is in and out of the dog house.

All that's left to say is Happy New Year to all our readers!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 11:30

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Nightmare Before Christmas! Moyes loses Van Persie to injury


The festive season is upon us, but Manchester United boss David Moyes is hardly likely to be full of cheer as Christmas approaches.

The Scot confirmed that Robin van Persie will be out of action for a month after picking up a thigh strain whilst taking a corner against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Dutchman had only recently returned to training after struggling with toe and groin problems, and could now miss games against Aston Villa, Stoke, West Ham, Hull, Norwich, Tottenham and Swansea.

The injury leaves Moyes with selection issues in attack, with Wayne Rooney proving to be the club's only other consistent goal threat so far this season.
Saturday, 14 December 2013 08:30

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Mirror image Moyes is Fergie 2.0

Sir Alex Ferguson may have given up the seat of power at Manchester United but his spirit lives on in the dugout through replacement David Moyes, according to Ryan Giggs.

The former Everton boss has endured an indifferent start to the Premier League season, though he has impressed in the Champions League group stages.

And when asked on Absolute Radio whether he had noticed big differences between the two Scots, Giggs replied: “No, not really. I think they're both quite similar.

“Of course the manager's come in to the champions, he doesn't want to change too much but he's going to want to put his own stamp on it.

“I think slowly over time, it will probably change a little, but at the moment, not a lot's changed.”

The rest of the Premier League will be left ruing Giggs' words if Moyes goes on to match Ferguson's astonishing record of success at Old Trafford.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 12:21

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Shadow of Sir Alex looms as Moyes and Wenger face off at Old Trafford

Sunday sees a mouth-watering game take place in the Premier League as league leaders Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on reigning champions Manchester United.

The Gunners go into the game eight points clear of David Moyes’ men but have failed to beat the Red Devils in the Premier League on their own turf since 2002.

However, the hosts have begun the defence of their title in far from convincing fashion under new manager Moyes who knows that another defeat will leave his side a whopping 11 points behind the Gunners.
Sunday, 10 November 2013 07:43

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ferguson’s pen mightier than the sword

Former Manchester United players, managers and referees were among those on the receiving end of stinging criticism in Sir Alex Ferguson's newly released autobiography.

The 71-year-old claimed relief swept the dressing room the day Roy Keane left Old Trafford, described Owen Hargreaves as one of the most disappointing signings of his career, and labelled Rafa Benitez a 'silly man' for his infamous 'facts' rant.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 12:00

Monday, July 22, 2013

The Special Don: Mourinho wants to be the Premier League’s Godfather

On arriving at Chelsea first time around Jose Mourinho famously announced himself as the ‘Special One’.

The Portuguese has now returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell and says he wants to be the “Godfather” of the Premier League.

After the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, it was pointed out to Mourinho that he is the only Premier League manager to have won the Champions League, leading him to announce: "I am just going to be The Godfather". 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Tears and cheers as the curtain closes on Premier League

Sunday saw the final round of games as another Premier League season came to an end.

Manchester United claimed the title, inspired by Robin van Persie's goals, before Sir Alex Ferguson stunned the world by announcing his intention to retire from the game, closely followed by Paul Scholes.

Deposed champions Manchester City lost not just top spot but also their manager after firing Roberto Mancini while Rafael Benitez went from zero to hero at Chelsea.

Elsewhere Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was rarely out of the headlines and Wigan claimed a memorable FA Cup win but still slipped out of the top flight.

And of course, there was still time for drama on the final day as Arsenal pipped Spurs to the fourth spot, despite Gareth Bale’s heroics, as the curtain came down on yet another season. 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Fergie, Scholes, Owen & Carragher take to the stage one last time

It's the end of the season and we are bidding farewell to four Premier League stars as Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen all call time on their careers.

As we usher in a new wave of players and managers ready to take the Premier League by storm, Sunday provides a chance for football fans to pay homage to four people who have secured their own history in English football. 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Beckham joins Fergie, Scholes and Neville in Man Utd retirement home

David Beckham once again hit the headlines all over the world on Thursday when he announced his decision to retire from football.

The PSG midfielder has enjoyed a stellar career beginning at Manchester United before taking in Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy.

Along the way he has become the world’s most famous footballer, and a global brand, but is now set to hang up his boots after 21 years at the top level.

He is not alone, of course, as his decision follows that of former Manchester United colleagues Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes, who will also bow out of the game on Sunday.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Kung-fu Fergie lining up final battle with Rooney

Amid all of the title celebrations on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson dropped one last bombshell after confirming Wayne Rooney's desire to leave Manchester United.

The 71-year-old, who has one final game left in charge of United, has put the ball firmly in Rooney's court regarding his future at Old Trafford.

"I don't think Wayne was keen to play simply because he's asked for a transfer," Sir Alex said.

"I think he wants to think things through in his mind, I think that's a good idea.

"We're not going to let him go. I think he's maybe a bit frustrated that he's been taken off once or twice in the last few weeks." 

Ferguson overshadows FA Cup final

The news of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement has dominated the headlines this week but in case you had forgotten, there's an FA Cup final being played at Wembley on Saturday.

Manchester City are strong favourites as they take on Wigan Athletic, who are also fighting for their Premier League survival.

Several reports also suggest Roberto Mancini is battling to save his job with Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini being tipped to replace the Italian at the Etihad Stadium this summer. 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Master Ferguson set to welcome Moyes the apprentice

David Moyes is set to take on the mountainous task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United following the 71-year-old's decision to retire at the end of the season.

The Everton boss has no Premier League titles or Champions League medals on his CV and will need to embark on a steep learning curve in order to replicate Sir Alex's trophy-laden era at Old Trafford.

May the force be with you, David

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Fergie time finally up at Old Trafford

The rumour mill was in overdrive on Monday evening as several UK sources claimed Sir Alex Ferguson was considering stepping down as Manchester United manager by the end of the week.

On Wednesday the 71-year-old confirmed the rumours, announcing he will retire at the end of the season and end a glorious 26-year reign at Old Trafford. The end of an era. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Ajax, Juventus & Galatasaray join title celebrations

Manchester United were joined in wrapping up their league title early by Ajax, Juventus and Galatasaray on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's side beat Palermo to put the race for Serie A beyond Napoli, while the Dutch outfit secured their 32nd Eredivisie crown.

Galatasaray picked up their 19th Turkish title with victory over Sivasspor to become the most successful team in the country's history.

With PSG closing in on the Ligue 1 championship, the likes of Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini are left to look on enviously. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Take that Tevez! Sir Alex & Man United celebrate sweet revenge

Manchester United got their own back on rivals City by clinching their 20th league title on Monday night.

Roberto Mancini's men broke United hearts on the final day of last season, and Carlos Tevez infamously celebrated by holding up an "RIP Fergie" banner on their open-top bus tour through Manchester.

But United have roared back this season to leave Tevez et al in their wake, and Sir Alex can once again celebrate in style. 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

City take the spoils but title still in United's reach

Sergio Aguero's fine solo strike may well have tipped the Manchester derby in City's favour on Monday evening, but United still boast a 12-point gap over Roberto Mancini's side at the top of the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side need 10 more points from their remaining seven games in order to secure the Premier League title, while Manchester City look set to settle for second spot. 

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Football is back!

The international break. It was good while it lasted, but we're all jumping for joy it's over. Why? Because it means the real action is back and we're now at the business end of the season.

In the Premier  League, Manchester United look to continue their march to the Premier League title against Sunderland, while Chelsea take on Southampton in the first of four games in a week for Rafa Benitez's men.

Across the continent, Bayern Munich can wrap up the Bundesliga title with seven games to go should results go their way, while Tito Vilanova returns to Barcelona, Real Madrid face Zaragoza and Inter take on Juventus in stellar clash in Serie A.

Football is back alright, and with a BANG! 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

No time for England in Rio's busy schedule

Rio Ferdinand turned down Roy Hodgson's call-up to the England squad because it interferes with his "intricate pre-planned programme" of fitness, put in place to prolong the 34-year-old's Old Trafford career.

The Manchester United defender himself was snubbed by the England manager in his squad selection for Euro 2012 because of "footballing reasons". His displays so far this season, though, have prompted the former West Brom boss to have a change of heart.

One minute he was in the squad, and the next he was out. The debacle once again highlights a lack of communication from Roy Hodgson with his players. The only winners out of this embarassing turn of events are Manchester United, and perhaps Rio's travel agent. 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Man City sink without trace as United sail clear in title race


Everton's fine 2-0 win over the Premier League champions at Goodison Park yesterday has left Roberto Mancini & Co. up the proverbial creek without a paddle, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side now 15 points clear of their rivals with just nine games to go after a nervy 1-0 win over Reading at Old Trafford.

There's no doubting City have missed the calming presence of talismanic captain Vincent Kompany at the back of late, while the Red Devils have been able to call on Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie to deliver the goods as Mario Balotelli rocketed off to Milan and Mancini's other forwards decided they didn't really fancy playing football this season.

And all the while there's poor David Platt - if Mancini isn't wearing comedy masks of his face to press conferences, then he's stuck bailing out the sinking ship. Poor David