Sturridge, not Rooney, to lead England to glory?

England strikers Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge had wildly contrasting evenings as the Three Lions laboured to a 3-0 victory over minnows Peru at Wembley on Friday night.

In a match of few chances for the hosts, Sturridge scored a stunning individual effort, curling a rasping effort beyond the reach of Raul Fernandez, which set up an ultimately routine win.

But Rooney had an match to forget which threw into doubt his reputation as the side's talisman andled to calls for Sturridge, fresh from netting 21 Premier League goals last term, to lead the England attack at the World Cup, not Rooney.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 11:45

Tweet Follow @omomani

Rooney & Roy lead England's school trip to Brazil

Roy Hodgson's England squad may read a bit like a school trip after six players under the age of 23 were named for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley, Phil Jones and Jack Wilshere will all be heading to South America, so the experience of the squad's senior players will be more vital than ever. That means Wayne Rooney riding up front with Roy!

Tuesday, 13 May 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Moyes & Rooney see off Manchester United plane protests

Manchester United’s clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford threatened to be overshadowed by protests after fans chartered a plan carrying a ‘Moyes Out’ banner.

While the plane flew over Old Trafford just after kick-off, the focus quickly turned to the action with the Red Devils coming back from a goal down to secure a 4-1 win.

Wayne Rooney was the driving force behind the victory, scoring twice, as United picked up all three points and ended a frustrating week on a high.

Sunday, 30 March 2014 12:56

Tweet Follow @omomani

Man Utd look to class of '99 for inspiration

Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich is being billed as one of the biggest mismatches in the competition's recent history; the Bavarians are on a 53-match unbeaten run domestically, while United have slumped to seventh under David Moyes.

But, despite the hosts' struggles, die Roten have no intention of taking their threat lightly. "This is a difficult duel!" said Arjen Robben on Monday. "We need to perform from the first minute and put in a top performance. You need to be careful or you can lose against United."

The Dutchman knows just how dangerous the Red Devils can be, with his late volley at Old Trafford just enough to secure an away goals win over United in the 2009-10 campaign, despite the home side bossing proceedings.

Further back still, United claimed Champions League glory in 1999 despite appearing dead and buried. Sir Alex Ferguson's side were a goal down for much of the match, until Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer flipped the final on its head in stoppage time. Moyes will be looking for similar inspiration on Tuesday night if his side are to upset the form book.

Tuesday, 1 April 2014 11:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Liverpool continue Anfield dominance

Tottenham were the latest team to feel the wrath of Liverpool's dominance at Anfield as Tim Sherwood's side slumped to a 4-0 defeat on Sunday.

The victory fired Brendan Rodgers' charges to the top of the Premier League, two points clear of Chelsea with six matches to go.

And Anfield looks likely to be the place where the title will be decided this season, with Manchester City and Chelsea still to visit.

Liverpool have won all but two of their home games in the Premier League this term and Rodgers believes Chelsea and Manchester City will be dreading the trip to Anfield.

"There is no doubt they [our rivals] understand this is going to be a real tough place to come," said the Liverpool manager. "We love playing here. The support today was incredible and that is only going to intensify as the season goes on. It works for us rather than against us."

Monday, 31 March 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester City ready to tackle in-form Rooney

A mini-revival has seen Manchester United qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals and throw their hat back in the mix for European football and it has been largely down to Wayne Rooney's form.

The England international scored one of the goals of the season against West Ham on Saturday, lobbing Adrian from all of 59 yards.

However, Tuesday night brings about a more fearsome prospect as United host Manuel Pellegrini's City at Old Trafford. David Moyes will be desperately hoping his side can avenge the 4-1 rout at the Etihad earlier this season and recognise that the form of his star striker is pivotal to that prospect.

Tuesday, 25 March 2014 09:55

Tweet Follow @omomani

Rooney rocked by Liverpool nightmare

Wayne Rooney described Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool as one of the worst in his career as Manchester United are left to pick up the pieces from another uninspiring display.

The Premier League champions find themselves miles off the title pace, while pressure continues to mount on manager David Moyes, who was at a loss to explain the manner of his side’s defeat at Old Trafford.

"It's a nightmare,” Rooney told MUTV.

"It's one of the worst days I've ever had in football.

"It's hard to take. You have to give Liverpool credit - they played well - but it's difficult to take.

"Nobody wants to lose, especially in this way, in your own stadium. It's not nice."

Monday, 17 March 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Moyes, RVP & the Man Utd happy family

It appears that David Moyes and Robin van Persie may have kissed and made up.

The Manchester United striker denied that he was unhappy at the club and provided his full backing to Moyes in an interview on Thursday and stated: "The truth is I’m very happy here at this club. I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay even longer, beyond the next two years I have left on my contract.

"This is how I feel, although it’s not what has been suggested in the media.

"I’m very happy with my team-mates and I’m very happy with my manager and his staff."

So all seems well in the Manchester United family, for now...!

Friday, 14 March 2014 10:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Ronaldo tops star-studded Goal Rich List

Cristiano Ronaldo has pipped Lionel Messi to the top spot of the 2014 Goal Rich List.

The Real Madrid star is the hottest property in football and boasts an estimated wealth of €148 million [£122m] - just €2m [£1.5m] more than his Barcelona rival.

The list, topped by the now-retired David Beckham in 2013, features the likes of Wayne Rooney, Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Click here to see the full Goal Rich List top 10.

Monday, 10 March 2014 12:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Zeusless: Hapless Manchester United stunned by Greek Gods

                                    

When did it get so bad? Just as it looked as though Manchester United had rediscovered their identity, they went and lost 2-0 at Olympiakos in a humbling Champions League last-16 first leg clash.

The Greeks were on top of their game throughout and scored once via a deflection off Alejandro Dominguez and again in the second half through Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell.

United were pega-sussed out by Michel, the Olympiakos manager, leaving Moyes wondering what's Demeter with his squad, while Robin van Persie moped about the pitch looking as if he'd Hades enough of this season already...

Wednesday, 26 February 2014 11:24

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester United out to avoid Greek tragedy

Manchester United face Olympiakos in their first leg last-16 tie in Greece on Tuesday night and will be hoping to pick up a positive result to take back to Old Trafford.

David Moyes oversaw a convincing 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday and finally has his first choice strikeforce available to him.

Wayne Rooney has just signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal and celebrated the news by scoring United's second at Selhurst Park.

Olympiakos meanwhile, are without star striker Kostas Mitroglou - who joined Fulham in January - making their task even more difficult.

Tuesday, 25 February 2014 10:06

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester United show Rooney the money

Wayne Rooney finally put pen to paper on a new Manchester United contract on Friday.

The new deal will potentially see the striker stay at the club until 2019 and earn a staggering £300,000-a-week.

That figure has seen plenty of onlookers question the deal, but David Moyes has no doubts about the value of the England international.

"Wayne has been the best player in England since I put him into the Everton first team in 2003," said Moyes.

"Since becoming United manager in July last year, I have enjoyed working with him and seeing just how he has developed his incredible talent.

"With his ability, his experience and his desire to succeed, he is a vital part of my plans for the future and I'm absolutely thrilled he has accepted the challenge."

Saturday, February 22, 2014 10:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Moyes rues luck as Man United send in 81 crosses

Manchester United sent in a staggering 81 crosses in their 2-2 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday - the most of any side in the Premier League since 2006.

The hosts scored twice, through a Robin van Persie tap-in and a deflected Michael Carrick effort - but the bombardment from wide areas resulted in no goals.

But David Moyes was quick to blame his side's bad luck this season, rather than tactics, as struggling Fulham clinched a point with a stoppage time header from Darren Bent.

"It's been a bit like that this season so far," Moyes said after the game. "But today was probably as bad as it gets.

"We completely dominated the game and being 1-0 down was bad enough, but the amount of attempts and chances and the play we had, how we didn't win the game comfortably, I've no idea."

Monday, 10 February 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Liverpool hammering just the start of Arsenal's gruelling run

Arsenal embarked on their tricky run of fixtures by being on the wrong end of a 5-1 hammering to Liverpool on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s side will have their title credentials tested further on Wednesday as they host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, and that’s before facing Liverpool once again in the FA Cup fifth round next Sunday.

Let’s not forget, the Gunners have also been tasked with knocking Bayern Munich out of the Champions League.

Can Arsenal recover from their heavy setback at Anfield to pull through?

Sunday, 9 February 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester United set for USA pre-season tour

Manchester United have endured a difficult season so far, but they have plenty to look forward to come the summer.

David Moyes's side will travel to the USA for a pre-season tour - their first visit to the country since 2011.

The Old Trafford outfit has confirmed its participation in the International Champions Cup, which will also feature rivals Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan, with the final taking place at Miami's Sun Life Stadium on August 4.

The likes of Moyes, Robin van Persie, Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata will no doubt be hoping to take in some of the USA's historical landmarks.

Wednesday, 5 February 2014 10:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Higuain in tears as Napoli miss out on last 16

Napoli agonisingly missed out on a place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Despite beating Arsenal 2-0 with goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon, the Italian side were eliminated after Borussia Dortmund defeated Marseille, meaning the Bundesliga outfit progressed top of Group F, with the Gunners finishing second by virtue of a superior goal difference.

And it was all too much for goal scorer Higuain, who could not hide is disappointment after the game.

"Not going through is incredible," he said. "It is an injustice, really.

"Going out with 12 points – winning four games in such an immensely difficult group with two sides as strong as Arsenal and Dortmund - when you see teams going through with only one or two wins, with six or seven points, it's disappointing.

"It cannot be anything else but bad luck because to win four games out of six and be eliminated is not something that happens often."

Thursday, December 12, 2013 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Roy The Redeemer leads England to Rio

England were finally able to celebrate on Tuesday night after a 2-0 victory over Poland booked a place at the 2014 World Cup.

Knowing Ukraine were likely to thrash Group H minnows San Marino, Roy Hodgson's side had to win at Wembley Stadium in order to top the table and avoid a potentially tricky play-off tie.

And the Three Lions were sent on their way just before half time by a Wayne Rooney header, before captain Steven Gerrard secured a vital three points in the closing stages.

Hodgson and his charges have come in for criticism throughout his spell in charge, with the former Fulham and Liverpool manager once comically mocked up as the Christ The Redeemer statue prior to the Euro 2012 clash with France, such was the nation's bleak view of England's chances of progression.

But few could knock Hodgson after two exhilarating victories wrapped up an ultimately unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013 11:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Suarez 'champing at the bit' to make Liverpool return

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is set to return from his 10-match suspension to face Manchester United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday evening.

The Uruguay international has missed the opening of Liverpool's campaign after he was suspended for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic but Brendan Rodgers insists the striker is "champing at the bit" to return to action.

“You’ll find out that once he gets that strip on, he’ll work his socks off. He’s received nothing but affection and love from the supporters," Rodgers told reporters.

“They deserve no less than 100 per cent and, knowing Luis, that’s what he’ll give them. He’s really champing at the bit to help the team. I am sure once he gets back on the field he will show his top quality.”

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 07:20

Tweet Follow @omomani

Donkey derby for Moyes & Manchester United

David Moyes' first taste of a Manchester derby ended in defeat on Sunday as his United side were thrashed 4-1 by rivals City at the Etihad Stadium.

Moyes' men were never at the races as Manuel Pellegrini's City stallions raced ahead after just 16 minutes through Sergio Aguero.

The home side had a second goal on the stroke of half time as Yaya Toure stabbed home from close range, before Aguero added a third after the interval.

Samir Nasri scored a fourth to put the game well and truly beyond doubt and, despite Wayne Rooney's sublime free kick late on, Moyes and United were left with very little to cheer about.

Monday, September 23, 2013 11:45

Tweet Follow @omomani

Rooney & Ronaldo lead Champions League scoring spree

It was raining goals on Tuesday night as the Champions League returned to action with a bang, and European football's biggest names were all on song.

Real Madrid were rampant in Turkey, scoring six in a comprehensive victory over Galatasaray as Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick.

While at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2.

United's rivals Manchester City were also among the goals, as Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero led Manuel Pellegrini's side to a 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen.

And the reigning champions Bayern Munich scored three of their own, cruising past CSKA Moscow at the Allianz Arena, with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain putting four past Olympiakos.

With the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund still to play, there could be plenty more to come on Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:30

Tweet Follow @omomani