Knowledge Is King!

As a hardcore Manchester United fan, it’s good to see that the club had done so well in the match. While everyone has focused on the goals, I had noticed how well Foster had saved Columbian striker Hugo Rodallega’s goal bound header. This is a typical Manchester United way of fighting back from mid-week disappointment. This is why they are champion of England! Manchester United Rock!

Match Report: Extracted from skysports:

Manchester United ended a difficult week in style as Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen both scored landmark strikes in a 5-0 demolition of Wigan at the DW Stadium.

If United were impotent in midweek against Burnley they were positively ruthless in a second half that saw them score five goals, four of them stunning, to more than justify Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to make seven changes to the side that slumped at Turf Moor.

After an entertaining but goalless first period Rooney broke the deadlock after half-time for his 100th United goal, via the most sublime of headers from Antonio Valencia’s cross, before strike partner Dimitar Berbatov netted a wonderfully impudent goal of his own.

Rooney scored his second via a deflection off Mario Melchiot before his replacement Owen clipped in a brilliant fourth for his first in United colours.

The most polished of displays was given added gloss in injury time when Nani scored a fabulous free-kick from range.

The Goals:

1st Goal

Original Video- More videos at TinyPic

2nd Goal

3rd Goal

4th Goal

5th Goal

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Despite I am a Manchester United fan, and started this during Eric Cantona reign, I was never a hard core Eric Cantona’s fan. But the following video had changed my mind:

This goal against Sunderland was the perfect illustration of his skills. Magnificent control, strength followed by the poise and presence of mind to halt a rapid run and gently lift the ball into the net. Then instead of wildly celebrating, he stands there, surveying the mortals he has left in his wake, admiring his own genius. How is it possible not to love that? Eric Cantona — you are the man!! I wish that you will succeed Sir Alex Ferguson!

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Sir Alex Ferguson had revealed his own dream team in 20 March 2009. Surprisingly, the da Silva twins are in it. I think rumour about bringing another right full back to Manchester United next season will only stay as rumour. Jaap Stam was the only player Sir Alex Ferguson had admitted he had made a mistake by selling him. Thus, his presence in the list is not really surprising, indeed.

GOALKEEPERS

“Two goalies for sure. Both top keepers.”
Peter Schmeichel
Edwin van der Sar

FULL BACKS

“Denis Irwin, Gary Neville, Evra – and these Da Silva boys are something else.”
Denis Irwin
Gary Neville
Patrice Evra
Fabio and Rafael da Silva

CENTRE BACKS

“You’d have to say Stam, Bruce, Ferdinand and Pallister. Ronny Johnsen was top drawer as well. Jonny Evans will be up there.”
Jaap Stam
Steve Bruce
Rio Ferdinand
Gary Pallister
Ronny Johnsen
Jonny Evans

MIDFIELDER

“I ask myself who were the players you could not leave out. Bryan Robson for sure. Roy Keane. Scholes. Giggs. Ronaldo and Cantona are both “never leave out” players. You’d have Beckham knocking on the door.”
Bryan Robson
Roy Keane
Paul Scholes
Ryan Giggs
Cristiano Ronaldo
David Beckham

STRIKERS

“Where do I start? Van Nistelrooy, Cole, Yorke, Solskjaer, Sheringham. As for Rooney…”
Eric Cantona
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Andy Cole
Dwight Yorke
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Teddy Sheringham
Wayne Rooney

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Football season had ended. It’s kind of empty without it. Hopefully, the hot soccerettes within this post will spice our boring life a bit. The following are my filtered list of soccerettes from UK, enjoy!!

Charmaine Foster: A Man City supporter who’s in love with Cristiano Ronaldo!

Louise Cliffe: A singer, model and actress who used to be Miss Manchester. The 22-year-old is a Manchester United supporter.

Rhian: A 22-year-old who supports Manchester City. The Page 3 girl has made visits to Afganistan to work for the charity Help of Heroes.

Petita: The 24-year-old used to be a ring girl for Frank Warren’s boxing matches.

Lynn Kelly: A Manchester United fan who is Miss Universe Ireland.

Kaylee Miller: The 20-year-old used to be Miss Stoke-on-Trent.

The Beautiful People: One half of the professional wrestling outfit The Beautiful People.

Charlotte Hurding: This beauty describes herself as cheeky, girly and humorous.

Nichola: A Preston North End fan who has jumped off the highest cliff in Europe.

Samantha Moule: Miss May in The News of the World Calender.

Natalie: A Blackpool supporter who is a grade 3 football referee.

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I have been having a fight for weeks on whether I should watch the Champions League final because of my Manchester United Jinx.

I was very tired the night before and slept around 11pm thinking that I wouldn’t be able to make it. While I am sleeping, I kept thinking that I don’t wanna miss the game of the season. Man Utd vs Barcelona, what a fantastic match it could be!

So, by 2.45am, I woke up without alarm which is amazing for my own record because I rarely managed to do so . I missed the first half as i prepared myself and on my way to my friend house to watch the game. During the journey, I received a bad news, Eto’o scored!!! My heart was sunk. Is this because of me? I kept wondering. But, I haven’t even watched it yet.

I managed to watch the replay of Eto’o goal and I felt that this goal was killing Man Utd and it did. Man Utd was poor in the second half. Out of sudden, Messi scored with his header with some poor marking. I start wondering whether they could spring back like what they did against Bayern Munich in 1999. But, the truth is, Manchester United was very poor; bad ball control, bad passing, plenty of offsides… Ronaldo kept tussling and clashing with Puyol made me felt that perhaps he should switch to his favourite right side.

Seriously, I thought playing against Barcelona in the final could be easier compared to Chelsea. All the while, I have been having strong faith with Man Utd winning it again. Barcelona was having so many disadvantages:

• Injuries and banned of Marquez, Abidal & Daniel Alves,
• Guardiola is young and not as experience as Sir Alex Ferguson,
• Henry & Iniesta were struggling to get themselves fit,
• In general, Barcelona’s players weren’t physically as strong as Man Utd.

In the end, Man Utd failed to defend its crown to a better team.

Well, don’t be too disheartened. Well, you had already won 3 crowns this season. So, held your head high, Manchester United players!

I bet he is wondering why Man Utd is playing so poor in the game lol.

Celebration of Barcelona fans in a designated zone

Is Prince William feeling disgusted over Ronaldo?

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I feel sorry for all liverpool fans, but, this photo just make me laugh every time I see it.

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Manchester United lost to Everton in penalty . I was staying awake with Skysports Live Score Centre. Eagerly waiting for the latest news about the match. To be honest, it’s kind of disappointed to receive the news that Manchester United had lost in penalty… And I have to go to work today with my panda eyes -_-” …

“It’s always difficult when you lose, especially when you miss a penalty and you let your team down” said Berbatov. Well, I don’t think he is playing very well in the entire season. But, I think he deserved to get more patient from fans across the globe. This is because he didn’t really has good pre-season training as he joined Man Utd virtually at the last day of transfer window. Besides, he also didn’t have the luxury of gradually plays his way into the team as Man Utd was lacking of striker. Look at both Vidic and Evra for example. They didn’t go into the first team right away. They were on the bench or stand for a few months!! Now, they are playing superly well and have become the integral part of Man Utd’s defence. Some players need more time to gel into the team. I believe Berbatov is a good player and will flourish in the near future. Personally, I also wish that Tevez will join Man Utd permanently and Nani can perform to the level of standard we had expected of him — another Christiano Ronaldo’s kind of player.

I noticed that, Everton has a number of former Man Utd first team player, namely Phil Neville (now captain of Everton), Tim Howard (former Man Utd No 1) and Louis Saha (who is strong, can use both legs and good headers). I would like to singled out Tim Howard in this match because he plays exceptionally well in defending his posts. Perhaps, it gives the (ex-Man Utd) players extra motivation to play well against their former club.

Finally, I strongly believe that losing the FA Cup will reduce Man Utd’s pressure (which was quite obvious in recent games that Man Utd’s players were troubled by pressure in recent games). I wish Man Utd well and have a clean sweep for the remaining competitions. All the best, my beloved club since Eric Cantona’s era!!!

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The news that Manchester United won against Porto FC is like music in the ear for all Man Utd’s fans!

“Unbelievable, a magnificent hit,” he said. “He took them all by surprise from 40-yards out – the goalkeeper had no chance.” – Sir Alex Ferguson

“That was maybe one of my best strikes. Anderson gave me the ball and when I turned I knew I was going to go for a shot. It was intentional.”
Cristiano Ronaldo on his stunning goal in the Champions League win over Porto

Ronaldo reveals his fantastic goal. Listen HERE

Let’s enjoy the goal!

Below is the highlight of the goal:

This is a high quality video of Man Utd vs Porto game. Ronaldo scored at 3rd min.

FC Porto v Manchester United

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Good news for all Man Utd fans! Despite enduring an indifferent form recently as oppose to near invincible earlier in the season, Manchester United still dominate the nomination of PFA awards.

PFA Players’ Player of the Year contenders:

Rio Ferdinand – Manchester United
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Ryan Giggs – Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
Edwin van der Sar – Manchester United
Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United

PFA Young Player of the Year contenders:

Gabriel Agbonlahor – Aston Villa
Jonny Evans – Manchester United
Stephen Ireland – Manchester City
Aaron Lennon – Tottenham Hotspur
Rafael – Manchester United
Ashley Young – Aston Villa

For the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, there’re 5 Man Utd players out of 6. Whereas, for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, there’re 2 out of 6 Man Utd players!! We are proud to be your die hard fans, Manchester United!!

One might argued that, Manchester United players may not scoop the top spot, but, the domination shows us all about their qualities and performance.

With the current high flying form of late, Steven Gerrard is well deserved to be nominated. I just feel pity to both Arsenal and Chelsea as there’s no players from them are being nominated. Yes, I feel pity to them, but I am still delighted with this domination .

While all the nominated Man Utd players are well deserved to be there, I believe we shouldn’t forget the excellent contribution of other Man Utd players such as Evra, Rooney, Scholes, O’shea and Park Ji Sung!! They have been consistently playing at high level and contribute a lot to Man Utd winning streaks.

Finally, all the best for all nominated players! You are all winners for being nominated alone! Bravo!!

Skysports.com takes a look at the 12 candidates and dissects just why they have been deemed this season’s vintage.

RYAN GIGGS

At the turn of the year the 35-year-old Welshman intimated that this season could be his last, but given he’s still leaving for dead defenders who probably had his poster on their wall, it seems unlikely Old Trafford will be bidding farewell to a favourite son come May. Like all great players that have managed to defy Old Father Time, Giggs has had the nous to adapt his game ever since grey flecks began to punctuate his trademark stubble. No longer the effervescent wide man that glides past defenders but a more measured central midfield player, Giggs has proved to be one of United’s standout performers whenever called upon. Sir Bobby Charlton has claimed Giggs – who has now overtaken his appearance record for a club he has served with distinction since making his debut against Everton in 1991 – has never had a better season. Should he add a PFA Player of the Year trophy to the Young Player of the Year gongs he scooped in 1992 and 1993, there will be few dissenting voices. Giggs made the PFA Team of the Year in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2007.

NEMANJA VIDIC

For all of United’s attacking flair and Sir Alex Ferguson’s talk of the club’s gung-ho attacking ethos, the Scot has been canny enough to build his empire on foundations laid by a rock-solid back four. Nemanja Vidic’s Old Trafford aberration against Liverpool in March will live in the memory for all the wrong reasons but it would do a gross ill-service to the Serbian’s season should it overshadow an otherwise impeccable campaign. It will be Edwin van der Sar’s name that appears in the record books for 1,311 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, but key to such a phenomenal run was the towering Vidic. Happy to do the ugly stuff alongside the more graceful Rio Ferdinand, Vidic’s bullying presence adds a nastiness that all great sides need. There is no better defenders’ defender in the league and the likely bookies’ favourite for the PFA trophy would be a worthy winner. Vidic made the PFA Team of the Year in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

EDWIN VAN DER SAR

Questions marks were raised over the summer as to whether Edwin van der Sar still merited a place in United’s first XI. His response this season has been emphatic. Playing behind a Ferdinand-Vidic defensive axis is a dream for any goalkeeper but credit must go to Van der Sar’s concentration levels, as whenever called into action he’s made precious few errors. At 38 the Dutchman, who recently turned down a request to return to international football, will appreciate he is entering the swansong of a much decorated career but there was nothing sentimental about Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to offer him fresh terms. A modest Van der Sar claimed after setting a British record for not conceding that individual accolades are very much secondary to team honours, but such an achievement deserves recognition. Ben Foster has already stated his intent to push his team-mate for a starting berth next season, but for now the gloves remain very much in Van der Sar’s possession.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Loved inside Old Trafford and largely loathed elsewhere, Manchester United’s winking wide man continues to polarise opinion like few other Premier League imports. After missing the start of the season due to injury, following a summer of making goo-goo eyes at Real Madrid, Ronaldo has arguably failed to hit the remarkable heights of last term. Nonetheless, he remains the talisman in United’s bid for the quintuple. 15 league goals at the time of going to press see him top the Premier League charts alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka, while 19 in total for a wide man has not been matched since the halcyon days of George Best. There have been those that have reported with glee Ronaldo’s failure to match his 42-goal haul of last season but that he is rated in the league’s top six performers, despite an injury-interrupted past 12 months, is testimony to how highly his fellow professionals rate him. Ronaldo won both the PFA Young Player of the Year and its senior equivalent in 2006/07, while being named the Player of the Year in 2007/08. He has made the PFA Team of the Year in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08.

RIO FERDINAND

Like a fine wine Rio Ferdinand keeps getting better with age. The Manchester United defender has enjoyed another unimpeachable campaign alongside Nemanja Vidic. Heralded as Europe’s finest central defensive partnership, the pair have formed a spine that has provided United with the sturdiest of platforms to build from all season. As graceful on the ball as he is rapid without it, Ferdinand has excelled for club and country having long since banished accusations of lacking the necessary concentration to be deemed a world class performer. Often skippering United in the absence of veteran duo Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, the 30-year-old has never played better. Ferdinand was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2001/02, 2004/05, 2006/07 and 2007/08.

STEVEN GERRARD

Steven Gerrard’s name has become a fixture on the PFA Player of the Year rostra and another sublime campaign is worthy of recognition again this term. Should Liverpool finally end their 19-year wait for a domestic title there will be no more worthy recipient of the trophy than Gerrard. At the epicentre of all that has been good about Liverpool this year, Gerrard has been a driving force -which when twinned with Fernando Torres – has been all but unplayable. 22 goals from central midfield is a phenomenal contribution and on the European stage, as Real Madrid will testify, the Reds skipper has again excelled. A winner of the PFA Player of the Year trophy in 2005/06, Gerrard was March’s winner of the monthly gong. Gerrard was also the Young Player of the Year in 2000/01, while making the PFA team in 2000/01, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08.

GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR

The Aston Villa forward still remains very much a raw talent, but his progression this season should not go unnoticed – even with his club’s recent capitulation fresh in the memory. Agbonlahor was at the heart of Villa’s dramatic start to the campaign that saw them rub shoulders with the so-called big boys. And still, Martin O’Neill’s men sit in a hugely promising position, continuing to haunt fourth-placed Arsenal. Agbonlahor’s Road Runner pace is his main asset, although this campaign his all-round game has improved. To date, the 22-year-old forward, who can operate out wide as well as leading the line on his own, has 11 Premier League goals to his name and an impressive eight assists. It is true that, like his Villa team-mates, Agbonlahor has struggled since the turn of the year. But being a young player is surely all about demonstrating promise, and two-time England international Agbonlahor has certainly done that to good effect.

JONNY EVANS

The Belfast-born defender’s rise this campaign has been dramatic. United’s ruthless defence during the middle of the season has been well-documented, but few would have believed such a run (goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar not conceding a goal in 1,311 minutes) could have been achieved with a 21-year-old playing a significant role in the heart of the backline. Some may argue that the Red Devils academy graduate had the benefit of slotting in alongside the experience of either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic, but it was the ease of his emergence that has impressed. Evans has recorded 28 appearances in all competitions, and has all the promise of being a commanding centre-back for many years to come. Also, aided by counterparts Ferdinand and Vidic, he cannot fail but learn from their respective strengths and weaknesses. For these reasons the former Royal Antwerp and Sunderland loanee is an excellent contender to be named PFA Young Player of the Year for 2009.

STEPHEN IRELAND

Manchester City midfielder Ireland is the opposite of one-dimensional Eurotrance shrieker Cascada because he has much talent. His past is chequered, but this campaign he has channelled his focus on football – and my, what an effect that has had. Bolstered by Sheikh Mansour’s chequebook, City boss Mark Hughes has brought in many recruits, including British record signing Robinho. It is, however, easy to argue that Ireland, who joined City’s highly-regarded youth academy in 2005, has proved more valuable than the Brazilian. Ireland’s footballing brain exceeds his age of 22. For his club he operates in a Dennis Bergkamp-type role, in behind the frontline, pulling into awkward positions that his opposition detest. From that position, Ireland has scored 12 goals in all competitions. And among those strikes have been many efforts to watch back over and over. For maturing on and off the field, Ireland is an example to most and his quality surely deserves to be rewarded.

AARON LENNON

Lennon has previously been a frustrating individual. The 5ft 5in winger has the gift. That gift is speed combined with nimble feet and a low centre of gravity. But he has shone in fits and starts. His promise has regularly simmered on the surface, with the former Leeds United midfielder nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. However, he missed out. This season, though, Lennon has moved up a gear, thriving under Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. His form has been so strong that he has caught England head coach Fabio Capello’s stringent eye and taken his caps tally to 11 in the process. Lennon, who turns 22 on Thursday, has five Premier League goals and as many assists to his name so far this term. So impressive has the diminutive youngster been this season that he has ensured 24-year-old David Bentley must watch on from the substitutes’ bench. Lennon has proved to be one of the most exciting players to watch, take note of his startling display in the Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United, and he is a deserving nominee.

RAFAEL DA SILVA

Had the 18-year-old Brazilian not sustained an ankle in January, we would be looking at a very fierce contender for the prize indeed. Rafael, a long with his twin brother Fabio, arrived at Old Trafford from Fluminense in January 2008. This season, with experienced duo Gary Neville and Wes Brown struggling for fitness, he emerged as surprising choice at right-back by manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scottish coach gambled on the teenager’s talent and ability to handle such a demanding role. And Rafael has thrived. With an abundance of energy, his marauding runs down the flank have delighted the Red Devils faithful. And, like Evans, he has ideal mentors to assist his defensive moulding. Also, lest we forget the manner in which he opened his United scoring account. Against Arsenal back in November he pulled down a weak clearance with his chest before volleying home with aplomb. Brilliant technique and, with a return from injury nearing, we anticipate further delights.

ASHLEY YOUNG

One would imagine that Young came within a whisker of making the shortlist for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, but similar to team-mate Agbonlahor, Young has been affected by Villa’s slump – for it is rare that someone is hailed when defeats are piling up. Hence United making up five of the six nominations for that prize. Young’s performances this season have been a clear highlight. Young is blessed with an envied ability to carry the ball at pace, while he turns defenders inside out with his swift manipulation of the ball. Also, his delivery is probably his most dangerous weapon. Young peppers penalty areas with tantalising crosses. Described by his manager Martin O’Neill as “world-class”, the 23-year-old has been named Player of the Month twice so far this term. The former Watford attacker was also included in the Premier League Team of the Year for 2008. Young has eight Premier League assists and seven goals to his name. Young is possibly the favourite to be named PFA Young Player of the Year.

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Despite watching numerous times. I am still amazed by this attacking football plays. So, I had decided to share it over here. Enjoy!

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