United buru kemenangan ketujuh berturut-turut

BOLTON: Manchester United berdepan Bolton Wanderers awal pagi esok dengan tekad melebarkan penguasaan di persada Liga Perdana Inggeris, berbekalkan prestasi terbaik musim ini.

Penyandang juara itu berkunjung ke Stadium Reebok untuk memburu kemenangan ketujuh berturut-turut dan yakin kerana penjaga gol, Edwin van der Sar dan dua tonggak pertahanan, Rio Ferdinand serta Nemanja Vidic tampak kental di kubu terakhir.

Dengan pasukan kendalian Alex Ferguson ini hanya dibolosi dua kali dalam enam perlawanan terakhir, United kini di persada liga sambil diekori rapat Chelsea, yang mampu memintas seketika jika dapat menewaskan Aston Villa, hari ini. Sebelum kemenangan 3-0 ke atas Fulham, Ferguson mendesak skuadnya memenangi baki sembilan perlawanan Liga Perdana. Menewaskan Liverpool 2-1 di Old Trafford hujung minggu lalu - satu petanda baik yang menunjukkan kemenangan mudah dapat disusuli apabila bertemu Bolton.

Sepanjang 10 pertemuan dengan Wanderers, United menang sembilan termasuk empat pertemuan terakhir yang hanya memberikan Bolton satu gol.

Perlawanan ini tentunya terlalu awal buat Owen Hargreaves, yang kali terakhir beraksi 18 bulan lalu selepas cedera di bahagian lutut, dan hanya bermain 45 minit dalam liga simpanan minggu lalu.

Dia sepatutnya turun sekali lagi bersama skuad simpanan kelmarin, tetapi pertemuan dengan Burnley ditunda dan Hargreaves dipanggil semula berlatih bersama skuad utama. Ferguson bagaimanapun mengetepikan bekas pemain Bayern Munich itu daripada skuad Liga Juara-Juara.

27/03/10-Berita Harian

Ferdinand and Vidic return key to title bid - Ferguson

LONDON, March 21 (Reuters) - The return of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the heart of Manchester United's defence is the key to their challenge for a fourth successive Premier League title, manager Alex Ferguson said on Sunday.

Ferguson praised the pair after United shook off an early Fernando Torres goal to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford and return to the top of the table.

Ferguson told Sky Sports he was hugely impressed with the duo when United survived a fierce onslaught to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 two weeks ago and they confirmed his opinion on Sunday.

"Wolves put it in our face, every ball was pumped forward and they challenged for everything, it was a real battle," Ferguson said.

"But what I thought then was that Vidic and Ferdinand coming back from a long time off, they rose to that challenge.

"They were fantastic, they were saying 'this is my type of game' and after that I said to myself 'keep those two fit and we've a marvellous chance against anyone'. Vidic today, in particular, was absolutely magnificent.

"So we have a very experienced back four and a very experienced goalkeeper and it gives us an outstanding chance, albeit there are seven difficult matches left."

Ferdinand missed three months of the season with a serious back injury and Vidic was ruled out for two months with a nerve problem in his leg.

However, the two have played together in United's last four matches with Torres's strike the only goal they have conceded.

Vidic also managed to avoid being sent off for the first time in four games against Liverpool but Ferguson thought Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano should have been dismissed for bringing down Antonio Valencia.

A penalty was awarded from which Wayne Rooney equalised but Ferguson was not happy.

"I thought it was a red card," Ferguson said.

"I don't see how anyone could have stopped Valencia from shooting and that's a goal scoring opportunity as far as I am concerned."

22/03/10

Telekom Malaysia penaja baru M.U???

Memang sesuatu yang susah untuk percaya. Tetapi itulah realitinya. Nampaknya sekarang Telekom Malaysia maju setapak lagi untuk dikenali seantero dunia dengan menjadikan kelab paling popular di dunia, Manchester United sebagai satu landasan untuk kembangkan pemasaran syarikat gergasi telekomunikasi dari Malaysia ini.

Tetapi jangan salah sangka, mereka bukannya penaja utama sehingga membuang perkataan AIG di jersi Manchester United yang ada sekarang…

Manchester United has signed Malaysia’s leading telecommunications provider, Telekom Malaysia, on a five-year deal to become its Official Integrated Telecommunications Partner in the country. The partnership will bring online content to MU supporters and Telekom Malaysia customers, as well as giving fans the chance to win trips to Old Trafford to watch the team play.

David Gill said: “Our commercial strategy continues to deliver exciting new opportunities. We know that this partnership will help the Club to speak to the millions of fans we have in Malaysia and we are delighted that Telekom Malaysia has developed from the sponsor of our tour match into a fully-fledged partner. We look forward to working with them.

“Anyone who went on our tour of the Far East last summer knows the strength of feeling that Malaysians have for the Club. “Over 40,000 attended our training session and another 40,000 came to the second match in Kuala Lumpur, despite only having 48 hours’ notice of the fixture.”

Director of Commercial, Richard Arnold said: “The Club is at the forefront of building relationships with its fans through digital media and this partnership helps us to maintain that position. Telekom Malaysia know all about the power of the Club to energise people in Malaysia and they have some great ideas about how to bring this deal tolife.” Dato’ Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group CEO of Telekom Malaysia said: “We are very happy seeing two champions in their respective fields coming together in a partnership such as this; TM, one of Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative telecoms brand, and Manchester United one the world’s most recognised sports brands and successful football clubs.

“Just like Manchester United, winning and being the best at what we’reat is our business, and that is why we believe this partnership will benefit both entities. This agreement also goes to show that anything is possible when we connect, communicate, and collaborate.”

Also in attendance at a press launch for the partnership were Sherene Azura Azli, Vice President,Group Marketing, for TM; United players Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex commented, “The size of our fan base in Malaysia, and the affection they have for ourclub, is phenomenal. The statistic thatalmost 25 per cent of the Malaysian population support Manchester United is staggering, quite incredible.

“I know this will be a fantastic partnership because we share the same ambition, to be the best at what we do. We’re always striving to do thathere at United. We’re very much alike in that respect.”

ManUtd.com

Pada musim 2010/2011 akan datang, Syarikat Gergasi Insurans yang berpusat di Amerika, Aon Corporation telah pun membuat dan mengikat perjanjian selama 4 tahun untuk menaja pasukan bola sepak Liga Inggeris ini, Manchester United yang bernilai sekitar £80 juta.

Jadi bukan murah dan mudah untuk letakkkan nama Telekom Malaysia di jersi Manchester United. Pasukan terkaya dunia seperti Real Madrid pun hanya dapat kontrak 4 tahun untuk jersi mereka dengan Bwin.com berjumlah £15 juta setahun. Tetapi buat masa ini, Nike masih mengeluarkan jersi Manchester United untuk tempoh setahun lagi yang tertera perkataan AIG sebagai sebahagian daripada baki kontrak mereka yang berbaki £14 juta setahun

12/03/10-Berita Semasa

Terpaksa minum jus Katak

Lompatan seperti Katak, membawa kemenangan untuk Manchester United.

PARK Ji Sung adalah seorang budak yang meminum jus katak busuk panas sebelum menjadi seorang lelaki dewasa.

Idola Korea Selatan itu – wira pada perlawanan Ahad lalu di Old Trafford – dianggap terlalu lembik untuk bermain dalam sukan bola sepak yang dicintainya.

Namun ibu bapanya memiliki idea lain. Itulah sebabnya bapanya pergi ke ladang katak, ibunya pula memasak jus itu manakala anaknya terkial-kial ketika meminumnya, selepas diberitahu nutrien itu boleh membantunya membesar.

Pemain tengah Manchester United berusia 29 tahun itu mendedahkan: “Mereka kata ia bagus buat saya untuk menjadi lebih kuat dan saya mengambil apa saja yang mampu meningkatkan ketahanan saya.” Malah bapanya bekerja di kedai penyembelihan daging jadi dia dapat potongan daging terbaik untuk membesarkan anak lelakinya dengan jus katak sebagai makanan kedua.

Persembahan Ji Sung buat kelab dan negaranya jelas tidak menghampakan ketika dia diberi jolokan di negaranya sebagai ‘Park yang mempunyai tiga paru-paru’.

Kerja kerasnya yang tidak mengerti makna penat membuatkannya tampak menyerlah. Lagipun dia memiliki kebijaksanaan berada di posisi tepat sekali gus dihargai oleh rakan sepasukannya.Pemain pertahanan Patrice Evra berkata: “Saya tidak pernah melihat seorang pemain yang sebijak sepertinya. Saya beritahunya supaya merakamkan permainannya dalam video kerana pergerakannya amat bagus jadi pedoman buat pemain muda.

Park buktikan ia adalah mengenai pasukan, bukannya individu.” Tindakan tidak mementingkan diri dianugerahkan dengan gol kemenangan dramatik ke atas Liverpool Ahad lalu. Ji Sung berkata: “Untuk menjaringkan gol dalam satu perlawanan besar adalah satu perasaan yang fantastik. Melakukannya di depan Stretford End amat menakjubkan.” Gol Ji Sung meletakkan United kembali ke persada Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL).

Ada tujuh lagi perlawanan liga tinggal dan jika kami memenangi semuanya maka kami akan memenangi kejuaraan. Jadi kami perlu memberikan tumpuan dan mengekalkan tahap persembahan ketika ini.
“Kami tidak perlu bimbang mengenai Arsenal atau Chelsea, kerana jika kami memenangi perlawanan kami, kami akan muncul juara.” Ji Sung bergelut dengan pelbagai rintangan sebelum menjadi ketua pasukan Korea Selatan dan pemain paling dipuja di negara itu. Dia pernah ditolak oleh pasukan kolej ketika remaja sebelum bermain buat pasukan Universiti Myongi.

Dia terpaksa berhijrah ke divisyen dua Jepun untuk mendapat peluang bermain bola sepak profesional dengan Kyoto Purple Sanga.

Ji Sung mula mencuri tumpuan pada Piala Dunia 2002 sebagai sebahagian daripada anggota pasukan Korea Selatan yang mara hingga ke separuh akhir.

Pengurus mereka Guus Hiddink membawa Ji Sung bersamanya ke Belanda apabila beliau mengambil alih tampuk pengurusan di PSV Eindhoven.

Namun peminat PSV mengejeknya, percaya bahawa dia tidak cukup bagus – memaksa Ji Sung mengakui ketika itu bahawa dia ‘bencikan bola sepak’.

Namun persembahan hebatnya pada separuh akhir Liga Juara-Juara menentang AC Milan pada 2005 meyakinkan pengurus United, Alex Ferguson untuk membelinya dengan tanda harga 4juta (RM19.98 juta).

24/03/10-Harian Metro

Edwin signs new deal

Edwin van der has signed a new one-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until at least June 2011.

The 39-year-old Dutch goalkeeper has put pen-to-paper on the new deal, which takes him beyond his 40th birthday in October this year.

Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased to have secured the experienced shot-stopper's services for another 12 months.

“Edwin’s professionalism and dedication to his job and the way he looks after himself has given him the longevity in the game," the boss told ManUtd.com. "That longevity includes such great experience not just at United, but at Juventus, Ajax and on an international level. We are absolutely delighted he is continuing for another year."

Van der Sar is "delighted" to have signed for another year, and also thanked United for the compassion shown in helping him to deal with the recent illness of his wife.

"I still feel good and am enjoying my football," he told us. "This is a great club and I was shown a great deal of compassion and support during a difficult time in December and January for which I am extremely grateful. I am looking forward to winning more trophies with this great team."

Squad Manchester United 2007/2010

Nani lands new deal

The story so far
Previous club: Sporting Lisbon
Joined United: 1 Jul 2007
Appearances: 97
Goals: 12

Honours
FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
UEFA Champions League: 2007/08
Premier League: 2007/08, 2008/09
League Cup: 2007/08
Community Shield: 2007, 2008

* stats correct at 26 Mar 2010

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Nani has signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until at least June 2014.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Nani is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club.

"We are delighted he has signed a new contract and I am sure he will have a long and successful future here at Manchester United."

Nani, who signed for United in July 2007 from Sporting Lisbon, added: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. It has been like a dream come true to play for Manchester United.

"The coaching staff have taught me so much about the game and I'm playing alongside some of the best players in the world.

"I'm looking forward to winning many more trophies with this team.”

26/03/10-Manutd.com

Rooney, Scholes and Giggs fit

Wayne Rooney is fit and available to play at Bolton if selected, despite press reports earlier in the week claiming that he was struggling with a knee injury.

The United striker is in flying form, with 18 goals in his last 15 games, and he could again lead the line for the Reds at the Reebok Stadium. Also available to play on Saturday tea-time are experienced pair Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

"Wayne is fit and there's nothing wrong with his knee," Sir Alex told reporters at Carrington on Friday morning, responding to questions about the 24-year-old's fitness.

"Scholes is okay again after an ankle knock and Ryan is a further week on with his training. Whether I start him or not is another matter. But his and Scholes' experience is invaluable at this time of year.

"Going to Bolton is a battle – it’s always been that way," added the boss. "Losing points at this time of year can be damaging. I think there will be some points dropped by the three teams between now and the end of the season, not a lot, but some. We just have to make sure we don’t drop as many as Arsenal and Chelsea."

There was further good news for United as John O'Shea began training for the first time with the first team on Thursday after a prolonged absence with a thigh problem. Sir Alex reckons the Irish defender, who last played for United in November's defeat to Chelsea, will be available to play at the beginning of April.

As revealed on Thursday on ManUtd.com, Owen Hargreaves has also joined in with full training and the manager added on Friday that the coaching staff will "monitor his training in terms of the intensity of the work he has to do to get to the first team level."

26/03/2010-Manutd.com