The Liverpool boss was responding to suggestions from the Chelsea chief that the Anfield men would target players who are one booking away from a ban from the return leg on Merseyside next week.
'It had not crossed my mind, but maybe it has Mourinho's because that is what Chelsea did two seasons ago to Xabi Alonso.'
Maybe that is what Jose did to Alonso. But if that was a message to the referee (Markus Merk) then I can say that if it is a yellow card, that is what it should be. If it is red, then also that is what it should be.
>> Both these teams are rubbing salt on all wounds - get real be a gentleman like Sir Alex.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Red Devils (3) Post Match with AC Milan (2)
Wayne Rooney's injury time strike gave Manchester United a slender 3-2 lead to take to Italy for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with AC Milan. Two goals from Milan forward Kaka had left United trailing at half-time but Rooney scored two stunning goals after the break to cap a thrilling match at Old Trafford.
It leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's men just needing to avoid defeat in the San Siro next Wednesday to confirm an all-English Final in Athens on May 23. The victory was all the more remarkable given the hosts were outplayed at times by a mesmeric Milan outfit, who bounced back in superb style from Ronaldo's fourth-minute opener and were never likely to be the powderpuff opposition Roma provided in the last round. Ferguson had warned the home supporters there would be no repeat of the seven-goal rout of a fortnight ago, and so it proved.
But for a few precious minutes, United dared to believe after making the same rapid start which set them on their way that stupendous victory. Ronaldo's 22nd of the season or a Dida own goal? The argument will rage for a while. The fact is Ronaldo rose to meet Ryan Giggs' corner, saw his firm header strike the Milan keeper in the shoulder, then, as Gabriel Heinze closed in on a looping ball that might have been dropping over the line anyway, Dida pushed it in.
Old Trafford erupted, temporarily forgetting the mass of players absent, hoping and praying the lead could be held, or even built upon. Who knows what might have happened had Michael Carrick volleyed home an astute chipped cross from Giggs as Ferguson's men pushed forward enthusiastically looking for a second.
As it was, a strangely out of sorts Carrick mis-hit his shot and Dida parried it away. It was precisely the type of opportunity Ferguson had implored his side to take. And by the time they got another one, Milan were in the lead.
Three PFA awards in as many days for Ronaldo appear to have confirmed his status as the finest footballer on the planet at present. There could be few quibbles with the brilliant winger's contribution to the United cause as he ran from deep and exposed an unexpected hesitancy in Milanese ranks.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo was not operating from a platform of defensive solidity, which allowed Kaka free reign to exhibit his wondrous skills. The free-kick given against Darren Fletcher from which Milan fashioned their equaliser was a harsh call, but once the ball arrived at Clarence Seedorf's feet, United were in trouble.
Seedorf, a winner in this competition with three different clubs, spotted Kaka's determined run and slid a perfect pass into the Brazilian's feet which allowed him to gain a precious half-yard on Heinze and flick his shot into the far corner.
The coolness of that effort was repeated 15 minutes later when a catastrophic collision between Heinze and Patrice Evra offered Kaka a free run on the United goal which ended with an emphatic finish.
Evra had been a major doubt beforehand and the Frenchman probably wished he had not bothered when he picked up a booking late in the half that will rule him out of the second leg.
United's second-half salvage operation should have begun perfectly when Giggs' corner fell to an unmarked Carrick at the far post. Twice a scorer against Roma, the former Tottenham man could only hold his head in his hands as he missed again.
With Milan's intricate passing truly magnificent, it seemed only a matter of time before Kaka would complete his hat-trick and seal the tie. Yet even in this ravaged state, United are still capable of sublime moments of skill and Scholes promptly produced one, lofting a pass over the Milan defence from a standing position which invited Rooney's fierce finish.
Once more, Ferguson's side banished the demons created by their shattered defence. Dida pushed away a piledriver from the outstanding Fletcher. Ryan Giggs twice went close. It seemed they would have to settle for a draw but Milan reckoned without Rooney. Largely ignored amid the welter of publicity for Ronaldo this season, the 21-year-old has now caught his young-team mate on 22 goals. And how precious his latest effort could prove to be.
It leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's men just needing to avoid defeat in the San Siro next Wednesday to confirm an all-English Final in Athens on May 23. The victory was all the more remarkable given the hosts were outplayed at times by a mesmeric Milan outfit, who bounced back in superb style from Ronaldo's fourth-minute opener and were never likely to be the powderpuff opposition Roma provided in the last round. Ferguson had warned the home supporters there would be no repeat of the seven-goal rout of a fortnight ago, and so it proved.
But for a few precious minutes, United dared to believe after making the same rapid start which set them on their way that stupendous victory. Ronaldo's 22nd of the season or a Dida own goal? The argument will rage for a while. The fact is Ronaldo rose to meet Ryan Giggs' corner, saw his firm header strike the Milan keeper in the shoulder, then, as Gabriel Heinze closed in on a looping ball that might have been dropping over the line anyway, Dida pushed it in.
Old Trafford erupted, temporarily forgetting the mass of players absent, hoping and praying the lead could be held, or even built upon. Who knows what might have happened had Michael Carrick volleyed home an astute chipped cross from Giggs as Ferguson's men pushed forward enthusiastically looking for a second.
As it was, a strangely out of sorts Carrick mis-hit his shot and Dida parried it away. It was precisely the type of opportunity Ferguson had implored his side to take. And by the time they got another one, Milan were in the lead.
Three PFA awards in as many days for Ronaldo appear to have confirmed his status as the finest footballer on the planet at present. There could be few quibbles with the brilliant winger's contribution to the United cause as he ran from deep and exposed an unexpected hesitancy in Milanese ranks.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo was not operating from a platform of defensive solidity, which allowed Kaka free reign to exhibit his wondrous skills. The free-kick given against Darren Fletcher from which Milan fashioned their equaliser was a harsh call, but once the ball arrived at Clarence Seedorf's feet, United were in trouble.
Seedorf, a winner in this competition with three different clubs, spotted Kaka's determined run and slid a perfect pass into the Brazilian's feet which allowed him to gain a precious half-yard on Heinze and flick his shot into the far corner.
The coolness of that effort was repeated 15 minutes later when a catastrophic collision between Heinze and Patrice Evra offered Kaka a free run on the United goal which ended with an emphatic finish.
Evra had been a major doubt beforehand and the Frenchman probably wished he had not bothered when he picked up a booking late in the half that will rule him out of the second leg.
United's second-half salvage operation should have begun perfectly when Giggs' corner fell to an unmarked Carrick at the far post. Twice a scorer against Roma, the former Tottenham man could only hold his head in his hands as he missed again.
With Milan's intricate passing truly magnificent, it seemed only a matter of time before Kaka would complete his hat-trick and seal the tie. Yet even in this ravaged state, United are still capable of sublime moments of skill and Scholes promptly produced one, lofting a pass over the Milan defence from a standing position which invited Rooney's fierce finish.
Once more, Ferguson's side banished the demons created by their shattered defence. Dida pushed away a piledriver from the outstanding Fletcher. Ryan Giggs twice went close. It seemed they would have to settle for a draw but Milan reckoned without Rooney. Largely ignored amid the welter of publicity for Ronaldo this season, the 21-year-old has now caught his young-team mate on 22 goals. And how precious his latest effort could prove to be.
Rest In Peace
World Cup-winning hero Alan Ball died of a suspected heart attack after battling to put out a bonfire in his garden, Hampshire police have confirmed. The 61-year-old, the youngest member of the team that lifted the Jules Rimet trophy, was found collapsed at his home overnight and later confirmed dead. Ball won 72 caps for his country in a 10-year England career and is the second member of the 1966 side to pass away after captain Bobby Moore in 1993.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Thursday's Special
OK on Thursday at 630pm the team is heading down to the bowling alley. Seems like Cathal spent sometime today polishing his balls. Its gonna be a great time with the team for a change on balls and not shuttle cocks.
Red Devils being careful of AC Milan Tonite
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United's expectant fans there is no likelihood the Red Devils will repeat their seven-goal rout of Roma against AC Milan tonight.
Ken >> Alex is looking for a 1-0 win andd at least not give an away goal if possible. We are a depleted team with a lacking defence marshal by John O'Shea andd Brown.
Ken >> Alex is looking for a 1-0 win andd at least not give an away goal if possible. We are a depleted team with a lacking defence marshal by John O'Shea andd Brown.
Red Devils Hit Back
Sir Bobby Charlton has branded Jose Mourinho 'silly' and 'senseless' for complaining there is one rule for Manchester United and another for Chelsea where penalties are concerned.
'It's a little bit silly really. 'Considering he's a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly.
'It's a nonsense really. We've played in so many matches this year when we've not had the decisions and they've been quite obvious really. 'But you get on with it, you move on. I thought it was a little bit senseless.It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.'
'It's a little bit silly really. 'Considering he's a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly.
'It's a nonsense really. We've played in so many matches this year when we've not had the decisions and they've been quite obvious really. 'But you get on with it, you move on. I thought it was a little bit senseless.It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.'
Loud Mouth
LONDON, April 24 (Reuters) - Two newspapers related on Tuesday how Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho once allegedly hid in a laundry basket used for transporting the club's kit to get round a UEFA ban covering a big game.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Manchester United News
On the even of the big clash with Milan - Evara and Gary will be hoped to be back.
We will have a patched up defence and I favour a 2-1 win for United at best. Ive always said that
Sir Alex piority is to with the EPL off the handds of the russian mafia and big mouth Jose.
Once again where is Liverpool - playing catch up in the EPL... countdown begins to EURO CHAMPS SEMI FINALs
We will have a patched up defence and I favour a 2-1 win for United at best. Ive always said that
Sir Alex piority is to with the EPL off the handds of the russian mafia and big mouth Jose.
Once again where is Liverpool - playing catch up in the EPL... countdown begins to EURO CHAMPS SEMI FINALs
Spurs after that dramatic draw with the Gunners
Dimitar Berbatov : 'We must think more when we play and sometimes we don`t. Arsenal took the initiative and scored two goals - we were stupid to allow those goals and we must stop that if we want to achieve something. 'I think we could have won the game. If we want to grow up like a team we have to play better.'
Alright Berba ~ Come play for the real 'grown up' team : THE RED DEVILS Mate !
Alright Berba ~ Come play for the real 'grown up' team : THE RED DEVILS Mate !
Murinho and his Crap
So now Murinho has started with his big mouth “I’m just speaking about facts,” he said, “not conspiracy, so nobody can punish me. It looks as if it’s forbidden to give a penalty against United or in our favour. If anyone tells me it wasn’t a penalty for Sheffield, a penalty for Middlesbrough or one for us against Newcastle, I will go to my optician.”
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