United 3 - 0 Wolves

Mick McCarthy's vastly-changed Wolves survived for half an hour before losing out to a lacklustre Manchester United.

With 10 new faces from the team that beat Tottenham, Wolves fell behind to a Wayne Rooney penalty after Ronald Zubar handled Darron Gibson's corner.

Defender Nemanja Vidic soon made up for a wild volley by nodding in United's second from another Gibson corner.

An uninventive Wolves rarely threatened and Antonio Valencia fired in the third after clever work by Dimitar Berbatov.

After their shock defeat by Aston Villa, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased with the three points which draw them level on points with leaders Chelsea, but the flat performance might give him a few concerns.

The talking point before kick-off could have been Ferguson's previous 899 league games in charge, but instead it was the visitors' surprising line-up that caught the attention.

After Saturday's 1-0 win at Tottenham, the Wolves team sheet revealed 10 changes by manager McCarthy with goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann the only survivor from their White Hart Lane heroics.

Premier League rules state that clubs should "field a full strength team", although the governing body told BBC Radio 5 live it was unlikely they would launch any investigation into the Old Trafford match.

These are worrying times for Wolves with this defeat pushing them back into the bottom three after Bolton saw off West Ham on Tuesday night.

Despite regulars Stephen Ward, Jody Craddock, Richard Stearman and Nenad Milijas all being absent from the squad, McCarthy's team of unfamiliar faces justified their selection at the start as they shut out United's strike partnership of Rooney and the recalled Berbatov.

After firing a one-on-one at Hahnemann's legs and then seeing a deflected shot dribble just wide of the post, Rooney finally got the all-important opener with a penalty on the half-hour to settle the early jitters.

Gibson's corner looped into the box and, as Zubar leaped with the towering Vidic, the Wolves defender flapped with his arm and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot.

The diving Hahnemann could do nothing to prevent the England striker hammering in his 12th league goal of the season and his 20th in the Premier League in 2009.

Just before the interval, the league champions doubled the lead after Vidic made up for an earlier high-and-wide volley that sailed over the bar.

It was another Gibson corner that created further havoc in the defence as the Serbian defender nodded the ball down and saw it squirm through the American keeper's hands.

The tepid exchanges continued in the second half and it was the visitors who almost pulled one back with a rare attack, but George Friend could only blaze over.

It was time for a change in personnel and McCarthy stoked up his attacking options by replacing the hard-working but largely ineffective Stefan Maierhofer with Chris Iwelumo.

Wolves soon conceded a third though, thanks to some trickery from Berbatov.

The Bulgarian picked up the ball on the right after a raking pass from Paul Scholes and hooked the ball over his head to Valencia, who hammered in a half-volley.

United's victory was a canter in the end, and after the Wolves fans chanted "we want our money back" it will be interesting to see which 11 they will be watching when they come up against fellow-strugglers Burnley at the weekend.

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Ryan Giggs named 'Personality of the Year' by BBC

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs was crowned 2009 BBC Sports Personality of the Year in Sunday's award ceremony.

The Welsh winger, 36, is the most decorated player in English football with a record 11th Premier League winners' medal secured this year.

Formula 1 champion Jenson Button was second with world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis securing third spot.

Giggs said: "I grew up watching this programme. To see the people that have won it and to be here is unbelievable."

He is the first footballer to claim the prestigious trophy since England midfielder David Beckham in 2001, with Michael Owen (1998), Paul Gascoigne (1990) and Bobby Moore (1966) the only other football winners.

With the public choosing their favourite from the shortlist of 10 by phone on the night, Giggs received 29.4% of the vote (151,842 votes) ahead of Button (18.74% - 96,770) and Ennis (15.58% - 80,469) with a total of 516,473 votes cast.

This year has seen Giggs win the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award for the first time in April and the Wales Sports Personality of the Year award, and in a United shirt he has made his 800th appearance, scored his 150th goal and helping them reach the Champions League final.

The Cardiff-born star added: "I am playing for the greatest manager that has ever lived and I'm playing for the greatest club. Perhaps I've become more appreciated as I have got older.

"It's unusual for a 36-year-old to be playing with a team like Manchester United for 20 years but I am enjoying it and long may it continue."

After Ferguson revealed on Friday that his veteran playmaker had been offered a new contract for next season, Giggs said: "It was the first I had heard of it the other day so I was quite pleased. Hopefully there will be another year after that."

One of the most emotional moments at the Sheffield Arena was Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros - watching on a video screen from home - being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award.

The 52-year-old, still recuperating from a brain tumour that required four life-threatening operations, received a standing ovation before receiving the award from a tearful compatriot and golfer José María Olazábal.

Other vote totals were: cyclist Mark Cavendish in fourth (55,960), gymnast Beth Tweddle (38,907), Daley (36,929), tennis player Andy Murray (19,936), Strauss (17,237), boxer David Haye (13,916), athlete Phillips Idowu (4,507).

After the 10 contenders were introduced to a packed audience at the start of the evening, Major Phil Packer received the Helen Rollason award.

The Sussex-born man was awarded for his extensive charity work - which included running the London Marathon this year - and revealed he would be setting up the British Inspiration Trust after leaving the army next February.

The 15-year-old diver Tom Daley, who was already in the list of 10 for the main Sports Personality award, began the night in grand fashion by getting his hands on the Young Sports Personality trophy for the second time.

Next up was comedian Eddie Izzard looking a little more refreshed than three months ago when the 47-year-old was finishing his 43rd marathon in 51 days in aid of Sports Relief.

After being handed the BBC Sports Personality special award, Izzard said: "Everything was painful. People asked me if I enjoyed the running, but I enjoyed the stopping! I staggered, I ran and I crawled."

The team award went to the England men's cricket team following their Ashes success against the Australians this summer, led by captain and top 10 Sports Personality contender Andrew Strauss.

Strauss, in South Africa with the team, said: "What I am most proud about is that we have stuck together in some pretty tough times. That is what got us over the line in the Ashes and this award can act as a spur to achieve more in the future."

Fabio Capello was named Coach of the Year on the back of the 63-year-old Italian guiding England to the 2010 World Cup, while Olympic and world sprint champion Usain Bolt claimed the Overseas trophy after his fireworks on the track.

The 72-year-old swimming instructor Doreen Adcock from Milton Keynes won the Sports Unsung Hero award.

Source: BBC

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Preview: 'United v Villa' (12-12-09)

PARK PRIMED FOR VILLANS' VISIT

Ji-sung Park is a man on a mission - to help United vanquish Aston Villa.

A win would at least keep Chelsea within reach - the Blues are now two points ahead - and could even put the Reds top if the leaders slip up at home to Everton.

Victory is far from a formality, however, even if United have won the last seven at home to Villa. As Park warns, history will count for little at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.

The Korean told United Review, “We have a good record against them but we have to look at the present - our past results won’t help us this time.

"Villa have been strong for the last few years and they’re more determined than ever to break into the top four. This season they have performed very well."

United's industrious winger is impressed with the squad Martin O’Neill has built at Villa Park, and knows the Reds will have to be on top form.

"They have a really strong team. Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner and Emile Heskey are all good. We'll have to be at our best."

Nemanja Vidic will return to bolster United's defence against Aston Villa on Saturday, but the Serbian will still be only one of two recognised defenders in the back four.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed to his Friday press conference that Vidic has overcome a recent bout of flu, and is likely to be joined by Michael Carrick in the centre of defence, with Darren Fletcher extending his recent stint on the right side of defence. Patrice Evra will continue at left-back.

"Having Vidic back is good news for us," said the boss. "Villa are prolific crossers of the ball so it's important to have someone like Nemanja in there.

"And if Villa play Heskey and Carew up front then we'll have a formidable task in dealing with them because they are big lads. But I think Vidic is the one player who can cope and we're delighted he's back.

"Michael will continue in the centre alongside Vida and Darren will play at right-back. We're certainly encouraged by the fact that players like Michael and Darren can adapt to playing in different positions and help us cope with the current situation."

The Reds' glut of rearguard concerns should ease, however, in the coming days and weeks. Rafael has started training, and is likely to be available for Tuesday's meeting with Wolves, while the same goes for Wes Brown, who starts training again on Friday. Edwin van der Sar remains out of action, but should return next weekend.

Gary Neville, Jonny Evans and John O'Shea are all still out, with Evans due back within a fortnight and O'Shea likely to be back for Leeds' FA Cup visit.

Source: manutd.com

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Fergie hails Owen hat-trick

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson saluted "fantastic" Michael Owen after the striker’s hat-trick helped the Reds triumph 3-1 at Wolfsburg to finish top of Champions League Group B.

Owen’s first treble for the club helped United overcome the absence of 14 players to record a memorable win over the German champions.

Asked about the former Liverpool forward’s contribution, Ferguson said on Sky Sports 2: “Fantastic. You know what he is. In the penalty box, he’s on the shoulder, making runs across defenders... the timing of the runs is fantastic and I’m really pleased for him.”

The victory was a record 15th away game unbeaten in the Champions League and only United’s third in 10 attempts on German soil.

Ferguson was also satisfied with how the rest of his makeshift team performed.

“There’s players with quality there. You’ve got to trust them. They’re doing their jobs and proving it tonight again.

“They’ve applied themselves and that’s important.”

Ferguson admitted his side had been fortunate not to concede a first-half penalty, however.

“It looks as if it was a penalty,” said the Scot. “Maybe we were a bit lucky there but sometimes you need a bit of luck in any game.

“Our control in the first half was very good but their threat towards the end with their speed on the counter-attack was very good.”

Owen view

Owen refused to take all the credit for the victory, saying the team as a whole had to dig deep to contend with so many absentees.

“Me getting three goals will probably grab the headlines, but it was a great team performance,” Owen added.

“I was playing deep with us having so many players out and we were trying to protect the back four.”

Owen, who turns 30 next Monday, hopes United will now be handed a favourable tie in the last 16 after progressing as group winners.

“It’s great being top so we play at home second,” he said. “But I’m not going to lie, you want as weak a side as possible

“(But) if a team’s got to first or second in the Champions League, there’s no weak sides, although you obviously want to avoid the big boys.”

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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West Ham 0 - 4 United

Source: football-highlight.com

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Yaya linked with Barca exit

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is becoming increasing unsettled at the club and his omission from the Barcelona team at the weekend against rivals Real
Madrid may be the final straw. Toure is now being linked with a move to either Chelsea or Man Utd in January with some sources also putting Manchester City in there too.

Toure’s agent Dimitri Seluk said: “We are not happy with this obviously. He is not playing. It is very strange not to be having minutes. If a team like Chelsea or Manchester United would come to us, we are obviously open to talking without any kind of problem.

“Yaya won’t just sit and wait. He is 26 years old and is nominated for the Golden Ball award. It is ridiculous for a player like this not to be playing.

“I don’t know what will happen, but I can say once thing for sure: my player won’t be remaining on the bench. This is 100 per cent for sure.

“It would be a mistake for Barca to let him go. For instance, when Liverpool sold Xabi Alonso, Liverpool went downhill. That’s the same situation here. Yaya is a key player in organising the midfield and in attacking.”

Whether Yaya is of the same mould as Alonso is up for debate but he would certainly add some bite to the Man Utd midfield and would add quality to the team. Someone is needed to fill the Man Utd shirt that will have to be left by Scholes one day and although Yaya is still young he has experience of playing at the very top level, something that will prove valuable if he signs for united.

Written by Kampanart Wong, a sports editor who blogs about cheap football kits

There's only one love, It's UNITED forever!!!!

Wes Brown enjoying life at the back

Wes Brown will be targeting three more points – and a second successive league clean sheet – when United travel to Portsmouth this weekend.

Injuries in defence have given Wes a chance in his favoured central role recently, one he grasped with both hands in the 3-0 home win over Everton last weekend.

The Longsight-born player has endured his own maddening periods on the sidelines over the years, but when fully fit he remains a top-class defender, and he'll be looking to demonstrate that once more at Fratton Park on Saturday.

"Rio and Vida have missed a few games, which has given me a chance and it’s been nice to be back in the centre," the 30-year-old says. "Throughout my career that’s always where I’ve said I want to play, but it really doesn’t bother me either way.

"I’m really enjoying it at the moment – I’m training well and when I’ve played I’ve felt 100 per cent fit. I’ve had a few frustrating seasons, but I always try my best to come back strongly and, touch wood, up to now I’ve been fine."

Wes is not the only Brown to have featured in United colours this season – brother Reece has been making a name for himself in the Academy and Reserves sides, although he's currently sidelined through injury.

"I try to watch him as much as I can," Wes adds. "We’re quite similar in the way we play, but he’s a lot taller than me and is very a powerful defender. We talk a lot about football and hopefully we’ll get the chance to play together one day."

Written by Paul Grippo, a 'Crazy' United fan

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Edwin Van der Sar may carry on

EDWIN Van der Sar is still keeping fellow keepers Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster waiting for their big chance.

The 39-year-old Dutchman's performances have been of their usual top quality, leading to the belief he will sign another one-year contract.

There are even rumours of a possible return to international football with Holland at next summer's World Cup - when he will be only four months short of his 40th birthday.

"I don't know his plans," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"When you get to that age and have a young family, there are a lot of things to consider.

"It is usually sometime in December that he outlines his plans and how long he thinks he can go on.

"He is a very intelligent man, who understands his body better than anyone. He will come to the right decision."

Sir Alex is equally confident of the future when van der Sar bows out.

"I have said all along, Ben has terrific ability," the manager stated.

"He needs plenty of game experience, which he has not got at the moment, but the future rests with him and Tomasz.

"The two of them will fight it out, I am sure of that."

Source: manchestereveningnews.com

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United 0 - 1 Besiktas

THIRTEEN years after Fenerbahce became the first team to defeat Manchester United in a European game at Old Trafford, fellow Turkish side Besiktas ended their 23-match unbeaten home record in the Champions League.

Rodrigo Tello's first-half effort did the damage, just as Elvir Bolic broke Sir Alex Ferguson's team all those years ago - goalkeeper Rustu Recber the constant - with United left to do a spot of naval gazing over the winter months.

A point at Wolfsburg in a fortnight will still secure top spot in Group B, qualification having already been achieved.

But, Gabriel Obertan apart, Ferguson knows his United team laboured badly against a side that had collected just a single point from their four previous matches.

A bit like England manager Fabio Capello in Qatar, the United boss discovered his back-up is not really cutting it just now, leaving him to cross his fingers that the watching Rio Ferdinand heads a list of returning soldiers when battle recommences in February, when, unlike now, there will be no redemption after failure.

The outcome was particularly galling for Ben Foster, who had so little to do.

To say there was a bit of pressure on Foster before kick-off was sizeable understatement.

A lot of it was self-inflicted. In grumbling quite so publicly about his perceived status as Reds' third choice goalkeeper while at the same time being good enough to start England's last two internationals, Foster ensured there would be a fairly intense focus on him the next time he was picked by Ferguson.

His recall was accompanied by words of high praise from his manager for CSKA Moscow stopper Igor Akinfeev, someone United were supposedly considering as Edwin van der Sar's replacement when the veteran Dutchman eventually calls time on his stellar career.

Ferguson's assertion that rumours he wants to sign the Russia international are “not true” will be greeted with a pinch of salt by the sceptics and certainly Foster had no reason to feel comfortable.

So, to be beaten after 20 minutes by a long-range strike that appeared to catch him slightly flat-footed was not the best way for Foster to respond.

Consolation could be taken from the slack defending that created the space for Tello to shoot.

The strike itself took a slight deflection off Rafael Da Silva that took it further out of Foster's reach but it was with a slight shake of the head and a sense of foreboding that the former Watford goalkeeper picked the ball out of his goal.

United were fortunate not to be further behind at the break but Michael Fink spoiled an otherwise excellent central midfield display by clipping the outside of a post with a 12-yard effort after the home defence had been opened up far too easily once more.

Yet on the whole, it had been an encouraging first-half for a youthful Red Devils side that only needed to preserve that long unbeaten home run to confirm themselves as Group B winners with a game to spare.

Strikers Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck both caused Besiktas problems in their own way.

The Italian was prepared to shoot from distance while Welbeck had a more nimble approach to unlocking the defence of a side that conceded eight to Liverpool on their last visit to England two years ago.

Obertan made the biggest impact.

For those still missing Cristiano Ronaldo, the Frenchman performed some fleet-footed stepovers and was not scared to use his pace down the right flank.

And, although his head seemed to drop near half-time when a couple of decisions went against him, it was Obertan who lifted flagging United spirits after an hour when he collected the ball inside his own half and sprinted past a couple of lame tackles before drawing an excellent low save out of Rustu.

He also looped a Macheda cross onto the roof of the net, at no little cost to Ibrahim Toraman, who was carried off with a suspected broken nose after accidentally being caught by an Obertan elbow.

But Obertan apart, a malaise had gripped home ranks. The introduction of Michael Owen was followed by a Ferguson expletive as he watched Darron Gibson curl a poor free-kick straight at Rustu.

It proved to be the Republic of Ireland international's last involvement as Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra were called upon to execute one of those famous rescue acts.

The task proved beyond them, with Rustu producing two excellent flying saves to deny Macheda and Wes Brown to give himself another night to remember at Old Trafford.

Source: manchestereveningnews.com

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