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Barca-United Final: Predicting The Line-Up Of Sir Alex's Men
Cristiano Ronaldo was always regarded as a winger during his time at Old Trafford. Not to say that he can't fit into the centre forward position but his best years at United saw him freely roaming and switching flanks as a genuine out and out winger. But it was that semi final triumph against Arsenal that persuaded Sir Alex after all. Ronaldo was employed in the wings and it weaved magic as United swept off the Gunners to march into the final at Rome. But boy did all go wrong at the Stadio Olimpico.
Basically, teams have always altered their formation while going against the mighty Catalans. 'Defensive' or maybe 'Negative Tactics' were probably the cliche's during build up to a game against Barcelona. Real Madrid certainly stopped the Catalans at the Mestalla not so long ago. But considering what happened when they clashed at the Nou Camp- with the situation not allowing Jose Mourinho's men to set-up defensively is raising up doubts over whether a team should go defensive against Barcelona.
Champions League Winner Van der Sar Must Retire This Year, Says Fergie
Alex Ferguson has seen Edwin van der Sar wearing Manchester United’s colours for the past 6 years now and the manager has backed the Dutch shot stopper to retire at the end of this season. Van der Sar will hope for Wednesday night’s Manchester United vs Schalke 04 match not to be his last UEFA Champions League match. The Red Devils are holding a 2-0 advantage and another clean sheet for Edwin van der Sar will definitely inspire Manchester United to reach the final at Wembley. In the build-up to the Schalke 04 encounter, Coach Alex Ferguson discussed about Edwin van der Sar’s career at Old Trafford. The Old Scot spoke to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, saying:
Schalke 04 vs Manchester United & 4 Top Facts: Rooney, Neuer, Raul & Co
Schalke 04’s Manuel Neuer & The Gelsenkirchen Stadium
The goalkeeper was at the Gelsenkirchen stadium—which will host Schalke vs Manchester United tonight—back in 2004. At that time, Manuel Neuer was “just” a ball boy as AS Monaco and FC Porto competed for the 2004 UEFA Champions League trophy. But he now represents Schalke and he has the chance of making history with his team against the mighty Red Devils.
Manuel Neuer to UEFA.com: “I was standing right on the pitch [in the 2004 final]. Back then, it was a dream for me to be at that match. Now, it is a dream for me to be playing in the semis [against Manchester United].”
Manchester United Vs Everton: We Have The Perfect Blend Of Players - Van der Sar
Manchester United are sitting comfortably at the top of the Barclays Premier League table with a six point gap. However, a brief look into their remaining fixtures tells that it isn't as easy as expected with games against Arsenal and Chelsea looming ahead.Nevertheless, the Red Devils do need a win against Everton at Old Trafford this tomorrow and Edwin Van der Sar believes that nothing is impossible when you have the perfect mixture of youth and experience.
The Dutchman said: "On the one hand you have a young player who brings maybe enthusiasm and fresh legs. Then on the other you have the experienced guys, who have the knowledge and the composure in important situations.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United: FA Cup Medal Chances Don't Affect Me - Van Der Sar
Edwin Van Der Sar has been a revelation for Sir Alex Ferguson ever since the United boss brought him to Old Trafford in 2005. The Dutchman has aided most of United's trophy bid and as tomorrow's clash looms ahead, we are reminded of the fact that he has never won the FA Cup with Manchester United.The former Fulham goalkeeper has almost literally won everything he could have won as a Devil but an FA Cup medal remains the only absentee from his grandiose medal collection. If United win against City tomorrow, they will go one step closer to winning the FA Cup, which will ultimately be the perfect sending-off gift for Van Der Sar as he retires at the end of the season.
Tomasz Kuszczak Wants To Leave Manchester United
The Polish international goalkeeper has never really established himself at Old Trafford since arriving from West Bromwich Albion in 2007. Although a majority of it was down to Edwin Van Der Sar's influence on the team, Kuszczak was even rated behind Ben Foster in United's goalkeeping ranks before the latter left for Birmingham.However, there seemed to be some light at the end of the tunnel for Kuszczak when Van Der Sar announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Nevertheless, the arrival of Anders Lindegaard and tonnes of strong speculations linking the Red Devils to a host of other talented shot-stoppers have prompted the decision to leave within him.
Manchester United Debate: Why De Gea Is THE Perfect Replacement For Van der Sar
After almost 21 years between the sticks with different clubs, Manchester United’s Edwin Van der Sar is set to hang up his gloves at Old Trafford. The ex-Ajax, Juventus and Fulham goalkeeper is admired for maintaining consistency season over season. His 130 matches for the Netherlands’ national football team and his more than 800 appearances in club football have certainly tired his body.
However, his performances haven’t been that affected. Even this season, which is understood to be his last, he’s been extremely reliable with more than 10 clean sheets in 35 appearances under his belt. A few more and he will remarkably reach the 20-clean sheets mark at the end of this term.
Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes deservingly receive global praises from fans and coaches for their commitment to Manchester United, but Edwin Van der Sar’s name can definitely not be omitted from the Red Devils’ list of major weapons. Following his arrival at Old Trafford from Fulham 6 years ago, the 40-year-old goalkeeper transformed into an important asset within Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
How Manchester United Suffocated Arsenal As They Marched Into The FA Cup Semi Finals
After losing to Liverpool and Chelsea, it was an important clash for United as they looked to bounce back. However, the whole clash was a lot more important for Arsenal, who have seen themselves lose out in two competitions over the space of two weeks. This game was being billed as the 'Battle Of Two Wounded Giants' and hopes must have been high for the 9,000 Arsenal fans, who traveled all the way to Old Trafford when they saw the team put out by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Jack Wilshere heated up speculations before the game when he stated that United might bet tempted to start with a weakened side, with a Champions League tie this Tuesday on their mind as well. But while Sir Alex Ferguson did field a weakened side, it was a line-up that nobody in a right state of mind would have predicted.
While Arsenal fielded arguably the best side available to them, Manchester United started with 7 defenders on the pitch. United were totally outplayed in midfield by Liverpool the week before and many speculated that his midfielders could be dropped for this match as a punishment for their dismal showings. And it all seemed to make sense when Sir Alex opted to start with only one recognized midfielder on the pitch, Darron Gibson. But believe it or not, it was this tactics that eventually won them the game. Live Soccer TV provides some analysis to how this particular tactic suffocated the Gunners.
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Manchester United Players To Watch
Edwin van der Sar
The Manchester United goalkeeper is not as good as Petr Cech in terms of statistics for the number of saves and goals conceded. Nonetheless, even though he nears an average of a goal per match in the Premier League following 23 goals allowed in 25 starts, Van der Sar is still a quality goalkeeper. Edwin has faced the Blues a number of times in his career, and he is well aware of the threats they can pose in attack. His instant saves and control inside the 6-yard box are attributes that can frustrate almost any forward. Beating him therefore often requires mistakes from his own mates in defense.
Patrice Evra
Evra is almost as good in defense as he is in attack. He can constantly be seen on the wings supporting his team’s front—and it is his aggression, his pace, and his flowing movements on the field which make it so difficult for opposing sides to contain him. When he is not tackling, he is pressuring on the attack. It is even needless to say that his power will be of great use for Coach Alex Ferguson against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool FC Close To Losing Pepe Reina To Manchester United
Liverpool have already lost Fernando Torres to Premier League archrivals Chelsea, but the Reds are not concerned by the striker’s departure, as new comers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have already popped up as promising players. Now, the radar of rivals Manchester United have been placed on goalie Pepe Reina, and this could be an unpleasant news for the Reds.Reina has been a regular starter for Liverpool since 2005, but surprisingly, he did not show as much loyalty as he was expected to, when he was asked about the transfer rumours currently surrounding him. According to The Sun, Reina told Spanish radio station Onda Cero:
Champions League: Manchester United’s Van der Sar Wants To Beat Strong Valencia
Things are just not clicking correctly for 2008 UEFA Champions League winners Manchester United. Their form away from home has especially been unconvincing, and results haven’t been positive either. In the English Premier League, the Red Devils succumbed to disappointing draws at Fulham, Everton, and Bolton respectively.
In these three away matches, Manchester United conceded up to 7 goals in total and they are now under pressure to improve on their defensive performance away from Old Trafford. On match-day one of the UEFA Champions League, Alex Ferguson made a controversial squad selection and his team eventually got held to a goalless draw to mark a rather disappointing start to their European campaign this season.