It seems that footballers have been at each other throats for the past 10 days. We have had handbags, abusive comments, slaps and theatrics up and down the country.  These tête à têtes however will have to go some way to match:

Roy Keane v Patrick Viera

Very few feuds can match the rivalry between two of the best centre midfielders of their generation. Both players have enjoyed spats with other opponents, but when Premiership Titles and FA Cups are on the table, the stakes are raised.

This feud of the 2000’s came to a head, as most of them do, in the Highbury tunnel. Patrick Viera angered by Gary Neville’s challenges in the previous clash on Antonio Reyes, confronted the full back. Roy Keane reacted to this by squaring up to Viera, a mêlée ensued but eventually they were separated by teammates. The bitter argument continued as the teams lined up in the tunnel.

A clearly fuming Keane can be seen saying to the ref:

“Tell him to shut his fucking mouth.”

Broadcast live on TV, this incredible moment still overshadows what was a good 4-2 victory for United. The bad blood continued in the weeks and months that followed as both players took to media outlets to voice their opinions.

Graeme Le Saux v Robbie Fowler

The soft spoken left back had to endure a lot of abuse in his time, not only from the opposition fans and players, but his own teammates. Former England midfielder, David Batty, was the first to come to blows with Graeme Le Saux, in a Champions League game in Russia.

However, the defining battle of Le Saux’s Premiership career was with Liverpool legend, Robbie Fowler. After being mocked by the Scouser, Le Saux dished out retribution with a thumping elbow to the back of Fowlers head. Remarkably Le Saux escaped a red card for his Street Fighter move.

Ian Wright v Peter Schmeichel

Goalkeeper against striker is a rivalry as old as football itself, but this was given extra significance because it was United’s greatest keeper against Arsenal’s greatest striker. This feud transfixed football fans as it pitted one player’s word against another’s.

It started at Old Trafford where words and challenges were exchanged before continuing at the return fixture. In the Highbury tunnel things came to a head again and an altercation ensued. If walls could talk that tunnel would be able to tell a few stories.

Mario Balotelli v Francesco Totti

It is always hard for the old guard to step down and allow the next generation through, but it is even harder when you are the Il Gladiatore, playing in front of an adoring crowd.

Trouble started when a year before, Mario Balotelli, had celebrated a double strike by holding his finger to his lips and hushing the Roma Tifosi. Francesco Totti later admitted this antagonism was partly to blame for what was to follow. As the Rome club trailed Inter in the Copa Italia Final, Roma’s captain snapped and felled Super Mario with a brutal kick, straight off the top shelf of petulance.

John Terry v Wayne Bridge

Its not often a football feud will feature on both the front, middle and back pages, but this one did. The astonishing thing is it was due to dalliances off the pitch, that pitted two former best friends against each other.

Vanessa Perroncel, Wayne Bridge’s girlfriend who was good friends with John Terry’s wife, was found to be having relationships with the Chelsea and England captain. The fall out resulted in wide spread condemnation of the Chelsea centre back which, ultimately led to him losing the England captaincy.

The rivalry came to a head when Bridge’s new club, Manchester City, faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The game saw a hopeless Chelsea crushed 4-2. The game, however, will be forever remembered for the non-handshake though.

Joey Barton v Ousmane Dabo

No list of fighting footballers would be complete without Joey Barton. His career may not have hit the heights it promised, but his personal life truly hit the lows.

The defining feud of Barton’s career was with French Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo. The pair clashed in training after a typically robust challenge from Barton upset Dabo. The Frenchman reacted by slapping Barton round the back of the head. The Englishman’s retaliation was brutal, speaking recently Barton said:

“Bang, bang, bang and it was over. The truth is he started the fight and I finished it.”

As a result of this confrontation Dabo suffered a suspected detached retina, whilst Barton was charged by the FA, fined ₤100,000, given a suspended 4 months sentence and ordered to pay ₤3,000 compensation.

Anthony Lombardi regularly contributes to Soccerlens. You can follow him on Twitter @arlombardi.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

We compare two main striking threats for Manchester United and Liverpool, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez, and look at their stats for the start of the Premier League season.

ROONEY MAN UTD’S MAIN THREAT

Wayne Rooney has started the season in blistering from. The Manchester United and England striker is currently the Premier League’s top scorer and will be looking to add to his tally against Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

The ex-Evertonian has nine goals from six appearances this season and Manchester United have won every game he has played in – drawing the only one he has missed.

Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez: Premier League 2011/12

Wayne Rooney’s importance to Manchester United and the variety in his all round game are demonstrated by the statistics of his season so far.

The England striker has scored 9 goals, 3 of which have been from outside the box. Of those 9 goals only 4 have been from open play, which shows how deadly his strike can be from set pieces.

Rooney has a shooting accuracy of 59.1% and is highly involved in matches touching the ball on average 67.3 times a game.

Rooney’s role in the construction of United’s attacking moves is represented by him making an average of 52.8 passes a match. To add to this 78.5% of his passes reach their destination.

Manchester United attacking player’ statistics (Premier League 2011/12)

LIVERPOOL’S LUIS SUAREZ LOOKS TO SNATCH A WINNER

Luis Suarez is currently Liverpool’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with 4 goals.

The Uruguayan has been prolific in front of goal this season and has been a key element of their recent revival.

This season the forward has allowed Liverpool to keep up with the pace setters at the top of the table as he has attempted the most shots for the reds (23) of which 9 have been on target.

The skilful striker has dribbled his opponents 12 times this season and been accurate with 79% of his passes, whilst also touching the ball in the opposition box 45 times.

Suarez for Liverpool in the PL 2011/12

Liverpool’s Premier League goal scorers 2011/12.

Luis Suarez is the only Liverpool player that has scored more than once in the Premier League this season and has attempted the most shots, demonstrating a real hunger and will to score.

Suarez has also won his team 14 free kicks (6 in danger areas) and although not being renowned for his work rate the Uruguayan has won 5 of the 6 tackles he has attempted this season (83.3%).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Last night Wayne Rooney’s astonishing moment of stupidity ensures that Manchester United star is set to miss the start of Euro 2012 next year. It remains to be seen whether he is handed more than a single match ban by UEFA for his act of madness. Wayne’s attack at at Dzudovic’s shin seemed as worst as Arshavin’s kick against Andorra that got him banned for the first two games of Euro 2008. Although England earned the one point needed to qualify for the championships, still they were in a winning position when Rooney got sent off and the manager just could not defend his player’s act.

“It’s a red card. You can’t defend that. I’m not happy, absolutely,”

“I spoke with him. He made a silly mistake and he said: ‘Yes, sorry”

Well sorry is not good enough for England. Rooney only had one major international competition where he excelled, 7 years back in Euro 2004. Other than that he only had horrendous outings. Sent off against Portugal in WC 2006 being highly annoyed playing as a lone striker, the team could not qualify for Euro 2008 and he was one of the flops of the tournament at last year’s World Cup. The criticism is fair enough. It will be a crime to say that Peter Crouch is better player than Rooney but their stats for England tell another story. The former Everton player has never been able to emulate his fantastic club form for national side, mind you, in major competitions not in friendlies and certain qualifiers.

If you ask Manchester United fans, they say that Rooney was rushed back into the side both in 2006 and 2010 World Cup. In 2006 he came back from a metatarsal injury and was never fully fit to have much impact and again in 2010 he got a knock for which he did not take part in last few games of the season but started the first game for England. So if Rooney doesn’t get the injury excuse this time around, he made sure that his disorderly start to major tournaments for England continues as his frustration cost him and his nation last night.

The Montenegro manager, Branko Brnovic claimed that he was surprised to see the England international take part in the game.

“I read in the newspapers that Rooney has some family problems in England. To be honest I didn’t expect him to play because those things are serious and it’s not easy to concentrate on the game,”

“They’re serious and maybe that’s why he did what he did.”

On the other hand Fabio Capello disagreed with these comments and claimed that Rooney was annoyed as he missed certain passes and could not control the ball well during the match so for this reason he took out his frustration and kicked the opponent. Having said that Capello added that he cannot get into Rooney’s head to know what is going on and why he reacted in such a way.

Whatever the reason might be for his reaction, the bottom line is that he will miss the start of Euro 2012 campaign. His suspension might just be blessing in disguise for England as he has not been able to help the nation much when it comes to the big stage. So perhaps the three lions can form a system that is effective without him. But I guess that will not happen as for England star names play and not the ones who are best for the system. Having said that Rooney is without a doubt an exceptional talent but whether his shaky start will affect his national side yet again, Only time will tell.

Follow Myself and Soccerlens on Twitter: Farjad07 and Soccerlens

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Rooney and Young, Young and Rooney. The two seemingly go hand in hand. Both have starred in Manchester United’s exceptional start in the quest for a 20^th Premier League title. Sir Alex Ferguson’s newly devised weapon is as electrifying as it is frightening. Undoubtedly, Rooney and Young have taken Old Trafford by storm.

Initially, Ashley Young’s £16million transfer to Manchester United gave ammunition to his critics. They argued that the ex-Villan lacked the required ability to play for the champions. However, Young remains bulletproof. Whilst the England international continues to entertain, these critics are sheepishly eating their words.

Wayne Rooney is, once again, enjoying his football. He is radiating confidence. Last year’s nightmare is evanescent. After a gluttonous start to this campaign, the Manchester United faithful are hoping that Rooney can replicate his 2009-2010 season. Five goals in the first three games is emboldening. Form is temporary, class is permanent? Absolutely.

As individuals, Rooney and Young are garnering deserved praise. However, the real delight has been their synergy. Congeniality between the two conveys the impression that Young and Rooney have been playing at the same club for years. Moreover, it has emphasised Rooney’s important and influential role. How he drops deeper, from a striker’s role, to support the attacking midfielders is a key element to Manchester United’s offensive threat.

Currently, as a “dynamic duo”, Young and Rooney have concocted the most chances in the Premier League. The latter has certainly profited from the former’s assists by notching three goals as a result. Young adds an extra dimension to Manchester United’s attack. Last season, the Red Devils heavily relied on Nani’s pace and flair. However, even still, Rooney is often left frustrated by Nani’s indecisiveness. Young, who also possesses speed, uses his strengths accordingly. There is a greater understanding between Young and Rooney than Nani and Rooney. Frequently, Rooney has opted to move around the left side of the pitch. If necessary, he’ll play a precise long ball to the right flank.

Alongside the grateful Manchester United fans and the national media, England manager Fabio Capello has also been mesmerized by the partnership. Consequently, the stern Italian positioned Young behind Rooney against Bulgaria. At the Vasil Levski National Stadium, Ashley Young proved that he was more than a traditional winger. He might be more comfortable on the left, but he performed admirably in his assigned role. In a match where Rooney stole the show, it was almost scripted for Young to be a benefactor. A gliding pass into the forward’s path followed by a simple tap-in. 3-0 and job done.

Despite the prematurity of the Premier League, the menacing partnership of Young and Rooney will have longevity. Their chemistry provides a catalyst for Manchester United’s forward-thinking play. If many thought Manchester United’s football was boring, Rooney and Young have graced it.

Twitter: @OliverRhodes1

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

How long will it take before employees of Manchester United fathom the club is King and they mere pawns? I fear the answer is ‘longer than they’ll be afforded’.

Public conduct will forever be a subjective topic, but for me, a players behaviour is no business of mine. It should however be of paramount importance to the club that pays his wages. Why should they stand by and watch their assets drag their name through the mud to satisfy the blood thirsty media and the ever flocking fickle fan.

Clubs don’t just hire the modern day footballer to play football, oh no. He’s hired to sell shirts, attract sponsors, satisfy premium paying hospitality guests and lure a constant stream of merchandise hungry foreign tourists into it’s megastore.

It’s a fact that Manchester United held a meeting recently where the first team were informed that their conduct on Twitter was under surveillance. The Reserves were also warned and the Academy players were ordered to refrain from using the site altogether until further notice.

The cause of the meeting was thought to be Ravel Morrison’s misguided remark the day after the clubs prestigious awards ceremony.

Twitter Incidents:

Ravel Tweeted “What a load from last nights awardss well done tunnerz tho appart from dat – Shit”

That came just days after Wayne Rooney had been lured by @sam-oldham-LFC into taking the bait on offer. “Rooney ya fat whore ill smash ya head in with a pitchin wedge an bury ya with a ballast fork ya fat ugly lil nonse” he wrote.

Rooney quickly retorted “I will put u asleep within 10 seconds hope u turn up if u don’t gonna tell everyone ur scared u little nit. I’ll be waiting” and suddenly the mundane public indulged in some excessive overhyping and again the player was dragging the clubs name through the mud.

It’s impossible to escape the fact that we’re also currently watching a real life soap opera unfold elsewhere within the team. That story looks destined to diminish the achievements and the image of Mr You Know Who, and where did that story eminate from…?

Then there’s Darron Gibson. He opens a Twitter account, he gets dogs abuse for two hours then shuts down his account.

Rio Ferdinand, the self proclaimed ‘King of Twitter’ has for weeks bombarded over a million peoples timelines with petty nonsense about Piers Morgan’s alledged ‘man boobs’ or ‘moobs’ as they’re called and that soon became very very tedious.

It’s not acceptable for the England national team to travel to Spain and recieve vile racial abuse but it’s ok to publicly browbeat a fellow user in front of millions of viewers? #hypocrite

The latest revelation is that @rioferdy5 appears to think it’s acceptable to send a private message via Twitter to a journalist who, to Ferdinands disgust, has made it public to the Twitfam (Ferdinands pet name for his Twitter followers). “you fat prick…” the message began……..Are you really that surprised, Rio? And what is it with other peoples weight?

Ferdinand continued “u got something to say about me missing a drugs test say it when u see me.”

Now excuse me for thinking this, but it strikes me there’s an element of immaturity going on here, not to mention unthinkable niavete.

It’s my own opinion that @OllieHoltMirror is a pompous twat but since making the DM (private message) public, he’s been castigated by United fans who mostly support Ferdinand’s actions, whereas fans of opposing teams are unsurprisingly queueing up to pour sympathy over Holt.

Personally, I don’t care for pinning my colours to a single party as support because it just doesn’t matter, they’re both acting like utter buffoons anyway (although Rio did start it!!!).

What’s Important?

What I DO care about though is Manchester United. Its employees come and go, and very few do more for the club than they do for themselves. Some, both past and present, have displayed a certain distain for the club that’s left a bitter taste in the mouth that will never be washed away – Eg: Rooney October 2010. Ferdinand July 2005/Sep 2003. I just wish MY club meant as much to them as it does to me.

How can this incredible platform [Twitter] that offers so many fantastic possibilities between fan and player, be shamefully abused by people who should know better. If I was paid anywhere in the region of what they take out of MY club every week then I’d be extraordinarily careful not to harm the chances of that continuing. Seems to me that unless these players quickly establish the difference between what TO say and what NOT to say, the more time they’ll be gifted to embrace the format. If they don’t, and I’m of the opinion it’s already too late, they risk being shut down completely. Thus destroying what was/is potentially the most auspicious and valuable link between the now untouchable superstar and the flock of following mugs.

Let’s just stick to the football hey lads? I don’t give a shit about Rio burping his latest addition or which act on Britain’s Got Talent Wayne Rooney finds the most exciting, but at least they’re not offensive. How’s about having a conversation about football at some point? #besensible #pleasedon’tspoilit

@Rimmerstweets

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester United secured their 19th league title recently. James, Chief MUFC Writer for writtenoffside.com, chronicles the highs and the lows of a another memorable season.

Pre-Season

Manchester United kicked off the 2010-11 season with three new additions to the squad. Chris Smalling had agreed his transfer from Fulham back in January 2010 but the deal was officially signed in July. Javier Hernández was signed from Chivas Guadlajara and impressed United fans with his pace and eye for goal during the World Cup in South Africa. The most surprising purchase by the club was that of Tiago Manuel Dias Correia (better known as Bébé) who arrived for a reported fee of £7.4million and with just 26 games as a professional behind him and seemingly little pedigree as a top class footballer.

United kicked off the season with the traditional Community Shield fixture against double winners Chelsea at Wembley. The Red Devils picked up their first silverware of the season emerging as comfortable 3-1 winners which included a goal from Hernández who displayed the first glimpse of his penchant for improvisation in the process of scoring his first strike of the season. The little Mexican’s goal was sandwiched between efforts from Valencia and Berbatov.

August to October

P10, W5, D5, L0. GS:22 GC:12

The Premier League campaign for United kicked off on Monday 16^th August with a game against newly promoted Newcastle at Old Trafford. The home side ran out comfortable winners by three goals to nil with the night rounded off by a sublime Scholes assist leading to a fine Giggs finish which saw the Welshman maintain his incredible record of scoring in every Premier League season since its inception in 1992/93.

Scholes’ fine form continued at Craven Cottage the following weekend with a trademark strike from outside the box to give United the lead against Fulham. The Reds dropped their first points of the season in what was to become a worrying trend in the early weeks as a late Hangeland header drew the teams level after the Fulham defender had put through his own net just five minutes earlier. The frustration was further compounded by a Nani penalty miss which would have sealed the points with the score at 2-1.

A comfortable home win against West Ham followed which was notable only for Rooney’s first goal of the season from the penalty spot and a fine individual strike from Nani after cutting in from the right flank.

Matches at Goodison Park always have a habit of producing excitement and this season’s fixture was no different. After falling behind, United replied either side of half time with goals from Fletcher and Vidic before a casual but cultured Berbatov strike left United cruising as the game meandered into injury time. However, lapses in concentration allowed the Toffeemen to equalise and leave the away side with red faces as the stuttering start to the season continued.

Next up was the small matter of Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford who would come to be knocked off their perch by the season’s finale. After storming into a two goal lead courtesy of the languid Berbatov whose overhead kick for his second will live long in the memory, United’s habit of letting leads slip emerged once more as Gerrard brought the Scousers level. Scenes of extensive camera and badge kissing were quickly extinguished by the Bulgarian number 9 completing his hat trick with a second header to secure a much needed three points for the home side. The result heaped more pressure on then Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson who had begun his tenure at Anfield in patchy fashion and it ultimately led to his sacking in January ahead of the FA Cup meeting between these two sides.

Away draws followed against Bolton and Sunderland as United looked unconvincing on their travels against teams they would have swept past in previous campaigns. The malaise surrounding the club’s performances grew deeper with the team surrendering a two goal advantage at home against promoted West Brom who benefited from one of the only blunders from Van der Sar all season. These were to be the only dropped points at Old Trafford all season.

It was at this point in October that news started to filter out about Wayne Rooney’s apparent desire to leave the club. This was swiftly confirmed by Sir Alex in a captivating press conference where he attempted to explain the player’s motives for turning his back on the club. In everyone’s eyes it was a brilliant “performance” by the manager who heaped pressure on his wayward striker and made it clear that he was being badly advised. With the United faithful firmly behind the boss and the sentiments expressed, Rooney had a change of heart and returned to the negotiating table. In many fans eyes, he emerged somewhat fortuitously with a bumper new contract although it took some quality end of season performances to win round the favour of the fans who once idolised him.

The gloom engulfing the club was lifted further by the joy of a first away victory of the season at the Britannia Stadium where a new star appeared from the shadows to nudge United past the challenge of Stoke. Javier Hernández secured a brace on the day but it was his opener that will be fondly remembered and brought him firmly to the attention of the football watching public. After a corner had been headed back across goal by Vidic, the Mexican leapt up with his back to goal and managed to flick the ball towards goal in one swift motion. Replays proved beyond doubt that it was a tremendous piece of improvisation rather than luck as the timing of his jump was crucial to the eventual execution. The winner was a typical poacher’s goal from within the six yard box that sent the travelling army of fans home happy. This was also the game that proved why Gary Neville’s eventual retirement was a sound idea after he was caught struggling for pace numerous times and fortunate not to receive a red card.

October drew to a close with a game against Spurs at fortress Old Trafford. With Rafael keeping golden boy Gareth Bale quiet, it was left to Gomes in the away team goal to take the headlines after he gifted Nani the all important second goal after a Vidic header had put United in front. With the game still closely fought, Nani’s claims for a penalty were waved away by referee Clattenberg who gestured for the game to continue. Gomez clearly thought it was a free kick to Spurs and proceeded to put the ball down only for the Portuguese winger to fire the ball into an unguarded net. The inevitable Spurs protests failed to see the goal overturned and led to phone-in shows being deluged with calls from irate supporters still seething at the “goal that never was” by Mendes a few seasons back. Ironically, Mr Clattenberg was on duty that night also!

November to February

P17, W12, D4, L1. GS: 39 GC:13

The first league game in November saw the visit of Wolves to Old Trafford. The pre-match talk centred around the inclusion of Owen Hargreaves. Sadly for the former Bayern Munich midfielder, the much anticipated return lasted barely five minutes and he was never seen in a United shirt again. His replacement on the day, Bébé did not fare much better on the pitch as he faced the ignominy of being a substitute substituted after an erratic display. United managed to sneak the three points late on thanks to a Ji Sung Park strike.

Next up was the small matter of the Manchester derby at Eastlands but this occasion passed by relatively unnoticed due to the home side’s negative tactics as the game ended goalless and without incident.

Villa Park has been a happy hunting ground over the years both in league and cup competitions for United but after 75 minutes, the Reds found themselves two goals down after another insipid away performance. Thankfully, the much renowned never say die attitude that resonates from every section of the club shone through as goals from Macheda and Vidic claimed a share of the spoils.

A routine 2-0 home victory against Wigan followed soon after but was notable for the return to action of Wayne Rooney after his injury lay-off to a lukewarm reception from the Old Trafford faithful. Perhaps mindful of a negative reaction, the manager chose to introduce the Englishman at the same time as Paul Scholes to help to quell any disquiet. Wigan in the end were architects of their own downfall in many ways after being reduced to nine men. A rare Evra header was followed by a late Hernández one to secure the three points for the home side.

United’s biggest win of the season arrived shortly after, as Blackburn Rovers were steamrollered 7-1 thanks in the main to Berbatov’s five goals which equalled a Premier League record. It was a day when the home team were at their imperious best with Anderson standing out in midfield with accurate passing and driving runs that Blackburn had no answer to. The fourth goal that arrived shortly after half time will long be remembered as the team goal of the season. Berbatov picked up the ball in an unaccustomed position at left back and after swapping passes with Evra, pinged a glorious pass out wide to Nani who made his way towards the box before cutting the ball back to the on-rushing Bulgarian to fire home. The move was symptomatic of the flowing football displayed by the team that day.

Arsenal at home is always a pivotal match for United and a solid defensive display coupled with an instinctive Park header saw the Reds to victory against their arch rivals. The second half saw a missed penalty from Rooney as he struggled to regain full fitness and form. This malaise in his play was set to continue for a few matches yet.

Following Chelsea’s suspect decision to postpone their home fixture with United a full 24 hours before the game due to adverse weather conditions, the team had to wait until Boxing Day to return to league action where a dull two goal victory against Sunderland was achieved thanks to a Berbatov brace. A Midlands away double header then followed with a trip to Birmingham followed closely by a visit to the Hawthornes to take on West Brom as the New Year began. The trip to St Andrew’s saw a scrappy 1-1 draw played out with more frustration for United on their travels thanks to a late Bowyer equaliser. Rooney and Hernández struck a few days later to give the Reds three points against West Brom although the home side will count themselves unlucky not to pick up at least a point after missing a penalty and having claims for another after a suspect Gary Neville lunge.

Stoke City were the first visitors to Old Trafford in 2011 and went home with a narrow defeat after goals from Hernández and Nani. United managed to keep their unbeaten record in tact following a goalless draw at White Hart Lane which saw Rafael fall foul of Mike Dean’s yellow card on two occasions prompting an early bath for the feisty Brazilian. The match quickly lapsed into stalemate as both sides seemed happy to leave the game with a point in the bag.

Birmingham were duly dispatched 5-0 in late January which saw Berbatov’s third hat trick of the season. Incredibly, this meant the Bulgarian was on 17 goals at the half way stage. Unfortunately for United, he would only add three goals to that tally in the second half of the season.

United’s trip to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool brought yet another poor away display followed by a late rally to secure the points. Trailing 2-0 and with little sign of inspiration, the manager brought on a couple of renowned game-changers Giggs and Hernández and the picture rapidly altered. A Berbatov brace sandwiched by a Hernández clinical finish brought yet another Lazarus like recovery from this Manchester United side who were starting to feel that a record 19^th league title could be a possibility with their nearest rivals starting to self implode.

February dawned with a solid regulation 3-1 victory at home to Villa with Rooney returning to the goal trail and showing signs of finally getting into his stride once more.

The seemingly inevitable first defeat duly arrived when a visit to Wolves saw the home side emerge victorious. The omens were not looking favourable before the match started when Rio Ferdinand pulled up with a calf injury in the warm up that was to sideline him for 8 weeks. Despite Nani’s early strike, United looked lethargic and lacking in invention throughout as they tasted defeat in the league for the first time in 29 matches dating back to April 2010 against Chelsea.

The perfect way to bounce back presented itself the following Saturday with the magnitude of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The performance paled into apparent insignificance following a goal of such majesty to claim the three points by Rooney in the 79^th minute. The undisputed individual goal of the season came courtesy of a deflected Nani cross that saw Rooney launch an athletic bicycle kick that sailed past Hart in the City goal. It is easy to forget the quality of United’s opener from Nani just before half time as he collected a through ball from Giggs before slotting past the advancing Hart. Amazingly, it proved to be Nani’s last goal of the season as the “noisy neighbours” were put in their place. With Ferdinand absent, this was the game that saw Chris Smalling really come of age at the heart of the United defence as he demonstrated composure and class that belies his lack of experience at the top level.

The final game of February away at Wigan saw the start of a partnership that would ultimately drive the team towards their much coveted 19^th title. Rooney and Hernández contributed three in this game and a further nine in the remaining league games. The partnership blossomed to such an extent that it left the league’s leading scorer to sample life on the bench for much of the remainder of the season. Probably the best away performance followed the selection of these two together and the Reds left the DW Stadium with a 4-0 victory with Fábio adding the final goal in the last few minutes.

March to May

P11, W6, D2, L3. GS:13 GC:12

“Beware the ides of March” we are all told and so it came to pass for United as their title challenge faltered following successive away defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool. A fantastic first half display saw the Reds lead Chelsea by a goal at half time thanks to a fine Rooney strike and an all round energetic performance notable for Scholes and Carrick controlling midfield and dominating on the flanks. However, the second half was a complete reversal as the home side were galvanised by Luiz’s controlled volley and took control before taking the lead thanks to a Lampard penalty. The result meant that Chelsea were effectively back in the title race although some poor officiating from Martin Atkinson left a sour taste in the mouths of the United faithful at Stamford Bridge.

The following weekend saw a much anticipated trip to Anfield but the midfield was once more over run and a Kuyt hat trick put United to the sword. The match will be remembered by many for the dangerous studs-up challenge on Nani by Carragher that saw the Portuguese winger in tears at the assault committed. Although Nani was only out for a week, it could be argued that he was not the same player for the remainder of the season as coupled with Antonio Valencia’s return, he was switched out to the left wing and was noticeably less effective.

Valencia’s return to league action came in the home game against Bolton after a brief cameo versus Arsenal in the FA Cup the week before. A late Berbatov strike (a rare impact as substitute) got United back on track with a precious three points. Jonny Evans was given a red card for a dangerous tackle on Stuart Holden that made United’s strength in adversity all the more important.

There were echoes of Bloomfield Road once more for the Reds as they trailed West Ham by two goals at half time at Upton Park. In similar fashion, United stormed back to claim a vital three points as a rejuvenated Rooney struck three times (including one from the spot) and Hernández popped up late on to put the icing on the cake. Controversy is never far from Rooney’s door and so it proved once more at Upton Park as he swore down the lens of the television camera which led to an FA charge and a ludicrous two match ban that would rule him out of the FA Cup Semi Final against City.

A week later saw the visit of Fulham to Old Trafford and they were comfortably dispatched by first half goals from Berbatov and Valencia before the home side took their foot off the gas with tougher tests on the horizon. A disappointing midweek draw at Newcastle gave United’s title rivals fresh hope in a performance that lacked authority or the necessary invention to break down a stubborn Toon defence. This match followed the sub-standard display at Wembley against City that saw the team’s treble dream evaporate and put their opponents on the brink of ending their 35 year trophy drought.

Having experienced two goalless games, the nerves were out in force for United’s attack in the home game against Everton as the match drew closer to its conclusion. Fortunately, prayers were answered when Hernández, not for the first time, secured the three points late on with a salmon-like leap at the far post.

The least said about United’s trip to the Emirates Stadium the better as the away side slumped to their fourth, and thankfully final, defeat of the season. Neither side looked particularly threatening over the course of the game and post-match many United fans called into question the wisdom of abandoning the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation that has been so effective against the Gunners in recent years. As it was, a momentary lapse in concentration from Park who had just been moved to a central midfield position, left Ramsey free to fire past Van der Sar. A late penalty claim was turned down as Clichy caught Owen but it was not to be United’s day.

The penultimate game of United’s home campaign brought Chelsea to Old Trafford in the knowledge that if they could repeat last year’s victory at the Theatre of Dreams then they would be in a strong position to retain their league title. As it turned out, these hopes were effectively extinguished after just 34 seconds as Hernández was put clear on goal and nervelessly steered the ball past the advancing Cech. What followed was United’s most complete performance of the season as the Chelsea defence wilted under the pressure exerted by the likes of Park, Rooney, Valencia, Giggs and Carrick. In fact, the Ecuadorian gave Ashley Cole such a torrid time that it is hard to recollect another such time in the left back’s career. The relentless pressure told once more midway through the first half as Vidic surged past the Chelsea backline to power in a point blank header. Although, Lampard gave the away side hope with a smart finish in the second half, the home side continued to create a multitude of chances but as each one was squandered so the nerves grew. Chelsea knew only a win would realistically keep them in the hunt and they eventually ran out of both ideas and time. United now knew that a single point in their remaining two matches would see them finally knock their old rivals Liverpool off their perch to claim their historic 19^th league championship.

First up in their quest for the one remaining point required were Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. The home side had the audacity to shock the massed ranks of the away support as they took the lead and looked good value for it as Kuszczak in the United goal demonstrated perfectly why he will not be considered as Van der Sar’s replacement. His nervousness with the ball at his feet spread panic amongst a back line usually so composed under the guidance of the veteran Dutchman. In the end it was left to Rooney to secure the draw with a well taken penalty after Hernández was bundled over in the box by Robinson. The final ten minutes saw both sides happy to settle for a point as the ball was played around among United’s back line with barely a threat of forward progression. The final whistle blew and the scenes of jubilation that followed will live long in the memory as this alleged sub-standard squad celebrated their historic championship with the fans lucky enough to be present.

Going into the final league game at Old Trafford with the title secure, the only remaining goal was to see if the team could complete an almost perfect home record. Only West Brom had left the Reds fortress with anything other than a defeat. Unfortunately, a United victory consigned Blackpool to relegation after a season where they imposed their own brand of attacking football on the division but ultimately they conceded far too many to survive. Their spirit was amply demonstrated by having the impudence to take the lead at one point but hopes of saving themselves were dashed by Anderson, an own goal and a late Owen strike.

The club’s 19^th league title was presented after the game but not before Old Trafford had applauded Ian Holloway’s gallant battlers from the field in a sign of class from those in attendance sympathetic to the plight of a fine football team. Nemanja Vidic lifted the trophy and started the celebrations in earnest as the players wives and children joined in the party on the pitch.

The season was to end on a sour note with the defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League but there was no disgrace in coming off second best to one of the best sides of all time. Despite this disappointment, it was never going to take the gloss off a remarkable season that has seen Sir Alex Ferguson navigate his way through the congested fixture list with wonderful imagination and bravery in terms of squad rotation. The challenge as ever is how to remain on top next season and plans are already under way with rumours flying around about transfer dealings at the club. As well as players coming in to strengthen the squad, there will be inevitable departures too with the likes of Neville, Van der Sar and Scholes retiring and question marks about the futures of a number of others. Whatever happens, United will rise again next season in the face of renewed challenges from the usual rivals as they look to retain their league trophy and conquer Europe once more.

You can follow James on Twitter @writtenoff_mufc for updates, news and general Manchester United information.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Whichever way the 2011 UEFA Champions League final goes, both of these teams will be remembered as dynasties.

Manchester United are playing their third Champions League final in four years, an astonishing testament to consistency and excellence in a competition more often ruled by luck and fate. Domestically, United wrapped up a record 19th first division title this week, eclipsing the long-held record of rivals Liverpool. Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, Manchester United have won 12 titles; the Red Devils have won more EPL titles than all the other teams combined. Ryan Giggs has more EPL medals than the majority of English clubs have in their entire history.

It’s an astonishing and unprecedented level of dominance which shows no sign of letting up under Sir Alex Ferguson. But still Man Utd still enters the final slightly less fancied than Barcelona, who won 2-0 when the teams met in the 2009 final in Rome.

Besides that Champions League win, the crowning achievement of a flabbergasting six trophies picked up in Pep Guardiola’s inaugural campaign as a head coach, Barcelona has yet to NOT win a La Liga season under Guardiola. Additionally, those three consecutive domestic titles came at a time when Real Madrid assembled the most expensive team in football history. Johan Cruyff took twice as long as Guardiola to win 11 medals, only two more than Guardiola has already, and Cruyff’s side was dubbed the Dream Team. What, then, are we witnessing now?

But Guardiola, prematurely graying and with a faulty back, knows that he will not last in management as long as the immortal Ferguson has. The time to stake out history and further the dynasty is right now, in this game, as opposed to Arsene Wenger’s and Liverpool’s perpetual promises of Next Year.

Revenge, history, dynasties, and two damn fine football teams: This match easily promises to be one of the greats, one of the few that fall under the list of essential viewing for any and all football fans.

Zac Lee Rigg will live blog throughout the match. Make sure to sign up below for a reminder 24 hours before the game, and join along for insight and color during the game.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Nike has just released images of the football boots to be worn by players in the Champions League final tomorrow.

Wayne Rooney, Andres Iniesta, Pedro, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique will have their own names, number, ‘FCB vs MUFC’ (alternatively FCB vs FCManUTD) and the date ’28.05.2011′ written on their boots. Iniesta will also have the letters ‘PMMAA 8′ on his boot.

adidas has also done the same thing for their players as Daniel Alves tweeted a photo of his boots a few days ago. We also ran into the boots given to David Villa and Lionel Messi for Wembley 2011.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Selecting the best team of a decade can be a flawed approach – you miss the players who straddled the previous and current decades, you forget players who were great in the first half of the decade and you give undue importance to players of the latter half of the current decade.

Still, if you can expect anyone to make ‘reasonable’ picks, it would be Premier League managers (like Avram Grant), right? Right…

Maybe the next survey should mandate that the managers have actually MANAGED in the Premier League for the last decade before asking them about the best players? Or are managers as bad with their memories as football fans (utterly hopeless)?

Anyway, here’s Barclay’s Premier League team of the decade (as part of a survey conducted of the 2010/2011 top flight managers) and the notable omissions.

MANAGERS’ TEAM OF DECADE

GK: Edwin van der Sar
RB: Gary Neville
CB: Nemanja Vidic
CB: John Terry
LB: Ashley Cole
RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
CM: Steven Gerrard
CM: Paul Scholes
LM: Ryan Giggs
S: Didier Drogba
S: Alan Shearer

Survey Details

• Van der Sar was a firm favourite in goal, with 53% of respondents choosing him ahead of Chelsea’s Petr Cech (33%).
• Ashley Cole convincingly secured the left-back spot, with 73% of the vote, ahead of Patrice Evra (27%). Neville took the right-back position with 60%.
• John Terry received 40% of votes at centre-back, with Vidic joining him (27%). Rio Ferdinand was edged out after receiving 20%.
• Giggs was an emphatic winner in the vote for the left side of midfield, with 87%. His former team-mate Ronaldo (67%) easily beat another Manchester United legend, David Beckham (27%), to the right-flank position. Beckham did not play for long in the Premier League at the start of the decade, having joined Real Madrid in 2003.
• Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard (33%) is the only non-United player in midfield, partnering Scholes (23%) in the centre, meaning there was no place for Roy Keane (17%), Cesc Fabregas (10%) or Frank Lampard (10%).
• In attack, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba (23%) and former Newcastle star Alan Shearer (23%) were the joint favourites of the managers, seeing off competition from Thierry Henry (17%), Wayne Rooney (20%) and Dennis Bergkamp (10%).
• Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2007/8 Manchester United side were chosen as the outstanding team of the decade, ahead of Arsenal’s 2003/4 ‘Invincibles’ and Jose Mourinho’s 2005/6 title winners.
• The 2007/8 season, which saw United pip Chelsea to the title by two points, and Roy Hodgson’s Fulham perform a miraculous escape from relegation, was rated as the most exciting campaign of the decade.

Notable Omissions

• Not much to say about the goalkeeping position, although one wonders how many votes Brad Friedel garnered.
• Jamie Carragher will not be pleased at missing out on the center-back berths.
• Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy were both better performers than Drogba and Shearer, their goal-scoring records speak for themselves.
• Are we picking central midfielders on talent or impact on their team’s fortunes? Vieira, Fabregas, Lampard (especially Lampard) and Tim Cahill all very important for their teams. Best players? Scholes and Gerrard might edge it, although Fabregas is up there with them (Keane’s best years probably came in the previous decade). Scholesy’s impact on the team this decade is debatable beyond the first few seasons.

Overall, it’s a fair team (Lampard over Scholes *maybe*) apart from the striking positions, where Henry and Nistelrooy are shoe-ins ahead of Drogba and Rooney.

Who would make it in your Premier League Team of the Decade?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Wayne Rooney’s resurgent goalscoring form in 2011 and his increasingly central role in Manchester United’s build-up play means that he is the key man for the Red Devils in the Champions League final at Wembley.

Although Rooney had struggled with injury and off-pitch troubles in the first half of the season, he has gradually proved himself again on the pitch and since the new year has made significant improvements in his performances in a Manchester United shirt.

It’s still far away from his best season ever in 09/10, but the upside of 2011′s Wayne Rooney is that since he’s not the only person responsible for United’s success, he’s able to play with more freedom and rotating the responsibility on the pitch keeps Manchester United’s attacking play fresh and unpredictable – and given Barcelona’s powers of possession, United will need to be at their creative best to get past Pique and Puyol.

Wayne Rooney in Champions League and Premier League in 2010/11

After scoring just twice between August and December 2010 in the league and Champions League (both from the penalty spot), Rooney has found the net 12 times so far in 2011, scoring a goal every 162 minutes, compared to just one every 493 minutes in 2010, as his conversion rate and shooting accuracy in front of goal have increased dramatically.

Interestingly the frequency of the assists he has made has also changed, as well as his passing accuracy in 2011. Whereas before the New Year he was averaging an assist every 164 minutes, in 2011 this has gone down to one every 278 minutes, while his passing accuracy has decreased from 81% to 77%.

This reflects a change in his role for Manchester United, which is now more focused on being a striker as opposed to a deep-lying forward, with more of his play coming through the centre of the pitch and in the box as opposed to the wings, something that is shown in the touch graphics below.

Wayne Rooney – Touches – Champions League 2010/11

At home to Valencia (September 2010)

Away to Schalke (April 2011)

More Champions League articles:

Barcelona vs Manchester United – What has changed since 2009?
Champions’ League Final: Why A Neutral Should Support Manchester United
2011 Champions League Final Live Blog: Barcelona – Manchester United

From Soccerlens.com - Football News