Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand may fight increased ban

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is considering whether to appeal against the increase to his ban for violent conduct.

The 31-year-old lost his original appeal against a three-match suspension for an altercation with Craig Fagan during Saturday's 4-0 win over Hull.

The Football Association labelled the appeal "frivolous" and increased his ban to four games.

United have until Monday to contest the additional one-game suspension.

The FA told BBC Sport that Manchester United can appeal against the increase but have yet to hear from the reigning Premier League champions.

United were unavailable to confirm to BBC Sport what their next move would be, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his displeasure with the disciplinary processes being used by the game's governing body.

"We have to decide whether to appeal because there are conflicting ways in how these decisions are being viewed," he said.

"I watched the game between Leyton Orient and Charlton on Monday and there was an elbow on the Charlton player three times as he was running with the ball.

"But nothing has happened with that. There is a lot of confusion there, although we accept that for (Saturday), Rio is banned."

Ferdinand only returned to action at Old Trafford at the weekend for the first time in three months after recovering from a calf injury.

But after appearing to swing an arm at Hull striker Fagan, the England centre-half picked up a three-match ban, which was then extended to four after the Football Association rejected the defender's appeal as "frivolous".

Because of the appeal, Ferdinand, who has made only 10 appearances for his club so far this season, was able to play in Wednesday's Carling Cup win over Manchester City, but he faces a further suspension if he fails to overturn the ban on the fourth game.

While he is definitely banned for the next three games, at Arsenal on Sunday and then the following Premier League matches against Portsmouth and Aston Villa, the Red Devils could succeed in having their centre-half available at Everton on 20 February.

If Ferdinand received a five-match suspension on the back of another appeal, he would be ruled out of the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa on 28 February at Wembley.

From BBC

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Arsenal vs. Man Utd

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Sunday, 31 January 2010 Kick-off: 1600 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, live on Sky Sports 1 & highlights on Match of the Day 2

• TEAM NEWS

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner could make his first start for three months against Manchester United as Eduardo is sidelined with a torn hamstring.

Sol Campbell is on standby to replace Thomas Vermaelen, while Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are both available.

United's Rio Ferdinand starts a four-match ban, having failed in his appeal against a violent conduct charge for his clash with Hull's Craig Fagan.

Nemanja Vidic is expected to replace Ferdinand after recovering from injury.

---

Arsenal

Suspended: None Doubtful: Vermaelen (leg)

Injured: Diaby (calf), Djourou (knee), Eduardo (hamstring), Gibbs (foot), Merida & Van Persie (both ankle)

Manchester United

Suspended: Ferdinand (four matches) Doubtful: None

Injured: Hargreaves (knee), O'Shea (thigh)

• MATCH PREVIEW

Chelsea will keep; the animosity between Arsenal and Manchester United may have cooled in recent seasons, but the competitive fire still burns for the Premier League's oldest adversaries.

Arsenal's defeat at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture caused an infuriated Arsene Wenger to reopen hostilities by accusing United of "anti-football" against his side, in the form of systematic fouling.

Wenger also brought farce to the Theatre of Dreams in August when he was sent to the stands in the dying seconds for kicking a water bottle, only to become stranded on a roof between baying United supporters. It is safe to assume he would prefer a different kind of lofty position at the end of this match.

Both Arsenal and United have briefly led the Premier League in the last fortnight, with the Gunners coming back from an 11-point deficit while the champions have relied on Wayne Rooney as a one-man wrecking ball.

United have already silenced their noisy Manchester neighbours in the last few days and if they end Arsenal's 10-match unbeaten run then Wenger could be hitting the bottle again. Just don't expect Sir Alex Ferguson to share a glass of something red or white with him.

• MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This will be the 42nd time Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have faced each other. Ferguson has won 16 times to Wenger's 14, with 11 draws (two of which were then settled by penalties).

• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last four matches against Arsenal in all competitions, winning three. But they have not won in their last four league visits to Arsenal, including all three matches at the Emirates Stadium. Their only away victory in the last nine was 4-2 at Highbury in February 2005.

• United did, though, beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates in their Champions League semi-final meeting in May.

Arsenal

• The Gunners are the division's form team, earning 24 points from 10 unbeaten league games since a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea in November.

• They are the Premier League's leading scorers with 59 goals in 23 matches. The midweek goalless draw at Villa was their first of the season.

• Arsene Wenger needs one win to register 300 as a Premier League manager. He will become the second manager to reach this milestone after Sir Alex Ferguson (438). Wenger has only lost 80 of his 509 league matches in charge of Arsenal.

• Cesc Fabregas has scored five goals in his last five league matches.

Manchester United

• United have taken 13 points from their last five games, with Wayne Rooney scoring seven goals in those matches.

• They have not won any of their last six away league matches at Big Four opposition, losing five times.

• Dimitar Berbatov celebrated his 29th birthday the day before this match. Darren Fletcher turns 26 on Monday.

• Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes have each scored 99 Premier League goals. Only 17 players have scored 100 goals or more in Premier League history.

• LEADING GOALSCORERS

Arsenal

Fabregas: 14 goals (11 league);
Arshavin & van Persie: 8 goals (7 league)

Manchester United

Rooney: 21 goals (19 league); Berbatov: 7 goals (7 league);
Owen: 7 goals (2 league)

• MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Chris Foy

Assistant referees: Dave Bryan & Bob Pollock

Fourth official: Mark Clattenburg

• LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS

Arsenal (D0-0 v Aston Villa, a): Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen (Campbell 35), Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Ramsey, Rosicky (Nasri 79), Eduardo (Bendtner 62), Arshavin. Subs not used: Fabianski, Walcott, Traore, Eastmond.

Manchester United (W4-0 v Hull, h): Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, J Evans, Evra (Fabio 88), Park, Fletcher, Scholes (Gibson 72), Nani, Rooney, Owen (Berbatov 72). Subs not used: Kuszczak, Brown, Valencia, Carrick.

• MOST RECENT MEETING

Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal (29 August 2009)

Manchester United scorers: Rooney 59 pen, Diaby 64 og.

Arsenal scorer: Arshavin 40.

From BBC

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Sir Alex Ferguson relishes Arsenal battle

Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Manchester United's Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday as his club's "biggest game of the season".

With leaders Chelsea only one point ahead of United, with a game in hand, and Arsenal one point behind, Ferguson is convinced the game could be pivotal.

"Looking at the way the league is shaping up, this game on Sunday is the biggest of the season for us," he said.

"It has relevance as both sides have a genuine chance of winning the league."

Ferguson is relishing the opportunity to try to deal a major blow to one of United's main title rivals but he admitted Arsenal's recent run of 10 league games without defeat means Arsene Wenger's side are a major threat.

"It is amazing how this league has changed," said Ferguson. "As I have said all along, the team that is most consistent will win the league now.

"Arsenal's current form has been very good. It has brought them back into the picture. That is why this is such a massive game for us."

United face Chelsea at old Trafford on 3 April and Ferguson acknowledged the importance of staying in touch with the Stamford Bridge outfit.

"If Chelsea win their game in hand they go four points ahead of us," said Ferguson. "That is the catch-up part."

Wenger has refused to put quite as much importance on the match as his United counterpart and the Frenchman is convinced the Gunners can still challenge for the title, whatever the outcome at the Emirates.

Pearce and Keown on Arsenal v Man Utd

"I believe that no matter what happens we will still be in a position where we will have a chance after these games, but it can put us in a very strong position and that is what we want," said Wenger.

"We know that to be successful in this period we have to be more of a team than the other teams. We have to think how strong and how much solidarity it takes to get through a period like that. That is what we want to show on Sunday.

"We love being in the race. Of course it was our dream to be in this position in this period of time."

United will be without Rio Ferdinand, who starts a four-match ban after a Football Association disciplinary panel decided his appeal against a violent conduct charge for his attack on Hull's Craig Fagan last week was "frivolous".

Meanwhile, Wenger is adamant defender Sol Campbell can stop in-form striker Wayne Rooney when the sides meet.

The Gunners boss will hand Campbell, 35, a first Premier League start since rejoining the club if Thomas Vermaelen does not recover from a knee injury.

"Sol can cope with Rooney. He is ready if he has recovered well," said Wenger.

Wenger backs 'big match' Campbell

"He has experience and he likes the big games. He can turn up if needed and experience helps in these games."

Rooney has dominated the headlines in recent weeks after scoring four goals against Hull last weekend and heading the winner against Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The England striker has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season, prompting boss Sir Alex Ferguson to hail him as "world class".

Campbell spent four months out of the game after quitting League Two side Notts County in September, but following a lengthy period training with his old team Wenger signed the centre-back until the end of the season.

The former England international made his second debut in last weekend's FA Cup defeat at Stoke before coming on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Villa following the injury to Vermaelen.

And Wenger will assess whether Campbell has recovered sufficiently to play three games in a week prior to naming his side."

The Frenchman will also run the rule over 24-year-old Vermaelen, who was originally feared to have fractured his leg at Villa Park.

"The good news we have on Vermaelen is that there is no fracture," Wenger said of the Belgian, who has been a key figure since arriving from Ajax for £10m in the summer.

"We have to assess his knee today, there is still a small chance that he plays on Sunday.

"We will do the maximum to get him fit, but at the moment it looks unlikely.

"It should be a very short-term injury, and at the latest he should be ready for the Chelsea game (on 7 February)."

From BBC

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Man Utd 3 - 1 Man City (agg 4 - 3)

Wayne Rooney's dramatic stoppage-time header sent Manchester United into the Carling Cup final and wrecked Manchester City's hopes of reaching a first major Wembley showpiece in 29 years.

Rooney made up for missing an earlier chance by heading the winner

Carlos Tevez looked to have sent the semi-final into extra-time when his sensational backheel flick after 76 minutes answered second-half goals for United from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

But Rooney, United's man of the moment, demonstrated once more that he is in the form of his life by heading Ryan Giggs's cross past City keeper Shay Given to send Old Trafford wild and set up a final meeting with Aston Villa on 28 February.

For City, it was a grim and heartbreaking echo of their Premier League defeat at Old Trafford earlier this season when Michael Owen's last-gasp goal gave United a 4-3 win.

Our best performance of the season - Phelan

Roberto Mancini's side showed admirable composure in the cauldron as the battle unfolded, and Tevez and Micah Richards brought fine saves from Edwin van der Sar as they went in search of the goal that would have put them at the gates of Wembley.

But Scholes struck from 18 yards early in the second half, and when Carrick put United ahead on aggregate 19 minutes from time, City's bold bid to show they are now serious rivals to the Old Trafford empire looked in tatters.

Tevez, still very much the villain in the eyes of United's fans after his summer move to Eastlands, threatened to deliver a dream script with an imaginative finish, but Rooney is penning his own big stories these days and it was almost inevitable that he would write the final chapter in this domestic squabble.

Security was heightened after trouble at the first leg, and United's win was marred by a second-half incident when Craig Bellamy was felled after he appeared to be struck on the head by a coin, with a bottle also thrown.

It did little to sour the Old Trafford elation at the final whistle, and how they enjoyed putting City in their place once more.

The anticipation outside Old Trafford was matched by the crackling atmosphere inside - stoked by the words exchanged between the two clubs since the contentious first leg.

Mancini applauds spirited performance

United set the tempo early on, but once City gained a measure of composure they created the better opportunities in a tightly contested first half.

Tevez, inevitably, was a central figure and Rio Ferdinand was fortunate to escape punishment from referee Howard Webb when he caught the Argentine in the face with a swinging arm as they tussled for possession.

Bellamy tested Van der Sar with a header from Shaun Wright-Phillips's cross, and then set up an even better opportunity which was wastefully squandered by Tevez after 28 minutes.

The former Manchester United striker arrived on the end of Bellamy's perfect cross, but made life too easy for Van der Sar with his headed finish.

United's response was a low shot from Giggs on the edge of the area, but Given was perfectly positioned on the edge of the area to make a routine save.

The pressure was on United to make the running at the start of the second half, but it was City who almost snatched the lead when Richards brought an athletic save from Van der Sar with a rising drive.

Bellamy was then the victim of a shameful incident as he went to take a corner, going to ground after appearing to be struck by a coin, with a plastic bottle also landing in the striker's vicinity.

United made the breakthrough they craved after 52 minutes, and it came from Scholes, who had been at his most influential amid the midfield mayhem.

He was lurking in familiar territory on the edge of the area, and when a loose ball arrived at his feet he drilled it unerringly beyond Given.

The tie had swung towards United, and the balance shifted even further when Carrick added a second with 19 minutes left, just as City boss Mancini prepared to introduce Emmanuel Adebayor in an attempt to wrest back some control.

City failed to clear in the area, and when Fletcher laid the ball back to Carrick, he steered a composed finish across Given into the bottom corner.

Rooney, so deadly in front of goal in recent times, then wasted a glorious opportunity to set the seal on United's night when he somehow turned his shot wide of a gaping goal from eight yards after being played in by Nani.

And how Tevez made him pay just minutes later when he brought the tie level with a stunning piece of invention.

Ferdinand stooped to head Bellamy's cross away, only to find it removed from his forehead by an acrobatic backheel from Tevez that flew low out of the reach of Van der Sar.

Just as Old Trafford was bracing itself for the tension of an extra 30 minutes, United mounted a typical late surge that brought the stoppage-time winner that booked their Wembley ticket.

Given saved superbly from Fletcher, but when City failed to concentrate at the resulting corner, Giggs delivered for Rooney to head past the powerless the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

Ferguson danced with delight in the dug-out as City were forced to put their plans to topple their illustrious neighbours on hold.

From BBC

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Sir Alex Ferguson hails 'world-class' Wayne Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as "truly world class" after his late header put United into the Carling Cup final.

Ferguson's side will face Aston Villa at Wembley after beating Manchester City 3-1 to win 4-3 on aggregate, and the Scot was quick to praise Rooney.

"His control, his leading of the line, his penetration was absolutely fantastic," said United boss Ferguson.

"It was a wonderful performance, truly world class."

United trailed Manchester City 2-1 after the first leg at Eastlands but a storming second half at Old Trafford was capped by Rooney's winning goal in injury-time, his 21st of the season in all competitions.

"I know with our deliveries I will get chances and thankfully I took that one in injury time," said Rooney.

The all-Manchester semi-final had been billed as the tie when City would prove their emergence as the new force in the north west, a fact which made victory even sweeter for Ferguson.

"You like to win your derbies," said Ferguson.

"The atmosphere tonight and the fact it was a semi-final tie added a lot of spice to the match.

Our best performance of the season - Phelan

"We kept our patience, that was important. Once we got into the last third of the field we always looked a threat."

Often the unsung hero, midfielder Darren Fletcher was also singled out by Ferguson for his performance.

"He is incredible, he was all over the place," said the Scot.

"I don't know what he's got inside him but maybe it is two engines. He has matured in terms of his knowledge of the game."

Disappointed City boss Roberto Mancini was gracious in defeat but admitted the game was lost in the short second-half spell when United scored two goals through Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

"We played very well in the first half, in the second half there were 10 minutes when we were under pressure - when United scored two goals," said Mancini.

"The rest of the game we played at the same level as United.

Mancini applauds spirited performance

"I am sorry for my players and supporters because we have not made the final but this is football and sometimes when you make mistakes, you lose."

Mancini refused to be too downhearted despite the defeat and targeted the club's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Stoke in two weeks time as a way of making amends.

"I can only compliment my players. We have another trophy to aim for and maybe we can win the FA Cup," he said.

"Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are back with us now and Joleon Lescott is nearly fit.

"With those players I think it is possible for us to get into the top four."

From BBC

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Manchester United loan Zoran Tosic to FC Cologne

Manchester United have allowed Serbian winger Zoran Tosic to join German side FC Cologne on loan until the summer.

The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford 12 months ago from Partizan Belgrade as part of a reported £16.3m double deal that also saw Adem Ljajic join United.

But Tosic has failed to win a first-team place since, making only two appearances this season, in the Carling Cup against Barnsley and Tottenham.

However, he said: "I don't believe I have had my final say at United."

He added: "Hopefully my displays with Cologne will be my ticket back to Old Trafford."

Ljajic left the club only last month after manager Sir Alex Ferguson decided not to take up the option to sign him.

He has since gone on to join Italian club Fiorentina.

Tosic and Ljajic are still regarded as two of Serbia's brightest young talents, despite their failure to settle in at the Premier League champions.

From BBC

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Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand weighs up appeal

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to appeal against a violent conduct charge.

He could plead guilty and accept an immediate three-match ban or fight the charge - and be free to face Manchester City in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The defender appeared to strike Hull forward Craig Fagan in United's 4-0 Premier League win on Saturday.

If Ferdinand, 31, appeals against the Football Association charge a hearing would take place on Thursday.

The decision whether to appeal is likely to be down to how strong the evidence is against him.

If Ferdinand admits the charge, he would be ineligible for the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against City, plus Sunday's Premier League trip to Arsenal and the home game against Portsmouth on 6 February.

Television replays appeared to show Ferdinand making contact with Fagan with a swinging arm in the United penalty area as the home side prepared to defend a Hull free-kick.

The charge is a blow for United, who have suffered a series of injuries in defence this season, with Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Wes Brown, Rafael Da Silva, Fabio Da Silva and Gary Neville all having significant spells on the sidelines.

Last week, Ferguson revealed that John O'Shea is likely to miss the rest of the season because of a leg problem.

Ferdinand was making his return to the first team against Hull after spending three months out with a calf injury but he has also been plagued by a back problem.

Ferguson was delighted to have Ferdinand back in his team and said his presence had a galvanising effect on the defence.

"Rio's performance level is important," stated Ferguson. "It is important to have him back because getting the centre-halves fit is key to our progress this season."

From BBC

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Mancini eyes Manchester derby win to seal Wembley final

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has called on his side to "change history" as they take on Manchester United for a Carling Cup final place.

Mancini won the Coppa Italia four times while managing in Serie A

City lead 2-1 going into Wednesday's semi-final, second leg at Old Trafford after a heated first game where Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville made headlines.

Security will be tight for the match and both managers have called for calm.

"We must change the history of this club," said Mancini as City aim to make their first major cup final since 1981.

Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been buoyed by the form of Wayne Rooney, who scored all four goals in Saturday's Premier League win over Hull and has reiterated his desire to stay at the club.

"Wayne is in such great form, there are not many matching him," stated Ferguson.

Defender Rio Ferdinand will be available to play if he chooses to appeal against a violent conduct charge after he appeared to strike Hull forward Craig Fagan in the game at the weekend.

If Ferdinand accepts the Football Association charge, he will begin an immediate three-match ban, while any appeal would be heard on Thursday.

Ahead of the second leg, police made three further arrests on Wednesday morning in connection with trouble at the first match.

City will be backed by 9,000 supporters at Old Trafford and Mancini, who took over from Mark Hughes at Eastlands in December, wants his players to keep cool in what promises to be a challenging atmosphere.

Tevez turned to the United bench as he celebrated a double against his former club in the first leg.

The Argentine striker - along with former team-mate Neville - was warned by the FA about his future behaviour and English football's governing body and the police have reminded both managers of their responsibilities ahead of the crunch clash.

Neville appeared to make a one-fingered gesture from the touchline in the first leg after Tevez scored an equaliser from the penalty spot.

Tevez then called the English defender a "boot-licker" and a "moron" in a radio interview following the defender's comments about the former West Ham player before the first leg.

Eighteen arrests were made at Eastlands as the heated atmosphere spread into the crowd and an extra 75 police officers have been drafted in for the match at Old Trafford.

However, Ferguson is confident the game will pass without trouble despite the lure of a Wembley final place.

"We have great players who play to the right rules of the game," he added.

"We have never had any issues in big games. Look at the record. I am not worried about it."

Manchester City's last major cup final was the 1981 FA Cup - an encounter that resulted in a famous replay where Steve Mackenzie scored a 30-yard volley before Ricky Villa's memorable mazy run helped earn a 3-2 win for Tottenham.

The last big trophy for City came in 1976 when a spectacular overhead kick from Dennis Tueart sealed a 2-1 League Cup final triumph over Newcastle.

Mancini enthused: "We want to change the history. The players are passionate about it but we must start somewhere and it is important to get to that first final."

Supporters of both clubs are being advised to arrive as early as possible because of extra security measures at Old Trafford.

Ferguson has called for United fans to 'rise to the occasion'.

"I don't think I even have to ask the fans to turn up the volume. It will just happen," he says in his United Review programme notes.

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Man Utd vs. Man City (agg 1 - 2)

Carling Cup semi-final, first leg
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Wednesday, 27 January 2010 Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, live on Sky Sports 1 & highlights on Match of the Day

• TEAM NEWS

Manchester United have no fresh injury concerns as they seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.

Defender Nemanja Vidic is sidelined for the derby match with a calf problem.

Manchester City have Robinho available despite negotiations with two Brazilian clubs over him joining on loan.

Kolo Toure is back from the Africa Cup of Nations, while Emmanuel Adebayor could be on the bench after returning from compassionate leave.

---

Man Utd

Suspended: None Doubtful: Foster (back)

Injured: Hargreaves (knee), O'Shea (thigh), Vidic (calf)

Man City

Suspended: None Doubtful: None

Injured: Bridge, Johnson & Lescott (all knee), Santa Cruz & Vieira (both calf)

• MATCH PREVIEW

Manchester City's ambition is to be "the biggest and best football club in the world", according to executive chairman Garry Cook; a Carling Cup final appearance at the expense of their fiercest rivals would do the club's fans for now.

There have been many false dawns for City's long-suffering supporters, but last week's semi-final first-leg win over their Manchester neighbours brought the possibility of a first major Wembley final in 29 years a step closer to reality.

The omens for City look good: they beat United en route to their two previous League Cup triumphs (1970 and 1976), while this year's final on 28 February comes exactly 34 years to the day since City won their last trophy - coincidentally in the League Cup.

City boss Roberto Mancini has promised to banish a banner at Old Trafford mocking the Eastlands club's trophy drought, and the rivalry has been further intensified by Carlos Tevez's starring role in the first leg and his subsequent criticism of ex-United team-mate Gary Neville. The Football Association and Greater Manchester Police have urged both sets of supporters to show restraint in what is sure to be a highly-charged atmosphere.

Despite United's first-leg defeat, Sir Alex Ferguson need look no further than last season's Carling Cup semi-finals for inspiration - the Red Devils lost the opening leg 1-0 at Derby before booking their ticket to Wembley with a 4-2 win at Old Trafford.

• MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• City beat United en route to winning the 1976 and 1970 League Cup finals.

• United's only League Cup victory over City came in the third round of the 1974/75 competition.

Man Utd

• Manchester United are the current League Cup holders. They also won the competition in 1992 and 2006. They have been runners-up four times (1983, 1991, 1994, 2003).

• United have contested seven League Cup semi-finals under Sir Alex Ferguson, reaching the final on six occasions.

• They have only won five of their last 10 games.

Man City

• Man City have won two League Cups (1970 and 1976) and were runners-up in 1974.

• This is City's first major semi-final since they defeated Ipswich Town to reach the 1981 FA Cup final.

• City have won seven of their last eight games in all competitions, and lost only two of their last 21.

• LAST MEETING

Man City 2-1 Man Utd (19 January 2010)

Man City: Tevez 42 pen, 65

Man Utd: Giggs 17.

From BBC

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Man Utd rely on Wayne Rooney, says Chelsea boss

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester United would struggle to retain the Premier League title without Wayne Rooney.

Asked if an injury to the England striker would hamper United, the Italian replied: "Without Rooney it would be difficult."

Ancelotti is confident his side has more attacking options available.

Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their last three games despite Didier Drogba being away on international duty.

"Drogba is an important player for us, but we've played very well without him. When we were without the suspended Didier earlier in the season in the Champions League, Nicolas (Anelka) did very well," said Ancelotti.

"Now we have had Nicolas and Daniel Sturridge doing well for us in the last month, so we have quality without Didier. We can use other players in those forward areas."

Rooney netted all four of United's goals in the demolition of Hull at Old Trafford last weekend, prompting some observers to again suggest that Ferguson's side are a "one-man team".

And Ancelotti, while not explicitly endorsing that view, clearly thinks that the Premier League's top scorer is crucial to United's chances of success for the rest of the season.

"He [Rooney] is the best striker at Manchester United, and one of the best strikers in the world.

"He's a champion, a world-class player, and not only just a finisher but a team player. I saw him play left-wing at times last year, coming back to help the team out defensively."

Drogba, meanwhile, is due back from Angola on Wednesday following the Ivory Coast's surprise elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, he is unlikely to be considered for the visit of in-form Birmingham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening as the west Londoners bid to regain top spot.

Chelsea, currently third behind Arsenal on goal difference and two points behind leaders United, are unbeaten in six league matches.

From BBC

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Man Utd beat Arsenal to sign Fulham defender Smalling

Manchester United have revealed Fulham defender Chris Smalling, who had been linked with Arsenal, will join them for the start of 2010-11 season.

Smalling, 20, was playing non-league football for Maidstone until 2008 and only two of his league appearances for Fulham have been in the starting XI.

It has not been said how long a deal the Greenwich-born player has signed.

United have had defensive problems this season with both John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand suffering injury problems.

"The club's accepted an offer - as far as I know he's going for a medical on Thursday," Fulham boss Roy Hodgson told BBC Sport after his side's 2-0 defeat by Tottenham on Tuesday.

Smalling's first-team debut for Fulham was on the final day of last season, and his first start was in the Europa League game away at CSKA Sofia in September last year.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was evidently impressed by his performance, saying he had "played with a maturity I'm not entitled to expect from a player so young".

Smalling's first Premier League start was on 28 December, at Chelsea, where he scored an own goal in a 2-1 defeat.

He also played against Spurs on the same day his transfer to United was made public, and was partly at fault for Peter Crouch's opening goal.

From BBC

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Extra police for Manchester derby clash

Police are planning to step up security amid fears trouble could erupt at the forthcoming derby match between Manchester United and Manchester City.

The teams are due to meet on Wednesday for the semi-final second leg of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.

An extra 75 officers will be on duty and spot checks will be made at pubs near the ground.

Police made 18 arrests at last week's match and expect to make more after viewing video cameras.

Ian Hopkins, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, revealed talks would take place on Monday with United and City officials and the Football Association in a bid to prevent any trouble.

He said he would also be reminding the players they had a responsibility not to provoke trouble.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live's Sportsweek programme, he added: "I will be meeting with both the clubs again along with the FA tomorrow to discuss the general crowd behaviour and making sure that they understand their responsibility not to do anything that's likely to incite the crowd.

'Really passionate'

"We will be making the points very strongly that the players are professionals, they need to recognise the impact they can have on the crowd and it's going to be really passionate again on Wednesday.

"There's a lot at stake for both teams and for the fans."

The first leg, which City won 2-1, saw Tevez and United substitute Gary Neville exchange gestures.

Both players were warned about their future conduct by the Football Association.

From BBC

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Wayne Rooney targets record haul for Manchester United

Wayne Rooney set his sights on beating his record of 23 goals in one season after scoring all of the goals in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Hull.

Rooney is hitting his best form in time for United to make a title charge

The 24-year-old striker ensured United hit the Premier League summit, and he now has 19 goals this term.

He said: "It is the first time I have scored four times in a professional match and it is a great feeling.

"I am really proud of the achievement. It is something special. I'm confident of beating my best season at United."

Rooney added he would be "disappointed" if he did not beat his previous best tally for United.

"I've still got hopefully another 20 games to play, I won't be happy if I don't get more than 23," he added.

"The difference this season is that I've consciously been getting in the box more and trying to put myself in goalscoring situations."

Rooney becomes the first United player to hit four in a game since Ruud van Nistelrooy did it in a Champions League encounter with Sparta Prague in November 2004.

And his superb form has come at just the right time for the champions as they push to try and successfully defend their title.

England boss Fabio Capello will also be delighted to learn of Rooney's performance, which drew warm praise from beaten manager Phil Brown.

"I would have to say he is one of the best strikers in the world just now," said Brown.

"He is someone who is capable of making half chances into a great chance.

Four-goal haul delights Rooney

"When you see him in that form it certainly bodes well for England at the World Cup."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was also glowing in his analysis of the striker.

"Without doubt those four goals were the highlight for me," said Ferguson.

"He has been wanting to develop himself as a scorer and there were some terrific finishes today."

"He has always been a main player for us, from the moment he came to the club. He never gets left out."

Rooney's efforts were ably assisted by what was possibly Nani's best performance in three seasons since his £17m arrival from Sporting Lisbon.

And they took the focus away from fan protests at the club's ownership by the Glazer family.

It was recently announced that debts at United's parent company, Red Football Joint Venture, were in excess of £700m - although on Friday, it was revealed that a bond issue had raised £504m.

That figure will enable the club to pay off nearly all of the £509m it owes to international banks, although it faces a £45m-a-year interest bill on the bonds, which mature in 2017.

However, pleas for unity from Ferguson in his programme notes went unheeded, with noisy and regular anti-Glazer chants of varying degrees of vulgarity echoed around the ground.

"There was no dissent against the players," said Ferguson. "It did not have any effect at all."

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Man Utd 4 - 0 Hull

Wayne Rooney scored all four goals to send Manchester United top of the Premier League after victory over Hull.

Rooney opened the scoring when he slotted in a rebound after Paul Scholes' shot was beaten away.

After Nani's free-kick was pushed on to the woodwork by keeper Boaz Myhill, United worked the ball to Rooney who smashed in a drive to make it 2-0.

Rooney headed in Nani's cross to complete his hat-trick and fired in a low shot to cap his superb performance.

It is a result that means United leapfrog title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, who do not play in the league this weekend because of their involvement in the FA Cup.

But while all seems to be coming together on the pitch for United - Rio Ferdinand was impressive on his return after three months out injured - there was disquiet off it.

Four-goal haul delights Rooney

Home fans voiced their anger at United's owners, frequently chanting "Glazers out" in protest at the scale of the club's debt and their perception the Americans are preventing new signings.

Whether that is the case, there does appear to be a need for United to boost their firepower to ease the burden on Rooney.

Michael Owen's finishing was well below the required standard, the former England man doing nothing to dismiss critics who suggest his best days are long gone.

And while Rooney looked sharp, he looked equally frustrated at times - once even aiming a verbal volley at Darren Fletcher for a poor throw-in.

But United will be delighted with Rooney's form and with the return of Ferdinand, who belied his three-month absence with an assured display - although Hull rarely tested the home defence.

Other than a Nick Barmby effort that Edwin van der Sar turned wide, there was little threat from the visitors.

Yet United took a long time to build on their great start that saw Rooney open the scoring early on when he pounced on a rebound.

Ferdinand twice flicked efforts wide, Owen had a low shot well saved by Myhill and Rooney's volley took a deflection to zip narrowly over the bar.

United's best chance to add to their advantage fell to Owen, who was heavily involved in the superb build-up but shot weakly at Myhill from eight yards.

As the pattern of the match remained unchanged, Rooney sent a low shot fizzing wide and Owen glanced a header off target.

Owen made way for Dimitar Berbatov as United looked to find a more clinical edge up front.

Rooney made the difference - Brown

Instead it was Hull substitute Kamel Ghilas who almost made the biggest impact when he tuned and shot narrowly wide.

But from then on Rooney took the game by the scruff of the neck.

He was clinical in dispatching a drive after Hull failed to clear following Nani's free-kick, and that gave United breathing space.

Rooney was equally ruthless when he converted Nani's cross with a well-placed header.

It was end product that the striker had deserved - and eased his annoyance that had been in evidence until that point.

In the closing stages, Rooney gave himself and United even more reason to smile when he struck a low shot into the corner to add gloss to the victory.

Yet some of the home fans will leave Old Trafford bearing twisted smiles as they wonder about the long-term future of their club.

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Gary Neville and Carlos Tevez avoid FA punishment

Manchester United's Gary Neville and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez have escaped punishment by the Football Association, BBC Sport understands.

Neville was under investigation for a one-fingered gesture that took place in United's 2-1 loss to City on Tuesday.

Tevez called former team-mate Neville a "boot-licker" and a "moron" for his comments about the Argentine before the Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

However, both players have been warned about their future conduct by the FA.

It is understood if the players were to be formally disciplined in future the FA reserves the right to refer to Neville's conduct and Tevez's words.

The FA has also been in touch with Greater Manchester Police with a view to ensuring the second leg passes off without incident.

Both clubs will be under huge scrutiny both before, during and after Wednesday's second-leg at Old Trafford.

In September, Neville was cautioned about his future conduct following United's dramatic 4-3 derby win in the Premier League when he ran towards City fans to celebrate Michael Owen's injury-time winner at Old Trafford.

The England defender received a £5,000 FA fine and was warned over his future conduct in 2006 because he celebrated in front of Liverpool's fans after United secured a late winner over their rivals.

Argentine Tevez joined City in July 2009 following an extended, two-season loan deal with United, with whom he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

His move to bitter rivals City angered United fans as Tevez was a firm favourite with Old Trafford supporters.

Before the first-leg tie at Eastlands, Neville said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had been right to let Tevez leave the club last summer, rather than signing him on a permanent deal after his two-year loan spell ended.

Tevez scored twice in City's 2-1 win, and gestured and cupped his ears after scoring his second goal

Cameras appeared to catch Neville making an obscene gesture in response, and afterwards Tevez said his celebration had not been aimed at the United bench but specifically at his former team-mate.

"My celebration was directed at Gary Neville," Tevez told ESPN Argentina.

"He acted like a complete boot-licker when he said I wasn't worth £25m, just to suck up to the manager.

"I don't know what the hell that moron [tarado] is talking about me for. I never said anything about him.

"I didn't go overboard in my celebration and it was directed at Gary, not at Ferguson and not at the fans.

"I think he did the wrong thing because I was his team-mate and I never said anything bad about him."

The row has made plenty of headlines and has done little to help the FA's hopes of reducing tensions between the clubs.

And Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable Ian Hopkins has called for fans to be on their best behaviour, with around 9,000 City fans expected at Old Trafford.

He said: "As one of the host cities for the 2018 World Cup bid, the second leg truly is a great day for Manchester to shine. We would ask that fans play their part by behaving sensibly and do the city proud.

"I would like to stress that although the rivalry has always been there between the fans, previous derby matches have passed off largely peacefully and without major incident.

"I would ask that fans adhere to this tradition on Wednesday, regardless of what happened in the first leg."

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