Match Preview: Manchester United vs Norwich City

Manchester United interim manager Ryan Giggs will be without striker Robin Van Persie for his first game in charge as Manchester United manager.

Van Persie remains sidelined with a knee injury, along with Brazilian full back Rafael, who is currently struggling to overcome a thigh problem.

Norwich are without defender Joseph Yobo who is struggling with a calf problem. However, winger Elliott Bennett could make a return to the side after coming back from along term knee injury.

After a series of events in Manchester, which resulted in the sacking of David Moyes, club legend Ryan Giggs would be eager to bring some attacking intent into the squad.

David Moyes’ six year contract got terminated on Tuesday after 10 months in charge after a series of disappointing results and failure to qualify for next year’s Champions League.

Ryan Giggs has replaced Moyes as interim manager for the next four games and is joined by fellow Class of 92 players Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

Some fans and pundits have even tipped Ryan Giggs to become the manager on a full time basis, however Giggs is just focusing on the next four games.

It is fair to say that this has been Giggs’ disappointing season as a Manchester United player by losing 10 times in one season. Something which never happened whilst playing under Sir Alex.

Ryan Giggs should be expecting a warm reception at Old Trafford as he leads Manchester United out tonight against a Norwich City side, who will be playing with gut and spirit to take something from this game.

Norwich have the worst away record in the Premier League this season and have only managed 11 goals. Although United have nothing to challenge for the players would be desperate to perform for manager Ryan Giggs and the fans, who have had to endure a miserable season after years of success with Sir Alex.

 

Ryan Giggs: Manchester United Relish Champions League Tie With Bayern Munich

Manchester United do not see themselves as “underdogs” for Tuesday’s Champions League home match with holders Bayern Munich, says player-coach Ryan Giggs.

After a disappointing start to David Moyes’s first season in charge of Manchester United, Ryan Giggs believes the current champions of England can go all the way and win the Champions League.

As well as poor on the pitch performances by players, the off the pitch antics have been monstrous with a division between fans in backing the new manager, who was hand picked by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Other United supporters felt disgruntled after heavy derby day defeats to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.  The most disappointing for the majority of United fans was the investment in a plane banner which read ‘Wrong One – Moyes Out’.

Ryan Giggs remains confident that United could pull it off, although the Reds are heavy underdogs against last season’s treble winners. Giggs made his 961st appearance for Manchester United against Olympiakos, where the Reds managed to overcome a 2-0 deficit and win 3-0 at Old Trafford, courtesy of a Robin Van Persie hat trick.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have retained the German Bundesliga under new manager Pep Guardiola with seven games remaining.

The chances of Manchester United being in the Champions League next season are slim as they are 10 points adrift of fourth place.

The injuries to key players is a concern for David Moyes and Manchester United as Robin Van Persie is out of action for upto six weeks. Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans and Rafael are all out injured whilst left back Patrice Evra is suspended.

Also, Spaniard Juan Mata is cup tied after playing for Chelsea in the competition earlier this season.

Despite the growing injury list, United manager is looking forward to meeting against Pep Guardiola for the first time.

“We have defensive issues undoubtedly, we will have to make one or two changes,” said Moyes. “We know that on our day we’re as good a side as any but we have to show it more often.

“I am really looking forward to coming up against  Pep Guardiola. It is the first time I have done but I have no doubt I will be doing it many times in the future.”

The first leg is going to be played at Old Trafford on Tuesday 1st April, with the return leg being at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday 9th April.

Manchester United Deny Rumours About Fallout Between David Moyes And Ryan Giggs

Manchester United have denied the rumours, which have heavily speculated that manager David Moyes fell out with player-coach Ryan Giggs after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Giggs, 40, is the most decorated footballer to serve Manchester United, and he was left out of Moyes’s squad for the match against rivals Liverpool.

A spokesman for Manchester United said, “The story of any problems between Ryan and the manager are completely false.” Although Welshman Ryan Giggs still remains under contract for Manchester United, David Moyes appointed Giggs as part of his coaching staff since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The crucial 10 days to decide Moyes’s fate as Manchester United manager included four games against rivals Liverpool and Manchester City as well as West Ham United and the second leg clash between Greeks Olympiakos.

DAVID MOYES: Manchester United manager looks on ahead of 3-0 defeat

After being played off the park by a strong Liverpool side, Moyes faced increasing pressure of losing the job, and fans took their rage and agression to social media sites such as Twitter. Moyes is now looking to reverse a 2-0 deficit against Olympiakos at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Journalists, pundits and fans are suggesting that the pressure of being United manager may be too big for Moyes, and that the next three games will decide his fate as manager.

Although United performed poorly, which resulted in a 3-0 defeat, the United faithful continued to sing 20 times, 20 times, 20 times to the Liverpool fans, but no support was given to the manager.

However, Moyes remains adamant that United will be able to turn the 2-0 deficit around on Wednesday night.

“The players are capable of turning it around. We’re all desperate to put things right and make sure we play better to give the supporters here something to shout about.”

As the games are now starting to come thick and fast as the business end of the season approaches us, Moyes will have to galvanise his squad and get the best out of the players in order to grind out results, which could be Moyes’s biggest matches in his managerial career.

Sir Alex Ferguson Believes David Moyes Will Be Successful At Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that fellow Scot David Moyes will be successful as Manchester United manager. Ferguson believes David Moyes should be given time.

After a season full of disappointment and anguish, David Moyes has been widely criticised with the job he has done so far since taking charge last summer.

United trail 18 points behind first placed Chelsea. After being knocked out of the FA Cup and Capital One Cup in the same week at Old Trafford, the Champions League is the only other competition Manchester United are in.

United still wait to face Olympiakos for the 2nd leg at Old Trafford, trying to over turn a 2-0 deficit.

But participating in European football next season is looking unlikely for Manchester United as they haven’t managed to win any domestic trophies in England and are on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions League.

Currently, United are seventh, 12 points behind fourth placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

It’s been a season of a few highs for David Moyes and his team. Lifting the Community Shield and acquiring the services of Spanish midfielder Juan Mata are amongst the highs.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Moyes should be given time. Ferguson became manager of Manchester United in 1986 and failed to help United win any silverware until 1990.

“It’s early days and there have been a lot of changes. He (Moyes) needs time. I was there for 27 years, so with a new manager, it takes time. But they’ll be okay.”, said Ferguson.

Robin Van Persie Says David Moyes Needs Time

Manchester United’s Dutch striker Robin Van Persie has admitted that Scotsmen David Moyes needs time, but United are ‘lousy’.

After a 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos in Greece on Tuesday night, Van Persie said that players were not providing him with enough service. It has been proven that David de Gea passed the ball to Van Persie more than any other player.

CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Rooney, Carrick and RVP after defeat to Olympiakos

With United anticipated odds on favourites for victory, the pressure once hit under fire manager David Moyes as fans and pundits took on social media sites such as Twitter to express their opinions after United fell to shambles in Greece.

David Moyes is still adamant that United can reverse the 2-0 deficit, with the 2nd leg approaching in three weeks. The Reds need three goals and can’t afford to concede to progress to the quarter finals. Or United will have to win 2-0 to take the game to extra time.

United are out of the FA Cup and Capital One cup, and also 11 points behind fourth placed Liverpool.

But Van Persie, who has been injured for a chunk of this season, has come forward and said that David Moyes needs time. The Dutchman also understands how everyone associated to Manchester United are disappointed.

The Reds only managed to hit one shot on target and the tempo of the play was too slow, which resulted in Van Persie criticising his team mates saying the players are in positions in which the striker occupies.

Wayne Rooney Isn’t Bothered By Abuse From Fans

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes that the fans who shouted abuse towards Rooney as he approached to take the corner kick, will be the same fans that would cheer him on in the World Cup.

Rooney, who has recently just signed a new five and a half year contract with United, was seen to have a coin thrown at him by some Crystal Palace fans during United’s 2-0 victory.

TROUBLE: Crystal Palace fans throw coins towards Wayne Rooney

Further to the victory, Moyes was also happy with Rooney pledging his future to the club.

“It is great news. It is a great signing for us. To try and buy a player like Rooney is going to cost you a lot of money or they are not available”, said Moyes.

Rooney found himself on the score sheet as he shot a half volley into the top corner of the net, putting it out of the reach of Palace’s goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

Dutchman Robin Van Persie scored the game’s opener as he powered a penalty past the keeper after Patrice Evra was brought down inside the box.

Moyes selected an attacking line up as Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj also started the game. Moyes’ first signing as United boss Marouane Fellaini also made an impressive comeback after months out with injury, but did miss a good opportunity to score.

Wayne Rooney was also full of praise with the teams effort. “We have great flexibility in the team and I thought we linked up quite well”, said Rooney.

The England forward also remains adamant that United could secure 4th spot and overhauling the gap is still possible.

Manchester United Set Their Sights On Porto’s Eliaquim Mangala

David Moyes is poised to step up his bid for Porto’s French defender Eliaquim Mangala. After recent defeats for United, followed with injuries to key players, Moyes is set to start building the squad again with his own addition of players.

Since Moyes took charge last summer, the Scot bought Marouane Fellaini from previous club Everton for £27.5 million. And his most recent signing came in the January transfer window after capturing the signature of Spanish midfielder Juan Mata for £37.1 million.

Nemanja Vidic has already confirmed that he will be departing the club in the summer. Vidic signed for the Reds in 2006 from Spartak Moscow and created a strong defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand as well as lift numerous Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008 after a rainy penalty shoot out in Moscow.

David Moyes had people watching the French defender for the third time in Porto’s 2-1 victory at Gil Vicente.

ELIAQUIM MANGALA: Player in action for FC Porto

The highly praised and sought-after defender is also speculated to be wanted by other clubs such as Manchester City, although Pellegrini said in the January transfer window deadline day that no signings will be made until the summer. Chelsea are also speculated to bid for the defender.

Mangala, 23, has a £35 million buy-out clause in his contract, and Moyes has been promised a significant amount of money to rebuild his team.

Mangala joined Porto from Standard Liege in £6 million deal in 2011, and has since then proved himself to be one of the finest young defenders in Europe.

United manager Moyes will have to start rebuilding his team from the back. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are set to follow Vidic out of Old Trafford in the summer.

Ferdinand is expected to retire whereas Evra is set to return to his native France to join former club Monaco or French giants PSG.

Meanwhile, Vidic is understood to have agreed a two year deal with Inter Milan.

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Barcelona

The Champions League is back and Manchester City prepare ahead of tomorrow evening’s eagerly-awaited clash with Barcelona, which will take place in the Etihad Stadium.

Arguably, this match will be one of the biggest fixtures in this season’s competition because of a range of talented players such as Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta playing against opposition with players such as Jesus Navas, David Silva and Alvaro Negredo.

However, Sergio Aguero is still out of action following his injury. On top of all the star studded players which will be against each other tomorrow evening, it will be the first time Yaya Toure plays against his former club Barcelona since his departure in 2010.

Manchester City’s Argentinian full back Pablo Zabaleta has told Sky Sports that he is ready to face the Spanish giants. He also admits the Barcelona game will show how much The Citizens have progressed.

“We know how important it is to win big games and of course, it’s a big challenge for us because when you play against the best, you see where you are,” said Zabaleta.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique has issued a warning to Champions League opponents Manchester City.

Pique is looking forward to returning to England and says Barcelona are not only reliant on Lionel Messi as they have quality players across the pitch in Neymar, Pedro and Alexis Sanchez.

The defender was full of praise for Brazilian sensation Neymar.

Pique told the Daily Telegraph: “Neymar’s really young, he’s got a lot of hunger to show to the world that he is right for Barcelona and that he’s one of the best players in the word.”

“His quality, his skills, his goals, have added a lot to the team and at the same time maybe he takes a little bit of the focus,” added Pique.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has expereince playing against Barcelona. The Chilean previously managed Malaga and Real Madrid.

Whilst the players prepare, they were still full of praise for their opponents. But only time will tell who, if any, will go on to clinch a victory in tomorrow’s clash.

Manchester United 2-2 Fulham: Darren Bent Piles The Pressure on Moyes

Darren Bent scored a very late equaliser to secure Fulham a point. Rene Meulensteen returned to Old Trafford for the first time as manager of Fulham.

Steve Sidwell gave the visitors the lead after he made a run into the box and was completely unmarked to slide the ball into the back of the net past David de Gea to break the deadlock after 19 minutes.

Former United player Kieran Richardson missed a golden opportunity to give Fulham a 2-0 lead after a quick counter attack from a Manchester United corner kick

Although for most of the match Fulham were leading 1-0, Manchester United kept on piling on the pressure on the Fulham defence and continued to dominate the game. The stats were heavily in favour of Manchester United, who managed 81 crosses throughout the match, the highest in any Premier League match since 2006.

Two late goals in quick succession from Robin Van Persie and Michael Carrick in the 78th and 80th minute gave United a 2-1 lead. Michael Carrick’s shot from the edge of the box went in after taking a deflection off Fulham midfielder Scott Parker.

EQUALISER: Darrent Bent’s header makes it 2-2 in the 94th minute

Meulensteen has managed to win three out of 11 league matches since being given the job in December, after the sacking of Martin Jol.

A dramatic equaliser after a superb save from de Gea to keep out Richardon’s effort in the dying seconds of the match has certainly piled the pressure on a beleaguered David Moyes. With Liverpool securing a 5-1 victory against Arsenal and Tottenham beating rivals Everton 1-0, it was a must-win game for Manchester United.

Manchester United now currently lie 7th in the table, nine points behind 4th placed Liverpool.

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea Travel To The Etihad In Search Of A Victory

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea travel to the Etihad Stadium on Monday in search of a victory. Both clubs are major contenders for the Premier League this season, and these two teams are the favourites to lift the Premier League trophy after a run of consistent performances.

Manchester City have a 100% home record in the league this season. City have played 11 times at home this season and have won all 11 matches in the league at home, managing to score 42 goals in the process.

Arguably, Chelsea and Manchester City’s squads are the strongest in England with great strength in depth and gifted players on the substitutes bench as well as the starting XI.

But Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho admits he is not under pressure to get a victory against Manchester City.

“We are going to try to win knowing perfectly we can lose or draw. Our intention is to try to win”, said Mourinho.

Manchester City have made finding the back of the net look really easy with four players hitting double figures already this season.

Chelsea also have players on form with Samuel Eto’o recently scoring a hat trick against Manchester United. Also, the West Londoners have Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard and Brazilian duo Willian and Oscar in terrific form, who are dubbed the ‘Three Amigos’.