Manchester United's Evra Receives Four Match Ban

Manchester United's Patrice Evra has been banned for four matches and fined £15,000 after the hearing into last season's post-match altercation with a groundsman at Stamford Bridge.

The FA found the Manchester United defender guilty of improper conduct.

A United statement called the ban "excessive" and Evra will miss four matches commencing from 22 December. Chances are they will appeal the decision anyway.

Chelsea were fined £25,000 for failing to ensure an employee conducted himself in an orderly fashion. The FA said charges that groundsman Sam Bethell had used racially abusive language towards Evra after the match could not be proven.

Manchester United left a statement on their website: "Manchester United note the announcement from the FA and are disappointed with the decision and in particular consider the sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive. Manchester United and Patrice will consider all options once there has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the decision. There will be no further comment."

The hearing in London finished on Friday and was attended by officials from both clubs, with the cases being heard separately by the FA's regulatory commission. Evra and his team-mates were asked to move while warming down, sparking the row after last season's 2-1 league defeat in April. Evra, Gary Neville, Park Ji-Sung, Danny Wellbeck, John O'Shea and Paul Scholes - who did not feature in the match - were running on the field in a warm-down about 30 minutes after the final whistle when the trouble broke out.

The Frenchman and Bethell were pictured having a confrontation following the incident, with Bethell raising a fist towards Evra while being held back by two Chelsea staff members.

The FA said Evra had struck Bethell on the side of the head, and that the player admitted to pushing a different groundsman with his chest..... Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Face Derby In Carling Cup Semi-Final

Burnley have been given the chance to take down a big club when they were drawn against Spurs in the Carling Cup Quarter Final draw. So far, Burnley have knocked out Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal in their quest to win the trophy.

Manchester United were left to play Derby County in the other semi final. Derby did actually claim a Premier League scalp in the shape of Stoke City in the last round as did Manchester United. Derby beating Stoke and United 5-3 victors over Blackburn Rovers.

The matches will be played in the weeks beginning 5 and 19 January 2009. The final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, 1 March.....Back To Home Page...

No Manchester United Players Are Going On Loan Now

Just to support the article preceding this one it has transpired that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out allowing any of his young players to move out on-loan. With United still fighting on FIVE front for yet more trophies (EPL, WCC, Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup) Sir Alex knows that with a possible fixture pile up and the prospect of 8 games coming up in 26 days in the new year it is United who need the players and NOT other clubs.

He said: "The one good thing is that we've got a big strong squad, I won't be letting anyone else out on loan and I want to keep everyone together because I'm going to need them. It's all about taking their chance when it comes and they have done that and I'm pleased with that but more importantly it adds to my squad when we're coming in the second half of the season. We've got something like eight games in 26 days and I've got the squad to cope with that. It's a great bonus we've got now."

Ferguson has a lot of faith in young players like Danny Welbeck, Rodrigo Possebon and Rafel da Silva and believes they are capable of making an impact at United.

He added: "Playing against Middlesbrough, QPR and against Blackburn, we learnt something from them, their temperament, their ability to play in front of the crowd at Old Trafford. They're never phased, that's the important thing. These young players have come through well."

Good news indeed. Not just for us as fans who want to see these guys develop and grow into future super stars but brilliant news for the players themselves. They play at the biggest club in the world and I'm sure they would rather pull on the famous red jersey during their time at the Academy.

Nurturing youth and giving youngsters their chance is how Sir Matt did it. The birth of the Busby babes announced the real arrival of faith in youth systems and Sir Alex has reinforced that with his management methods. We must continue this system, not just for Sir Matt or Sir Alex but for Manchester United as a whole.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Discard Feeder Clubs

Manchester United have been streamlining their partnership clubs. In the past they have had a whole host of 'Feeder Clubs'. This provides a mutually beneficial mtwo way agreement whereby Manchester United get first choice on the young talent coming through the ranks at these feeder clubs and in exchange United send all their 'loan players' to play at these clubs which has it's obvious rewards.

United have just struck a deal with Brazil's Desportivo Brasil and maintain a strong relationship with Royal Antwerp.

United had tie-ups around the globe with Brommapojkarna in Sweden, Oslo Ost in Norway, Parramatta Eagles in Australia, FC Fortune in South Africa and Nantes in France to name a few.

However, none of the links proved a success and now all have been discarded.....Back To Home Page...

Micheal Shields Hoping For Justice Today

Micheal Shields has his hearing today and his parents are to have a meeting with Jack Straw who DOES have the power to free him despite saying he doesn't. The Bulgarian Prime Minister has sent a memo to Mr Straw saying it is up to Britain whether or not he is freed.

I come from Eastern Europe and I will be the first to admit our court systems are dreadful. It stems from the communist era when they would grab the nearest person to the crime, try them and convict them, never mind the evidence and it happens today, though many will deny this.

I've read a lot about this case and it's clear to anyone with half a brain that Micheal is innocent.

Liverpool fan yes, I know, but at times like this he is a FOOTBALL fan first and foremost just like all of us......Micheal, You'll Never Walk Alone !!!

Any United fans who don't like this post then cast your minds back to the United fans, the "Roma Four" who were unfairly jailed in Italy. I saw hundreds and hundreds of Liverpool fans show support for them and some even sent donations to the fund !!!!

This is from the official website, go show support for the guy - MICHAEL SHIELDS will serve out the rest of his prison sentence in Britain after judges in Bulgaria agreed to reduce his 15-year prison sentence by five years but refused to order a full re-trial for his conviction of attacking a barman. Send your messages of support for Michael.

Click Here To Post A Message

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Manchester United 'v' Chelsea In A Disciplinary Hearing This Time

Today is the day the FA have a lot of pressure on them. They will be holding a hearing into the 'Battle of Stamford Bridge' from last year. After the game, which United lost 2-1, there was a twenty man brawl involving Patrice Evra and a number of other players and the Chelsea groundstaff.

Evra was charged with improper conduct after his part in the melee.

Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell was accused by at least one member of the United group of using racist language towards Evra, though the player has never claimed he heard that. It has been said that United Assistant Manager Mike Phelan is the one to make these accusations.

Bethell has not been charged because of a technicality, but Chelsea have been charged with failing to ensure the proper conduct of their employee, and failing to inform him in his contract that he was subject to the FA's rules and regulations.

The hearing should last for two days. If anyone is found guilty of racism in any form no matter how small, then the FA really do need to come down like a ton of bricks on the offender. Not just some petty £10,000 fine like they gave Sir Alex earlier this season for his misconduct charge. I reported back then that I thought his punishment was pathetic. The FA need to realise these 'small' sums of cash mean nothing to any footballer or manager and even less to a club as a whole.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Blitz Blackburn As Tevez Scores Four

Manchester United made 10 changes from the side that beat Manchester City 1-0 at the weekend, but they weren't really troubled by a bedraggled Blackburn Rovers until the closing stages of this match.

Carlos Tevez bundled home a free kick as he tussled for posession with Aaron Mokoena put United ahead in the 36th and four minutes later, Nani played a one-two with Tevez before slotting under goalkeeper Paul Robinson. So add one assist to Tevez's four goals. Not surprising really as Tevez was his usual powerhouse with non stop hard work throughout the game.

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy took just three minutes to make an impact after coming off the bench at half time. Roque Santa Cruz flicked on Robinson's deep goal kick, and after outmanoeuvring makeshift centre back Gary Neville, McCarthy fired past Ben Foster however, Tevez quickly restored United's two-goal lead in the 51st and made it 4-1 three minutes later.

Blackburn threatened a late comeback when Matt Derbyshire slotted under Foster in the 84th and McCarthy scored a second in the second minute of injury time.

Tevez further pushed his claims to a regular first-team place by finishing off Rovers before the final whistle when latching onto Anderson's lofted ball forward.

Another major boost for United was the return of midfielder Paul Scholes in the 66th for the first time since damaging knee ligaments in September.

Tevez said of his performance: "I was looking forward to this game and since I have not been playing often and it was a good night and I'm happy with my performance," Tevez said through Brazil midfielder Rodrigo Possebon, who was translating. I'm very proud to score four goals for the first time in my career and to do it in a United shirt."

This match will set up a semi final with either Spurs, who knocked Watford out 1-0, Burnley, victors over Arsenal having already beaten Chelsea or Derby County who got rid of Stoke City.

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Vietnam Want Manchester United

The Vietnam Football Federation is in discussions to pay almost $4million to tempt Manchester United into a pre-season one-off match next year.

Football has been played in Vietnam since the early 20th century, however, due to the war with America, it had not been developed into a movement. The federation was founded in 1962 as Vietnam Football Association. In 1964, it was officially admitted to be affiliated member of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. Due to the division of Vietnam, football was played differently in the two parts of the country until 1975. In 1989, VFA was renamed to Vietnam Football Association.

The VFF is also targeting Italian giants AC Milan but both deals are far from done.

VFF Chairman Nguyen Trong Hy said luring clubs such as Man Utd and Milan to Asia could do great things. As it has done for the Chinese and other Asian Federations.

“This is a huge amount of money but we can arrange it. We can get money from tickets, advertising and broadcasting rights and so on.” he was quote as saying by the Asian Football Federation.

Manchester United have laid down more stringent stringent guidelines than Britney Spears and Mariah Carey combined though, that is if the match actually goes ahead. No advertising would be allowed at the venue whilst the Vietnamese team would only be authorized to wear their names and the national flag on their strips.

Trong Hy said the talks with AC Milan were a lot further advanced than with Manchester United.

"Everything is running well. If AC Milan agrees, the match between the national squad and AC Milan will be held in early September 2009," Trong Hy said.....Back To Home Page...

Ex Manchester United And Celtic Striker Could Be Everton Bound

Everton to sign Henrik Larsson? Sounds ridiculous I know. I thought Henrik had his swansong with Manchester United back in 2006-07 but apparently he is now seeking a position in a professional capacity with a club and has welcomed enquiries.

Larsson is still registered with Helsingborg and at the age of 36 everyone thought that would be his final club.

With this news that Larsson is seeking another club, David Moyes of Everton has been quick to check out the possibility of signing him, after he lost Yakubu for the rest of the season.

Manchester United shocked the football world when they announced that Larsson would be on loan from 1 January until 12 March 2007, coinciding with the Swedish league's off season.

His debut was against Aston Villa in the FA Cup Third Round on 7 January 2007 at Old Trafford, a game in which he scored. Larsson scored his first ever Premier League goal on January 31 in a 4-0 win over Watford, he then scored on his last appearance at Old Trafford in a Manchester United shirt in a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Lille on 7 March 2007 to give United a 2-0 win on aggregate.

Whilst Sir Alex Ferguson tried his best to extend the loan period, Larsson stated that he had made a promise to his family and his club to return on 12 March. This was confirmed on 20 February, when Larsson announced that he would not be extending his loan period. Despite this, Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the striker, who scored 3 goals in 13 matches in all competitions during his 3 month stay, saying, "He's been fantastic for us, we tried everything we could to get him to stay longer, but he made a promise and you have to respect that."

Larsson made his final appearance for United on Saturday 10 March in a 6th Round FA Cup tie away to Middlesboro, ending in a 2-2 draw.

Manchester United won the Premier League two months after Larsson had left the club, and although he had not played the required quota of 10 league games to qualify for a Premier League winners medal, he, alongside Alan Smith, was granted special dispensation by the Premier League after the club requested for extra medals for the two.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Keeper Prepared To Wait

Ben Foster has not had the best of luck regarding his first team chances at Manchester United. He was out on loan at Watford for a full season and upon his return missed virtually all of last season with a cruciate ligament injury. Despite this, he is still willing to wait his turn and take his chance when it comes. He is often mentioned as a potential player to be included in each and every England squad.

Edwin Van der Sar has started to show his age with a few uncharacteristic mistakes and there is a possibility that either Tomasz Kuszcak or Ben Foster could force their way into contention, with the latter prepared to play a patient waiting game.

Talking to Setanta Sports Foster said: "I have got to take any chance that I am given, United are in a lot of competitions, like the Carling Cup, which gives the manager a chance to make changes. There are also other Premier League games where he might rotate a little bit and give either myself or Tomasz a chance. I just have to get my head down and keep doing the same things in training. Then if my chance comes along, hopefully I will be ready to take it."

"Yes, it probably is harder when you only come in for one game every few weeks. When you are the established number one keeper, you know you are going to be playing, you know what to expect and you can tailor your week to prepare. When you don't know whether you are going to be playing, or even involved, it is hard to prepare, you have to be professional, do the right things in training and be ready when the call comes."

Foster's attitude is rare to see these days. Put someone on the bench for too long and it doesn't take them long to begin the 'crying game' and demanding first team chances. I rate Foster higher than Kuszczak who has the ability to make me nervous every time a cross or corner is aimed any where near him.

Is Foster a future England goalkeeper?

I think so, yes.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo Wins The Ballon D'Or

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo won the European Footballer of the Year Award in France on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Portuguese star is the first from his country to win the coveted 'Ballon D'Or' award which is given by 'France Football' since Luis Figo in 2000.

CR7 has spoken often about his chances of winning this despite protestations from opposing fans. At one point he actually declared himself not only the best footballer in the world but second and third too.

He scored a remarkable 42 times in 49 matches as United secured a memorable league and European Cup double.

Lionel Messi finished in second place with Fernando Torres in third.

This award has been Presented since 1956 by the French football magazine France Football, it is awarded to the player considered to have performed best over the previous year;. The first to lift this honour was Blackpool player Stanley Matthews.

Prior to 2007, the player had to be a member of a club based within UEFA's jurisdiction in order to qualify for selection; and until 1995 a player also had to be of European nationality to be eligible. The 2007 change in rules saw players from Qatar, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina named on the shortlist alongside those from European clubs.

Since October 2007, 96 football journalists from around the world have decided the winner from a shortlist of 50 compiled by France Football.

Add this title to the fact Manchester United are current Premier League Champions and Champions of Europe things look rosy right now. Ronaldo is also favourite for the World Player of the Year too.....and I don't think many will argue with that!

Can Manchester United also go on to win the World Club Cup in Tokyo too ? The mind boggles.....Back To Home Page...

Did Manchester United Make The £17m Bid ?

As I previously reported, Manchester United have been taking a long hard look at Axel Witsel, the young Standard Liege midfielder. However, it now appears insist that they have no plans to sell Witsel in January. In fact, they are claiming they have actually turned down a bid of £17m.

There are a number of clubs checking on the progress of Witsel but they have not revealed who the bid came from. Despite interest from Italy, France and Spain, it is the host of Premier League clubs who look keenest.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bolton and Middlesbrough have all been linked to him or they have been seen watching him but Standard's vice-president Luciano D'Onofrio has sent out a clear message that Witsel is not for sale and they have turned down a huge offer for him.

"I had a bid of €20million for Witsel and it was refused, it is not even a question."

I very much doubt it is Manchester United who launched the bid. OK, if we could get Witsel for a cut down price of around £10m then fine, he is a great prospect but I doubt United will be involved in a bidding war for him come January......Back To Home Page...

The Manchester United Almanac

This Weeks Book Review:
The Official Manchester United Almanac
Written by: John D. T. White Foreward by: Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

You've worn the shirt, you've witnessed the drama and
now it's time to uncover the great legacy that lies
behind Manchester United.

In the new and revised Manchester United
biographic dedicated to the past leg-
ends of the club, John D.T white serves up his
latest instalment

'The Official Manchester United Almanac'

with a comprehensive overview of the reds
ground breaking success both in Euro-
pean and domestic competition. In his fifth
book about United, this offers an in depth
look at the players, movers and shakers
down the years whose skills have
graced the Old Trafford turf.

Foreworded by Sir Alex Ferguson himself,
this book offers those who truly bleed
red the ultimate United experience to
feel a part of the club's illustrious history
with a look at the winning philosophy
adopted by legendary manager Sir Matt
Busby that moulded the club's youth
academy and became the pillar of their
success, marking a club tradition and
identity still upheld today.

Whether it's Norman Whiteside making
history in an FA Cup final or King Eric's poetic
justice of the mid 1990's, Reds fanatics
are sure to be overwhelmed by this chrono-
logical account of events which is tracked
over twelve calendar months. This timeless
documentation of all there is to know
about United will please all readers as White
blends past and present events to underpin
the Old Trafford club's unchanging identity
without limiting its genius to 'beginning'
and 'end' as most club biographies do.

Undoubtedly the book touches on the
most pivotal moments which shaped the club's
legacy - from their formation as a Newton
Heath FC to the euphoria of their first ever
English league triumph, which would set
a precedent for future success. It also feat-
ures a moving account of the victims of
the Munich air disaster on February 6 1958
to which the book is dedicated.

However, the downside to this book is
the absence of Manchester United's Champions
League final triumph in May 2008. The
climatic end to a hard fought race with arch rivals
Chelsea for an unprecedented double,
which came to the boil in a scintillating encounter
in Moscow. The game which ended in an
epic penalty shoot victory for United was arg-
uably the most poigniant tribute to the
Bubsy babes on the 50th anniversary year of the
disaster, but is not included here.

Regardless of the books notable misgivings,
it is packed with a glossary of handy club
trivia for those stato's looking to brush up
on their club knowledge as its comprehensive
delivery of club facts and accounts bridges
the gap between fan and club.

This is the ultimate club bible every Red
across the globe has been anticipating for the
last 10 years and will teach you all you
ever wanted to know about managers, players
and the history of Manchester United.
Its infectious display of football history makes
an attractive read both for neutral and avid
United fans and is sure to leave you hooked,
dare I say a converted Red as you uncover
the phenomenon which is United with the
turning of every page.


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Burnley In Chase For Manchester United Defender

Manchester United's Scottish full back David Gray is wanted by Burnley boss Owen Coyle.

Gray was born on 4 May 1988 in Edinburgh. He came up through the ranks at Hearts until he was sixteen and was then signed by Manchester United for £50,000. He has also had a spell with Crewe Alexandra. Gray has also been a part of the Scotland Under-21 squad.

Two years ago Gray broke into the reserve team, being used mainly at right-back, coming from the bench. On 25 October 2006, Gray made his debut for the senior team in a League Cup match against Crewe Alexandra. He started the game at right-back, but late in the second half, he was substituted for Kieran Lee who went on to score the winning goal in extra time.

In January 2007, he was sent on loan to Royal Antwerp, who are a 'feeder' club for Manchester United, hence a lot of our reserves and youngsters end up with a Dutch spell in their United career. However, after just two games, he suffered an injury which sidelined him for the rest of the season. In November 2007, he again went on loan, this time to Crewe Alexandra for a month, as cover for the club's injured players.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Take The Honours As Rooney Notches Up His Ton

A couple of years ago Manchester City launched an advertising campaign that claimed: ‘This is Our City'. Well I got news for them, no it isn't.

Any Manchester City supporters who were thinking of their new found wealth and how they can compete on an even playing field with United can forget it. At least in the short term it wont be happening. This game just highlighted the gulf between the two teams.

Manchester United are the real thing, the finished article, Champions of England and Champions of Europe and City are "under construction" so to speak.

City were simply out played and players such as Rooney, Carrick, Da Silva and Fletcher stood out but my man of the match was Ji-Sung Park, or 'Three Lung Park' as he is affectionately known. How that guy can cover so much ground and just never give up is remarkable. It was the efforts of Ji-Sung Park that actually lead to the goal.

He was chasing around the 18 yard box for the ball, snapping at the ankles of the City players and eventually he got the ball and passed it wide to Carrick who shot across goal and Rooney fired in the rebound from Jo Hart's save. This was Rooney's 100th club goal and the game was the 150th Manchester derby.

Park never gets much praise but he is a great squad player and today his effort and work rate were second to none.

As for City's superstars Robinho and Micah Richards, did they actually play, I didn't notice.

The Ronaldo sending off will remain a mystery to me. He ran in to try and connect with Rooney's corner, he was at least 3 feet higher than any other player with a clear header on goal and he parried the ball away with his hands. Why would he do that ?

When the dust settled, though, United’s win was undeniably just.

For now, at least, United remain - in Rooney’s words - the "Kings of Manchester".

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