Manchester United Blog » Liverpool http://www.manutdblog.com Just another WordPress weblog Sun, 29 May 2011 05:59:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Berbatov puts 3 past Liverpool! http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/featured/berbatov-puts-3-past-liverpool http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/featured/berbatov-puts-3-past-liverpool#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:27:19 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=818 Dimitar Berbatov silenced all critics (including myself) in Sundays clash against Liverpool, being the first and only player to score a hat-trick in the north-west derby since the inception of the Premier League.

This was the second “top 4″ fixture of the year, although I find it hard to consider Liverpool a top 4 club after last years disappointing performance, and this years horrendous start.

But with any derby of this magnitude, you cant consider a teams current table position. Numbers and stats go out the window when you have a rivalry like Manchester United and Liverpool.

Both teams started with the strongest line-ups they could. United obviously still missing Ferdinand and Valencia, whos out until February.

15 minutes in United would have not one but two chances. First, great build up from United. Rooney finds Nani on the right side in a text book switch of play. Nani does what a winger is supposed to and draws 4 Liverpool defenders, before laying the ball off to Rooney whos shot is deflected and lands on the feet of Nani who couldn’t decide if he should shoot or pass and scuffs a great chance.

Liverpools only real chance of the first half came from a corner played back to Glen Johnson, who hit his trademark left-footed shot that went wide.

After a series of corners, and with Fernando Torres hugging him, Berbatov would find the back of the net from a header in the 42nd minute to break the deadlock and put United up 1-0 just before the half.

United would go into the half with a 1-0 lead.

United would continue to pressure and in the 59th minute after a brilliant bit of play, Fletcher would find Nani with a 40 yard pass, Nani would put it in to Berbatov who would create a bit of magic! Scoring his second of the match, this is a goal that will be replayed over and over for years to come. The Bulgarian receives Nani’s center with his thigh, pops it up over his head and bicycles in a brilliant goal that hits the inside of the crossbar!

The 2 goal lead would only last 5 minutes as Evens commits an amateur mistake by taking down Torres in the box. There was no reason to go in sliding like that, Torres didnt have much of an angle and Evens played the striker and not the ball.

It was Gerrard who would take it, and he made no mistake from the PK spot. 2-1 United lead.

6 minutes later Torres would draw another foul just outside the box, this time it was O’Shea who got tangled up with the Spaniard. From 20 yards out, Van der Sar asked for 7 in the wall, but that wasn’t enough. Gerrard found the only hole in the wall, as Fletcher decided to break away from it, and scored Liverpool’s 2nd of the night. Making it all level in the 70th minute.

It wasnt until after a couple of subs from both teams, including Giggs coming off for Macheda that United would finally regain momentum and in the 84th, who else but Berbatov would find the back of the net. After some great build up, including a switch of play that started and ended with the ageless Scholes. If you look back and see the switch from Scholes to O’Shea, Scholes has the agility and speed of a 24 year-old. O’Shea would put in a wonderful ball for Berbatov and Berbatov would make history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the Manchester United v Liverpool derby since the inception of the Premier League.

Sir Alex would then sub Berbatov off to a much deserved standing ovation.

Things would end 3-2 for United, and just as important, Berbatov finally looking like a $30 million player.

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/featured/berbatov-puts-3-past-liverpool/feed 0 United and Liverpool to bring out top guns http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/general-commentary/united-and-liverpool-to-bring-out-top-guns http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/general-commentary/united-and-liverpool-to-bring-out-top-guns#comments Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:57:48 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=816 Manchester United vs Liverpool, one of footballs great fixtures. This match is not for the weak and it’s never taken lightly. It’s a battle for the title of “England’s Most Successful Club”. Both teams have a record 18 league titles and have won a combined 116 honors between each other.

It is for this reason that both team have brought in their top guns. Torres and Gerrard return for Liverpool. While Van der Sar, Vidic, Evra and Scholes will return to the squad, along with Nani, and Berbatov.

Currently sitting in 16th, Liverpool need to make up some ground, but that wont be easy at Old Trafford. My money is on United as always and I predict a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils.

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/general-commentary/united-and-liverpool-to-bring-out-top-guns/feed 0 Relax Liverpool, your still in 3rd http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/fa-cup/relax-liverpool-your-still-in-3rd http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/fa-cup/relax-liverpool-your-still-in-3rd#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:01:14 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=408 Manchester United’s loss to Liverpool on Saturday ended a run of 11 successive wins and frankly, it hurt.

“It wasn’t a result anybody at Manchester United could be proud of, but you have to say Liverpool played really well and deserved to win.”

Sir Bobby is right Liverpool played well, but United played absolutely horrendous football. Especially defensively, They committed errors I didn’t believe United professionals could make. All Liverpool did was capitalize on United’s mistakes .

Sir Bobby told BBC Radio: “I think there was just a little bit of stress, because we kept on winning matches.”

“It helps to maybe turn the gas down a little bit, and a lot of pressure’s maybe eased. I’m hoping we’re going to do better because of this result.”

But like Sir Bobby Charlton I think this could be a blessing in disguise.

And as far as the Liverpool fans go, United is still on top, with a game in hand. And you guys are still in third.

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/fa-cup/relax-liverpool-your-still-in-3rd/feed 0 Benitez Envious of Sir Alex http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/benitez-envious-of-sir-alex http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/benitez-envious-of-sir-alex#comments Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:33:43 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=284 Benitez believes Ferguson is getting away with attacks on referees which would not be tolerated from other managers.
He said: “All managers need to know is that only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees and nothing happens.
“We need to know that I am talking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see every single week.
“Are they under pressure? Maybe they were not thinking that we would be at the top of the table in January. But we are at the top of the table and they are nervous.
“I am not telling the authorities what to do. But I have been here for five years and know how things are going on.”
Benitez added: “To hear someone talking when he has problems with referees every single week, and now complaining about the fixtures and complaining about everything, I think that is not fair.
“You can see every week how they put (referees) under pressure, we know this. We have seen it before.
“We have seen players sent off at Old Trafford and we do not see our opponents sent off.
“It is part of the game. But to complain and to always have an advantage is not fair.
“During the respect campaign, and this is a fact, Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and (the FA’s) Keith Hackett.
“He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things.
“How can you talk about the respect campaign and criticise the referee every single week.
“Then he was talking about the fixtures. Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays – and we didn’t say anything.
“Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage.
“But at Christmas, United played on December 29 and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, they were not complaining then.
“If he wants to talk about fixtures, and have a level playing field as you say in England. There are two options if we don’t want more problems.
“One is (to have the same system) as in Spain, the draw for the first part of the league is known, everyone knows which weekend. In the second half everyone plays the opposite, so you all know.
“Sky and Setanta have the rights to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.
“There is another option. Mr Ferguson organises the fixtures in his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain. That is simple.
Benitez finished off by criticising the conduct of United officials when Liverpool play matches at Old Trafford.
He added: “We know what happens every time we go to Old Trafford and the United staff.
“They are always going man-to-man with the referees, especially at half-time when they walk close to the referees and they are talking and talking…”
Sporting Life / Eurosport

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/benitez-envious-of-sir-alex/feed 0 Carrick suffers broken foot at Anfield http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/carrick-suffers-broken-foot-at-anfield http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/carrick-suffers-broken-foot-at-anfield#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:47:46 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=224 Michael Carrick will be out for 4-6 weeks after suffering a broken foot at the hands of Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun. Initially thought to be purely muscular, a subsequent check up revealed a break in his right foot.

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/carrick-suffers-broken-foot-at-anfield/feed 0 Liverpool finally beat United http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/match-reviews/liverpool-finally-beat-united http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/match-reviews/liverpool-finally-beat-united#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:55:08 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=222 Rafael Benitez has finally got something to smile about after Liverpool beat Manchester United 2-1 to record his first win over the club’s arch rivals in his Anfield career thanks to an own goal from Wes Brown and Ryan Babel’s winner.

The Liverpool boss had never beaten United in eight previous league games, with the champions having won the last five meetings between these two giants.
But United wilted under a relentless second-half pressure, had Nemanja Vidic sent-off and saw substitute Babel secure victory.

Carlos Tevez put United ahead early on. But after a torrid opening period, Liverpool were level with a Wes Brown own goal before Liverpool dominated the second half and grabbed a priceless win with 13 minutes left.
Liverpool gave new signing Albert Riera his debut but Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were not risked any closer to the initial action than the bench.
For the champions, Michael Carrick returned after an ankle problem, but all eyes were on £30million striker Dimitar Berbatov on his first appearance for his new club.
Liverpool fans staged a march to the ground from a local pub to protest at the club’s American owners.
But that did not stop co-owner George Gillett taking his place in the directors’ box, although not in the front row close to the fans.
There was also a row of smartly-suited Americans, all singing along to “You’ll never walk alone” – the anthem moved to seconds before kick-off rather than when the teams march out, presumably to unsettle United.
It did not work. The champions were ahead after just three minutes.
Berbatov was allowed to get to the line by some sloppy marking and covering, and Liverpool’s defence was nowhere to be seen when his pulled back cross was lashed home by Tevez.
United were quicker and more mobile all over the pitch while Liverpool continually conceded possession.
But the Merseysiders should have scored after 13 minutes when Edwin van der Sar fumbled a corner and Kuyt’s blast from three yards hit Paul Scholes on the line.
Liverpool at last started to get into the match as Tevez was booked for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa and a succession of free-kicks pinned United back.
And they were level after 26 minutes. Xabi Alonso’s curling, low shot into the area deflected off Patrice Evra and Van der Sar hurled himself forward.
But he only managed to push the ball on to Brown, who could do nothing about it cannoning off him and over the line. Riera followed the ball in, but it was the United man’s last touch.
United sent on Ryan Giggs for Carrick at the break, the midfielder having taken a heavy blow on his ankle in the first half.
Liverpool started the second period in much sharper form, Benayoun almost saw a flicked effort evade Van der Sar and Alonso fired over from 20 yards.
Keane narrowly missed breaking his scoring duck when he failed by inches to connect with a Javier Mascherano cross-shot. United’s reply came from Paul Scholes who drove wide.
United sent on Hargreaves for Scholes after 66 minutes, having been forced back for much of the second spell.
Two minutes later Liverpool introduced Gerrard in place of Benayoun as United started to come back into the game.
As if to underline the point, Jose Reina was forced into a fine save from a dipping Giggs volley.
Riera was taken off after 71 minutes and replaced by Babel having made a good impression after a shaky start.
And on 77 minutes, Liverpool’s pressure paid off. Mascherano battled his way down the right and to the line, Kuyt took up possession and played the ball across for Babel to crack home.
Nani came on for Anderson, and Rio Ferdinand was booked for bringing down Keane as the Irishman looked to be bursting through on goal. Nani was next into the book for bringing down Mascherano.
Liverpool were going to replace Keane with David Ngog, but changed their minds at the last moment when it was clear Mascherano had injured his ankle. The Argentinian limped off and Sami Hyypia came on instead.
United had Nemanja Vidic pushed up front by now, and Liverpool needed three central defenders.
Vidic was then sent off for crashing his arm into Alonso’s face after 89 minutes, a second yellow card swiftly followed by a red. He will now miss the visit to Chelsea on September 21.

ESPNsoccernet

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/match-reviews/liverpool-finally-beat-united/feed 2 Gerrard and Torres cleared to face United http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/gerrard-and-torres-cleared-to-face-united http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/gerrard-and-torres-cleared-to-face-united#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:39:48 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=221 Do clubs intentionally put out false or misleading reports about a players availability? Maybe to break the composure or concentration of the opposing team?

Both Gerrard and Torres were set to miss Saturdays clash against Manchester United. But according to the clubs official website both players completed a full training session and have been included in the squad that will take on Manchester United at Anfield.

This is after Gerrard said “The United game is too soon. I’ve got a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille on September 16, but I’ve told the manager I’d like to do a certain amount of training before I play.”

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/gerrard-and-torres-cleared-to-face-united/feed 4 First Torres, now Gerrard out of Saturdays clash against United http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/first-torres-now-gerrard-out-of-saturdays-clash-against-united http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/first-torres-now-gerrard-out-of-saturdays-clash-against-united#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:29:51 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=219 Steven Gerrard has ruled himself out of Saturdays match against Manchester United. The Liverpool captain had surgery on a groin injury back in August after helping Liverpool qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
This is a major blow to Rafa’s side, seeing as how they were already without Fernando Torres. Torres suffered a hamstring injury during his last Premier League match against Aston Villa.
The England international explained how he was forced to take multiple painkillers to get through matches.  When asked if he would be fit for the Manchester United match Gerrard answered: “The United game is too soon,”
“I’ve a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille but I’ve spoken to the manager and told him I’d like to do a certain amount of training before I come back.” Gerrard told the Liverpool Daily Post.
“I don’t want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys.”
“There are times when you have got to forget about England and Liverpool and get yourself right. I had a good rest in the summer and felt great when I came back. Then, as soon as I went into training, the groin started niggling. One day it would be the right, then the left, and over a month’s pre-season, it started to be a real worry.
“I strained both sides, which is a separate injury from the main groin problem I’ve got. The strains came about because I was training and playing differently to reduce the pain further up the pelvic bone.”
Gerrard added: “The decision about surgery was taken after our game against Standard Liege. I had a meeting with the club doctor on the day of the game and said the discomfort was getting to the stage where I couldn’t continue.
“I’d had to double, then treble, my dose of painkillers to train and play, and I was having to take them during games. You get to the stage where you can’t grind it out any longer. I told the doctor, ‘I can’t find my level, I can’t get to 100 per cent because I’m missing training sessions and I don’t feel right in games. I don’t feel I can go to the max’.
“I couldn’t sprint flat out, couldn’t pass more than 30 yards and couldn’t shoot properly and, as much as you want to be out there for every game, it is important to be right.”

]]> http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/breaking-news/first-torres-now-gerrard-out-of-saturdays-clash-against-united/feed 0 Ronaldo deserves PFA Player of the Year awards http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/news/ronaldo-deserves-pfa-player-of-the-year-awards http://www.manutdblog.com/manchesterunited/news/ronaldo-deserves-pfa-player-of-the-year-awards#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:03:55 +0000 Tony http://www.manutdblog.com/?p=105 Cristiano Ronaldo is the heavy favorite to sweep the PFA Awards, again. Last year Cristiano Ronaldo won both the PFA player of the year and PFA young player of the year awards.
3 players return this year to the PFA player of the year shortlist, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Febregas and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. 3 players also return to the PFA young player of the year shortlist, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas and Micah Richards.

Ronaldo was robbed of the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007. Not to take anything from Kaka, but Ronaldo was better. If Ronaldo does not win both PFA awards this year, the competition is rigged. No other nominee has had the success Ronaldo has had this season. Not only individual success but team success as well.
Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor couldn’t carry their team into the semi-finals of the Champions League and have now slipped into 3rd place in the Premier League and it has been 3 years since Arsenal won any silverware.
Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard could not finish better than 4th place in the Premier League. Fernando Torres has had a decent run, scoring 21 goals and Steven Gerrard has scored 10. Yet they don’t come close to Ronaldo’s 27.
David James was the best keeper in the league, but Portsmouth is struggling to stay in 6th 
And if a player wins the player of the year award (and is young enough to be nominated for the young player of the year) He deserves the young player of the year award.

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