Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[dom01]

Rodrigo Possebon - The Next Big Thing At Old Trafford? - Footy/Soccer Blog | English Premier League | Football Video | Soccer News at footyblog.net

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[mr_missile]

Cut and paste story.

FERGUSON HINTS AT BENZEMA DEAL


Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Manchester United could sign Lyon striker Karim Benzema.

The Reds boss watched Benzema, along with his team-mate winger Hatem Ben Arfa, when Lyon beat Sochaux 4-1 in Ligue 1 last weekend.

Ferguson will get a further chance to see the French international when his side face Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday and he has done nothing to dismiss speculation of a move for the forward.

"It is an area we tried to strengthen last summer and I don't think that's left us," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News

"I have big hopes for Danny Welbeck and he's progressing well but he's young. And we have Frazier Campbell coming back who has done well at Hull, but he's young as well.

"Benzema is only 20 and Ben Arfa is also 20. Lyon produce young players and Benzema is a local boy, which I'm sure gives them pride."

Ferguson though knows the player won't come cheap, rating Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas as one of European football's best negotiators.

"The president is a very clever man," he said. "He's so clever he can sell midfield players (Mahamadou Diarra) for £20m. That's amazing.

"That Jeremy Toulalan he bought from Nantes just sits and does the same job Diarra did. When they sold Michael Essien, they took Tiago then sold Tiago to Juventus for £6m.

"Eric Abidal, £10m for a left back. They're a well-run club."

However Benzema has said he would reject a switch to Old Trafford because he wants to win the Champions League with Lyon.

"A move to United wouldn't be right for me at this time," Benzema told the News of the World.

"I have said I wouldn't leave Lyon until we've won the Champions League and I have no intention of trying to go too quickly."

[yinyang]

Lyon v Man Utd
Venue: Stade Gerland
Date: Wed 20 Feb
Round: Last 16
Kick-off: 1945 GMT

BIG MATCH STATS
Olympique Lyon and Manchester United's only previous European meetings came in the 2004-05 Champions League group phase. The first match ended in a 2-2 draw in France and the return was a 2-1 win for United.

Six Lyon players who played in those matches are still with the club - Gregory Coupet, Anthony Reveillere, Cris, Juninho Pernambucano, Sidney Govou and Hatem Ben Arfa are the sextet. Manchester United have 10 survivors from those two matches - Michael Silvestre, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher. Cris scored in the opening leg, and Gary Neville in the return.

European history
Lyon's best European performance came in the 1963-64 Cup Winners' Cup when they reached the semi-finals. Their Champions League best is three quarter-final appearances in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06. Last season was the first time they had failed to successfully negotiate the last 16 knockout stage.

Manchester United have won three European trophies - the 1967-68 Champions Cup, 1990-91 Cup Winners' Cup and 1998-99 Champions League.

Current European form
Olympique Lyon are unbeaten in four Champions League home matches.

Manchester United have not lost in six Champions League matches. They are one of three unbeaten teams in this season's Champions League. Chelsea and FC Barcelona are the others.

Player and disciplinary info
Anthony Reveillere, Juninho Pernambucano and Sidney Govou (all Lyon) will be suspended for the second leg if they receive a yellow card.

Sebastien Squillaci and Remy Vercoutre have played every minute of Lyon's CL campaign this season. Juninho Pernambucano, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sidney Govou, Kim Kallstrom and Reveillere have also played in all six of Lyon's CL matches this season.

If selected, Ryan Giggs will play his 100th Champions League match and will become the eighth person to reach the century. He made his CL debut in United's 4-2 win against IFK Gothenburg on 14 September 1994.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo is joint top scorer in this season's competition. He has five goals, the same as Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Nani is the only Manchester United player to have appeared in all six of his clubs CL matches this season.

Other miscellaneous facts
Manchester United are currently second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points. They knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup in convincing fashion (4-0) in the fifth round tie at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Olympique Lyon were defeated 1-0 by Le Mans in their Saturday encounter in the French league. They lead the Ligue 1 Orange from Girondins Bordeaux, whom they saw close in to one point.

[alex18122003]

Champions League - Team news: Ton-up Giggs

Lyon v Man Utd

Ronaldo has recovered from the stomach upset that saw him miss the weekend's win over Arsenal while Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves, all rested against the Gunners, will return for the trip to play the French champions. Lyon boss Alain Perrin recalls Karim Benzema after resting him on Saturday, and must choose between Kim Kallstrom and Mathieu Bodmer in midfield. Captain and Brazil defender Cris, who has not played for six months due to torn right knee ligaments, has been included in the squad but is not expected to start.

[dc7176]

Olympique Lyon vs Manchester United


Wednesday February 20, 2008 , 19:45
Gerland


Videos During The Match


Goals

First Goal for Lyon by Benzema 53
Click Here For Video


Draw goal for Manchester United by Teves 86
Click Here For Video


Extras

Nice attack for Lyon saved by Ivra 6
Click Here For Video



Nice Freekick by Juninho 19
Click Here For Video



Nice Chance by Rooney saved by Coupet 24
Click Here For Video


Nice shot by Karim Benzema over the goal 25
Click Here For Video



I KNEW I'd seen Carlos somewhere before... kekeke

[alex18122003]

Vidic Hails United Squad Strength

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic believes his club represent the benchmark when it comes to squad depth.

The Serbian international says manager Sir Alex Ferguson is spoiled for choice and left with a constant headache about who to select.

Ferguson saw his side secure a 1-1 draw against Lyon last night in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie, after taking 22 players to France.

The Old Trafford boss opted to use Wayne Rooney as a solitary striker and play wise old heads Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in the middle of the park.

But when Karim Benzema put Lyon ahead in the 54th minute with a stunning strike, Ferguson reverted to plan B.

Giggs and Scholes came off and were replaced by summer singings Carlos Tevez - who was paired with Rooney - and Nani.

United suddenly had a sense of urgency about them and got a deserved equaliser, and a potentially vital away goal, three minutes from time.

Ferguson must have had a wry smile as Nani delivered the cross and Tevez scored at the back post for his 15th of the season, as Lyon failed to clear their lines.

Despite having his work cut out by Benzema, Vidic claims it is United who have good reason to be cheerful and the players to cope with a hectic schedule.

Darren Fletcher may have scored twice in the FA Cup victory against Arsenal at the weekend but he had to settle for being a substitute.

That scenario also applied to Louis Saha, Michael Carrick and John O'Shea - experienced players who can make a difference.

Vidic said: "We are capable of finishing games strongly because we have so much strength on the bench.

"Nani and Tevez made a big difference when they came on."

Vidic claims United have one foot in the quarter-finals going into the second leg at Old Trafford on March 4.

He said: "Lyon have some good players, and Benzema caused us some problems.

"But scoring near the end makes it feel a little bit like a victory."

Ferguson added: "With our attacking options we had on the bench and being 1-0 down, we were always going to make changes.

"You always wonder if a goal will come, but Tevez has given us a good opportunity to qualify."

Giggs, who made his 100th Champions League appearance in Lyon, will take another step towards a potential coaching career this summer.

He was delighted to have joined a select band of centurions - including Paolo Maldini, Raul, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Oliver Khan, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf.

He said: "I was pleased to get to the 100th Champions League milestone. To play that many is something special, and so it was a special night.

"It is always important to get the away goals and we got it, so we have to be happy.

"The job is half done, and we will need to play well to beat them at Old Trafford. We hope we will finish the job at home now."

[mr_missile]

Cut and paste story :

FERGIE WELCOMES GIGGS` INTIATIVE

Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed Ryan Giggs' enrolment on a key coaching course and indicated he could have a future role to play at Manchester United.

Giggs is due to start studying for his UEFA 'A' licence under the control of the Football Association of Wales in Aberystwyth in June.

At 34, Giggs is United's most-decorated player and he marked his 100th Champions League appearance by helping the club to a 1-1 draw in Lyon in midweek.

He suffered a knock in that first leg match but is expected to recover in time for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle.

Giggs - as well as other long-serving players Gary Neville and Paul Scholes - could follow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by graduating from the dressing room to the boot room.

United boss Ferguson said: "Ryan is 34 now and with all players who have had long careers, they start thinking about what they are going to do when they finish.

"Players like Ryan, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes will follow the pattern of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I am sure of that.

"It is something we will be looking at in terms of a future with us in relation to a position at the club in some shape or form because they have been fantastic examples.

"It they take their coaching badges, it is a further addition to their CV in what they can offer the game.

"There is no doubt when it comes to personality, experience and lifestyle, they are absolutely perfect for a club."

Ferguson is convinced his side can close the five-point gap on Arsenal at the top of the table - but only if they stay at the top of their game.

He said: "We are in a position where we cannot afford any slip-ups now.

"We have to motor on and get a good consistency about us. We know some points will be dropped, and Arsenal and Chelsea are aware of that.

"The name of the game is not to drop as many as them. It is not easy but we have come from behind before.

"In 1993, we were well behind in November but eight points clear at the finishing line.

"What it tells you hopefully is that experience counts.

"Arsenal have an advantage of being five points clear, no question of that, but they also know they have some tough games coming up."

Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns again with Kevin Keegan.

The Newcastle manager is still reminded today of that infamous rant at his United counterpart in April 1996 in his first spell in charge at St James' Park.

That was when the wheels were coming of their title bid and he let rip on television about what he thought were underhand tactics.

Now Keegan has been charged with trying to revive Newcastle's fortunes again - and Ferguson feels he has a difficult job.

"It is not easy getting players in January. That was really Kevin's problem," said the Old Trafford boss.

"He has not really had time to get those in he wanted. He's had to rely on the players he's got.

"I haven't spoken to Kevin for ages. He was out of the game for three years of course. I am looking forward to seeing him.

"People go about mind games and get carried away with it. It is an over-played thing."

Ferguson has a full-strength squad to choose from, apart from long-term injury victims Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre.

The Scottish boss has an abiding affection for St James' Park.

He said: "Newcastle is one of my favourite venues. I have always enjoyed going there.

"Without question, it is one of the football occasions of the season.

"Going to Newcastle at any time is always a passionate game because their fans are passionate.

"Although our record is decent there, we don't take things for granted and expect a hard game. Kevin will be determined to try to get a result."

[dom01]

United’s Midfield Dilemma

Pick up a piece of paper, and write down United’s best XI. Picks itself, mostly, doesn’t it? You might be in the Giggs or the Nani camp for the left wing, but I’d bet my bottom dollar that 8 of the names down will appear on everyone’s list. The remaining two? Only the small matter of our central midfield partnership.

This is something that has elicited a lot of discussion in the comment sections recently. I don’t pretend to have the answer or anything approaching it, but what I’d like to do is present my take on the conflicting views and then give you my opinion. Which you can then rip apart (or try to!) in the comments.

As I see it, there are four players (despite Fletcher’s valiant performances recently, he’s never going to be a regular first choice), two general approaches and one big complicating factor. Let’s look at each in turn, and then try to draw the strands together.

The four contenders

All ranked in what I think are the key aspects: Tackling, Ball Retention (I’m thinking here about how well he keeps the ball under pressure, and also pass completion rate), Creativity (what he’s adding to the team going forward), Goal-scoring. I’ve also noted some other relevant points at the end of each.

Paul Scholes
Tackling - 3/10 - has always been dreadful, and is too old to improve now!
Ball Rentention - 10/10 - always seems to have time and space, regardless of pressure, and rarely misplaces a pass.
Creativity - 7/10 - prompts constantly by using the ball quickly and intelligently, but doesn’t crop up in as advanced positions as he used to. Still capable of finding a magic through ball (Milan first leg for Rooney last season, anyone?)
Goal-scoring - 6/10 - again, doesn’t get forward as much as he used to but remains a big threat from range.
Other - getting older now, and you can see the difference in his pitch coverage (and consequently his goal return). Despite everything Fergie says, I can’t see him featuring regularly beyond next season. On his day, though, in a league of his own.

Owen Hargreaves
Tackling - 9/10 - what he was bought for, and what he’s best at.
Ball Rentention - 7/10 - doesn’t try the spectacular, just gives it to his more talented team mates.
Creativity - 4/10 - rarely gets far enough forward to make a difference, and his stock pass goes sideways.
Goal-scoring - 0/10 - not as yet, and with Ronaldo around he’s not going to get many free kicks either.
Other - one word: injuries; we’re not going to see what he’s capable of until he’s fit enough to play 10 games in a row.

Michael Carrick
Tackling - 7/10 - you don’t often see him go to ground, but his positional sense is good and he screens intelligently.
Ball Rentention - 8/10 - has learned a lot from Scholes, but isn’t up there with the master yet.
Creativity - 9/10 - he always looks to pass the ball forward first, and can pick those eye-of-the-needle passes which undo tight defences.
Goal-scoring - 4/10 - picked up the message last season that he needs to contribute, and can score from distance.
Other - a confidence player, who lapsed badly at the start of this season when he found himself dropped for a spell.

Anderson
Tackling - 7/10 - very aggressive hustler, never gives opponents a moment’s peace
Ball Rentention - 6/10 - more inclined to try flicks or dribbles which don’t come off, but not bad.
Creativity - 8/10 - the only one who can beat a series of players and who will play down the channels as well; very good support for the front players.
Goal-scoring - 2/10 - the floodgates must open soon…the potential’s certainly there.
Other - he’s good this season, so god knows what he could be eventually.

The two approaches

I can see arguments for each of these, but they are broadly:

1. Have a first choice pair, who play 75% of the games together, with others providing ability to rotate and cover for injury.

Pros - first choice pair develop instinctive understanding (Carrick and Scholes had this going on last year, as did our whole Treble-winning midfield - they didn’t even need to look up to know where their mate was going to be)
- consistency also benefits the rest of the team, who know exactly what’s coming from the centre of the park.

Cons - Doesn’t make full use of the talent pool and may cause players to leave
- injuries etc have a more disruptive effect
- see the reasons for option 2 below

2. Pick a partnership based on the match you’re going into.

Pros - can tailor the strengths of the individuals to the requirements of the game (eg Hargreaves for big games to shackle dangerous midfielders, Scholes in games where experience is judged key, etc)
- retains freshness

Cons - just look at Liverpool for the downsides of constant tinkering
- players play as individuals rather than a partnership

As I said at the beginning, I can see arguments for both…I’ll discuss further in my conclusion section.

The complicating factor

Is, of course, injury. Scholes has been out for most of the season so far (which has proved to be a blessing in disguise, since it has allowed Anderson to emerge), and Hargreaves has yet to start more than 2 games in a row. Even if Fergie had decided on a first choice pair, this sort of thing makes it very difficult to implement.

Conclusion

I wrote the above without having a strong idea of where I was going - I was as much musing to myself as anything. But I am going to stick my neck out and say that Carrick and Anderson should be our first choice pair for the majority of matches. My reasoning is as follows:

- They both add a huge amount going forward. I absolutely adore Carrick’s instinct to find a piercing ball forwards to feet - Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez are all good enough to receive this sort of ball with a man at their back and do something with it, and are equally likely to be making runs in behind. I think we will get a lot of goals from Carrick’s passing. Equally, Anderson is a good passer of the ball and a potentially superb dribbler (great upper body strength, a la Rooney) who can support the front players.

- They both do enough defensively. Most teams set up very tight against us, and we’re happy to go man-for-man at the back if needs be, so the attacking penetration is crucial (this is the key argument against Hargreaves, other than injury). Which is not to say they can’t come out on top in a midfield scrap, or hold their own in a physical game.

- Carrick - who is the more controversial choice - is a confidence player. Give him responsibility and a long run in the side and he seems to grow into it. He is also a big game player (witness the two Roma games last season, where he was superb in each leg - a defensive midfield masterclass in the first, and a game-bossing, two-goal performance in the second). What he is not going to be is a useful squad player like Fletcher.

- Both are young and not injury-prone - you really can see them playing 30 games a season with each other without disruption, and doing this for the next 5 seasons. Continuity really makes a difference.

I think the nod to flexibility is that in big games against teams with dangerous midfields, we can lose Giggs/Nani and include Hargreaves as a screen, with Anderson detailed to get up and support the Holy Trinity up front when we have the ball.

But what of Scholes? Well, he has a role to play, but he is past his best and seems to be increasingly injury-prone. He doesn’t make those runs into the box as much anymore, either. As an impact player, an experienced head in some big games and a great alternative he will be unbeatable…but I think his star is waning along with Giggsy’s.

So, here’s my plea to Fergie - start Carrick and Anderson in every game possible, and don’t let the embarrassment of riches at your disposal lead you into tinkering.

Source: United’s Midfield Dilemma | Red Rants

[alex18122003]

Manchester United's big name players delivered the goods as they moved to within three points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a scintillating 5-1 win at St. James' Park.

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals apiece and Louis Saha added a fifth in stoppage time as United took full advantage of the Gunners' 2-2 slip-up at Birmingham earlier in the day.

Newcastle got a consolation from Abdoulaye Faye while 3-0 down but they continue their dangerous slide towards the relegation zone as they remain winless since Kevin Keegan returned to the club.

The home faithful arrived with pleasant memories of the famous 5-0 victory over the Red Devils back in 1996, but this Keegan side is a long way from being in the same class as the outfit that destroyed United that day.

Instead, all the class on show was in the United side with Newcastle's endeavour and work-rate being no match for the clinical brilliance of the visitors.

The Magpies scrapped and fought in the opening 20 minutes with James Milner causing problems down the right and Michael Owen doing his best to make a nuisance of himself in the box but United took the fizz out of their performance when they took the lead in the 25th minute.

It was Rooney who sidefooted home from close range as he reacted quicker than the sluggish Charles N'Zogbia to get on the end of Ronaldo's brilliant cross.

Only being one goal down was enough to keep the home fans enthusiastic but the vast majority of the ground was sent into deathly silence when Ronaldo doubled the advantage just before the break.

It was a simple goal as Michael Carrick split the defence with a superb ball which allowed the Portuguese international to race in from the left before calmly placing a low right-foot effort past Shay Given.

Damien Duff had an early chance for Newcastle in the second-half but then awful defending from Faye allowed Darren Fletcher to again put Ronaldo in the clear.

Steve Harper had come on for the injured Shay Given at half-time, but he was outwitted by Ronaldo who coolly rounded the sub keeper before stroking home his 29th goal of the season.

United, who thrashed a then managerless Newcastle 6-0 last month, then showed the Magpies some mercy by taking Ronaldo off in the 67th minute.

However, when Faye had the cheek to hammer home Andy Carroll's header from a corner for a consolation 11 minutes from time, United responded by going up the other end and scoring a fourth.

It was Rooney who got it, and it proved to be the goal of the match, as he curled home a sweet drive from the edge of the area after a poor clearance from Alan Smith.

Both van der Sar and Harper made a couple of smart saves at either end too, but the depressing reality for Newcastle is that the final scoreline was only given a fair gloss when Rooney set up Saha for a fifth in stoppage time.

At the full-time whistle the tannoy played Keane's song "Everything Changes" and for the Newcastle fans still pining for 1996 it must have seemed painfully apt.

[jackjack__1]

Chat-up line Anderson used to get girl into bed: F***! F***! F***!
By Matthew Acton

PREMIERSHIP ace Anderson scored with a model in a Travelodge toilet after chatting her up with those three little words: "F***, f***, f***."
The Manchester United midfielder, who is Brazilian and cannot speak English, demonstrated his low-league seduction techniques on a night out with team-mate Patrice Evra.

Firstly he tried to bed Leah Houghton, 20, IN FRONT of her pals and Evra in a hotel bedroom. Then he led her to the bathroom while their friends waited outside.

A pal of Leah said: "Anderson couldn't talk to her because he is from Brazil and only speaks Portuguese.

"So he took his top off, stripped to his boxers and socks and pushed Leah on to the bed in front of everyone.

"She asked, ‘What are you doing?' Evra translated for Anderson, who told Leah, ‘F**k, f**k, f**k.' Then he dragged her to the bathroom.

"He ripped off her grey pencil skirt and knickers, and they had sex on the toilet while we and Evra sat in the bedroom watching the TV.

"What a romantic guy!"

Last year we revealed Anderson, 19, had a six-hour romp with five hookers at team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo's house.

This time he got his kicks after an evening at swanky One-Six-One nightspot in Hale, Cheshire, with male pals including Man U's Evra, Louis Saha and Danny Simpson.

They were dancing when Anderson— whose full name is Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira—spotted Leah with her girl pals. The source said: "We didn't know who he was.

"Evra came over and told Leah he liked her. Anderson came over and took the lolly out of Leah's mouth and put it in his. Then he put it back in her mouth.

"He was wearing jeans, a scarf, a black T-shirt and a blazer with a pattern on the back in crystals.

Teasing
"Anderson couldn't talk to Leah, so Evra translated everything. He can understand Spanish, which is similar to Portuguese.

"Evra told Leah that Anderson wanted her to dance with him, and asked if she liked his hair."

Leah then teased Anderson by calling him "Roger" after an annoying character in US TV show Sister Sister.

But Anderson, a big-money signing from Portuguese team Porto last year, did not get the joke and invited the girls to a party.

The pal recalled: "We were all pretty drunk so we said yes. We got in two cars and ended up at a Marriott hotel near Manchester but it was full."


Click here for more sexy pics

Money-bags Anderson and Evra treated the girls to a nearby budget hotel instead.

The source said: "Before we got back in the cars it looked like it was going to kick off. One of the other girls got funny with Leah because she fancied Anderson too.

"But there was no doubting who Anderson wanted. He wrote, ‘I love you' with his finger on the frosty window and pointed at Leah.

"Then he snogged her in the car, all the way to the Travelodge.

"As soon as we got to one of the rooms, Anderson stripped and pushed Leah on the bed. After telling her what he wanted to do he waved at us to leave.

"But Leah had told us she didn't want to be left on her own.

"They had sex in the bathroom and used a condom. Leah said the sex was fast and rough.

"He sat on the toilet and she was on top of him. He was talking Portuguese all the time— she didn't understand a word.

"It only lasted ten minutes but she said he had a lovely body and was well endowed."

Afterwards Leah, who has the word "Scorpio" tattooed on her stomach, left with her pals.

But she saw Anderson again at Danny Simpson's 21st party in Manchester's 235 casino last month.

The source said: "Anderson waved but Leah didn't want to go over and talk to him. She said there was no point if there wasn't anyone to translate."

We're not surprised she didn't want the footballer to score with her again...

[jackjack__1]

Man Utd raid Liverpool for top England prospect


Manchester United have trumped Liverpool for teenage prospect Scott Wootton.
The People says the England youth international from the Wirral had been with the Anfield club since he was 12, but he and his family were upset when he was offered only a short-term deal to stay.

Wootton turned down the contract and was immediately picked up by United who offered him the chance to be a professional - after just one run-out in the under-18 side last week.

It is a major slap for Rafa Benitez's club and insiders reveal Wootton left because he thought there were too many foreigners at the club's academy and his way would be blocked.

And the size of his potential was quickly spotted by eager United.

[jackjack__1]

hi bros of man utd, here are some trivial news regarding man utd. please advice if i have posted wrongly or anything.. hope to add more to your reading pleasures in this thread regarding man utd..
cheers and glory glory man utd!

[dom01]

Just any good reading matl that you come across...

SO much sex romping sessions at Man Utd nowadays. SAF going to impose curfew soon...

Bloody saha parties when he is injuried... Sell him.. damm...

[jackjack__1]

Man Utd judged hottest team in Europe
February 26, 2008

Eurosport took into account both domestic and European performances, plus the relative difficulty of each team's league, to find out who is the best team in Europe.
European Power Rankings

1 (2) Manchester United - 23.44
2 (1) Internazionale - 23.21
3 (3) Arsenal - 22.96
4 (4) Barcelona - 22.94
5 (10) Roma - 20.63
6 (8) Everton - 20.26
7 (6) Chelsea - 19.86
8 (9) Fenerbahce - 19.81
9 (14) Liverpool - 19.59
10 (12) Milan - 19.17
11 (7) Porto - 19.11
12 (5) Real Madrid - 19.06
13 (18) Bayern Munich - 18.43
14 (15) Werder Bremen - 18.32
15 (20) Sevilla - 18.30
16 (11) Hamburg - 18.14
17 (-) PSV Eindhoven - 17.99
18 (16) Olympiacos - 17.71
19 (-) Lyon - 16.86
20 (13) Benfica - 16.61

Factors taken into account are a combination of both domestic and Champions League performances, factoring in the relative difficulty of each team's league, to find out who is the best team in Europe.

Scores are based on points per game in domestic league and European games.

[jackjack__1]

FERGIE IS NUTS OVER ANDERSON
27th February 2008 By Bill Thornton Your Shout

Anderson is in line for his 13th Premier League start on Saturday – with Sir Alex Ferguson hailing his Brazilian youngster as a star of the future.

Ferguson admitted Anderson got into his team only because of injury to Paul Scholes in October.

But the Manchester United boss immediately realised he had an exceptional talent on his books.

“When Paul got his injury it was a blow for us and opened the door for Anderson – and we discovered a boy who had talent,” he said.

“It may otherwise have turned out that Anderson would have had to wait, just getting the odd game here and there, which may not have helped him develop as we have seen.

“This boy missed pre-season training because of the Copa America. He has just emerged from the shadows and, because of him, we see the future is strong for us in that position.”

Anderson, 20, was unknown in England when United signed him and Nani in a summer double swoop in Portugal.

But he has quickly established himself as an equal contender for a place in United’s quality-packed central

midfield, along with Scholes, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves.

Ferguson, who is likely to restore Anderson to the team at Fulham after leaving him out of the 5-1 win at Newcastle, said: “Anderson is not like Scholes entirely.

“He’s more of an aggressive, running player.

“He’s quicker than Scholes, more of the type to run forward from midfield with the ball, whereas Scholes will do it without the ball.”

Anderson’s rapid emergence has increased the competition at Old Trafford, where World Cup star Hargreaves, also signed last summer, insisted he isn’t frustrated.

His attitude towards rotation is borne out of the experience of developing at a club like Bayern Munich and having to wait for his chances behind players like Germany aces Stefan Effenburg and Mehmet Scholl.

“I know you are not going to start every game because you look at the players we’ve got and you know we’ve got options,” said Hargreaves.

“We can play different styles and I think everybody would like to play every game, but physically you are not going to be at your best if you do, and it is an opportunity for the others to play.

“Everybody knows there is a bigger picture when you play for United.

“There is a lot at stake and it is not a case of being dropped. We just play in different styles and it will benefit us in the long run.

“To be at this club, with this manager and the fans, is where I want to be. I measure myself against the best and hopefully I will be here for a long time.”

Hargreaves also hopes to be selected at Fulham, having failed to start against Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle.

He said: “When you play, you’ve got to play well. It’s as simple as that. And even if you play well, you still might not play the next game.”