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[asiancigar]

Ronaldo puts Arsenal to the sword
By The Insider
(Archive)

Many questioned whether Cristiano Ronaldo was worth the hassle he seemed determined to cause Manchester United last summer.

Apparently desperate to join Real Madrid at all costs, Ronaldo's days as a Premier League player seemed numbered for much of last summer as all the familiar tactics of press leaks and un-named sources suggested he would start this campaign as the new jewel in La Liga's crown.

Some portrayed United boss Alex Ferguson as a desperate old man, as he tried to hang onto his favoured son even though it was clear he was determined to fly the nest, but this memorable spring night in North London showed just why Ferguson's belligerence was worthwhile.

United will be in Rome to defend their Champions League crown later this month due primarily to the right boot of a player whose wonder-goal sealed their passage to this semi-final tie with the winner in Porto and a performance at the Emirates Stadium that left you wondering why anyone ever doubted his talents.

After setting up the seventh minute opening goal for Ji-Sung Park, thanks in no small part to a slip by Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs, his own moment of iconic Champions League glory confirmed his season of occasional slumber could yet end in the grandest manner.

Most of us packed into the overflowing press seats at Emirates Stadium believed Ronaldo was showing arrogant ambition as he lined up a free-kick that was all of 40 yards from goal eleven minutes into this tie. With many of United's big guns up from the back, it seemed as if floating the ball into the box in a bid to expose Arsenal's age-old flaws in defending set plays was a better plan.

Ronaldo's had different ideas. While Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia should never have been beaten from such a lengthy and speculative shot, the pace, the power and movement Ronaldo managed to impart on his set-play was majestic.

Arsenal fans groaned at the moment that ensured their fourth season in succession would end without a trophy, but as the ball crashed into the Arsenal net and Ronaldo ran half the length of the field to celebrate, his return to the pinnacle of the world game was complete.

Manchester United's No.7 must have felt a degree of wounded pride after a season that has seen Barcelona's Lionel Messi take over as the pound for pound world champ, yet longevity of brilliance is the mark of a true great and this single, venomous strike ensures Ronaldo's campaign will still be remembered with fondness.

He may well end this season as the Premier League's leading goal scorer and with another domestic championship piece of gold in his back pocket. Oh and he may even get his wish of having Champions League Final showdown with the very man who has stolen his thunder as Leo Messi and Barcelona may well lie in wait for United in Rome.

You had to feel a degree of sympathy for the Arsenal fans after this comprehensive drubbing on a night when they banished the notion that the Emirates Stadium is the home of all that is ugly in the modern game.

Corporate hospitality is required to fund the club's sparkling stadium, yet the men in suits whose interest is more in their free champagne than the football doesn't always create the sort of atmosphere you would hope for at a major club.

However, this was a night when the Emirates came alive for one of the first times. The rapturous welcome that greeted the two teams onto the pitch prior to a rendition of that always uplifting Champions League anthem suggested Arsenal could be swept on a wave of emotion all the way to the Final in Rome.

Indeed, they started in a manner that suggested their silky passing football could unnerve a United side that looked a little rattled as they chased the ball in vain for the first five minutes. Arsenal only have one game plan, but it can beat the best of opponents when executed with precision.

Early promise soon turned to a grizzly reality as their old defensive problems in dealing with set-plays surfaced again. In addition, once United's five-man midfield unit managed to snatch the ball from Arsenal's grasp, their powerful presence was a quality Wenger's kids could not overcome.

A little like their demise in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea last month, an experienced and weighty opponent had too much for Arsenal and United boss Ferguson should take credit for selecting what proved to be a perfectly balanced side for this occasion.

Arsenal's misery was completed as United broke with pace and power with an hour gone and after Park and Rooney ripped through the broken Gunners, Ronaldo was on hand to apply the finishing touch. This one-sided Champions League semi-final was officially over.

It was a cue for Arsenal fans to flow out of the Emirates Stadium in their masses, grumbling at Wenger's tactics and philosophies as they came to terms with the reality that another season of false promise was complete. The comprehensive nature of their trashing in this tie may have ramifications for the future of some key Arsenal players, but such debates are for another day.

"It's too soon for me to think about whether this team are good enough to bring success to this club," admitted a visibly shaken Arsene Wenger. "We have been on a good run in the league, but in the two big cup games we have played recently, we haven't been good enough.

"This is the most disappointing night of my Arsenal career as it feels as if we let everyone down. The fans were up for it, but this game was over before it started for us. It hurts so much.

"Wenger's understandable despair was contrasted by Ferguson's glee and his praise of match winner Ronaldo was complete. "Arsenal started so aggressively, the ball was zipping around and the crowd were right behind them, but they couldn't handle Ronaldo once we got the ball to him," he said. "Ronaldo was the difference between the sides and when you see him performing like that, he is fantastic player.

"I have some sympathy for Arsene Wenger because I think you can still be a great manager even if you don't win the Champions L eague, but that is not the way it will be portrayed in the media."

Ronaldo has been accused of being a cheat, a player who doesn't perform in the big games and an egomaniac who is in this game for himself rather than the good of his team.

Even if all of those flaws are true, Cristiano Ronaldo is worth his weight in gold.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo
Special players confirm their class on nights like this and Ronaldo stole the show as only he can.

SYMPATHY FOR GIBBS: It was hard not to feel sorry for Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs as his slip gave Park the chance to open the scoring. Wenger took him off at half-time to protect him from a night that could have tarnished him for good.

FERGIE BANTER: When asked who he wanted to play in the Final, the United boss has a novel answer. "Barcelona or Chelsea will be tough so I'll say neither of them. I think we should have a bye and they should give us the trophy now."

ARSENAL VERDICT: On a night when Wenger's young team needed to show they had become men, they failed their exam in desperate fashion. Where they go from here is open to debate.

UNITED VERDICT: Their unexpected dip a few weeks ago is banished to the history books. Form is temporary, yet United's class has proved to be permanent.

[alex18122003]

Wenger: The best team won

Arsene Wenger was in downbeat, but magnanimous mood after his Arsenal side were dumped out of the Champions League by United.

The Gunners manager was in confident mood ahead of Tuesday's semi-final decider at the Emirates, but his young side were blown away as the Reds strode through to this month's final in Rome.

"Manchester United over the two games deserved to go through," Wenger told his post-match press conference. "It could have been over after the first game. We had a good opportunity to come back but overall they were the better side."

Wenger cited the loss of two early goals and the performance of Cristiano Ronaldo as the main reasons behind his side's exit, although he admitted United's European experience was also a telling factor.

"It's easy to say we maybe need a bit of experience," he said. "I'm convinced that we have the quality and we will continue to develop. If you look at the average age of the team it is still very young and to reach the level we have deserves a lot of credit.

"But we were caught by a team that has an art to kill and take advantage of every mistake you make. I believe Ronaldo gave us a tough time."

[imom]

United vs Barca..... Let's hope it's a Devilish Rome!!

[alex18122003]

Barcelona face Reds in Rome

An incredible injury-time equaliser for 10-man Barcelona booked the Catalan giants a Champions League Final date with United in Rome on May 27.

Barça trailed Chelsea for almost the entire match by virtue of Michael Essien's stunning opener at Stamford Bridge, but Andres Iniesta hammered home from the edge of the area in the 93rd minute - with the visitors' first strike on target - to swing the tie towards the La Liga leaders.

Eric Abidal was sent off midway through the second period and Daniel Alves also picked up a third booking of the competition, meaning that they will both miss out on facing United in the Stadio Olimpico.

Chelsea's frustrations boiled over at full-time, with the last-gasp nature of the defeat particularly tough to take, especially when allied to a string of strong penalty claims being waved away - including one for handball in the 96th minute.

It had seemed for so long that, for the first time ever, the same two teams would contest the Champions League Final in successive seasons, but instead it is Barça who will take on the holders in Rome in a repeat of last season's epic semi-final.

[mangoesteam]

This can only be good for football!

[epsilon]

Originally Posted by mangoesteam

That's for sure. Sir Alex was already asking the assistant referee if the referee will review it first.

UEFA: No chance of reprieve for Fletcher

Manchester United's hopes of overturning Darren Fletcher's red card have been dashed by UEFA, who state that overturning the Scot's suspension for the Champions League final would open a "Pandora's Box".


Allsport

Darren Fletcher's harsh sending off seems certain to rule him out of playing in Rome.
UEFA have confirmed that a protest against a sending off would only be allowed on the basis on mistaken identity - and not on whether the referee had been too harsh.


Head of communications Rob Faulkner said: "Manchester United have the right to file a protest within 24 hours of the match however a protest against a caution or sending off is only admissible if the referee's error was to mistake the identity of the player."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped referee Roberto Rosetti would have admitted it was a mistake to give Fletcher a straight red card for a foul on Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas in the box.

"He's one of the most honest players in the game and to miss the final, it's a tragedy," said Ferguson.

"In respect to the referee in this situation he might look at it himself without anyone asking him."

Although the English FA have moved towards a position where referees regularly rescind red cards, both UEFA and FIFA strictly maintain the rules that match officials' decisions should remain sacrosanct.

A UEFA source added: "It opens Pandora's box if you can challenge every decision. And if you rule that it is not a red card, then you are also saying it is not a penalty, and therefore not a goal, and what do you do then - start changing the results of matches afterwards?"

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also admitted the red card was "very harsh" after television pictures clearly showed Scottish international Fletcher - a non-playing substitute at last year's final - played the ball.

[slyer]

man utd vs barca is a dream final setup. looking forward to see messi vs ronaldo

[mangoesteam]

Fletcher gets final hope
United may try to overturn red card

Source : Sky Sports | Football | News | Fletcher gets final hope

Uefa general secretary David Taylor has suggested that there could be some hope for Darren Fletcher to feature in the UEFA Champions League final.

The Scottish midfielder was dismissed in the latter stages of Manchester United's second-leg triumph over Arsenal on Tuesday.

He challenged Cesc Fabrgeas in the box and was adjudged to have fouled the Spaniard, although television replays confirm that he won the ball fairly.

Uefa rules differ to the Premier League, and Europe's governing body do not allow appeals over red cards other than in a case of mistaken identity.

But Taylor intimated that after conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, there maybe an avenue United can go down to get Fletcher's ban overturned.

"I have spoken with Alex Ferguson personally on this - as fate would have it we shared a car after the match. We were rather thrown together but had an interesting discussion," Taylor told The Sun.

"He was very fair about the referee and what had happened but equally he was very disappointed for Darren, as are we all.

"I tried to give Alex as much advice as I could with regards the procedure in these circumstances.

"There is no formal process. But if the club want to write to us with information - such as video evidence - explaining why they think this is a harsh punishment then they can do that.

"The likelihood is that we'd then refer the matter to our disciplinary body.

"They would then look to see if there were any special circumstances to justify any departure from established procedures.

"I must stress there is normally no way these matters can be overturned."

Referee's report

Fletcher's hopes could hang on referee Roberto Rosetti admitting to his apparent error in his match report, but Taylor concedes such an admission may not be enough to reverse the red card.

"The ref may take the view a mistake has been made and include that in his report but that wouldn't be in any way decisive," he continued.

"It's an entirely discretionary thing, whether or not the committee feels there is reason to intervene.

"That's the position. Strictly speaking there's no appeal process but representation can be made and looked at."

Should Fletcher get his ban overturned then that is likely to prompt a similar appeal from Barcelona who had Eric Abidal sent off in their semi-final second leg against Chelsea, with television replays again suggesting the decision was an incorrect one.

Burley backing

Scotland boss George Burley has thrown his support behind Fletcher's appeal.

"It's an injustice, really, that, through no fault of his own, he's going to miss the Champions League final," he said.

"Unfortunately there is no appeal but I think it's something people have got to look at because they do have the top referees but referees do make the odd mistake.

"I'm sure if the referee had been allowed to look at it again, I think it might have been overturned."

[epsilon]

United ask UEFA to overturn Fletcher red card


Manchester United have asked UEFA to overturn Darren Fletcher's red card against Arsenal on compassionate grounds.


The Scotland international was dismissed late on in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final win over Arsenal for a professional foul on Cesc Fabregas.

Replays showed Fletcher had in fact played the ball but UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that United do not have the right to appeal against the referee's decision.

However, UEFA general secretary David Taylor has now revealed an avenue of appeal could be open to United over the card which dashed Fletcher's Champions League final hopes.

As things stand Fletcher will sit out the final against Barcelona in Rome later this month but Taylor has hinted at a reprieve for the combative midfielder.

''I have spoken with Alex Ferguson personally on this - as fate would have it we shared a car after the match. We were rather thrown together but had an interesting discussion,'' Taylor told The Sun. ''He was very fair about the referee and what had happened but equally he was very disappointed for Darren, as are we all.

''I tried to give Alex as much advice as I could with regards the procedure in these circumstances.

''There is no formal process. But if the club want to write to us with information - such as video evidence - explaining why they think this is a harsh punishment then they can do that.

''The likelihood is that we'd then refer the matter to our disciplinary body.

''They would then look to see if there were any special circumstances to justify any departure from established procedures. I must stress there is normally no way these matters can be overturned.''

Fletcher's hopes could hang referee Roberto Rosetti admitting to his apparent error in his match report, but Taylor concedes such an admission may not be enough to reverse the red card.

''The ref may take the view a mistake has been made and include that in his report but that wouldn't be in any way decisive,'' he continued. ''It's an entirely discretionary thing, whether or not the committee feels there is reason to intervene.

''That's the position. Strictly speaking there's no appeal process but representation can be made and looked at.''

[dc7176]

Our Ticket to Rome... simply love the 3rd goal Man Utd scored!! simply breathtakin... simply fantastic...



Glory Glory Man Utd!!

[contribution]

Super-fast counter attacks on the 3rd Goal ... now can Man Utd beat Baca hands-down?

Both teams have fast attacking players ,.. really a pleasure to watch this time ...

Messi gotta strut his stuff, so will Ronaldo ... Its their match of the moment..

[slyer]

man utd 2 man city 0. goals from ronaldo and tevez at half time. man utd sign tevez up.dun let him go to other epl club...

[epsilon]

Fletcher forced to accept Rome final suspension


Darren Fletcher's attempt to get his suspension from the Champions League final overturned has failed. UEFA have confirmed that the red card that the Manchester United midfielder was given for a foul on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will stand. Fletcher's tackle on the Spaniard looked to have won the ball before the Scot collided with the Gunner. Referee Roberto Rosetti awarded a penalty and then sent off Fletcher for being the last man, a decision which looked harsh on TV replays.

UEFA choose not to have recourse to overturn decisions, eschewing the use of TV evidence and Fletcher will miss a match he seemed certain to start after being an unused substitute in last year's final. There is no formal appeals process in place so United's chances were remote in the first place. Speaking after United's Manchester derby victory on Sunday, Fletcher seemed resigned to his fate.

Barcelona meanwhile will have their own absentee in Eric Abidal, the French defender's attempts to get his dismissal against Chelsea also falling on the deaf ears of the governing body. Dani Alves, to no-one's particular surprise, will also miss out after his yellow card was rubberstamped.

UEFA said in a statement: "All three players are therefore suspended for one UEFA club competition match and will serve their bans when Barcelona meet Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final in Rome on May 27.

"In reaching its decision, the Control and Disciplinary Body concluded (i) that the protests had not been submitted within the required 24-hour deadline of a match for filing protests - as specified in the disciplinary regulations - and (ii) that even if they had been admitted they would have been rejected as unfounded as there were no grounds for contesting the referees' original decisions."

[asiancigar]

We need only 4 points from remaining 3 matches irregardless of what liverpool does........ OLE OLE OLE

And YES....... we should sign Tevez for good...... would be a tremendous loss should another EPL team take him away....

Cheerz
AC

[alex18122003]

Serie A - Ibrahimovic 'wanted' by United, Chelsea

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to the Internazionale striker's agent.

The Sweden international has starred for Jose Mourinho's side this season, scoring 21 goals and helping to put Inter on the brink of a fourth successive Scudetto.

But the 27-year-old is understood to be keen on taking up a new challenge with a another top European club next term.

The Premier League pair are two of four clubs who would be able to offer what the striker wants - Champions League football and wages that could match his current reported £160,000-a-week deal.

"Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in contact with me," Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

"They are the only teams capable of taking someone like Zlatan.

"Until proven otherwise, he will go ahead with Inter because he is under contract with the Nerazzurri club.

"If we do move, it will be to another great team. Otherwise he will stay and try to win the Scudetto and Champions League with Inter next season."