Manchester United FC

[DannyB]

Fingers will be crossed for five United players ahead of Tuesday's trip to face AS Roma in the Champions League.

Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand were all withdrawn in a triple substitution during Saturday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa. United then played the last five minutes with ten men after Ryan Giggs also left the field.

"I had to make the changes because of injuries," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Carrick, Rio and Patrice Evra all had injuries and then Giggs got injured towards the end. With the rain continually coming down, the pitch was starting to prove very heavy and that can be a problem with hamstrings. Hopefully they'll be all right (for Rome)."

The fifth player causing fresh concern for the manager is Edwin van der Sar. The Dutchman missed the Villa match, leaving Tomasz Kuszczak to start in goal with Ben Foster - who is ineligible for Europe - on the bench.

"Edwin van der Sar may be a doubt for Tuesday," admitted Sir Alex.

"He’s got a groin problem again, it’s happened two or three times in the last few weeks. We'll see how he is over the next few days. Not risking him today gives us a better chance."

From: Manchester United Official Web Site
Good news on Totti

[Scouser_Dave]

Roma will beat you lot no problem

COME ON ROMA

[ForeverBlue'86]

Love it, can't wait till Arsenal knock you scumbags out the Champions League, then you can go back to fighting it out for 4th spot - can't hang with the rest of the big clubs i'm afraid.

[fitz15]

Originally Posted by ForeverBlue'86

Love it, can't wait till Arsenal knock you scumbags out the Champions League, then you can go back to fighting it out for 4th spot - can't hang with the rest of the big clubs i'm afraid.

so true. there is no more big 4, just big 3

[DannyB]

Originally Posted by Danger Dave

Roma will beat you lot no problem

COME ON ROMA

what a load of **** C'mon Arsenal knock out them Scousers so we won't have to play them for the Champons League

[.DJ]

From BBC SPORT:

Roma v Man Utd


CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL FIRST LEG
Venue: Stadio Olimpico. Date: Tuesday, 1 April. Kick-off: 1945 BST. Coverage: BBC Sport website & BBC Radio 5 Live.
Totti injured his thigh in Saturday's draw with Cagliari

Roma skipper Francesco Totti has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg after suffering a thigh injury on Saturday.
Totti, Roma's top scorer with 14 goals, is set to be replaced by Mirko Vucinic.
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar looks set to return to the side after missing the 4-0 win over Aston Villa with a groin injury.
Mikael Silvestre has overcome a knee ligament injury, but Nani and Louis Saha are both ruled out by injury.
French defender Silvestre has not played since suffering the injury against Everton in September.
His return boosts Sir Alex Ferguson's squad after Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs complained of knocks after Saturday's emphatic win over Villa.

606: DEBATE
Looks like we'll playing 4-3-3 with one of the usual central midfielders missing out


Remi

Totti suffered his injury in Saturday's 1-1 Serie A draw at Cagliari but hopes to return for the second leg at Old Trafford.
Vucinic has scored four goals in the Champions League this season and was rested for the match against Cagliari.
Central defender Juan has a foot problem so Christian Panucci looks set to cover with MarcoCassetti, Max Tonetto and Cicinho battling for his right-back slot.
The two sides met twice last season at the same stage of the competition, with Roma winning 2-1 in Italy before suffering a humiliating 7-1 thrashing in Manchester.
They have already played twice in this season's group stage, United winning 1-0 at home before the teams drew 1-1 in Rome.
The matches have been marred by violence between supporters and both clubs have been working on ways to avoid further problems.
Italian authorities are providing free transport to the stadium for United fans in a bid to keep them away from any possible trouble.
They have also introduced a voucher system for ticket collection in a bid to stop touts.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Evra, Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Brown, Ronaldo, Anderson, Rooney, Giggs, Park, Vidic, Carrick, Scholes, Pique, O'Shea, Silvestre, Kuszczak, Tevez, Eagles, Heaton, Welbeck.

BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads
AS Roma and Manchester United have met four times before in European competition.
Last season, on 4 April 2007, AS Roma won 2-1 at home in the CL quarter-finals, but Manchester United recorded an emphatic 7-1 victory at Old Trafford six days later, to progress to the semi-finals. It was AS Roma's heaviest ever European defeat and the biggest ever victory margin in the CL knock-out stages.
In this season's group phase, the Red Devils beat the Italians 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams on 2 October, through a Wayne Rooney goal in the 70th minute. The return match in Rome on 12 December, ended 1-1 through goals by Gerard Pique and Alessandro Mancini.
European history
In the 1960-61 season, AS Roma won the Fairs Cup, their only piece of European silverware. They have also reached two other European finals; the 1983-84 Champions Cup final, which they lost on penalties to Liverpool, and the 1990-91 Uefa Cup final, which they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Internazionale. Roma have never reached the semi-final stage of the CL in their history.
Manchester United have won three European trophies - the 1967-68 Champions Cup, 1990-91 Cup Winners' Cup and 1998-99 Champions League. Last season, after knocking out AS Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the CL quarter-finals, United were eliminated themselves by AC Milan in the last four, losing 5-3 on aggregate.
Current European form
AS Roma have not lost any of their last six Champions League matches and are undefeated at home in nine in this competition.
Manchester United are unbeaten in eight Champions League matches, since the 3-0 loss to AC Milan in last May's semi-final second leg in Italy. United are one of three unbeaten teams in this season's Champions League. Chelsea and FC Barcelona are the others.
Player and disciplinary info
Simone Perrotta (AS Roma) is suspended for this match. Mirko Vucinic, Marco Cassetti, Cicinho, Daniele De Rossi and Max Tonetto (AS Roma) are all one yellow card away from suspension. Nani and Patrice Evra (Manchester United) will also be suspended upon receiving a yellow card.
Francesco Totti has made more appearances (36) and scored more goals (11) than any other AS Roma player in Champions League history. Vucinic leads Roma goalscorers in this season's Champions League campaign, with four.
David Pizarro and Daniele De Rossi are the only AS Roma players to have appeared in all eight of their club's CL matches this season.
Portuguese defender Antunes (Roma) celebrates his 21st birthday on the day of the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo is joint top scorer in this season's Champions League having netted six goals.
Rio Ferdinand will play his 50th Champions League match if selected. Ferdinand made his competition debut on 13 February 2001, for Leeds United against Anderlecht (2-1).
Nani is the only Manchester United player to have appeared in all eight of his club's CL matches this season.
Other miscellaneous facts
AS Roma drew 1-1 at Cagliari on Saturday with Francesco Totti scoring. Roma are second in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter Milan by four points.
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, and top the table, five points clear of Chelsea.
Definitions of terms used:-
Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

[Scouser_Dave]

Originally Posted by DannyBRonaldo

what a load of **** C'mon Arsenal knock out them Scousers so we won't have to play them for the Champons League

I know because you know we will beat you

[.DJ]

I wanted Nani to play.

[Laurencioso]

So I was talking to a Roma fan today, we were discussing how the match would be decided. Doni has been fairly consistent and hasn't made too many mistakes lately, but all in all we have a superb defence in Rio, Vida, Brown and Evra (I'm assuming Brown will be playing) What it all comes down to is the wings. Giggs, Ronaldo and Nani are all far superior to Mancini, Tadei and Guily. in addition Cicinho might be a solid back, but Tonetto has been poor. Ronaldo can therefore use his ability (which would have beat any defender) to get past tonetto and cross nicely in or go for it himself.

Ofc he'd have to look out for Juan and Mexes who will do anything to stop Ronaldo (ofc they won't be able to) Giggs has the brains to completely turn the game around and that can cause a lot of confusion for a Roma side bent on keeping Ronaldo constrained, Tonetto is a weak link and hopefully we'll use that to our advantage.

The main threats (we acctually agreed on this believe it or not) would be Aquilini, Mancini and De Rossi. Aquilini has a long shot that's just amazing, if he gets that on target Roma scores. Manicni has bundles of creativity and could prove a tough challenge for Brown. I don't think Evra would have too much problem with Taddei although Guily might be a bit tougher, I think he can handle it. De rossi is a class defensive midfielder and has a dangerous shot. Not that it will be able to worry VDS too much, but he's still a threat.
Totti is out injured so that's pretty much good news, I don't think Vukuvic can be too much of a threat against vida to be perfectly honest.

I'm really intersted in what formation fergie choses. Does he play Anderson or Scholes? does he go with a 4-1-2-1-2 or a more tradition 4-4-2. Will Hargreaves be playing or will he prefer Carrick's vision with Totti away. It's going to be a though match, but I think United will clinch at least a draw in Rome, probably a win.

[den525player]

i also think roma is lacking fire power upfront. going up against an in form united side. United's defence have been strong domestically and in europe. i don't see united losing this game

[Iignatius]

It's going to be a tough match but i still think Man Utd will win this with 2-0
Ronaldo and Tevez!

[donTerr]

FARMER should go to work on the farm!

[Matieo10]

I think Roma will win it late 2 x 1.

[Marauder89]

Manchester is going to win hands down.

[LewisLaa]

It all depends on Ronaldo and Rooney really.

[den525player]

didn't want to start another ronaldo thread people dont seem to like it. but a little praise from dutch legend johan cruyff. some pros and cons.


Dutch legend Johan Cruyff admits he's been won over by the exploits of Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

He said: "My favourite for the Golden Boot is Ronaldo. (Klaas-Jan) Huntelaar has scored a lot of goals, but also has the handicap because the value of goals in Holland is different.

"For me, Ronaldo is above the rest and if he keeps scoring in this rhythm and stays in this sort of form then he will prove that he is the best.

"Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United.

"But Ronaldo is 22 and with his quality and progression in the game, I believe he will be even better and win many more prizes for himself and his club.

"For him to be so good takes dedication.

But he also needs support from his team-mates and his coach, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"The only thing that I see as a weakness in his game is the number of assists, but he is young enough and has the right coach to improve in that respect.

"He scores great goals and now also spectacular free-kicks, but to be the complete forward he must provide more assists as his record can be improved."

[.DJ]

From BBC SPORT FOOTBALL:

Ferguson concern over Rome return


CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL FIRST LEG
Venue: Stadio Olimpico Date: Tuesday, 1 April Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website & BBC Radio 5 Live
Ferguson took a training session with his players in Rome on Monday


Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is worried Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final against Roma could be marred by crowd trouble.
Police in Rome have mounted a major security operation ahead of Tuesday's game after violence during last season's meeting between the two.
"After the experience of last year it is a concern," Ferguson said.
"But I think the police have been working hard to ensure it doesn't happen again."

News conference: Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson
The last two games between the sides in the Italian capital have been marred by crowd trouble and four United supporters are still in jail following violence last December.
Tournament organiser Uefa has warned it may take next year's final away from Rome if there is any repeat of those scenes.

Last time I gave Ferguson some great wine as a gift, but this time there will be no wine and no gifts


Luciano Spalletti
Roma boss

A Uefa spokesman said: "There has been great progress made inside Rome's Olympic Stadium but the attacks one kilometre from the stadium worry us.
"The police say they cannot control the city and that is not satisfactory. If we see a repeat of what we have seen so far it may be wise to move the 2009 Champions League final from Rome.
"Knifings are attempted murder. We cannot be held hostage by a few criminals."
Ferguson added: "For the reputation of both our teams we hope it is a good game, a competitive game.
"There is rivalry among the fans, there is nothing wrong with that, but as long as it stays the rivalry of supporting your own team then we can go home happy in the knowledge that everything has gone peacefully."
About 4,000 United fans have travelled to Italy for the game, and BBC Sport's John Murray, who is in Rome, said there had been no news of trouble overnight.

With Ronaldo and others, Ferguson is confident of success in Europe

United beat Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals last season, with a 7-1 demolition of the Italian side at Old Trafford following a 2-1 defeat in Rome.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti said: "Last time I gave Ferguson some great wine as a gift, but this time there will be no wine and no gifts - on the field or off the field," Spalletti said.
"We gave them seven last time and there can be no repeat. Manchester United are the best team in the world but we are motivated to beat them.
"United have some sensational players, but it is a long time since they have got a very important win abroad.
"They are fantastic at Old Trafford as they showed against us last year, but they are not quite the same away from home."
But Ferguson is optimistic his side can go all the way this season and add another Champions League title to the one United won in 1999.

This is probably my best squad ever in terms of completeness


Sir Alex Ferguson

"It is going to be hard but we have the players who can make us successful," he said.
"They are confident about expressing themselves and they enjoy playing.
"This is probably my best squad ever in terms of completeness.
"The one things these lads have is the quality to play on the big occasion. In that sense, it is like 1999.
"They are very confident - Nani, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, Anderson, [Wayne] Rooney. It gives you hope they can handle big occasions like that.
"You want to see them express themselves and be fearless. I am not slightly worried about their temperament."
Ferguson said he felt Ronaldo, who has scored a remarkable 35 goals so far this season, was offered more protection from referees in European competition than he gets in England.

606: DEBATE
If we do beat Roma, I can't see it being pretty to watch or high scoring


JR

"In Spain and Italy there is far more protection for the player with the ball. That is good," he said.
"The English game is built on real passion and speed. You do not get these games every week in Europe.
"There it is played at a more leisurely pace, then speeds up in the last third.
"Our games sees a tackle every 30 seconds so there is more risk of injury.
"But the English game will change now. It has to after the incident involving the Arsenal player."
That was a reference to Croatian Eduardo da Silva, who is expected to be out for nine months after suffering a bad leg break in a tackle by Birmingham's Martin Taylor in February.

Roma talisman Totti will miss Tuesday's game against United

United warmed up for Tuesday's big game in Rome with a superb 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday to retain their lead five-point lead at the top of the Premiership.
Rooney ended his six-match goal drought with a brace against Villa and is expecting United to take their form into Europe.
"Roma is going to be a massive game for us and we prepared the right way with the win against Villa," said the England striker.
"To be at this club, with the football we play, is brilliant. It's something every player would want to be part of."
Spalletti, who is missing captain and talisman Francesco Totti through injury for the first leg, is confident his team will rise to the occasion this time against Ferguson's men.
"These are special games, which bring something extra out of the players," he said.
"We are, as always, well prepared with the right sort of calmness to go out and express the right characteristics and the right quality."

[DannyB]

Originally Posted by Danger Dave

I know because you know we will beat you

Even though we're favourites to win the Champions League(Sky Sports News said it). Your 5th favourite

[.DJ]

A preview of today's match with Roma at the Stadio Olympico
AS Roma v Man Utd - Preview | Footytube.com - Latest Football Video Highlights

[Scouser_Dave]

Originally Posted by DannyBRonaldo

Even though we're favourites to win the Champions League(Sky Sports News said it). Your 5th favourite

******* hell you mancs love sky sports don`t you

[.DJ]

yea we do. Dont u?

[Scouser_Dave]

Originally Posted by ---dj---

yea we do. Dont u?

No because there full of biased idiots

[DannyB]

^^ Like who?

[.DJ]

No because there full of biased idiots

lol! bcuz most of the times they r always crititzing Liverpool? Thats y u said that?

[Scouser_Dave]

Originally Posted by DannyBRonaldo

^^ Like who?

andy "the bitter" Gray and Paul "smack Head" Merson