Manchester United 2014-2015

[yinyang]

Match preview early tomorrow morning, away to Geordies.

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Wednesday, 4 March
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31617021

TEAM NEWS
Newcastle's Massadio Haidara is almost certain to miss out with a knee injury, with Ryan Taylor set to deputise.
Remy Cabella remains injured, while Jack Colback completes a two-game ban.

Manchester United defenders Phil Jones and Luke Shaw return after missing the win against Sunderland through illness and injury respectively. Manager Louis van Gaal says Michael Carrick lacks sufficient match fitness to start following his recovery from a calf injury suffered in January.

MATCH PREVIEW
With Newcastle's 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday all but sealing their Premier League status for another year, they can give this a real go and treat it like a cup tie.

Now read that again and think about it - because deeper analysis of that sentence might reveal the frustrations of many a Newcastle supporter. Alan Shearer's one of them, and would dearly love for cup success that he feels isn't as important to the club's rulers as it should be.

Fans of all teams that don't challenge for the title or a top-four place - and a lot who follow those that do - would surely empathise. "We've finished 11th! Well whoop-de-doo."

There were 51,573 fans at St James' Park at the weekend and there are likely to be even more in attendance for this one, a match that not so long ago would have been the blockbuster game of the week.
These days there won't be the same level of interest that this fixture produced in the 1990s, but it could still be a very decent watch.
Lawro's prediction
"Newcastle interim manager John Carver came up with a very good line at the weekend when he said he is not a supply teacher, meaning he is thinking about the job long-term. But even the Magpies' win over Aston Villa did not make me think he is going to keep it beyond the end of the season."

Predictions: Lawro v Circa Waves singer Kieran Shudall
I wouldn't expect many Newcastle changes from the weekend - a lengthy list of absentees means John Carver can't make them anyway - and that means a side set-up to attack with width.

Manchester United will attack too, and hopefully from the start with more pace and purpose to their play than they've shown in too many games this season - in first halves especially. They've only led at half-time in two of their last nine Premier League games.

For all the apparent malaise in performances though, Louis van Gaal's team are right in the thick of the scrap for Champions League qualification (and now only five points behind Manchester City) and in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
They've lost only two of their last 21 matches. "Lucky Louis" or not - his numbers add up.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester United have won their last two games away to Newcastle, scoring a combined seven goals without reply. They have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 trips to St James' Park (W8, D2).

Newcastle United
Victory would give the Magpies back-to-back wins for the first time since November.
Papiss Cisse has averaged a Premier League goal every 84 minutes this season - the best record in the top flight among players with at least four goals.
Newcastle have scored a league-high 69% of their goals in the second half this season.

Manchester United
United have won just three away league games this term - the joint-lowest tally in the top half of the table.
They have lost only two of their last 17 Premier League matches (W11, D4).
Wayne Rooney has scored 12 Premier League goals against Newcastle - his joint-highest career total against a particular opponent, along with Aston Villa. Juan Mata has netted three league goals in his last three appearances at St James' Park.

 

[@rmadill0]

Better reinforce prior to Pool away. By beating Geordies tomorrow night (BST) and home to Spurs 15/3. :p

When we beat them 3-0 at OT, the gap was 10 points.

Since then, the lead has been cut to 2. They have change their system and getting results consistently. LvG until today, still clueless on what is the best system to use.

Out of the remaining 11 games, they are only facing off with 3 opponents in the current top 7 but we have 5. What is the chance that we can hold them off?

Not looking good at all.

 

[yinyang]

Lucky escape, no penalty against us in 1st half half with Young capitalising on error. :o No Falcao despite Persie on MC?

Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United: We are in a rat race - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United are in a "rat race" to finish in the top four, after needing a late goal to win 1-0 at Newcastle.

Ashley Young capitalised on an error by Newcastle keeper Tim Krul in the 89th minute to give Manchester United a victory which keeps them in fourth position.

Young's goal was his first in the Premier League since January 2014.

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United ‘make £5.7m transfer bid for wonderkid Kenedy’
Jamie Sanderson for Metro.co.ukThursday 5 Mar 2015 7:35 pm

Manchester United have reportedly made a £5.7million bid to sign Brazilian sensation Kenedy.

The Fluminense attacker, who has been dubbed the ‘new Neymar’, looks set to move to Europe at the end of the season.

United have been following his progress, along with Barcelona, and now reports in Spain say the Red Devils have now lodged a £5.7million bid.

It’s not clear whether Fluminense would accept that, but United are keen to do business and will be aware of the huge competition for his signature

[video=youtube;OEmKxgLQyDo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEmKxgLQyDo[/video]

 

[yinyang]

Rumour mill trivia? With a pinch of salt, on this mega switch

Manchester United ‘ready to swap Angel Di Maria for Ezequiel Lavezzi transfer’
Jamie Sanderson for Metro.co.ukThursday 5 Mar 2015 12:35 am

Manchester United are reportedly ready to swap Angel Di Maria for PSG forward Ezequiel Lavezzi.

United joined the hunt for Argentine ace Lavezzi this week, with Louis van Gaal believed to be a big fan.

Liverpool are also keen on a summer deal, with Lavezzi certain to leave PSG, but reports say United could offer Di Maria to get the deal done.

Di Maria moved to the Red Devils in the summer ahead of PSG, but after a run of poor performances, he could finally move to France in a deal which would see Lavezzi go the other way.

 

[yinyang]

Match preview FA cup tie, vs Gunners early tomorrow morning. Pundits are predicting 1-2 loss to Gunners

TEAM NEWS
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will miss the FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal because of an ankle injury.
Defender Jonny Evans will also miss out after he was banned for six matches for spitting at Newcastle's Papiss Cisse.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has been ruled out for two to three weeks with a hamstring problem.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (illness) and defender Nacho Monreal (back) could return for the Gunners

MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says a top four Premier League place is more important than winning the FA Cup.

FA Cup: Champions League is Manchester United's aim. United host Arsenal in the FA Cup last eight on Monday (live on BBC One, 19:45 GMT kick-off) as they challenge to get back into the Champions League by claiming a top-four league spot.

Van Gaal said: "To finish in the first four is a fantastic result and for us at Manchester United even more I think.
"If you win the FA Cup you are not in the Champions League but you have won a title."

United are currently fourth in the top flight and a point behind third-placed Arsenal.

Fifth-placed Liverpool are two points behind Van Gaal's side, while Tottenham, in sixth, are three points adrift of the Old Trafford side, with seventh-placed Southampton four behind.
Following the game against Arsenal, United face Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City in the league.

"I want to get always the goals that we have set, and the goals we have set is the top four, and a trophy would be fantastic," said Van Gaal.

"It's fantastic for the players and the manager but our role in our first year together is to win a place in the Champions League.
Play media
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Arsene Wenger: I don't know where my medals are
"I think that Arsene Wenger is right - I think that Arsene Wenger is always saying right things - for a club, Champions League is the highest level and that's why he's saying that."
Wenger admits that, while the game between the two clubs may not have the appeal it once did, he still expects a tough match.
"For years it was always the game of the season that decided the Premier League, at this moment it is not the case, but it is still a big game," he said.

"They are still a strong side. You go there and I don't expect any weakness from Man United.

"They have lost just two games in the last 22, so if you want to beat them you have to produce a performance."

MATCH FACTS
Head to head

Arsenal and Manchester United have participated in a joint-high 18 and won a joint-high 11 FA Cup finals each.
Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four FA Cup games against Arsenal.
The Gunners and the Red Devils have been drawn together 13 times in the FA Cup with Arsenal winning six (one on a penalty shootout) and United seven.
The clubs have met twice in the final (the Gunners coming out on top both times) and three times in semi-finals (United progressing each time).

Manchester United have won 11 and lost just one of their last 15 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.

Manchester United
Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight FA Cup matches.
Juan Mata has scored four goals and assisted two more in five starts in all competitions against Arsenal.
Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has scored seven and assisted four goals in his 11 FA Cup appearances.

 

[Gallego99]

Yup. Will put in Arse to nick this one. Sanchez for the winner.

 

[yinyang]

In happier times, when Giggsy did one over the gunners :p

Manchester United v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger ‘trauma’ at Ryan Giggs’ iconic FA Cup winner

Arsene Wenger will prepare Arsenal for a “top-level” Manchester United on Monday as the clubs add another chapter to their FA Cup history.

Wenger has taken on United seven times in the competition, and the 1999 semi-final replay is regularly name-checked as one of the greatest FA Cup ties of recent years.

United won thanks to Dennis Bergkamp’s penalty miss and Ryan Giggs’ famous solo goal, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side went on to win the treble.

Wenger recalled that night as he faced the press ahead of Monday’s quarter-final and claimed he could still remember the sound of the United players celebrating in their Villa Park dressing-room.

This season the FA Cup represents the last realistic chance of a trophy for both teams, but the Arsenal manager is not buying into recent criticism of Louis van Gaal’s 2015 United vintage.

He said: “For years it was always the game of the season that decided the Premier League, at this moment it is not the case, but it is still a big game.

“They are still a strong side. You go there and I don’t expect any weakness from Manchester United. They have lost just two games in the last 22, so you want to beat them you have to produce a performance.

“They won as well sometimes under Fergie without being absolutely exceptional, no manager can maintain always the same quality. It is like that today - you have to be always perfect every single day, but our job is first of all about winning - and they do.

“But let’s focus on our performance, the FA Cup is about giving it all on the day. We know they have a little advantage because they play at home, at Old Trafford where they feel confident, so to compensate that we have to put more effort in and produce a really top-level performance.”

Reminiscing about 1999, when United pipped defending champions Arsenal to the title, Wenger said: “I think that (Giggs) goal won them the treble because if Bergkamp scores, the game is over. It was a trauma for us in a negative way and for them in a positive way.

“Bergkamp never wanted to take a penalty again, and it put them on the road. I can still hear the shouts of that team, having won, they couldn’t believe it because they were down to 10 men. They then won the title, just...”



[video=youtube;axr4kogUXY4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axr4kogUXY4&t=18[/video]

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

Based on previous performances, Man Utd should win this one but these fixtures always provide fireworks.

On a separate issue, despite comment to the contrary, anyone else think there is a rift between Ryan Giggs and LvG?

 

[RubbingWarmPusi]

I think Arsenal will lose this one or draw at the very best. Most of the top managers with decent teams can handle Arsenal's predictable type of play.

 

[Wenger]

I think Arsenal will lose this one or draw at the very best. Most of the top managers with decent teams can handle Arsenal's predictable type of play.

Ahem!

Well?? What happened??? On paper and with bookmakers Man Yoo are favorites and suppose to have advantage playing on home ground. They have spent a fortune on transfers and given a blank cheque while we at AFC don't have this this privilege.

No goals from Sanchez or Giroud but your ex player Welbeck.

If Ozil is a flop so is Di Maria. Go chow down a humble pie for your breakfast.

 

[Wenger]

Yup. Will put in Arse to nick this one. Sanchez for the winner.

No Sanchez but it's none other than your ex player Welbeck but u are still a genius for predicting a gunners victory.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

Well, well, well...looks like no silverware (again) this season for Man Utd. What will they do? Sack LvG?

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

If Ozil is a flop so is Di Maria. Go chow down a humble pie for your breakfast.

I thought Özil had a good game as did the ref Michael Oliver. Di Maria had a shocker His body language suggests that he doesn't even care anymore...

 

[yinyang]

Gunned down. That miserable sob Valencia (noticed his permanent scowl?) sold short to DG with stupid back pass that the alumni guy only had to slot in. Only thing we can take from this game was Roon's beaut of header to equalise after 4 minutes from inch perfect cross from Maria

Gaji buta with both Falcao and Mata on bench? LVG has still not decided on his 11, has the dutchman lost the plot?:p

 

[RubbingWarmPusi]

Ahem!

Well?? What happened??? On paper and with bookmakers Man Yoo are favorites and suppose to have advantage playing on home ground. They have spent a fortune on transfers and given a blank cheque while we at AFC don't have this this privilege.

No goals from Sanchez or Giroud but your ex player Welbeck.

If Ozil is a flop so is Di Maria. Go chow down a humble pie for your breakfast.

I still think Arsenal did not really win it by their ability but was gifted the win by the back pass first and then the sending off later.

 

[Wenger]

I still think Arsenal did not really win it by their ability but was gifted the win by the back pass first and then the sending off later.

That is not what i want to hear. I want to see arrogant man Yoo supporters eating humble pie.

We can lose in the next game but my satisfaction comes from beating the red devils at their own turf.

 

[yinyang]

.. Arsenal did not really win it by their ability but was gifted the win by the back pass first and then the sending off later.

Nah, give the Gunners credit for their win. Despite the hosts shooting their own foot. Looks like Gunners are strong contenders, after their dry history on FA cup.

Psst, think you are a closet Gunners fan...no?:p

 

[Gallego99]

Based on previous performances, Man Utd should win this one but these fixtures always provide fireworks.

On a separate issue, despite comment to the contrary, anyone else think there is a rift between Ryan Giggs and LvG?

The media is simply trying to put a wedge between LVG and Giggsy just as they did with Steve Bould and Arsene Wenger not so long ago. Sure there will be differences between assistants and the head coaches but IMHO this was over exaggerated and mischief comes to mind.
LVG should take a leaf from his predecessor, not Gollum but SAF on pre and post match briefings. If he needs to address criticism especially from ex players, he should just make private calls or ignore them. It makes no sense the way he reacted to Gary and Scholes scathing remarks over the team and performances thus far.

 

[Gallego99]

No Sanchez but it's none other than your ex player Welbeck but u are still a genius for predicting a gunners victory.

Nope, not a genius. there are only two teams that are playing with some consistency and purpose in the past few matches-Liverpool and Arsenal. United were lucky to reach the quarter final stage and that's the truth.