Man United 4-0 Wigan

A Landmark Win

Man United went into their fourth league game against Wigan at home. Wigan the team that changed the course of the last year league after Shaun Maloney strike condemned Man United to 0-1 defeat.

The host started the game with Lindegaard at between the post. Buttner as many predicted started at leftback ahead of Evra. Kagawa and RVP were also dropped as precaution as they were reported injured while in national duty. As the Rooney is still injured strikers were Hernandez and Welbeck.

Again Man United played under par for their standard. Wigan seemed to be much better team. They confidently ran toward Man United players and tried to create opening. But it was Man United who had the real chance to have the lead when they were awarded a penalty in fifth minutes. Al Habsi the Wigan goalkeeper was judged to foul Welbeck in the penalty area. Stepped in was Hernandez as the taker but Al Habsi redeemed himself by denying the Mexican spotkick.

After that it was quite a boring performance by Man United. Only Welbeck showed why he is important for England by troubling few times Wigan defenses. The debutant Buttner also impressive.

But it changed after the interval. Man United showed the urgency to find the goal. The evergreen Scholes tapped in Man United first from the close range. Then Hernandez scored second after turning Buttner low drive into Wigan net. Buttner the put his name in the score sheet when he scored from acute angle after impressive determined run on the left.

And INTRODUCING NICK POWELL. Man United new signing scored the fourth with a beauty. Fed by Hernandez, the youngster collected the ball with a little shimmy he created yards and spaces. Then he leashed a pile driver beyond Habsi reach.  

Well great score margin with a clean sheet. But Man United seemed little edgy especially in the midfield. Scholes-Carrick partnership was impressive but both could easily been beaten by speedy players. They sometimes run of steam but that was understandable as their combined age is 68.

Meanwhile Buttner showed why Sir Alex signed him. He is tough and no nonsense type of player. Kind of Gabi Heinze. He love to move forward but very fast to cover back. Now Evra had a serious contender.

For the game here some interesting facts taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk

This (the game) was a landmark day for United. Scholes was making his 700th appearance in a United shirt and Rio Ferdinand his 400th, while Ryan Giggs took to the field for his 600th Premier League match.

It was also Ferguson's 500th home league match - he had won 355 of the previous 499 (drawing 95 and losing 49)

Hillsborough Disaster: Police Cover Up By Falsifying Reports

Hillsborough: The real truth

Cops smeared Liverpool fans to deflect blame, new probe says 41 lives could have been saved, The Sun says: We are profoundly sorry for false reports and families of 96 victims call for prosecutions

13 September 2012

http://www.thesun.co.uk

THE real truth behind the Hillsborough disaster was finally revealed yesterday — 23 years after the tragedy claimed 96 innocent lives. An independent report showed police tried to cover up catastrophic failings by disgracefully smearing Liverpool football fans, pinning the blame on them and falsifying reports.

It also disclosed FORTY-ONE victims of the 1989 FA Cup semi-final horror could have been saved if emergency services had acted faster.

The Sun last night said the paper was “deeply ashamed and profoundly sorry” for our notorious front page headline The Truth — published in the aftermath of the tragedy above a story reporting the police’s version of events. Furious families of the dead called for criminal charges to be brought against cops involved in the “depraved” deception. The devastating report into the Hillsborough tragedy savaged the police for a shocking catalogue of lies, blunders and smears.

The astonishing conclusions sparked a wave of shame and regret — but families of the 96 victims immediately demanded a CRIMINAL inquiry.The independent report — one of the most damning ever seen in Britain — said senior police officers led a deliberate campaign to blame dead fans for the tragedy.Cops’ notes were doctored to suggest supporters were drunk, had arrived without tickets and forced their way into the ground. Blood samples were taken from all the victims — some as young as TEN — to try to prove they’d been drinking excessively. And police even did criminal record checks on the dead in a bid to smear them after the crush.

But the Hillsborough Independent Panel, led by the Bishop of Liverpool James Jones, completely EXONERATED Liverpool fans killed in Britain’s biggest football disaster.Tragically, it concluded that as many as 41 of those who died could have been saved if emergency services had not been guilty of a string of tragic mistakes.It also released 400,000 documents which exposed how 164 police statements were ALTERED — 116 to remove criticism of the operation.

Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday made a “profound” apology over the tragedy at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest held at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough ground.He ruled out any Government cover-up or conspiracy, but told MPs: “With the weight of the new evidence in this report, it is right for me today as Prime Minister to make a proper apology to the families of the 96 for all they have suffered over the past 23 years.

“On behalf of the Government — and indeed our country — I am profoundly sorry for this double injustice that has been left uncorrected for so long.”

He added: “Anyone who has lost a child knows the pain never leaves you. But to read a report years after that says ‘a swifter, more appropriate, better focused and properly equipped response had the potential to save more lives’, can only add to the pain.”

The Attorney General Dominic Grieve said he would consider if there was enough evidence to apply to have the original inquest verdicts of accidental death quashed. South Yorkshire Police also expressed profound regret at the “disgraceful lies” told by senior officers at the time.

Current Chief Constable David Crompton said: “On that day South Yorkshire Police failed the victims and families. The police lost control. In the immediate aftermath senior officers sought to change the record of events. Disgraceful lies were told which blamed the Liverpool fans for the disaster.

“These actions have caused untold pain and distress for over 23 years. I am profoundly sorry for the way the force failed and I apologise to the families of the 96 and Liverpool fans. I’m ashamed. It’s been a dreadful day for the force.”

The Sun again publicly apologised for the front page headline “The Truth” — written by former editor Kelvin MacKenzie — on a story in which police officers accused drunk Liverpool fans of urinating on and stealing from the dead.

Current editor Dominic Mohan said: “Twenty-three years ago The Sun newspaper made a terrible mistake. We published an inaccurate and offensive story about the events at Hillsborough.

"We said it was the truth — it wasn’t. The Hillsborough Independent Panel has now established what really happened that day. It’s an appalling story and at the heart of it are the police’s attempts to smear Liverpool fans.

"It’s a version of events that 23 years ago The Sun went along with and for that we’re deeply ashamed and profoundly sorry. We’ve co-operated fully with the Hillsborough Independent Panel.”

Ryan Giggs Successor

The exciting young Man United winger you may not have heard of

11 September 2012

http://www.talksport.co.uk?

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is set to give Manchester United winger Robbie Brady his first senior international cap, after he impressed during the Under-21s qualifying campaign for the European Championship. talkSPORT's Talent Spotter has more on the promising 20-year-old.

Name: Robbie Brady

Position: Winger

Club: Manchester United

Date of birth: 14 January 1992

Birthplace: Dublin, Republic of Ireland

International honours: U17, U19 and U21 Republic of Ireland

NEED TO KNOW

Pacy winger Robbie Brady is highly regarded by Manchester United and has been likened to both Ryan Giggs and, slightly less dauntingly, Andy Reid due to his technical and creative abilities. Since joining the club in 2008, Brady has gone on to graduate from the academy and cement his place in the club's reserve side.

FIVE FACTS

1) Brady was scouted by Manchester United while playing for St. Kevin's Boys in his native Ireland. He joined the club's academy in 2008, shortly after his 16th birthday.

2) Despite plying his trade primarily as a left-winger, Brady was utilised as a left-back during United's pre-season tour of South Africa.

3) Brady is the Republic of Ireland's all-time top scorer at Under-21 level with seven goals in 11 appearances.

4) He is yet to make his Manchester United senior debut, but was named as an unused substitute for United's League Cup Fourth Round win against Wolves in October 2010.

5) The wide-man spent the 2011/12 season on-loan at Hull City, making 41 appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.

HE SAYS:

“Playing football is all I’ve ever wanted to do. If I didn’t play football I don’t know what I’d do. Playing for United is unbelievable, more so when you actually sit down and think about how fortunate you are.”

THEY SAY:

“Robbie Brady is one of the best junior players in our Under-21 national team. Technically, he can create. In the past we had no other like this. He's quick and very creative. He has a good personality.” - Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni

“He is a star of the future. He is top scorer with Under-21s and he has settled in well. There has been no shyness or sitting back. He has slotted straight in.” - Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle.

Rumours : Man United Try To Sign C Ron and Cesc

Both Players Are Sad

The rumours of C Ron wanted to go back to England had been circulated quite a time now. Now the rumours reignited again when C Ron admitted that he was sad and refused to celebrate his goals.  The player was said unhappy with his current pay but the most appealing reason that claimed came from his mouth that C Ron felt   he had no support from his teammates. That said was the reason his lost to Iniesta as Europe top player.

C Ron not ruled out any possibility of his return to Man United. He said he missed Old Trafford where he still contacting few Man United players especially Rio Ferdinand. He also admitted to watch Man United games if there were times. Sir Alex meanwhile had told the Glazer to take what it takes to bring C Ron back. 

So is there any possibility of his return? For me yes. He still have soft spot towards Man United. Sir Alex may not in Man United for long time, he surely wanted his former player that been nurtured playing for him once again. Same as C Ron he may wish to play under his mentor again.

So bring him back.

Now there were reports saying that Man United also tried to sign Cesc Fabregas. Ex Gunner's skipper said to be unhappy as he had limited time play. Though Xavi already in the 30's while Iniesta also almost joining the same age, both still at their best.  A tough competition for C Fab. Now with Alex Song also joining him, he could face stiffer competition.To accommodate C Fab both Barca and Spain played him more advance role. Sometimes as a striker. But the position not brought the best from C Fab. He is best at the central when get to pull all the strings. A truly genius midfielder with great visions and skills. Man United really need the kind of C Fab, a world class midfielder, especially  the legendary Ginger Price had no much time left.

So will he come to Old Trafford. I believed not. He came all the way with so much trouble to join his boyhood team. He even used his owned money to made his move to Barca possible. Though now Man United had signed his former team mate RVP that would not be the factor for him back to England.

Southampton 2-3 Man United

RVP Stunning  Hatrick Saves Man United Blush

Another five goals thriller though the game not so thrill. RVP surely had cast away any doubt about his move to Old Trafford. Smile also on Sir Alex face as he proved that his decision to buy RVP at age 29 that came with price tag of £24m was not a mistake. RVP scored his first hatrick for his new club that brought his goal tally to 100 league goal. He also gave Sir Alex 1000 league match a happier note.

Man United was welcomed back Rio Ferdinand at the back where he once again partnered with Vidic. Another surprised was the inclusion of Lindegaard. De Gea was dropped mainly due his calamity against Fulham that resulted the second goal for visitor in that game.

With the return of Ferdinand, Carrick was back to his original position as the central midfielder. Cleverley also started with Valencia at the right wing. Welbeck was surprisingly been given the left winger position instead of Nani who was at the bench. After losing Young to injury, Nani should claim the spot as the he is natural winger but this was not the case.

Kagawa again played behind RVP to spearhead the attacks. Man United started brightly by dominating the possession. The host was happy to sit deep and tight but ready to pounce Man United on counter attack. But against run of play Southampton scored. Richie Lambert physical obviously troubled Man United backline. He scored through a header after out jumped Rafael.

RVP soon equalise.A perfect cross from Valencia, with help from a defender slip, met RVP at far post. Showing his exquisite skill, RVP chested the ball and made yards for him to shoot.He drilled it hard and low. The shot hit the keeper thigh but still went in. RVP then had another chance. Quick intercept by Evra who squared the ball to him but his attempt went wide. Most Man United fans felt that was the sign that it was not going to be Man United day. How unfortunate as after that Southampton scored their second. This time it was Evra slips that gave an easy header of the second. Man United pressing hard but Southampton stood firm. Then Sir Alex thrown in his best player Scholes. With the evergreen also in was Nani. Scholes quickly changed the game. His first contribution nearly gave Man United the equaliser. His through ball which I believed was his first touch, nicely found RVP. However RVP attempts was blocked by the keeper. 

Nani who was actually made the impact. Firstly he reacted first to weak clearance of Saints keeper. He collected the ball and charged forward. Then he squared it to RVP in the middle. Knowing of the incoming challenge against him, RVP was brought down in 18 yards. Penalty. However RVP cheeky shot was save.

Southampton was almost to historical win until 87th minutes. RVP pounced a rebound from Ferdinand header that hit the post. The goal was resulted from the corner taken by Nani. Then in the final minutes RVP stroke again. This time from a header also from a corner taken by Nani.

Well the game not played under Man United usual game. The tempo was a little bit slow. After the introduction of Scholes, Man United stepped up the gear. Cleverley still cannot dictate a game yet. His positioning was great but still lack of vision. 

Man United September Fixtures

2 September 2012
Southampton	Man United	11.00 pm Sunday
15 September 2012
Man United	Wigan	10.00 pm Saturday
20 September 2012
Man United	Galatasaray	2.45am Thursday
23 September 2012
Liverpool	Man United	8.30 pm Sunday
29 September 2012
Man Utd	Tottenham	TBA

* All times are Malaysian time

UCL 2012/13 Group Stage

Man United Have Easy Group

Having put in the seeded pot Man United clearly avoided the big guns in the UCL. Man United was drawn into the Group H together with SC Braga from Portugal, Galatasaray (Turkey) and CFR Cluj (Romania). Of All Galatasay will pose the biggest threat especially when playing at their home turf. The famous Ali Sami Yen Stadium may no longer exist, however the new stadium Turk Telekom Arena surely be hosting the same hostile reception for the Red Devils. 

Man United should have no problem to advance from the group stage as the group winner.

Surely the most talk about group would be the Group D. Easily dubbed as the Group of Death as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund were drawn into this group. Very tough group indeed. Let wait and see how our noisy neighbour fare in this group.

Man United will start the campaign on 19 September 2012 at Old Trafford against Galatasary, 18.45 GMT. Time in Malaysia at about 2.45am (20 September 2012).