Alex Ferguson: Roma Repeat Is Impossible

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United's expectant fans there is no likelihood the Red Devils will repeat their seven-goal rout of Roma against AC Milan tonight.

After dismantling one major foe from Serie A, United meet a true Italian giant in the Champions League semi-finals looking to avenge European Cup defeats at the same stage in 1958 and 1969.


However, the hosts' chances of success have been badly affected by injury with all of Ferguson's first-choice defenders ruled out, plus Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha.

It leaves the United chief effectively choosing from 11 outfield players with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the man set to miss out among the experienced stars.

Yet, even without such a major problem to overcome, Ferguson accepts what happened against Roma three weeks ago was one of those experiences that will probably never be repeated.

'It is difficult to think we can get to that standard,' said the Scot. 'That was a once-in-a-lifetime result.

'But, with the players we have, we should still expect a very good performance.

'The players want to reach a high level because of the quality of our opponents. The importance of the occasion demands the best performance to get us through.

'It is not going to be easy but it is never going to be that in the semi-final of this competition.'

With so many defenders out, the emphasis will be on United's superb array of attacking players to get the result required.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes - first and third in the PFA Player of the Year awards on Sunday - plus Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, will carry United's major threat.

And it is a man Ferguson knows well, Gennaro Gattuso, who will attempt to stop them.

The United boss has followed Gattuso's career with interest since he spent a year at Rangers and the combative World Cup winner went so far as to claim Ferguson tried to buy him when he was at Sampdoria.

'He is a player we have always admired,' said Ferguson. 'He is an excellent footballer who has matured really well at Milan in the last two years.

'When he was younger he was more aggressive. He still has that Glasgow narkiness but he is also far more mature in his game.'

Bobby Charlton brands Jose 'Senseless' for Penalty Jibes

Sir Bobby Charlton has branded Jose Mourinho 'silly' and 'senseless' for complaining there is one rule for Manchester United and another for Chelsea where penalties are concerned.

Chelsea boss Mourinho was incensed that Manchester United avoided two spot-kicks being awarded against them in the past week, while his own club had a handball appeal rejected at Newcastle on Sunday.



Both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough had what appeared strong claims for penalties waved away in their Premiership trips to Old Trafford, prompting Mourinho to say: 'It looks like there is a rule in football that it is forbidden to give a penalty against Manchester United.'

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday refused to be drawn into a war of words with his Chelsea counterpart but Old Trafford legend and club director Charlton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a little bit silly really.

'Considering he's a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly.

'It's a nonsense really. We've played in so many matches this year when we've not had the decisions and they've been quite obvious really.

'But you get on with it, you move on. I thought it was a little bit senseless.It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.'

Tuesday 24 Apr : Today's Gossip in Newspaper

Arsenal defender William Gallas is on Real Madrid's hit-list of summer transfers. (Various)

Middlesbrough hope to sign Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis in a £3m deal. (Various)

Midfielder Zheng Zhi will ask for a move if Charlton are relegated to the Championship. (The Sun)


Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman wants a new two-year deal or he will walk away from the club when his contract expires in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, has the Merseyside club's famous 'You'll never walk alone' slogan on the inside of his captain's armband. (The Sun)

Coventry midfielder Colin Cameron will be released at the end of the season because he does not feature in manager Iain Dowie's future plans. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea are planning a £45m bid for Valencia striker David Villa. (Daily Star).

Manchester City and Everton are vying to sign Cardiff striker Michael Chopra for £4m. (Daily Star)

Ex-France star Zinedine Zidane is ready to come out of retirement to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool say they have not forgotten about Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa since a bid for the winger was rejected in 2005. (Independent)

Sheffield United defender Chris Armstrong is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Scotland and England. (Daily Record)

Hibernian and Dunfermline have sold less than 5000 tickets for their Scottish Cup semi-final. (Daily Record)

Everton are prepared to meet Hibernian's £4m valuation for Scotland midfielder Scott Brown, which could see off the interest from Rangers and Celtic. (The Sun)

American tycoon Stan Kroenke is set to meet the Arsenal board so the directors can listen to his £500m takeover plan. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea's Didier Drogba says revenge over Liverpool is his side's motive in their Champions League semi-final against the side who knocked them out in 2005. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, says the Merseysiders are not fazed by the Stamford Bridge crowd. (Various)

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce fears the club's bid to qualify for Europe could be wrecked by an injury crisis. (The Sun)

Brazilian player Cleberson was booked because he kissed a referee. The Cabofriense defender gave match official Ubiraci Damasio a peck on the cheek after a foul was given against him and after being shown a yellow card, Cleberson said: "I did not know it was against the rules." (The Sun)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho broke a Uefa two-game touchline ban two seasons ago by being sneaked into his side's dressing room in a laundry basket. (Various)

Portsmouth keeper David James doubts England boss Steve McClaren saw him break the clean sheet record against Aston Villa on television because: "I think there was a documentary on the Discovery Channel at the same time".

Sir Alex Disprove Jose Penalty Outburst

Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to Jose Mourinho's outburst over an penalty appeal that Middlesbrough were denied against Manchester United by arguing that John O'Shea touched the ball in his contentious challenge on Lee Dong-Gook.



After seeing that incident pass unpunished, and another by Gabriel Heinze on Luton Shelton in United's defeat of Sheffield United on Tuesday, Mourinho lost his temper yesterday when Chelsea were refused a spot-kick against Newcastle. However, Ferguson said today: "I have looked at Saturday's incident and O'Shea definitely got the ball, there is no doubt about it."

After Middlesbrough were denied a last minute-penalty at Old Trafford on Saturday — Sheffield United believed themselves similarly victimised the previous Tuesday — Mourinho made reference to an alleged handball offence by Stephen Carr in the first half. His intervention may draw interest from the Football Association.

“We are fighting for the Premiership even against new football rules,” the manager said. “One rule is that penalties are not allowed against Manchester United and the other is that Chelsea don’t get penalties. With these new football rules, we are doing well and if someone punishes me for speaking the truth, it is the end of democracy.”

The allegations carried a sinister undertone, although Mourinho denied it. “I’m just speaking about facts,” he said, “not conspiracy, so nobody can punish me. It looks as if it’s forbidden to give a penalty against United or in our favour. If anyone tells me it wasn’t a penalty for Sheffield, a penalty for Middlesbrough or one for us against Newcastle, I will go to my optician.”

Yet the tenth-minute incident involving Carr at St James’ Park was not clear-cut and other statistics cast doubt on Mourinho’s contention. United have had three penalties awarded against them at their own ground — albeit in comfortable victories over Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers — while Chelsea have scored from the spot on five occasions this season.

He was more sanguine about Friday’s statement by Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, who said that Mourinho would not be dismissed this summer. Roman Abramovich was on Tyneside to witness a disappointing performance, but Mourinho is still to discuss his future with the club’s owner. One element of friction appears to have been resolved, with Mourinho saying that his backroom staff were to be awarded new contracts and that “no” additions were being imposed upon him. “The story is over,” he said. “I have worked with the board for almost three years. It feels good and we’ll work together for the future.”

Eric Cantona : Roy Keane Is a Good Competitor for Fergie

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona believes Roy Keane has the credentials to become a long-term contender for the Old Trafford manager's job.

Cantona, who played alongside Keane, now Sunderland manager, at United, pinpointed the similarities between Sir Alex Ferguson and his former captain.


'It is important that [Ferguson`s eventual succesor] is somebody who knows how the club works, he needs to be very strong mentally and a strong person and Roy Keane is one of those,' Cantona told Sky Sports.

Cantona, now 40, won four Premiership titles at Old Trafford and is widely seen as playing a talismanic role in the revival of a club, where he still holds iconic status.

However, the Frenchman does not see Ferguson bowing out just yet.

'Ferguson keeps himself young and needs football to stay young and football needs him,' he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo Intends to Improve after PFA Double

Cristiano Ronaldo intends to take his game to another level after scooping both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.Not since Andy Gray won each of the coveted accolades 30 years ago has one player dominated the voting of his fellow professionals in such fashion.Ronaldo, 22, has been in awesome form for Manchester United as the Red Devils remain on course for a Barclays Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.His achievement is all the more remarkable given the negative press he received after England's demise in the World Cup last year.The Portuguese winger declared it was a 'big honour' to be singled out by his peers - but does not intend to rest on his laurels.Ronaldo said: 'I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation.'At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.'This great team has helped me as well, because when the team win it is more easy for us all to play with more confidence.'Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it.'Ronaldo, who on accepting his main accolade from United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, declared the best was yet to come from him this season, added: 'I am still young and I am learning more every day.'I have much time to learn more and improve myself.'I try to improve all aspects of my football - not only in training but also in games.'Fellow United midfielder Paul Scholes finished third in the voting for the senior award, with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba second.United's Ryan Giggs had also made the shortlist for player of the year, along with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and last year's winner Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.Fabregas was runner-up in the young player category with Tottenham and England's Aaron Lennon claiming third.Among the other nominees were Ronaldo's Old Trafford team-mate, England striker Wayne Rooney, Reading forward Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City.It was Manchester United who took centre stage at a gala dinner held at the Grosvenor House hotel last night - with eight of their players making it into the Premier League team of the year and manager Sir Alex Ferguson being honoured with the PFA Special Merit Award.Ferguson paid tribute to his multi-talented young winger, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £12.2million deal in August 2003.The United boss said: 'When we saw him play in a pre-season friendly for Sporting against us, at half-time I knew we had to get him and I said to [then chief executive] Peter Kenyon 'we are not leaving the stadium until we get the boy'.'At this moment in time, I think he is the best player in the world and his season has been incredible.'

Ferguson Orders Cristiano Ronaldo to Cut down on Training

Ronaldo, who was last night became the first man in 30 years to win both the main prize and the young player award from his peers, is a key figure in Manchester United's treble bid.Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Cristiano Ronaldo to cut back on his practice to prevent the PFA Player of the Year burning himself out.With so many defenders injured, and both Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha sidelined as well, there will be even more pressure on the 22-year-old to deliver over the final weeks of the campaign.And Ferguson is anxious the winger does not extend himself too much on the training ground.'You have to drag Cristiano off the training pitch sometimes because he likes to practice so much,' said Ferguson.'It is part of his but maybe he overdid it a little last week.'We are trying to preserve his energies for the important games, so we are going to have to cut back on his practice.'He really has been carrying the banner for us for a long time now but we are really down on players now so there is a big onus on the boy.'Although Ronaldo has been below par in United's last two games by his own high standards, his confidence should be be boosted by the two goals he scored in the seven-goal rout of Roma in the last round.His performance that night in particular drew comparisons with legends such as Pele and Diego Maradona from team-mate Patrice Evra.At the time, Ferguson did little to dissuade anyone from the view he could reach that standard, although the Scot now admits it is slightly over the top.'Cristiano has this new publicity comparing him with Pele and Maradona. Of course it is ridiculous because he is only 22,'said Ferguson.'He has a lot to go before he can be considered at that level. He has to play consistently in European games and also World Cup games before you can judge how great he is.'But that is all in front of him.'At this moment he is the best player in the world and I don't say that lightly because there are so many fantastic players around.'His season has been incredible, 21 goals from a winger is exceptional. His position in the game at this moment is very high.'

Champions League : Ferguson Is Ready for Milan

Ferguson is facing the unhappy prospect of tackling the six-time winners without his entire first-choice defence at Old Trafford.

In addition, Park Ji-Sung and Louis Saha are also ruled out, leaving the United boss with only a 13-man senior squad to choose from, a group that includes two goalkeepers in Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak.
Yet, Ferguson is refusing to dwell on such a disastrous position.

And, with attacking talent such as new PFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to call on, the United boss remains confident his side can get a positive result which would leave them well placed to confirm an all-English final in Italy next week.

"I don't have any fears about it," said Ferguson. "The mood in the camp pleases me.

"At this time of year, you are always looking for signs of nerves and, while we have concerns about the injuries, I don't see any nerves.

"It is not going to be an easy, but the name of the game in these situations is to win and not lose a goal.

"That is our plan and, if we can achieve it, it would be a massive result for us."

With Patrice Evra fit enough only for a place on the bench, Ferguson has little option other than to name Darren Fletcher at right-back.

John O'Shea will partner Wes Brown in the middle and, with Kieran Richardson missing too, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to be the only outfield player on a seven-man bench who has even appeared in the Barclays Premiership this season.

Contrast that with the vast experience in the visiting line-up and it is little wonder Milan are now favourites to complete a hat-trick of semi-final successes over the Red Devils, having also beaten them in 1958 and 1969.

In addition, United suffered at the Rossoneri's hands at the first knockout stage two years ago, while the last of Milan's six triumphs in the competition came at Old Trafford in 2004.

In fact, the only member of Ferguson's squad who has enjoyed any kind of notable success against Milan is Edwin van der Sar, who was part of the Ajax side who beat the Serie A giants in the 1995 final.

"It is a long time ago now but there are similarities in the two seasons," said the veteran Dutchman.

"We are good enough to win this competition, you cannot hide the fact.

"But you could say that about all four semi-finalists. From now on, everybody has to be at their best and show it on the pitch."

Bizarrely, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has offered his own tactical insight into the contest, arguing Milan coach Carlos Ancelotti would be well-advised to pitch legendary defender Paulo Maldini into direct conflict with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The battle is unlikely to materialise given 39-year-old Maldini now operates in the heart of Milan's defence, whereas Ronaldo will be stationed on the right of United's midfield.

However, there is genuine intrigue over who will emerge triumphant between United's youth and Milan's experience, with Ferguson believing Maldini loses nothing, despite his age.

"Paulo Maldini is one of my favourite European players of the last 15 years," enthused Ferguson.

"I watched him in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich and he went through the entire 90 minutes without making a tackle, which is an art form itself.

"He is 39 now but he must still be at the top of his game because there is no way a club of Milan's size can afford to carry anyone because he has had such a great past.

"Sometimes, I look at my own team and wish we had more experience in certain situations. But equally I get encouraged by the hope and the future of the younger players who, in particular games, can really excite people.

"Paulo Maldini will leave a legacy for young players like Rooney and Ronaldo but it is very difficult to say what is best at this moment in time."

Kaka & Seedorf are Giggs's Selection as Milan's Threats

Manchester United FC prepare to take on the six-time European champions in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Ryan Giggs Determined Kaka and Clarence Seedorf as AC Milan's greatest threats.

Milan threat
With United expected to take the game to the Italian side in the first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday, Giggs warned against over-committing in attack against a side at its best on the break. "Milan have the players to counterattack well with Kaká and [Clarence] Seedorf," the 33-year-old winger told uefa.com. "They float around looking to exploit gaps. With the experience they have at the back they can sit back and defend comfortably and hit teams fast on the break. That is their main strength."

Tougher test
United set pulses racing on their last European night at Old Trafford with a breathtaking 7-1 win against AS Roma in the quarter-finals. The result has raised hopes Sir Alex Ferguson's side could win a third European Champion Clubs' Cup, but Giggs expects a much tighter game against Milan. Rather than Roma, Giggs believes United's last semi-final against Italian opposition, Juventus eight years ago, is a better indication of what the tie will be like. "It will be close like '99," he said. "Most semis are close and these are two very good experienced teams who know what's at stake. It will be closely fought."

'Amazing'
United showed all their resilience to overcome Juve in April 1999, recovering from 2-0 down in the Stadio Delle Alpi in the second leg to win 3-2 and go through 4-3 on aggregate. It was a performance, Giggs believes, on a par with the rout of Roma. "The Juve win was like a final, and to come back from 2-0 down against them was an incredible achievement. But to score seven against a top Serie A side was also amazing. They were as good as each other."

'Mad celebrations'
United went on to defeat FC Bayern München in a thrilling final - though Giggs concedes, "the '99 memories are sketchy. It was a bad game until the last two minutes. All I really remember is the two late goals and the mad celebrations afterwards. It was quite a night. I wish I could remember more." That thrilling 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou completed the treble for United who are in a position to repeat the feat this term.

'Best shot'
Already through to the FA Cup final and top of the Premiership, Giggs has the chance to make a few more memories before the end of the season. "With cup games there is an element of luck involved so for us to get the treble we're going to need everything to go in our favour. You need fortune with injuries and things like that but we will give it our best shot."

Ronaldo praise
United will welcome back Paul Scholes after suspension on Tuesday, who was also banned for that 1999 final and is a player Giggs believes is "getting better and better". Not that United are short of potential match-winners. Giggs himself, captain in the absence of Gary Neville, was sensational against Roma, playing a part in four goals and Wayne Rooney was again on the scoresheet. Cristiano Ronaldo, though, is picked out for special praise. "Ronni is flying this season," Giggs said. "He's probably the best in the world right now. At his age and as a winger he is nothing short of brilliant."

David Beckham Showed His Pledge to Real Madrid

David Beckham knew his commitment to the Spanish club would be questioned once the deal with the Major League Soccer side was completed.He has revealed how he had to fight to prove to Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello that he was worth a place in the team once he had decided to sign for LA Galaxy.Beckham told Sky Sports: "People wondered how you could be committed to a team when you had signed for another team."I had to prove I am committed. It doesn't mean I don't give 110% or don't fly into tackles and try to win things with this team."Beckham has signed a five-year �128million contract with Galaxy and will join the club when his contract in Madrid ends at the end of June.He endured an uncertain period at Madrid after revealing he was to quit the club. Capello immediately left him out of the squad and claimed he would not pick him again.However he relented and Beckham was reinstated and has played a key role in their title challenge.

Thursday 19 April : Today's Gossip in Newspapers

Inter Milan have renewed their interest in Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. (Daily Mail)

Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli, 31, wants to join Manchester United in a £6m deal. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea have sent scouts to check on Heerenveen's Brazilian striker, Afonso Alves, 26, who has scored 29 goals in 29 games this season. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse - on loan at Marseille - claims he will be sent back to Anfield in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham's on-loan Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba has told boss Steve Bruce he will only stay if they are promoted. (Various)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has targeted West Brom trio Diomansy Kamara, Curtis Davies and Jason Koumas. (Independent)

Charlton are lining up a £2m summer swoop for Cardiff captain Darren Purse. (Independent)

Hibernian midfielder Michael Stewart has been told he will not be given a new contract. (Various)

Michael Stewart has rejected a severance package to leave Hibernian immediately. (Daily Express)

Michael Stewart has been released from his contract two months early for his role in a dressing-room revolt against manager John Collins. (Daily Mail)

John Collins says it was a football decision to release Michael Stewart and nothing to do with last week's player revolt. (The Herald)

Hibernian goalkeeper Simon Brown will not be given a new contract in the summer. (the Sun)

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc could be a summer signing target for Lazio. (Daily Express)

Greek defender Takis Fyssas will leave Hearts in the summer. (The Herald)

Kilmarnock have given striker Paul Di Giacomo a new contract. (The Sun)

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood fears losing defender Russell Anderson because of club debts. (Daily Record)

Wolves, West Brom and Birmingham are all keen on signing Chelsea youngster Scott Sinclair, who is on loan at Plymouth. (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace keeper Gabor Kiraly is set to quit the club at the end of the season and return to his native Hungary. (Daily Star)

Arsenal are braced for a £650m hostile takeover bid from American businessman Stan Kroenke. (The Sun)

Arsene Wenger's future at Arsenal is in doubt after his closest ally, vice-chairman David Dein, left the club on Wednesday. (Daily Star)

A window on Chelsea's team coach smashed on Wednesday when it was hit by a rock upon arriving at West Ham's Upton Park. (The Sun)

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims Middlesbrough are "paranoid" about facing Cristiano Ronaldo. (Daily Mirror)

Teddy Sheringham is a shock candidate to take over as manager of relegated League One side Brentford. (Daily Mirror)

Everton will earn a £1.65m windfall from Manchester United if Wayne Rooney helps them to win the treble this season. (Daily Star)

Bristol Rovers have asked their fans to vote on where they will play their home games next season. (Daily Star)

The Scottish FA is set to scrap Scottish Cup semi-final replays. (Daily Record)

Tesco has struck a deal with St Mirren to turn their stadium into a supermarket, with the football club moving to a new ground nearby. (The Herald)

Gretna say they would like to share a stadium with threatened rugby club Border Reivers. (The Herald)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane watched Chelsea play Blackburn on Sunday and reckons the Black Cats could beat the Blues. (Various)

On-loan Arsenal striker Julio Baptista on the Premiership's limitations: "I am Brazilian and I enjoy playing the ball, making clever touches and taking bicycle kicks. But the game is so fast there is no time."
Derivated From BBC Sport

Ferguson Missing Belief in Saha

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering selling Louis Saha having reportedly become tired of the striker's injury problems.The 28-year-old Frenchman has started only 66 games for United since moving to Old Trafford from Fulham in January 2004 and has managed just 36 minutes of action since the start of last month due to hamstring trouble.
He apparently trained over the weekend but then ruled himself out of Tuesday night's 2-0 victory over Sheffield United and Ferguson is reported to be annoyed that Saha is unwilling to play through pain.When asked about the frontman's condition after the Blades game, Ferguson replied: "Louis is still bothered by his hamstring.
I don't see any quick return."And the Daily Mail reports the Red Devils boss, who has been linked with the likes of Fernando Torres, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov in recent weeks, could look to offload Saha if he receives a decent offer in the summer.