We must beat R.Madrid to be respected in Europe AGAIN: Man Utd star EVRA.

  Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has rallied his teammates to beat Spanish Champions Real Madrid in the two legged Champions League encounter, if they hope to be respected in Europe again.

The France international reckons that opponents no longer fear the Red Devils as they used to when United lifted the 2008 trophy and reached two of the next three finals.

Speaking to the club’s official website Evra said:  “This could lift everyone. If we can beat Madrid then the response it gives to other teams would be important.

“Don’t forget, last year we were knocked out in the first stage of the Champions League and maybe people have that image of  Manchester United in Europe.

“We have to change that. That is why I think this is the perfect year to show who we really are.

“We can’t miss this opportunity to show ourselves, it would be a massive disappointment.

“This is why I’m really looking forward to the match with Real Madrid. I’ve been waiting for a big European tie like this for a long time and it’s probably the biggest European game since Barcelona in 2008.

“The fans have been waiting for this too. Manchester United v Real Madrid is a game for big players, big characters, big personalities.” he added.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to win a treble like he did in 1999 with United but they will have to beat Ronaldo and co. to keep that dream alive.

Real Madrid have a BETTER team than Man Utd: C. RONALDO.

  Portuguese play maker Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally claimed that Real Madrid have a better team man-to-man, than his former club Manchester United, ahead of their champions League tie next week.

Ronaldo will face his former teammates for the first time since his record £80m move from Old Trafford in 2009.

Although the Spanish Champions are ranked third in La Liga, a whooping 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, while United have a nine point cushion at the top of the Premier league, Ronaldo is convinced his side have a greater pool of talent to emerge victorious in the two legged encounter.

"I believe things will go well. In my opinion Read Madrid have a better team, but we have to show that on the pitch because United are a very united team and always have been in recent years," he told the official UEFA Champions League magazine.

"They're a team that always does well, every year they're at the top and therefore a team we respect a lot. It will be an extremely difficult match, especially in Manchester."

Having spent six hugely successful years at old Trafford, Ronaldo admitted it would be an emotional occasion for him when he takes the pitch at the Santiago Barnabeu next week.

"I actually said beforehand that I believed we would draw Manchester United. I've wanted to face them for some time. I have great memories from my time there.

"It will be a match in which I will feel a lot. I was there for six years. I have a lot of friends there, people I will see with great pleasure, it will be a match with a lot of emotions."

Ronaldo also revealed that he will not celebrate if he scored due to the respect he holds for Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He taught me the basis of football. I arrived in Manchester when I was only 18. He managed my career in the best possible way and for me he is one of the most important people in football," he added.

"I still have an excellent relationship with him and it will be nice to see him again," he opined.

Man United to rival Arsenal with a £10m bid for VICTOR WANYAMA.

  Premier League leaders Manchester United are reportedly pondering to lodge a £10m bid for Kenyan midfield maestro Victor Wanyama who is also reported to be a target for north London club, Arsenal.

According to Sky Sports, Wanyama has impressed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who  personally checked the young Kenyan in action against Dundee United where not only did he showcase his talent but also capped fine display with a superb goal.

The Red Devils have run the rule over the 21-year old for the better part of the season especially in the Champions League where Fergie’s brother Martin Ferguson has been scouting him. 

Wanyama who joined the Scottish Champions in 2011 from Belgium outfit FC Beerschot for just under £1m has grown in leaps and bounds to be Europe’s most sought after defensive midfielder.

Fergie is preparing for life after Paul Scholes and the versatile midfielder has been tipped to fit that role.

However, United will have to see off stiff competition from Arsenal who are in the market for an imposing midfielder after losing Alex Song to Barcelona during the summer.

Chelsea star ASHLEY COLE now among the highest paid defenders in the world.

  Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has joined the league of top earning defenders in the world after he was given a 'surprise' one year contract extension at Stamford Bridge.

The contract reported to be worth around £200,000 a week puts him at par with the likes of PSG defender Thiago Silva and Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

The blues are expected to announce the contract extension ahead of Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

The 32-year old is reported to have held talks with Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Manchester United, before Chelsea made a turn around to offer him a new contract.

This has been widely interpreted as the club’s attempt to appease fans who had been angered by the club’s decision to offload Cole and midfielder Frank Lampard at the end of the season.

However, the former Arsenal defender has moved to end that speculation by committing his future to the European champions for another 12 months. 

Cole joined the Blues from Arsenal in 2006 in controversial circumstances.

Man City boss warns Kompany over TACKLES.

  Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has urged his captain Vincent Kompany to ‘pay more attention’ when tackling.

The Belgian international was red carded after his challenge on Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere did not go down well with referee Mike Dean.

 "He's a defender. Sometimes when the defender is under pressure he can do a bad tackle but I think he needs to pay more attention, because this has happened two times.

"We can have a problem if we have another situation like this. I spoke with Vinny and told him to have more attention on his tackles."

The Champions however held to win 2-0 against Arsenal at Emirates who also had defender Laurent Koscielny sent off after 10 minutes.

However, the red card has since been rescinded after City lodged an appeal with the Football Association, meaning Kompany is available for Saturday's visit of Fulham.

Liverpool striker SUAREZ admits to DIVING.

Liverpool’s Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has confessed to have dived to win a penalty in a past Premier League match.

The talented attacker, who is not new to controversy, was heavily criticised for the incident earlier this season although he regrets taking the dive at Anfield. 

Suarez told Fox Sports Argentina: "Football is like that. Sometimes you do things on the field that later you think 'why the hell did I do that?' 

"I was accused of falling inside the box in a match, and it's true I did it that time because we were drawing against Stoke at home and we needed anything to win it. 

"But after that everybody jumped out to talk – the Stoke coach, and the Everton coach... I understood that the name Suarez sells [papers]." 

This candid confession will sure land him in trouble especially from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers who is on record saying that ‘diving’ is unacceptable and has always defended Suarez whenever he’s accused of doing so.

Another ‘WAIGANJO’ .……. Were GOR MAHIA duped?

Barely three days have passed since the arrival of the much publicized Gor Mahia’s Brazilian striker Giovanni Rodriguez, but football pundits have expressed their reservation over his quality.

During the club’s training yesterday at the Tok Konyamwanda (City Stadium) where he was officially unveiled. A section of Gor Mahia fans were unconvinced with his amateurish ball control techniques.

In fact some fans were calling him ‘Waiganjo’ in reference to the fake cop who infiltrated the Kenyan police and rose to the highest rank for five years without raising suspicion.

Head coach Zdravko Logarusic, while speaking to journalists at the City Stadium, said that he will have to prove his worth.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday 16, January) he will have to join the team in training and prove that he is the kind of player we are looking for, said Logarusic.

“He has to be as good as or better than the likes of Rama Salim, (Dan) Sserunkuma and (Paul) Kiongera for us to sign him, else we shall have him on the first plane back to Brazil.

Rodriguez started his career with Atlantic Sport Club, Rio White Sport Club and Rio Branco Sport Club football academies, before joining Giovani second division leagues for White River Sport, Union Marechal Hermes and Esporte Club Compo Grande.

W all know the fans’ expectations especially being Brazilian but we hope he will talk on the pitch during his first training today at the same venue.

Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal MIDFIELD target not for sale.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for highly rated Belgium and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini in recent weeks.

But according to Everton manager David Moyes, the versatile midfielder will not leave Goodison Park any time soon.

"The plan is to keep all of our players.

"I wouldn’t be talking about anyone’s contracts if I can help it, and I won’t do it now." Said Moyes.

Fellaini has been sensational for Everton this season a fact that has attracted the interest of top clubs all scrambling for his signature.

The Belgian may have added credence to the exit rumors when he was quoted saying that he deserves to play at the highest level, the Champions League and if Everton fails to finish in top four they sure have a fight in keeping him at Merseyside.

Chelsea are in the market for a Frank Lampard replacement who is set to quit the Blues in the summer once his contract runs out while Arsenal and Manchester United managers are known to be admirers of the powerful midfielder.

Man City dealt MAJOR blow ahead of Arsenal cash.

  Premier League Champions Manchester City have been dealt a big blow after star striker Sergio Aguerro was ruled out of Sunday’s mouth watering Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates stadium.

City manager Roberto Mancini is reluctant to gamble on the striker's fitness to avoid last season's 30-goal top scorer being ruled out for a longer period.

The Argentine pulled a hamstring in the 3-0 win over Stoke City on New Year's Day and missed the 3-0 FA Cup victory over Watford.

While addressing reporters Mancini said:  "Sergio is not available for Sunday. We don't want to take a risk. He continues to have treatment this week.

“I hope he can play against Fulham. We can't take a risk with him now. If Arsenal was the last game [of the season], OK, but like this it is impossible."

This will compound City’s woes who are without the services suspended Samir Nasri and midfield maestro Yaya Toure who is away with Ivory Coast preparing for the African Nations Cup.

The citizens however, received some sort of boost after versatile defender Aleksandar Kolarov was given a clean bill of health to feature.

The Citizens will have a smaller number of traveling fans than usual at the Emirates Stadium after the club returned 912 unsold tickets citing hefty ticket prices.

Their cost of £62 each has brought complaints about the pricing of tickets and Mancini regrets that many City supporters are unable to afford them.

 "We are disappointed for this because we need our fans away. We have fantastic fans, fantastic support. We are sorry for this." He added.

City have never won away to Arsenal in 37-years but midfielder Gareth Barry remains confident of breaking that jinx.

Chelsea midfield REJECT refuses to rule out Man Utd move.

Chelsea’s decision not to offer players over the age of 30-years new contracts could see them lose the likes of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole to rival clubs in the Premier League.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move to 34-year old midfield maestro Frank Lampard after he was told he will not be  given a new deal at Stamford Bridge once his contract runs out in the summer.

According to The Sun, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the veteran midfielder, can still deliver at the highest level.

Fergie is a long-time admirer of the England international and is reported to have tried to sign him before he joined the Blues.

But it’s highly unlikely that a deal will be struck during the winter transfer window with the player determined to see out the remaining part of his Chelsea contract.

The Red Devils are reported to be willing to offer Lampard a one year deal in the summer with the promise of another depending on his performance.

Chelsea are keen to trim their £191m wage bill and Lampard who is at £150,000 a week and turning 35-years has been targeted for the chop despite still playing a key role at the club.

Lampard has also attracted interest from MLS in the US and the Chinese super League.

Man Utd talisman ranked third best player in the World.

  Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is the third best player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and his nemesis Lionel Messi according to former Chelsea, Liverpool and now West Ham play maker, Joe Cole.

The Dutchman came off the bench to score Manchester United’s equalizer and earn them an FA Cup 3rd round replay against West Ham after Cole had produced two assists for defender James Collins in his first appearance back in a West Ham shirt after securing a move from Liverpool.

Van Persie has been in scintillating form since joining the Red Devils from Arsenal over the summer and took his tally to 20 goals for the season with his sublime 92nd minute leveler at Upton Park on Saturday.

"You take away Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and Van Persie is probably the best player in the world,” He told the Guardian.

"He was playing wide for Arsenal for many years and getting a few injury problems but moving central means there is a bit less running and he can use his technique and finishing, which is just incredible.

"He is a joy to watch and a pain to play against." Cole added

Photos of  Mario Balotelli and Mancini in stunning training ground bust-up

Misfit Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and manager Roberto Mancini were involved in a furious training ground bust-up today.
The City boss was seen to grab, shove and gesticulate wildly at the striker as the pair clashed in front of stunned team-mates at the club's Carrington base.
The 22-year-old Italian striker was then seen being restrained and led away by a member of staff, believed to be Massimo Battara, in shocking scenes as City prepared their FA Cup third round clash with Watford

 
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Chelsea joins Arsenal in pursuit of this prolific striker.

Reigning European Champions Chelsea have joined their London rivals Arsenal in the race to sign want away Newcastle United hit-man, Demba Ba.

The Senegal international who has netted 13 goals in the Premier League so far has been heavily linked with a move away from St. James Park due to clause in his contract which if activated could see him leave the Magpies for a paltry £7.5m.

As the DAILY MIRROR reports,  Chelsea are prepared to activate the buy-out clause in Ba’s contract to make him their first signing of the January window.

They have moved for Ba because £48m-rated Colombian target Radamel Falcao says is staying at Atletico Madrid at least until the summer.

The Blues see Ba as support for Fernando Torres and feel the Senegalese striker, who has scored 13 goals in 20 league appearances, represents great value.

Ba will cost £4.5million less than the £12million they are receiving from Liverpool for Daniel Sturridge and they will offer Ba £70,000-a-week.

Chelsea interim boss Rafa Benitez was tight-lipped on Ba last night, saying: “We do not talk about our business in public.

The 27-year old has also been heavily linked with a move to North London club Arsenal although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remained coy over such reports when he played against them where he scored twice as the Magpies lost  7-3 at the Emirates.

Lionel Messi turns down INSANE £460k a week offer from Russian club

  Barcelona prodigy Lionel Messi is reported to have turned down a lucrative move to an unknown Russian club after a bid of £205m (Sh28.167 billion) triggered his release clause.

The club, thought to be Anzhi Makhachkala, then offered a whooping £460,000-a-week (Sh63.204m!) deal to the Argentine superstar, a massive £24m (Sh3.27b!) a year after tax.

Barcelona were inclined to accept the massive offer but Messi quickly rejected the move after discussions with Barca president Sandro Rosell and his family.

The three-time World Player of the Year, who scored a record breaking 91 goals this calendar year, then pledged his future by signing a new deal with the Catalan giants.

The approach came during negotiations that ended earlier this month with the Argentine signing a two-year contract extension at the Nou Camp.

While the story in El Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish sports daily, does not name the Russian club, billionaire-owned Anzhi are felt to be the likeliest candidates.

Anzhi made ex-Barca striker Samuel Eto’o the game’s highest paid player when they signed him last year.

Messi, 25, has won the Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the world’s best player for two years in a row and is widely tipped to make it three on the spin.

He also set a football record that may never be broken in 2012, scoring 91 times for club and country in the calendar year to break the 40 year record set by  Germany legend Gerd Muller  of  85 set in 1972.

SportsMole.

Man Utd tracking the next Nemanja Vidic

  Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his reservations over the fitness of returning Captain Nemanja Vidic and the long-term future of his partner Rio Ferdinand, a situation that has forced him to scout for a possible replacement.

Fergie has set his sights on highly rated 20-year old FC Nordsjaelland defender Jores Okore.

According to The People although the Scot does not like ­doing business in the winter transfer window he  has told scouts and contacts that he wants a central defender because of fears over Nemanja Vidic’s fitness and Rio Ferdinand’s long-term future.

The first rising defender is high on his list of targets after impressing in his club’s Champions League ­campaign.

Okore is regarded as one of Europe’s best emerging centre-backs and has recently broken into the Danish national team.

Born in the Ivory Coast but raised in Denmark, Okore has won rave reviews for his ­–power and tough tacking play as well as his technical ability.

The Red Devils’ defence has been one of the weak points in a team with an avalanche of attacking options at Fergie’s disposal.

The Red Devils have conceded 28 goals already this season, just five short of the total for the whole of last season, but still have a seven-point cushion at the summit of the Premier League.

Arsenal manager reflects on the most challenging moment of his career.

 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken out on what has been the most challenging moment of his Arsenal career.

The Gunners’ 27 points from 17 Premier League games marks their worst ever start to a league season in 18 years.

Arsenal travel to Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon looking to climb back into the top three of the Barclays Premier League, after what has been one of the most testing spells of Wenger’s 16 years at the helm.

While Arsenal may not be the same club the French man walked into back in October 1996, Wenger feels his work is far from done.

“I am never satisfied. I just try to do my best,” said Wenger, who current deal runs until 2014.

“I have been the most criticised in the last seven years (without a trophy), but I feel for a manager it was more difficult in the first years.”

Asked to reflect on how history would remember his time at Arsenal, Wenger joked:

“The Mayans were wrong - the end of the world came at Bradford!”

Defeat in the Capital One Cup by Championship outfit Bradford City was unquestionably a major setback to Arsenal’s hopes of silverware this season, although there is still the FA Cup to play for and the Champions League.

I won’t celebrate if I score against Man Utd - Ronaldo.

   After the Champions League draw paired Spanish Champions Real Madrid and Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed not to celebrate in case he scores against his former Club.

"I won't celebrate if I score," Ronaldo, who spent six years with the Reds, told AS newspaper.

"It is thanks to Manchester United that I play for Real Madrid. Without them, I wouldn't be the player I am today."

The 27-year old is set to make his first visit to Old Trafford where he spent over six years before his big money move to Spain in the summer of 2009.

In his six years at the premier League club, Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

"I still speak with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. I miss him a lot, and I miss Manchester United," added Ronaldo.

"I felt very good there, it was like a family. I had six great years there and am still friends with my team-mates."

United boss Sir Alex reckons the Portuguese ply maker will receive a warm welcome.

"He will get a great reception when he comes onto the pitch at Old Trafford, quite rightly," said Ferguson "After that they [the supporters] can boo him as much as they like.

"We are proud of the part we played in his career. We did very well to get six years out of a boy when he came to us at the age of 17."

"He always had a hankering to go to Real Madrid at some point in his career. It wasn't disloyalty. I got another year out of him when he wanted go the previous year.

"My way of looking at it was that we were lucky to have him for six years. The United fans would share that."