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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Van der Sar: Giggs is one and only
Edwin van der Sar is certain the legendary achievements of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs will never be broken.
It was the first time Giggs collected the prestigious accolade, adding it to his 10 Premier League titles, two European Cups, four FA Cups, three League Cups and various other trophies collected during a stellar one-club career.
On Wednesday against Arsenal, Giggs is expected to make his 800th Red Devils appearance, edging further clear of Sir Bobby Charlton, whose record he took when he came on as substitute during the Champions League Final victory over Chelsea in Moscow last May.
The 35-year-old has already pledged to see out the remaining year of his contract. And if he can maintain his present form, Giggs could carry on towards his 40th birthday.
But Van der Sar, who has made more than 650 club appearances during a career which took him from Ajax to Juventus and then Fulham before heading north to Old Trafford in 2005, feels even if he stopped now, Giggs' record will stand forever.
"It would be hard to beat that record," said the veteran Dutchman.
"There are so many changes now with transfers and everything else and Ryan started out early.
"You will not see anything like that in future.
"And the thing is he is still going strong. It is as though he was only 31."
Although he is not used in every game, Giggs' influence over United is still immense. And with the pressure starting to increase in a week which began in such thrilling fashion at Old Trafford on Saturday ahead of Wednesday's first leg with the Gunners, the Welshman's presence could be a major factor.
"It is a joy to see how he trains as well as plays," said Van der Sar.
"How he controls the ball, how he sees a pass and the runs he makes. He can read a game and adjust the way we play.
"He shows such dedication every day and sets the example for everyone."
If the last seven days are anything to go by, Old Trafford can brace itself for a thriller.
Last week Arsenal were involved in an astonishing eight-goal draw with Liverpool, Andrey Arshavin scoring all four goals for Arsene Wenger's men.
On Saturday United secured a dramatic win over Tottenham, roaring back from two goals down at the break to record a victory that has taken them to the brink of an 18th league championship.
"Last Tuesday was a strange game," reflected Van der Sar.
"Sometimes you make one mistake in a game, other times it is nine or 10. That is football.
"We are all human beings and these kind of things happen. Hopefully we can be a bit tighter against them and get the same opportunities Liverpool had."
Sir Alex Ferguson's major dilemma is who to start up front given Carlos Tevez's outstanding contribution to the Red Devils' most recent triumph.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney seem certain to be involved after taking their personal goal tally to 23 and 20 at the weekend, while Ferguson is a huge fan of Berbatov's economic style even though many fans prefer Tevez's industry.
John O'Shea also seems set to fill the right-back berth as United look for added defensive resolve in their attempt to become the first team to defend the European Cup since the Champions League era began in 1992.
"This game is going to be something new because we have never played English opposition in a two-legged European game before," said Van der Sar.
"We are all excited about it but at the same time, the preparation and way we go about our job will be no different.
"For us it is just two games on the way to something big that we experienced last year.
"That night in Moscow was fantastic and we will do everything in our power to achieve that goal again
Giggs sets Gunners goal
It is 10 years since Giggs, the newly-crowned PFA player of the year, skipped past four players on a 60-yard run before smashing in a sensational late goal to beat Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.
The Welsh wizard was so overcome by the emotion of the occasion that he whipped his shirt off, whirling it round his head and kept running all the way back to the half-way line.
Giggs admits he might just expose that rippling torso all over again if he gets the winner against the Gunners which clinches United’s place in the Champions League final in Rome.
Go on to the internet and signed photos of that iconic image are still trading for a healthy sum.These days, of course, you get booked for flashing the flesh but that will not bother Giggs provided it does not cost him a ban.
Recalling that amazing night in 1999, Giggs said: “It was a great moment for me personally and for the team. It was a massive turning point in the season that ended in the Treble.
“Arsenal are a top, top team. They always have been. Over the years they’ve been our biggest challengers so when you play against them you’ve got to raise your game.
“I will always be remembered for that celebration. I don’t know if I like the picture though because people remember the celebration more than the goal!
“When you score a goal, especially an important one like that, the feelings rise up and you’ve got no control over yourself.
“That’s what football is all about. You never know what’s going to happen next. I used to say I would never do it again but you never know. If you score an important winning goal again in the last minute you might just do it.”
At the venerable age of 35, Giggs remains a key figure in United’s assault on the Quadruple.
He has spent more than 20 years at Old Trafford and his PFA award from his fellow pros is a fitting tribute to a magnificent career.
The Welshman — who could make his 800th appearance for United tomorrow night — is feared by defenders as much as when he carved his way past those hapless Gunners so long ago it was in the last century!
Giggs has cut out the booze, improved his diet and taken to yoga to keep himself in such good shape. There is no sign of him hanging up his boots and why should he when his manager is still picking him?
To think six years ago the United fans were on his back telling him he was past it.
Giggs added: “I remember back in 2003 I was getting a bit of stick and that wasn’t enjoyable.
“It was the first time I’d experienced it, so to win the league and end the season so strong was pleasing for me. It meant I’d got through it.
“Since I turned 30 I’ve been more consistent. During my 20s the odd game I played probably better than I do now but consistently, over the season, I’ve got better the older I’ve got.
“I’ve had to make some sacrifices — diet, alcohol, yoga. I was missing a lot of games through hamstring injuries then.
“It helps that I’m not as quick as I used to be so I’m not getting those hamstring injuries any more and I don’t play as many games.
“Yoga has definitely helped with my hamstrings and also how I feel. I feel good after games and fresh during games.”
The new players continually arriving at Old Trafford also spur Giggs on.
He said: “You get inspired by seeing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and all the younger players coming through. This season it’s been Rafael.
“When I’m playing against Rafael in training and he’s bombing past me, you’ve got to do something about it. It’s not nice but you’ve got to raise your game.
“You know your career is coming to an end and that you’ve got to make the most of it.
“Then there’s the manager’s desire, the constant difficulties of playing for Manchester United and the different challenges that it brings each season.
“When I first came into the team Eric Cantona and Roy Keane had a big influence on me.
“You would see Roy and the manager and you would see the hunger. And you would look at Eric and how he looked after himself during the season. You admire different players for different reasons.”
While Cantona and Keane are long departed, Giggs goes on, trying to make United the first team ever to retain the Champions League trophy. He said: “It is a massive challenge for us. There’s a reason why no team has ever retained it — and that’s because it’s really difficult.
“We had to go to Porto in the quarter-finals when it was a case of backs against the wall against a very good team.
“But we came through and we need two similar performances against Arsenal because they’re playing well at the moment.
“Arsenal can pass any team off the park if you’re not on your game. They are a dangerous side, so we’ve got to be mentally and physically prepared and we’ve got to play well.
“I’ve got to be honest, if you’d asked me when I was 19 or 20 if I thought I’d be playing in a Champions League semi-final at 35, I’d have said no.
“But I look after myself and it helps when you’ve got such good players around you.”
Vid’s the top Man
MANU ADEBAYOR claims Nemanja Vidic is the toughest defender he has met.
The Arsenal striker and Manchester United hardman clash at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Adebayor said of the Serb: “Vidic is the toughest I have played against.
“He is very good and knows how to handle strikers.
“He is ready to give his life for Manchester United and is very, very strong.
“He is absolutely top-class because he saves a lot of goals but also scores a lot.”
I can win my Spurs
MICHAEL CARRICK hopes he can cheer up his old Spurs mates tomorrow by ending the Champions League dreams of old rivals Arsenal.
The Manchester United star was at the centre of the penalty controversy as his team stormed back to beat Spurs 5-2 on Saturday.
But Carrick said: “Being a former Spurs player I suppose I’m coming up against the old enemy in Arsenal.
“I know my pals at Spurs want us to win. They’ll be watching on TV and hoping United win.”
Ferdinand is up to speed
RIO FERDINAND admits Manchester United must be on their ‘A-game’ to deal with Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Old Trafford centre-back, 30, speaking at the launch of his new mag #5, said: “Theo could be a sprinter. He’s one of the quickest I’ve ever faced.
“Playing against Adebayor is a challenge, too.
“He’s quick, he’s got good movement and is strong so we’ll have to be on our A-game to make sure we combat him.
“But we’re ready for them and everyone else in an Arsenal strip.
“They’ll be two great games. Two English teams vying to get into the Champions League final, you can’t ask for much more.”
Rafael plays his way to new deal
RAFAEL has agreed a two-year contract extension at Manchester United.
The Brazilian right-back is now tied to the Premier League champions until 2013.
Rafael, 18, has made 24 appearances for United this season and boss Alex Ferguson claims the new deal is a reward for his rapid progress.
United boss Fergie said: "Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional.
"His enthusiasm and the adventurous way he plays is typical of a Manchester United player.
"We are delighted he has signed a new contract."
Rafael added: "It has been a fantastic first year and I have learned from all the players at the club.
"It has been an exciting time for me and I want to be part of this for a long time so to get an extension is unbelievable."
Giggs wins PFA player of the year
Wales midfielder Giggs, 35, pipped four Manchester United team-mates and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard - despite starting only 12 league games this season.
Giggs - chasing Quadruple glory for United - said: “I won two Young Player awards but this one is the big one.
"It’s arguably the best individual award you can get because it is voted for by your fellow players."
The winger-turned-playmaker added: “It is an exciting season. It’s going down to the wire and it is big game after big game and that’s what you want at a club like United.
“A lot of credit must go to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been a massive influence in my career. I first met him when I was 13 and our relationship is brilliant.”
Aston Villa's England winger Ashley Young landed the Young Player of the Year award.
But United had six players in the best XI - four defenders, plus Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rooney, though, lost out up front to Nicolas Anelka and Fernando Torres.
Premier League team of the year: Edwin Van der Sar, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ashley Young, Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nicolas Anelka, Fernando Torres.
Wayne: We're in Roo-d health
WAYNE ROONEY says Manchester United’s destruction of Spurs has set them up to do the same to Arsenal.
The Reds take on the Gunners on Wednesday at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
And after coming back from two goals down to win 5-2 on Saturday, Rooney believes they will be bouncing into that game full of confidence.
He said: “It was very important to win and stay top of the league by a margin. It gives us belief and confidence ahead of the midweek game.”
Carlos Tevez might just have played himself into the starting line-up for Wednesday’s game after his injection at half-time gave the team new energy. Boss Alex Ferguson said: “Tevez was responsible for that energy we had in the second half. He got the fans and the team going.”
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Rooney: Title is ours to lose
WAYNE ROONEY claims the Premier League trophy is Manchester United’s to lose following their stunning 5-2 win over Tottenham.
United trailed at the break, before a second half blitz of five goals in 22 minutes sealed the win.
Liverpool had briefly gone top with a 3-1 win over Hull earlier, but with a three-point cushion and a game in hand, Rooney admitted the club was confident of the title.
He said: "We know we’re in a great position. We have to take advantage of that game in hand. We’ve got five games left and it’s ours to throw away.
“It was very important to win today and stay top of the league by a margin. It gives us belief and confidence ahead of the midweek game.
“It was a brilliant comeback. The first half was too slow and we had to quicken up. We knew once we got that first goal we’d have a chance and in the end it was quite comfortable.”
Boss Alex Ferguson hailed the impact of second half substitute Carlos Tevez, a player he fears he will lose in the summer.
He said: "We were too slow, too casual in the first half. We needed to speed up in the second half and Tevez was responsible for that. He got the rest of the team playing.
“We had to get the first goal quite early. It wasn’t a foregone conclusion after that by any means but it gave us impetus.”
Ferguson also admitted United had been lucky to be awarded a penalty for their first goal, which Ronaldo scored, as Heurelho Gomes appeared to get a hand on the ball before colliding with Michael Carrick.
He added: “It was a bit fortunate. Football is funny like that. Last week we were knocked out of the FA Cup by not getting a penalty kick.
"It doesn’t deflect from our second-half performance.”
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was furious however, blasting referee Howard Webb for a “terrible decision”.<
He raged: “The turning point was definitely the penalty. It turned the game in their favour without a doubt.
“At that stage I couldn’t see us getting beat. It was a gift which wasn’t deserved. It was a terrible decision. It’s a great bit of goalkeeping, he’s got to the ball.
“Howard is supposed to be our best ref, but if he’s the best I’d hate to see the worst.”
“We conceded bad goals after that. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. You’ve got to be strong and get on with it and you can’t concede goals like that just because you feel hard done by.”