With domestic form steadily improving after opening day disappointment, Manchester United’s 2012/13 Champions League bid opens with a home game against old foes Galatasaray in Group H on Wednesday. The Reds have previously faced Turkish opposition 12 times in Europe’s premier club competition, with mixed results.
First up were Galatasaray in the infamous "Welcome to Hell" second-round tie in 1993. After a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, Sir Alex’s men were knocked out on away goals following a 0-0 draw in Istanbul. The sides played out another stalemate at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium the following season, before the Reds finally recorded a win over the current Turkish champions when David Beckham scored his first senior goal in 4-0 home triumph.
Fenerbahce have also proved tough opponents, winning two of their four encounters with United. They became the first team to beat the Reds at Old Trafford in Europe in 1996, but were hammered 6-2 on their return in 2004, as 18 year old debutant Wayne Rooney hit a hat-trick.
Besiktas then snatched a 1-0 win in 2009 to end the Reds’ 24-game unbeaten home run in the competition. But Bursaspor provided no such surprise, with United claiming two comfortable victories in 2010.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Saturday, 1 September 2012
999 not out
Since arriving at Old Trafford on November 6th
1986, Sir Alex Ferguson has broken record after record in a dominant managerial
era.
Now the 70 year old is ready to take charge of his 1000th league game for the reds. In a phenomenal tally, Sir Alex has claimed 598 wins in his 999 league matches to date, with 233 draws and 168 defeats. That means a remarkable average of 2.03 points per game for almost 26 years. In that time, United have scored 1863 goals and conceded just 890, meaning a goal difference of 973.
Ferguson’s reign hasn’t always been so successful, however. He suffered his worst season with United in the 1989-90 campaign, where the reds slumped to 13th in the table, gaining just 1.26 points per game.
In contrast, 10 years later in the 1999-2000 season, Sir Alex experienced his most imperious league victory, as he watched his side cruise to the title with 91 points (2.39 per game), winning 28 of their 38 games and losing just 3, ratios Ferguson is yet to better.
Over the years, Sir Alex has watched his team perform many rampant displays. His biggest victory came on March 4th 1995, when new £7million signing Andy Cole hit 5 against Ipswich in a spectacular 9-0 win.
Ferguson’s biggest away win came at Nottingham Forest on 6th February 1999, after 4 late strikes from substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer steered United to a commanding 8-1 victory.
United’s most recent destruction act came in the first home game of last season, as Arsenal were hammered 8-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Wayne Rooney.
At the other end of the spectrum, United have also had their fair-share of beatings. Sir Alex’s biggest defeat as manager at the Theatre of Dreams came in October last term as arch rivals Manchester City ran riot en route to a 6-1 victory that most reds would like to quickly forget.
Sir Alex has also viewed two 5-0 away defeats in the league, to Newcastle in 1996 and to Chelsea in 1999.
Incidentally, Ferguson’s three largest defeats as United manager in the league have all come in the month of October.
Sir Alex has created a number of consistent United sides during his tenure which has led to 12 Premier League titles. Ferguson’s stars were particularly dominant in 2000 with 12 consecutive victories between March 11 and August 20. As well as winning games, United have also been hard to beat under the Scot, with two spells of 29 league games unbeaten (26/12/1998-25/09/1999 & 11/04/2010-01/02/2011).
Other Fergie Facts:
Most wins in a league season - 28: 1999/00, 2006/07, 2008/09 & 2011/12
Fewest defeats in a league season - 3: 1998–99 & 1999–2000
League Clean Sheets in a row - 14: 15/11/2008-18/02/2009
Most Premier League goals scored in a season - 97: 1999–2000
Fewest League goals conceded in a season - 22: 2007–08
1.86 goals per game
60% win percentage
Now the 70 year old is ready to take charge of his 1000th league game for the reds. In a phenomenal tally, Sir Alex has claimed 598 wins in his 999 league matches to date, with 233 draws and 168 defeats. That means a remarkable average of 2.03 points per game for almost 26 years. In that time, United have scored 1863 goals and conceded just 890, meaning a goal difference of 973.
Ferguson’s reign hasn’t always been so successful, however. He suffered his worst season with United in the 1989-90 campaign, where the reds slumped to 13th in the table, gaining just 1.26 points per game.
In contrast, 10 years later in the 1999-2000 season, Sir Alex experienced his most imperious league victory, as he watched his side cruise to the title with 91 points (2.39 per game), winning 28 of their 38 games and losing just 3, ratios Ferguson is yet to better.
Over the years, Sir Alex has watched his team perform many rampant displays. His biggest victory came on March 4th 1995, when new £7million signing Andy Cole hit 5 against Ipswich in a spectacular 9-0 win.
Ferguson’s biggest away win came at Nottingham Forest on 6th February 1999, after 4 late strikes from substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer steered United to a commanding 8-1 victory.
United’s most recent destruction act came in the first home game of last season, as Arsenal were hammered 8-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Wayne Rooney.
At the other end of the spectrum, United have also had their fair-share of beatings. Sir Alex’s biggest defeat as manager at the Theatre of Dreams came in October last term as arch rivals Manchester City ran riot en route to a 6-1 victory that most reds would like to quickly forget.
Sir Alex has also viewed two 5-0 away defeats in the league, to Newcastle in 1996 and to Chelsea in 1999.
Incidentally, Ferguson’s three largest defeats as United manager in the league have all come in the month of October.
Sir Alex has created a number of consistent United sides during his tenure which has led to 12 Premier League titles. Ferguson’s stars were particularly dominant in 2000 with 12 consecutive victories between March 11 and August 20. As well as winning games, United have also been hard to beat under the Scot, with two spells of 29 league games unbeaten (26/12/1998-25/09/1999 & 11/04/2010-01/02/2011).
Other Fergie Facts:
Most wins in a league season - 28: 1999/00, 2006/07, 2008/09 & 2011/12
Fewest defeats in a league season - 3: 1998–99 & 1999–2000
League Clean Sheets in a row - 14: 15/11/2008-18/02/2009
Most Premier League goals scored in a season - 97: 1999–2000
Fewest League goals conceded in a season - 22: 2007–08
1.86 goals per game
60% win percentage
Friday, 31 August 2012
Trip to Southampton
Southampton 1 Manchester United
2 - Barclays Premier League (Sunday 15 May 2005) Att: 32,066
The last encounter between United and Southampton was particularly memorable for the Premier League new-boys as the reds ended the Saints’ 27-year stay in the top flight of English football.
The day started brightly for Harry Redknapp’s side after John O’Shea bundled the ball into his own net with just ten minutes on the clock to give them genuine hope of a last day survival.
However, United pulled themselves level soon after when 21-year old Darren Fletcher converted O’Shea’s cross for his third goal of the campaign. Master goal scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy pounced to head home an Alan Smith cross to put United ahead just after the hour. With other results going against them, and United holding on to end a disappointing trophy-less season on a high, the Saints were relegated to the Championship.
United: Carroll, O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre; Fortune, Fletcher, Smith, Giggs; Rooney (Saha, 74), van Nistelrooy (P Neville, 87). Subs not used: Ricardo, Kléberson, Keane. Scorers: O’Shea OG, 10; Fletcher, 19, van Nistelrooy, 63.
Southampton 0 Manchester United 1 – FA Premier League (Monday 24 August 1992) Att: 15,623
United’s first Premier League clash with Southampton will forever be in the record books as perhaps the starting point of United’s recent golden era of English top flight domination.
After two defeats and a draw to open the campaign, the reds were still awaiting their first Premier League victory and in vital need of 3 points to kick-start their season.
United were also searching for their first clean sheet of the new season, and looked more solid than in previous weeks, with the game appearing to be heading for a goalless draw. New signing Dion Dublin was making his first start for the reds after three previous substitute appearances. With full time fast approaching, Dublin claimed his first goal for United, scoring a last-minute winner to seal the first Premier League win, beginning a run of 14 games unbeaten in all competitions en route to the club’s first league title in 26 years.
United: Schmeichel, Phelan, Bruce, Pallister, Irwin; Ferguson, Ince, McClair, Giggs; Dublin, Hughes. Subs not used: Walsh, Kanchelskis, Wallace. Scorers: Dublin, 89.
The last encounter between United and Southampton was particularly memorable for the Premier League new-boys as the reds ended the Saints’ 27-year stay in the top flight of English football.
The day started brightly for Harry Redknapp’s side after John O’Shea bundled the ball into his own net with just ten minutes on the clock to give them genuine hope of a last day survival.
However, United pulled themselves level soon after when 21-year old Darren Fletcher converted O’Shea’s cross for his third goal of the campaign. Master goal scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy pounced to head home an Alan Smith cross to put United ahead just after the hour. With other results going against them, and United holding on to end a disappointing trophy-less season on a high, the Saints were relegated to the Championship.
United: Carroll, O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre; Fortune, Fletcher, Smith, Giggs; Rooney (Saha, 74), van Nistelrooy (P Neville, 87). Subs not used: Ricardo, Kléberson, Keane. Scorers: O’Shea OG, 10; Fletcher, 19, van Nistelrooy, 63.
Southampton 0 Manchester United 1 – FA Premier League (Monday 24 August 1992) Att: 15,623
United’s first Premier League clash with Southampton will forever be in the record books as perhaps the starting point of United’s recent golden era of English top flight domination.
After two defeats and a draw to open the campaign, the reds were still awaiting their first Premier League victory and in vital need of 3 points to kick-start their season.
United were also searching for their first clean sheet of the new season, and looked more solid than in previous weeks, with the game appearing to be heading for a goalless draw. New signing Dion Dublin was making his first start for the reds after three previous substitute appearances. With full time fast approaching, Dublin claimed his first goal for United, scoring a last-minute winner to seal the first Premier League win, beginning a run of 14 games unbeaten in all competitions en route to the club’s first league title in 26 years.
United: Schmeichel, Phelan, Bruce, Pallister, Irwin; Ferguson, Ince, McClair, Giggs; Dublin, Hughes. Subs not used: Walsh, Kanchelskis, Wallace. Scorers: Dublin, 89.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Opening Day Defeat
It was a disappointing start to the season for the 19-time league winners as they succumbed to defeat at Goodison Park in a tough opening encounter.
Despite a promising debut for £12million signing Shinji Kagawa as well as an excellent display in net from David De Gea, United's stars were outplayed by a determined Everton side. In particular, 6 foot 4 inch midfielder Marouane Fellaini was a huge threat all night, with United's make-shift defence struggling to handle the Belgian international.
After a lacklustre performance from the Reds, it was inevitably Fellaini who converted a header from a corner early in the second half that sent United crashing to their first opening day defeat in 8 years.
With injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, it was left to Michael Carrick to partner returning captain Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence, but alongside fellow midfielder Antonio Valencia, who stepped in at right back, found life tough to restrain the power of Everton's direct football.
Upfront, with new signing Robin Van Persie sat on the bench, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck struggled to find space and create clearcut chances, with Nani having a particularly difficult evening. Even after the inclusion of Van Persie and Ashley Young, no openings were found, and other than Tom Cleverley's shot that was brilliantly cleared off the line by Phil Jagielka, the Reds failed to test the hosts' goal.
Player Ratings:
De Gea, 9, Valencia, 5, Carrick, 5, Vidic, 5, Evra, 5, Scholes, 6, Cleverley, 6 (Anderson), Nani, 3 (Young), Kagawa, 7, Rooney, 4, Welbeck, 5 (Van Persie)
Man of the Match:
David De Gea - A stunning display from the young Spaniard, with a number of sensational saves which kept the Reds in contention.
Despite a promising debut for £12million signing Shinji Kagawa as well as an excellent display in net from David De Gea, United's stars were outplayed by a determined Everton side. In particular, 6 foot 4 inch midfielder Marouane Fellaini was a huge threat all night, with United's make-shift defence struggling to handle the Belgian international.
After a lacklustre performance from the Reds, it was inevitably Fellaini who converted a header from a corner early in the second half that sent United crashing to their first opening day defeat in 8 years.
With injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, it was left to Michael Carrick to partner returning captain Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence, but alongside fellow midfielder Antonio Valencia, who stepped in at right back, found life tough to restrain the power of Everton's direct football.
Upfront, with new signing Robin Van Persie sat on the bench, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck struggled to find space and create clearcut chances, with Nani having a particularly difficult evening. Even after the inclusion of Van Persie and Ashley Young, no openings were found, and other than Tom Cleverley's shot that was brilliantly cleared off the line by Phil Jagielka, the Reds failed to test the hosts' goal.
Player Ratings:
De Gea, 9, Valencia, 5, Carrick, 5, Vidic, 5, Evra, 5, Scholes, 6, Cleverley, 6 (Anderson), Nani, 3 (Young), Kagawa, 7, Rooney, 4, Welbeck, 5 (Van Persie)
Man of the Match:
David De Gea - A stunning display from the young Spaniard, with a number of sensational saves which kept the Reds in contention.
Friday, 10 August 2012
Reds Lose Out on Lucas
After a summer of intense speculation, the Lucas Moura transfer saga is finally over after the 19 year old put pen to paper on a deal taking him to big spenders Paris Saint Germain.
The French side have splashed £35million on the highly-rated Brazilian, a figure Sir Alex Ferguson described as 'ridiculous'.
United will now set their full attention on capturing Robin van Persie, although negotiations have been tough thus far, with Arsenal remaining stubborn on a £25million asking price. However, it seems the Dutchman has decided Old Trafford is his preferred move, with talks at an advanced stage despite strong interest from Juventus and Man City.
The French side have splashed £35million on the highly-rated Brazilian, a figure Sir Alex Ferguson described as 'ridiculous'.
United will now set their full attention on capturing Robin van Persie, although negotiations have been tough thus far, with Arsenal remaining stubborn on a £25million asking price. However, it seems the Dutchman has decided Old Trafford is his preferred move, with talks at an advanced stage despite strong interest from Juventus and Man City.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Looking to Seal the Deal
Reports suggest young Brazilian Lucas Moura may well be ready to join Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell as Sir Alex Ferguson's third signing of the summer, with speculation of an accepted bid of £26million. Rumours of the deal have spread in the past few hours, suggesting the exciting prospect may be on his way to Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, links of Robin van Persie joining United have also increased in recent days after sightings of the Dutch striker looking at houses in the Hale area. The Reds will have to fight off the challenge of Juventus and arch rivals Man City for the 28 year old's signature. He is reportedly valued at around £20million; £5million more than Sir Alex is currently willing to pay.
Elsewhere, links of Robin van Persie joining United have also increased in recent days after sightings of the Dutch striker looking at houses in the Hale area. The Reds will have to fight off the challenge of Juventus and arch rivals Man City for the 28 year old's signature. He is reportedly valued at around £20million; £5million more than Sir Alex is currently willing to pay.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Brazilian Enroute to Old Trafford?
United are reportedly preparing a move for teenage wonderkid Lucas Moura. The 19 year old is expected to be worth in the region of £25-30million from Sao Paulo, with the Reds expected to offer Anderson as part of the deal. The attacking midfielder, who can also play on the wing, has already represented his country 15 times and is tipped to have a big future ahead of him. However, United will face a battle for the Brazilian's signature, with Inter, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona all following his progress.
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