Eric Cantona was perhaps the most influential footballer in English footballer of the 1990s. A player of true vision and creativity, worthy of that now, much over-used word, "genius". His passing, innovation and influence was unrivalled, he could split a defence with the sort of pass that only he could create. Eric had an exhilarating array of skills, back-heels, stylish flicks, turns and lobs combined with immaculate ball control and touch. His shooting from long-range was superb while one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he was ice cool and clinical. If opposing defenders lost concentration for a millisecond, it would be enough for Cantona to punish them and set the Reds on the way to another vital victory. Together with a sometimes unpredictable Gallic temperament, Cantona was a one-man footballing phenomenon.Cantona was a unique character, a one-off, but Manchester United and Eric was a match made in heaven. When Alex Ferguson stunned everyone in English football with the deal of the decade that aquired him from Leeds, few knew the impact Eric would make. Most United fans thought he was no more than a strengthening of the squad, but a few months later it became clear that Cantona was by far the most important player at Old Trafford. From the moment he walked through the door he realised there was at last the platform he was looking for, huge potential, huge support and a working assumption that only the best is good enough. And Eric Cantona knew he was the best.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
The Legend: Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona was perhaps the most influential footballer in English footballer of the 1990s. A player of true vision and creativity, worthy of that now, much over-used word, "genius". His passing, innovation and influence was unrivalled, he could split a defence with the sort of pass that only he could create. Eric had an exhilarating array of skills, back-heels, stylish flicks, turns and lobs combined with immaculate ball control and touch. His shooting from long-range was superb while one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he was ice cool and clinical. If opposing defenders lost concentration for a millisecond, it would be enough for Cantona to punish them and set the Reds on the way to another vital victory. Together with a sometimes unpredictable Gallic temperament, Cantona was a one-man footballing phenomenon.Cantona was a unique character, a one-off, but Manchester United and Eric was a match made in heaven. When Alex Ferguson stunned everyone in English football with the deal of the decade that aquired him from Leeds, few knew the impact Eric would make. Most United fans thought he was no more than a strengthening of the squad, but a few months later it became clear that Cantona was by far the most important player at Old Trafford. From the moment he walked through the door he realised there was at last the platform he was looking for, huge potential, huge support and a working assumption that only the best is good enough. And Eric Cantona knew he was the best.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Introduction
Manchester United began life in 1878 as Newton Heath, formed by workers of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. They nearly went bankrupt in 1902 and were rescued and renamed as Manchester United. They have won the FA Cup 11 times, the most of any team, and 15 league championships. They have also won the European Cup (now Champions League) twice. These trophies make them the second-most successful club ever in England, behind Liverpool who have a record 18 league titles, 5 European Cups and 6 FA Cups, although Manchester United have sustained their successes over far longer periods.
Manchester United began life in 1878 as Newton Heath, formed by workers of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. They nearly went bankrupt in 1902 and were rescued and renamed as Manchester United. They have won the FA Cup 11 times, the most of any team, and 15 league championships. They have also won the European Cup (now Champions League) twice. These trophies make them the second-most successful club ever in England, behind Liverpool who have a record 18 league titles, 5 European Cups and 6 FA Cups, although Manchester United have sustained their successes over far longer periods.
1999 was United's most successful season, in which the Red Devils won the Premier League, the FA Cup (beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the final) and the Champions League. The Champions League final was especially memorable, as United scored two goals in stoppage time to defeat Bayern Munich 2-1.
Champions Manchester United had a mixed first few months in the Premier League, slipping up and down the top ten of the 22-club division. But the acquisition of Eric Cantona, the Frenchman who had helped Leeds win the previous season's title, in late November helped United improve their league form and cruise to the league title after a 26-year wait. Young winger Ryan Giggs was voted PFA Young Player of the Year for the second running. After the season was over, United paid an English record fee of £3.75million for Nottingham Forest's 22-year-old Irish midfielder Roy Keane. Alex Ferguson saw Keane as a long-term replacement for the ageing Bryan Robson, who would remain at Old Trafford for one more season before leaving to become player-manager of Middlesbrough.
Ooh Ahh CantonaThe final piece in the puzzle was finally pushed home as Eric Cantona was signed for £1.2 million from Leeds. After 26 years, Manchester United won the inaugural FA Carling Premiership in 1993.In a season marked by the death of Sir Matt Busby on January 20, 1994, United gunned for the domestic treble, the League Cup, FA Cup and the FA Premier League.
Ooh Ahh CantonaThe final piece in the puzzle was finally pushed home as Eric Cantona was signed for £1.2 million from Leeds. After 26 years, Manchester United won the inaugural FA Carling Premiership in 1993.In a season marked by the death of Sir Matt Busby on January 20, 1994, United gunned for the domestic treble, the League Cup, FA Cup and the FA Premier League.
On a brighter note, United broke the English transfer record again by paying £7million for Newcastle United's free-scoring striker Andy Cole. He had been signed just two weeks before the Cantona incident as an eventual replacement for Mark Hughes, but with Cantona suspended it was Hughes who ended up being Cole's partner for the rest of the season.United almost made it three Premiership titles in a row, but just couldn't get the better of West Ham United who held them to a 1-1 away draw on the final day of the season. But United began the season without a major signing and a side made up of young players like David Beckham (20), Gary Neville (20), Philip Neville (18), Paul Scholes (21) and Nicky Butt (20) lost 3-1 at Aston Villa on the opening day of the season. Many pundits wrote United's title chances off and expected big spending clubs like Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal to win the season's honours.
The North Stand was demolished at the end of the 1994-95 season and was rebuilt as a three tier Stand making Old Trafford once again the biggest club stadium in England, with a capacity of 68,000.
Until the new Wembley Stadium is completed Old Trafford will have the largest ground capacity of any English football stadium, holding just over 68,000 spectators. Planning permission has been granted to expand this to around 76,000 by the 2006-07 season. Currently, the only larger football ground in the United Kingdom is the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Until the new Wembley Stadium is completed Old Trafford will have the largest ground capacity of any English football stadium, holding just over 68,000 spectators. Planning permission has been granted to expand this to around 76,000 by the 2006-07 season. Currently, the only larger football ground in the United Kingdom is the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Without Ronaldo
In my observation, United always performed better without Ronaldo playing. I think his playing style is not suit with United attacking play. He should be in the substitute bench and given opportunity when the team leading the opponent.
He has great skill but seems doesn't know how to kill the opponent. He always dela United attack and this will giving the chance for opponent to close down the space.
And Ole is better than him.
Its just my opinion.
He has great skill but seems doesn't know how to kill the opponent. He always dela United attack and this will giving the chance for opponent to close down the space.
And Ole is better than him.
Its just my opinion.
Honours
European Champions Clubs Cup 1968, 1999
European Cup Winners Cup 1991
FA Premier League 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003
Football League Division One 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965, 1967
FA Challenge Cup 1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
Football League Cup 1992
Inter-Continental Cup 1999
UEFA Super Cup 1991
FA Charity Shield 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003 (*as joint holders)
European Cup Winners Cup 1991
FA Premier League 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003
Football League Division One 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965, 1967
FA Challenge Cup 1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
Football League Cup 1992
Inter-Continental Cup 1999
UEFA Super Cup 1991
FA Charity Shield 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003 (*as joint holders)
February 2006 Fixture
Wed 1/2 19:45 Blackburn Rovers FAPL A
Sat 4/2 17:15 Fulham FAPL H
Sat 11/2 17:15 Portsmouth FAPL A
Sat 18/2 15:00 FA Cup 5th Round FAC5
Sun 26/2 TBC Wigan Athletic CCF N
Sat 4/2 17:15 Fulham FAPL H
Sat 11/2 17:15 Portsmouth FAPL A
Sat 18/2 15:00 FA Cup 5th Round FAC5
Sun 26/2 TBC Wigan Athletic CCF N
January 2006 Fixture
Tue 3/1 20:00 Arsenal FAPL A 0-0 Video
Sun 8/1 16:00 Burton Albion FAC3 A 0-0 Reaction
Wed 11/1 20:00 Blackburn Rovers CC S/F 1 A 1-1 Reaction
Sat 14/1 12:45 Manchester City FAPL A 1-3 Video
Wed 18/1 20:00 Burton Albion FAC3 R H 5-0 Reaction
Sun 22/1 16:00 Liverpool FAPL H 1-0 Video
Wed 25/1 20:00 Blackburn Rovers CC S/F 2 H 2-1
Sun 29/1 16:00 Wolves FAC4 A
Sun 8/1 16:00 Burton Albion FAC3 A 0-0 Reaction
Wed 11/1 20:00 Blackburn Rovers CC S/F 1 A 1-1 Reaction
Sat 14/1 12:45 Manchester City FAPL A 1-3 Video
Wed 18/1 20:00 Burton Albion FAC3 R H 5-0 Reaction
Sun 22/1 16:00 Liverpool FAPL H 1-0 Video
Wed 25/1 20:00 Blackburn Rovers CC S/F 2 H 2-1
Sun 29/1 16:00 Wolves FAC4 A
Manchester United set up a Carling Cup final showdown with Wigan after overcoming Blackburn at Old Trafford.
The tie was finely balanced after the first leg had finished 1-1, but it was United who showed the greater quality in front of goal as efforts from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha, the competition's top scorer, cancelled out an effort from Steven Reid.More...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Beating Reds still one of the best feeling, says old hand Giggs
MANCHESTER: Ryan Giggs may have won more medals than any other player in Manchester United history but as far as the Wales winger is concerned there are few feelings to touch beating Liverpool.
Giggs provided the free-kick from which England centre-half Rio Ferdinand headed in the only goal of the game against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that left second-placed United four points ahead of the European champions in the English Premiership table.
Ferdinand's goal sparked delirious scenes amongst home fans, something Giggs – himself a lifelong Red Devils supporter who grew up in nearby Salford – a veteran of 29 United-Liverpool clashes could well understand.
“It doesn't matter how the teams are doing, it is always the biggest game of the season and always the one you look forward to the most,” said Giggs.
“When you look at the history, the rivalry, the 30 or so miles separating the two teams, it has always been that way.
“It just so happens this season we are next to each other in the league, but it doesn't really make any difference. It is massive to get one over on your biggest rivals and you could see just what it meant when the fans and players celebrated at the end.”
Ferdinand certainly had reason to celebrate. After taking 140 games to score for United, the£ 29.1mil former Leeds defender has now netted three times in five home matches.
“The manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) has been getting on my case and so have some of the fans when they have been talking to me in the street,” Ferdinand said. “It is hard to put into words your feelings when the ball goes in the net.
“There is a great rivalry between the teams and a lot of history and to score the goal which turned out to be the winner is what dreams are made of.
“The best thing of all was to score at the Stretford End. I have scored at the other end but to get one at that end was brilliant.”
Following this league win, United have chances to progress in England's two major knockout competitions with a place in the League Cup final up for grabs when they play Blackburn at Old Trafford today ahead of this weekend's FA Cup fourth round tie away to Wolves at Molineux.
And the fact that the likes of Ferdinand are hitting the back of the net, not just strike pair Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney, has bolstered Giggs's belief that United can enjoy a successful season.
“We can't just rely on Wayne and Ruud,” said Giggs, who has set up all Ferdinand's goals this season.
“We have to spread the goals around and that is what we are doing. We always felt Rio could get goals because of his height and he has done that this season. We will keep trying to put the ball in the right areas and hopefully it will continue.” – AFP
Giggs provided the free-kick from which England centre-half Rio Ferdinand headed in the only goal of the game against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that left second-placed United four points ahead of the European champions in the English Premiership table.
Ferdinand's goal sparked delirious scenes amongst home fans, something Giggs – himself a lifelong Red Devils supporter who grew up in nearby Salford – a veteran of 29 United-Liverpool clashes could well understand.
“It doesn't matter how the teams are doing, it is always the biggest game of the season and always the one you look forward to the most,” said Giggs.
“When you look at the history, the rivalry, the 30 or so miles separating the two teams, it has always been that way.
“It just so happens this season we are next to each other in the league, but it doesn't really make any difference. It is massive to get one over on your biggest rivals and you could see just what it meant when the fans and players celebrated at the end.”
Ferdinand certainly had reason to celebrate. After taking 140 games to score for United, the£ 29.1mil former Leeds defender has now netted three times in five home matches.
“The manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) has been getting on my case and so have some of the fans when they have been talking to me in the street,” Ferdinand said. “It is hard to put into words your feelings when the ball goes in the net.
“There is a great rivalry between the teams and a lot of history and to score the goal which turned out to be the winner is what dreams are made of.
“The best thing of all was to score at the Stretford End. I have scored at the other end but to get one at that end was brilliant.”
Following this league win, United have chances to progress in England's two major knockout competitions with a place in the League Cup final up for grabs when they play Blackburn at Old Trafford today ahead of this weekend's FA Cup fourth round tie away to Wolves at Molineux.
And the fact that the likes of Ferdinand are hitting the back of the net, not just strike pair Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney, has bolstered Giggs's belief that United can enjoy a successful season.
“We can't just rely on Wayne and Ruud,” said Giggs, who has set up all Ferdinand's goals this season.
“We have to spread the goals around and that is what we are doing. We always felt Rio could get goals because of his height and he has done that this season. We will keep trying to put the ball in the right areas and hopefully it will continue.” – AFP
Wigan virtually book a meeting with United
Waiting for the final is Wigan that we should beat by at least 2 goals margin.
We are still jubilated with the win over Liverpool, our greatest rival finally shoot down at Old Trafford. And SA2 restaurant witness this sweet moment. Sadly I can't with my friends to celebrate as I had to stay at home. Its ok as long as United won that match.
Long live United
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