Faiz Khan's Road To Stardom

[gandycoleuk]

Hey guys, I have decided to have a go at writing up a progressive story about my career. I have loaded a large database, including the leagues from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Holland, Portugal and Scotland.

Saturday 14th July 2012

Sportinglife.com - Lifelong Fan Khan Lands Dream Job

Following the shock retirement from football by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have appointed a supporter as their new boss instead of giving the job to a more experienced head. Lifelong supporter Faiz Khan has been handed the unenviable task of following Sir Alex in the Old Trafford hotseat.

The first question asked by the media to Khan was of course whether he would feel the pressure of expectation of following the club's most successful manager to which he replied:

"Anyone who replaced Sir Alex would have been under the same pressure and it is only natural to feel the weight of expectation on my shoulders."

Further questions Khan answered were more to do with the tradition of the club and his preferred playing style. Khan expressed his desire to keep with tradition at this famous football club and also assured the club's supporters that his style of football was all about entertainment and wanted to bring the big prizes to Old Trafford with his brand of football.

The final question pretty much summed up the positive atmosphere inside the press conference room. Khan was asked as a huge fan of the club that this must have been a dream come true to which the new man replied:

"I have dreamt about this moment since my days of watching United as a kid."

It remains to be seen whether Khan can keep bringing the trophies to Old Trafford at the same rate of Sir Alex but if anyone could achieve this, surely a lifelong fan cannot be written off right?

WATCH THIS SPACE

[gandycoleuk]

Sunday 15th July 2012

manutd.com

It's been a day since the club appointed a new man in charge at Old Trafford and the board have spelled out their expectations for Faiz Khan and his players this season.

After stating that the team will at least challenge for the Premier League title, Khan was handed a sizeable transfer kitty of £30m and a wage budget of £1.7m per week.

The club is also expected to reach both finals of the FA Cup and Champions League, with the Capital One Cup given less importance by the club's board.

[tenthreeleader]

KHHAAANNNNN!

(end James T. Kirk)

Good to have you starting a new story, gandy!

[mark wilson27]

It's good to have you back in the good part of the forum gandy. Missed your United stories

[gandycoleuk]

Cheers for the support guys, it's great to be back with my latest and hopefully longest career story.

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 21st July 2012

manutd.com

United Snap Up Saints Youngster

The club have announced the first signing of new manager Faiz Khan's reign at Old Trafford. Khan has completed the signing of full-back Luke Shaw from Premier League newcomers Southampton for a fee of £3.4m. Shaw, 17, has put to paper on a 3 year contract worth £2,700 per week. Upon leaving Old Trafford, reporters caught up with the new boy and here were his thoughts:

I am absolutely delighted to have joined such an illustrious club. It's sad to leave Southampton as they gave me my chance to play football so I will always be thankful to them. Hopefully, I can push on now and show why this fantastic club has shown faith in me."

Khan was also approached for his thoughts:

"I am a firm believer in youth and this is just the beginning in terms of bringing young players through to the club. Luke has great pace which is what you need in a wing-back, the ability to defend and attack at the same."

[gandycoleuk]

Friday 27th July 2012

Sky Bet

City Favourites To Retain Crown

Champions Manchester City have been installed as 5-4 favourites to defend their Premier League title. Local rivals Manchester United are the most likely to challenge City for the title won is extraordinary fashion last May. Here is the list of the front-runners:

Man City 5-4

Man Utd 5-2

Chelsea 6-1

Arsenal 6-1

Tottenham 14-1

Liverpool 25-1

[gandycoleuk]

Friday 3rd August 2012

manutd.com

Veteran Duo Sign New Deals

The club have announced two old stagers have committed pretty much the rest of the careers in staying at Old Trafford. Centre-back Rio Ferdinand has put pen to paper on a new 2 year contract worth an improved £140,000 per week. Upon leaving the Carrington training ground, reporters caught up with Ferdinand and here were his thoughts:

"I am very pleased to have signed for 2 more years at this great club. I have already won so many trophies in my 10 years here and hope to win more in the next couple of years at least."

New manager Faiz Khan also saw central-midfielder Paul Scholes put pen to paper on a new 2 year contract worth £39,500 per week. With Scholes staying true to himself by staying out of the limelight so Khan gave the reporters his reaction:

"It is fantastic to get a couple of years out of Paul because he is such a professional and role model to young players at the club. He doesn't just give you great performances on the pitch, he gives young players great confidence off the pitch."

On a very busy day of contract signings, the club have secured the futures of Jesse Kingard, Sam Johnstone, Scott Wootton, Michele Fornasier, Michael Keane, Joe Rothwell, Joshua King and Ryan Tunnicliffe.

[gandycoleuk]

Friday 10th August 2012

manutd.com

United Bring In Brazilian Youngster

The club have announced the second signing of new manager Faiz Khan's reign at Old Trafford. Khan has completed the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Adryan from Brazilian outfit Flamengo for a fee of £875k. Adryan, 18, has put pen to paper on a 3 year contract worth £1,500 per week. Khan was approached by reporters outside Old Trafford and here were his thoughts:

"Adryan is another young player with huge potential to join this club. The boy has great intelligence on the pitch with typical South American technique and hopefully will grow at the club to be something special."

[gandycoleuk]

Sunday 12th August 2012

TheFA.com

Chelsea Win Battle Of Blues

The curtain-raiser for the new season in English Football took place at Wembley this afternoon and it was the European champions that emerged victorious. Chelsea destroyed English champions Manchester City in the first half before eventually winning 3-1.

Eden Hazard's goal was sandwiched between Fernando Torres' brace to give Chelsea a three goal lead barely past the half hour mark. Carlos Tevez managed to score a goal back midway through the second period but it was too little too late for City as the Blues from West London claimed the Community Shield.

[gandycoleuk]

Sunday 19th August 2012

The Daily Mirror

Premier League Match 1 - Manchester United vs West Ham United

The new season was about to begin at Old Trafford with newly-promoted West Ham providing the visitors. It was a quiet start to the match as the hosts enjoyed the majority of possession without creating much in the way of opportunities. After a quarter of an hour, the hosts were inches away from opening the scoring when Kagawa's blistering low effort unfortunately bounced off Jaaskelainen's near post and away to safety. Four minutes later, West Ham came forward for the first time with Carroll forcing his way through only for his stabbed effort to be punched away by De Gea to safety. That attack sparked a great spell from the visitors and past the halfway point in the first half, Jarvis' freekick from deep on the left was headed onto the crossbar by Tomkins and the danger was averted. After the half hour, van Persie attempted an audacious freekick from around 40 yards which thundered off the crossbar and into a relieved Jaaskelainen's arms. The hosts then started to dominate West Ham and Nani cut inside from the right flank and his cheeky chip bounced off the crossbar and away to safety. United were not be denied for longer and in first half stoppage time, Old Trafford was toasting a new hero. Evra was fouled on the edge of the area and van Persie stepped up to curl his freekick past Jaaskelainen at his near post and notch his first ever goal for the club. A few minutes later, the visitors had a great opportunity to level matters when Carroll sent Jarvis through on goal but he took the ball too wide and that allowed De Gea to make the save. West Ham started bossing possession from then as they pinned back the hosts in their own half but were lacking the cutting edge required to create anything. With just a quarter of an hour remaining, the hosts seemingly put the game beyond West Ham. van Persie swung in a freekick from deep on the right flank to the far post where substitute Valencia headed across Jaaskelainen into the bottom corner. There was still time for the hosts to hit the woodwork as Valencia's long range dipper bounced off the top of the crossbar and over. The rest of the match pretty much petered out as United ensured an unwelcome return for West Ham to the top flight.

Final Score - Man Utd 2-0 West Ham

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7, VIDIC 9, Evra 8 (Buttner 68, 7), Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (Cleverley 68, 7), Nani 7, Kagawa 7 (Valencia 74, 7), Rooney 7, van Persie 9.

Goals - van Persie (45+2), Valencia (75)

Booked - Scholes

West Ham - Jaaskelainen 7, Demel 6 (O'Brien 73, 6), Collins 7, Tomkins 7, Hinteregger 6, Diame 7 (Diarra 68, 7), Nolan 7, Vaz Te 6 (Noble 75, 7), Benayoun 7, Jarvis 7, Carroll 7.

Booked - Hinteregger

Referee - Howard Webb

Attendance - 75,049

Premier League Top 3

1. Chelsea (P1) - 3 pts

2. Man Utd (P1) - 3 pts

3. Tottenham (P1) - 3 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Sunday 19th August 2012

Sky Sports News

Khan Praises Vidic Show

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a satisfied mood after opening the new season on the right note. Khan celebrated his 1st game in charge with a professional victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford earlier this afternoon and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on Nemanja Vidic's display:

"Nemanja was absolutely outstanding this afternoon. He really led the line well with a typically committed and defensive display and he was also very impressive in the air."

Khan was also very pleased to get his first win as United manager under his belt in his 1st game in charge of the club rather than having to wait for that elusive first three points of the campaign.

[gandycoleuk]

Tuesday 21st August 2012

manutd.com

Young Doubt For Liverpool Clash

The club have confirmed an injury blow to one of the most dangerous attacking players at Old Trafford. England international winger Ashley Young has sustained a strained wrist during a weights lifting session during training earlier this morning.

Young, 27, is set to be ruled out for upto the next 10 days, meaning he will miss the trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham and possibly the big clash with arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford before the international.

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 25th August 2012

Skysports.com

Premier League Match 2 - Fulham vs Manchester United

It was a full house inside Craven Cottage as Manchester United came to town. It was a slow start to the match as both sides conceded possession all too easily to each other. Before the quarter of an hour mark, the visitors took the lead. Valencia fed van Persie and when his fizzing low effort was palmed out by Stockdale, Rooney was sharp to slam home the rebound. The goal gave United some real momentum in their attacks as they started to dominate possession without really threatening to double their lead. After the half hour, Nani cut inside from the left flank and drove towards the area before sending an optimistic long range effort well wide of the far corner. Three minutes before the break, Carrick fed Nani who started charging at the Fulham backline before sending a powerful effort harmlessly over the crossbar. The visitors were in control here and in first half stoppage time, they doubled their advantage. van Persie swung in a corner from the right to the near post where Carrick's glancing header looped past Stockdale into the top corner. Straight into the second half and Fulham halved the deficit. Duff played a freekick from the left flank towards to the near post where Hangeland glanced his header over De Gea into the top corner. The goal should have fired up the hosts to go after an equaliser but it not really materialise as despite having the majority of possession, they didn't really trouble the United backline. The match sort of petered out as United made it two wins out of two at the start of the new season.

Final Score - Fulham 1-2 Man Utd

Fulham - Stockdale 7, Rangel 7 (Kelly 62, 7), HANGELAND 8, Hughes 7, Riise 7, Ruiz 7, Sidwell 7, Diarra 7, Duff 8, Berbatov 7 (Dejagah 79), Petric 6 (Rodallega 73, 7).

Goals - Hangeland (46)

Booked - Hangeland & Berbatov

Man Utd - De Gea 6, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Valencia 6 (Kagawa 74, 7), Carrick 8, Scholes 7 (Cleverley 69, 7), Nani 7, Rooney 8, van Persie 7 (Chicharito 69, 7).

Goals - Rooney (12), Carrick (45+1)

Booked - Ferdinand & Rafael

Referee - Howard Webb

Attendance - 25,700

Premier League Top 3

1. Tottenham (P2) - 6 pts

2. Man Utd (P2) - 6 pts

3. Liverpool (P2) - 4 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 25th August 2012

The Guardian

Khan Salutes Hangeland Performance

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a generous mood after securing back to back victories. Khan saw his players record a hard fought victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this evening and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on the hosts' Brede Hangeland's display:

"Hangeland had a good solid game this afternoon. He used all his experience to read the game well and limit us to very few clear cut opportunities. He wasn't getting beaten in the air this evening either as he was really commanding."

Khan also admitted that Fulham getting a goal back so soon after the restart gave him the jitters, stating that 2-1 was always a very dangerous scoreline and he was just relieved to come away with the three points.

[gandycoleuk]

Thursday 30th August 2012

uefa.com

United Handed Kind Group

The draw for the Champions League group stages have been made at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland this evening and Manchester United have been given an excellent opportunity to banish the memories of last season's nightmare. Faiz Khan's men were drawn to face Portuguese outfit Braga, Belgian side Anderlecht and Austrian minnows Salzburg. Here is the draw in full:

Group A

Real Madrid

Gladbach

Zenit

Lille

Group B

Arsenal

Olympiakos

Shakhtar

Galatasaray

Group C

Man Utd

Braga

Anderlecht

Salzburg

Group D

Schalke

Porto

Juventus

Montpellier

Group E

Barcelona

Dynamo Kiev

Nordsjaelland

Basel

Group F

Chelsea

Valencia

Cluj

Ajax

Group G

PSG

Man City

Milan

Dortmund

Group H

Bayern

BATE

Fenerbahce

Benfica

[gandycoleuk]

Friday 31st August 2012

TheFA.com

United Handed Tough Tie

The draw for the Capital One Cup 3rd Round has been made at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square, London and Manchester United have been handed an interesting tie. Faiz Khan's men were drawn up against fellow Premier League side Everton, with the tie to be played at Old Trafford. Other standout ties of the round includes a London derby with Tottenham Hotspur hosting West Ham United and a repeat of last season's final as Liverpool entertain Championship outfit Cardiff City. Here is the draw in full:

Man Utd vs Everton

Charlton vs Aston Villa

Arsenal vs Bristol City

Leeds vs Reading

Newcastle vs Wolves

Liverpool vs Cardiff

Sheff Utd vs Stoke

Chelsea vs Brighton

Wigan vs Bolton

Tottenham vs West Ham

Millwall vs QPR

Birmingham vs Peterborough

Man City vs Leicester

Burnley vs West Brom

Fulham vs Southampton

Norwich vs Huddersfield

Other Competition News

In the battle between Champions League holder Chelsea and Europa League winners Atletico Madrid in Monaco, the difference was a stunning hat-trick from Fernando Torres. The Spain international frontman gave the Blues the lead before Falcao levelled matters. Late on, Torres struck twice more to complete his treble and secure the Super Cup for Roberto Di Matteo's side.

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 1st September 2012

premierleague.com

Monthly Review - August 2012

Premier League Table:

http://imageshack.us/f/541/englishpremierdivisione.jpg/

Top Goalscorer - Adebayor (Tottenham) - 5

Most Assists - van Persie (Man Utd) & Lennon (Tottenham) - 3

Highest Average Rating - Adebayor (Tottenham) - 9.05

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 1st September 2012

Football365.com

Khan Pleased With Champions League Draw

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a relaxed mood ahead of the biggest game in the history of English football. Khan will take charge of his first clash against hated rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow afternoon and the United manager was quizzed for his thoughts on the Champions League draw:

"I am naturally pleased to avoid on paper a difficult group but just remember what happened last season before you start drawing quick conclusions. We were embarassed last season so Braga, Anderlecht and Salzburg all deserve our respect."

Khan also said that he wasn't feeling any nerves ahead of this titanic clash, stating that his character simply wouldn't allow anything to get him jumpy and assured the supporters he is ready for battle.

[gandycoleuk]

Sunday 2nd September 2012

Sky Sports News

Premier League Match 3 - Manchester United vs Liverpool

It was time for an early mouthwatering clash between the two most successful clubs in English football at Old Trafford. The hosts controlled possession early on and one such spell saw Nani spread the ball wide to Valencia but his angled effort unfortunately struck the far post and away to safety. Midway through the first half, van Persie fed Nani and his hopeful long range effort flew harmlessly over the crossbar. A few minutes later, United made their bright opening count as they broke the deadlock. Evra fed Nani who got towards the byline before being tripped by Enrique inside the area and the referee promptly pointed to the spot - Rooney stepped up to emphatically convert the penalty, past Reina into the top corner. The visitors hardly had a sniff in the first half but almost punished United's sloppyness at the back as Cole cut out Rafael's weak pass and fired against the far post and away to safety. A very lucky escape for United just before the break and five minutes into the second period, Liverpool had their own luck when Carrick's low effort hit van Persie to wrongfoot Reina only for the Dutchman to be correctly flagged for offside. And the visitors used that to level matters on the counter-attack. Assaidi steamed down the right flank and he crossed to the far post where Downing fired across De Gea into the bottom corner. After that goal, both sides started going for the winner but were being let down by the lack of end product in the final third. With just over a quarter of an hour remaining, United retook the lead. Substitute Jones fed Valencia who sped into the area and curled past Reina at his near post. The goal looked to be a decisive one as the sting had been taken out of the visitors' attacks. United held on quite comfortably to end the first month on top with a 100% record before the international break and record a big result in the process.

Final Score - Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, VALENCIA 8, Carrick 7 (Powell 74, 7), Scholes 7 (Jones 65, 7), Nani 8, Rooney 7, van Persie 7 (Chicharito 74, 7).

Goals - Rooney pen (27), Valencia (74)

Booked - Rafael, Scholes, Vidic & Evra

Liverpool - Reina 7, Kelly 7, Skrtel 7, Agger 7 (Carragher 80), Enrique 7, Sahin 7 (Allen 80), Lucas 7, Assaidi 7 (Henderson 63, 6), Cole 7, Downing 7, Suarez 7.

Goals - Downing (54)

Booked - Lucas & Enrique

Referee - Jon Moss

Attendance - 75,765

Premier League Top 3

1. Man Utd (P3) - 9 pts

2. Man City (P3) - 7 pts

3. Tottenham (P3) - 6 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Sunday 2nd September 2012

The European Football Post

Khan Cannot Hide Delight After Rival Win

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a ecstatic mood after a massive result at the start of his reign. Khan saw his players sign off for the international break with a narrow victory over arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier this afternoon and the United manager was asked for his reactions to the victory:

"I am absolutely delighted to get the three points today. This game means to so much to the supporters and also to myself when I was growing up and it was just perfect to be able to defeat the old enemy this afternoon."

Khan also said that this victory would give his players some great confidence going into the upcoming Champions League campaign as well as the domestic competitions after the international break.

[gandycoleuk]

Friday 14th September 2012

KICK! Magazine

Khan Pleased With Squad

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a confident mood ahead of the return to Premier League football. Khan and his players will be up against Sunderland at Old Trafford tomorrow lunchtime and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on his current squad:

"I am fully confident that all areas of the squad are capable of challenging in all competitions this season. I feel the squad has the right amount of players for each position and hopefully they can repay this faith I have placed on them."

Khan also stated that Chelsea would be right up there as title contenders this season as they had the necessary fight and hunger required to challenge for this season's crown.

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 15th September 2012

Football365.com

Premier League Match 4 - Manchester United vs Sunderland

The Premier League was back after an international break as Sunderland visited Old Trafford. And after just three minutes, United were ahead. Nani cut inside from the left wing and his stinging effort was palmed away by Mignolet only for Rooney to smash home the rebound. Four minutes later, Valencia cut inside from the right wing before turning his curling effort inches wide of the far corner. The hosts had made a good start here and five minutes later, they doubled their lead. Carrick's attempted pass to Nani was deflected into the path of Scholes who unleashed a trademark piledriver past Mignolet into the bottom corner. After the goal, the game quietened down as the visitors started dominating possession but were finding it very difficult to create anything. Straight into the second half and Sunderland were on the attack as McClean fizzing low drive was well gathered by De Gea. Five minutes later, United pretty much secured the three points by adding a third goal. Rooney fed Valencia who stormed into the area before sliding his effort underneath Mignolet into the bottom corner. And five minutes later, they scored a fourth goal. Scholes fed Valencia who immediately teed up Rooney inside the area where his powerful effort flew past Mignolet at his near post for his second goal. United started playing the ball about in a patient way knowing full well the three points were safe. Midway through the second period, substitute Evra's deep cross broke for Valencia whose placed effort was pushed away by Mignolet to safety. With under a quarter of an hour remaining, the visitors' afternoon went from bad to worse as Cattermole, already on a booking, pulled back van Persie and the referee quickly showed the second yellow card followed by the early bath. After that, the match pretty petered out as the hosts stayed top with their 100% record still intact.

Final Score - Man Utd 4-0 Sunderland

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 8 (Jones 70, 7), Ferdinand 9, Vidic 8, Evans 7 (Evra 62, 7), Carrick 8, Scholes 8 (Powell 62, 7), Valencia 9, Nani 8, ROONEY 9, van Persie 7.

Goals - Rooney (3, 56), Scholes (12), Valencia (51)

Booked - Nani

Sunderland - Mignolet 6, Cuellar 7, O'Shea 6, Bramble 7, Kilgallon 6 (Colback 52, 7), Cattermole 6, Vaughan 8, Johnson 7, Sessegnon 7, McClean 7 (Larsson 56, 7), Fletcher 6 (Saha 67, 7).

Booked - Sessegnon, Cattermole & Colback

Sent Off - Cattermole (78)

Referee - Howard Webb

Attendance - 75,188

Premier League Top 3

1. Man Utd (P4) - 12 pts

2. Man City (P4) - 10 pts

3. Tottenham (P4) - 9 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Monday 17th September 2012

The People

Khan Coy On van Persie Fitness

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a focused mood ahead of the start of the Champions League campaign. Khan will see his players begin their group against Anderlecht at Old Trafford tomorrow evening and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on the fitness of Robin van Persie:

"If Robin is fully fit, he will have a great chance to starting tomorrow evening but that is a big if. We have other players to come in if we feel it is necessary in what is hopefully a long European journey this season."

Khan also commented on his side's 100% record, stating that the great start in the Premier League has given his players great confidence heading into hectic schedule they face from tomorrow night.

[gandycoleuk]

Tuesday 18th September 2012

BBC Sport

Champions League Group Match 1 - Manchester United vs Anderlecht

It was the return of the Champions League at Old Trafford as Anderlecht were the opposition. It was quite early in the match when United opened the scoring. van Persie spread the ball wide to Kagawa on the left wing and he played the ball across the face of goal for van Persie to slot past Proto from close range. It was the start the hosts were looking for and a few minutes later, they should have doubled their lead when Evra crossed to the far post where the unmarked Rooney against the crossbar and away to safety. The visitors then started to settle after a difficult start and popped the ball about confidently without really creating anything. With five minutes remaining until the break, the hosts did double their advantage. Nani stormed down the right wing and his cross caused confusion in the visitor's defence, with Rooney bundling the ball home the loose ball for his 5th goal of the season. Into the second half and it was quiet as the hosts patiently kept possession without really threatening to extend their lead. With a quarter of an hour remaining, substitute Vargas drove through the middle for Anderlecht before seeing his powerful effort brilliantly tipped away by De Gea. The match did actually peter out as United made the right start in trying to bounce back from last season's humiliation.

Final Score - Man Utd 2-0 Anderlecht

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 8, Evra 8, Fletcher 7 (Jones 74, 7), Carrick 7, Nani 7 (Valencia 67, 7), Kagawa 7, Rooney 7, van Persie 7 (Welbeck 74, 7).

Goals - van Persie (8), Rooney (40)

Booked - Evra

Anderlecht - Proto 6, Gillett 7, JUHASZ 8, Wasilewski 5, Safari 7, Deschacht 7, Biglia 8, Markovic 7, Beerens 6 (Kljestan 45, 7), Suarez 7 (De Sutter 77), Mbokani 6 (Vargas 45, 7).

Referee - Firat Aydinus

Attendance - 74,652

Group Standings

1. Man Utd - 3 pts

2. Salzburg - 3 pts

3. Braga - 0 pts

4. Anderlecht - 0 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 22nd September 2012

TEAMtalk.com

Premier League Match 5 - Queens Park Rangers vs Manchester United

Manchester United were looking to maintain their 100% start to the new league campaign as they visited Loftus Road. Straight from the kick-off, Nani charged towards the penalty area before sending a hopeful long range effort harmlessly over the crossbar. It was a bright start from the visitors and midway through the first half, United went very close to taking the lead when Valencia crossed to the near post where van Persie's powerful effort unfortunately bounced off the inside of the far post and away to safety. It was a lucky escape for the hosts and after the half hour, they had the ball in the net but Zamora was flagged offside - the decision was incredibly tight but just about right. A couple of minutes before the interval, United eventually made their dominance count. van Persie swung in a freekick from deep on the right wing to the far post where Valencia headed across Julio Cesar into the bottom corner. Into the second half and the hosts started putting the United backline under great pressure as they searched for the equaliser. And before the hour mark, they levelled matters. Granero swung in a corner from the left to the near post where Faurlin flicked on for Zamora slot past De Gea into the far corner. QPR were fired up now and on the hour mark, Granero released Park down the right channel only for the former United man's tame shot to be easily gathered by De Gea. The visitors survived this tricky spell from QPR and midway through the second half, they regained the lead. Nani's cross was deflected into the path of van Persie whose shot with his weaker foot flew past Julio Cesar into the top corner. The goal completed flattened the hosts' momentum gained from their equaliser and United played out the rest of the match just keeping possession relatively comfortably as they kept up their 100% start in the Premier League.

Final Score - QPR 1-2 Man Utd

QPR - Julio Cesar 7, Bosingwa 7, Onuoha 6, Nelsen 6, Traore 7, Park 7, Diakite 7, Faurlin 7, Granero 6 (Hoilett 64, 7), Zamora 7, Cisse 7 (Guidetti 45 (Ehmer 57, 7).

Goals - Zamora (57)

Booked - Cisse, Traore, Nelsen & Zamora

Injured - Guidetti (57)

Man Utd - De Gea 8, Rafael 7 (Kagawa 58, 6), Ferdinand 7 (Evans 74, 7), Vidic 7, Evra 7, Valencia 8, Fletcher 8, Carrick 7 (Scholes 68, 7), Nani 7, Rooney 7, VAN PERSIE 8.

Goals - Valencia (43), van Persie (68)

Booked - Nani

Referee - Mike Dean

Attendance - 18,439

Premier League Top 3

1. Man Utd (P5) - 15 pts

2. Man City (P5) - 13 pts

3. Arsenal (P5) - 11 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 22nd September 2012

BBC Manchester

Khan - Ferdinand Has Been Great Servant

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a sentimental mood after a great away day in London. Khan saw his players record their fifth victory from as many Premier League games over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this evening and the United manager was asked about Rio Ferdinand's 275th Premier League appearance for the club:

"Rio has been at this club for the last 10 years and has been very exemplary on and off the pitch. Has been a great influence on the youngsters coming through and is always positive in the dressing room before the games."

Khan also commented on his side's chances of ending the season as champions, stating that he couldn't see why United could not stay top of the table even though it would be very difficult.

[gandycoleuk]

Tuesday 25th September 2012

Skysports.com

Capital One Cup 3rd Round - Manchester United vs Everton

One of the sides to receive a European bye in the last round were set to entertain Everton at Old Trafford. And there was only a few minutes gone when United broke the deadlock. Buttner's cross from deep on the left wing was headed out to Rafael who controlled and fired across Howard into the bottom corner. It was the perfect start for the hosts as they settled on the ball more confidently as a result. Just before the midway point in the first half, United almost doubled their advantage when Carrick fed Chicharito who charged through the middle before his thunderous effort unfortunately crashed against the crossbar and away to safety. The visitors then started to control possession without really threatening in the final third. With ten minutes remaining before the interval, Mirallas ran down the right wing and he crossed to the far post where Jelavic looped his header harmlessly over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Kagawa fed Welbeck who ran towards the edge of the area before sending his low effort inches wide of the near post. A few minutes after the break, Carrick sent Chicharito storming down the right wing and into the area but his firm effort from a difficult angle was beaten away by Howard. After that opportunity, the visitors started dominating possession and really tested the United backline with plenty of balls into the area but the defenders were holding firm. That is until Everton's pressure paid dividends as with nine minutes remaining, they levelled matters. Substitute Coleman played a quick one-two with Pienaar before crossing to the far post where the unmarked Emanuelson tapped home from close range. The tie headed into extra-time when as both sets of players looked spent and seemingly settling for penalties. With twelve minutes gone though, the hosts retook the lead. Kagawa found himself in the area and his low cross broke for Chicharito to fire past Howard at his near post. United could have finished the tie off three minutes into the second half of extra-time when substitute van Persie's outswinging corner to the far post was met firmly by Buttner but his header struck the crossbar and the danger was averted. The goal seemed to have given the hosts great confidence and they nearly sealed the tie when Buttner's deep cross to the far post found Chicharito only for his firm header to be tipped over the crossbar by Howard. The rest of the match pretty much petered out as United sealed their passage into the next round the hard way.

Final Score - Man Utd 2-1 Everton (after extra time)

Man Utd - Lindegaard 7, Rafael 8, Jones 9, EVANS 9, Buttner 7, Carrick 8, Scholes 7 (Powell 67, 7), Valencia 7 (Nani 74, 7), Kagawa 7, Chicharito 7, Welbeck 7 (van Persie 67, 7).

Goals - Rafael (7), Chicharito (102)

Booked - Jones, Rafael & Kagawa

Everton - Howard 6, Hibbert 7 (Distin 81, 7), Jagielka 7, Duffy 7 (Coleman 45, 7), Baines 7, Mirallas 7 (Neville 45, 7), Heitinga 7, Gibson 7, Emanuelson 8, Pienaar 7, Jelavic 7.

Goals - Emanuelson (81)

Booked - Neville, Emanuelson & Gibson

Injured - Jagielka (99)

Referee - James Linington

Attendance - 71,478

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Tuesday 25th September 2012

World Soccer Magazine

Evans Show Delights Khan

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a satisfied mood after eliminating a major threat to a domestic trophy this season. Khan saw his players advance to the Capital One Cup 4th Round after narrowly defeating Everton in extra-time at Old Trafford earlier this evening and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on Jonny Evans' performance:

"Jonny was absolutely fantastic tonight. He showed great resilience throughout, particularly in the second half of normal time when Everton really tested us aerially and Jonny was the chief firefighter in there."

Khan also stated that as long as his side were in the Capital One Cup, they had every chance of winning the first domestic trophy of the season next year at Wembley.

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Friday 28th September 2012

TheFA.com

United Handed Home Draw

The draw for the Capital One Cup 4th Round has been made at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square, London and Manchester United have been handed a quite favourable tie. Faiz Khan's men were drawn up against fellow Premier League Stoke City, with the tie to be played at Old Trafford. The standout tie of the round has to be the North London derby as Arsenal host rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Here is the draw in full:

Man Utd vs Stoke

Peterborough vs Norwich

Liverpool vs Burnley

Man City vs Millwall

Arsenal vs Tottenham

Reading vs Wigan

Charlton vs Brighton

Newcastle vs Fulham

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Sunday 30th September 2012

Worldsoccer.com

Premier League Match 6 - Norwich City vs Manchester United

It was pretty much a full house at Carrow Road as Manchester United were the visitors. The match started off very quiet as both sides were guilty of conceding possession of the ball to each other. After a quarter of an hour, Howson fed Holt on the edge of the area who immediately sent Fortune through on goal but he wastefully dragged his effort wide of the near post. The match then descended into a very scrappy midfield battle with tackles flying in everywhere, with the referee doing well not to give into frequent calls for cards. With five minutes remaining until the break, Fletcher fed Valencia who cut inside from the right wing before curling his effort inches wide of the far corner. The second half started pretty much the same as the opening period as United were controlling possession but were not creating anything in the way of goalscoring opportunities. Past the halfway point in the second half, Fletcher spread the ball wide to Rafael down the right wing and he crossed to the far post where Rooney's header was well tipped over the crossbar by Ruddy. The pressure was building now on the hosts' defence as United sensed a late winner. But it was Norwich who landed a sucker punch on the visitors with just three minutes remaining. A long ball from Turner forced De Gea out of his goal and when cleared, Howson sent the ball back with interest to score a quite remarkable goal from almost on the touchline. United tried to hit back from the restart when Valencia charged forward but his fierce effort was well caught by Ruddy. The Norwich then held out manfully in stoppage time to record the biggest shock of the season so far, preventing United from topping the table in the process.

Final Score - Norwich 1-0 Man Utd

Norwich - Ruddy 7, Barnett 7, Bassong 8, Turner 7, Garrido 7, E Bennett 7 (Tettey 45, 7), HOWSON 8, Johnson 7, Surman 7, Holt 7, Fortune 7 (Pilkington 87).

Goals - Howson (87)

Booked - Fortune

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Valencia 6, Fletcher 7, Carrick 7 (Scholes 67, 7), Nani 6 (Kagawa 72, 6), Rooney 7, van Persie 7 (Chicharito 67, 7).

Referee - Jon Moss

Attendance - 27,224

Premier League Top 3

1. Man City (P6) - 16 pts

2. Man Utd (P6) - 15 pts

3. Arsenal (P6) - 14 pts

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Sunday 30th September 2012

World Soccer Magazine

Khan Impressed With Howson

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a graceful mood after his first setback in his reign at Old Trafford. Khan saw his players succumb to a late goal as Norwich delivered their first defeat of the season so far at Carrow Road earlier this afternoon and the United manager was asked for his views on Jonny Howson's matchwinning performance:

"Jonny was very impressive this afternoon, it has to be said. He ran himself into the ground for the cause and fully deserved to be on the winning side today. As for his goal, I must say there are no complaints - it was a magnificent effort."

Khan also commented on his first defeat as United manager, claiming that no honeymoon period can last forever and the hard work starts now to get into contention for honours this season.

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Monday 1st October 2012

premierleague.com

Monthly Review - September 2012

Premier League Table:

http://imageshack.us/f/809/englishpremierdivisione.jpg/

Premier League Player of the Month - Lescott (Man City)

Premier League Manager of the Month - Mancini (Man City

Top Goalscorer - Adebayor (Tottenham) - 5

Most Assists - van Persie (Man Utd) - 4

Highest Average Rating - Mata (Chelsea) - 8.05

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Wednesday 3rd October 2012

Skysports.com

Champions League Group Match 2 - Red Bull Salzburg vs Manchester United

The atmosphere inside the Red Bull Arena was ferocious as Manchester United provided the opposition. A few minutes into the match, Valencia sent Rooney clear on goal but Walke was quick off his line to block the striker's effort and then Nani's fierce low effort was brilliantly tipped away by Walke. A minute later, Carrick fed Evra who came inside on his right foot and his blistering effort unfortunately bounced off the near post and away to safety. It was a very positive start from United and on a quarter of an hour, Nani went charging through the middle before sending a hopeful long range effort sailing harmlessly over the crossbar. Three minutes later, the hosts threatened for the first time when Barbio cut inside from the right wing before smashing an ambitious long range effort harmlessly wide of the far corner. Midway through the first half, Salzburg almost stunned the visitors when Ibertsberger crossed into the area where Maierhofer beat De Gea but his glancing header bounced off the far post and away to safety. After such a frenetic start, the match understandably quietened down as United started controlling possession but were not threatening to break the deadlock. Four minutes after the interval, the hosts went very close to an opener when substitute Klein crossed to the near post where Maierhofer's glancing header clipped the crossbar and over. The pressure was mounting on the visitors but they almost found a goal when Nani released van Persie down the left wing and he crossed to the far post where Valencia's stabbed effort was well blocked by Walke and the danger was averted. Three minutes later though, there was no stopping Valencia and United as they took the lead. Carrick sent a long ball into the area where Valencia struck his volley sweetly into the bottom corner for his 5th goal of the season. On the hour mark, van Persie nearly doubled the lead with a long range freekick which brought a fine save from Walke. Salzburg then started to get back into the match as they searched for the equaliser. With a quarter of an hour remaining, Holzhauser sent a freekick over the wall and towards the bottom corner until De Gea tipped it away brilliantly to safety. That save proved crucial as the rest of the match petered out and United had notched up two wins from two games so far in Europe this season.

Final Score - Salzburg 0-1 Man Utd

Salzburg - WALKE 8, Ibertsberger 7, Dibon 7, Rodnei 7 (Douglas 68, 7), Ulmer 7, Barbio 6 (Klein 45, 7), Ilsanker 7 (Teigl 73, 7), Holzhauser 7, Lindgren 7, Maierhofer 7, Soriano 7.

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Valencia 8 (Kagawa 76), Fletcher 8, Carrick 8 (Scholes 70, 7), Nani 7, Rooney 7, van Persie 7 (Chicharito 70, 7).

Goals - Valencia (53)

Booked - Valencia

Referee - Jonas Eriksson

Attendance - 23,242

Group Standings

1. Man Utd - 6 pts

2. Salzburg - 3 pts

3. Anderlecht - 3 pts

4. Braga - 0 pts

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Friday 5th October 2012

The European Football Post

Khan Aware Of Huge Test

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a focused mood ahead of his toughest game of his reign at Old Trafford so far. Khan will take his players down to North London to go up against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow lunchtime and the United manager was quizzed on the dangerous nature of the match:

"Of course it is a huge game and it will not be very easy to go there tomorrow afternoon. Arsenal are up there with us and City in the early stages of the season and it is a big opportunity for both sides to make a statement."

Khan also claimed that his players are used to the thick and fast nature of the fixture schedule that has just started coming into play with the beginning of the cup competitions.

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Saturday 6th October 2012

Sportinglife.com

Premier League Match 7 - Arsenal vs Manchester United

The scene was set for a massive game at the Emirates as Robin van Persie was back with Manchester United. It was a bright start from Arsenal and they went close early on when Cazorla sent Giroud clear inside the area where his stinging effort produced a fantastic save from De Gea. From the resulting corner, Cazorla crossed to the far post where the unmarked Mertesacker somehow headed well over the crossbar from close range. The hosts were cranking up the pressure now and on a quarter of an hour, Armero went down the left wing and crossed to the near post where Giroud's firm header flashed over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Jenkinson sent Giroud through on goal but De Gea was quick to block his effort and the danger was averted. United had somehow survived that explosive start from the hosts and they punished their opponents by opening the scoring themselves. Rooney passed to Carrick who instantly fed van Persie and he smashed a powerful effort past Szczesny into the top corner. The goal completely took the sting out of Arsenal's attacks as for the rest of the first half, the visitors passed the ball about confidently without really threatening a second goal. Into the second half and it was pretty the same as United were denying the hosts possession. A few minutes later, United doubled their advantage. Scholes played the ball into space for van Persie to beat Mertesacker before smashing through Szczesny for his second goal. And just past the hour mark, van Persie's return turned into a dream day. Carrick sent Rooney storming down the right wing and he crossed to the far post where van Persie headed across Szczesny into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick. The shellshocked hosts tried to hit back immediately when Cazorla crossed for Ramsey but his low effort was well beaten away by De Gea to safety. Midway through the second half, United capped off their afternoon with a fourth goal. Substitute Buttner played an excellent ball over the top for fellow substitute Welbeck to round Szczesny before slotting into an empty net. Clearly buoyed by his goal, Welbeck went charging through the middle before his low effort was easily gathered by Szczesny. The rest of the match pretty much petered out as United had bounced back from their shock defeat at Norwich to record an impressive victory going into the international break.

Final Score - Arsenal 0-4 Man Utd

Arsenal - Szczesny 6, Jenkinson 6, Vermalaen 7, Mertesacker 6 (Koscielny 71, 7), Armero 7, Ramsey 8, Arteta 7, Gervinho 7, Cazorla 7, Podolski 6 (Santos 67, 7), Giroud 7 (Chamakh 61, 7).

Booked - Armero

Man Utd - De Gea 8, Jones 8, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 9, Evra 9, Valencia 8, Carrick 9 (Anderson 73, 7), Scholes 8, Nani 7 (Buttner 68, 7), Rooney 8, VAN PERSIE 10 (Welbeck 68, 7).

Goals - van Persie (21, 56, 61), Welbeck (71)

Booked - Scholes

Referee - Steve Hooper

Attendance - 60,361

Premier League Top 3

1. Man City (P7) - 19 pts

2. Man Utd (P7) - 18 pts

3. Tottenham (P7) - 16 pts

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Saturday 20th October 2012

BBC Sport

Khan Fancies Chances

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a confident mood ahead of the return of the Premier League this weekend. Khan sees his players continue their quest to regain the Premier League title against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford tomorrow afternoon and the United manager was asked about the sides' chances of victory:

"As long as the players follow my gameplan for the match, we have an outstanding chance of victory tomorrow afternoon. But they must not underestimate West Brom, every player needs to be on their best form."

Khan also claimed that his players were in great form following the victory at Arsenal and they wanted to keep their good start to the season going tomorrow.

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Sunday 21st October 2012

Skysports.com

Premier League Match 8 - Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion

The Premier League was back after the international break as West Bromwich Albion visited Old Trafford. But after just three minutes, they were behind. Kagawa pulled the ball back to Evra who crossed to the near post where Rooney glanced his header past Foster into the far corner. Straight from the restart, United went close to a second goal when Fletcher stormed into the area and when his fierce effort was parried away by Foster, Kagawa slammed the rebound into the side-netting. It was a very strong start from the hosts as they tried to finish the game off in a hurry but they started to get frustrated as West Brom made it very difficult to get in behind their backline. Into first half stoppage time and Rafael went on a storming run down the right wing and into the area where he sent his firm effort crashing into the side-netting. The second half started very quietly as the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession but were not creating anything to try and level matters. Midway through the second half, United had a golden opportunity to double their lead. Nani charged into the area and when his blistering drive was beaten out by Foster, Nani was fouled by McAuley and the referee pointed to the spot - Rooney stepped up confidently but his low effort produced a great save from Foster and the danger was averted. The pressure was mounting on the West Brom goal though and with a quarter of an hour remaining, Rooney sent Kagawa clear only for Foster to stop his effort and substitute Chicharito's follow-up to be blocked by McAuley and away for a throw. With nine minutes remaining, West Brom's task was made harder when Brunt went in recklessly with two feet and the referee quickly brandished the red card. Soon after that, with all three substitutes made by the visitors, an injury reduced them to nine men. Yet incredibly with a minute of normal time remaning, they levelled matters. Odemwingie went running down the left wing and he crossed into the area where substitute Long looped his header over De Gea and into the net. A shocking moment and it almost got even better for West Brom when Morrison ran clear on goal but could only shoot at De Gea and the danger was cleared. There was no time for the hosts to snatch a late winner as West Brom prevented United from topping the league with an unlikely point.

Final Score - Man Utd 1-1 West Brom

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 7 (Evans 70, 7), Vidic 7, Evra 8, Fletcher 7 (Scholes 76), Carrick 7, Nani 7, Kagawa 6, Rooney 7, van Persie 7 (Chicharito 45, 7).

Goals - Rooney (3)

West Brom - Foster 6, REID 8, McAuley 7 (Tamas 81), Dawson 8, Jones 7, Jara 8 (Thorne 81), Mulumbu 7, Brunt 7, Morrison 7, El Ghanassy 6 (Long 45, 8), Odemwingie 7.

Goals - Long (89)

Booked - McAuley & Long

Sent Off - Brunt (81)

Injured - Tamas (86)

Referee - Jon Moss

Attendance - 75,765

Premier League Top 3

1. Man City (P8) - 20 pts

2. Man Utd (P8) - 19 pts

3. Tottenham (P8) - 17 pts

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Sunday 21st October 2012

manutd.com

van Persie To Miss Busy Period

The club have confirmed an injury blow to one of the most important players at Old Trafford. Holland international striker Robin van Persie has suffered a pulled hamstring attempting a sprint during the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford earlier this afternoon.

van Persie, 29, is set to be ruled out for upto the next 3 weeks, meaning he will miss Premier League games against Reading, Southampton and Swansea. He will also have to sit out the Champions League double-header with Braga, as well as the Capital One Cup tie against Stoke City at Old Trafford.

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Wednesday 24th October 2012

Skysports.com

Champions League Group Match 3 - Manchester United vs Braga

It was time for the first half of a double header as Braga provided the opposition inside Old Trafford. After five minutes, Fletcher fed Nani who went charging forward before sending a hopeful effort harmlessly wide of the far corner. It was an early warning for the visitors but they didn't heed it as United took the lead after a quarter of an hour. Nani cut inside from the right wing and although his firm effort was brilliantly saved by Beto, Rooney reacted first to smash home the rebound. The goal fired up Braga to coming looking for an immediate equaliser and they nearly gained one when Viana went running down the right wing and crossed to the far post but the unmarked Salino headed straight at De Gea and the chance was gone. After that frenetic start, the match did quieten down as Braga started to control possession but were finding it difficult to create any goalscoring opportunities. With ten minutes remaning until the break, Carrick played in a corner from the right for Vidic to head against the crossbar and then Rooney's follow-up effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Meira. Five minutes after the interval, United should have doubled their lead when Carrick swung in a corner from the right for the unmarked Vidic but his header flew well over the crossbar from close range. United were in control of proceedings but were not really threatening to put this game to bed, something which cost them dearly on Sunday. Halfway through the second half, Carrick swung in a corner from the right to the far post where Evans' towering header was well gathered by Beto. And seconds later, Rooney sent Chicharito clear only for Beto to bravely block his effort and the danger was cleared. The hosts were now threatening to finish this match and with a quarter of an hour remaining, Kagawa set up substitute Welbeck and his powerful effort was well beaten away by Beto to safety. But with nine minutes remaining, the three points were pretty much secured for United. Kagawa played a long ball over the top for Welbeck to round Beto before slamming into the empty net. The rest of the match pretty much petered out as United moved a huge step closer to banishing the nightmare of last season in the Champions League.

Final Score - Man Utd 2-0 Braga

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7 (Jones 68, 7), Evans 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Fletcher 7, Carrick 7 (Scholes 73, 7), Nani 8, KAGAWA 8, Chicharito 6, Rooney 8 (Welbeck 68, 7).

Goals - Rooney (15), Welbeck (81)

Booked - Rafael & Fletcher

Braga - Beto 8, Baiano 6, Benitez 7 (Vinicius 73, 7), Meira 7, Ismaily 7, Viana 7, Salino 7 (Djamal 79), Alan 7, Micael 7, Mossoro 7 (Candeias 67, 7), Michel 6.

Referee - Sascha Kever

Attendance - 72,978

Group Standings

1. Man Utd - 9 pts

2. Anderlecht - 6 pts

3. Salzburg - 3 pts

4. Braga - 0 pts

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Wednesday 24th October 2012

World Soccer Magazine

Kagawa Performance Pleases Khan

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in an appreciative mood after taking a massive step towards Champions League qualification. Khan saw his players record a professional victory over Braga at Old Trafford earlier this evening and the United manager was quizzed for his views on Shinji Kagawa's display:

"Shinji had a very good, effective game tonight as trickery and willingness to run was a constant threat to Braga's defence. He also caught them off guard with a perfect pass for Danny (Welbeck) to seal the three points for us."

Khan also stated that he is not worried about Chicharito's wayward finishing this evening as he was at least getting into the right positions to score and that proves he is not afraid to miss.

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Friday 26th October 2012

Football365.com

Khan Fancies Chances

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a determined mood ahead of the visit of a newly-promoted side. Khan will see his players entertain Reading at Old Trafford tomorrow afternoon and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on United's chances of victory:

"We can take all three points as long as my players stick to the gameplan tomorrow. But we all saw what happened against West Brom so the players must not take anything for granted as Reading will punish any mistakes we happen to make."

Khan also said that he is enjoying the pressures of going head to head with their local rivals for the title this season and claimed that Manchester City would have to be taken seriously as defending champions and current pacesetters.

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Saturday 27th October 2012

BBC Sport

Premier League Match 9 - Manchester United vs Reading

It was an opportunity for Manchester United to go top temporarily as Reading were the visitors at Old Trafford. The hosts made a positive start and inside ten minutes, Valencia charged forward before teeing up Rooney and his thunderous effort was brilliantly tipped away by McCarthy to safety. From the resulting corner, Valencia went through on goal and when his low effort was parried by McCarthy, Fletcher's follow-up effort was punched away by McCarthy. Reading had survived the early pressure and before the half hour mark, they rocked Old Trafford. McAnuff sent a lovely pass through for Pogrebnyak to produce a glorious curling effort past De Gea into the top corner. The goal gave the visitors something to hold onto before the interval as United put severe pressure on Reading without anything creative coming from it. Only two minutes into the second half and United should have been level when Fletcher went clear but he smashed his effort against the crossbar and the danger was cleared. The match then descended into a scrappy midfield battle with plenty of tackles flying in from the visitors to frustrated United even further. With under a quarter of an hour remaining, Reading should have pretty much sealed the three points when Pogrebnyak tried to return the favour for the goal as McAnuff dragged his effort horribly wide with just De Gea to beat. United then laid siege to the Reading goal and into stoppage time, they should have equalised when the ball broke for substitute debutant Vermijl but he blazed his effort wildly over the crossbar. That proved their last chance as Reading had record the shock result of the season so far as United lost further ground on their neighbours in the early part of this title race.

Final Score - Man Utd 0-1 Reading

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7 (Vermijl 70, 7), Ferdinand 7 (Jones 62, 7), Vidic 7, Evans 7, Fletcher 9, Carrick 7 (Scholes 70, 7), Valencia 7, Kagawa 7, Chicharito 7, Rooney 6.

Booked - Rooney & Rafael

Reading - McCarthy 8, Martin 8, Gorkss 8, PEARCE 9, Harte 8, Leigertwood 7, Gunnarsson 7 (Karacan 78), McAnuff 8, Mackay-Steven 7, Pogrebnyak 8, Le Fondre 7.

Goals - Pogrebnyak (29)

Booked - Pogrebnyak

Referee - Howard Webb

Attendance - 73,100

Premier League Top 3

1. Man City (P9) - 23 pts

2. Arsenal (P9) - 20 pts

3. Man Utd (P9) - 19 pts

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Tuesday 30th October 2012

BBC Sport

Khan - More To Stoke Than Crouch

Manchester United manager Faiz Khan was in a concentrated mood ahead of their fourth home game in a row. Khan will see his players go up against Stoke City at Old Trafford tomorrow evening and the United manager was asked for his thoughts on their opponent's dangerman Peter Crouch:

"Crouch is a very key part of the way Stoke play but we must see him as the only threat. He needs the service so must stop every player creating chances for him as without the service, he could struggle."

Khan also stated that he was looking for an instant reaction from his players following Saturday's shocking defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Reading as he was desperate to get back to winning ways.

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Wednesday 31st October 2012

Sky Sports News

Capital One Cup 4th Round - Manchester United vs Stoke City

Stoke City were hoping to give their more illustrious opponents a fright on Halloween at Old Trafford. It was a very quiet opening period as the hosts tried to put Stoke under pressure but were finding it very difficult to create anything in the way of clear goalscoring opportunities. After the half hour, Valencia cut inside from the right wing and charged into the area before smashing his effort harmlessly over the crossbar. Five minutes later, United should have opened the scoring when Valencia swung in a freekick from deep on the left wing to the far post only for the unmarked Evans to head well over the crossbar from close range. After the break, the visitors started playing more confidently with their aerial threat coming into play quite often. With just over ten minutes remaining, Kightly went storming through the middle before sending his low effort fizzing inches wide of the far corner. Into extra-time and the visitors almost gifted United the opener when Shawcross's loose ball sent Chicharito through but Huth made a fantastic last-dtich challenge and the danger was cleared. The match seemed to be heading for the drama of the penalty shootout when United finally broke the deadlock. Fletcher fed Welbeck on the right wing and he cut inside before curling his low effort round Begovic into the bottom corner. The goal broke Stoke hearts really as they desperately tried to hit back but to no avail as the hosts' constant pressure eventually told.

Final Score - Man Utd 1-0 Stoke (after extra time)

Man Utd - Lindegaard 7, JONES 9, Evans 7 (Ferdinand 74, 7), Vidic 7, Evra 8, Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (Fletcher 67, 7), Valencia 7, Kagawa 7 (Nani 67, 7), Chicharito 7, Welbeck 8.

Goals - Welbeck (112)

Booked - Nani

Stoke - Begovic 7, Shotton 7 (Wilkinson 78, 7), Huth 8, Shawcross 6, Wilson 6, N'Zonzi 7, Cameron 7, Kightly 7, Pennant 7 (Jones 72, 7), Crouch 7, Jerome 7 (Walters 45, 7).

Booked - Jerome, Pennant & Wilkinson

Referee - Howard Webb

Attendance - 75,164

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Thursday 1st November 2012

premierleague.com

Monthly Review - October 2012

Premier League Table:

http://imageshack.us/f/607/englishpremierdivisione.jpg/

Premier League Player of the Month - Adebayor (Tottenham)

Premier League Manager of the Month - Di Matteo (Chelsea)

Top Goalscorer - Adebayor (Tottenham) - 7

Most Assists - van Persie (Man Utd), Lennon (Tottenham) & McAnuff (Reading) - 4

Highest Average Rating - Adebayor (Tottenham) - 8.00

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Friday 2nd November 2012

TheFA.com

United Handed Chance For Payback

The draw for the Capital One Cup Quarter-Finals has been made at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square, London and Manchester United have been given an early opportunity for revenge. Faiz Khan's men have been drawn to face fellow Premier League side Reading, the team that humbled them at Old Trafford last Saturday with the tie to be played at the Madejski Stadium. The other all Premier League tie sees Tottenham Hotspur entertain Newcastle United. Here is the draw in full:

Tottenham vs Newcastle

Brighton vs Liverpool

Reading vs Man Utd

Man City vs Norwich

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Friday 2nd November 2012

manutd.com

Welbeck To Miss Tough Run

The club have confirmed an injury blow to one of the most promising players at Old Trafford. England international striker Danny Welbeck has suffered a thigh strain after miskicking the ball during training earlier this morning.

Welbeck, 21, is set to be ruled out for the next 10 days which means he will miss away Premier League games at Southampton and Swansea. He will also be absent for the Champions League encounter with Braga in Portugal.

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Saturday 3rd November 2012

Worldsoccer.com

Premier League Match 10 - Southampton vs Manchester United

A bouyant St Marys crowd were excited at the prospect of the mighty Manchester United providing the opposition. It was a fairly quiet opening minutes as United dominated possession without really threatening an opening goal. Their first attack saw Chicharito charge forward before seeing his low effort well gathered by Boruc. Seconds later, the visitors were gifted the lead. Cork's intended backpass to Boruc was quickly intercepted by Chicharito who rounded the keeper before slotting into the empty net. Four minutes later, United nearly doubled their advantage when Chicharito sent Nani through but Boruc was brave in rushing out to block. And a minute later, Nani crossed to the far post where Chicharito's firm header was well tipped over the crossbar by Boruc. The goal had clearly given the visitors real confidence and Southampton were struggling to keep pace. Before the half hour mark, Rooney went running down the left wing and his powerful cross was brilliantly tipped away by Boruc and the danger was cleared. The hosts then launched a counter-attack which should have seen an equaliser against the run of play when Do Prado crossed to the far post for Ramirez to score but he shot tamely into De Gea's arms from point blank range. That missed opportunity gave the hosts some momentum in their attacking and Cork went clear on goal only for De Gea to rush out and block his effort. Five minutes before the break, United made their opponents pay for their missed chances by doubling their lead. Kagawa cut inside from the left wing and crossed to the near post where Rooney stabbed his effort past Boruc from close range. Seconds into the second half, Scholes fed Kagawa who took control before sending his low effort harmlessly wide of the far corner. Southampton then started applying some pressure to the visitors' goal as they looked for a way back into this game and they nearly did find one when Do Prado headed home Davis' freekick but was harshly adjudged to have fouled De Gea and the goal was chalked off. That decision took the sting out of the hosts' attacks as United started spraying the ball about confidently. Midway through the second half, Nani ran through the middle before his powerful effort was well caught by Boruc. And with just over ten minutes remaining, the three points were secured for United. Rooney fed Kagawa who returned the favour for the striker to smash his low effort past Boruc at his near post for his second goal. The rest of the match then pretty much petered out as United kept up their pursuit of their local rivals, puncturing Southampton's promising start in the process.

Final Score - Southampton 0-3 Man Utd

Southampton - Boruc 7, Clyne 6, Forren 7, Hooiveld 7 (Fonte 78), Fox 7, Cork 6 (Schneiderlin 51, 7), Davis 8, Do Prado 7, Hoolahan 6 (Lallana 45, 7), Ramirez 7, Lambert 7.

Booked - Schneiderlin

Man Utd - De Gea 7, Rafael 7, Ferdinand 8, Jones 6 (Vidic 74, 7), Evans 7, Nani 7, Fletcher 7 (Cleverley 74, 7), Scholes 7 (Powell 68, 7), Kagawa 8, Chicharito 8, ROONEY 9.

Goals - Chicharito (12), Rooney (40, 78)

Booked - Chicharito, Evans, Rafael & Rooney

Injured - Kagawa (90)

Referee - Chris Foy

Attendance - 32,689

Premier League Top 3

1. Man City (P10) - 26 pts

2. Man Utd (P10) - 22 pts

3. Arsenal (P10) - 21 pts

[gandycoleuk]

Saturday 3rd November 2012

manutd.com

Kagawa Doubt For Chelsea Clash

The club have confirmed an injury setback to one of the summer signings to come to Old Trafford. Japan international playmaker Shinji Kagawa has suffered a pulled hamstring after attempting a spring during the Premier League match against Southampton at St Marys earlier this evening.

Kagawa, 23, is set to be ruled out for upto 3 weeks which means he will miss Premier League games against Swansea and Wigan Athletic as well as Champions League games with Braga and Anderlecht.