Showing posts with label Paul Scholes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Scholes. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Did Shady Buisness stop Chelsea Match?

Manchester United have no issue over Sunday's game at Chelsea being postponed.
The match was called off on Saturday after heavy snow, but much of it had melted by Sunday and the pitch looked to be playable.
United defender Rio Ferdinand questioned the decision not to play the game between the two title rivals.
But United are thought to be happy with the decision, especially as Anderson and Nemanaja Vidic were doubtful.
Captain Vidic and midfielder Anderson were struggling with illness, while key midfielder Paul Scholes is out until the new year.
Chelsea are also likely to be pleased with the outcome as Didier Drogba and Michael Essien are both struggling to find their best form and Frank Lampard has only recently recovered from injury.

Our football department will have contingency dates in mind and will work closely with the affected clubs
Premier League spokesman

But Ferdinand initially reacted with surprise, especially as other matches on Saturday went ahead.
He said on Twitter: "Did anyone see the Ipswich game? Pitch covered in snow....so how come that game is played and ours is postponed?"
Some Manchester United fans on the BBC's internet forum 606 questioned whether Chelsea, who have picked up only three points in their last five league games, had called off the Premier League game to delay playing their in-form opponents.
However, only the match referee, police, the local authorities or the Premier League can call a game off. And the Premier League confirmed the game was called off some 27 hours before kick-off at the behest of the police and the local authority.
A Chelsea spokesman confirmed on Monday: "The decision to postpone the game was taken on safety grounds after comprehensive consultations between the club, local authorities and the police.
"A high-profile event of this scale affects an area much wider than Stamford Bridge, and considering the icy conditions forecast, an early decision was taken to ensure the safety of both fans and those staffing the event."
The Premier League argues that, had a decision been made on the day, it would have faced criticism from fans who had already travelled from the north west.

606: DEBATE
les (U14728287)

In a later tweet, United defender Ferdinand referred to the safety issue, adding: "Safety for fans travelling to the game is the general feedback....I get it tweeps!"
Meanwhile, the Premier League is confident the big freeze will not lead to serious fixture congestion at the end of the season.
Eight matches have been postponed because of the weather so far - including two involving United.
But Premier League officials say there are sufficient dates set aside to cope.
A spokesman said: "Our football department will already have contingency dates in mind and will work closely with the affected clubs to get new dates agreed as quickly as possible."
The game between Blackpool and Manchester United at Bloomfield Road has already been rearranged to the last week in January.

Friday, December 10, 2010

United duo fit to face Gunners

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed both Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes should be available for Manchester United's clash with Arsenal on Monday.
Ferdinand was forced out of Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Valencia after suffering a tight hamstring, while Scholes has been troubled by a groin injury that has forced him to miss United's last three games.
The pair have trained this week and Ferguson expects both to be in contention to face Arsene Wenger's side at Old Trafford.
"Everyone is fit," Ferguson told Key 103.
"Paul Scholes started training yesterday. It was just light stuff but hopefully he will be available for Monday and Rio should be fit as well."
Defensive duo Jonny Evans and Wes Brown had also been struggling with a virus but they are also in contention as United look to maintain a five-match unbeaten run against the Gunners and leap back to the Premier League summit.
"Jonny and Wes have had a bit of a virus that has been going around the place," said Ferguson.
"We should have a full squad for Monday."

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Scholes Doubt for Arsenal Clash

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates Paul Scholes as "doubtful" for Monday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The veteran midfielder has not featured since the victory over Rangers last month, when he picked up a groin injury.
Scholes had been expected to play some part in United's 1-1 draw with Valencia at Old Trafford but, after a minor setback in training, Ferguson fears he will not be able to call upon his influential playmaker against Arsene Wenger's men.
"Paul tried training on Sunday and came off," Ferguson told MUTV. "He will be doubtful for next Monday."
The United camp are rather more optimistic about Rio Ferdinand, who was forced out of Tuesday night's game five minutes into the second half after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring.
"Rio felt it at half-time," said Ferguson. He wanted to try it but it still felt tight.
"We weren't prepared to take a chance. There was no point because we had Chris Smalling to come on.
"He has six days and I am sure he will be okay for Monday."
The United boss was full of praise for goalscorer Anderson, who netted for only the second time in 109 appearances for the club when he tucked home the rebound to a powerful Park Ji-sung strike as the Red Devils secured the draw they required to top Group C.
After a long period on the sidelines due to a cruciate ligament injury, it was Anderson's third start in a row.
And although the Brazilian's form dipped at West Ham last week, Ferguson is delighted with his contribution.
"Anderson has been absolutely brilliant in the last three games," said Ferguson.
"He has been tremendous. He offers something different from the other midfield players we have got.
"He has tremendous pace, can beat a man and is always decisive in his passing."
Now Ferguson is looking for more of the same from the former Porto star.
"He should score more," he said.
"The boy has terrific talent. He has great pace and power. He is a strong boy.
"We are pleased he got a goal. It may help him."