Thursday, 3 April 2014

Manchester United 1-1 Bayern Munich 1-Apr-2014


Bastian Schweinsteiger scored a vital away goal as Bayern Munich drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, and was later sent off.

Nemanja Vidic opened the scoring with a brilliant second-half header but United's shock lead did not last long, with Schweinsteiger's crisp volley soon levelling proceedings.

The Germany international would not finish the game, however, as he shown a second yellow card late on after a rash challenge on Wayne Rooney.

He will, therefore, miss the second leg on April 9, along with his defensive team-mate Javi Martinez, who picked up a booking of his own for a cynical foul on Javier Hernandez.
The hosts were under the cosh for almost the entire match but captain Vidic grabbed the opening goal 13 minutes into the second half as Europe's premier club competition continued to represent a bright spot in United's otherwise troublesome campaign.
Despite their fall from grace domestically, the Premier League champions had won all four of their European ties at Old Trafford this season prior to Tuesday and that run looked set to continue when the Serbian produced a header of the highest quality from Wayne Rooney's corner.
Vidic, departing for Inter at the end of the season, gave United the platform for victory but they were unable to build on it as the recently-crowned German champions equalised through Schweinsteiger just eight minutes later.
The away goal will make life that bit harder for United when they make the trip to Munich, with Pep Guardiola's side holding a slight advantage as the Spaniard looks to replicate predecessor Jupp Heynckes in securing a treble.
However, Guardiola will be without Schweinsteiger for the second leg after the midfield lynchpin picked up a second yellow card late on for a foul on Rooney.
Danny Welbeck thought he had opened the scoring early on, only to be penalised for a high foot in the build-up.
After a fairly even opening 10 minutes, Bayern began to assert their quality, dominating possession and creating a succession of half-chances.
However, the hosts stood firm and did well to deny their opponents any clear sights of goal.
Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben were involved in much of Bayern's best work but even they were unable to manufacture an opportunity until the Dutchman brought a stunning save from David de Gea with a curling left-footed effort from just outside the penalty area.
Welbeck then tested Manuel Neuer from range and went on to waste the best chance of the half after being put through one-on-one.
The England international attempted to beat Bayern's goalkeeper with a cheeky lofted effort, but Neuer was not fooled and palmed the ball away with his right hand.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with Bayern keeping possession and probing to little effect. 
Bayern were made to pay for their inability to break down United when Vidic headed his side in front - angling a header past Neuer after Rooney had delivered a corner from the left.
Their joy was shortlived, however, as Schweinsteiger rifled home a knockdown from substitute Mario Mandzukic to bring the atmosphere at Old Trafford down a notch.
While Guardiola's men were unable to clinch a second away goal, they will remain heavy favourites to progress, although Moyes can take heart from the recent performances of Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.
City won 3-2 in Munich in this season's group stage while Arsenal have picked up a draw and a win on their last two visits to Bavaria.


Source : http://www.goal.com/en-gh/match/133140/manchester-united-vs-fc-bayern-münchen/report

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Manchester City in Driver's Seat for the English Premier League Match against Southampton

Surprises are in plenty for the English Premier League 2013-14 fans. Manchester City has climbed to the third spot in place of Arsenal which has gone down to number 4 position. City now stands just below Chelsea and Liverpool on the points table. The team will now face Southampton this week in the EPL.


 Manchester City Has a Busy Schedule
The Manchester City vs Southampton match on April 05, 2014 promises to have a full packed Etihad Stadium. Manchester has 21 wins out of 30 games losing only 5. Southampton on the other hand stands at number 8 position just below Manchester United. Southampton has 13 wins out of 32 games with 48 points. The EPL is turning out to be a competitive series day by day. City had a draw against Arsenal in their last match with 1-1 score. The team after the match against Southampton are still to play against Liverpool, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich and Aston Villa before the season finishes.

Manchester City Looking Strong
Manchester City has won 8 out of the last 10 matches, instigating the sale of Manchester City tickets for the loyal fans. Southampton has won a 4-0 victory against Newcastle setting the team tempo high, as they have won 2 out of their last 5 matches. The online websites are gradually reporting good sale of online Southampton tickets by the fans after the performance against Newcastle.

Stay tuned in for further updates. 

Friday, 21 March 2014

Pressure on Manchester United to Perform Better against Manchester City in English Premier League 2013-14

The English Premier League 2013-14 is at its peak. With major teams set to clash against each other, there is no wonder that enthusiasm and excitement among the fans is at record high. March 25th will see title contender Manchester City fight against the defending champions Manchester United.

 
Recent Statistics of Both Teams

Manchester City is placed in 4th position with 60 points winning 19 out of 27 games. While Manchester United have had a disappointing season as they are placed at 7th position with 48 points and 14 wins out of 29 games. The Manchester City tickets are estimated to sell at a record high for this game. City has won 3 of their last 6 matches , compared to United winning only 1 of their last 6 matches . But, game experts say that loyal fans will surely turn up to cheer their team by buying the Manchester United tickets in bulk at the Old Trafford.

Tough Contest for Both Teams

The Manager of Manchester City will make sure that his boys do not take the Manchester United vs Manchester City game lightly as their rivals can strongly come back on them. Manchester United's manager David Moyes is facing a lot of heat from the media and fans for giving up so easily. The team is also under pressure due to the recent controversy last month with Chelsea naming them as 'failures'.

Manchester City will look to place pressure on United psychologically on this front during the match.

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Manchester United Look to Climb Up the Ladder to Top 5 position Beating West Ham United

Although, Manchester United are not amongst the top contenders for the English Premier League 2013-14 title, they can still be expected to come anywhere close to top 5 teams at the end of the series. Currently, the United team stands at 7th position winning 14 out of 29 games. The defending champion's next match is against West Ham United on March 22 at Boleyn Ground.


Manchester United Have a Chance to Climb up the Points Table

West Ham United are on position 12 with 8 wins out of 29 games. The fans will be buying the Manchester United Tickets and see the team have an easy win. If United win their next few games, they still have a faint chance of making it to the finals. West Ham meanwhile have nothing to lose and will take this experience as a learning tool and reference point. The West Ham United Tickets can be purchased online easily.



Stadium Section Top View
 
The manager of United will see that this boys make every effort to win this game and make West Ham United vs Manchester United match a team work.

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Manchester United Vs Liverpool: Liverpool Tickets Already Sold Out




The Week 30 of the English Premier League will finally get to see some real action after a good gap. March 16 2014 will see the defending champions battle it out with a strong competitor Liverpool.

Liverpool looking strong against Manchester United

 

Manchester United which won the English Premier League 2012-13 will face Liverpool on March 16th. The fans will buy the Manchester United tickets in bulk to see this exciting match. David Moyes will look forward to a good team work from his boys. Manchester United is currently on the 6th position with 48 points winning 14 out of 28 games, while Liverpool are way ahead standing second at the points table. Liverpool are with 59 points winning 18 out of 28 games. They have even out-staged Arsenal and looking a fierce team at the moment. Liverpool tickets are already sold out ahead of this match.

Weakest current squad of Manchester United

 

The current United squad is termed as one of the weakest as due to unknown reasons, the team seems to have lost its momentum. They will have to perform as a team against Liverpool which won their last game against Southampton with 3-0 on 1st March. The experts predict that in the Manchester United vs Liverpool match at Old Trafford, the later stands the chance to win it with 2-1 margin.

Monday, 24 February 2014

Crystal Palace 0 Man United 2: Premier League match report 23-Feb-2014

Wayne Rooney ensured there would be no recriminations or flak after his record breaking new United contract by scoring a belter to help beat Crystal Palace.
The England hitman was under the spotlight at Selhurst Park as they arrived to sit in judgment on just whether the 28-year-old deserved such a fat wage packet.
Well manager David Moyes will certainly have no complaints or need to justify the value the Reds have put on him.
Having committed himself finally to Old Trafford until 2019 Rooney showed the kind of finishing quality Moyes is going to need to ensure his plans for United’s future come to fruition.
Rooney himself says that the Reds future is bright but it was hard to see hold a similar the long term view as the champions once again had a fairly uninspiring time of it against Palace.
But once Robin van Persie had settled the nerves with a 63rd minute penalty, after Patrice Evra was fouled in the box by Marouane Chamakh, United started to look a little bit more like their old self.
Up to that point they had pretty much had control of the game but did precious little with it and had Tony Pulis’s side had a bit of a cutting edge about them then it could have been more woe for the Reds.
But Palace hardly worried David de Gea and once the spot kick went in it was as good as over. But 24 hours after announcing his Old Trafford deal Rooney just had to have a say in things.
He’d been United’s main man throughout covering every blade of grass almost as if he wanted to prove he was worth the cash going into his bank account.
In United fan’s eyes he did just that in the 69th minute.
Patrice Evra was on one of his many attacks into Palace territory and having already won one penalty they let him drive at them and pull back a cross. Rooney was virtually on his own and just one bounce and he finished with a driven hit that had Moyes leaping with delight off his bench.
With all his big guns on the pitch Moyes could ill afford a defeat against Palace. The only thing the Reds boss would have bemoaned was that his much-maligned £27m buy Marouane Fellaini didn’t convert his great chance in the first half.

Friday, 21 February 2014

Charity auction in memory of Skye

KNUTSFORD mums have rallied together to host a charity event in memory of a little girl who lost her fight with leukaemia last year.
The Dancing with Skye Charity Night will take place at Leicester Warren Hall on March 1 to raise money for Alder Hey Cancer Unit.
Jude Williams, who spearheaded the event, decided to raise money for the unit after Skye Higgins, who was part of her twin daughters’ ballet class at Dainty Dancers in Hartford, died aged just five on August 31 2013.
The mum-of-three, from Beggarmans Lane, said: “The ballet teachers used to update us on how Skye was doing.  However, at the beginning of a new term last year, we were told she lost her battle with leukaemia.
“Rachel, one of the dance teachers, wanted to do something for the oncology unit who helped care for Skye and started the process of raising money for Alder Hey in Skye’s memory.
“As a mum, I really felt for the family and, along with the help of my friends, decided to do whatever we could to help.”
Jude and the other organisers have secured over 50 prizes for the auction and raffle taking place at the charity night, with many of the town centre businesses making donations.
“We can’t believe the amount of people who have given us stuff,” added the 42-year-old.
“We went round businesses in top and bottom street and they have all been so generous.”
Some of the prizes for the auction include a McLaren factory tour, a Four Ball from Mere Golf and Country Club, dinner for four at Knutsford Wine Bar, Dainty Dancers ballet party, a Brookdale Clinic facial and various Manchester United FC Tickets prizes
Raffle prizes include Sunday lunch for two at Cottons Hotel, dinner for two at Piccolinos and vouchers from Midas Jewellery and Polished Glass.
Jude added: “It will hopefully be a really good, fun night, with lots of people from the local community all raising money for such a good cause.”
Tickets are priced at £20, to include a hotpot, disco, live band and the event will begin at 7.30pm.  To purchase tickets or to donate any last-minute prizes email Jude at jude_williams@live.co.uk.

Friday, 24 January 2014

Manchester City v Cardiff City, Premier League: Where to Watch, Preview and Team News

Manchester City take on Cardiff City at the Etihad Stadium as the Citizens look to keep pace with leaders Arsenal at the top of the table. 
Where to Watch
Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. Highlights of the game will be available on BBC Match of the Day on BBC One from 10:20 pm GMT. 
Overview
City have been in unrelenting form in the last couple of months and are on the verge of notching up their 100th goal this season, having already scored 99 after their 5-0 hiding of Blackburn Rovers in the third round replay of the FA Cup midweek.
Manuel Pellegrini has voiced his desire to win the quadruple and are well on their way into the finals of the Capital One Cup at Wembley where they will face local rivals Manchester United match or Sunderland. 
The Citizens are also favourites for the title given their strength in depth which will prove the difference once they move go into the latter stages of the tournament.
Their last game in the league ended in a controverial 2-0 win over Newcastle where Cheick Tiote's goal was cancelled by the referee after Yoann Gouffran was adjudged to be interfering with play from an offside position. 
Meanwhile, Cardiff will take pleasure from the fact that they are among the few teams to win against City, having beaten the title favourites 3-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium earlier in the season.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjær will know that this is a completely different game from what transpired earlier given City's form at home. Currently struggling in the relegation zone, the new manager will look to push for a point, which will take them out of the bottom three.
Their last game in the league ended in a 2-0 loss to West Ham at home and the team will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Becomes New Cardiff Boss
What the Managers Say
Manuel Pellegrini: "We will try to do a good game for the fans, so far we are doing well but every game is different. They only lost to Arsenal late on in the game so we are not thinking it will be an easy game. All of the players must know that winning tomorrow is the only important thing. It's not important for us to think about what happens in one or two months."
Ole Gunnar Solskjær: "You have to go up there with the mindset of having a go and taking something from the game. We are relishing the challenge because when you go to places like Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford, you are going to be tested."
Manchester City
  • Last Five(all competitions, most recent first): W W W D W
  • Last Result: Manchester City 5-0 Blackburn Rovers
Cardiff City
  • Last Five(all competitions, most recent first):L W L D L
  • Last Result: Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham
Team News
Manchester City
  • Injured: Samir Nasri(knee), Stevan Jovetic(hamstring), Jack Rodwell(hamstring)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A
Probable Line-Up: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Touré, Fernandinho; Milner, Silva, Dzeko; Agüero.
Cardiff City
  • Injured: Jordan Mutch(hamstring), Andrew Taylor(ankle)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A
Probable Line-Up: Marshall; Théopihile-Catherine, Caulker, Hudson, John; Medel, Whittingham; None, Kim, Odemwingie; Campbell.

To contact the editor, e-mail: editor@ibtimes.co.uk