TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| There's only one Lionel Messi Even at a young age, long before he broke through with Barcelona, Argentina's Lionel Messi was a very special player who was turning heads in South America. cbc.cacbc.ca |
Alex Ferguson wants Wayne Rooney to spearhead United's title charge • 'Wayne can step forward and be the main man'• Berbatov, Owen and Scholes hope to take on WiganSir Alex Ferguson is looking for Wayne Rooney to maintain the form that helped Manchester United to destroy Hull City on Sunday. Rooney scored his 14th goal of the season and created the other two in the team's 3-1 victory.With Ferguson's defensive injury problems starting to ease, the United manager is now looking to build some momentum heading into the second half of a campaign which could yet end with his side being crowned champions for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Barclays Premier League season.For that to happen, however, Ferguson acknowledges he needs Rooney to be fit and firing. After a couple of lethargic performances from the 24-year-old, his most recent effort signalled a revival, one that his manager is looking for Rooney to continue."Wayne was fantastic on Sunday. That was the Wayne Rooney we know," said Ferguson. "He had a quiet spell for two or three matches but he was explosive at Hull. He was a constant threat. That is the kind of form we are hoping for because when he is playing like that he is hard to handle."However, ahead of tomorrow night's match with Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford, Ferguson is expecting others to step forward too with Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes all hoping to play a part."Wayne can step forward and be the main man but there are a few who have to step forward in that respect," said Ferguson. "We are coming to the time now. The challenge is there."The league is so tight and teams are taking points off each other that you don't expect. It means a consistent run from someone will give them a great chance."Our experience of run-ins is good. We know we can handle that part. The important thing is to beat Wigan tomorrow which would put us into the position I hoped we could get to, a couple of points off the leaders coming into the new year."Wayne RooneySir Alex FergusonManchester Unitedguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Hicks Jr accused of abusive email to fan • Liverpool to investigate claims surrounding emails• Reports claim Hicks Jr has apologised for outburstLiverpool have launched an investigation into claims by a fan that he was sent abusive emails by Tom Hicks Jr, a director at Anfield.The supporter alleges that Hicks Jr, son of the co-owner Tom Hicks, called him an "idiot" and then, in a separate email, told him: "Blow me fuck face. Go to hell. I'm sick of you."The fan alleges that he was sent the emails after forwarding to Hicks Jr an article from the Liverpool Echo which related to the debts at Anfield.The second email from Hicks Jr is said to have been copied to Ian Ayre and Philip Nash, the club's commercial and financial directors, although club sources are reported to have said that they never received the correspondence.The Sunday Telegraph claim that sources close to Hicks Jr said he regretted the incident and had apologised to the fan for the inappropriate language used in the email.Liverpoolguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
James set for surprise switch to Stoke • Stoke and Portsmouth in talks over transfer• James potential cover if Sorenson goes to Bayern MunichThe Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is hoping to sign the England goalkeeper David James in time for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Liverpool. The potential transfer from Portsmouth is being discussed by the clubs' respective chief executives, Tony Scholes and Peter Storrie.Pulis believes James will add to the competition for the No1 spot at the Britannia Stadium, although has refused to rule out the chance of Thomas Sorensen leaving as the Dane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich."We'll have to see if the two clubs can come to a deal and we're hoping it will be tied up for the weekend, but it will have to be right for us," said Pulis. "If we can get him we'll be absolutely delighted because if there's a weakness [in the squad] it's been between the sticks in respect of having competition and back-up."We lost Thomas immediately before the Fulham game and if anything had happened to [deputy] Steve Simonsen, then we wouldn't have had a goalkeeper."It would have been a tragedy for us, and it really opens up your eyes. So we've an opportunity to bring in a top-class goalkeeper because we have heard he might be available."Pulis feels that his chances of recruiting the 39-year-old are strong, with James known to be itching for first-team football to enhance his prospects of playing for England in the World Cup."You are signing a goalkeeper of real quality, and if he comes here he has a few months' football to play," added Pulis. "Sorensen has done brilliantly, so they will both be fighting for that one spot, but he [James] has something to prove as well."He'll want to be on that plane to South Africa, and that attracts me to him more than anything else. He is desperate to play for England in the World Cup. So if we can bring him in and give him the opportunity to prove he is the best goalkeeper in England, and he proves that, then we'll be delighted."Yet despite suggesting the goalkeeping department lacks strength in depth, there is every opportunity of Sorensen leaving to make way for James."We've heard the rumours that there are clubs in Europe who fancy Thomas, and it makes it more important that we cover ourselves," said Pulis. "If Bayern Munich, Manchester United or Chelsea come in for Thomas, he would want to better himself like everybody else does, just like Ronaldo wanted to go to Real Madrid. But it is a fragile area. Hopefully, we're covering it by bringing in David."Stoke CityPortsmouthPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Arsene Wenger blames himself as Arsenal dumped out of FA Cup by Stoke Arsenal manager says he had little choice but to field weakened side but admits blame for defeat lies squarely at his door. telegraph.co.uk |