........Ruud...Saha........
Ronaldo..Fletch..Rio..Park
Evra..Brown..Vidic..Neville
..........Howard.............
Ronaldo..Fletch..Rio..Park
Evra..Brown..Vidic..Neville
..........Howard.............
Man Utd v Fulham
- Thread starter Ronaldo#7
- Start date
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
MANCHESTER UNITED V FULHAM
Barclays Premiership
Saturday, February 11
5pm, Prem Plus (KO 5.15pm)
Life is never dull when you are Manchester United. Already this week they have scored six goals in two games, lost a 4-3 thriller and reinvented Rio Ferdinand, their £29million defender, as a midfielder.
What do I expect from this game? Thrills and spills and more of the same. It doesn't take a genius to work out that United's Achilles heel is in central midfield. And now the transfer window is shut they are just going to have to get on with it.
Rio's maybe the answer now but he isn't long-term, though the likes of John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs can fill in when they come back to fitness. But it has to be addressed poroperly in the summer and I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson will do that.
Rio's done OK but I'm sure he can't wait to getting back to his day job. Until he does, United are going to have to win shoot-out after shoot-out. Lucky, then, they have a couple of the best in the business up front.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is bang in form and looks hungry, and Wayne Rooney refuses to be anything less than first class. Louis Saha has also found his form at the right time and is supplementing their attack. Goals aren't a problem.
But it's a different kettle of fish in defence, where the two new signings, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic, are having to settle in fast. Fortunately for them, Fulham don't have the firepower to exploit their unfamiliarity and I can't see anything other than a convincing United win in this match.
I like watching Fulham play. They are one of the most open sides in the league and have a great attitude towards football; they want to get forward and score goals, but that does leave them vulnerable at the back. Yet away from home their record is dreadful. Maybe that is as a result of their adventurous style.
The likes of Luis Boa Morte, Brian McBride, Helder Heidarsson and Collins John can cause problems and they have an intelligent midfield which Michael Brown will strengthen given time, but after that defeat at Ewood Park, I feel United will really turn it on.
CHARLIE SAYS
Home win - Expect a game pleasing on the eye. Fulham have a pretty good record at Old Trafford. Even when they lose they tend to put in a performance. But Fulham are the only side in the league who haven't won away from home. In fact, they've only taken three points from a possible 36. I'm going for 3-1 United.
CHARLIE'S CHOICE
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd) - Some players have clubs who they just love playing against. The Dutchman always scores against Fulham and I can still remember clearly his run from his own half that ended in a great goal - coincidentally against a man who is now his team-mate, Edwin van der Sar. Put your money on him to score this time too.
Barclays Premiership
Saturday, February 11
5pm, Prem Plus (KO 5.15pm)
Life is never dull when you are Manchester United. Already this week they have scored six goals in two games, lost a 4-3 thriller and reinvented Rio Ferdinand, their £29million defender, as a midfielder.
What do I expect from this game? Thrills and spills and more of the same. It doesn't take a genius to work out that United's Achilles heel is in central midfield. And now the transfer window is shut they are just going to have to get on with it.
Rio's maybe the answer now but he isn't long-term, though the likes of John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs can fill in when they come back to fitness. But it has to be addressed poroperly in the summer and I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson will do that.
Rio's done OK but I'm sure he can't wait to getting back to his day job. Until he does, United are going to have to win shoot-out after shoot-out. Lucky, then, they have a couple of the best in the business up front.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is bang in form and looks hungry, and Wayne Rooney refuses to be anything less than first class. Louis Saha has also found his form at the right time and is supplementing their attack. Goals aren't a problem.
But it's a different kettle of fish in defence, where the two new signings, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic, are having to settle in fast. Fortunately for them, Fulham don't have the firepower to exploit their unfamiliarity and I can't see anything other than a convincing United win in this match.
I like watching Fulham play. They are one of the most open sides in the league and have a great attitude towards football; they want to get forward and score goals, but that does leave them vulnerable at the back. Yet away from home their record is dreadful. Maybe that is as a result of their adventurous style.
The likes of Luis Boa Morte, Brian McBride, Helder Heidarsson and Collins John can cause problems and they have an intelligent midfield which Michael Brown will strengthen given time, but after that defeat at Ewood Park, I feel United will really turn it on.
CHARLIE SAYS
Home win - Expect a game pleasing on the eye. Fulham have a pretty good record at Old Trafford. Even when they lose they tend to put in a performance. But Fulham are the only side in the league who haven't won away from home. In fact, they've only taken three points from a possible 36. I'm going for 3-1 United.
CHARLIE'S CHOICE
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd) - Some players have clubs who they just love playing against. The Dutchman always scores against Fulham and I can still remember clearly his run from his own half that ended in a great goal - coincidentally against a man who is now his team-mate, Edwin van der Sar. Put your money on him to score this time too.
Fulham are the only Premiership side who have yet to win an away league game this season but they travel to Manchester United in good spirits.
Chris Coleman's men have an impressive record at Craven Cottage, enhanced by the last-gasp win against Tottenham in midweek, but they need to translate that form onto the road.
The live PremPlus game at Old Trafford allows United a chance to erase the memories of their 4-3 defeat at Blackburn Rovers, when their defending was comical at times.
Edwin van der Sar was not entirely blameless but should keep his place against his former club, and another former Fulham favourite, Louis Saha, can also expect to figure as he looks to continue a rich vein of form.
Ruud van Nistelrooy must be recalled after coming off the bench to score twice to at least salvage some pride from the Ewood Park display and he has eight goals in seven Premiership games against The Cottagers. It means Wayne Rooney could fill a withdrawn role as the experiment of playing Rio Ferdinand in midfield has been ended by his suspension.
Alan Smith's return from a ban should result in his inclusion, providing he is fit, and Park Ji-sung can hope to be picked after having one of his best games in a red shirt in the win at Fulham in the corresponding fixture. Gabriel Heinze, Paul Scholes and John O'Shea are among those unavailable through injury, and Ryan Giggs is doubtful, but Giuseppe Rossi continues to press his claims after another hat-trick in the reserves, this time against Newcastle United on Thursday.
Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher's places are under threat after they were withdrawn as United chased the game on Wednesday night.
Coleman makes just one change to the team that defeated Spurs - new signing Michael Brown, a former Manchester City player, makes his debut in place of Sylvain Legwinski, who is out for a fortnight with an ankle injury.
The Fulham boss has described Brown as a "typical British midfielder" who will add a bit of bite to a side that has been missing Papa Bouba Diop due to African Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.
Skysports.com prediction: 2-1.
United need to bounce back to silence the growing rumblings of discontent around Old Trafford.
Player to watch: Louis Saha
Chris Coleman's men have an impressive record at Craven Cottage, enhanced by the last-gasp win against Tottenham in midweek, but they need to translate that form onto the road.
The live PremPlus game at Old Trafford allows United a chance to erase the memories of their 4-3 defeat at Blackburn Rovers, when their defending was comical at times.
Edwin van der Sar was not entirely blameless but should keep his place against his former club, and another former Fulham favourite, Louis Saha, can also expect to figure as he looks to continue a rich vein of form.
Ruud van Nistelrooy must be recalled after coming off the bench to score twice to at least salvage some pride from the Ewood Park display and he has eight goals in seven Premiership games against The Cottagers. It means Wayne Rooney could fill a withdrawn role as the experiment of playing Rio Ferdinand in midfield has been ended by his suspension.
Alan Smith's return from a ban should result in his inclusion, providing he is fit, and Park Ji-sung can hope to be picked after having one of his best games in a red shirt in the win at Fulham in the corresponding fixture. Gabriel Heinze, Paul Scholes and John O'Shea are among those unavailable through injury, and Ryan Giggs is doubtful, but Giuseppe Rossi continues to press his claims after another hat-trick in the reserves, this time against Newcastle United on Thursday.
Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher's places are under threat after they were withdrawn as United chased the game on Wednesday night.
Coleman makes just one change to the team that defeated Spurs - new signing Michael Brown, a former Manchester City player, makes his debut in place of Sylvain Legwinski, who is out for a fortnight with an ankle injury.
The Fulham boss has described Brown as a "typical British midfielder" who will add a bit of bite to a side that has been missing Papa Bouba Diop due to African Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.
Skysports.com prediction: 2-1.
United need to bounce back to silence the growing rumblings of discontent around Old Trafford.
Player to watch: Louis Saha
Giggs Could Play Subs Role
Ryan Giggs could be on the bench against Fulham after recovering from a tight hamstring, Sir Alex has confirmed.
The Welshman picked up the injury just 13 minutes into United's Carling Cup, semi-final second leg win against Blackburn nine days ago.
But after coming through a training session on Friday morning, Fergie is considering him as a substitute for Saturday's tea-time clash with Chris Coleman's side.
"It's possible he may make the bench," Fergie told reporters at his pre-match briefing.
"You've got to be careful with hamstrings, there's no point rushing them. But he trained on Friday and it's possible will be included."
Rio Ferdinand is suspended following his sending-off at Blackburn in mid-week, but Alan Smith is available again after completing a one-match ban.
United are up against a Fulham side who are yet to win a Premiership away match this season.
Nevertheless, the United boss is not underestimating the threat that the Cottagers may pose when they arrive at Old Trafford.
"Every time I watch them play they seem to play good football," insisted Fergie. "Their home record has obviously been the better part of their game and kept them above the relegation zone.
"But I expect them to come and have a go at us because that's the way they play."
The Reds go into the game on the back of their 4-3 defeat at Ewood Park. Fergie is still at a loss to explain how United came away with nothing especially given their first half dominance.
"I couldn't believe we were 3-1 down at half-time because we absolutely dominated them," declared Fergie. "We lost our energy when it went to 4-3 because we had to keep going back to our box to retain the ball. That's what cost us the result.
"I still don't know how we lost the match but football can surprise you at times. Hopefully we'll see a surprise on Sunday when Liverpool travel to Chelsea.
"If Chelsea were to lose you'd hope it would have an impact. I've seen it happen; it's happened to us. If it can happen to a great club like United, it can happen to a lesser great club than Chelsea! So you never know."
Report by Gemma Thompson, at Carrington.
Wes Brown: Beware Boa Morte
United must defend much better on Saturday than they did in midweek - or else be punished by Fulham's Luis Boa Morte.
That's the warning from Wes Brown, who gave away a penalty during Wednesday's 4-3 defeat at Ewood Park.
"As long as we play how we know we can - and not like we did against Blackburn - then we can win the game," says Wes, previewing Saturday's match at Old Trafford.
"If we're giving chances away, Fulham will take them. That's the sort of team they are. Boa Morte is the obvious danger-man. He's a bit like Louis Saha - powerful, strong and quick. We've got to be looking out for him."
Brown accepts the United defenders had a night to forget against Blackburn, not least when he handled the ball to give the home side a crucial penalty.
"I wasn't expecting him (Steven Reid) to cut the ball back," reflects Wes.
"I always try to keep my hands behind me but when he cut it, it bobbled up and hit my hand. It wasn't intentional but the linesman gave it. It's very hard to come back from 3-1 down at half-time. We paid for our mistakes."
Report by Adam Bostock
Ryan Giggs could be on the bench against Fulham after recovering from a tight hamstring, Sir Alex has confirmed.
The Welshman picked up the injury just 13 minutes into United's Carling Cup, semi-final second leg win against Blackburn nine days ago.
But after coming through a training session on Friday morning, Fergie is considering him as a substitute for Saturday's tea-time clash with Chris Coleman's side.
"It's possible he may make the bench," Fergie told reporters at his pre-match briefing.
"You've got to be careful with hamstrings, there's no point rushing them. But he trained on Friday and it's possible will be included."
Rio Ferdinand is suspended following his sending-off at Blackburn in mid-week, but Alan Smith is available again after completing a one-match ban.
United are up against a Fulham side who are yet to win a Premiership away match this season.
Nevertheless, the United boss is not underestimating the threat that the Cottagers may pose when they arrive at Old Trafford.
"Every time I watch them play they seem to play good football," insisted Fergie. "Their home record has obviously been the better part of their game and kept them above the relegation zone.
"But I expect them to come and have a go at us because that's the way they play."
The Reds go into the game on the back of their 4-3 defeat at Ewood Park. Fergie is still at a loss to explain how United came away with nothing especially given their first half dominance.
"I couldn't believe we were 3-1 down at half-time because we absolutely dominated them," declared Fergie. "We lost our energy when it went to 4-3 because we had to keep going back to our box to retain the ball. That's what cost us the result.
"I still don't know how we lost the match but football can surprise you at times. Hopefully we'll see a surprise on Sunday when Liverpool travel to Chelsea.
"If Chelsea were to lose you'd hope it would have an impact. I've seen it happen; it's happened to us. If it can happen to a great club like United, it can happen to a lesser great club than Chelsea! So you never know."
Report by Gemma Thompson, at Carrington.
Wes Brown: Beware Boa Morte
United must defend much better on Saturday than they did in midweek - or else be punished by Fulham's Luis Boa Morte.
That's the warning from Wes Brown, who gave away a penalty during Wednesday's 4-3 defeat at Ewood Park.
"As long as we play how we know we can - and not like we did against Blackburn - then we can win the game," says Wes, previewing Saturday's match at Old Trafford.
"If we're giving chances away, Fulham will take them. That's the sort of team they are. Boa Morte is the obvious danger-man. He's a bit like Louis Saha - powerful, strong and quick. We've got to be looking out for him."
Brown accepts the United defenders had a night to forget against Blackburn, not least when he handled the ball to give the home side a crucial penalty.
"I wasn't expecting him (Steven Reid) to cut the ball back," reflects Wes.
"I always try to keep my hands behind me but when he cut it, it bobbled up and hit my hand. It wasn't intentional but the linesman gave it. It's very hard to come back from 3-1 down at half-time. We paid for our mistakes."
Report by Adam Bostock
Edwin: My Extra Incentive To Beat Fulham
Beating Fulham would mean slightly more to two of United's players as Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha face their former club.
The two players are likely to get very different receptions from the away end at Old Trafford. Saha departed on slightly less favourable terms with the Fulham faithful than van der Sar, who made over 150 appearances in four years at Craven Cottage.
The Dutch goalkeeper started in United's 3-2 win over Fulham in October earlier this season. Saha has also only faced his former club once; he scored - past van der Sar - in the 1-1 away draw in February 2004, barely a month after signing for the Reds for £12.75m.
Van der Sar says it will be "special" for both players to face their former club.
"You want to win every match, but games against your former club are always special," he says in an interview with United Review.
"I still know people at Fulham and I don’t want to get any stick for losing, so there’s an added incentive.
"I got a great reception at Craven Cottage. I didn’t expect anything less from the Fulham fans. I always did my best in the four years that I played for Fulham. They gave me a nice welcome."
Van der Sar, who also played for Juventus and Ajax, has an in-depth knowledge of Fulham’s attacking players, but he says he won’t get involved with the "mind games" of second-guessing striker's intentions.
"It can help you to know the opponent you are facing, but the flipside is that they know plenty about you as well," he points out.
"If you start thinking about it too much you get into mind games. I prefer to concentrate on my own game like I would against any other opponent.
"If I'm one-on-one with a player on Saturday I'll be looking to react as quickly as I can to what they do, not guessing what I think they might do. All throughout the tema we have to look at our own qualities, that way we will be able to win the game."
After the disappointment of Wednesday night’s 4-3 defeat to Blackburn – despite United controlling the game for large periods – it is vital the Reds get back to winning ways to continue the battle with Liverpool for second place.
One player that could make all the difference, according to van der Sar, is Louis Saha. The 27-year-old Frenchman has overcome a prolonged spell of injuries and is now in a fine run of goalscoring form, scoring eight goals in his last eleven appearances.
"I'm very happy for Louis," says Edwin. "He’s had a bit of a difficult time with injuries since he came to United. He’s been fit for a few months now and played plenty of Carling Cup games. He’s also playing more in the Premiership now."
And the 34-year-old shot-stopper says United fans are yet to see the best of Saha.
"He’s a really good player with great strength and pace," he added. "Louis can score goals, which means we have options up front. It’s good for the team that he is back fit, I hope he stays fit now and gets a run of games in the team."
Report and interview by Ben Hibbs.
Volz: We Need To Raise Our Game
Fulham defender Moritz Volz is well aware his side need to improve on their patchy away form if they are to take anything from this weekend's visit to Old Trafford.
The Cottagers are without a Premiership away win all season and have picked up just three points on their travels this term.
Volz told United Review: "It’s been very frustrating for us this season because at home it all seems to come together really well, but we’ve got dismal away form.
"I can’t put it down to any one thing in particular. A big part of it is the belief we now have at home. And away it’s the opposite – the lack of confidence."
Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha are likely to start Saturday's match, and Volz is wary of the threat posed by the former Fulham stars.
"Edwin's technical ability is amazing," he said. "He’s one of the absolute best in that department - things like his kicking, his composure on the ball.
"He can make great saves on the line, he has great reactions. He’s also very dedicated and still wants to succeed, so he thrives on the big stage.
"United fans haven’t seen the half of Louis yet. He was an amazing player at Fulham and was just scary to play against once he had that confidence.
Once he hits form he’s unstoppable. Even though he faces some of the hardest competition for places that there is, he’s certainly got the ability to do very well, both for himself and for United."
Volz was one of Fulham's star performers in their last win at Old Trafford, a fully deserved 3-1 triumph in October 2003, a day he remembers well.
"That was my first ever game at Old Trafford so to win like that topped off a pretty special day for me. We played really well – we didn’t just scrap a win, we deserved it.
"I’ll never forget being clapped by the United supporters as we left the pitch – that was a really decent gesture. But I think they recognised how well we’d played and how hard we’d worked."
Report by Steve Bartram, interview by Patrick Mascall.
Beating Fulham would mean slightly more to two of United's players as Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha face their former club.
The two players are likely to get very different receptions from the away end at Old Trafford. Saha departed on slightly less favourable terms with the Fulham faithful than van der Sar, who made over 150 appearances in four years at Craven Cottage.
The Dutch goalkeeper started in United's 3-2 win over Fulham in October earlier this season. Saha has also only faced his former club once; he scored - past van der Sar - in the 1-1 away draw in February 2004, barely a month after signing for the Reds for £12.75m.
Van der Sar says it will be "special" for both players to face their former club.
"You want to win every match, but games against your former club are always special," he says in an interview with United Review.
"I still know people at Fulham and I don’t want to get any stick for losing, so there’s an added incentive.
"I got a great reception at Craven Cottage. I didn’t expect anything less from the Fulham fans. I always did my best in the four years that I played for Fulham. They gave me a nice welcome."
Van der Sar, who also played for Juventus and Ajax, has an in-depth knowledge of Fulham’s attacking players, but he says he won’t get involved with the "mind games" of second-guessing striker's intentions.
"It can help you to know the opponent you are facing, but the flipside is that they know plenty about you as well," he points out.
"If you start thinking about it too much you get into mind games. I prefer to concentrate on my own game like I would against any other opponent.
"If I'm one-on-one with a player on Saturday I'll be looking to react as quickly as I can to what they do, not guessing what I think they might do. All throughout the tema we have to look at our own qualities, that way we will be able to win the game."
After the disappointment of Wednesday night’s 4-3 defeat to Blackburn – despite United controlling the game for large periods – it is vital the Reds get back to winning ways to continue the battle with Liverpool for second place.
One player that could make all the difference, according to van der Sar, is Louis Saha. The 27-year-old Frenchman has overcome a prolonged spell of injuries and is now in a fine run of goalscoring form, scoring eight goals in his last eleven appearances.
"I'm very happy for Louis," says Edwin. "He’s had a bit of a difficult time with injuries since he came to United. He’s been fit for a few months now and played plenty of Carling Cup games. He’s also playing more in the Premiership now."
And the 34-year-old shot-stopper says United fans are yet to see the best of Saha.
"He’s a really good player with great strength and pace," he added. "Louis can score goals, which means we have options up front. It’s good for the team that he is back fit, I hope he stays fit now and gets a run of games in the team."
Report and interview by Ben Hibbs.
Volz: We Need To Raise Our Game
Fulham defender Moritz Volz is well aware his side need to improve on their patchy away form if they are to take anything from this weekend's visit to Old Trafford.
The Cottagers are without a Premiership away win all season and have picked up just three points on their travels this term.
Volz told United Review: "It’s been very frustrating for us this season because at home it all seems to come together really well, but we’ve got dismal away form.
"I can’t put it down to any one thing in particular. A big part of it is the belief we now have at home. And away it’s the opposite – the lack of confidence."
Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha are likely to start Saturday's match, and Volz is wary of the threat posed by the former Fulham stars.
"Edwin's technical ability is amazing," he said. "He’s one of the absolute best in that department - things like his kicking, his composure on the ball.
"He can make great saves on the line, he has great reactions. He’s also very dedicated and still wants to succeed, so he thrives on the big stage.
"United fans haven’t seen the half of Louis yet. He was an amazing player at Fulham and was just scary to play against once he had that confidence.
Once he hits form he’s unstoppable. Even though he faces some of the hardest competition for places that there is, he’s certainly got the ability to do very well, both for himself and for United."
Volz was one of Fulham's star performers in their last win at Old Trafford, a fully deserved 3-1 triumph in October 2003, a day he remembers well.
"That was my first ever game at Old Trafford so to win like that topped off a pretty special day for me. We played really well – we didn’t just scrap a win, we deserved it.
"I’ll never forget being clapped by the United supporters as we left the pitch – that was a really decent gesture. But I think they recognised how well we’d played and how hard we’d worked."
Report by Steve Bartram, interview by Patrick Mascall.
acts & Figures: Fulham
Ahead of Fulham's weekend visit to Old Trafford, we reveal some little-known facts about the men from Craven Cottage...
The 1973 movie The Optimist, starring Peter Sellers and a teenage Keith Chegwin (pictured), featured the exterior of Craven Cottage and nearby Bishop’s Park. The interior scenes were shot at Stamford Bridge.
Surrey and England cricket captain Percy Fender - who once scored a 35-minute century - kept goal for the Cottagers during the First World War.
Winger 'Tosh' Chamberlain scored with his first kick on his debut for the Whites against Lincoln in February 1954 - after one minute.
Comic and chairman Tommy Trinder offered an overcoat to any player who could score a hat-trick in the '47/48 FA Cup tie with Bristol Rovers. When Arthur Stevens duly obliged, Trinder could be seen hanging over the balcony at Craven Cottage, waving the coat.
'Yorky' Whiting, a life-long Fulham fan from Devon, named his house Craven Cottage and painted it black and white. He also put a set of goalposts at the entrance to his garage - unsurprisingly, he left everything he owned to the club in his will.
Keeper Alf Tootill, custodian between 1932 and 1938, was known as 'The Birdcatcher'.
Published by Steve Bartram.
Preview: United v Fulham
Luis Saha will be hopeful of keeping his place for tomorrow's visit of his former club Fulham even though Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to return after notching a second-half double at Ewood Park which took the Dutchman's seasonal tally to 21.
Van Nistelrooy is now just three away from hitting the 150 career landmark for United, a phenomenal achievement considering he has only appeared in 206 games.
Fulham have tended to be one of Van Nistelrooy's favourite opponents too, as he has notched eight times in seven games against the Cottagers, including a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture three seasons ago.
Rio Ferdinand's one-match ban will prompt Ferguson into a reshuffle, with Alan Smith's return from suspension certain providing the Yorkshireman has recovered from a minor ankle knock.
Park Ji-sung will also be hopeful of a recall after missing out on Wednesday.
The South Korean was instrumental in United's 3-2 win at Craven Cottage earlier this season and could probably count himself unlucky to be dropped in midweek after another effective display in the FA Cup win at Wolves.
Ryan Giggs is likely to be on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Squad: Van der Sar, Howard, Neville, Brown, Vidic, Silvestre, Evra, Park, Richardson, Smith, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, Giggs, Saha, Rossi, Pique.
What will be the result and who should be in the Reds’starting XI? Have your say
Last season: United 1 Fulham 0
Key opponent: Luis Boa Morte: Has pace to burn and capable of the odd spectacular goal
Our prediction: United 3 Fulham 1
Ahead of Fulham's weekend visit to Old Trafford, we reveal some little-known facts about the men from Craven Cottage...
The 1973 movie The Optimist, starring Peter Sellers and a teenage Keith Chegwin (pictured), featured the exterior of Craven Cottage and nearby Bishop’s Park. The interior scenes were shot at Stamford Bridge.
Surrey and England cricket captain Percy Fender - who once scored a 35-minute century - kept goal for the Cottagers during the First World War.
Winger 'Tosh' Chamberlain scored with his first kick on his debut for the Whites against Lincoln in February 1954 - after one minute.
Comic and chairman Tommy Trinder offered an overcoat to any player who could score a hat-trick in the '47/48 FA Cup tie with Bristol Rovers. When Arthur Stevens duly obliged, Trinder could be seen hanging over the balcony at Craven Cottage, waving the coat.
'Yorky' Whiting, a life-long Fulham fan from Devon, named his house Craven Cottage and painted it black and white. He also put a set of goalposts at the entrance to his garage - unsurprisingly, he left everything he owned to the club in his will.
Keeper Alf Tootill, custodian between 1932 and 1938, was known as 'The Birdcatcher'.
Published by Steve Bartram.
Preview: United v Fulham
Luis Saha will be hopeful of keeping his place for tomorrow's visit of his former club Fulham even though Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to return after notching a second-half double at Ewood Park which took the Dutchman's seasonal tally to 21.
Van Nistelrooy is now just three away from hitting the 150 career landmark for United, a phenomenal achievement considering he has only appeared in 206 games.
Fulham have tended to be one of Van Nistelrooy's favourite opponents too, as he has notched eight times in seven games against the Cottagers, including a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture three seasons ago.
Rio Ferdinand's one-match ban will prompt Ferguson into a reshuffle, with Alan Smith's return from suspension certain providing the Yorkshireman has recovered from a minor ankle knock.
Park Ji-sung will also be hopeful of a recall after missing out on Wednesday.
The South Korean was instrumental in United's 3-2 win at Craven Cottage earlier this season and could probably count himself unlucky to be dropped in midweek after another effective display in the FA Cup win at Wolves.
Ryan Giggs is likely to be on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Squad: Van der Sar, Howard, Neville, Brown, Vidic, Silvestre, Evra, Park, Richardson, Smith, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, Giggs, Saha, Rossi, Pique.
What will be the result and who should be in the Reds’starting XI? Have your say
Last season: United 1 Fulham 0
Key opponent: Luis Boa Morte: Has pace to burn and capable of the odd spectacular goal
Our prediction: United 3 Fulham 1
ulham manager Chris Coleman is desperate for the victory which would save his side from the unwanted stigma of going through a Premiership season without an away win.
With just seven away games to go the pressure is mounting and Fulham face a difficult task against a Manchester United side smarting from Wednesday night's 4-3 defeat at Blackburn.
But Coleman denies Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, his former Welsh international team-mate, has done him a favour by undermining United with the midweek victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
"I've known Mark for 20 years and he's never done me a favour," joked Coleman, before insisting that United's setback makes no difference to the size of the job facing his players.
"If United had beaten Blackburn they would have been in a good stride, playing with confidence. But they lost so are we going to get the backlash?
"It doesn't make any difference. It's going to be a tough game against one of the best clubs in the world, simple as that," said Coleman who has a good reason to look back favourably on visiting Old Trafford.
In his first season - as the youngest boss in the Premiership - his side pulled off a 3-1 away victory over United.
Coleman, who hands a debut to £2million midweek signing Michael Brown, would be delighted with a repeat to end his side's disappointing away run.
"It wasn't a smash and grab either. We played very, very well. Of course, if we can match that then great but our away form has not been great," he admitted.
A successful home run has pulled Fulham from the brink of the relegation zone to mid-table respectability but Coleman knows the improvement in their position would be accelerated if only they could start winning on their travels.
"We have seven games left and we have got to be looking at taking eight or nine points from those seven games.
"That means we have to win a couple of games and I know we are capable of it. We are capable of going to Old Trafford and pulling up a few trees but it won't be easy regardless of their defeat at Blackburn," he said.
The manager is fully aware of the spiralling pressure on his players to break their away duck.
"A few games ago it was nagging at my mind and I think it was nagging at the players' minds as well.
"We've come away from some games where we should have won and we've been frustrated. On the back of that frustration we've had a few disappointing away performances and they get even more frustrated and then there is even more pressure on them.
"Then to win home games there is more pressure on us because of our away form so it's a good job we've won the games we have at home or we'd be in trouble.
"We have got to go and get a result away," added Coleman, "but sometimes when you try too hard you don't a performance as individuals or as a team because they are trying too hard.
"We've been winning some matches away from home and have lost our composure because, with 15 minutes to go, we can't wait for the final whistle, lose our shape and have ended up drawing or losing. But we're the only ones who can put it right."
OLEMAN EXPECTS BROWN TO SHINE
Fulham manager Chris Coleman is looking to new signing Michael Brown to add traditional British values to his talented international midfield line-up.
Coleman, who will hand his £2million buy from Tottenham an instant debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes Brown will supplement Steed Malbranque, Luis Boa Morte, Claus Jensen and Papa Bouba Diop in midfield.
"We know about the flair players we have - Malbranque, Jensen, Boa Morte, people like that - but Michael will bring an extra little dimension to us that we haven't got at the minute," Coleman said.
"He's a typical British midfielder - that's the best way to describe him - he's got good feet, he's a good passer, he strikes the ball very well and he's got an eye for goal but he also doesn't mind mixing it up, getting in and winning the ball.
"We've got big Bouba whose a ball-winner. He's a big boy and he's strong on the ball but Michael is probably better in the tackle."
With Sylvain Legwinski possibly out for a fortnight after twisting his ankle in Tuesday night's 1-0 home win over Brown's former club Spurs, Coleman had no hesitation in selecting the newcomer. He is likely to be the only change to the starting line-up as Fulham seek their first away victory of the season.
Brown cannot wait for the chance to renew a rivalry with United which began when at his first professional club, Manchester City.
He recalled playing in his first Manchester derby 12 years ago at the age of 17.
"We lost 2-1 to a bit of a dodgy penalty," he said. "Eric Cantona scored it but I was just glad to be on the pitch at that age."
He knows what a tough task Fulham face and feels United's 4-3 defeat at Blackburn on Wednesday night will make the job even harder.
"United still have some fantastic players and that result will probably make them even more determined," he said.
"When you go to Manchester United with any team you know it's going to be a real tough game.
"Not many teams come away with anything but it's a fantastic place to play football.
The opportunity of regular first-team football persuaded Brown to leave White Hart Lane for Craven Cottage and he added: "I just need a few games to get back in the swing."
ulham duo back Glazer
By Alex Dunn - Created on 3 Feb 2006
Fulham's American duo Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra have backed Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United.
Glazer's arrival at the helm at Old Trafford was greeted by disdain by many in Manchester but any protests seem to have been quelled in recent months after the initial furore.
The majority of United's supporters were skeptical as to what exactly Glazer's intentions were, but McBride and Bocanegra are clearly converts after praising the work he has done at Tampa Bay - ahead of Saturday's game at Old Trafford.
''They've done a lot of great things in Tampa Bay I can tell you,'' McBride told Sky Sports News.
''Tampa Bay used to have an MLS team that used to play in a place called Sombrero Field, it was old and there weren't many fans coming in.
''They've since been able to get a new stadium, bring tonnes of fans in and provide good quality on the field.''
Bocanegra has echoed the words of his team-mate, backing the Glazer family to prove they are at United for the long haul.
''I don't know too much about how they're running things and all that stuff but the stadium in Tampa is unbelievable,'' he concluded.
''The facilities are really nice down there. I'm sure they've already had nice stuff to work with at United, so it's probably going to go well.''
With just seven away games to go the pressure is mounting and Fulham face a difficult task against a Manchester United side smarting from Wednesday night's 4-3 defeat at Blackburn.
But Coleman denies Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, his former Welsh international team-mate, has done him a favour by undermining United with the midweek victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
"I've known Mark for 20 years and he's never done me a favour," joked Coleman, before insisting that United's setback makes no difference to the size of the job facing his players.
"If United had beaten Blackburn they would have been in a good stride, playing with confidence. But they lost so are we going to get the backlash?
"It doesn't make any difference. It's going to be a tough game against one of the best clubs in the world, simple as that," said Coleman who has a good reason to look back favourably on visiting Old Trafford.
In his first season - as the youngest boss in the Premiership - his side pulled off a 3-1 away victory over United.
Coleman, who hands a debut to £2million midweek signing Michael Brown, would be delighted with a repeat to end his side's disappointing away run.
"It wasn't a smash and grab either. We played very, very well. Of course, if we can match that then great but our away form has not been great," he admitted.
A successful home run has pulled Fulham from the brink of the relegation zone to mid-table respectability but Coleman knows the improvement in their position would be accelerated if only they could start winning on their travels.
"We have seven games left and we have got to be looking at taking eight or nine points from those seven games.
"That means we have to win a couple of games and I know we are capable of it. We are capable of going to Old Trafford and pulling up a few trees but it won't be easy regardless of their defeat at Blackburn," he said.
The manager is fully aware of the spiralling pressure on his players to break their away duck.
"A few games ago it was nagging at my mind and I think it was nagging at the players' minds as well.
"We've come away from some games where we should have won and we've been frustrated. On the back of that frustration we've had a few disappointing away performances and they get even more frustrated and then there is even more pressure on them.
"Then to win home games there is more pressure on us because of our away form so it's a good job we've won the games we have at home or we'd be in trouble.
"We have got to go and get a result away," added Coleman, "but sometimes when you try too hard you don't a performance as individuals or as a team because they are trying too hard.
"We've been winning some matches away from home and have lost our composure because, with 15 minutes to go, we can't wait for the final whistle, lose our shape and have ended up drawing or losing. But we're the only ones who can put it right."
OLEMAN EXPECTS BROWN TO SHINE
Fulham manager Chris Coleman is looking to new signing Michael Brown to add traditional British values to his talented international midfield line-up.
Coleman, who will hand his £2million buy from Tottenham an instant debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes Brown will supplement Steed Malbranque, Luis Boa Morte, Claus Jensen and Papa Bouba Diop in midfield.
"We know about the flair players we have - Malbranque, Jensen, Boa Morte, people like that - but Michael will bring an extra little dimension to us that we haven't got at the minute," Coleman said.
"He's a typical British midfielder - that's the best way to describe him - he's got good feet, he's a good passer, he strikes the ball very well and he's got an eye for goal but he also doesn't mind mixing it up, getting in and winning the ball.
"We've got big Bouba whose a ball-winner. He's a big boy and he's strong on the ball but Michael is probably better in the tackle."
With Sylvain Legwinski possibly out for a fortnight after twisting his ankle in Tuesday night's 1-0 home win over Brown's former club Spurs, Coleman had no hesitation in selecting the newcomer. He is likely to be the only change to the starting line-up as Fulham seek their first away victory of the season.
Brown cannot wait for the chance to renew a rivalry with United which began when at his first professional club, Manchester City.
He recalled playing in his first Manchester derby 12 years ago at the age of 17.
"We lost 2-1 to a bit of a dodgy penalty," he said. "Eric Cantona scored it but I was just glad to be on the pitch at that age."
He knows what a tough task Fulham face and feels United's 4-3 defeat at Blackburn on Wednesday night will make the job even harder.
"United still have some fantastic players and that result will probably make them even more determined," he said.
"When you go to Manchester United with any team you know it's going to be a real tough game.
"Not many teams come away with anything but it's a fantastic place to play football.
The opportunity of regular first-team football persuaded Brown to leave White Hart Lane for Craven Cottage and he added: "I just need a few games to get back in the swing."
ulham duo back Glazer
By Alex Dunn - Created on 3 Feb 2006
Fulham's American duo Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra have backed Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United.
Glazer's arrival at the helm at Old Trafford was greeted by disdain by many in Manchester but any protests seem to have been quelled in recent months after the initial furore.
The majority of United's supporters were skeptical as to what exactly Glazer's intentions were, but McBride and Bocanegra are clearly converts after praising the work he has done at Tampa Bay - ahead of Saturday's game at Old Trafford.
''They've done a lot of great things in Tampa Bay I can tell you,'' McBride told Sky Sports News.
''Tampa Bay used to have an MLS team that used to play in a place called Sombrero Field, it was old and there weren't many fans coming in.
''They've since been able to get a new stadium, bring tonnes of fans in and provide good quality on the field.''
Bocanegra has echoed the words of his team-mate, backing the Glazer family to prove they are at United for the long haul.
''I don't know too much about how they're running things and all that stuff but the stadium in Tampa is unbelievable,'' he concluded.
''The facilities are really nice down there. I'm sure they've already had nice stuff to work with at United, so it's probably going to go well.''
Enough of the long boring posts.
Yes, but they are to do with the match, so why not post them here?wancolos said:
Why not...post them at all?
...Because they are to do with the oncoming match and are interviews/stats to do with the game.wancolos said:
so you prefer people to just try guess the score line and the teamsheets? ffs...
at least what im doing is trying to fill some info into the game rather than just predicting stupid things...
united 737634 fulham 2.
I'd prefer is this thread was reserved to smileys and live streamz Very, very, veryFAQs.
ok... so basically you just want to spam up the whole place? Typical.wancolos said:
Yes
Ok.wancolos said:
Spammer
I think it's going to be a close game, but we should just about edge it 3-1.wancolos said:
I'm surprised this is the first post in here on matchday.
And this is the second.
Third
--------------------Van Der sar----------------------
--Barsley--------Pique--------Vidic-----------Evra---
--Park------------Smiff-----Jones--------Richardson--
-----------------Saha-----------Rossi-------------
I would love to see this squede on the pitch!
--Barsley--------Pique--------Vidic-----------Evra---
--Park------------Smiff-----Jones--------Richardson--
-----------------Saha-----------Rossi-------------
I would love to see this squede on the pitch!
3-0 Richards 14; Ferdinand 24; Ziege 45Slabber said:
2-2
Vidic 2 / Vidic 2 og
Vidic 2 / Vidic 2 og
noodlehair said:
It's 1 hour until kick off isn't it?
That your manor HD?
afrocentricity said:
I call it the Stade De La grande.
Are you being serious?Valentino said:
The Hairdryer said:
Looks like a serial killer townOfficial:
---------Van der Sar-----------
-GNev--Brown--Silvestre--Evra-
-Park-Smith--Richardson-Ronaldo-
------Saha----Van Nistelrooy----
Subs: Howard, Bardsley, Vidic, Fletcher, Rooney.
---------Van der Sar-----------
-GNev--Brown--Silvestre--Evra-
-Park-Smith--Richardson-Ronaldo-
------Saha----Van Nistelrooy----
Subs: Howard, Bardsley, Vidic, Fletcher, Rooney.
At the risk of being lambasted ... any streams?
--------------------Van Der Sar----------------------
-Neville--------Wes--------Sivestre-----------Evra---
--Park------------Smiff-----Richardson--------Ronaldo--
-----------------Saha-----------Ruud-------------
-Neville--------Wes--------Sivestre-----------Evra---
--Park------------Smiff-----Richardson--------Ronaldo--
-----------------Saha-----------Ruud-------------
Giggs not risked with his hamstring.
Red17 said:
Richardson in the middle... Tweety!Like it, good balanceskeeta said:
well at least park is starting this time
anon said:At the risk of being lambasted ... any streams?
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Brown, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Smith, Park, Richardson, Saha, van Nistelrooy.
Subs: Rooney, Vidic, Fletcher, Bardsley, Steele.
Fulham: Niemi, Rosenior, Knight, Bocanegra, Bridge, Malbranque, Elliott, Brown, Boa Morte, Helguson, McBride.
Subs: Radzinski, John, Goma, Warner, Niclas Jensen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/live_text/default.stm
Subs: Rooney, Vidic, Fletcher, Bardsley, Steele.
Fulham: Niemi, Rosenior, Knight, Bocanegra, Bridge, Malbranque, Elliott, Brown, Boa Morte, Helguson, McBride.
Subs: Radzinski, John, Goma, Warner, Niclas Jensen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/live_text/default.stm
afrocentricity said:
theres a list in this thread page 1 i think afro but im fecked if i can get on any of them - tried tv ants and ppl and asia plate - drivin me fekkin mad
I thought Giggs would be fit 4 this one, we need him next week.