cr7fan said:
They're perfect
PL: Manchester City vs Manchester United 13/02/05
- Thread starter H10
- Start date
-
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.
They're perfect
ok.Yatta said:They're perfect
--------------Carroll*-------------------
-G.Neville-Ferdinand--Bown----Heinze--
--------------Keane--------------------
-------Scholes----O'Shea--------------
--Ronaldo----------------------Giggs
---------------Rooney----------------
-G.Neville-Ferdinand--Bown----Heinze--
--------------Keane--------------------
-------Scholes----O'Shea--------------
--Ronaldo----------------------Giggs
---------------Rooney----------------
Davo said:
bollox.
When it is wrong, can you please eat humble pies then.
From all indications at various times on this forum, eating lots of pies IS his problem.
atomic keane said:
Oh yeah - in the great tradition of 'hilarious' scouse comedians a la Stan Boardman, Ken Dodd and Jimmy Tarbuck?
So is Heinze banned or not then?
Hope he's not, I think hes the only one that can take SWP out of the game
Hope he's not, I think hes the only one that can take SWP out of the game
Prediction Utd 3 Shitty 0, I don't see James having another blinder in goal against us... He did make some quality saves against Cheski though..
3 - 1 To the Reds.....
Rooney to bag 2 of them.......Im havin a £10.00 on it...
Rooney to bag 2 of them.......Im havin a £10.00 on it...
Hes not banned!karan316 said:
Wobbly said:
I really hope so, the last couple of season's at there place have been torture. They are due a beating off us. I want to see the Council house empty with 20 mins to go..!
we need to break em at the beginning, then they'll equalise, then mr rooney will kill em with 3 more... final score 4-1. concentration is the key... we have it!
Derby day memories: Alex Stepney
Paul Hince
IT'S hard to imagine that any player who has been signed by Manchester United would ever forget his senior debut for one of the most famous clubs in the world.
European Cup-winning goalkeeper Alex Stepney has certainly never forgotten his opening first-team appearance for the Reds back in September 1966.
But how could he forget? Life at Old Trafford for London-born Alex began with a Manchester derby.
"I started my career at Millwall and the nearest thing to a local derby was when we played against Charlton Athletic," he recalled.
"But neither club was in the top division and they tended to be fairly low-key affairs.
"I was transferred to Chelsea but I didn't stay at Stamford Bridge long enough to play in any of the big London derbies. In fact I had only played one senior match for Chelsea when Matt Busby brought me to Old Trafford.
"I arrived in Manchester only a few days before United were due to play City at home and I just couldn't understand what was going on.
"Everybody was talking about the coming derby. The United players were talking about it non-stop in the dressing room, supporters were coming up to you in the street saying this was one game we must not lose and the newspapers were packed out every day with derby stories.
"Normally I didn't get nervous before a match but I had the butterflies in my stomach all right when I sat in the dressing room at Old Trafford waiting for that match to start.
"I can remember coming out of the tunnel and seeing that vast wall of faces surging up and down on the terraces. And the noise was deafening. I had never experienced anything like it in my life.
"City had an attack early on and I came out and snatched the ball off Mike Summerbee's head. It was a routine save but the United fans went wild. I remember thinking that if you get an ovation like that for simply catching a cross, it's no wonder United needed a new keeper!
"But that save settled me down and I think it settled our defence down as well because we contained City quite comfortably that day. We won 1-0 and it was Denis Law who got the goal with one of his famous overhead kicks."
Safe hands
In a glittering 12-year career at Old Trafford in which he clocked up more than 400 league appearances, the keeper renowned for his safe hands and his bravery stood between the posts in 24 Manchester derbies.
And, bizzarely, Stepney's record in those battles for local bragging rights was won eight, drawn eight and lost eight. One infamous derby moment which Stepney has done his best to forget occured in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final at Old Trafford a week before Christmas of 1969. Trailing 2-1 from the opening leg, the tie was all square and heading for extra-time after United goals from Paul Edwards and Law had cancelled out Ian Bowyer's strike.
But with only minutes remaining, Stepney parried out a free- kick from Francis Lee which, had he let it enter the net, would not have stood because it was indirect.
Even worse, Stepney's parry fell straight to the feet of Summerbee, who smashed the shot into the roof of the net and that took City to Wembley at the expense of their arch rivals.
"Yes, that took a bit of living down," admitted Stepney ruefully. "But I'm still pleading not guilty to this day.
"It was only when I saw the highlights of the match on television later that I realised that the referee had signalled an indirect free-kick.
"From where I was positioned I couldn't see the referee because he was standing on the other side of our defensive wall.
"All I saw was the shot from Franny Lee whizzing at me and then I reacted instinctively. To be honest, I am not sure if I would have responded any differently even if I had seen the referee signal an indirect free-kick. But I don't have too many bad derby memories.
"I took part in some fantastic matches against City. I can remember playing against them at Maine Road right at the end of the 1970-71 season when we won 4-3 and the score could have been anything. If all the chances had gone in it would probably have ended nine each.
"And in the very next derby the following season we drew 3-3 at Maine Road in the match where Sammy McIlroy scored on his debut. Of all those games I played in against City, that one was the best.
"The football from both teams that day was brilliant. The score was right and both sets of fans went home happy. What more could you ask of a Manchester derby?"
But which set of supporters will be going home happy by the time hostilities have ceased between the Blues and the Reds at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday?
"As it always is in these games, that's a difficult call to make," conceded Stepney. "The form books or league positions of the two teams won't count for anything on Sunday, that's for sure.
"But there is a little bit more than local pride at stake for United in this particular derby.
"United simply can't afford to lose any Premiership match if they are going to put Chelsea under pressure for the title over the closing weeks of the season.
"So I am tipping Fergie's lads to come away with all three points on Sunday but the way City are playing at the moment, I'll guarantee that it won't be a match for anyone of a nervous disposition."
Paul Hince
IT'S hard to imagine that any player who has been signed by Manchester United would ever forget his senior debut for one of the most famous clubs in the world.
European Cup-winning goalkeeper Alex Stepney has certainly never forgotten his opening first-team appearance for the Reds back in September 1966.
But how could he forget? Life at Old Trafford for London-born Alex began with a Manchester derby.
"I started my career at Millwall and the nearest thing to a local derby was when we played against Charlton Athletic," he recalled.
"But neither club was in the top division and they tended to be fairly low-key affairs.
"I was transferred to Chelsea but I didn't stay at Stamford Bridge long enough to play in any of the big London derbies. In fact I had only played one senior match for Chelsea when Matt Busby brought me to Old Trafford.
"I arrived in Manchester only a few days before United were due to play City at home and I just couldn't understand what was going on.
"Everybody was talking about the coming derby. The United players were talking about it non-stop in the dressing room, supporters were coming up to you in the street saying this was one game we must not lose and the newspapers were packed out every day with derby stories.
"Normally I didn't get nervous before a match but I had the butterflies in my stomach all right when I sat in the dressing room at Old Trafford waiting for that match to start.
"I can remember coming out of the tunnel and seeing that vast wall of faces surging up and down on the terraces. And the noise was deafening. I had never experienced anything like it in my life.
"City had an attack early on and I came out and snatched the ball off Mike Summerbee's head. It was a routine save but the United fans went wild. I remember thinking that if you get an ovation like that for simply catching a cross, it's no wonder United needed a new keeper!
"But that save settled me down and I think it settled our defence down as well because we contained City quite comfortably that day. We won 1-0 and it was Denis Law who got the goal with one of his famous overhead kicks."
Safe hands
In a glittering 12-year career at Old Trafford in which he clocked up more than 400 league appearances, the keeper renowned for his safe hands and his bravery stood between the posts in 24 Manchester derbies.
And, bizzarely, Stepney's record in those battles for local bragging rights was won eight, drawn eight and lost eight. One infamous derby moment which Stepney has done his best to forget occured in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final at Old Trafford a week before Christmas of 1969. Trailing 2-1 from the opening leg, the tie was all square and heading for extra-time after United goals from Paul Edwards and Law had cancelled out Ian Bowyer's strike.
But with only minutes remaining, Stepney parried out a free- kick from Francis Lee which, had he let it enter the net, would not have stood because it was indirect.
Even worse, Stepney's parry fell straight to the feet of Summerbee, who smashed the shot into the roof of the net and that took City to Wembley at the expense of their arch rivals.
"Yes, that took a bit of living down," admitted Stepney ruefully. "But I'm still pleading not guilty to this day.
"It was only when I saw the highlights of the match on television later that I realised that the referee had signalled an indirect free-kick.
"From where I was positioned I couldn't see the referee because he was standing on the other side of our defensive wall.
"All I saw was the shot from Franny Lee whizzing at me and then I reacted instinctively. To be honest, I am not sure if I would have responded any differently even if I had seen the referee signal an indirect free-kick. But I don't have too many bad derby memories.
"I took part in some fantastic matches against City. I can remember playing against them at Maine Road right at the end of the 1970-71 season when we won 4-3 and the score could have been anything. If all the chances had gone in it would probably have ended nine each.
"And in the very next derby the following season we drew 3-3 at Maine Road in the match where Sammy McIlroy scored on his debut. Of all those games I played in against City, that one was the best.
"The football from both teams that day was brilliant. The score was right and both sets of fans went home happy. What more could you ask of a Manchester derby?"
But which set of supporters will be going home happy by the time hostilities have ceased between the Blues and the Reds at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday?
"As it always is in these games, that's a difficult call to make," conceded Stepney. "The form books or league positions of the two teams won't count for anything on Sunday, that's for sure.
"But there is a little bit more than local pride at stake for United in this particular derby.
"United simply can't afford to lose any Premiership match if they are going to put Chelsea under pressure for the title over the closing weeks of the season.
"So I am tipping Fergie's lads to come away with all three points on Sunday but the way City are playing at the moment, I'll guarantee that it won't be a match for anyone of a nervous disposition."
Derby day: Fergie wants local delivery
Stuart Mathieson
SIR Alex Ferguson has warned that Manchester United are back in the derby groove.
The last time the Reds won this local set-to was St Valentine's Day 2004 when they triumphed over the Blues 4-2 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
Since then they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium last March and were held to a 0-0 Old Trafford draw last November.
That Premiership stalemate was the start of an unbeaten league run of 15 matches and Fergie knows the Reds are now in better shape to face Kevin Keegan's side.
"We are in great form. We are strong and really determined," he said.
"We had a mountain of injuries when we went to the City of Manchester Stadium last time. It was a nightmare of a time for us.
"Earlier this season when we played at Old Trafford we were still trying to recover from playing in the USA on our pre-season tour. That didn't suit us this season and it took us a while to get over it.
"We also had players recovering from playing in the summer in the Copa America and then the Olympics and we had injuries as well.
"But now we are gathering in strength and our form is much better for going into a game like this.
"No matter how many derby matches you have been involved with you cannot get away from the excitement and tension of the occasion."
Ferguson genned up on City's latest form when he did some homework from TV last weekend studying the Blues' 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge against United's title rivals Chelsea.
"City did very well at Stamford Bridge," Ferguson added.
"In terms of defending they looked very comfortable against Chelsea. They certainly look a much tougher defensive proposition these days.
"However, they are at home this time so they are expected to do a bit more and they'll want to win it just like we do.
"City's draw at Chelsea last week was a help for us in the title race and this could be a big weekend again."
The United boss was today waiting for the return of Gabriel Heinze and Quinton Fortune from international duty before formalising his ideas for Sunday.
The Reds have been off all week because of the international break and Fergie's other travellers reported back with a few knocks and niggles but nothing serious.
But Ryan Giggs is United's major doubt for the visit to City's HQ.
"Ryan's the one we have to try and get ready for Sunday," Fergie said.
"He has been suffering from hamstring tightness but it is not serious. He didn't make the Wales game against Hungary so we will have to see how he fares."
Stuart Mathieson
SIR Alex Ferguson has warned that Manchester United are back in the derby groove.
The last time the Reds won this local set-to was St Valentine's Day 2004 when they triumphed over the Blues 4-2 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
Since then they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium last March and were held to a 0-0 Old Trafford draw last November.
That Premiership stalemate was the start of an unbeaten league run of 15 matches and Fergie knows the Reds are now in better shape to face Kevin Keegan's side.
"We are in great form. We are strong and really determined," he said.
"We had a mountain of injuries when we went to the City of Manchester Stadium last time. It was a nightmare of a time for us.
"Earlier this season when we played at Old Trafford we were still trying to recover from playing in the USA on our pre-season tour. That didn't suit us this season and it took us a while to get over it.
"We also had players recovering from playing in the summer in the Copa America and then the Olympics and we had injuries as well.
"But now we are gathering in strength and our form is much better for going into a game like this.
"No matter how many derby matches you have been involved with you cannot get away from the excitement and tension of the occasion."
Ferguson genned up on City's latest form when he did some homework from TV last weekend studying the Blues' 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge against United's title rivals Chelsea.
"City did very well at Stamford Bridge," Ferguson added.
"In terms of defending they looked very comfortable against Chelsea. They certainly look a much tougher defensive proposition these days.
"However, they are at home this time so they are expected to do a bit more and they'll want to win it just like we do.
"City's draw at Chelsea last week was a help for us in the title race and this could be a big weekend again."
The United boss was today waiting for the return of Gabriel Heinze and Quinton Fortune from international duty before formalising his ideas for Sunday.
The Reds have been off all week because of the international break and Fergie's other travellers reported back with a few knocks and niggles but nothing serious.
But Ryan Giggs is United's major doubt for the visit to City's HQ.
"Ryan's the one we have to try and get ready for Sunday," Fergie said.
"He has been suffering from hamstring tightness but it is not serious. He didn't make the Wales game against Hungary so we will have to see how he fares."
Derby day: Keegan hails Scholes
Chris Bailey
KEVIN Keegan believes that Paul Scholes is the Reds' secret weapon in the long-term battle for title supremacy with Chelsea and Arsenal.
The City chief has hailed the United midfielder as unique in the British game and is fully aware of his threat in Sunday's derby.
Scholes patrolled the midfield for Keegan's England team and the Blues boss has never revised his opinion about the flame-haired menace.
"United are very similar to Chelsea when both sides are at full strength," said Keegan.
"Chelsea have John Terry who is a rock, United have Rio Ferdinand. Chelsea have Claude Makelele who does the simple things very well and United have Roy Keane, there is Duff and Robben for Chelsea, Ronaldo and Giggs for United.
"What United have got that Chelsea haven't is Paul Scholes. I think he is different to anything else in English football. He links midfield to attack and can score goals as well. He is a clever player and can find some wonderful positions.
"He has chosen not to play for England again and I respect his choice but out of all the good players England have, they have not got any better than him at what he does. We will have to watch him."
Chris Bailey
KEVIN Keegan believes that Paul Scholes is the Reds' secret weapon in the long-term battle for title supremacy with Chelsea and Arsenal.
The City chief has hailed the United midfielder as unique in the British game and is fully aware of his threat in Sunday's derby.
Scholes patrolled the midfield for Keegan's England team and the Blues boss has never revised his opinion about the flame-haired menace.
"United are very similar to Chelsea when both sides are at full strength," said Keegan.
"Chelsea have John Terry who is a rock, United have Rio Ferdinand. Chelsea have Claude Makelele who does the simple things very well and United have Roy Keane, there is Duff and Robben for Chelsea, Ronaldo and Giggs for United.
"What United have got that Chelsea haven't is Paul Scholes. I think he is different to anything else in English football. He links midfield to attack and can score goals as well. He is a clever player and can find some wonderful positions.
"He has chosen not to play for England again and I respect his choice but out of all the good players England have, they have not got any better than him at what he does. We will have to watch him."
Steve McManaman is set to make a rare start for Manchester City in place of the suspended Paul Bosvelt.
Manager Kevin Keegan's other option for the Manchester derby is to play Antoine Sibierski alongside Joey Barton and recall striker Jon Macken.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a major doubt for United after picking up a calf injury on international duty with Portugal.
Mikael Silvestre is suspended but Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs have proved their fitness after hamstring injuries.
Man City (from): James, Weaver, Mills, Onouha, Dunne, Distin, Sommeil, Thatcher, Jordan, S Wright-Phillips, Flood, Barton, McManaman, Sibierski, Musampa, Fowler, Macken, B Wright-Phillips.
Man United (from): Carroll, Howard, G Neville, P Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, O'Shea, Heinze, Fortune, Ronaldo, Scholes, Keane, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Bellion, Fletcher.
feck bloody Duff.
Manager Kevin Keegan's other option for the Manchester derby is to play Antoine Sibierski alongside Joey Barton and recall striker Jon Macken.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a major doubt for United after picking up a calf injury on international duty with Portugal.
Mikael Silvestre is suspended but Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs have proved their fitness after hamstring injuries.
Man City (from): James, Weaver, Mills, Onouha, Dunne, Distin, Sommeil, Thatcher, Jordan, S Wright-Phillips, Flood, Barton, McManaman, Sibierski, Musampa, Fowler, Macken, B Wright-Phillips.
Man United (from): Carroll, Howard, G Neville, P Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, O'Shea, Heinze, Fortune, Ronaldo, Scholes, Keane, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Bellion, Fletcher.
feck bloody Duff.
Good to see that both Rio and Giggs are back.
Damn duff, that cvnt injured Ronaldo!!.
-------------- Saha ----------------
Giggs ------- Scholes ------ Rooney -
------- Keane ---- Fletcher ---------
Heinze - Brown -- Ferdinand - G.Neville -
------------- Carroll ----------------
bench: Howard, Bellion, Fortune, O'Shea, P.Neville
3:0, Scholes, Fletcher & Bellion
btw, where's Miller, it's his 24th birthday sunday and his not in the squad?
Giggs ------- Scholes ------ Rooney -
------- Keane ---- Fletcher ---------
Heinze - Brown -- Ferdinand - G.Neville -
------------- Carroll ----------------
bench: Howard, Bellion, Fortune, O'Shea, P.Neville
3:0, Scholes, Fletcher & Bellion
btw, where's Miller, it's his 24th birthday sunday and his not in the squad?
i hope rooney gets a goal on sunday, as he is playing well
What price Rooney gets a red card in this one?
We want 3 points.
thats it !
thats it !
The team has excellent discipline !Dave LFC said:
oh shite, Saha's out!
TV:
Canal+ D/F/N/S
Sky Sports 1
UBC ESPN
Premiere Sport 2
Supersport 3SA
C+ Deporte 3
Sport TV
BFBS1
Canal+ D/F/N/S
Sky Sports 1
UBC ESPN
Premiere Sport 2
Supersport 3SA
C+ Deporte 3
Sport TV
BFBS1
Is he??Epic said:oh shite, Saha's out!
Whree did you get that from?
very Ruud said:
i disagree...frank lampard has improved alot and i would say he can be considered as world class...
very Ruud said:
It was from MUTV, they said Saha is a doubt for the match and they also added Giggs and Ronaldo will be ruled out of the match as well.
MUTV think our team will be something like this:
----------Carroll------------
Gary--------Rio------Brown--------Heinze
-----------Keane------O'Shea------
Fletcher--------Scholes----------Fortune
--------------Rooney----------
Oh dear we are screwed.
Utd. will win, but we must watch Wright Phillips at all times........ come on heinze !
soccerbest said:It was from MUTV, they said Saha is a doubt for the match and they also added Giggs and Ronaldo will be ruled out of the match as well.
Louis said he'll miss the match.
FFS he ALWAYS comes back injured when hes been playing for France.
The funny thing is that he didn't play for France, he was a unused sub. And I think he said that he picked up the knock against Brum last week.
Epic said:
Bollox... I bet vieia kicked him in training.
Derby day: Heinze v SWP
Stuart Mathieson
AN England versus Argentina head-to-head amid Sunday's Manchester derby dust-up could decide the City against United clash at Eastlands.
The Reds' uncompromising South American left back Gabriel Heinze will go toe-to-toe with the Blues' ace in the pack, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
It's a personal contest that has former City winger David White drooling in anticipation.
"I think of all the individual battles going on the one between Heinze and Wright- Phillips is going to be one of the most amazing and interesting ones of the derby," White said.
"I doubt if either will have a bad game. They are both quality and if someone does come out on top then it will be by a fraction only. Nobody is going to tear the other apart."
Wright-Phillips has been City's main danger in the derbies he's played in but suffered an inauspicious first international start for England against Holland on Wednesday.
While Heinze was in Dusseldorf helping Argentina to draw 2-2 with Germany, the Blues star was being castigated by TV pundits for missing chances against the Dutch.
But White, who secured just one England cap in the 1993 friendly with Spain in Santander and was similarly criticised, believes there'll be no hangover from Shaun.
"In a lot of ways he had a similar England full baptism to mine in `93," recalled David.
"I had a couple of chances against Spain and one was saved by the keeper and another cleared by a defender but they highlighted those missed chances afterwards.
"I knew I could score goals but what I didn't know was whether I'd get into scoring positions at international level.
"Even though I didn't put my opportunities away I satisfied myself because I didn't get into the positions to score.
"Shaun should feel the same way. He knows he can find the net. That's a part of his game I think he has improved 200 per cent this season. He'll be disappointed he fluffed a couple of efforts but I think the treatment he got at half time by the TV `experts' was pathetic.
"The fact was that Shaun's efforts were about all that happened, so they had to talk about something. But he was the only one who looked he was going to score or do something in the match.
"They were highlighting his errors but he doesn't normally make many. It wasn't anything to do with the step up to the inter- national scene, it was just one of those nights.
Lively
"He was still lively and sharp unlike some of the regulars.
"He could have gone through his full debut, tried to not so anything, kept it simple, have a quiet match and not get criticised.
"But he wanted to be involved. He continued to show for the ball throughout. If you don't do that then you don't make mistakes but he was always there wanting to do something.
"I also think he'll be there in the squad and in the team right through to the World Cup in Germany."
Wright-Phillips' immediate rehabilitation will be a severe test against Heinze.
"Gabriel is a formidable defender," added White. "For me he is in the Stuart Pearce mould. He isn't your typical foreign player. There's no diving and whinging from Heinze. He's not dirty he is strong and fair.
"He is dogged and determined and I know as en ex-winger myself that he is not the type wingers would want to play against.
"Most wingers don't want to have to defend against a full back. But Heinze will defend against you when needs be but he also says to his immediate opponent that you are going to have to look after me as well.
"His energy levels are phenomenal. Considering he played most of the summer playing in the Copa America for Argentina, then he had the Olympics before coming to England and stepping up to the Premiership tempo, he has been absolutely amazing.
"I watched him at Highbury last week against Arsenal and he still looked as fresh as a daisy.
"In Heinze and Wright-Phillips you have two players who are so full of energy from one end of the pitch to the other.
"Gabriel defends solidly and gets forward brilliantly and takes the game to his marker and Shaun takes on defenders but can also do the defending part of the game on the flank as well.
"So that individual contest is going to be something to savour on Sunday. It will be a good honest battle but I couldn't pick a winner."
Stuart Mathieson
AN England versus Argentina head-to-head amid Sunday's Manchester derby dust-up could decide the City against United clash at Eastlands.
The Reds' uncompromising South American left back Gabriel Heinze will go toe-to-toe with the Blues' ace in the pack, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
It's a personal contest that has former City winger David White drooling in anticipation.
"I think of all the individual battles going on the one between Heinze and Wright- Phillips is going to be one of the most amazing and interesting ones of the derby," White said.
"I doubt if either will have a bad game. They are both quality and if someone does come out on top then it will be by a fraction only. Nobody is going to tear the other apart."
Wright-Phillips has been City's main danger in the derbies he's played in but suffered an inauspicious first international start for England against Holland on Wednesday.
While Heinze was in Dusseldorf helping Argentina to draw 2-2 with Germany, the Blues star was being castigated by TV pundits for missing chances against the Dutch.
But White, who secured just one England cap in the 1993 friendly with Spain in Santander and was similarly criticised, believes there'll be no hangover from Shaun.
"In a lot of ways he had a similar England full baptism to mine in `93," recalled David.
"I had a couple of chances against Spain and one was saved by the keeper and another cleared by a defender but they highlighted those missed chances afterwards.
"I knew I could score goals but what I didn't know was whether I'd get into scoring positions at international level.
"Even though I didn't put my opportunities away I satisfied myself because I didn't get into the positions to score.
"Shaun should feel the same way. He knows he can find the net. That's a part of his game I think he has improved 200 per cent this season. He'll be disappointed he fluffed a couple of efforts but I think the treatment he got at half time by the TV `experts' was pathetic.
"The fact was that Shaun's efforts were about all that happened, so they had to talk about something. But he was the only one who looked he was going to score or do something in the match.
"They were highlighting his errors but he doesn't normally make many. It wasn't anything to do with the step up to the inter- national scene, it was just one of those nights.
Lively
"He was still lively and sharp unlike some of the regulars.
"He could have gone through his full debut, tried to not so anything, kept it simple, have a quiet match and not get criticised.
"But he wanted to be involved. He continued to show for the ball throughout. If you don't do that then you don't make mistakes but he was always there wanting to do something.
"I also think he'll be there in the squad and in the team right through to the World Cup in Germany."
Wright-Phillips' immediate rehabilitation will be a severe test against Heinze.
"Gabriel is a formidable defender," added White. "For me he is in the Stuart Pearce mould. He isn't your typical foreign player. There's no diving and whinging from Heinze. He's not dirty he is strong and fair.
"He is dogged and determined and I know as en ex-winger myself that he is not the type wingers would want to play against.
"Most wingers don't want to have to defend against a full back. But Heinze will defend against you when needs be but he also says to his immediate opponent that you are going to have to look after me as well.
"His energy levels are phenomenal. Considering he played most of the summer playing in the Copa America for Argentina, then he had the Olympics before coming to England and stepping up to the Premiership tempo, he has been absolutely amazing.
"I watched him at Highbury last week against Arsenal and he still looked as fresh as a daisy.
"In Heinze and Wright-Phillips you have two players who are so full of energy from one end of the pitch to the other.
"Gabriel defends solidly and gets forward brilliantly and takes the game to his marker and Shaun takes on defenders but can also do the defending part of the game on the flank as well.
"So that individual contest is going to be something to savour on Sunday. It will be a good honest battle but I couldn't pick a winner."
Manchester City warns United fans
MANCHESTER City have warned United fans to keep their protests about Malcom Glazer out of the City of Manchester stadium when the two teams clash on Sunday.
While the Blues don’t object to Reds fans leafleting about the possible takeover of United by the American tycoon, they want such protests to remain outside of the stadium.
"We have no objection to leaflets being handed out outside the stadium by United fans to United fans," a spokesman told the Daily Mail.
"However, it's not at all appropriate to bring any protest into the stadium."
Disgruntled United fans burned an American flag after running onto the pitch during a reserve match last year and there are rumours of a similar stunt in Sunday's Barclays Premiership Manchester derby.
MANCHESTER City have warned United fans to keep their protests about Malcom Glazer out of the City of Manchester stadium when the two teams clash on Sunday.
While the Blues don’t object to Reds fans leafleting about the possible takeover of United by the American tycoon, they want such protests to remain outside of the stadium.
"We have no objection to leaflets being handed out outside the stadium by United fans to United fans," a spokesman told the Daily Mail.
"However, it's not at all appropriate to bring any protest into the stadium."
Disgruntled United fans burned an American flag after running onto the pitch during a reserve match last year and there are rumours of a similar stunt in Sunday's Barclays Premiership Manchester derby.
----------Carroll------------
Gary---Rio---Brown---Heinze
-----Keane------Fletcher-------
Giggs-----Scholes------Fortune
---------Rooney------
Gary---Rio---Brown---Heinze
-----Keane------Fletcher-------
Giggs-----Scholes------Fortune
---------Rooney------
very Ruud said:
Bollox... I bet vieia kicked him in training.
after what Keano did to him, I doubt he has the courage to kick at anybody
Saha desperate to play despite knee injury
LOUIS Saha is hoping his knee injury misery won't resurface to stop him ending his Manchester derby gloom.
United's French striker has returned three times this campaign from French international duty with a knee problem.
This week he joined up for his country with a swollen knee and didn't play in their friendly on Wednesday against Sweden.
The injury is a reaction to his seven appearances in the last eight matches for the Reds since his comeback from three months on the sidelines. But he's desperate to appear in the derby against City tomorrow (Sunday) in a bid to savour success in the local set-to himself.
Difficult
"Last season I was cup-tied when we played City at Old Trafford in the FA Cup," recalls Louis.
"I was pleased we won but it was difficult to have to sit it out. I was then injured when we were beaten 4-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium, and that was even harder to take.
"I finally got to play in my first Manchester derby in November when we drew 0-0. But that was a bad memory as well, because I missed a good chance that could have won it for us.
"So in a way I feel I owe the fans something for that and I'd love to get the chance to repay them."
He hopes his knee swelling will clear so he can begin proving to the United fans that he can reproduce the seven goals in 14 appearances form he produced last term after he made his £12.9m January switch from Fulham to Old Trafford.
"I have something to prove to everybody," he said.
LOUIS Saha is hoping his knee injury misery won't resurface to stop him ending his Manchester derby gloom.
United's French striker has returned three times this campaign from French international duty with a knee problem.
This week he joined up for his country with a swollen knee and didn't play in their friendly on Wednesday against Sweden.
The injury is a reaction to his seven appearances in the last eight matches for the Reds since his comeback from three months on the sidelines. But he's desperate to appear in the derby against City tomorrow (Sunday) in a bid to savour success in the local set-to himself.
Difficult
"Last season I was cup-tied when we played City at Old Trafford in the FA Cup," recalls Louis.
"I was pleased we won but it was difficult to have to sit it out. I was then injured when we were beaten 4-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium, and that was even harder to take.
"I finally got to play in my first Manchester derby in November when we drew 0-0. But that was a bad memory as well, because I missed a good chance that could have won it for us.
"So in a way I feel I owe the fans something for that and I'd love to get the chance to repay them."
He hopes his knee swelling will clear so he can begin proving to the United fans that he can reproduce the seven goals in 14 appearances form he produced last term after he made his £12.9m January switch from Fulham to Old Trafford.
"I have something to prove to everybody," he said.
Saha must be cursed, now we only have rooney as a striker, Not good at all when we have must win games, FA cup and CL coming up!!.
suresh said:
who's problem, rooney's???