Worthington League Cup Semi-Final First Leg
v
At Old Trafford, Manchester
Kick-off: 8.00pm
At Old Trafford, Manchester
Kick-off: 8.00pm
United 1 Blackburn .....07-01-03.....WC
- Thread starter $ukhjit
- 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.
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Keane: Cole's the danger man
ROY Keane has spelt out the danger for United tonight - Andy Cole.
The Reds skipper, doubtful for the Worthington Cup semi-final first leg at Old Trafford, reckons the former United hit-man is playing as well as he has ever done and has also singled out his sparring partner Dwight Yorke.
"Blackburn are a dangerous side," he warned. "Any team with Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole in it will always be a threat and they've had some good results.
"Andy always seems to have had his critics around but he answers them by putting the ball in the back of the net and he's done that for years.
"His record in the Premiership is probably only second to Alan Shearer and that says a lot about Andy.
"He did very well for United and he's doing well for Blackburn.
"He probably is not going to get the chances he had with United but over the last few weeks he seems to be bang on form and that's bad news for us."
The ex-Old Trafford combo was the foundation for Blackburn's pre-Christmas 1-0 Premiership victory over United at Ewood according to Phil Neville.
"In the game at Ewood Andy and Dwight were outstanding," says the United defender.
"They were the two that caused us the problems and won Blackburn the game even though they didn't score. They worked their socks off.
"They were an outlet throughout the game for them. Since that game they seem to have come into form. Andy is on a good goalscoring run at the moment and we all know here that when he gets on a good run there is no stopping him.
"Yorkie has also chipped in with goals and his general play has looked good on television.
"As defenders we are going to have be on top of our game. They are two European class centre forwards and we'll have to be at our best. Rovers played really well against us two weeks ago. We went into the game on the back of a good run and full of confidence but we disappointed that day.
"They will now be coming here full of confidence. We are under no illusions.
"We are going to have to play well to win both legs.
"The first leg is crucial from our point of view to make sure we get a good lead to go to Blackburn."
ROY Keane has spelt out the danger for United tonight - Andy Cole.
The Reds skipper, doubtful for the Worthington Cup semi-final first leg at Old Trafford, reckons the former United hit-man is playing as well as he has ever done and has also singled out his sparring partner Dwight Yorke.
"Blackburn are a dangerous side," he warned. "Any team with Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole in it will always be a threat and they've had some good results.
"Andy always seems to have had his critics around but he answers them by putting the ball in the back of the net and he's done that for years.
"His record in the Premiership is probably only second to Alan Shearer and that says a lot about Andy.
"He did very well for United and he's doing well for Blackburn.
"He probably is not going to get the chances he had with United but over the last few weeks he seems to be bang on form and that's bad news for us."
The ex-Old Trafford combo was the foundation for Blackburn's pre-Christmas 1-0 Premiership victory over United at Ewood according to Phil Neville.
"In the game at Ewood Andy and Dwight were outstanding," says the United defender.
"They were the two that caused us the problems and won Blackburn the game even though they didn't score. They worked their socks off.
"They were an outlet throughout the game for them. Since that game they seem to have come into form. Andy is on a good goalscoring run at the moment and we all know here that when he gets on a good run there is no stopping him.
"Yorkie has also chipped in with goals and his general play has looked good on television.
"As defenders we are going to have be on top of our game. They are two European class centre forwards and we'll have to be at our best. Rovers played really well against us two weeks ago. We went into the game on the back of a good run and full of confidence but we disappointed that day.
"They will now be coming here full of confidence. We are under no illusions.
"We are going to have to play well to win both legs.
"The first leg is crucial from our point of view to make sure we get a good lead to go to Blackburn."
You're gonna be in trouble, this is in the wrong forum under the new laws. 
Fergie's View: Blackburn preview
Sir Alex Ferguson says that he and his players are desperate to get to Cardiff for the Worthington Cup final.
The manager has played down the significance of the competition in recent years, but with the Reds having reached the semi-finals this season Fergie wants them to go all the way.
Here's what he told the press ahead of the match:
Team selection
"The team will depend on how we recover from the Portsmouth game. We're only a couple of kicks away from the final so we want to make sure we play as strong a team as possible to give us a platform to go to Ewood Park with. Two-legged semi-finals are always difficult games, but our record in semi-finals is terrific so hopefully we can do the business."
Home draw advantage?
"Playing at home first doesn't really matter. I think our experience in playing in Europe over the years has eliminated any doubts we had about playing at home or away first. The best way to do it is to try and win both games."
How we reached the semis
"The benefit of the European teams getting a bye into the third round has helped, and getting a home draw first was good. We felt the benefit of that, and then being drawn away to Burnley was almost like a local derby. Then we were through to the quarter-finals against Chelsea, and the atmosphere of a home game against Chelsea with pride at stake you can't do anything but try to win the game. Now we're in the semi-finals and the players are buoyed up. We want to get to the final."
Blackburn form
"Blackburn have hit good form. They won the Cup last year and they'll be wanting to get back to Cardiff, but then so do we. Taking our chances against them this time would be nice!"
Sir Alex Ferguson says that he and his players are desperate to get to Cardiff for the Worthington Cup final.
The manager has played down the significance of the competition in recent years, but with the Reds having reached the semi-finals this season Fergie wants them to go all the way.
Here's what he told the press ahead of the match:
Team selection
"The team will depend on how we recover from the Portsmouth game. We're only a couple of kicks away from the final so we want to make sure we play as strong a team as possible to give us a platform to go to Ewood Park with. Two-legged semi-finals are always difficult games, but our record in semi-finals is terrific so hopefully we can do the business."
Home draw advantage?
"Playing at home first doesn't really matter. I think our experience in playing in Europe over the years has eliminated any doubts we had about playing at home or away first. The best way to do it is to try and win both games."
How we reached the semis
"The benefit of the European teams getting a bye into the third round has helped, and getting a home draw first was good. We felt the benefit of that, and then being drawn away to Burnley was almost like a local derby. Then we were through to the quarter-finals against Chelsea, and the atmosphere of a home game against Chelsea with pride at stake you can't do anything but try to win the game. Now we're in the semi-finals and the players are buoyed up. We want to get to the final."
Blackburn form
"Blackburn have hit good form. They won the Cup last year and they'll be wanting to get back to Cardiff, but then so do we. Taking our chances against them this time would be nice!"
Good luck Man Utd
Be careful!
Be careful!
Originally posted by $ukhjit:
<strong>Worthington League Cup Semi-Final First Leg
v
At Old Trafford, Manchester
Kick-off: 8.00pm</strong><hr></blockquote>
for fuch sake $ick boy,
can you never get anything right?
Wheres JSV? He never lets us down like you do with your last minute rush jobs <img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" />
Vodafone Official Match Preview
Who says we don't take the Worthington Cup seriously? United take on Blackburn Rovers in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Blackburn on Tuesday night and Sir Alex Ferguson for one is keen to win the competition.
His counterpart and countryman Graeme Souness will be equally desperate to win the semi and get back to Cardiff - where the Lancashire club won the trophy last season. Andy Cole fulfilled a life-long ambition by scoring the winning goal in the Cup final, and now he and Dwight Yorke will be hoping to end their former club's interest in the competition.
While Andy was given a fantastic welcome on his first return to Old Trafford with Blackburn, the same is not guaranteed of Dwight. Although the Tobagonian striker was a firm favourite in his first season, when United won the Treble, the drop-off of his work-rate following that season won him few fans and the nature of his departure - when he turned down a move to Middlesbrough, meaning that Sir Alex couldn't bid for Paolo di Canio - means that there will be more boos than cheers for Yorkie.
That won't bother the man who has scored ten goals for his new club so far this season - including two after a bad reception at other former club Aston Villa on Saturday. Those, added to Cole's eight, suggest that the pair are back in the old routine - best illustrated with the goal against Juventus in the Stadio del'Alpi in 1998/99, when they one-twoed their way past the Juve defence. That was in a semi-final, so Rio and the Reds defence must beware of a repeat at Old Trafford.
"It's definitely a big week for Dwight, it's always special to go back to a former club," said Souness.
"He was boosted by the goal against Middlesbrough, but he doesn't need goals to bolster confidence. Dwight has a great belief in his own ability, one which is matched by my own belief in him. Of course he is excited by the prospect, big players need big games."
Blackburn's route to the big game has been somewhat easier than United's. They needed extra-time and penalties to see off Walsall at Ewood Park in the third round, before they blasted Rotherham 4-0, also at home. Their only away draw so far - against Wigan - was comfortably won 2-0 meaning they taken on two First Division and one Division Two teams. United have had to face Leicester City, Burnley and Chelsea on their way to the last four.
Souness has a trio of injury worries - David Thompson, Damien Duff and Craig Short are all doubts - but Rovers have lost only once in the last ten matches in all competitions. Having won 4-1 away at Villa in the FA Cup at the weekend, they will be full of confidence and up for another away Cup win.
United, meanwhile, have worries over Fabien Barthez and Roy Keane meaning that Roy Carroll could keep his place between the sticks while Fergie may have to shuffle the pack in midfield. Paul Scholes, who came off the bench to score the last goal against West Ham on Saturday, is favourite to win his place back.
The Reds last played a League Cup semi-final back in 1993/94, when they beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 on aggregate only to go on and lose the final 3-1 to Aston Villa. Sir Alex's men will be hoping to go one better this time around.
So let's take Blackburn on our way to Cardiff - this could be our first step on the way to the Quadruple!
Probable teams:
Manchester United: Carroll; G Neville, Ferdinand, Blanc, Silvestre; Beckham, Scholes, Veron, Giggs; van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer.
Blackburn Rovers: Friedel; Neill, Tugay, Taylor, Danns; Dunn, Ostenstad, Flitcroft, Gillespie; Cole, Yorke.
Who says we don't take the Worthington Cup seriously? United take on Blackburn Rovers in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Blackburn on Tuesday night and Sir Alex Ferguson for one is keen to win the competition.
His counterpart and countryman Graeme Souness will be equally desperate to win the semi and get back to Cardiff - where the Lancashire club won the trophy last season. Andy Cole fulfilled a life-long ambition by scoring the winning goal in the Cup final, and now he and Dwight Yorke will be hoping to end their former club's interest in the competition.
While Andy was given a fantastic welcome on his first return to Old Trafford with Blackburn, the same is not guaranteed of Dwight. Although the Tobagonian striker was a firm favourite in his first season, when United won the Treble, the drop-off of his work-rate following that season won him few fans and the nature of his departure - when he turned down a move to Middlesbrough, meaning that Sir Alex couldn't bid for Paolo di Canio - means that there will be more boos than cheers for Yorkie.
That won't bother the man who has scored ten goals for his new club so far this season - including two after a bad reception at other former club Aston Villa on Saturday. Those, added to Cole's eight, suggest that the pair are back in the old routine - best illustrated with the goal against Juventus in the Stadio del'Alpi in 1998/99, when they one-twoed their way past the Juve defence. That was in a semi-final, so Rio and the Reds defence must beware of a repeat at Old Trafford.
"It's definitely a big week for Dwight, it's always special to go back to a former club," said Souness.
"He was boosted by the goal against Middlesbrough, but he doesn't need goals to bolster confidence. Dwight has a great belief in his own ability, one which is matched by my own belief in him. Of course he is excited by the prospect, big players need big games."
Blackburn's route to the big game has been somewhat easier than United's. They needed extra-time and penalties to see off Walsall at Ewood Park in the third round, before they blasted Rotherham 4-0, also at home. Their only away draw so far - against Wigan - was comfortably won 2-0 meaning they taken on two First Division and one Division Two teams. United have had to face Leicester City, Burnley and Chelsea on their way to the last four.
Souness has a trio of injury worries - David Thompson, Damien Duff and Craig Short are all doubts - but Rovers have lost only once in the last ten matches in all competitions. Having won 4-1 away at Villa in the FA Cup at the weekend, they will be full of confidence and up for another away Cup win.
United, meanwhile, have worries over Fabien Barthez and Roy Keane meaning that Roy Carroll could keep his place between the sticks while Fergie may have to shuffle the pack in midfield. Paul Scholes, who came off the bench to score the last goal against West Ham on Saturday, is favourite to win his place back.
The Reds last played a League Cup semi-final back in 1993/94, when they beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 on aggregate only to go on and lose the final 3-1 to Aston Villa. Sir Alex's men will be hoping to go one better this time around.
So let's take Blackburn on our way to Cardiff - this could be our first step on the way to the Quadruple!
Probable teams:
Manchester United: Carroll; G Neville, Ferdinand, Blanc, Silvestre; Beckham, Scholes, Veron, Giggs; van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer.
Blackburn Rovers: Friedel; Neill, Tugay, Taylor, Danns; Dunn, Ostenstad, Flitcroft, Gillespie; Cole, Yorke.
I wasn't going to say anything about it being backwards. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
The best way to do it is to try and win both games."
[/QB]<hr></blockquote>
sounds like a plan
anyone seen mr t
Originally posted by WeasteDevil:
<strong>I wasn't going to say anything about it being backwards. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
not only backwards, add upsidedown, arseways and in the wrong forum and you have $ickboys latesat attempt at a match thread?
How much longer do we have to put up with this crappy service? Is this what im paying good money for?
If i were Niall id sack $ickboy, but then again $ickboy isnt to be messed with and he does have the pics of Niall with the bowl of jelly,
have i said too much <img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" />
Seem's fine to me, I can view it!
Originally posted by $ukhjit:
<strong>
Seem's fine to me, I can view it!</strong><hr></blockquote>
Well all im getting is a St Geroges cross
Maybe you only want your match threads to be viewed by those who can afford windows xp or greater,
"fuch the poor man" seems to be your attitude,
Capitalists
Originally posted by $ukhjit:
<strong>
Seem's fine to me, I can view it!</strong><hr></blockquote>
You've still got the badges as Blackburn vs Manchester United though, it should be the other way round.
Forbidden
You do not have permission to get URL '/users/3cd4cb4f/bc/football+badges/eng-manchester_united.gif?' from this server.
Now i get it, this i $ickboys way of getting us to sign up for Yahoo accounts
How much are they paying you $ickboy
You do not have permission to get URL '/users/3cd4cb4f/bc/football+badges/eng-manchester_united.gif?' from this server.
Now i get it, this i $ickboys way of getting us to sign up for Yahoo accounts
How much are they paying you $ickboy
It's weird Murt, sometimes they show up and sometimes not. <img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" />
He never learns does he.
Suckit, you are a disgrace to the 'official match thread starter' profession and should be lynched in a crowded square for your continued incompetence and ineptitude. What an absoloute joke of a person you are.
Suckit, you are a disgrace to the 'official match thread starter' profession and should be lynched in a crowded square for your continued incompetence and ineptitude. What an absoloute joke of a person you are.
Will Keane play this match? He got injured in the match against Portsmouth.
Originally posted by Fergiesarmy:
<strong>
whose that liverpool fans?
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
That's better $ukhjit, right way round now!
Originally posted by $ukhjit:
<strong>
Bit slow there mate!</strong><hr></blockquote>
No Suckit, you're the one who's a bit slow starting these threads, and when they do eventually come they're absoloutely crap.
Bit heavy on the Alcopop eh JSV!
You'd make anyone turn to drink Suckit.
I suggest you go and practice starting match threads on another board before makng us tolerate this drivel of yours.
I suggest you go and practice starting match threads on another board before makng us tolerate this drivel of yours.
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
Opta Facts and Figures
Tuesday’s match at Old Trafford will be the 89th meeting on record between the two sides.
Traditionally it is the Reds who have held sway in this fixture over the years, notching up 38 victories to Blackburn’s 28, with a draw the outcome on 22 other occasions.
The biggest margin of victory ever recorded by United in this fixture is by six goals to one, yet remarkably, the Reds have achieved this feat on three separate occasions. It is some time since United last dished out quite as severe a beating though, with the wins dating back to 1961, 1958 and 1909.
Blackburn have not always been on the receiving end however, and it is worth noting that their record victory over United was an impressive 7-0 win at Ewood Park back in April 1926.
Manchester United and Blackburn have played out a number of memorable games over the years, but there can be few that were more exciting than their meeting at Ewood Park in January 1930. Rovers won by the odd goal in nine that day – still the highest ever aggregate of goals scored in a match between the two sides.
Tuesday’s match will be the first time the two sides have clashed in the League Cup, though they have met on eight previous occasions in the FA Cup. Blackburn have won four of the eight Cup meetings, with United claiming just two wins and as many draws.
Manchester United have never lost a domestic semi-final whilst Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge (eight in total).
Former Manchester City man Garry Flitcroft missed out through suspension when Blackburn reached the final last season – he also netted the only goal of the game when the two sides last met.
David Beckham put through his own net in a league match against Blackburn last season. Ironically, Rovers currently lead the way having accrued more own goals in the Premiership this term than any other side (three).
Blackburn are one of only three sides to have won the Premiership crown, yet they tasted only their second ever success over the Reds in the Premier League just prior to Christmas this season.
Tuesday’s match at Old Trafford will be the 89th meeting on record between the two sides.
Traditionally it is the Reds who have held sway in this fixture over the years, notching up 38 victories to Blackburn’s 28, with a draw the outcome on 22 other occasions.
The biggest margin of victory ever recorded by United in this fixture is by six goals to one, yet remarkably, the Reds have achieved this feat on three separate occasions. It is some time since United last dished out quite as severe a beating though, with the wins dating back to 1961, 1958 and 1909.
Blackburn have not always been on the receiving end however, and it is worth noting that their record victory over United was an impressive 7-0 win at Ewood Park back in April 1926.
Manchester United and Blackburn have played out a number of memorable games over the years, but there can be few that were more exciting than their meeting at Ewood Park in January 1930. Rovers won by the odd goal in nine that day – still the highest ever aggregate of goals scored in a match between the two sides.
Tuesday’s match will be the first time the two sides have clashed in the League Cup, though they have met on eight previous occasions in the FA Cup. Blackburn have won four of the eight Cup meetings, with United claiming just two wins and as many draws.
Manchester United have never lost a domestic semi-final whilst Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge (eight in total).
Former Manchester City man Garry Flitcroft missed out through suspension when Blackburn reached the final last season – he also netted the only goal of the game when the two sides last met.
David Beckham put through his own net in a league match against Blackburn last season. Ironically, Rovers currently lead the way having accrued more own goals in the Premiership this term than any other side (three).
Blackburn are one of only three sides to have won the Premiership crown, yet they tasted only their second ever success over the Reds in the Premier League just prior to Christmas this season.
That's right Suckit, laugh at your uselessness.
Cole & Yorke used to play poorly and the beginning of the PL but it seems that they have recovered their strength recently. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> Playing again at Old Trafford may add more energy to these two strikers. Besides, Daniel Duff & David Thompson also are dangerous players.
But we will win, probably 3-1.
But we will win, probably 3-1.
naw...suchkit cant do anythin about it anyway, 'normal' members cant start threads in match day forum
It was shit on Saturday too.
Team News:
Barthez
Gary Rio Wes Silvestre
Beckham Phil Veron Giggs
Scholes
Ruud
Barthez
Gary Rio Wes Silvestre
Beckham Phil Veron Giggs
Scholes
Ruud
Gary has got the captaincy ahead of Beckham for some reason - what is it with that this season?
Barthez?...thought he had groin strain
dirty fecker
dirty fecker
Old trafford temperature below zero.
Not a night for sunshine boys.
Not a night for sunshine boys.
Ricardo, Ole, O'Shea, Blanc and Diego on the bench.
Yorke and Cole upfront for Rovers, Dunn, Flitcroft, Tugay and Thompson in midfield, Neill, Taylor, Todd and McEveley in a not too well known back 4.
Yorke and Cole upfront for Rovers, Dunn, Flitcroft, Tugay and Thompson in midfield, Neill, Taylor, Todd and McEveley in a not too well known back 4.
Originally posted by redinsyd:
<strong>Good luck Man Utd
Be careful!
that old chestnut!! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
Originally posted by Amir:
<strong>
I suppose the funny thing is United said not one thing of Barthez and Keane. The club did not say they're out or doubtful.
Sites and newspapers just invent stuff. Barthez has been injured, Keane limped out of the last match, so they are declared as doubts whether it's true or not.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I'm not sure it's a good idea to make play players coming back from injury...
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