Jamie Jackson Chris Smalling’s hopes of playing for England at Euro 2012 have been dashed by a serious groin injury. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images Chris Smalling will miss England‘s Euro 2012 campaign in Ukraine and Poland next month due to a torn groin muscle picked up in Manchester United‘s win at Swansea City last...
“We’ve got to go there and get a point, if not three. I have faith in my team-mates that we could possibly do that. “If we do get a result and United and Rio go on to win the title, then I will be chuffed for him. “If they don’t win it but we...
“We are in a better position than Manchester City. We can get two results, they can only get one. They have to win. We can draw or we can win, which is what we will be trying to do.” Ferguson reports no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match, which has been billed as...
But with Steven Pienaar restored to the team after being cup-tied last week, and the fit-again Phil Jagielka back at the heart of defence, Everton started brightly and startled United with their ambition. Jelavic forced David de Gea into a fifth minute save and Everton took control of possession as United struggled to emerge...
“When I came here, training was, for me, about having a good time. Instead, I’m learning from him to always give the maximum every day. “After the red card against Arsenal I realised how important it is to worry about my team-mates: I can not leave them with 10 men. “I’m fortunate to be...
James Callow Felix Brych, left, in discussion with Köln’s forward Lukas Podolski, who was struck by a coin while playing against Mainz. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters The German referee Felix Brych will take charge of Chelsea‘s Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. The 36-year-old, who has a doctorate in law, also officiated Chelsea’s...
40 min A slightly better spell for Villa, in that United still have most of the ball but are no long slicing through them at will. 36 min Ha! Comedically awful shot by Valencia! Attempts a swipe at a ball rolling across the area with the outside of his boot. It’s like he’s turned...
Young appeared to go down easily under pressure from Shaun Derry, who was shown a straight red card before Wayne Rooney tucked in the first-half spot-kick. Beard then likened Young to British Olympic diver Tom Daley in a Twitter post that was re-tweeted by QPR majority shareholder Tony Fernandes. “Difficult to take after watching...
David James Raul Meireles celebrates his goal against Benfica but is Chelsea’s priority already qualifying for next season’s competition rather than reaching this year’s final? Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images Has the Champions League ruined football? While some may be salivating over the prospect of watching Barcelona’s Lionel Messi work his magic against Chelsea next...
