Arsenal Collapse - United Punish

When Arsene Wenger sat in the Arsenal bus on the way to Old Trafford today, he couldn't have expected much from the group of players he had sitting behind him. There they were, headphones on, training kits ready, the Arsenal badge placed firmly on their chest. Little did they know the footballing misery that was to befall them in the Theatre of Dreams.

"I believe we'll be up for it and have the quality," said the Frenchman as he stood before Geoff Shreeves. Remarkably oblivious, or simply blinded by optimism? In truth, no one will have expected such a rout from Manchester United which Arsenal became victims of - eight goals to two? Stunning.

I've said it before, and will say it again; at the moment, the two clubs are the complete antithesis of each other. In quality, in depth, in direction, in experience, in know-how, in common sense, in understanding of the game, today, they were miles apart. Yes, Arsenal had a weakened side, but conceding eight goals is incredible, and to concede eight goals when you are expected to be challenging for trophies is quite unbelievable.

Wenger cut a lonely figure on the away team bench, and as Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie came off the join the substitutions, none of them could muster the tenacity to look each other in the eye. The Arsenal team were humiliated and embarrassed by some awful defending, amateur mistakes and a huge lack of Arsene Wenger's favourite two things; "spirit" and "belief."

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson on the other hand, were full of confidence on the back of two successive Premier League victories, and had no room for sympathy. It was a day in which their biggest rivals in City had won at Spurs, scoring an impressive five goals, and United aren't ones for being second best, especially against the blue side of their City, so winning against Arsenal was the only option.

Indeed, after winning convincingly against Tottenham on Monday, United were favourites for this game, and from the off, there didn't seem to be any doubt that this would be a game to remember for this young United side.

There were some fantastic individual performances in the United team, but it was the way that they played together which was so impressive, especially considering the expectation on their young shoulders - and yes, there was expectation. As favourites to win the big match throughout the weeks build-up, it would have been easy for the players to become complacent, and take a win for granted in front of the home crowd.

From the defence, through to the midfield and up to the two young and exceptionally talented pair of Englishmen in attack, the team was confident, assured, lucid and ready for the challenge before them. Admittedly, it didn't turn out to be too big of a challenge but it is a sign of a strong footballing side, when the players can punish the opposition whatever level they play at just like they did against the Gunners.

The Welbeck opener spelled disaster for Arsenal, as a cheeky chip from Anderson flew over the defence, and left Johan Djourou in no man's land for Welbeck to show his strength and nod the ball passed the unfortunate Sczcesny.

The Polish goalkeeper had very little defence throughout the game, with the four at the back getting drawn to the ball instead of staying with their markers too many times. Against United, you simply cannot do that.

Rooney grabbed a hat-trick, and in doing so, his 150th, 151st and 152nd goals for Manchester United, as he comes closer to cementing his place among the United legends. Ashley Young grabbed a sublime double, Nani, who was quite frustrating throughout as he complicated simple moves with often unsuccessful shows of needless extravagance, finished with a cool chip into the net, while Park came on for the Portuguese winger to score his customary goal against the Gunners.

David de Gea's penalty save while United were one goal ahead was crucial for both his confidence in himself and the fans' confidence in him, as well as for the route to victory in the game, however, he needs to better with shots like Theo Walcott's which from a tight angle, crept beneath his legs. He is improving every game, and soon the creases will be ironed out for this young talent, much like the whole United side.

While the goals were extremely well worked, creative and scored and created by some marvellous talents, Arsenal didn't pose a great challenge, and United will have to keep improving to beat the best. It just so happens that they have the best manager in the world to guide them in that fruitful, trophy winning direction.

As for Arsenal, like I've said before, Wenger's need for spirit and belief simply is not enough to realistically compete when they have a severe lack of quality players in their squad depth. It is a ferociously rocky period, and pressure is rising dramatically, but with a few signings, players back from injuries and suspensions, a manager given full support and confidence, Arsenal could be back to winning ways soon. The pivotal word in that sentence being "could." Nothing is guaranteed.

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Ferguson "Sure" Midfielder will Sign Deal at United

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United have offered their South Korean midfield star, Park Ji-Sung, a new two year contract at United.

The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder joined United in 2005 for a fee of £4 million and next season will be entering his seventh season with the Old Trafford club. He has become a hugely popular player among the Manchester United fans thanks to his unbelievably tireless performances, and his excellent versatility thanks to being able to operate all over the midfield; in the centre and on either wing.

The 30 year-old retired from South Korean international duty last year to help to prolong his club career at Manchester United, and after recently stating that he can't possibly find a reason why he would want to leave the club, a new contract seems the obvious result. His current deal expired in 2012, so the new two year deal would keep him at the club until 2014, with his tireless work ethic no doubt contributing to further success.
Ferguson said:

"We have offered him a new contract and I am sure he will sign it. His career at United has been nothing but excellent. He is a tremendous professional. I am sure he will accept the new offer and tie himself down at the club for the next two years."

The United midfield is a fragile thing at the moment considering the departure of Paul Scholes, and while Sir Alex looks for a suitable replacement, he also has to contend with the current crops problems. Darren Fletcher has been suffering a virus for a while and as a result missed a large chunk of Manchester United's latter part of the season.

However, the United manager expects him to have recovered well enough to be back with the squad in time for July 31st, when United return to England from their pre-season tour of America.

"Sometimes viruses do take time. Darren has been into Carrington over the last few days. He is doing a weight programme at the moment and hopefully by the time we get back, he will be joining us."

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Video: Man United Lift Premier League & Celebrations

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Manchester United claimed their 19th Premier League title, with smiles etched on everyone's faces. The United captain was first to lift the trophy flanked with red and black ribbons to show off with pride and passion to the jubilant home support inside Old Trafford. United maintained their unbeaten season at home, which unfortunately meant that Blackpool, United's opponents were relegated, losing 4 - 2.

Ji Sung Park, Anderson, an Evett own goal and a typical Michael Owen goal gave United the four they wanted to take the Premier League in style, while Edwin van der Sar played his last game for United. There was no clean sheet for the retiring Dutchman however, thanks to a Charlie Adam free-kick and a Gary Taylor Fletcher second, but it will not sour United's day too much, as they are overcome with joy, and excitement for the future. 

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DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming. 

Fergie on Twitter - Butt on Park

Manchester United will take on the two B's in their last two games of the season - Blackpool and Barcelona. One is simply to claim the Premier League trophy, while the other is slightly more important; to win the European Cup. However, if you wanted an insight into United's fight for the two cups from the most reliable of sources, you will be disappointed.

Sir Alex Ferguson will not be dusting off his keyboard any time soon to log into the micro-blogging site Twitter to share is no doubt interesting and extremely opinionated views about players, managers and of course referees, as he believes it is a waste of time. He believes reading a book at a library would be far more productive. I'm not going to argue with him:

"I don't know why anybody could be bothered with that stuff." 

"It's a waste of time. Get yourself down to a library and read a book. We as a club are looking at Twitter because there can be issues attached to it and we don't want that."

Meanwhile, former Manchester United midfielder, 6 time Premier League winner and 1999 Champions League winner Nicky Butt believes the key to beating Barcelona in the European Cup final lays in the energetic non stop engine that is Ji Sung Park.

The South Korean has had a fantastic season for Manchester United, featuring as the star player in some of the biggest games, and Butt believes Park will be a huge factor if United are to win their fourth European Cup.

Butt, who currently plays for the Hong Kong side South China and who will perform in Gary Nevilles testimonial four days before the Champions League final said:

"Park has had a phenomenal season. He had that injury after coming back from the Asian Cup but since then he has been outstanding. 

"His athleticism is amazing. He can break up play and gives the simple passes. But he also has the energy to get forward and scores the odd important goal. 

"He is one of those players that are so difficult to play against because he is non-stop. Clearly they have outstanding players of their own, but Barcelona will not like playing against Park."

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European Final Beckons For United

Manchester United showed class, composure, and complete domination in their Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Tuesday night. A two goal win really does not represent the extent of United's controlling command over the German side, who put in an uninspiring, unadventurous and pretty poor performance in a game which the underdogs were supposed to shine.

The second leg will decipher whether Inter Milan were terribly poor in their heavy defeat to Schalke in the quarter's or United just played outstandingly well on Tuesday, but either way, United take a huge advantage into the second leg. They look the huge favourites now to face a massive test in the final where they may either face Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The first half left United fans frustrated at the lack of goals despite a barrage of chances thrust at the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who was outstanding all night. Chances came and went for United players all over the field - from Giggs to Fabio and from Rooney to Chicharito - the opportunities bounced about like ping pong balls. Despite the clear authority United possessed, you always have to be careful away from home with the opposing crowds ready to get at you whenever possible.

Giggs put a stop to those worries in the second half however, becoming the oldest player to score in the Champions League's history. A precious away goal which really was a joy to behold. It wasn't just that United had deservedly beaten this seemingly unbeatable goalkeeper with a cute little tap in through his legs, but it was the pass that created it. A pass crafted by a man who just seems to get better and better as the season draws to a close. A shimmy to the right and a shot faked by Wayne Rooney then led to a beautifully precise and perfectly weighted ball inside the defence into the path of Giggs to slot home.

The second was poor defending on Schalke's part, who allowed Chicharito time and space to feed in Rooney who was gifted a great chance which he duly obliged to convert past a now helpless Neuer whose outstanding performance was destroyed by his poor side. It is no wonder why he is looking to move on.

The goals had been achieved, and now Sir Alex was keen to look forward to the week end. Arsenal will have watched this fantastic attacking display, and be very wary of it. Rooney, Chicharito and Park were taken off early in preparation for the Arsenal game, a great bonus in an impressive day of Champions League football.

Bar a catastrophic meltdown which is extremely uncharacteristic of Manchester United, Sir Alex will guide United to their fifth European Cup final. That Rooney said after the game that he was slightly disappointed with a 0 - 2 away win really sums up the hunger, desire and expectation to win. He, along with every other United player - all of whom played fantastically - will be looking to finish the job in the second leg, and if they don't, they will have only themselves to blame.

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Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.

Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.

Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.

Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.

Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.

Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.

Ji Sung Park saves United, but Hargreaves' First Start Ends Badly

It should have been a great day for Owen Hargreaves - his first start since 2008, and he would have been raring to go again after so long out. The adrenaline would have been pumping, and when the Old Trafford crowd cheered his name, he would have been determined to prove the faithful fans his worth.

Unfortunately, his dream day did not materialise. After picking up an injury in the 6th minute, he left the field in the 7th minute, clutching his hamstring. Hopefully, it is just the hamstring that he has pulled, and it isn't the recurring knee injury that has kept him out for two years. That way, he would be out for a couple of weeks/months, however, that won't be of consolation to the United man, as he limped off to the all to familiar treatment room.

Luckily, the day didn't end as badly for his team. It was a pretty poor performance overall from Manchester United, who substituted Hargreaves with Bebe, and changed around the system that had been prepared for match day. Nani was absent after a groin injury he picked up against Bursaspor, and Obertan stepped in. Berbatov was also missing, so the little Mexican Javier Hernandez replaced him up front on his own.

The first goal of the game came in the 45th minute from the inform Ji Sung Park. Fletcher saw a gap in the Wolves defence and fed in Park with a deadly accurate ball, and the South Korean made no mistake with a brilliant finish.

The second half, like the first started slowly, and only half chances came to Hernandez, Obertan and Bebe, but they were all woeful in their finishing.

However, the former Manchester United striker, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake lit up his former home with a nice turn from a Miljas pass, before firing powerfully passed Van der Sar. It all became a bit desperate from then on. Bebe's bad game was confirmed as he was substituted for Macheda in the 74th minute, and Scholes came on for O'Shea, in an attacking move.

United found themselves inside the Wolves half, attacking ad attacking, but to no avail. Wolves didn't seem like cracking from the pressure, and were even able to create a few chances of their own on the break.

But as has happened so many times over the years, the immense surge at the end of United games when they need a goal became too much for Wolves, and the Red Devils punished them in the form of Ji Sung Park again.

Fletcher was again the link to Park, and the rest was a brilliantly individual goal. After beating four defenders in the area, he finished with a low drive into the bottom corner - in the 93rd minute.

Two points behind Chelsea in the League, and still unbeaten, it was a good result, but one that was very hard fought, and done by the skin of their teeth.