Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney is unlikely to play again until early December.
The 25-year-old, who recently signed a new five-year deal, is struggling with an ankle injury that is proving to be more serious than was initially thought when he sustained it during training on 19 October.
"I think Wayne will be out for another five weeks," Ferguson told the Sunday Express. "He will have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right."
It had been thought that Rooney would be able to play in the Manchester derby on 10 November, but veteran boss Ferguson said of that prospect: "No chance. Any player who has been out for a few weeks – you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down."
Rooney looks set to miss the Champions League matches in November against Bursaspor and Rangers as well as the Premier League encounters with Wolves, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.
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There were very few positives to take from Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Wigan from a Liverpool perspective. Being outplayed at home, by a side heavily embroiled in the relegation dogfight, is far from ideal, but the ten minute glimpse of Raheem Sterling will at least provide some hope for fans of the club.
The youngster, signed from QPR in 2010, has been earning rave reviews for his displays with Liverpool’s Youth and Reserve sides, turning in a string of fine performances from the left-hand side of midfield. Although still 17-years-of-age, Sterling is thought to be one of England’s brightest emerging talents, and an exciting part of a promising generation developing from the academy at the Reds. Kenny Dalglish is believed to be watching his fledgling stars closely, and with very little to play for in League terms, maybe it’s time to give these young men a taste of Premiership football.
Although the Liverpool hierarchy may well insist that Champions League qualification is still possible, mathematically at least, the recent poor run of results has made a fourth place finish all but impossible. This coupled with guaranteed Europa League football, courtesy of the Carling Cup win, and a relatively laid back run-in provides an almost ideal spring board for some of the Reds youth players to step-up to the first team.
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One of the most staggering observations from Saturday’s humiliation was the fact that many men wearing the Liverpool shirt looked disinterested in the cause. This was not the case for Sterling, who chased every ball upon his appearance from the bench, showing some neat footwork and a direct attacking threat. With continuing poor performances from the likes of Stewart Downing, Dalglish could do worse than to introduce some fresh faces, who are keen to impress and establish a role in the senior set-up. Although presenting too many inexperienced men at once could be detrimental, a process of allowing some of the better performers from the NextGen Cup campaign may well introduce some hunger and desire to the ranks, whilst being able to save some big names a rest for the FA Cup semi-final, which has now taken on even greater significance for the Anfield club.
Sterling is not alone in the emerging generation, with many other youngsters showing genuine potential. The likes of Spaniard Suso, and Merseyside born front-man Adam Morgan have been regularly turning in the sort of displays that deserve a level of recognition from the management. As well as the attack minded players, names such as Reserve captain and centre-half Andre Wisdom have been circulating the corridors of Melwood, as a potential long-term replacement for Jamie Carragher and a short term cover option in light of Daniel Agger’s injury problems and an over reliance on Martin Skrtel. Steven Gerrard will need to be managed for the run-in to avoid further injury worries and insure he is available for Cup duties but, in Conor Coady the Reds have a home-grown back-up option who may well be the future of the Anfield midfield.
Blooding too many youngsters at once is a risky strategy, but with careful management, and some wise decision making from Dalglish, the emerging generation from academy may introduce a new verve to the side. Instead of spending once more, Liverpool may well find their next star is very close to home.
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Udinese booked a spot in Champions League qualifying next season, with a 0-0 home draw against Serie A champions AC Milan on Sunday.Francesco Guidolin’s side entered the match knowing all they needed was a point to join the elite Champions League company.
And to the joy of the Stadio Communale Friuli crowd, Udinese managed a draw that will see them in the group stages of European football’s most prestigious club competition if they can negotiate their way through a playoff next season.
They could have ended the season on a high when Antonio Di Natale was presented with a chance to score his 29th league goal of the campaign for Udinese.
But he missed his spot-kick with 16 minutes remaining, leaving the door slightly ajar for Milan, but in the end both sides were happy to share the spoils, giving Udinese fourth spot and ensuring Lazio missed a Champions League spot for next term.
Both Udinese and Lazio finished level on points and on head-to-head, meaning goal difference gave the former fourth place.
Lazio could feel aggrieved though, after they won 4-2 away at Lecce in an exciting encounter at the Stadio Comunale Via del Mare, thanks to a Mauro Zarate double.
Tommaso Rocchi scored the opener after seven minutes for Lazio, and although Manuel Coppola replied 26 minutes later, Zarate was on hand to make the most of Rocchi’s assist shortly after.
Ignacio Platti responded for Lecce who were having a real go at their opponents and levelled proceedings at half-time, but when they lost goalkeeper Massimiliano Benassi to a straight red card seven minutes into the second half, their hopes of gaining an unlikely result faded.
Zarate tucked away the resultant penalty and an own goal from Lecce striker Giuseppe Vives sealed the result with just under half an hour to play.
In other matches, a Giampaolo Pazzini double helped Inter Milan end their season on a high with a 3-1 home win over Catania while Napoli, who finished third, claimed a 2-2 draw at Juventus, with Alessandro Matri netting a late equaliser for the hosts.
Roma came from a goal down to defeat relegated Sampdoria 3-1 thanks to strikes from Francesco Totti, Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello and Chievo won by the same scoreline as they beat Palermo away from home.
Brescia avoided a final-day defeat but will be in Serie B next season after a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina at home and the spoils also had to be shared between Cagliari and Parma, who drew 1-1.
A first-half double to Antonio Floro Flores saw Genoa topple a fast-finishing Cesena 3-2 and a Francesco Grandolfo hat-trick gave Bari, who will finish bottom, just their fifth win of the season as they trounced Bologna 4-0.
In light of PSV Eindhoven’s 10-0 victory over Feyenoord. We have a look back at the 10 biggest drubbings of all time in the Premier League. Since the start of the Premier League in 1992 there have been some results that have not only proved shocking, but unforgettable. Starting off the list and rather suitably is Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.
Man United 9-0 Ipswich Town
In 1995 Alex Ferguson’s side hosted a struggling Ipswich team who were fighting a relegation battle. Most people expected Manchester United to pick up the three points but know one expected the biggest ever Premier League Victory. With 5 goals from Andy Cole, 2 from Mark Hughes and the rout finished off by Paul Ince and Roy Keane. Manchester United still hold the record for the biggest Premier League win with their 9-0 win over Ipswich Town in March 1995.
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Tottenham 9-1 Wigan
More recently in November 2009 Tottenham Hotspur put nine past Wigan. The game finished 9-1. The goals for rampant Spurs came from Jermaine Defoe with 5, Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch, a deflected free kick from David Bentley and Nico Kranjcar. This humiliating result sits second on our list of biggest Premier League drubbings.
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Newcastle 8-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Next up we have Newcastle United with their 8-0 thumping of Sheffield Wednesday. In September 1999 Sheffield Wednesday travelled to St James’ Park in search of a much needed 3 points. Their efforts were all in vein though as Alan Shearer proved goal machine as he netted five. Aaron Hughes, Kieron Dyer and Gary Speed got in on the act too, as Newcastle disposed of woeful Wednesday.
Continued on Page TWO
Arsenal 7-0 Everton
In 2005 Arsenal thrashed Everton 7-0. This result came as a shock as Everton were by no means struggling in the league and found themselves competing for the final Champions League spot. Robert Pires scored twice, Robin van Persie, Patrick Vieira, Mathieu Flamini and Edu all scored to stun Everton.
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Nottingham Forest 1-8 Manchester United
In February 1999 an in form Manchester United travelled to Nottingham Forest in search of a further 3 points on their way to the Premier League title. This result currently stands as the biggest away victory the Premier League has seen. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proved super sub as he came on to score four times in under 10 minutes. The Scoring was concluded by doubles from both Andy Cole and strike partner Dwight Yorke. The game finished 8-1 in United’s favour.
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Arsenal 7-0 Middlesbrough
Arsenal feature once again in the list as they smashed Middlesbrough 7-0 in January 2006. Middlesbrough’s fortunes were not helped by the fact they played much of the game with 10 men. Thierry Henry inspired the victory with a hat trick, and Senderos, Pires, Gilberto Silva and Hleb each scored once to finish off the rout.
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Newcastle 7-1 Tottenham
In December 1996 Newcastle smashed Tottenham Hotspur 7-1. This proved quite a shock as prior to the match Newcastle had suffered their worst run of results under Kevin Keegan, the man who had so drastically changed their fortunes since taking over. Shearer got the goals going after a fairly subdued opening to the game. The scoring was then completed by Ferdinand and Lee with 2, another for Shearer and Philippe Albert got in on the act too.
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Continued on Page THREE
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Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley
Manchester United’s 7-0 drubbing of Barnsley in 1997 also features on the list. Once again Andy Cole popped up to score a first half hat trick to send Manchester United onto another one of their high scoring performances since the introduction of the Premier League. Ryan Giggs added another 2; Paul Scholes and Karel Poborsky were also on target.
Blackburn 7-0 Nottingham Forest
Once again Nottingham Forest were on the end of another Premier League thrashing. In November 1995 Blackburn ran riot and put 7 past Forest. Shearer got 3 and was joined on the score sheet by Lars Bohinen who netted twice and further goals from Mike Newell and Graeme Le Saux.
Newcastle 5-0 Manchester United
Our penultimate result of the day is Newcastle’s sublime performance against Manchester United in 1996. Prior to the game United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel had not conceded a Premier League goal in over 9 hours of football. It was only a matter of time before United’s defence would succumb to a goal, but know one thought the floodgates would open in such fashion. Special mention must go to Newcastle defender Phillipe Albert who scores a wonder goal by chipping Schmeichel from 25 yards.
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It’s a well-known proverb that all good things must come to an end, and nowhere in the Premier League is this more evident than at Chelsea. The likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher have all seen their roles adapted from key first-team players, to squad men, with playing time limited, as younger stars look to break into the set-up. But Chelsea’s veterans remain unable to let go of their status in the side, holding back the development of the club.
The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and John Terry are all now the wrong side of 30; yet remain major components in the squad. Their relationships with the club hierarchy, and major influence in the dressing room make them powerful figures around the side, a trait which Andre Villas Boas seems to be struggling with. It could be time for these men to take a back seat, allowing younger players a chance in the first 11 under the stewardship of an unopposed manager.
Take Didier Drogba for example, who is maybe the most outspoken member of this quartet. His presence in the team has limited an already low on confidence Fernando Torres’ playing time, frustrating the Spaniard and further denting his belief. It was clear when he arrived from Liverpool that he was the type of player who likes to work the front-line alone, yet due to Drogba’s status around the club it was impossible to drop him. So in a bid to keep both men happy, they were played together, where their similar styles, as lone forwards, clashed. Who would have been the better long-term bet? The ageing Ivorian? Or the striker in what should be his prime? Drogba’s role within the squad has also limited Daniel Sturridge’s playing time in his favored central role, and as a future hope for club and country, he needs all of the experience he can get. Yes Drogba is still a talented player, with an obvious role to play, but that should now be one from the bench, allowing players for the future to step up.
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The same can be said for Frank Lampard. Although the Englishman has never been overly out-spoken, his omission from the starting 11 often leads to a media flurry, just look at the Napoli game this week, where AVB was much criticized for omitting the likes of Lampard. Again the 33-year-old is still a quality player, but with Chelsea needing to build for the future, the removal of the men so successful under the Jose Mourinho regime is necessary.
Terry and Malouda, both 31, have a few more years, but a slow phasing out, rather than immediate axing could prevent future issues. This would give the likes of Gary Cahill and David Luiz time to build a solid defensive partnership, while allowing youngsters such as Lucas Piazon the chance to secure first-team experience in place of Malouda.
There’s no doubt that Chelsea’s old guard still have a role to play, with their experience and know-how key in guiding young players. But, a less central role will ultimately benefit Chelsea in the long run, if they are to come out of this ’transition phase’ remaining a Premier League force.
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The Republic of Ireland have handed Northern Ireland a 5-0 thrashing in their Carling Nations Cup clash on Tuesday.A brace from forward Robbie Keane helped Giovanni Trapattoni’s side to a comfortable win in Dublin.
Northern Ireland held out early on but were forced to play the majority of the second half with 10 men after teenage defender Adam Thompson was sent off.
Wolverhampton attacker Stephen Ward scored on his international debut, slotting from close range to make it 1-0 after Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alan Blayney spilled a Keith Treacy cross.
Keane doubled their advantage on 37 minutes after another dreadful error.
Northern Ireland full-back Lee Hodson failed to put enough power on his back pass to Blayney, allowing Keane to intercept and delicately chip the advancing goalkeeper.
The hosts made it three just prior to the break, as a brilliant team move led to an own goal from defender Craig Cathcart.
Blayney initially saved a cutback from Seamus Coleman after a tidy passing exchange, only to palm his save into the legs of Cathcart and watch the ball deflect into an empty net.
Keane completed his double on 54 minutes, converting from the penalty spot after 18-year-old Thompson was shown a straight red card for bringing him down when he was through on goal.
West Bromwich Albion attacker Simon Cox completed the scoring 10 minutes from the end as he too scored on debut, placing into the bottom corner after the Northern Irish defence allowed him space on the edge of the area.
For many Liverpool fans, the bi-annual Liverpool derby between Everton and Liverpool is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season but the roller-coaster events of the past week have put things rather more firmly in context.
Even before the sensational events of last night, Liverpool were a club in dire straits. They currently sit in 18th place in the table with only 6 points to show from seven games. The club come into Sunday’s game with Everton off the back of a humiliating home defeat to newly-promoted Blackpool. With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard both struggling for form, the international break was supposed to be a time where the team could go away with their national teams and then return back to the club refocused and ready for the challenge of facing Everton.
However, the drama that has unfolded has put paid to any such notion.
Yesterday in the theatre of a London and Dallas courtroom, Liverpool were witness to their very own Greek tragedy.
It all began with great hope for Liverpool fans. Last week, chairman Martin Broughton announced that John W. Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox and his investment company NESV have had a £300 million bid for the club accepted by the board. In their first move of subterfuge, owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett attempted to sack managing director Christian Purslow and commercial director Ian Ayre and replace them with Hick’s son Mack and Lori Kay McCutcheon, a VP at Hick’s Holdings. Needless to say, their plan didn’t work and the takeover by NESV was approved by the Premier League on Friday.
Obviously, Liverpool fans were joyous at the news that the deeply unpopular Hicks and Gillett were finally being run out of town. The prospect of new investment and ownership would hopefully be the kick-start to their stuttering season so far. But Hicks and Gillett weren’t going to lie down that easily.
In another extraordinary move, Tom Hicks brought the proposed sale of the club to the High Court in London, claiming that Broughton and the board had conspired to accept an offer for the club that is well under the valuation that Hicks and Gillett were seeking for the club.
Then came the news of a higher offer from Singaporean businessman Peter Lim. The offer of £320 million was £20 million more than that of NESV and would be paid for in cash. The deal would also include £40 million towards the purchase of new players in the January transfer window.
In the space of only a few days, Liverpool now had two sizeable offers on the table for the club. Things were looking up despite the looming High Court date.
Speaking of the court date, yesterday saw the case of the Liverpool sale heard before the High Court in London. The Court ruled in favour of Broughton and the board which paved the way for a quick sale of the club. Once again, the Liverpool fans went from a state of anxiety to one of jubilation as the Hicks and Gillett era was apparently coming to an end.
But that state of jubilation was to last only a few hours. As the board convened to hopefully dot the i’s and cross the t’s on a potential sale to NESV, Hicks and Gillett made one last desperate play to cling onto the club by filing a temporary restraining order on the Liverpool board and RBS in a Dallas courthouse.
The TRO was filed at around 10 p.m. with Hicks and Gillett claiming that the sale of the club is an “epic swindle” while seeking $1.6 billion of damages from the Liverpool board, RBS and NESV for selling the club “hundreds of millions of dollars below true market value”.
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While the jurisdiction of a Texas court order regarding matters is not immediately clear, RBS, NESV and Broughton in his role as chairman of BA have sizable commercial interests in the state of Texas which would be at risk if they were to go ahead with the deal.
And so Liverpool fans are back at square one after being put through the emotional wringer. The TRO filed in Dallas was a one-sided affair with evidence heard only from Hicks. The TRO doesn’t stop the sale; it only delays it until 25th October when a hearing date is set. The most recent development will see Broughton and the Liverpool board return to the High Court today to try and overturn the Texas judge’s verdict and facilitate the sale of the club before the 25th October.
In the midst of the chaos at Liverpool, Everton have been preparing for Sunday’s game with little fuss. They come into the game only one place above Liverpool in 17th but their last game saw them pick up their first win of the season against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s. With Liverpool in limbo, David Moyes will see Sunday’s game as a perfect opportunity to beat his cross-town rivals as they look to continue their momentum and climb out of the relegation zone.
But for Liverpool, the game with Everton is the least of their worries. They have their future to sort out and sadly, it is being played out in the courtroom rather than on the field.
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Victor Anichebe was the hero for Everton has he came off the bench earn a point for his side and make it five home games without a win for Aston Villa.
After a goalless first half the hosts finally broke the deadlock with Darren Bent scuffed the ball past Tim Howards only for Anichebe to slot home with 20 minutes remaining to ensure the Toffees travelled back to Merseyside with a share of the spoils. Robbie Keane came on late in the second half but couldn’t find a debut goal that would have given Villa their first win at home since beating Norwich at the start of November. Alex McLeish’s men have struggled at Villa Park park all season long but should have had the game wrapped up before the visitors grabbed their equaliser. The point will come as a welcome relief to David Moyes who had seen his side lose their last two and he will be pleased by the resolve shown by his players.
Villa enjoyed the lions share of possession in the first half without sufficiently threatening Howard in the visitors goal although the American had to be at his best to keep out Stiliyan Petrov’s curling free kick after seven minutes. Alan Hutton then teed up Marc Albrighton who saw his shot blocked before Louis Saha brought the best out of Shay Given at the other end. The Republic of Ireland keeper showed no signs of rustiness after spending a month on the sidelines reacting brilliantly to keep Saha’s header out after he’d connected with Leighton Baines’ free kick from the left. Gabriel Agbonlahor then tested Howard from 25-yards as the first half ended goalless although it wouldn’t remain that way for long after the break.
It took the home side only 10 minutes to break the deadlock with Bent just managing to beat Howard after Stephen Ireland had returned Albrighton’s cross after Everton failed to properly clear the ball. Taking the lead seemed to invigorate Villa who pressed on in their search of a game killing second with Hutton seeing his strike deflected wide before Agbonlahor headed over. Ireland then shot straight at Howard who initiated a devastating counterattack launching the ball downfield towards Landon Donovan who played in Anichebe to finish cooly past Given after beating the offside trap. Keane came on for the last 10 minutes as McLeish roared his players on to find a winner but it never came as Villa missed the chance to move into the top half.
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After two consecutive defeats, Unai Emery felt his Valencia players restored a measure pride with a 3-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.Valencia lost 6-3 at home to Real Madrid on April 23 and followed up that embarrassing loss with a 1-0 reverse away to relegation-threatened Osasuna.
The late-season defeats had threatened to take some of the gloss off an impressive season for Valencia.
But their 18th win of the campaign puts the team back on track with three matches remaining, while they will also finish at least fourth in La Liga, securing a route into Champions League qualification.
“Besides looking for the three points and knowing that a win would ensure us Champions League football, we wanted to erase the performance of our last home game,” Emery said.
“We wanted to regain our self esteem in front of the fans. We did so in the first half,” he added, referring to Roberto Soldado’s brace and a Jonas goal, all of which came in the first half at the Estadio Mestalla.
“We had intensity, had chances and scored goals. There were times in which they could have scored, and in the second half we lowered our intensity. We have an important game on Wednesday, and we were unable to have the continuity from the first half.”
“In general, however, we are satisfied with the win and the confirmation of Champions League football. We now have our big objective of taking third place. We are satisfied for the fans.”
Next up for Valencia is a trip to face Espanyol and a home game against Levante, before ending the season away to Deportivo La Coruna.
West Ham United boss Avram Grant is delighted that skipper Scott Parker chose to shun a move away from Upton Park before the transfer window slammed shut at the end of August.
The 29-year-old midfielder was a target for capital rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but opted to stay put and agree a new contract with the Hammers.
Grant told reporters:"We want to build a team for the future and need players like Scott Parker for this.
"I am very happy that Scott stayed. We are speaking a lot about the money involved in football and I don't think money is everything.
"I think it is important, but I don't think it's everything. I don't want that players will say they will go to a place where they are paid more or they will not play where they are paid less.
"I think they need to check and need to see all picture – what is the vision of the club.
"They can be part of this and not just go where anybody can buy you. I think Scott Parker saw all the picture and I'm happy he stayed here.
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"Anywhere you are a top player and are on good money and sometimes you need to choose where will be good for you, sometimes this is not always to be in the big club.
"I think that he made a good decision. It's not easy, but remember he was in a big club – he was at Chelsea before – so he knows how it is to be in a big club and he knows how it is to be in a different position."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email