The champions went briefly back to the top of the Premier League table courtesy of the only goal of the game scored on the stroke of half-time when a clever first-half Ryan Giggs corner in front of the Anfield Kop found the feet of Wayne Rooney, who was left totally unmarked on the edge of the Liverpool penalty area, the United striker's first time low drive was converted by Carlos Tevez who cleverly flicked the ball passed Pepe Reina who had no time to react.
Sky Sports expert pundits said that they thought United had planned the short corner routine after studying the way the Liverpool back-four marked opposing players inside the box. If indeed that was the case it was top marks for Fergie and his backroom team.
However, as so often has been the case down the years, as a spectacle it wasn't a great game to watch, with neither side controlling the first half. Ironically in that opening period Liverpool's best chances came after Edwin Van Der Sar made two major errors of judgement when going for cross balls which should have been left to the United defence to deal with. Thankfully, the little Brazilian Anderson was on hand to save the Dutch stopper when he cleared off the line, on the second occasion Fernando Torres blazed wide to the relief of the 3,000 strong travelling Red Army.
In the second half Liverpool had the lions share of the possession and referee Mark Halsey gave nearly every 50/50 decision to the home side, but despite penning United in their own half the home team could not find a way through the Reds rear guard.
As for United on too many second half occasions they fell into the trap of hitting the ball long in the style of Liverpool who throughout the game had reverted to lumping it down the park. From a technical point of view this game was not one to remember for the purist. The second-half only produced one really clear-cut goal scoring opportunity for the visitors when Ronaldo - who had a very poor game - found Rooney free on the edge of the Liverpool six yard box with only Reina to beat, but sadly the United striker pulled his shot wide of the target, the move was worthy of a goal and deserved a better finish.
Ryan Babel came on for Liverpool late on in the second-half and his introduction gave the Reds one major scare when he beat his man cut inside and fired just wide of the far post, but it wasn't to be as United hung on for that vital win which widens the gap between United and Liverpool to nine points. The result means that for Rafa Benitez the title race is all but over and perhaps Liverpool may well reflect on how much of their game centres of hitting the ball long, at times it was like watching England.
Ferguson was in reflective mood after the game saying that it was difficult for the referee Mark Halsey, but time and time again the man in the middle gave the big decisions to Liverpool but luckily for United and Fergie it was the Reds day, despite the best efforts of another very poor referee.
The London derby later in the afternoon finished up with Arsenal going back to the top of the league table courtesy of a first half headed goal by former Chelsea defender William Gallas and the news for Chelsea fans just got a whole lot worse with the news that John Terry has suffered a suspected fracture.
Sky Sports TV had billed the day as Grand Slam Sunday - an epic day - in truth it was anything but that, with both of the day's games leaving a lot to be desired. However, for United supporters the taste of victory is always sweet when it comes at the expense of Liverpool because there is no such thing as a bad win at Anfield.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Reds gearing up for new year sales, as Heinze talks of revenge....
Reports claim that there could be some activity in the January transfer window with Reading's left-back Nicky Shorey reportedly wanting to join the champions after refusing the offer of a contract extension.
United currently only have one specialist left-back in the form of Patrice Evra who ousted Gabriel Heinze who eventually moved on to Real Madrid after his preferred option of joining Liverpool was blocked by the Reds. The former United left-back has angrily spoken out about the champions blocking that transfer to tomorrow's opponents Liverpool. The Argentine says that he has no problems with the United fans, but it's a different story where the club's directors are concerned. The Real Madrid defender would like to meet the Reds in the Champions League and he says that his current team would be favourites.
Meanwhile, struggling Sunderland continue to be linked with Jonny Evans, team-mate Wes Brown is also said to be high on Roy Keane's wanted list. Ferguson recently hinted that some of his younger players could go out on loan and that option is more likely where Evans is concerned as Gerard Pique appears to have overtaken the young Northern Ireland international in the Old Trafford pecking order.
As for the future of Wes Brown a lot will depend on how much Sunderland offer and whether or not the player fancies a move to the North East.
United currently only have one specialist left-back in the form of Patrice Evra who ousted Gabriel Heinze who eventually moved on to Real Madrid after his preferred option of joining Liverpool was blocked by the Reds. The former United left-back has angrily spoken out about the champions blocking that transfer to tomorrow's opponents Liverpool. The Argentine says that he has no problems with the United fans, but it's a different story where the club's directors are concerned. The Real Madrid defender would like to meet the Reds in the Champions League and he says that his current team would be favourites.
Meanwhile, struggling Sunderland continue to be linked with Jonny Evans, team-mate Wes Brown is also said to be high on Roy Keane's wanted list. Ferguson recently hinted that some of his younger players could go out on loan and that option is more likely where Evans is concerned as Gerard Pique appears to have overtaken the young Northern Ireland international in the Old Trafford pecking order.
As for the future of Wes Brown a lot will depend on how much Sunderland offer and whether or not the player fancies a move to the North East.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Capellogate: Consultations of spin...
So following on from the rather lengthy, but ultimately pointless, consultation process which saw 'Wallace' of 'Wallace and Gromit' lookalike fame AKA Brian Barwick, talking to everyone about who should be the next England manager we have arrived at Fabio "where's my coat?" Capello. News of which has been greeted with a large degree of scepticism and dismay from among others the League Managers Association and former England players alike including Steve Coppell, Paul Ince, Gerry Francis and Tony Adams.
To be honest no one will be or should be that much surprised about the appointment of yet another foreign manager, because as we know the FA are a hapless bunch who lurch from one disaster to another. They just had to find a big name to replace the former manager Steve McClaren.
But what has led to the powers that be appointing a man who barely speaks our native tongue? Because on this point Arsene Wenger has this week hinted that it is perhaps more important to be able to speak English than any other managerial attribute, including that of technical knowledge, of which Wenger says Capello has plenty. It is well documented that Wenger had also gone on record saying that he believes the next manager should be English. So clearly the Arsenal manager did not back Capello.
No doubting Ferguson would have said the same, that is, if the FA couldn't get Mourinho...who of course does speak English well, plus he knows the players. So Fergie didn't back Capello - and if anyone believes otherwise - then why wasn't he quoted on this prior to this news? Make no mistake the FA would have made sure we knew about it if it actually happened.
So the truth of the matter is that when it comes down to it, this whole interview process has been nothing more than an exercise in spin in a bid to cover the sweaty backsides of the FA.
Reading between the lines it seems none of the leading managers or indeed former England stars backed Capello from the start to take the job. Perhaps Gromit thought it was a good idea?
To be honest no one will be or should be that much surprised about the appointment of yet another foreign manager, because as we know the FA are a hapless bunch who lurch from one disaster to another. They just had to find a big name to replace the former manager Steve McClaren.
But what has led to the powers that be appointing a man who barely speaks our native tongue? Because on this point Arsene Wenger has this week hinted that it is perhaps more important to be able to speak English than any other managerial attribute, including that of technical knowledge, of which Wenger says Capello has plenty. It is well documented that Wenger had also gone on record saying that he believes the next manager should be English. So clearly the Arsenal manager did not back Capello.
No doubting Ferguson would have said the same, that is, if the FA couldn't get Mourinho...who of course does speak English well, plus he knows the players. So Fergie didn't back Capello - and if anyone believes otherwise - then why wasn't he quoted on this prior to this news? Make no mistake the FA would have made sure we knew about it if it actually happened.
So the truth of the matter is that when it comes down to it, this whole interview process has been nothing more than an exercise in spin in a bid to cover the sweaty backsides of the FA.
Reading between the lines it seems none of the leading managers or indeed former England stars backed Capello from the start to take the job. Perhaps Gromit thought it was a good idea?
United strikers plotting another Merseyside raid...
United will be hoping to add Steven Gerrard's woes by pinching another three points off the Scousers as happened the last time the Reds played at Anfield. The man who did the damage last season was our very own artful Irish dodger, big John O'Shea, who stole in to score the only goal of the game which secured a somewhat fortuitous late victory and a very welcome three points.
For rivals Liverpool it has been a mixed week for Gerrard in particular with a thumping victory in the Champions League against Marseille. However, the personal joy was short lived with the news that Gerrard had just become the sixth Merseyside based big name player to have his mansion robbed.
In the wake of this latest but all too predictable burglary, Rafa Benetiz has been talking about the need to improve security off the pitch, but this weekend's clash could also prove to be a timely reminder that he also needs to add a new central defender or two to this squad as the Merseyside Reds have looked pretty shaky in some games at the back this season.
United have the strikers to capitalise on any slip-ups and ahead of this Sunday's huge game at Anfield on Sunday Louis Saha has been speaking about the intense atmosphere which always surrounds this absorbing fixture. The Frenchman said "Without doubt, it is the most intense atmosphere for a Manchester United player.
"I have played there a few times now but the win we had there last season was amazing. That is one of the greatest feelings I have ever had as a footballer.
"My main memory of last season is that the win at Liverpool kick-started us towards the title. It proved we were strong enough.
"We are going there much earlier in the season this time and there is still a long road ahead. But it does give us a chance to show exactly how good we are."
Meanwhile team-mate Wayne Rooney says that he's plotting to add further daylight between the Champions and Liverpool.
"Obviously, Liverpool away is a massive game, probably our biggest of the season.
"It won't decide the title but it is a chance to put some daylight between us".
For rivals Liverpool it has been a mixed week for Gerrard in particular with a thumping victory in the Champions League against Marseille. However, the personal joy was short lived with the news that Gerrard had just become the sixth Merseyside based big name player to have his mansion robbed.
In the wake of this latest but all too predictable burglary, Rafa Benetiz has been talking about the need to improve security off the pitch, but this weekend's clash could also prove to be a timely reminder that he also needs to add a new central defender or two to this squad as the Merseyside Reds have looked pretty shaky in some games at the back this season.
United have the strikers to capitalise on any slip-ups and ahead of this Sunday's huge game at Anfield on Sunday Louis Saha has been speaking about the intense atmosphere which always surrounds this absorbing fixture. The Frenchman said "Without doubt, it is the most intense atmosphere for a Manchester United player.
"I have played there a few times now but the win we had there last season was amazing. That is one of the greatest feelings I have ever had as a footballer.
"My main memory of last season is that the win at Liverpool kick-started us towards the title. It proved we were strong enough.
"We are going there much earlier in the season this time and there is still a long road ahead. But it does give us a chance to show exactly how good we are."
Meanwhile team-mate Wayne Rooney says that he's plotting to add further daylight between the Champions and Liverpool.
"Obviously, Liverpool away is a massive game, probably our biggest of the season.
"It won't decide the title but it is a chance to put some daylight between us".
Thursday, December 13, 2007
United fans on sharp end as Italians once again fail the security test...
Once again Reds supporters have been attacked and stabbed by cowardly knife wielding Italian scum prior to the AS Roma vs. United game in Rome last night. We were led to believe this would not happen again following the appalling scenes of last season when visiting fans were attacked by both the locals and the police. Sadly and predictably, it happened again with several supporters sustaining 'serious' looking facial injuries.
At least one supporter was reportedly attacked by a policeman prior to the game which ended in a creditable draw. It could have been much worse, visiting fans can be thankful that they didn't find themselves on the wrong end of a Carabinieri bullet, unlike the Lazio fan who was killed recently. There's no point in saying that something will only be done when someone gets killed - as clearly little or nothing happens in Italy even when there's a fatality and as we saw last night the violence carries on unchecked.
No doubting that UEFA will come down hard on United again, but Reds supporters have an excellent recent record when travelling abroad and surely it's no coincidence that yet again trouble flared up in Rome.
Many fans will no doubt be amazed to learn that despite the appalling behaviour of the Carabinieri, Roma "stewards" and "Roma fans" UEFA has awarded the Champions League 2009 Final to Rome - which must be in Europe's top three worst cities when it comes to football related violence.
The joke that is UEFA, recently fined both United and Roma for the events of last season and then we learn that the city has been awarded this prestigious final - what sort of message does this send out to Italian football? What is the Italian phrase for "corruption and brown paper bags stuffed with Lira"?
Of the match itself, despite fielding a team which lacked experience in the back four United were marginally the better side without creating too many clear cut openings.
Gerard Pique gave the visitors a deserved first half lead from a corner. The Spaniard's header was the Reds main first-half highlight in a game that wasn't as dull as some feared it might be with both sides having little to play for. Nonetheless it did not stop the Italian TV director spending an inordinate amount of time showing gratuitous crowd shots. Viewers learnt as much about the latest Italian headwear of choice as they did about the stars on display in the somewhat sparsely populated Olympic Stadium. For those looking for fashion tips and if you did not see the game, beenie hats and bandanas appear to be the current di-rigour.
United's own fashion icon (tee he) Wayne Rooney looked pin-sharp and dare I say slimmed down. 'Wazza' had a decent game without unduly troubling the Roma back-four, apart from a fantastic second half one-two with Louis Saha that should have ended with United making it 2-0 only for the Roma stopper deny the Frenchman. Not long after the home team levelled through Mancini after Roma boss Spalletti made several late changes, by which time Rooney had been taken off and safely wrapped in cotton wool for his return to his native Merseyside for that huge game on Sunday when United visit Liverpool.
At least one supporter was reportedly attacked by a policeman prior to the game which ended in a creditable draw. It could have been much worse, visiting fans can be thankful that they didn't find themselves on the wrong end of a Carabinieri bullet, unlike the Lazio fan who was killed recently. There's no point in saying that something will only be done when someone gets killed - as clearly little or nothing happens in Italy even when there's a fatality and as we saw last night the violence carries on unchecked.
No doubting that UEFA will come down hard on United again, but Reds supporters have an excellent recent record when travelling abroad and surely it's no coincidence that yet again trouble flared up in Rome.
Many fans will no doubt be amazed to learn that despite the appalling behaviour of the Carabinieri, Roma "stewards" and "Roma fans" UEFA has awarded the Champions League 2009 Final to Rome - which must be in Europe's top three worst cities when it comes to football related violence.
The joke that is UEFA, recently fined both United and Roma for the events of last season and then we learn that the city has been awarded this prestigious final - what sort of message does this send out to Italian football? What is the Italian phrase for "corruption and brown paper bags stuffed with Lira"?
Of the match itself, despite fielding a team which lacked experience in the back four United were marginally the better side without creating too many clear cut openings.
Gerard Pique gave the visitors a deserved first half lead from a corner. The Spaniard's header was the Reds main first-half highlight in a game that wasn't as dull as some feared it might be with both sides having little to play for. Nonetheless it did not stop the Italian TV director spending an inordinate amount of time showing gratuitous crowd shots. Viewers learnt as much about the latest Italian headwear of choice as they did about the stars on display in the somewhat sparsely populated Olympic Stadium. For those looking for fashion tips and if you did not see the game, beenie hats and bandanas appear to be the current di-rigour.
United's own fashion icon (tee he) Wayne Rooney looked pin-sharp and dare I say slimmed down. 'Wazza' had a decent game without unduly troubling the Roma back-four, apart from a fantastic second half one-two with Louis Saha that should have ended with United making it 2-0 only for the Roma stopper deny the Frenchman. Not long after the home team levelled through Mancini after Roma boss Spalletti made several late changes, by which time Rooney had been taken off and safely wrapped in cotton wool for his return to his native Merseyside for that huge game on Sunday when United visit Liverpool.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Fergie fans flames of transfer row as Queiroz is branded 'persona non-grata'...
The row over the future of talented young midfield star Miguel Veloso has taken a twist following suggestions that United might be interested in signing yet another Sporting Lisbon star at some point in the not too distant future.
The man at the centre of what has turned out to be a public spat is Carlos Queiroz who in the run-up to the recent clash between United and the Portuguese club, for some reason allowed himself to fall into the trap of appearing to suggest that, yes, the Red Devils fancied Veloso.
Sporting Lisbon's chairman, Filipe Soares Franco hit back when launching a verbal attack on Fergie's assistant stating that Queiroz's conduct was `ethically and morally, very low' and at the same time he branded him `persona non-grata.' Strong stuff.
In defence of Queiroz, Ferguson has hit back saying.
"We have never been interested in Veloso at any stage. He is not what we need,"
"We have six midfield players so why should we be interested?
"When we went for Nani and Ronaldo we spoke directly to the club, so why we wouldn't we do this again?".
Fergie is clearly trying to dampen the raging transfer fire and the flames which are lapping up the trouser leg of Queiroz. But Fergie's view certainly makes sense as the Reds are indeed well off in the midfield engine room at present. If however Paul Scholes called it a day next summer and maybe Fletcher or Carrick was allowed to leave the club then things might be different.
The man at the centre of what has turned out to be a public spat is Carlos Queiroz who in the run-up to the recent clash between United and the Portuguese club, for some reason allowed himself to fall into the trap of appearing to suggest that, yes, the Red Devils fancied Veloso.
Sporting Lisbon's chairman, Filipe Soares Franco hit back when launching a verbal attack on Fergie's assistant stating that Queiroz's conduct was `ethically and morally, very low' and at the same time he branded him `persona non-grata.' Strong stuff.
In defence of Queiroz, Ferguson has hit back saying.
"We have never been interested in Veloso at any stage. He is not what we need,"
"We have six midfield players so why should we be interested?
"When we went for Nani and Ronaldo we spoke directly to the club, so why we wouldn't we do this again?".
Fergie is clearly trying to dampen the raging transfer fire and the flames which are lapping up the trouser leg of Queiroz. But Fergie's view certainly makes sense as the Reds are indeed well off in the midfield engine room at present. If however Paul Scholes called it a day next summer and maybe Fletcher or Carrick was allowed to leave the club then things might be different.
Capello appointment: All aboard the comedy train for another mystery tour...
So here we go again, the FA look set to appoint another foreign England manager. Having sacked Steve McClaren, we were told that lessons had been learnt on his appointment and that this time things would be different...
Leading managers such as Ferguson were consulted as part of the revamped vetting process, predictably we were told that the United boss thought that Mourinho was the right man to replace McClaren. However, Jose isn't ready to turn his back on club football right now, but it didn't stop him from playing the media like a well used fiddle to flush out interests from Europe's biggest clubs.
Last weekend the News of the World ran a somewhat amusing exclusive. Rob Beasley, massive Chelsea fan - and one of Jose's hacks of choice - wrote a very funny story claiming that the self anointed 'special one', had over the space of 24 hours decided to take the job only for him to change his mind on Saturday morning. You really could not make it up and yet the laughable News of the World had the brass nerve to devote the whole of their back page with this exclusive story that when decoded was really confirming what many of us suspected all along that they didn't have a f****** clue what was happening. Jose had been toying with Beasley et al, by pulling down their collective trousers. It serves these fawning tail-wagging hacks right is my view.
Following on from the Mourinho pantomime comes the news that Fabio Capello will be the new England manager. Now I have nothing against the former Real Madrid coach, he's obviously got the credentials, only a fool would argue otherwise. But take a look at the list of World Cup Winning nations and one thing stands out, Brazil, Italy and Germany have all won the trophy several times, none of them have been managed by a foreign coach. I strongly suspect that none of those nations mentioned would even contemplate having a foreign coach, the very idea would rightly cause outrage among the populous.
It's one thing for an African nation to appoint a bloke who looks like the former lead singer of Abba to be their manager, it should be quite another for former World Cup winning nations such as England. However, that is where we are, this is what it has come to. England are in fact officially rubbish and we have known that for a very long time.
In football you get what you deserve and England will get the same. Does anyone seriously believe, for even half a minute, that Capello will change the culture and attitude of English football? Does anyone believe that Capello will succeed where others have failed? If the answer to both questions is NO, then we might as well have saved ourselves the embarrassment of making English football look even more foolish than England already look. Capello will not be able to change English football from the grassroots upwards. Italian footballers are generally better technically than English players, this stands out when comparing defenders especially. God damn it, the Italians are even better at cheating which is considered as part of the game - winning is everything - in England we have this half arsed idea about gentlemen and players. This is partly is why we have a sideboard full of full fourth and fifth prizes and it is why the Italian's have won the World Cup four times. Capello isn't the answer he is not even close to it.
It's interesting to note that one man (recently voted the best manager of all time) who was consulted on the next England appointment was more or less completely ignored by the media and the FA. I refer to none other than Arsene Wenger who said the next manager should be English.
It's worth pointing out that prior to McClaren getting the job, I was personally in favour of Scolari, but I have since changed my mind and I agree with Wenger. Capello wont make the difference - we will get what we collective deserve and such we might as well stick with an Englishman.
Give me Steve Copell over Capello any day.
Leading managers such as Ferguson were consulted as part of the revamped vetting process, predictably we were told that the United boss thought that Mourinho was the right man to replace McClaren. However, Jose isn't ready to turn his back on club football right now, but it didn't stop him from playing the media like a well used fiddle to flush out interests from Europe's biggest clubs.
Last weekend the News of the World ran a somewhat amusing exclusive. Rob Beasley, massive Chelsea fan - and one of Jose's hacks of choice - wrote a very funny story claiming that the self anointed 'special one', had over the space of 24 hours decided to take the job only for him to change his mind on Saturday morning. You really could not make it up and yet the laughable News of the World had the brass nerve to devote the whole of their back page with this exclusive story that when decoded was really confirming what many of us suspected all along that they didn't have a f****** clue what was happening. Jose had been toying with Beasley et al, by pulling down their collective trousers. It serves these fawning tail-wagging hacks right is my view.
Following on from the Mourinho pantomime comes the news that Fabio Capello will be the new England manager. Now I have nothing against the former Real Madrid coach, he's obviously got the credentials, only a fool would argue otherwise. But take a look at the list of World Cup Winning nations and one thing stands out, Brazil, Italy and Germany have all won the trophy several times, none of them have been managed by a foreign coach. I strongly suspect that none of those nations mentioned would even contemplate having a foreign coach, the very idea would rightly cause outrage among the populous.
It's one thing for an African nation to appoint a bloke who looks like the former lead singer of Abba to be their manager, it should be quite another for former World Cup winning nations such as England. However, that is where we are, this is what it has come to. England are in fact officially rubbish and we have known that for a very long time.
In football you get what you deserve and England will get the same. Does anyone seriously believe, for even half a minute, that Capello will change the culture and attitude of English football? Does anyone believe that Capello will succeed where others have failed? If the answer to both questions is NO, then we might as well have saved ourselves the embarrassment of making English football look even more foolish than England already look. Capello will not be able to change English football from the grassroots upwards. Italian footballers are generally better technically than English players, this stands out when comparing defenders especially. God damn it, the Italians are even better at cheating which is considered as part of the game - winning is everything - in England we have this half arsed idea about gentlemen and players. This is partly is why we have a sideboard full of full fourth and fifth prizes and it is why the Italian's have won the World Cup four times. Capello isn't the answer he is not even close to it.
It's interesting to note that one man (recently voted the best manager of all time) who was consulted on the next England appointment was more or less completely ignored by the media and the FA. I refer to none other than Arsene Wenger who said the next manager should be English.
It's worth pointing out that prior to McClaren getting the job, I was personally in favour of Scolari, but I have since changed my mind and I agree with Wenger. Capello wont make the difference - we will get what we collective deserve and such we might as well stick with an Englishman.
Give me Steve Copell over Capello any day.
Rooney v AS Roma - no red mist or new injuries please...
So United are set to take on AS Roma in a game of little significance with the Reds having already secured their passage into the knockout phase of the Champions League by winning group F along with Roma who finished runner-up. No doubting the Italians will want to avenge last season's 7-1 mauling, which must still hurt, as will to a lesser extent the 1-0 defeat earlier this season. So there is something to play for.
When the two sides met in October at Old Trafford Wayne Rooney was the man who scored the match-winner. Tonight in the eternal city, Rooney will skipper a side that will be largely drawn from reserves and youngsters. The former Everton striker has suffered two serious injury setbacks already this season, the last thing United or Fergie needs right now is for Wayne to collect any new injuries, or to get himself sent off in a game that should in theory cause few problems for either side. However, football is a funny game and as we have seen from time to time when the dreaded red mist descends Rooney can lose it. Please do not let it happen tonight Wayne.
Saha, Nani, Fletcher, Brown and O'Shea are included in the squad along with Rooney and the manager will be desperately hoping that all of his senior players come through his this game unscathed ahead of the titanic clash with Liverpool at the weekend. Should Fergie lose Rooney due to events in Rome then the United manager will be left cursing his decision to play the England striker.
When the two sides met in October at Old Trafford Wayne Rooney was the man who scored the match-winner. Tonight in the eternal city, Rooney will skipper a side that will be largely drawn from reserves and youngsters. The former Everton striker has suffered two serious injury setbacks already this season, the last thing United or Fergie needs right now is for Wayne to collect any new injuries, or to get himself sent off in a game that should in theory cause few problems for either side. However, football is a funny game and as we have seen from time to time when the dreaded red mist descends Rooney can lose it. Please do not let it happen tonight Wayne.
Saha, Nani, Fletcher, Brown and O'Shea are included in the squad along with Rooney and the manager will be desperately hoping that all of his senior players come through his this game unscathed ahead of the titanic clash with Liverpool at the weekend. Should Fergie lose Rooney due to events in Rome then the United manager will be left cursing his decision to play the England striker.
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