Manchester United Fans Club

LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - Russia will ensure fans travelling to next month’s all-English Champions League final in Moscow get visas but said the process would have been easier if diplomatic ties with Britain were better.
Manchester United, who will face either Chelsea or Liverpool in the May 21 final, said on Wednesday fans would be able to get visas more easily than usual if they followed club guidelines.

‘Supporters travelling with charter flights approved by the club will benefit from an unprecedented facilitated visa procedure that will be detailed in the days to come,’ United said in a statement on their website.

The Russian consulate in London sought to reassure thousands of fans hoping to travel that they would get their visas despite the tight timeframe. Postal applicants are usually advised to allow 10 days for processing a tourist visa.

‘When Moscow was given the privilege of hosting this major sports event, the Russian side pledged to create most favourable conditions, including travel arrangements, for all the people attending the final,’ the consulate said in a statement.

‘We intend to fulfil our obligations and ensure that all the supporters will be able to travel to the final venue.’

Moscow and London are locked in a row over the 2006 murder of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, involving diplomatic expulsions, angry rhetoric and a tightening of procedures for issuing visas by both countries.

The Russian consulate said visa processing for fans would have been easier if this row was not going on and that it would be making life easier for British fans than London was making it for Russian fans travelling to Britain for matches.

‘We are certain that the situation would have been far less complicated if the United Kingdom government had not chosen, in July 2007, to suspend negotiations on a bilateral visa facilitation agreement with Russia and to impose a stricter approach to Russian nationals applying for UK visas,’ the consulate’s statement said.

‘The arrangements that we will put in place will be substantially more favourable than those for Russian football team supporters who are planning to travel to the UK.’

It said fans of Zenit St Petersburg, hoping to beat Bayern Munich on Thursday to reach the UEFA Cup final in Manchester, had been told their British visa applications would include a biometric test and possible interview with consulate officials.

European soccer’s governing body UEFA confirmed it had been told visa processing would be quicker than usual if supporters went through their clubs.

‘Fans have to apply directly through their clubs. They have to get tickets and then with the help of a ticket they can get a visa a bit quicker than usual,’ a UEFA spokesman said.

Sir Alex Ferguson fired his rifle again at the Premier League schedules again after finding them on the wrong end of an “unfair” fixture schedule.

After a boring draw in the hard-fought Champions League semifinal with Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, thank to Ferguson negative tactic and Ronaldo penalty miss after 3 minute of the game. Sir Alex abandoned their usual strategy of immediately returning to the north-west in favor of staying overnight in Catalonia for a relaxing sunny day with the rest of the players.

United, then flew to London on Thursday night before undergoing a light training session in the capital on Friday morning as final preparation for their title showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Brigde.

A lunch time kick off win for the Red Devils would secure back-to-back titles for United barring a mathematical miracle for Avram Grant’s men which they would have to score a 9-0 or 10-0 win in their last two games and United scoring a single goal each since United superior goal different advantages.

Ferguson has noted the fixture list is in Chelsea’s favor given the Londoner gained an extra 24 hours’ rest following their equally tense draw with Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Darren Fletcher’s patience and determination to be an important squad member for United after turning in another impressive performance, this time against Lyon in the Champions League.

Fletcher went about his work quietly but effectively, breaking up Lyon attacks and displaying his wide range of passing, reason enough for Sir Alex to feel justified in leaving Paul Scholes on the bench.

“It was a big decision because Scholes’ performance against Fulham was vintage,” he said. “If the game had been on Wednesday I would have played him. But I had to ask the question with it being three days after the Fulham, especially given the time he has been out injured and his age.

“Darren came in to do a job, which he did very effectively. He’s not easy to play against. I wouldn’t like to play against him. He has such a long stretch, which means he can close players down quickly and he wins possession without conceding many fouls. That was important to us, because Juninho’s ability from set-pieces could have been a threat to us.” (more…)

Rio Ferdinand will have his contract talks with Manchester United at the end of the current campaign. It’s a new policy under Glazer regime where a player contract will be open for negotiations 12 months before the end of that contract.

Ferdinand deal expires at the end of the 2008/09 season. Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson will attempts to tie down Ferdinand to a new deal in shortage time possible. 29-year-old Ferdinand, who has developed a formidable partnership with Nemanja Vidic at the heart of defense.

Ferguson will hope to avoid any such hold-ups in contract talk which has sees Wes Brown refusing to sign last and improved offers by United believed to be 40,000 a week. Ferguson had also take a hit at player who “live in the pockets” of their agents.

Ferdinand’s current deal was signed in 2005 after several months of negotiation. Ferdinand suffered the “boo” from United’s die hard after the pro-long negotiation.

When they were a plc, United’s policy was to start talks two years before a player’s deal expired and the new arrangement does leave the club more vulnerable to players leaving on a free transfer, as Brown will be able to do at the end of the season.

Oliviera Anderson has been hailed as the natural successor for Paul Scholes. The rising young midfield star Anderson has broken into United first-team far quicker than expected following his £19million move from Porto last summer.

Anderson starred in the recent 4-0 FA Cup rout of Arsenal, impressed in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Lyon, and is set to start in the crucial Premier League clash at Fulham at Saturday.

“Anderson has exploded on to the scene for us and been absolutely phenomenal,” said Fergie.

“We’re really pleased with his progress and the evidence is there for all to see.

“When Scholes got his last injury it opened the door for Anderson, and we discovered a boy who had talent.

“He isn’t entirely like Scholes, although there are similarities. But he’s more of an aggressive running player.”

Manchester United winger Nani has revealed that a stern word from manager Sir Alex Ferguson was enough to persuade him not to repeat his on-field juggling antics.The 21-year-old provoked the fury of several Arsenal players, as well as Ferguson, when he indulged in some `kick-ups’ towards the end of last weekend’s 4-0 FA Cup thrashing of the Gunners at Old Trafford.

Nani insists he was not being disrespectful and was merely trying to entertain - but has also vowed not to repeat the trick.
‘In Portugal I have done this many times but it is only because it is an entertaining spectacle and not because I disrespect my rivals,’ he told the Daily Mail. I am a professional and am always very respectful with all the opposing players, but I do appreciate now that it may have looked bad.

‘After the match Ferguson spoke to me and demanded that I do not repeat it in order to avoid problems. Obviously, I agreed. I always follow the orders of my coach and am not interested in causing controversy.’

The Portugal winger added: ‘Gilberto Silva of Arsenal spoke to me and was clear about what their players thought about it. He was very critical of what I did and accused me of provoking Arsenal. But he never threatened me.

‘On the field I am different from most players. My celebrations of goals with a somersault is an example. This is my character as a footballer.’

All four of United’s Premier League fixtures in April will be screened live on television.

The Reds’ trip to the Riverside to face Middlesbrough has been put back 24 hours to Sunday 6 April, KO 13:30 GMT and will be live on Sky. However, the game will be postponed should either side be involved in an FA Cup semi-final.

Next up United entertain Arsenal at Old Trafford in what could be a virtual title decider. The match, originally scheduled for Saturday 12 April, will now take place on Sunday 13 April, KO 16:00 GMT and will be screened live on Sky.

The trip to Blackburn Rovers will be shown live on Setanta on Saturday 19 April, KO 17:15 GMT.

Finally, United’s visit to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea will now kick-off at 12:45 GMT on Saturday 26 April.

Sir Alex Ferguson has accused some players of ‘living in the pockets of their agents’ after Manchester United defender Wes Brown rejected the club’s final pay offer.The 28-year-old, who is a free agent in the summer, has rejected an offer of £40,000 a week to remain at Old Trafford and Ferguson insists the situation ‘depresses’ him.

‘We wouldn’t have made the offer if we didn’t have faith in him. But the players of today live in the pockets of their agents,’ said Ferguson.

‘It’s a situation which depresses me at times, it really depresses me. Wes has been with us since he was 12 years old, but I don’t think that matters these days.

‘Agents live their players’ lives and if you’re happy to go along with that then you get the situation we’ve got just now. But Wes knows this. And the other players have told him.’

Half time update, an exciting game here at Old Trafford. Manchester United already have 1 foot in the FA Cup 6th round thanks to a 3 goals cushion.

Sir Alex make all round changes at the midfield, Michael Carric, Darren Fletcher, Luis Nani, Oliviera Anderson and Ji Sung Park all making the starting eleven. Rooney is up front alone, support by a trio of attacking players in Ji-Sung Park or Luis Nani.

Half time scores are as:

Wayne Rooney 16′
Darren Fletcher 20′
Luis Nani 38′

It’s game over for Arsenal? Will United going for a fourth?

Arsenal’s Monday night win over Blackburn at the Emirates stadium has enabled them to pull five points clear of second place Manchester United with 12 league game to go.

United has lost all the 4 games when Rooney was not playing either due to injuries or suspensions and in all those 4 games, Ronaldo has a off day, a below par performance or unable to provide a match winner performance (usually in Rooney’s absence, it has to be said).

Has the trip to Saudi start to bring the effect to United team? Or the striker shortage that we badly needed has come to haunt us?

The Red Devils form has declined since coming back from Saudi trip, first was the match against Tottenham, clearly United were not at their fluent best at White Hart Lane indeed a very lucky injury time equalizer from Carlos Teves save United out jail.

With Louis Saha unable to clear off his injuries mystery and Ferguson happily pay-cheque him even when he seem to be always on the treatment table has started to haunt on the Red Devils quest for the glories.

Louis Saha has even earned himself a nicknamed called Balsa Man. You can click on the “Balsa link” to read out the story from Footbal365.com

In what Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that his squad is the “strongest I have ever had”, United bench proved otherwise. What I could say is the “strongest ever crowded central midfield” Sir Alex ever had. Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Paul Scholes, Oliviera Anderson and Darren Fletcher.

Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves and another midfielder Park Ji-Sung all sit on the bench, another 2 available slots went to Danny Simpson and keeper Kuszcazk. What clearly went wrong was there were no striker making the bench not even from the reserve.

The inquest is under way at Old Trafford, though, with United fans hoping Ferguson won’t be left to rue keeping his chequebook locked away in January. Lets hope United plot another storm back to the Premier League title when the curtain close in May.