Video of a rare win at Ewood Park

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City going as well as expected.

Unaware, as I was, that City had been 3-1 down to Sunderland until late in the game today, the discovery that the blues had drawn 3-3 with Sunderland drew a yelp of satisfaction when I finally saw the results, shortly after five O'Clock. Even when I later became aware of the full nature of the match at Eastlands it was hard to surpress the feeling of glee that had been my first emotion in reaction to the scoreline.

Viera mouths off again; implying that premier league refs are biased

Undeterred by Sir Alex Ferguson's withering riposte last week, City 'ambassador' and Arsenal legend Patrick Viera has had another go this week claiming that refs favour United
'' When United play at home they get some advantage that other teams don't get," Vieira told BBC Sport.
"I think when you go to United, Madrid, Barcelona, or Milan, when the referees referee these kind of games, it's always difficult to go against these kind of teams'' the Frenchman said.
"This is the way it is.
"It's something the teams who are used to winning get all the time, so we need to win games so we have this advantage in the future."

Despite Jol's protests Fulham are treated better than United by refs

Interesting stats in the telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9168877/Manchester-United-more-likely-to-concede-penalty-at-home-than-Fulham-despite-manager-Martin-Jols-claims.html

Latest title race prediction curve

Title race prediction curve latest 














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Wolves V United match analysis

It was another easy win in the end for United who played half of the match against ten men. As you would expect with the numerical advantage, the reds were dominant in all areas and, happily, improved their goal difference significantly; something which they should have done against ten man West Brom at Old Trafford last week.

Highlights v Wolves

szólj hozzá: Wolves Man Utd 0:5 ALL GOALS


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Who should start against Wolves?

We think Sir Alex may start with the above formation tomorrow, depending on the severity of Rooney's injury.
Valencia and Cleverly are available but with the Ecuadorian short of match fitness, Welbeck may resume the role he has played recently on the right while the boss may prefer the experience of Scholes in the middle.
The central defensive pairing of Rio and Evans seems straightforward and it would be a surprise if Evra did not start on the left. Phil Jones has filled in at right back in recent weeks but the former Blackburn man is recovering from flu, which may keep him out. In that case, Rafael should continue in defence. Carrick is certain to play. Ashley Young is in decent form at the moment and with Welbeck possibly playing on the right, Chicharito should get the nod up front.


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Easy win for United

It was a relatively straightforward victory at Old Trafford today against the baggies. Last season, West Brom were the only team to take a point at the theatre of dreams. There was no danger of a repeat today as United were completely dominant and were unlucky not to have won by a greater margin.
With Rooney, Chicharito, Welbeck and Ashley Young all threatening, West Brom did well to escape without a hiding, particularly after they went to ten men in the second half.

City drop below the curve.

A couple of weeks ago we laid out our predictions for the run in. The graph above shows the actual performances of United and City versus our predictions for each team. As we see from the graph United are ahead of the curve courtesy of their win at Spurs. Today however City were beaten at Swansea while we had predicted a draw for that fixture. It was a result that leaves United two points better off than we predicted while City are a point worse off. Come on you reds!!!!!!

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United ahead of the curve

Following on from our title race prediction article posted a few days ago, we have prepared a graph to be published each week charting United's progress relative to the predictions we made. As you may remember we had United to clinch the title on the second last day of the season.
With the win at White Hart Lane, United have already exceeded our cautious expectations. The chart below shows that City are currently exactly in line with the prediction curve; but happily United are two points ahead of the rate as things stand.

Click graphic to enlarge. 

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United beat Spurs 3-1

While we all wanted three points at White Hart Lane today, I think many United fans would have secretly settled for a draw. With City's tough run in there are plenty of opportunities for the reds to close the gap on Roberto Mancini's side; a draw at Spurs would have kept Fergie's men in touch. The fact that United won the game in North London is a fantastic bonus.

Another week, another milestone

Today, Sir Alex will surpass Sir Matt Busby's record. The Telegraph has the story.

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Thoughts about Spurs

As we have analysed here in the past, Spurs have the worst head to head record between the the top 5 teams in the league, having managed only 1 win and 1 draw from their 6 games against Arsenal, City, United and Chelsea. It stands to reason then that they must have a fine record against the also-ran's of Premier League. We have seen the Londoners playing some very stylish football for much of the season with Modric, Bale, Van Der Vaart and Adebayor conspiring sweetly in most of the adventure. Behind them, Scott Parker has been excellent, helping to lay a foundation for the attackers to progress and allowing the full backs, Assou-Ekotto and Walker to get forward in support.

Famous wins against Spurs

2001; a famous comeback

1999: Part one of the treble

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Judge blasts Suarez for provoking wife attack

A judge in Manchester has condemned Liverpool Striker Luis Suarez for refusing Patrice Evra’s handshake at Old Trafford last month; an act that caused an Eccles man to become so enraged he hurled at TV remote control at his wife’s face.

Speaking at Manchester Magistrates court Judge Taaffe said of Suarez  ‘The actions of Mr Suarez were at best ill-considered and at worst the actions of a petulant individual who behaved like a spoilt child and brought contempt on both his club and the many professional footballers who conduct themselves properly week-in, week-out.

“It's undoubtedly the case that the actions of a so-called role model can affect the behaviour of many and the need to act responsibly both on and off the field as they hold privileged position and are idolised by many.”

Although the judge absolved Suarez of any direct responsibility for the assault, the court heard how Mr. Graham Trelfa of Eccles had been angered by the Liverpool striker’s refusal to shake United captain Patrice Evra’s hand and as a result he had flung the remote control into his wife’s eye, promting her to call the police.

Eric's new movie

Here is the trailer for Eric Cantona's new movie Switch; out in the UK on March 30th


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Crystal ball: Title race predictions

With 12 games left in the Premier League season, it is all to play for in the title race as far as United and City are concerned. The reds are well placed on the shoulders City and just 2 points separate the Manchester rivals after 26 games. In recent weeks United have had to negotiate a string of tough fixtures; travelling south to face both Chelsea and Arsenal before 'welcoming' Liverpool to Old Trafford. Happily, Fergie's men remain in touch at the top in spite of the difficult run.
This weekend that run continues as the reds must travel to third placed Spurs. Meanwhile, back in Manchester, City entertain Bolton.
It is not unreasonable to expect that the blues will stretch their advantage over the next few days. At best Manchester United fans are probably hoping to wake up Monday morning still only two points adrift Roberto Mancini's side and only a foolish punter would bet on the reds actually closing the gap in this round of fixtures. But beyond Sunday, what awaits us in the coming weeks?
Today, we will have a look at what to expect over the rest of the season starting with this weekend's round of fixutres.

Strikers report card

As we approach yet another title run-in, United fans, more than any other followers, know what to expect. It is the time of year when every game assumes colossal importance. When each goal is cheered that bit more fervently; when opposition attacks induce nail-gnawing desperation; the sight of the fourth official's stoppage time board draws roars of exasperation or cries of encouragement depending on the scoreline. Serenity becomes an almost mythical, unattainable state. Squeaky bum time, Sir Alex calls it and it is no wonder given United's unshakable habit of leaving it to the last possible second to score. Ryan Giggs' winning goal at Norwich was a perfect example. There are plenty more of them too. So with such vital games coming up, we decided to have a look at the men charged with firing the reds title challenge; the ones trusted to grab the potentially title winning goals; United's strikers.