Friday, March 30, 2012

Will Experience Be The Key For United?

Amazingly in his 25th season as Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson is still hungrier than ever to win his 13th league title, but he knows all too well that his three point advantage over rivals City is only a very slender lead.

He has been in these situations enough times in his career to know exactly how to finish the job off and he hasn't failed too many times. His experience of winning titles is the reason why many bookmakers have United down as winning the title, but the experience of his players is also a huge factor and people who bet with Bet Victor will need to remember this.

Since Paul Scholes made a sensational comeback to playing after he retired at the end of last season, United haven't lost a game he has played in. He has given the team that balance and creativity and controlled the games in the same way he was doing ten years ago. It is incredible to see how he is still head and shoulders above most other premier league players and his influence has been priceless. People placing a Victor Chandler bet will have been stunned by his efforts.

The likes of Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand all have unrivalled experience when it comes to winning the league, and the likes of Rooney, Evra, Vidic and Carrick are also hugely experienced. This is what will really count going into the last eight games of the season. The young players will look around and be guided by the senior players who have been there, done that and got the medal, and feel relaxed and focused on the job in hand.

On the other hand, you fear that Manchester City although have experienced players with great quality, there aren't any real Premier League winners in their squad, which may be a telling factor.

Despite this, Sir Alex Ferguson is remaining wise to what can still happen, saying "We all know that football can turn around and bite you, and the small advantage they hold can change in one game".

It all makes for another great weekend of Premier League football with both sides desperate for a win.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Ferguson rejects Vieira ref claim

Sir Alex Ferguson has waded into the row with Manchester City over whether they get favourable treatment from referees by insisting decisions even themselves out over the course of the season.

Former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira, now City's Football Development Executive, appeared to claim on Wednesday that United get preferential treatment from referees in the light of Fulham failing to get a late spot-kick at Old Trafford on Monday when Danny Murphy looked to have been tripped by Michael Carrick in United's 1-0 win. Fans of football betting tips will have seen the incident.

Vieira says his comments were taken out of context and is unhappy with the way the interview has been reported but Ferguson, speaking at his weekly press conference, was asked about the comments and rejected Vieira's apparent claim.

"Every club gets breaks here and there, you get good ones and bad ones," he said. "It evens itself out over the season, that will never change. City could have had a penalty against them at Stoke for a foul by Gareth Barry."

On the contentious penalty incident against Fulham, Ferguson also defended referee Michael Oliver's decision not to give the Cottagers the chance to equalise late on Monday and even people who follow the League Two betting will know this sort of thing happens at all levels.

He added: "From the referee's position, I can see why he didn't give a penalty when Danny Murphy was brought down.

"It was a good claim. The ball moved to the angle as Michael Carrick challenged him. From that position, it wasn't clear."

Ferdinand focused on United

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insisted he is only concerned with his own side’s form and has no interest in what is happening across the city.

United lead rivals Manchester City by three points heading into the home straight and are in the box seat to retain their Premier League crown.

Ferdinand believes United have the experience to hold off the challenge of their neighbours and lift the title for a record 20th time and Bet Victor makes them strong favourites.

"You've got to hold your nerve but as important as that, if not more so, is trusting each other," said Ferdinand.

"We don't care what happens with them (City), it's about us. If we remain calm and win all our games we'll be successful."

Both sides have just eight games left after United defeated Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford on Monday to reclaim top spot.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were left frustrated for large parts of the game and were fortunate not to concede a last-gasp penalty.

Ferdinand said that is par for the course at Old Trafford and does not expect it to be a problem during the run-in, something people looking at Victor Chandler may agree with.

"Fulham had a game plan – they set their stall out to frustrate us and did that for long periods. But in the end, after a couple of crosses, we got the ball in the back of the net," added the 33-year-old.

"I just think that at Old Trafford, if teams are going to come here and frustrate us, we know we're still going to create chances."

United face a favourable run of fixtures over the next fortnight – trips to Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic either side of a home game against Queens Park Rangers – while City face tough trips to Arsenal and Norwich City. The title is United’s to lose.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

United in control

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side have timed their charge towards the Premier League title perfectly ahead of Monday night's clash at home to Fulham.

Ferguson's side relinquished top spot to their rivals after Manchester City earned a 1-1 draw at Stoke City on Saturday but could move three points clear with a win at Old Trafford.

United leapfrogged City at the top of the table for the first since October two weeks ago and Ferguson believes they are in a strong position heading into the final throes of the season and those placing a Victor Chandler bet will no doubt agree.

"We are in the right place, at the right time and, most importantly, with the right players," said Ferguson.

"It's neck and neck now and I'd say it was an ideal time to be up with the leaders with only nine matches to go."

After entertaining Fulham, United take on four sides in the bottom six while City face tough trips to Arsenal and Norwich City. All of a sudden, the title is Manchester United's to lose.

Ferguson is determined to turn up the heat on United's neighbours with a victory over Martin Jol's Fulham.

"After weeks trailing in second place, we got our noses in front. I am sure our players are ready to put the pressure on again," added Ferguson.

"Our guys have been flogging away and perhaps wondering if they would ever catch up before we hit the finishing line. Well, we did and they are capable of going in front again."

Should the two sides match each other stride for stride over the next month, they will face a potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium on April 30 and anyone making a Bet Victor bet will know how crucial the match could be.

Given the run of fixtures between now and then, City would probably take that scenario if it was handed to them now.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Antonio Valencia - a key United asset

Antonio Valencia is one of the best wingers in the Premier League, and his return to fitness could have a huge impact on the title race.

The Ecuadorian wide man joined Manchester United from Wigan Athletic some years ago after his displays impressed Sir Alex Ferguson whilst he was on loan from Villarreal CF. Unlike a lot of wingers, Antonio Valencia isn't the most skilful of players. That might be what you expect from a winger as that's certainly what you get from Lionel Messi, Criatiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben etc. Valencia brings a different kind of threat, however. Those betting Premiership money will know he tore Wolves apart this weekend.

Where Valencia excels is in his acceleration. Wingers are traditionally quick players, as everyone knows, but there are few quicker wingers in the Premier League than Valencia over short distance. Subsequently, defenders may know what Valencia is going to do but there's precious little that they can actually do about it. To make him that bit more dangerous, his delivery is usually fantastic with the South American battler almost always able to pick out a team-mate. Anyone following the Premiership betting odds will know he has what it takes to take apart poor defences.

Another outstanding asset to Valencia's game is his work ethic. This player will run from the start of the game until the end and you'll never see him complaining to his team-mates or giving up in difficult circumstances. Valencia will always track back and help out his full-back or surge forward to assist in attacks.

Valencia is not what you would call a world-class player because he lacks the individual quality to make him one. He is, however, is a world-class team player and in the right team, that really does make him an invaluable asset in both attack and defence.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Ferguson wants fit Valencia

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is hoping that winger Antonio Valencia remains fit for the rest of the season as he believes the Ecuadorian could have a massive say on the title race.

The 26-year-old has missed the last month of action due to a hamstring problem but returned to the side on Sunday, playing an influential role as the Red Devils recorded and impressive 5-0 win at relegation threatened Wolves.

As well as finding the net himself, Valencia also set-up two other goals as United extended their lead over rivals Manchester City at the top of the table to four points.

The former Wigan man returned from a long term injury last season and played a crucial role as United went on to record their record 19thtitle, as well as reaching the Champions League final where they went down to Barcelona.

A number of pundits have suggested that Valencia’s directness and superb delivery from the wide areas also brings out the best in talismanic striker Wayne Rooney and Ferguson will be hoping the two link-up again this season.

The veteran coach was full of praise for the winger following the victory at Molinuex and struggled to hide his respect for the South American’s talents.

"He could be very important," said the United manager. "His form before he got the injury was outstanding.

"Now he is back we hope he stays back fit. He is such an honest, hardworking player.

"You get two sides to Antonio. He is prepared to work really hard. He can tackle, he can run, but he can also beat a man."He has got everything really" he added.

Written by Alex, a fan of Manchester United and football betting.

Berbatov heads for exit

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits Dimitar Berbatov could leave the club at the end of the season in search of first-team football.

The Bulgarian made the last of his five Premier League starts this season in the 2-0 home victory over Stoke City on January 31, scoring a second-half penalty.

The striker has had to settle for a bit-part role in recent times and Ferguson said he cannot guarantee Berbatov any more involvement next year. Fans of Victor Chandler will not be too surprised by the news.

"At 31, he is looking at first-team football. It is difficult for me to guarantee that so it could lead to him looking elsewhere," said Ferguson.

Berbatov moved to United from Spurs in September 2008 for a fee of £30.75m and despite scoring 14 goals in his first season, failed to hit the heights which made him one of the hottest properties in the Premier League.

After hitting the net 12 times during his second season in Manchester, Berbatov had his most prolific campaign to date last season – scoring 22 goals, including five against Blackburn Rovers and hat-tricks against Birmingham City and Liverpool.

Instead of kicking on during the current campaign, the forward has been left kicking his heels and has found himself behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in the pecking order.

Berbatov was linked with a move away from the club in January, with Bayern Munich touted as a possible destination, but a move never materialised. People placing a Bet Victor bet will be keeping an eye on his summer movements.

Reports suggested Ferguson was ready to offer Berbatov a contract extension until June 2013. However, the United boss seems resigned to losing the player who demanded such a large transfer fee just a few years ago.

Berbatov may be in the twilight of his career and can be perceived as being lazy, but he still has enough quality to spark a bidding war.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Ferguson upbeat on Europa League hopes

Manchester United were dispatched three goals to two by Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on Thursday, in what could come to be regarded as one of the more exciting matches of the 2011/12 Europa League.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for the Red Devils against the run of play, but a sprightly Bilbao side quickly equalised, courtesy of a powerful header from centre forward, Fernando Llorente.

Athletic, who are perhaps best known for their strict recruitment policies, favouring players from the Basque territories of Spain and France, added another at the 72nd minute mark. Oscar de Marcos volleyed home a lofty pass from Ander Herrara. Anyone following the Europa League betting will have been stunned.

The victory appeared complete for the tourists twenty minutes later, when pacey teenager, Iker Muniain, added a third for Bilbao. David de Gea palmed the ball wide into the path of the Spaniard, who needed only to outrun the United defence to score.

Muniain's effort did not come without complaint from the United players; the free-kick that led to Los Leones' final goal was given in controversial fashion, when the referee penalised Patrice Evra for striking the ball with a boot missing.

The German official, Florian Meyer, awarded the free-kick on the grounds that players cannot continue playing unless they wear the full football uniform, boots included. "The real rule", Alex Ferguson said, "is you can, but when the play is stopped you have to go off the field."

Manchester were awarded a penalty mere seconds after Muniain's goal, in what will have been regarded as recompense for Meyer's decision by United fans. Rooney thumped the ball past Bilbao 'keeper, Gorka Iraizoz.

United are now on shaky ground in the Europa League. Bilbao have an away goal advantage for the second leg at San Mames, meaning that Fergie's team need a confident win to qualify for the quarter-finals. Fans of football betting should remember this.

"They were the better team. It's an uphill fight for us," Sir Alex added. "The question is, can we win the match over there? I think we can."

Friday, March 9, 2012

Ferguson confident despite defeat

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his side can progress to the Betfair Europa League quarter-finals despite watching his side fall to another surprise European defeat.

Athletic Bilbao overcame the disappointment of Wayne Rooney’s opener to score three unanswered goals at Old Trafford and take control of the tie.

Rooney gave United hope from the penalty spot in stoppage time and Ferguson believes his side can prevail in next Thursday’s second leg in Bilbao.

"They were the better team. It's an uphill fight for us. The question is, can we win the match over there? I think we can," said Ferguson.

Defeat left United with just one win from five European games at Old Trafford this season and they had goalkeeper David de Gea to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable.

The Spaniard made a number of top class saves in the second half as Bilbao laid siege to the United goal. Ultimately, the stopper was let down by the defenders in front of him as Oscar de Marcos and Iker Muniain added to Fernando Llorente’s first-half equaliser.

The result means United must score at least twice in Spain to keep their hopes of becoming only the fourth side to win all three major European club trophies alive and the Betfair betting shows this could be tough.

Ferguson has hinted at the possibility of playing a full-strength side in the return leg as they look to salvage something from a miserable European campaign.

"We can still win the game. No question. We showed we can make chances against them, but obviously we have to defend better," added Ferguson.

"I need to really look and see how we can maybe bring Rio Ferdinand in without disrupting the league programme."

United will have to improve significantly to topple the impressive La Liga outfit on their own patch.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Nani admits form frustration

Having failed to rekindle the scintillating form that made him one of the most coveted players at Manchester United, Portuguese winger Nani has admitted he is desperate to improve.

The 25-year-old has returned to action after suffering a foot injury which kept him on the sidelines at Old Trafford for a month, as the club continued to keep in touch with rivals Manchester City for the race for the Premier League title.

Having full recovered Nani has put in some indifferent performance of late including two subdued displays against Ajax in the Europa League, both at the Amsterdam Arena and Old Trafford. People following the Premier League betting should bear this in mind.

The Portugal international appears to be somewhat low on confidence and with fellow winger Antonio Valencia out on the sidelines with a hamstring injury which could rule the player out of action for some time, it’s important for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to have Nani firing on all cylinders.

However the former Sporting Lisbon star has insisted he is working hard in training on getting back the form that made him a highly rated talent at the Theatre of Dreams, as the Red Devils begins to approach the business end of the season. Those who Bet on Premier League weekend games need to remember this.

Nani said: "It has been difficult to get the consistency.

"I am getting there but I need more minutes. I will work hard to come back because we need every player.

"Just now I am not at my best but I will try to recover my form as quickly as possible."