Jones Injury Scare Ahead of Real Clash

Manchester United’s chances of bypassing Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League tie have taken a severe blow after defensive midfielder, Phil Jones, limped off the Old Trafford pitch on Monday night.

Up against a spirited Reading side, United had to work hard for their victory in the FA Cup fifth round and Sir Alex Ferguson took a gamble in resting a number of his stars.

One man to survive the cull was Jones – who once again proved an integral part of United’s team – and had played his role well until the 40^th minute, when Jobi McAnuff pounced on a miss-control and the two players collided.

Unfortunately, Jones came out far worse than his opponent and a scan on Tuesday revealed damage to his ankle. There is now serous concern he will not be fit for the Real Madrid clash next week, a major hurdle in Ferguson’s plans to take apart the Spanish giants.

For Jones put in a man of the match performance in Madrid last Wednesday and, were it not for his determination to cover open ground, Real would have created many more chances than they did.

He also proved his worth for the team during United’s 2-0 win over Everton three days before, setting an example to many other Premier League midfielders on how to man-mark Marouane Fellaini out of the game.

His loss would be a severe blow for Ferguson, who must find a replacement to cover the back four. Anderson has never proven quite up to it, meaning Michael Carrick will be trusted to holding that position just above the defence.

Carrick has the ability and concentration to fulfil this role but there is always the danger he will stray forward, forgetting his duties. Hopefully, United don’t need too much cover to outscore Real on the night, but with Jones out there is a weakness for Ronaldo and co. to exploit.

United are 13/7 with Betfair Football to overcome Madrid. Check out the latest odds, tips, and news for the Champions League at http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/.

Ronaldo praise forewarning fan jibes

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out in praise of his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson before the pair meet for Real Madrid’s clash with Manchester United in the Champions League next week.

Ronaldo, who played more than 190 games and scored 84 goals for United under Sir Alex, departed the club for a world record £80m back in 2009 and has grown into one of the best players in the world under the Bernabeu floodlights.

In the weeks leading up to this Old Trafford departure, there were reports he had fallen out with the United manager: the cocky young wonderkid seeing life differently to the fiery Scot. According to the player, however, there is no lasting rift:

“I still have an excellent relationship with him and it will be nice to see him again,” Ronaldo told reporters.

“He taught me the basis of football. I arrived in Manchester when I was only 18. He managed my career in the best possible way and for me he is one of the most important people in football.”

Great praise from the Real Madrid star, who’s exit from Manchester could have gone smoother and there is still a real chance he will suffer a torrent of abuse from Reds supporters when he faces his former club home and away this month.

Maybe this was Ronaldo’s way of deflecting the attention the media will bring to this Champions League clash and for once Ronaldo may want to stay out of the limelight before a game.

Fans betting on football on Betfair are already expecting exciting things when United travel to Spain next week and should the tie still be in contention come the second leg a wall of noise will greet the players at Old Trafford. Whether or not the United faithful have forgiven then former star for deserting them is unclear, but diplomatic statements like this one can only help Ronaldo’s cause.

For more information, including betting tips, ahead of the Real v Man United clash, head over to: http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/              

Ferguson dismisses one-man team jibes

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant that his side haven’t become a one-man team following the summer arrival of Robin van Persie.
After years of carrying Arsenal with little silverware to show for it, the Dutchman decided to leave the Emirates, sparking a bidding war between some of Europe’s top clubs and punters who bet on premier league transfers were left wondering where to put their stake.
United eventually won the battle, with the 29-year-old arguing that his decision was based on the Red Devils’ extra desire to sign him.
Sir Alex’s men missed out on the Premier League title on goal difference last term but it doesn’t like it’ll be the case this time around, with the likes of Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck rediscovering some of their form to aid Wayne Rooney.
However, it’s been RVP who has been the real star, already surpassing the 20-goal mark for the campaign, helping his new side to establish a clear lead at the top of the standings.
A number of these strikes have helped United seal crucial results, leading Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini to suggest that the Dutchman could be the difference in the title race.
Some premier league betting news writers have suggested United rely too heavily on the former Feyenoord man, such is his importance to the team.
Ferguson is understandably delighted with his new star but insists his side are more than a one-man team.
"I don't go along with the idea we have become a one-man team," Ferguson told United Review.
"There was a time in our history when one man did carry us for a while. Eric Cantona kept us in contention with his goals when a few others were off the boil.
"But things are quite different now. Javier Hernandez has weighed in with 12 goals while Wayne Rooney is currently on nine.
"He is absolutely relishing his new challenge. He is the right player, at the right club, at the right time,” he added.