United Target, Lewandowski, Excited for Euro 2012

Robert Lewandowski remains focused on Poland’s forthcoming Euro 2012 campaign, despite speculation continuing to link him with a host of clubs, including Manchester United.

The Borussia Dortmund forward is a summer target of United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, who is looking to bolster his attacking options, following Michael Owen’s departure, and the anticipated exit of Dimitar Berbatov.

However, the £15-million rated Lewandowski is refusing to get carried away by the thought of turning out at Old Trafford, next season, insisting: "For every player, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, a tournament like this in your country.

“I hope for the Polish players and fans this creates unforgettable emotions, and will be a great experience.

"There are advantages and disadvantages of being hosts, having the fans and the entire country behind us is an advantage, but the pressure and expectations will be great, so we have to prepare both physically and mentally."

The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons with Borussia Dortmund; his goals - 30 in only 67 appearances - have helped the club win successive Bundesliga titles.

He also scored a hat trick, as Dortmund beat Bayern Munich 5-2 in the DFB-Pokal Final, earlier this month, as the club earned the first league and cup double in their history.

Lewandowski made his name at Lech Poznan, where he was a prolific goalscorer . Earlier in his career, he was Znicz Pruszkow’s top scorer in the 2006-07 campaign, helping the club secure promotion from the Polish third division.

For information and betting advice on another team from Eastern Europe, visit the Betfair Czech Euro 2012 odds website. Alternatively, point your browser at the Euro 2012 Netherlands betting page for tips on gambling on Holland.

Change needed regardless of Sunday's result

If Manchester United do end up lifting their 20th league title on Sunday, it will arguably be one of their greatest – and certainly most dramatic – league victories of all time.

In a title race that has swung wildy one way then the other, the momentum if firmly with City, with even their most pessimistic of fans acknowledging that the title is well and truly in their sights.

To be honest given they have spent nearly a billion pounds in four years the Barclays Premier League trophy should be their minimum target and the fact United have kept in touch is perhaps to their credit.

But regardless of who finishes on top on Sunday, Sheikh Mansour is bound to get his chequebook out again and allow Roberto Mancini to run wild in the transfer market.

The oil money from Abu Dhabi has severely distorted the division, but before we throw in the towel we should remember that so did Roman Abramovich and his roubles.

Sir Alex Ferguson responded to the Chelsea threat but pushing his side and lifting them to another level, culminating in their 2008 Champions League victory. That proved there was more to success than money, though it definitely helps, hence United’s current predicament.

Since that rainy night in Russia Ferguson’s movement in the transfer market has been severely restricted. The Scot prides himself on bringing through youngsters and that policy has remained, if you consider the likes of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly and the Da Silva twins have all worked their way into the first team in recent seasons.

But the Scot has also exploited United’s reputation as a world force by bringing in the best players from elsewhere. These aren’t always mega signings – Ronaldo was only just over £12million – but it allowed Ferguson to keep improving his side.

Since 2008 that hasn’t really happened. He has spent money yes, but not on the scale he used to.

With City’s mega-spending set to continue (I’m sure a Abu Dhabi-based sponsor will help get round financial fair play) the online betting markets are tipping them to dominate for years to come.

To once again rise above this latest challenge Ferguson needs to be given the freedom in the transfer market he and a club of United’s standing deserves.

Over to you Mr Glazer.

Fergie Claims Victory over Mexican FA

The Mexican Football Association (FA) has reportedly struck a deal with Premier League outfit, Manchester United, to allow the Red Devils’ young striker, Javier Hernandez, to skip the Olympic Games.

In recent months, the gulf between football managers and the selection committee for London 2012 has widened, with coaches fearing that the contest could have a detrimental effect on domestic campaigns.

Alex Ferguson slammed the Games as a conduit for “utter chaos”, while Arsene Wenger took umbrage with the inclusion of Jack Wilshere in a shortlist for Team GB, despite the fact that the Englishman is nursing an injury. 

The news that the Mexican FA has buckled beneath the weight of pressure from Old Trafford is, perhaps, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for concerned managers.

Ferguson claims that Chicharito’s busy schedule during the two previous summers has affected his form in the 2011/12 campaign. "His form last season was fantastic”, the Scot explained. 

“He’s found the second year more difficult, but a lot of that is down to not having a summer break for three years, and playing every summer for his country.” Sir Alex added that Hernandez should get “requisite rest”, this year.

The 23-year-old played for Mexico during the most recent World Cup, in 2010, as well as in the Gold Cup, last year. He finished the latter competition at the top of the scoring charts.

Ironically, despite his young age, Chicharito would have played for Team Mexico as one of three permitted veterans, given that he will be over the maximum age (23) for the Games, by the time the event kicks off, in July.

Euro 2012 will also be contested, this summer. Find out the current odds for the Euros with Bet Victor.

Ferguson must now turn his gaze on GB selector, Stuart Pearce, if he hopes to prevent an extensive list of players, one that includes Wayne Rooney and David de Gea, among others, leaving Manchester for London, this summer.

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