Celebrity Big Brother: Natasha Giggs ‘I wish I’d confessed to Rhodri’ and ‘I think Ryan Giggs is an idiot!’

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Natasha Giggs is still talking about her affair…..still!!
The Celebrity Big brother star was supposed to be trying her hardest to get things back on track with her husband Rhodri, after news broke last year that she had been cheating on him with his famous brother Ryan Giggs.
However, she’s still trading off her famous relationship and in an interview with Now this week, Natasha explained how it affected her when she became front page news last summer.
The brunette beauty said:

‘When my story broke it was front page news for 15 days.’

‘There are affairs, there are affairs with your brother-in-law and then there are affairs with your brother-in-law who’s Ryan Giggs.
‘No one could believe this clean-cut footballer and devoted father could do such a thing. It shocked everyone.’
Natasha didn’t tell her husband the story was about to break beforehand, instead she hired Max Clifford to represent her and took herself off to Spain, leaving her mum to tell Rhodri what had happened on the Sunday the newspapers were due to report on the shocking affair.
She now claims that she wishes she had told her spouse – though hindsight is a wonderful thing – and added:
‘I wish I’d confessed to Rhodri before he saw it in the papers but I couldn’t do it.
‘Instead, I flew to Spain the night before the story ran and left a letter that my mum delivered to him with the papers at 5am the next day.
‘People think I ran to the papers to tell but it didn’t happen like that.’
On how she feels towards her famous brother in law now, Tash continued:
‘I don’t hate him but I think he’s an idiot,’ she says. ‘And I do get a bit excited when Manchester United lose.’
Natasha was pictured falling out of a nightclub earlier this month, hanging off the arm of her Celebrity Big Brother pal Kirk Norcross. We’re sure her husband loved the photos that appeared in the newspaper the next day!

United question Athletic ticket prices

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The last time Athletic Bilbao and Man Utd met was in the 1957 European Cup quarter-final

Manchester United are urging Athletic Bilbao to reduce their ticket prices ahead of next month's Europa League tie at San Mames, with the English club set to lobby UEFA if they refuse.
United are likely to receive an allocation of around 2,000 for the last-16 second leg encounter on March 15, but the Red Devils have been shocked to discover that tickets will cost £77.50 - significantly more than athletic charged for their last-32 meeting with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Although it is common practice in Spain for vast disparities in prices to exist for certain games, United feel the sums being charged are excessive.
They have already expressed their concerns to Athletic, but received little sympathy on the grounds that the La Liga outfit intend to charge home supporters exactly the same.
So, whilst they privately accept there is little chance of the situation changing, United feel they must make their feelings known to UEFA too.
It will be the first time the Red Devils have visited the Basque stronghold of Spain since January 1957, when they lost 5-3 in a European Cup quarter-final, only to turn the tie round at Maine Road in the second leg with a 3-0 win.

Scholes: We may need to win every game

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Paul Scholes admits Manchester United may have to win all of their remaining 12 Premier League games as they aim to hunt down rivals Manchester City in the race for the title.
United looked to be heading towards a costly draw at Norwich City yesterday when Grant Holt struck a late equaliser to cancel out Scholes' seventh-minute opener.
However, rather than take what they had back up to Old Trafford, United instead immediately went on the offensive, sweeping forward before Ryan Giggs - on his 900th appearance - eventually stabbed home deep into stoppage time to spark wild celebrations among the travelling support.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men are now still just two points behind leaders City as they prepare for next Sunday's trip to third-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Scholes, 37, accepts there will be little margin for error between now and May.

"We realise we may have to win every game to win the league, but we are ready and prepared to do that.

Paul Scholes, Manchester United midfielder"

"There is no point drawing games so we were throwing everyone forward going for that goal, and I am sure we will do the same thing again," Scholes told MUTV.
"Of course, three points instead of one is a big difference. That is what we are here to do. We realise we may have to win every game to win the league, but we are ready and prepared to do that. Hopefully, we can do it."
United manager Ferguson insists his men will not flinch during the title run-in, with an away clash at City to come on 30 April.
"We won't get nervous, that's for sure. We're used to it," the Scot said. "You saw that when we conceded the goal. How did we react? We started playing. That experience hopefully helps us."
'Amazing' Giggs
At 38, Giggs continues to produce consistent displays, as does 37-year-old midfielder Scholes, who came out of retirement earlier this season. Scholes hailed his long-time United team-mate as "amazing".
He said: "Just to play that amount of games for a top club is a great achievement from him and he is still going strong as he proved throughout the game and, thankfully, getting us the winner in the last minute. It was almost as if it was written for him really - 900 games is amazing and to do it for one club and Manchester United is even better."
Giggs admitted his wild celebrations in running over to the United supporters showed his desire burns as bright now as it did when he first pulled on the red shirt as a raw teenager.
"To play for such a great team, a great club and the team I have supported and grown up with, it is obviously special to play 900 games," the Welshman said. "I will keep going and hopefully there's more goals to come."

Ferguson praises Golden Oldies as United clinch victory at the death

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Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the resilience of his Manchester United team after admitting they had been second best to Norwich for large parts of this afternoon's 2-1 victory at Carrow Road, where Ryan Giggs netted a stoppage-time winner on his 900th appearance.
After falling behind to a close-range header from Paul Scholes on seven minutes, the Canaries rallied and forced David de Gea into a string of fine saves.
The United keeper was finally beaten seven minutes from time by Norwich skipper Grant Holt.

Old heads: Manchester United's Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs celebrate

However, that just served to spark the Red Devils into life as Ashley Young's goalbound effort was blocked and Danny Welbeck somehow missed a free header from two yards before Giggs ensured a fairytale finish when he stabbed home to keep United on the tails of Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City.
'I have to say we were lucky today, in the sense Norwich had more promise about them. I thought we were lethargic, too casual on the ball.
'Then when we lost the goal, we played brilliantly,' Ferguson said.

Welsh roar: Ryan Giggs celebrates his stoppage time winner

 'That tells you something about the temperament, they do not get nervous and started to up their game, so that augers well for us.'

Ferguson, who confirmed duo Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley were ruled out of England's friendly against Holland on Wednesday through illness and injury, added: 'I think the players were probably a bit embarrassed with the chances they missed, they know they should have done better during the game, and that is irrespective of Norwich being the better team.
'They just kept crossing that ball into the box. Without Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and (David) De Gea, we would have been down. They were brilliant the three of them.

Young and old: The Manchester United players celebrate Giggs' late winner

'Norwich deserved a point today and it was a great goal they scored, but at that moment you saw us as Manchester United.
'I am sure this result will have an impact [on the season].
'Everyone knows we never give in, no matter who plays us, they know they will have to play right to the death."
Ferguson had recalled his regulars following their midweek defeat by Ajax in the Europa League, looking to close back up on leaders Manchester City, although England striker Rooney missed out because of a virus and midfielder Cleverley reportedly struggling with a recurrence of his recent ankle injury.
Ferguson confirmed: 'They will be out [for England].
'Wayne has still not recovered from his throat infection, so hopefully we'll get him ready for next Sunday, when we have a big game at White Hart Lane.'

Seeing is believing: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised the contribution of his older players

Giggs, 38, admitted it was a 'real honour' to mark his 900th game with the winner.
'It doesn't get any better,' the Welshman said.
'Norwich put up a great fight but we didn't really play very well. We started the game really well, scored and took our foot off the pedal and Norwich caused us a lot of problems.
'But I think if you look at the last 10 minutes, we probably just deserved it.
'We have been in good form recently, gone to some tough places over last three or four weeks and got some great performances. Today was more about the result than the performance.'
The Canaries have consolidated well on a first return to the top flight in the six seasons since last facing the Red Devils here, securing back-to-back promotions up from npower League One under Paul Lambert.
Only three teams had won at Carrow Road in the Premier League this season, and Lambert felt his side should take credit from their efforts again today.
He said: "That was a huge performance by us. We gave everything.
'We were running on empty, but I couldn't fault our lads.
'Manchester United come at you from all angles, but I couldn't ask for any more.
'It was a poor goal to lose but the pleasing thing was, when you lose that goal early, you don't capitulate, and we never did that.
'We hung in and the United goalkeeper probably saved his best game for against us - some of his saves were magnificent.'

Premier League Previews & Score Predictions

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Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool. Who will take the coveted 4th spot? The race continues this weekend with Chelsea and Arsenal hoping to get back to winning ways, after their UEFA Champions League heartaches.

Liverpool and Everton will take no part in this weekend’s Premier League fixtures as the former will be at Wembley on Sunday to play Cardiff for the Carling Cup trophy.

Here are previews for the weekends games and predictions for the outcomes:

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

The balance of power in north-London is shifting. Arsenal will go into the north-London derby on the back of a couple of disappointing results. The Gunners were humiliated in the UEFA Champions League as they succumbed 4-0 to AC Milan and were subsequently dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend away at Sunderland.

Things have never been this tough at the Emirates, the club is on a seven-year run without a trophy and the fans have been very vocal in the past couple of weeks on their displeasure at the way results have gone at the club this season, and a loss against their arch-rivals will be one bitter pill swallow for them.

Tottenham have proven over the course of the season they are title-contenders. They are third behind the Manchester clubs and with a 10-point gap from fourth-placed Arsenal, they can almost cement their top-three place with a result this Sunday.

In their last Premier League match, Tottenham waltzed past Newcastle with a beautiful display of attacking football matched with FIVE goals on the night. They were shut out from scoring last weekend in their FA Cup 5th round tie at Stevanage when they were held to a goalless draw.

Tottenham won the fixture at the Emirates last season, storming back from a 2-0 deficit to claim a 3-2 victory. This fixture hasn’t lacked goals in the past meetings so expect at least a couple on Sunday.

Arsenal are not in the right form at the moment and much will depend on how much Arsene Wenger can galvanize his troops after the last couple of poor results. A result means everything to Arsenal’s season and a victory will all but crown Tottenham as the best team in London.

The rivalry of course will be intense as ever. Form is thrown out of the window for derbies, and I think Arsenal, playing at home can emerge winners – they have more to lose if they don’t. It would be a fight though, Tottenham are 3rd and they won’t just roll over.

VERDICT: 2-2

Chelsea vs Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea have now gone five matches without a win after they were beaten in Naples in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, and it is hard to see them turning the Champions League tie around unless they can stop the rot, that is threatening to derail their charge for a top 4 place (as well) this season. Manager Andre Villas-Boas has overseen the worst Chelsea performances in the Roman era and personally I’m a little surprised he still has a job.

Chelsea’s poor form at home this season continued in their last match at Stamford Bridge when Birmingham forced an FA Cup 5th round replay. The match ended 1-1 and the performance was the sort we have seen a lot from the Blues this season.

Bolton wanders are 19th in the league and were beaten at home by fellow relegation fighters Wigan Athletic their last Premier League outing, but Owen Coyle’s men worked their socks off and progressed into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a 2-0 victory over Millwall last weekend.

Chelsea have taken maximum points in the last six matches between these two sides, and I think they could pull off a slim victory in front of their fans. Bolton will give Chelsea a game, but Chelsea are due a good result soon after their poor run of results.

VERDICT: 2-1

Manchester City vs Blackburn Rovers

League-leaders Manchester City welcome relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers to the Etihad Stadium, knowing at the back of their mind, that they can’t afford to drop points with Manchester United breathing down their neck in second place.

Roberto Mancini’s men recorded an away victory against Villa, winning 2-1 the last time in the Premier League. The win was only Manchester City’s second in their last seven away matches. They then traveled to the Estadio do Dragao to face Porto (who had not been beaten at home in a major competition all season) in the Europa League where they secured a 2-1 first leg victory.

Blackburn Rovers responded to their humiliating 7-1 defeat at Arsenal with a nervy, but precious victory at home to QPR in their last Premier League outing. The victory moved them out of the relegation spots and onto 17th place.

Blackburn Rovers have won only once away all season and guess where they recorded that victory? In Manchester, at Old Trafford. Can they make another Manchester team pay? I seriously doubt it as Manchester City are flawless at home in the Premier League, recording maximum 36 points from their 12 home matches. They would be very confident about this fixture, especially on their home turf.

VERDICT: 3-0

Norwich City vs Manchester United

Norwich became just the second side, after Manchester United, to beat Swansea on their own turf this season when Grant Holt scored a double to help his team to a 3-2 victory over Swansea at the Liberty stadium, but the Canaries’ high-flying season took an unexpected jolt at the weekend when Leicester City claimed a 2-1 victory at Carrow Road to dump them out of the FA Cup.

Manchester United kept pace with League-leaders Manchester City in a composed performance against Liverpool, winning 2-1. They followed that victory up with a Europa League triumph away in Holland against Ajax, where they recorded a 2-0 first leg victory.

The return to fitness of a number of players for Manchester United is a very big boost ahead of this encounter. Nani, Young, Jones and Smalling all featured in the victory last Thursday.

Norwich City, bar their FA Cup loss at the weekend, have been in very good form winning three of their last five games, including the last two in the Premier League. Manchester United have won eight times away this season, including three of their last five away matches.

Norwich have adjusted well to the pace of the Premier League. What I especially like about them is that you never know when or how they will hit you. They are not afraid to go forward and know when to defend too. But facing champions Manchester United is another kettle of fish entirely and I think United’s experience will shine through on Sunday afternoon.

VERDICT: 1-2

Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Newcastle were brutally hammered in their last Premier League outing, losing 5-0 at White Hart Lane to Tottenham. It was the worst performance I have seen from Alan Pardew’s team this season, especially in the first half where they were played off the pack by a fantastic Tottenham side.

Mick McCarthy had to go after Wolves were beaten 5-1 in the Black Country derby against West Brom two weeks ago. Wolves sit precariously in 18th place.

Newcastle could go 4th, if Chelsea and Arsenal both lose their respective matches this weekend. And a win for Wolves would be the perfect response to their Derby humiliation. Wolves have been pretty poor on their travels this season and with everything happening at the club at this point in time, they don’t look like getting anything away from the Sports Direct Arena. Newcastle have won 7 of their 12 matches at home this season, Wolves won’t stop them recording an 8th.

VERDICT: 3-1

Queens Park Rangers vs Fulham

Mark Hughes will come up against his former employers for the first time after his not too pleasant resignation at Fulham just before the Premier League started. He has taken up the job at Loftus Road and though results haven’t as expected since, I think he has got the right blend of players in place, and I think the team is in the right direction and he will help Rangers to safety come the end of the season.

In the first meeting between these two teams back in October, Martin Jol’s men ran the rule over Rangers in a 6-0 rout of the Premier League newcomers. Fulham haven’t lit up the Premier League this season but still sit a very respectable 12th place. Their away form has been poor with just one win all season. QPR have been poor as well, this time at home with just two home victories all season.

QPR are one of three teams with 21 points and sit precariously in 16th place. They have brought many players in during the January transfer window and they MUST find their feet quickly if their top-flight adventure won’t end soon.

QPR need the points badly but with Fulham drawing five of their 12 Premier League games and QPR are not always strong at home, so I’m going for a draw in this match up.

VERDICT: 1-1

West Bromwich Albion vs Sunderland

Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie scored a hat-trick to propel West Brom to their sixth away win of the season in a 5-1 victory away at Wolves two weeks ago. It was no more than Albion deserved as they produced some breathtaking football against a woeful Wolves side on the day.

West Brom quite alarmingly haven’t been able to replicate their away successes at home as they have won just two and lost eight in front of their fans this season. In fact, their home record is so poor that they have recorded four losses in their last five matches.

Sunderland took on Arsenal twice in a week as they played the Gunners first in the Premier League where they lost in the final minute. Martin O’Neill’s men though got their magic back last weekend as they condemned Arsenal to a seventh successive trophyless campaign after they recorded a deserved 2-0 win in their FA Cup 5th round match.

Sunderland have been a much changed side since O’Neill’s arrival. Sunderland have won four matches away all season but have won three of their last five away matches since Martin O’Neill’s arrival. With players like Stephane Sessegnon, Frazier Campbell and others in good form plus West Brom’s pathetic home record, it’s hard for me to see past another Sunderland away victory. But the last few matches between both sides has seen some quite close results so you can’t rule out the possibility of both teams sharing the spoils.

VERDICT: 1-1

Wigan Athletic vs Aston Villa

How will a team survive relegation after having just won one match at home all season? I have absolutely no idea how Roberto Martinez is going to get Wigan out of the trouble, as they sit with just 19 points. A late winner by James McArthur earned Wigan a lifeline and a 2-1 victory away at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton two weeks ago.

Aston Villa have won just three matches at home all season and their woes were further compounded when Manchester City came into town and snatch a 1-0 victory at Villa Park 12 days ago to leave them 15th in the table, seven points adrift of the relegation zone.

Aston Villa have won just six matches all season and interestingly, their last five travels has recorded three victories. Alex McLeish’s men can take confidence in their away form of late and hurt a Wigan side that more often than not falters in front of their fans.

Aston Villa have won on their last two travels to face Wigan and coupled with their away form of late, I can’t see Wigan stopping them from a third consecutive victory on their own turf.

VERDICT: 1-2

Stoke City vs Swansea City

Stoke City have been very poor in their last few matches as they are without a win in their last five Premier League matches and are languishing in 13th place on the standings. Mehmet Topal’s 30-yard screamer further compounded Stoke City’s woes as Valencia won 1-0 in their Europa League first leg victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium last week Thursday. They however returned to winning ways when they crushed Crawley Town 2-0 at Broadfield Stadium in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Swansea City registered only their second Premier League away win of the season when they won 2-1 at West Brom. This was after they had impressively held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at home. They were however brought down back to earth when Norwich City beat them 3-2 in front of their own fans at the Liberty stadium in their last Premier League outing before the FA Cup break.

Swansea City have lost seven times in twelve travels in the Premier League this season and Stoke, by their standards have been woeful this term with just four Premier League wins at home all season.

This will be a very interesting fixture, Swansea are bad travelers and Stoke are poor at home. Stoke’s FA Cup victory could kick start their season, I think they will get their fifth Premier League home victory in this one.

VERDICT: 2-1

It’s Time for the Glazer Family to Sell Manchester United: Fan’s Reaction

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On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Associated Press's Rob Harris reported that Manchester United's cash reserves dropped $158 million in the final six months of 2011. The club's overall debt now stands at $694 million.

There are a lot of things about this AP report that I consider unbalanced. Harris wrote about how the team's cash reserves were used to invest in a roster "failing to maintain the English champions' dominance," but he neglected to say that David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young were purchased at reasonable prices. More importantly, all three players filled needs on the roster. Manchester United had to make some moves after multiple players were either released or retired following the 2010/2011 season.
I also disagree with Harris's assertion that the investments are failing to maintain the club's dominance. Last time I checked, the Red Devils had a double-digit point lead on traditional powers Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League standings. Sure, the club is two points behind Manchester City, but that's what a title race is all about.

The club's eliminations from the Champions League and both domestic cups are discouraging, but no team is going to win every trophy in every season. There were a lot changes made on the roster in the past year, and that doesn't include injuries to rising playmakers Tom Cleverly and Javier Hernandez. I think it's premature to label the club's 2011 moves as failures, even if the Red Devils struggled in tournament play.
However, despite my belief that Harris's report is rather slanted, the numbers don't lie. The club is $694 million dollars in debt, even though it reported revenue gains of $277 million in the last six months of 2011. I'm even more baffled by the amount of the club's debt because the Glazers have had seven years to pay it down. There's no reason why that number shouldn't be lower.
The real problem is that the Glazers were irresponsible to take on such massive debt in order to take over Manchester United. If they didn't have the money to purchase the Red Devils, then they shouldn't have done it. Their inability to pay down that debt tells me they need to sell the club, and they need to do it now. The longer Manchester United is stuck in debt, the more restricted they will be when it comes to bringing in new players to improve the roster. The team depends on revenue made from European competition, but if it can't afford to pay incoming stars the salary they require, then the club will eventually fail to qualify the Champions League.
It's time for the Glazers to sell Manchester United. They've proven unworthy stewards of the legendary club, and I'm unwilling to tolerate their ownership any longer. I don't want to see the mighty Red Devils eventually fall by the wayside because the Glazers were unfit to lead the Manchester United organization.
Derek Ciapala has been a fan of Manchester United since the World Cup in 1994. His favorite Red Devils' moment is when they won their 19th English Championship in 2011

Manchester United report 12% rise in revenue and 13% fall in debt

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Manchester United have announced an increase in revenues for the final six months of 2011 of £18.5 million to £175 million.
It has also reported a decline in its debt of £69 million, down to £439 million from £508 million. The reduction in debt was mainly due to a buyback of bonds that were sold as part of a £500 million refinancing initiative launched two years ago.
The positive finances for the second part of 2011 are even more vital as the Premier League football club have been knocked out of the final stages of the UEFA Champions League, one of the club’s main sources of revenue. It is likely that the club will see a decline in revenue in the next six months as a result of their Champions League exit.
2011 saw Manchester United crowned champions of the Premier League but they are under increasing pressure from local rivals Manchester City and currently trail them in second place as the Premier League season enters its climatic three months.
Manchester United were placed third behind Real Madrid and Barcelona in Deloitte’s annual football financial tables. Manchester United headed that particular league table for eight consecutive years from the late 1990’s to the early 2000’s. Real Madrid have been the top global earners for the past seven years.
In 2011, United’s match day revenues rose from £52.4 million to £54.5 million, its commercial revenue increased to £58.6 million from £50.4 million and its media revenue rose from £53.7 million to £60.9 million.
Its total operating costs increased from £96.9 million to £110.8 million and net spending on players also rose from £11.7 million to £47.9 million.
Manchester United were taken over by the Glazer family in 2005 and the club’s supporters have been critical of the level of debt the club has had to take on as a result of its links to the Glazer’s other businesses.

Manchester United has own Xavi and Iniesta claims starlet Welbeck

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Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck believes the club has its own versions of Barcelona maestros Xavi and Iniesta.

The England international reckons youngsters Jess Lingard and Larnelle Cole remind him of the legendary Barcelona duo.

Speaking to The Guardian, Welbeck said: “Sometimes I train against Larnelle and Jesse and I think I’m playing against a little Iniesta and Xavi.

Speaking to 'Red View', the Manchester United club magazine, Lingard said: "I've been involved with the first team and I am playing well for the Reserves so we'll see where it goes from there," Lingard told MUTV.

"The aim is for more and hopefully I can play in the Europa League.

"It was good experience [at Newcastle], being around the players. Obviously, if you're going to be a Manchester United player, you have got to get used to that sort of stuff and I enjoyed it.

“It's always a good vibe. You talk about tactics before the match, and the coaches make sure you get enough rest for the big game.

"I've been getting a lot of advice actually. Chicharito told me about movement, Wayne Rooney spoke about finishing and Dimitar Berbatov talked about composure. It's good to get a lot of tips from them."

Manchester United: Antonio Valencia Injury Proves Europa League Needs Overhaul

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In case you haven't noticed, Manchester United was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage this season.
So why are they still playing in Europe?
Oh right, the Europa League.
The annual competition to crown the 17th best club in Europe.
So yesterday, when Manchester United defeated Ajax 2-0 in the Netherlands, it was an important match, right?
No, not really.
The Europa League has become a farce.
Honestly, would you EPL fans rather have your club win the Europa League and finish fifth in the league, or not compete in the Europa League and finish fourth?
You'd take the latter every time.
That's why it felt like a punishment when Manchester United were put in the Europa League for finishing third in their CL group.
Now the Red Devils are forced to play more matches, suffering more opportunities for fatigue and injury, with no upside in Europe and a domestic title race in full tow.
Almost inevitably, then, came yesterday's injury to Antonio Valencia, whose hamstring will keep him out of action for a month.
The frustration at this injury is understandable; why do we have to play these matches anyway?
It's a fair question; just the fact that one asks the question, though, proves the Europa League needs a major overhaul.
Luckily, I have two quick fixes that would fix the Europe's Europa problem.

Disintegrate the League
Don't get me wrong, I know why the Europa League is there.
Not every club that wins a cup or finishes high in the table can be in the Champions League, so there's a lower league for them to enjoy European football.
Wait a second, why can't they be in the Champions League again?
The UCL is already staggered, with qualifying rounds to get to the bigger clubs; why not create more qualifying rounds for clubs that in the past would have qualified for the Europa League?
Why is a club that wins the FA Cup not given a chance in the Champions League while a club like Arsenal, who hasn't won a trophy in the past 7 seasons, allowed to compete in the Champions League each season?  After all, isn't the FA Cup winner a champion and isn't that what we're looking to reward?
This system would create more buzz in the opening few rounds (with possibly more high profile clubs competing) and border on the feel of the FA Cup (with lots of qualifying and everyone given a chance to win).
Admittedly, though, it would need some cramming in the schedule.

Give the winner an automatic UCL berth
Let's be honest here: the Europa League is a second-rate competition.
That's not a knock on it; it is meant to be that way.
So why is the prize for the winner of the competition merely another Europa berth for next season?
If the winner of the Europa League were to qualify for the Champions League in the following season, the competition for the title would be much fiercer than it is now.
Admittedly, clubs like Manchester United this season (who have UCL qualification almost locked from their EPL standing) would not be affected by the new rule.
However, the competition would have a much greater reputation so that matches would carry more weight.
Hence, losing Valencia yesterday would have just been a tough injury blow instead of a frustrating loss in a meaningless match.

There are just a few ideas that could improve the Europa League.
The league clearly needs a shake-up.
UEFA must take action.

Vote for Player of the Month – January 2012

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Fabio da Silva: Luis Suarez handshake snub inspired Manchester United to defeat Liverpool

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The Reds forward refused to make peace with Patrice Evra before Saturday's match, causing outrage at Old Trafford and, says the defender, causing the home side to rally

Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva says that Luis Suarez’s controversial decision to refuse to shake Patrice Evra’s hand inspired his side to victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

 The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners in the Premier League clash which was largely overshadowed by the continuing fallout from the racism row engulfing the two players as the Uruguayan, who had served an eight-match suspension for racially abusing the full-back, declined Evra’s outstretched hand.

Fabio, who did not come off the bench during the game, felt the Reds forward’s actions were outrageous, telling Globoesporte: “I believe that in life it is always necessary to forgive.

“Patrice wanted to forgive Suarez. In Anfield he was attacked, but at Old Trafford he offered the hand. “The action of Suarez was not justified. For me, to reject the hand of someone is very serious. The action of the Uruguayan before the beginning of the match increased our force to defeat Liverpool.

“In the ground, there was calm and the rivalry. But after the action of Suarez, the tension exploded.”

Suarez and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish have both apologised since for their conduct before and after the game, which saw the Reds remain in seventh place in the table.

Berbatov out, Jones in for United

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Dimitar Berbatov will not feature for Manchester United on Thursday

Manchester United have made the trip to Amsterdam for their Europa League clash against Ajax on Thursday without Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra, but Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones have travelled.
Veteran midfielder Giggs was always expected to sit out the clash, but the absences of forward Berbatov and defender Evra come as a surprise.
There has been no word from United as to why the trio have missed out, with an update likely to arrive at a press conference on Wednesday evening.
There have been some positives for United, with Nani, Chris Smalling and Jones included following spells out due to injury.
Cleverley is also on the cusp of a return, having been sidelined since the end of October, and he has been handed a place in the 20-man party.

Ferdinand in awe of Giggs

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Rio Ferdinand: Taken back by the longevity of Ryan Giggs' career at the top level

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed he is in awe of the talent and greatness of team-mate Ryan Giggs.
 
Giggs made his 899th appearance for the Red Devils on Saturday as he played a pivotal role in the side's 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The 38-year-old recently signed a one-year extension to his contract with United meaning that he will play on into a 22nd season in the top flight.
And with the 900 appearances milestone on the horizon for the United veteran, Ferdinand has praised Giggs, who has managed to remain injury-free and the fittest member of the squad.
"He has been blessed with a tremendous physique," he said.
"He is not carrying any weight, he's not had any serious injuries and he manages himself really well.

Tremendous

"To have that many appearances at one club is phenomenal. Words can't describe how great that is."
England defender Ferdinand believes Giggs is still more than capable of producing influential moments like those which have earmarked the Welshman's career as he continues to make the starting line-up by merit.
"There is no reduction in his talent," he added. "He is still one of the better players in training.
"In the games, he's one of the best too. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in midfield.
"That tells you he is not getting in because of who he is or what he's done, he's getting in the team on merit."

Talent

Ferdinand has partnered Giggs at Old Trafford for a decade but can still recollect having videos of his team-mate when he was at school, which pays testament to the longevity of his career.
"I had videos of Giggs versus John Barnes and George Best versus Diego Maradona," he said.
"I used to watch them all the time. I particularly remember Giggsy scoring a goal against QPR where he danced past a couple of defenders and smashed it in.
"And then there was that curly hair. He is a great player.
"When he first came into the Premier League, he was like a breath of fresh air.
"To watch him continue where he started as a youngster is fantastic."

No action over Old Trafford clash

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Liverpool and Manchester United will not face disciplinary action from the Football Association over the scenes at Old Trafford that followed Luis Suarez's refusal to shake Patrice Evra's hand.

Players from both clubs were involved in a heated exchange at half-time during United's 2-1 win, while Evra was spoken to by referee Phil Dowd after the final whistle for his overt celebrations in front of Suarez.
The FA says the refusal to shake hands is not a disciplinary issue, while Dowd has reported that he dealt with Evra at the time and that the tunnel incident was not serious enough to warrant any further action.
Suarez apologised for his refusal to shake the hand of Evra, the target of his racist remarks in October which led to the Uruguay striker receiving an eight-match ban.
The pre-match handshake routine takes place before every Premier League and FA Cup match and is part of the FA's Respect campaign.
The Premier League had ruled out scrapping the routine for the match, the first time Evra and Suarez have come face to face since the original incident in October, saying to do so would negate the point of the handshakes.
Statements from Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and managing director Ian Ayre confirmed Suarez had misled them by indicating that he would shake hands with Evra.

Manchester United Needs These 5 Players to Step Up

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Manchester United keeps chasing Manchester City and trails by two points in the Premier League standings. To aspire for it's 20th title, several players need to prove they are real Red Devils.
Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Jonathan Evans and Michael Carrick have displayed superb performances, but there are others who need to step up and show their love for the club.
The team hasn't lost a Premier League match since last month, which has a lot to do with the fact that several players have come back from injuries.
Imagine what could happen if the squad were synchronized? That's why these five footballers have to prove themselves.

Anderson

Anderson has suffered a couple of injuries this season, which cut his momentum, but also caused a drop in his performance.
The Brazilian international needs to step up and show why, despite only being 23, he can handle United's midfield, creating plays and distributing the ball.
With Paul Scholes out of retirement, Anderson must work hard toward getting better and stronger. This season has only played 10 Premier League games and scored twice.

David De Gea

It's true that David de Gea has improved a lot, especially from the match against Chelsea, but he needs to keep the momentum going.
The 21-year-old Spaniard has played 16 times in the Premier League, in which he has recorded 64 saves and conceded 21 goals.
If David controls his nerves and grows confidence, he can definitely become an amazing goalkeeper.

Nani

Luis Nani hasn't been the star he used to be in previous seasons. So far, he has scored six goals and made seven assists. By this time last year he had scored nine times and had 11 assists.
Nani is a key piece of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad, he knows how to create plays but also kicks the ball well. The Portuguese needs to find his rhythm and prove why he's become a cornerstone.

Patrice Evra

 France's left-back Patrice Evra has some serious work to do. Since Nemanja Vidic's injury, Manchester United's defense has been the weakest line of the club.
Evra needs to defend that left side as if it were his life, seven conceded goals, 28 percent of which have been scored from his defending point.
In the game against Chelsea, the first two goals were produced from the right byline.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is not in his best physical moment, but he's shown glimpses of his talent, like in last game against Liverpool.
Ferdinand tackled Luis Suárez in the first half, denying him an opportunity to mark the first goal for the Reds.
The key is consistency, Rio must keep his leadership and abilities at top levels for the whole 90 minutes.

Reds misled, Suarez and KD sorry

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Liverpool say Luis Suarez misled them before refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand, with the player and Kenny Dalglish having issued apologies

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Liverpool claim Suarez indicated to them he would shake hands with United defender Evra prior to Saturday's Premier League game at Old Trafford before refusing to do so on the pitch.
The Uruguayan, who was banned for eight matches after racially abusing Evra during the league game between the sides at Anfield in October, had been expected to shake hands with the Frenchman, but failed to do so.
On Sunday, Suarez apologised for his actions and Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre also released a statement criticising Suarez's actions.
Later, Reds manager Kenny Dalglish apologised for his conduct during his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
Ayre said: "We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so.
"He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team-mates and the club.
"It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable.
"Luis Suarez has now apologised for his actions which was the right thing to do. However, all of us have a duty to behave in a responsible manner and we hope that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club."
Suarez issued his own apology, which read: "I have spoken with the manager (Kenny Dalglish) since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong.
"I've not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.
"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.
"I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."
Dalglish said in a statement: "Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford.
"To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do.
"But as Ian said earlier, all of us have a responsibility to represent this Club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager.
"When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologise for that."
Suarez scored in a 2-1 defeat for Liverpool, with Evra appearing to taunt the South American by celebrating right next to him at the end of the match.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson described Suarez as "a disgrace" and suggested he should never play for Liverpool again while Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor branded Suarez's conduct as "disrespectful, inappropriate and embarrassing".
Taylor added: "If anything, Patrice Evra was the victim and he was prepared to put his hand out.
"These players are expected to be role models but if we have a situation where nobody accepts the findings of hearings and just carries on regardless, all you get is anarchy.
"Now the Football Association have to step in because the whole situation has gone too far.
"Suarez had a chance to put everything to be yesterday, in front of a worldwide audience. The fact that he chose not to is, quite frankly, depressing."
Having already defended his man in the flash TV interview with Sky Sports, Dalglish opted not to make himself available for further discussion on the matter.
On Saturday night, long-time friend Alan Hansen did not say on Match of the Day whether he had spoken to Dalglish prior to transmission.
However, his own observation was withering in its condemnation.
"Liverpool FC made a statement that there would be a handshake," he said.
"Luis Suarez was party to the statement. He knew about it and obviously agreed with it. To snub Patrice Evra was, in my view, totally unacceptable.
"The football club and the manager have given him total and unequivocal support through thick and thin.
"He has let Kenny Dalglish down, the club down and himself down."

would be ‘perfect’ England captain, says Rooney

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LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has put aside club rivalry by stating that Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard would be the best man to lead England at Euro 2012.

England are without a permanent coach or captain after John Terry was stripped of the armband by the Football Association pending a racial abuse trial and manager Fabio Capello quit in protest.

“For everyone asking, I would love to be England captain. But that’s up to new manager to decide. Gerrard is perfect choice for me,” Rooney wrote on his Twitter feed.
Rooney, who can not play in the first two Euro 2012 group games against France and Sweden because of suspension, is seen by pundits as an unlikely pick for captain with Gerrard the bookmakers’ favourite for the role whoever takes over as coach.
Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce is in temporary charge for this month’s friendly against Netherlands with Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp tipped by Rooney and the media to be approached about becoming the fulltime coach before or after Euro 2012.
FA chairman David Bernstein is determined not to rush an appointment and said age was no barrier to 64-year-old Redknapp.
“I can understand the hype around Harry. The guy has done amazingly,” he told British newspapers on Sunday.
“He is a fine manager and he is English. This job will be so attractive to many people, we will get interest from serious parties in spite of this hype.”
Rooney’s preference for midfielder Gerrard as captain comes after the forward scored twice as hosts United beat Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday in a game marred by Luis Suarez refusing to shake Patrice Evra’s hand.

Liverpool striker Suarez was banned for eight games for racially abusing Evra in October and his fresh antics were followed by scuffles in the tunnel at halftime between the teams, who are fierce rivals and whose animosity has previously spilled over into the England setup.

Rooney brace helps sink Liverpool

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Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Liverpool.
However, the match at Old Trafford was overshadowed by Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra, the player whom he was found guilty of racially abusing in October which led to an eight-match ban.
Wayne Rooney scored twice early in the second half and although Suarez pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining United held on to move ahead of Manchester City, which plays on Sunday afternoon (Monday morning AEDT).
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp ended an emotional week on a huge high as his third-placed team crushed Newcastle United 5-0 at White Hart Lane.
Redknapp, who was cleared of tax evasion charges on Wednesday and was immediately installed as favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager, saw his team race into a two-goal lead after five minutes courtesy of goals from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Louis Saha.
Saha, making his first Spurs start, scored his second in the 20th minute before Niko Kranjcar and Emmanuel Adebayor completed the rout to put the London side five points behind leader United.
Chelsea lost its grip on fourth place after a 2-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park.
Toffees midfielder Steven Pienaar, who returned on loan last month, did parent club Spurs a favour by scoring in the fifth minute for his first league goal since September 2011.
Fellow on-loan player Denis Stracqualursi hit his first Premier League goal in the 71st minute to wrap up the points and extend Chelsea's poor run to just 12 points out of the last 30 available.
Arsenal took advantage to move into the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot as it came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1.
Having gone behind to James McLean's 71st-minute goal, Aaron Ramsey equalised with a shot off both posts just four minutes later.
And Thierry Henry's last-minute goal, converting Andrey Arshavin's cross, nicked the three points and took it above Chelsea on goals scored.
At the other end of the table Wigan Athletic did its survival chances the world of good with a 2-1 derby win over fellow struggler Bolton Wanderers.
The Latics began the day five points from safety but ended just two behind 16th place.
Just before half-time captain Gary Caldwell powered home a close-range header, only for Mark Davies to smash home a left-footed drive against the run of play in the 67th minute.
However, with 14 minutes remaining James McArthur capitalised on Victor Moses' shot which rebounded back off goalkeeper Adam Bogdan to poke home the winner.
Fellow struggler Blackburn Rovers held off a late rally from Queens Park Rangers to win 3-2 but the concession of the two late goals prevented it moving out of the bottom three.
Striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, returning from a three-match ban, scored his 14th goal of the season, midfielder Steven Nzonzi drove home his first since August 2010 and Nedum Onuoha's own goal put Blackburn 3-0 up at the break.
Jamie Mackie scored twice in the last 19 minutes, the second a brilliant strike in injury-time, but QPR could not force a draw.
Deadline-day signing Pavel Pogrebnyak scored on his Fulham debut with a 16th-minute effort as his new side beat Stoke City 2-1.
Clint Dempsey's 35-yard shot cannoned down off the crossbar and hit goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the back to make it 2-0 and Ryan Shawcross 78th-minute header from Jermaine Pennant's corner proved nothing more than a consolation.
Norwich City came from behind to beat host Swansea City 3-2.
Danny Graham's 23rd-minute goal put Swansea ahead but two goals for Grant Holt, either side of one from Anthony Pilkington, gave the visitor a cushion which it needed when Graham's 87th-minute penalty set up a frantic finish.

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez claims ‘everything is not that it seems’ after apparent Patrice Evra handshake snub

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The Uruguay striker appeared to refuse to shake the hand of the man he had been banned for racially abusing but suggests that the whole story of the 2-1 defeat was not made clear

 The Uruguayan scored a consolation goal as the Reds were defeated 2-1 at Old Trafford but the match was overshadowed by controversy as the French defender seemed to react angrily to the snub and Rio Ferdinand then blanked the striker’s proffered hand.

Writing on Twitter after the game, Suarez said: “We lost and we are sad because we have made a big effort ...

“Disappointed because everything is not that it seems ...”

The enmity between the two clubs and their supporters was noticeable at Old Trafford as the fallout continued from Suarez’s previous suspension for racially abusing Evra in October’s reverse fixture.

There were reported confrontations between the players at half-time and, at full-time, the United defender embarked on an ostentatious victory lap, seeming to pointedly walk past the Reds striker as he did so, a gesture which earned a rebuke from his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferdinand also spoke on Twitter after the match but did not comment on the handshake incident, instead reassuring fans of his fitness after suffering some tough challenges.

“What a atmosphere what a game, great result. My neck feels ok, thanks for the concern people!” the centre-back wrote. “Great support from our fans again!”

The victory takes Manchester United to the top of the Premier League, ahead of Manchester City's trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.

United enjoy 2-1 win over Liverpool

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 The simmering feud between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra exploded at Old Trafford as Manchester United went top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Liverpool.
On his first start since serving an eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra at Anfield in October, Suarez refused to offer his hand during the traditional pre-match handshake.
Evra reacted angrily and after apparently trying to confront Suarez in the tunnel at the end of the first half celebrated victory in close proximity to a disconsolate Suarez.
The Uruguayan continued to walk down the tunnel as some of Liverpool's players took umbrage at Evra's celebrations, remonstrating with the defender as tempers threatened to boil over.
Rio Ferdinand had earlier refused to shake Suarez's hand either, emphasising the depth of his feeling at recent events.
Amid the rancour, United emerged with three precious points as Wayne Rooney's second-half double sent them top of the Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men had to survive a nervy 10 minutes at the end though after Suarez's close-range finished had halved the deficit.
Reaction to Suarez was swift and damning and Evra was so obviously not amused.
Ferdinand might not have thought so, but it was probably just as well he bore the brunt of Evra's intended challenge on Suarez inside the first minute, otherwise the United skipper would have been in trouble.
Nothing much happened for a long time after that, with the game getting stuck in a midfield scrap.
Glen Johnson had the clearest opportunity, only to curl his shot wide after skipping inside Evra.
Rafael responded with a similar opportunity, which was saved by Pepe Reina.
It was not long before United opened their visitors up though.
Paul Scholes continued his run after finding Ryan Giggs with a quite brilliant pass to the left touchline.
When Giggs delivered the cross, Scholes was all on his own on the edge of the six-yard box.
It should have been the opener. Instead, the veteran midfielder's header went straight at Reina, who batted it away.
After the flurry of activity, the contest reverted back to the mundane.
That was until the final minute of the half, when Ferdinand sent Suarez to the deck with a tackle TV replays showed was perfectly legal.
Suarez felt differently and when referee Phil Dowd refused to award the free-kick that would surely have brought Ferdinand's dismissal, he reacted furiously.
Booting the ball at towards the dug-out as the half-time whistle blew, Suarez had to be escorted down the tunnel by team-mates.
Once inside though, the whole thing exploded once more, with Evra apparently intent on confronting the Uruguayan, with players from both sides involved in a melee that required police intervention.

The Football Association will be wanting to know more about that but the spark suited United better judging by the way they began the second half.
When Jordan Henderson could only get the faintest of touches to Giggs' curling corner, it sent the ball straight to Rooney.
On his own at the far post, the England striker swept home a first-time shot.
The home fans barely had time to catch their breath before Rooney struck again.
This time, Liverpool only had themselves to blame as Jay Spearing surrendered possession to Valencia in a dangerous area.
Unselfishly, Valencia found Rooney immediately and the United man finished off his 17th Premier League goal of the season.
The whole complexion of the afternoon had changed.
After Michael Carrick had sent Suarez flying, Rooney was denied a hat-trick when he brilliant effort was ruled out for an earlier foul by Jonny Evans.
More good work from Valencia presented Rooney with another opportunity, which he spurned.
It triggered a double substitution from Kenny Dalglish, who introduced Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy.
Then, after Danny Welbeck had scuffed a shot straight to Reina, Charlie Adam came on.
Suarez remained throughout, so was on hand to finish off after United's defence had got themselves in a tangle as they tried to clear Adam's free-kick and the ball bounced kindly off Ferdinand.
Welbeck would have eased a few nerves if he had not wasted a good chance on United's next attack.
However, after an excellent save from David de Gea to deny Johnson in stoppage time and Suarez missing from close range when he was offside anyway, the hosts held on to claim a valuable win, even if the hope of both clubs that the match should remembered for the football was sadly not met.

Man United's midfield unfairly maligned

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One of soccer's great rivalries kicks off again on Saturday as Liverpool faces Manchester United at Old Trafford (7:45 a.m., ESPN2, ESPNDeportes, ESPN3.com). The matchup features the two most successful clubs in English history, with United winning the most all-time titles and Liverpool right behind. The two teams drew in league play earlier this season, but Liverpool knocked the Red Devils out of the FA Cup just two weeks ago.
A key storyline all season for United has been the play of its midfield. The general perception is that United is strong at the back with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic (that is, before Vidic was lost for the season) and strong at the front with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck, but weak in between. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has even bought into this, experimenting with a number of formations this season. He played Rooney in a central midfield role during a Champions League match earlier in the year and called longtime ally Paul Scholes out of retirement to help with the perceived midfield woes.
The numbers, however, don't necessarily agree with the public perception. A number of United midfielders are having good, if not superb, seasons offensively and defensively. As a team, United is completing 243 passes per game from the middle-third of the field this season, up 5 percent from last season. On the defensive side, United is averaging a league-high 6.5 tackles per game in the middle-third, up from 4.9 last season.
Perhaps the biggest reason why it's natural to assume United's midfield has fallen is all of the injuries. Perennial first-teamer Anderson as well as newcomers Ashley Young and Tom Cleverly have all had the injury bug hit this season.

Liverpool and United focus on game not handshake

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MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United and Liverpool played down the racism subplot to their Premier League meeting this weekend by saying on Friday they were thinking only about the football.

Matches between England’s two most successful teams are always highly charged and Saturday’s game has the added bite of a possible first meeting between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez since the latter’s ban for racially abusing the United defender.

The clubs faced each other two weeks ago when Suarez was still serving an eight-match suspension but both players are now available for the Old Trafford encounter and the television cameras will be focused on the traditional pre-match handshake.

“We’ve just got on with our job, we’ve kept our dignity throughout, we’re just concentrating on the game,” United manager Alex Ferguson told a news conference.

“I’ve not even thought about it to be honest with you. I’m not bothered with it.”

Liverpool counterpart Kenny Dalglish said earlier this week he was sure Uruguay striker Suarez would shake France defender Evra’s hand but on Friday refused to discuss the matter.

“We will comment on football,” he told reporters.

“We enjoy going there to play football and that is all we are going to concentrate on, we’ve covered every other aspect of what has to be covered.”

With United having broken Liverpool’s record by winning a 19th league title last season and the Anfield club holding a 5-3 advantage in terms of European Cups won, the atmosphere at these north-west derbies is always feisty.

Liverpool were 2-1 winners a fortnight ago when they met in the FA Cup fourth round and are unbeaten in their last three meetings with their bitter rivals.

“BIG GAME”

United have a big incentive to break that run as victory would take them top of the Premier League, for at least 24 hours as leaders Manchester City do not visit Aston Villa until Sunday.

“It’s always going to be a big game,” Ferguson said.

“We’re chasing the league and they’re chasing a Champions League place. It’s important for both clubs.”

United are second with 55 points from 24 games, with City two points ahead. Third-placed Tottenham Hotspur have 50 points while Liverpool are seventh on 39 — four points away from a Champions League berth.

Ferguson said he was determined to stop his team’s recent habit of giving away soft goals but was hoping his players would show the same determination they displayed to fight back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Chelsea last weekend.

“I think our performance levels in the last few weeks have been good but we’re losing goals in important games and that’s a bit of a concern,” he added.

“We expect a hard game tomorrow but I’m just looking for the sort of performance we’ve been showing recently. That should help us.”

Ferguson said fit-again midfielder Tom Cleverley would return for the first time since October, a welcome boost after the 22-year-old made an explosive start to the season with his energy and ball distribution.

“He’s trained very well and he’ll be involved tomorrow,” said the United manager.

Too much too soon for this Man United starlet?

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Local lad Danny Welbeck has had his fair share of chances this season and despite a couple of good performances and a few goals, I can’t help but wonder whether he’s truly ready to play such a big role at a big club like Manchester United. Isn’t he a pretty big step down from Javier Hernandez – who is already a step down in class from Wayne Rooney?
It’s a real shame that Hernandez has found himself on the sidelines with injuries so often this season and Welbeck has been an adequate-to-good replacement, but we need to face facts. Hernandez has better movement than Welbeck, better finishing technique than Welbeck and more ability on the ball than Welbeck. They are probably equals in the air, but in every other area of the game I’d argue that Hernandez comes up trumps.
I don’t mean to paint Welbeck as some kind of glorified back-up player. The Manchester born youngster clearly has an eye for goal and has bags of potential – but is he ready to be leading a United title charge? I’m not so sure. Another difficult to answer question: where would United be had Hernandez remained fit all season?
There have been a few occasions this season where Hernandez has started on the bench and Welbeck has made the starting XI. Whilst on some occasions this was due to Javier returning from injury, I don’t think Sir Alex Ferguson has been getting the most out of his Mexican International. Nobody in the Premier League can match the poacher’s instinct that Hernandez displayed last season.
It’s clear that Fergie rates Welbeck and knows a thing or two about young talent but is it possible he has got his priorities wrong this time? At 21-years-old I feel that Welbeck should be making regular substitute appearances for United with a view to obtaining a starting berth over the next couple of seasons.
I just don’t want to see Hernandez relegated to a super-sub role, whilst Welbeck thrives. Danny’s a young lad and will have plenty more chances over the coming season. Hernandez, on the other hand proved his worth last season and deserves a place in the starting line-up.
What’s your take? Who’d you pick in your United starting line-up – Welbeck or Hernandez?