Manchester United 2

Sporting Lisbon 1

Cristiano Ronaldo's late strike gave Manchester United victory against Sporting Lisbon to ensure they finish top of their Champions League group.


Manchester United: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher (Tevez 46), Nani (Giggs 46), Saha (Hargreaves 79)

Subs Not Used: Van der Sar, Brown, Pique, Simpson

Booked: Ronaldo, Evra

Sporting Lisbon: Rui Patricio, Abel, Anderson Polga, Tonel, Had, Izmailov (Bruno Pereirinha 81), Joao Moutinho, Romagnoli (Vukcevic 67), Veloso, Purovic (Farnerud 81), Liedson

Subs Not Used: Tiago, Adrien Silva, Gladstone, Yannick Pupo

Booked: Had, Anderson Polga

Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)

Att: 75,162

Manchester United vs Sporting Lisbon, Old trafford, 20:45 CET

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have been named in Manchester United's line-up to face their former club Sporting Libson. John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher and keeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also play, while defender Nemanja Vidic could replace Gerard Pique after a back problem. Manchester United have already qualified for the knockout phase of this season's Champions League.

In the F.C. Barcelona, Cesc and I still could play in Third

Cute interview to Spanish daily newspaper El Pais

Bolton 1 Manchester United 0

Bolton took advantage of a defensive error from Gerard Pique to score. When Pique tried to head clear a free kick from Ivan Campo, he missed completely, and Anelka took the loose ball and scored in the 11th minute.

Carlos Tevez beavered away without much success, as did Louis Saha, while wide pair Ryan Giggs and Nani were virtually anonymous.

To make matters worse for United, Sir Alex Ferguson was sent to the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg for a half-time tunnel rant at a succession of minor decisions that had gone against his team.

Match Report

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Andrew O'Brien, Gardner,Campo, Nolan (McCann 83), Guthrie (Wilhelmsson 74),Davies (Speed 70), Anelka, Diouf.

Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Michalik.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown (O'Shea 88), Pique (Anderson 59),Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Hargreaves, Giggs, Saha, Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Eagles.

Goals: Anelka 11.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).

Booked: Davies, Nolan, Hunt (Bolton)

Attendance: 25,028

Preview Bolton v Manchester United

Manchester United visit the Reebok Stadium this weekend to face Bolton Wanderers ( kick-off 15:00 local time;16:00 CET) and will hope to repeat their result last season where they managed a 4-0 win there. Gerard Piqué will start.

Under 21 European qualifier - Spain 3 Poland 0

Spain moved to the top of their qualifying group, just ahead of Russia on goal difference, after beating Poland 3-0.



Spain: Roberto; Torres, Piqué, Torrejón, Monreal; Javi Martínez; Sisi (Alfaro 74'), Granero (Juande 65'), Jurado (Mata 26'), Capel; Bojan.

Poland: Bialkowski; Pawelec, Rzezniczak, Polczak, Kocot (Cichy 46'); Wilk, Glik; Cwielong (Grosicki 65'), Majewski (Jarka 71'), Pawlowski; Jancziyk.

Goals: 1-0. 40. Glik (own goal). Deflected ball into net trying to clear Mata free kick. 2-0. 93. Bojan. Charged down clearance and rounded defender to score. 3-0. 94. Capel. Rolled ball under feet of Bialkowski after mis-kick by keeper.

Yellow card: Torres, Rzezniczak, Cwielong, Kocot, Wilk, Cichy y Glik.

UEFA U21 European Championship 2009 : Spain vs Poland

Spain: Roberto; Pallardó, Piqué, Torrejón, Torres; Capel, Javi Martínez, Jurado, Sisi; Bojan y Xisco.

Poland: Bialkowski; Cicmy, Kocot, Polczak, Kokoszka; Pawlowski, Kuklis, Majewski, Janczyk; Jarka y Danch.

Stadium: El Toralín

Referee: Tony Chapron (Francia).

Hour: 20.30/TVE

Pique's pledge

Some of Spain's top clubs came knocking in the summer, but Gerard Pique is glad Sir Alex never opened the door.

Pique, a Spain U21 international and a product of Barcelona's famed youth system, joined United in 2004 but featured only fleetingly until this season. In fact, opportunities were so limited in 2006/07 Sir Alex sent the defender back to Spain for a season-long loan spell at Real Zaragoza.

His performances in La Liga were outstanding and it's hardly surprising Zaragoza were keen to make the move permanent. Earlier this month, it transpired Atletico Madrid had also attempted to prise the 20-year-old from Old Trafford.

Leaving United, however, just doesn't fit into Pique's plans.

"Zaragosa tried to sign me in the summer but I knew what the answer would be," Pique told The Times' The Game podcast.

"Since the first day I arrived at Old Trafford, Sir Alex has showed me he has a lot of confidence in me and I'm trying to do my best to show him I can be part of this team. I can be a Manchester United player.

"He talks to you a lot – not only about football, but about everything in life. Elsewhere, there are other leaders. Rio Ferdinand talks a lot to you on the pitch and helps you out. Ryan Giggs is quiet but in the dressing room the power and the experience he has really comes out. It's important for players like me to be around someone like Ryan because the confidence he has in himself can pass on to you and it helps your game."

Pique's confidence will have sky-rocketed when he was handed his first Champions League start against Dynamo Kyiv… and then opened the scoring. It was his first goal in a Reds shirt, although he admits he was more than a little surprised to find the net.

"It was a big problem," he joked. "I didn't know how to celebrate the goal!"

In the end, Pique opted for a single fist-pump. Like his approach to defending, it was instinctive yet understated, and something United fans would love to see more of in coming seasons.

Piqué looking to his future at Old Trafford

Defender Gerard Pique is confident his patience will eventually be rewarded at Manchester United.

The 20-year-old was loaned out to Real Zaragoza last season and could easily have joined them on a permanent basis had Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson not rebuffed a substantial bid.

Pique, also linked with Atletico Madrid just this week, enhanced his reputation with a first start - and only his second appearance - in the Champions League on Wednesday, and scored his maiden United goal in the 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev. "You never know what can happen in life, but right now my future is with Manchester United.""I have a lot of pride when a club such as Atletico is interested in me, that means I am doing something good. "Atletico have demonstrated that they belong in the top group of teams and they would be a good option for any player. "If things do not work out for then I will look at my future at Old Trafford - but I am only thinking about working hard and improving every day."

Despite growing interest in the Barcelona academy product, Ferguson has stressed he wants to hang on to the centre-back. Pique himself is only too happy to stay at Old Trafford, looking on the loan spell in his homeland last season as just part of his learning curve. 'When I went on loan last year what I wanted was experience. It was good for me, and now I am am getting experience here - and I am happy,' said the Spain Under-21s international.

'You have to think `it is Manchester United and they are one of the best teams in the world'.
'The players that are here have a lot of quality, and it is very difficult to break through. You have to be patient.'I want to play more games, but the boss decides.'

Pique was relatively untroubled alongside Nemanja Vidic in a back four which also contained fellow 20-year-old Danny Simpson, also making his first Champions League start, and the established Patrice Evra.
Playing with those experienced internationals undoubtedly helped the rookies settle in.
'They are great players, and when you play with them they give you the confidence to play your game,' said Pique. 'You know if you make a mistake you have them around you. 'It was a great feeling to score a goal in the first (Champions League) game you start and you help the team to win the game.'We are now already qualified, and that is great for us. The last two games we can enjoy it - and try to be the first in the group.'

"Sometimes it is difficult to be out of the side, but you have to get over your anxiety. With Vidic and Ferdinand it can be hard to play, but you have to get the minutes in when you can and in addition to show your versatility is important."

Ferguson is like a 'father figure' to young players like Piqué . "He has called on me to take the experience and continue improving.""Sir Alex has always treated me like a son and he demonstrated in the summer when Zaragoza pushed hard for me that he wants me in his side.

Manchester United 2 Blackburn Rovers 0

Manchester United beat Blackburn 2-0 , this time without Gerard Piqué.


Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Anderson, Hargreaves (Carrick 77), Giggs, Tevez, Saha (Nani 68).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Fletcher.

Booked: Ronaldo.

Goals: Ronaldo 34, 35.

Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Dunn, Mokoena, Pedersen, Santa Cruz (Derbyshire 78), McCarthy.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Ooijer, Kerimoglu, Berner.

Sent Off: Dunn (53).

Booked: Dunn, Mokoena, Nelsen, Samba.

Att: 75,710.

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Preview: United v Blackburn

UNITED will be without striker Wayne Rooney for the clash with Blackburn after he injured an ankle in training.

Gary Neville is still unlikely to figure against Rovers despite having made a comeback in the reserves.

The only other absentees are those with long term-injuries - Mikael Silvestre, Paul Scholes, Park Ji-sung and Ben Foster.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Simpson, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Saha, Tevez.

Blackburn Rovers: Friedel, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Bentley, Dunn, Tugay, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Brown, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

Date: Sunday, 11th November, 2007

Stadium: Old Trafford, Manchester

Pique Called Up To Spanish U-21 Squad

Gerard Pique is set to line up once again for the Spain U-21 squad as the young Furia Roja take on Poland next Friday.

Spain have won all three of their outings so far, with Poland having taken just six points from five matches, so it's clear to see who the favourites are.

Indeed, Spain beat Poland 2-0 in early October to cement second place in Group 4 of the European Championship qualifiers. Consequently, they lie three points behind Russia, albeit with a game in hand.

The squad will convene in Ponferrada, León, next Wednesday.

The list in full:

Goalkeepers: Antonio Adan (Real Madrid Castilla), Roberto Jimenez (Gimnastic de Tarragona.)
Defenders: Adrian 'Piscu' Lopez (Deportivo La Coruna), Miguel Pallardo (Getafe), Miguel Torres (Real Madrid), Marc Torrejon (Espanyol), Gerard Pique (Manchester United), Naxto Monreal (Osasuna).

Midfielders: Jose Manuel Jurado (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Markel Susaeta (Athletic Bilbao), Esteban Granero (Getafe), Diego Capel (Sevilla), 'Juande' Prados Lopez (Real Betis), 'Sisi' (Valladolid).

Attackers: 'Mata' (Valencia), Bojan Krkic (Barcelona), 'Xisco' (Deportivo La Coruna).

Youngsters To Get A Chance

Ferguson says he will play some of the reserves in the remaining CL games.

"I will play mixed teams in the rest of the games."We will take advantage of that. Jonny Evans may play in the Sporting Lisbon game, Chris Eagles may get an opportunity as well, plus Gerard [Pique] and Danny Simpson. "It is good for them to get games. They will be required as the season goes on, particularly when it comes to December when the games become quite hectic."

First start strike gives Piqué heart

Gerard Piqué made a good impression on his first European start for United
Manchester United FC youngster Gerard Piqué said it was a "great feeling" to mark his first start in the UEFA Champions League with the opening goal in his side's 4-0 win over FC Dynamo Kyiv in Group F.

'Big night'The Spanish defender, whose only previous appearance in the tournament had come as a substitute at Fenerbahçe SK in December 2004, headed United in front with his first ever goal for the club on 31 minutes. Carlos Tévez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo added three more goals as the Premier League champions secured their place in the knockout stages. "It is a great feeling when it is the first game you start and you score a goal and help the team win the game," said the 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Real Zaragoza. "It was a big night for me and for the team.

Final objective

"Now I think we are one of the favourites," added Piqué, who sees no reason why Sir Alex Ferguson's team cannot go all the way to the final. "The most important thing is to finish first in the group. We can relax a little bit but we have to be first, and after this try to get to the final – that is our objective."

Carrick praise

With Piqué starting in an unfamiliar-looking United back four that also featured 20-year-old right-back Danny Simpson, Sir Alex's side certainly showcased their strength in depth against Dynamo on a night where Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves were all rested. Michael Carrick, who made his first start since 2 October, praised the contributions of Piqué and Simpson, saying: "I thought Simmo was brilliant and Gerard got the goal so good for him. It is easier to come into a team that is winning but they showed tonight what qualities they've got.

Performance levels

"The squad is terrific," added the England midfielder, whose return alongside Darren Fletcher in the middle meant 90 minutes on the bench for Anderson, a recent impressive performer. "The people who've been settling in have done well. Everyone's raised their level of performance over the last month especially now going forward. As well as defending as a team, it gives a confidence boost if we keep the opposition out to know we are going to score goals." Carrick's words are supported by some impressive statistics with Wednesday's triumph the fourth time in five matches that United have struck four goals.

Spanish Translation

Manchester United 4 Dynamo Kiev 0

Manchester United have beaten Dynamo Kiev 4-0 in their Champions League Group F match at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Gerard Pique, 20, started the rout with his first goal for the club before Carlos Tevez, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson: "Pique's Staying Put"

Sir Alex Ferguson has no intention of letting Gerard Pique leave Manchester United.

Pique launched United on their way to last night's 4-0 Champions League hammering of Dynamo Kiev as the Red Devils sealed their place in the knock-out phase with two games to spare.

Yet the Spain Under-21 international's well-taken header only heightened speculation that he might be leaving United when the transfer window opens in January.

Pique spent last season on loan at Real Zaragoza and impressed the La Liga outfit so much they returned to Old Trafford with a 'big bid' to sign the Barcelona academy product.

Ferguson politely declined, then made it quite clear Pique would be one of the youngsters who would remain at Old Trafford in the wake of September's Carling Cup debacle against Coventry.

The 20-year-old's lack of recent match practice has put more of Europe's most highly-regarded clubs on red alert, with Atletico Madrid, who boast former Red Devil Diego Forlan in their squad, heavily linked with a bid for Pique.

United though are determined to keep their man.

Having invested so much time in Pique since he originally arrived from Spain as a raw teenager, Ferguson can see no point in allowing him to depart now just as he is starting to fulfil his potential.

"I am not surprised people are saying they are interested in him," said Ferguson.

"Zaragoza tried to buy him in the summer. They offered a lot of money for him. But no. The boy's future is here.

"I have no fears for him. The course we have set is a good one and there is absolutely no intention of letting him go."

Pique's frustration at a failure to make a long-term breakthrough at United could only been exacerbated by the knowledge that the Premier League's other high-profile acquisition from Barcelona's youth ranks, Cesc Fabregas, is now setting the world on fire at Arsenal.

Ferguson has attempted to point out to both Pique and his parents subtle differences in physicality. Not only does the United manager believe Pique was slightly behind in his development, as a defender he needed to be stronger anyway, hence the loan deal with Zaragoza.

"Because he came through the youth system at Barcelona with Fabregas, who got into the Arsenal team as a much younger age, we had to impress on Gerard his physique was nothing like that of Fabregas," said Ferguson.

"Being a centre-half, he needed time to strengthen and get more experience as a defender. That was what his loan spell at Zaragoza was about.

"Both Gerard and his parents understood that completely.

"In the end, he played 25 games for them and did very well.

"He got more experience, he got tougher and he became a lot stronger. He is coming along the right way."

Ferguson's faith in Pique is so great, he even raised the prospect of the youngster emulating the likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Gary Neville, whose emergence in the mid-90s signalled the end at United for Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis.

It wasn't quite a message of warning for Rio Ferdinand, who was rested last night, but the implication of what could happen was fairly clear.

"There is always someone turning a corner in football," said Ferguson.

"Young players break through here. This club is famed for that.

"Sometimes you are forced to make a change simply because you cannot keep these young lads out of the team any longer.

"Gerard understands perfectly well the form of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who are tremendous players, has been so good, he is going to have to wait a bit.

"But waiting is not a problem for a 20-year-old. He will have many opportunities to play when I need to rest defenders and I have the great option of being able to play him in midfield or at right-back."

However, Pique will find himself back on the bench at best on Sunday when United tackle in-form Blackburn at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves will all return, while Edwin van der Sar should play despite reporting pain from a previously broken toe at half-time last night, triggering the introduction of Tomasz Kuszczak.

Spanish Translation

Manchester United v Dynamo Kiev

Champions League, Group F match

Date: Wednesday, 7 November

Kick-off: 1945 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford, 20:45 (19:45 local)

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to rotate his Manchester United Football Club squad.

The Reds displayed their strength in depth by naming five internationals on the bench for the trip to Arsenal on Saturday, and with the likes of Michael Carrick and Louis Saha back from injury, Ferguson will use his squad.

"We have people fit again," said the United manager. "I can now alternate our side at times. "It was the strongest bench I have had this season and that is encouraging for us. The lads have done a fantastic job to get us into this position and we can change things now when we need to."

Atletico Madrid planning to reinforce feeble defence

Atletico Madrid are planning to reinforce a defence that has sagged alarmingly in recent weeks. Atleti have conceded 14 goals in 11 Liga matches, their worst defensive record since the 1994/95 season. Sunday's 3-4 defeat at home to Villarreal has caused the club to consider signing at least one central defender in the January transfer window.

According to Spanish newspapers, their targets are Diego Lugano, Alex Silva and Gerard Piqué.

Despite their defensive problems, Atletico are fifth in La Liga with 20 points, just one point behind fourth-placed Valencia.

Despite their defensive problems, Atletico are fifth in La Liga with 20 points, just one point behind fourth-placed Valencia.

Spain National Football Team that will win 2014 soccer World Cup

[Photo: My Beloved Kids Forum]

Brazil is the host nation for the 2014 World Cup. Spain will have an excellent generation of footballers. Casillas, Ramos, Torres and Iniesta will be the veterans, Bojan, Piqué and Fran Mérida, the new player.

Ex Barcelona and Valencia forward Romario commented that "will be the best Campions Cupof every time" and Spain will have more possibility to win if new player will continue to grow. (20 minutos)

Arsenal and Manchester United ended with a draw their Premier League derby


Arsenal, Manchester United Draw 2-2 In Premiership Top 2 Battle. Saturday attracted a new record attendance to Emirates Stadium. A total of 60,161 fans watched the top-of-the-table clash. Piqué did not play. Arsenal and Man United both have 27 points, but Arsenal has more goals and has played one less game. Chelsea is third with 24 points.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Walcott 74), Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky (Eduardo 80), Hleb (Silva 80), Adebayor.

Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Diarra.

Booked: Fabregas

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Brown (O'Shea 71), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Anderson (Carrick 76), Hargreaves, Giggs, Tevez (Saha 76), Rooney

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Nani.

Booked: Evra, Hargreaves.

Big Match: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Barclays Premier League

Kick Off : 13:45 (12.45 GMT)

Time : Sat 03rd November 2007

Place : Emirates Stadium