The wheels of soccer politicking are turning at high speed as David Beckham seeks a permanent move to AC Milan.
Some of the biggest names in the sport – Beckham, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, England manager Fabio Capello and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi – are being whisked along in the slipstream as the saga reaches its most critical juncture.
However, as the end of the January transfer window and D-Day edges ever closer, there is one person who can not be overlooked in the whole process.
Victoria Beckham, the England midfielder’s wife of nearly 10 years and mother of his three children, could be the Los Angeles Galaxy’s best hope of holding on to their most famous player as the tides of his career flow increasingly toward a permanent rest in Italy.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Canales Daily: Donovan Wish vs Galaxy Need
It’s now or never for American striker Landon Donovan to make such an impression at Bayern Munich that the club will consider making a serious offer for his services on a permanent basis.
His league debut for the German club is likely to come this Friday.
Donovan’s statements not only to the German media, but to American outlets before he left, have made clear his desire to continue his career at a notable club in Europe, which Bayern certainly qualifies as.
His friends had no doubts as to Donovan’s intentions.
“He’s desperate to prove it, I think not only to himself, but perhaps some of his critics as well, that he can make it in Europe,” said Galaxy teammate Eddie Lewis to Goal.com exclusively. “If it works out for him, I’d be pleased for him personally, and obviously disappointed to lose a great player. But I know those are his ambitions.”
His league debut for the German club is likely to come this Friday.
Donovan’s statements not only to the German media, but to American outlets before he left, have made clear his desire to continue his career at a notable club in Europe, which Bayern certainly qualifies as.
His friends had no doubts as to Donovan’s intentions.
“He’s desperate to prove it, I think not only to himself, but perhaps some of his critics as well, that he can make it in Europe,” said Galaxy teammate Eddie Lewis to Goal.com exclusively. “If it works out for him, I’d be pleased for him personally, and obviously disappointed to lose a great player. But I know those are his ambitions.”
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Man U, Chelsea get second-tier opponents in FA Cup
Manchester United and Chelsea have drawn League Championship opponents in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Premier League leader United will play at either Derby or Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea travels to Watford.
The draw for the last 16 of soccer’s oldest and most famous domestic competition was made Sunday. The matches will be played on Feb. 14-15.
Liverpool and Everton drew 1-1 Sunday and a Feb. 4 rematch will decide which hosts either Aston Villa or Doncaster, who played out a scoreless draw Saturday.
If Arsenal gets past a replay with Cardiff after a 0-0 draw Sunday, Arsene Wenger’s side will face either West Bromwich Albion or Burnley.
After ousting defending champion Portsmouth, second-tier Swansea has a home match with Fulham.
West Ham and Middlesbrough will contest the only guaranteed all-Premier League contest.
League Championship side Coventry will play topflight opposition, visiting either Sunderland or Blackburn. Hull, in its first ever season in the topflight, travels to Sheffield United.
Premier League leader United will play at either Derby or Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea travels to Watford.
The draw for the last 16 of soccer’s oldest and most famous domestic competition was made Sunday. The matches will be played on Feb. 14-15.
Liverpool and Everton drew 1-1 Sunday and a Feb. 4 rematch will decide which hosts either Aston Villa or Doncaster, who played out a scoreless draw Saturday.
If Arsenal gets past a replay with Cardiff after a 0-0 draw Sunday, Arsene Wenger’s side will face either West Bromwich Albion or Burnley.
After ousting defending champion Portsmouth, second-tier Swansea has a home match with Fulham.
West Ham and Middlesbrough will contest the only guaranteed all-Premier League contest.
League Championship side Coventry will play topflight opposition, visiting either Sunderland or Blackburn. Hull, in its first ever season in the topflight, travels to Sheffield United.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Manchester United counting cost of five-trophy assault
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw his dreams of landing five trophies kept alive, but admitted that the 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win over Tottenham came at a cost.
Dimitar Berbatov's first-half strike against his former club settled the tie in United's favour at Old Trafford after a Tom Huddlestone own goal had cancelled out Roman Pavlyuchenko's early opener.
But Ferguson's team didn't emerge unscathed.
"Cristiano Ronaldo had a stomach bug and it showed because he was nowhere near the player we know he can be," said the United manager.
"Fabio da Silva picked up a calf injury and Danny Welbeck has injured his knee. The full-back positions are causing us a bit of concern at the moment."
United have already won the European Super Cup this season, are on top of the Premier League, in the last 16 of the Champions League and have an English League Cup final date with Spurs in March.
"We gave Spurs a start, but we recovered well. We played some good stuff and their keeper made some great saves, but Paul Scholes got us back into the game with his deflected goal," said Ferguson.
"It was a great strike from a fantastic cross by Michael Carrick. It's a dangerous game when you are only winning 2-1, but we were always comfortable."
Ferguson, who dismissed claims that he had attempted to forego a replay for this tie as 'absolutely scandalous,' insisted that neither he nor United had any intention of calling for the game to be settled on the day.
He said: "There was never any issue of me not wanting a replay and I said that on Friday. How can you deny the likes of Torquay or Southend the chance of a big gate against one of the big clubs? It's scandalous."
Scholes, whose deflected shot opened the scoring, admits he is not certain whether the goal will be marked down as his first of the season.
He said: "If it was on target, then it's my goal. If it wasn't, then I won't claim it.
"If it takes so long to score a goal, it isn't great. We are in January now, the second half of the season, so you want to be scoring a lot sooner than that."
Meanwhile, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp accused Teddy Sheringham of talking 'absolute rubbish' after the former Tottenham and United striker claimed the Londoners 'lacked fight and looked happy to be out of the FA Cup'.
Spurs' failure to turn the tie around earned scathing criticism from television pundit Sheringham.
Despite his team's exit, however, Redknapp refused to accept the hard-hitting analysis of Sheringham, who spent a season under Redknapp at Portsmouth.
"I'm disappointed to hear Teddy Sheringham saying things like that. He ought to know better," said Redknapp.
"It's very unfair and I don't what he is getting at. How can people say that the players weren't trying?
"People are just jumping on the bandwagon at the moment, though, and getting on our back. It's not as if we were beaten 6-1 here. We have lost 2-1 and we had chances to get a draw from the game."
Dimitar Berbatov's first-half strike against his former club settled the tie in United's favour at Old Trafford after a Tom Huddlestone own goal had cancelled out Roman Pavlyuchenko's early opener.
But Ferguson's team didn't emerge unscathed.
"Cristiano Ronaldo had a stomach bug and it showed because he was nowhere near the player we know he can be," said the United manager.
"Fabio da Silva picked up a calf injury and Danny Welbeck has injured his knee. The full-back positions are causing us a bit of concern at the moment."
United have already won the European Super Cup this season, are on top of the Premier League, in the last 16 of the Champions League and have an English League Cup final date with Spurs in March.
"We gave Spurs a start, but we recovered well. We played some good stuff and their keeper made some great saves, but Paul Scholes got us back into the game with his deflected goal," said Ferguson.
"It was a great strike from a fantastic cross by Michael Carrick. It's a dangerous game when you are only winning 2-1, but we were always comfortable."
Ferguson, who dismissed claims that he had attempted to forego a replay for this tie as 'absolutely scandalous,' insisted that neither he nor United had any intention of calling for the game to be settled on the day.
He said: "There was never any issue of me not wanting a replay and I said that on Friday. How can you deny the likes of Torquay or Southend the chance of a big gate against one of the big clubs? It's scandalous."
Scholes, whose deflected shot opened the scoring, admits he is not certain whether the goal will be marked down as his first of the season.
He said: "If it was on target, then it's my goal. If it wasn't, then I won't claim it.
"If it takes so long to score a goal, it isn't great. We are in January now, the second half of the season, so you want to be scoring a lot sooner than that."
Meanwhile, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp accused Teddy Sheringham of talking 'absolute rubbish' after the former Tottenham and United striker claimed the Londoners 'lacked fight and looked happy to be out of the FA Cup'.
Spurs' failure to turn the tie around earned scathing criticism from television pundit Sheringham.
Despite his team's exit, however, Redknapp refused to accept the hard-hitting analysis of Sheringham, who spent a season under Redknapp at Portsmouth.
"I'm disappointed to hear Teddy Sheringham saying things like that. He ought to know better," said Redknapp.
"It's very unfair and I don't what he is getting at. How can people say that the players weren't trying?
"People are just jumping on the bandwagon at the moment, though, and getting on our back. It's not as if we were beaten 6-1 here. We have lost 2-1 and we had chances to get a draw from the game."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Manchester City Want Didier Drogba
According to The Sun, mega-rich Manchester City are preparing a £15 million swoop for Chelsea’s unsettled forward, Didier Drogba.
The Sky Blues are in need of an out-and-out striker, as the likes of Jo, Benjani and the injured Valeri Bojinov have failed to make much of an impression at Eastlands.
City boss Mark Hughes has long wanted Roque Santa Cruz to lead the line, but Blackburn Rovers continue to jack up the price on the Paraguayan hitman.
Thus, ‘Sparky’ has begun scouting out other potential targets, and it is thought his new favorite currently resides on the fringes at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba has fallen out of favor at Chelsea this season, as a combination of off-field drama and Nicolas Anelka’s red-hot form have seen him relegated to second choice in the club’s one-striker system.
Indeed, following a meek display in the Blues’ recent defeat to Manchester United, the Ivorian was banished to the reserves and missed out on the FA Cup replay with Southend United.
He was also excluded from the squad for last weekend’s narrow win over Stoke City, with youngsters Miroslav Stoch and Franco di Santo filling the bench instead.
There has been considerable speculation as to where the 30-year-old’s future lies, with former club Olympique Marseille touted as a likely destination, but Luiz Felipe Scolari has dismissed those rumors.
However, the Chelsea manager could be tempted by the possibility of a swap deal involving Robinho, with Drogba replacing Anelka in the supposed four-man trade reported yesterday involving Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Alex.
It remains to be seen whether Robinho is eligible to move this month, but it is nonetheless highly unlikely that City would swap him for a player who, on paper, seems an ideal strike-partner for the samba star.
The Sky Blues are in need of an out-and-out striker, as the likes of Jo, Benjani and the injured Valeri Bojinov have failed to make much of an impression at Eastlands.
City boss Mark Hughes has long wanted Roque Santa Cruz to lead the line, but Blackburn Rovers continue to jack up the price on the Paraguayan hitman.
Thus, ‘Sparky’ has begun scouting out other potential targets, and it is thought his new favorite currently resides on the fringes at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba has fallen out of favor at Chelsea this season, as a combination of off-field drama and Nicolas Anelka’s red-hot form have seen him relegated to second choice in the club’s one-striker system.
Indeed, following a meek display in the Blues’ recent defeat to Manchester United, the Ivorian was banished to the reserves and missed out on the FA Cup replay with Southend United.
He was also excluded from the squad for last weekend’s narrow win over Stoke City, with youngsters Miroslav Stoch and Franco di Santo filling the bench instead.
There has been considerable speculation as to where the 30-year-old’s future lies, with former club Olympique Marseille touted as a likely destination, but Luiz Felipe Scolari has dismissed those rumors.
However, the Chelsea manager could be tempted by the possibility of a swap deal involving Robinho, with Drogba replacing Anelka in the supposed four-man trade reported yesterday involving Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Alex.
It remains to be seen whether Robinho is eligible to move this month, but it is nonetheless highly unlikely that City would swap him for a player who, on paper, seems an ideal strike-partner for the samba star.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Beckham makes home debut for AC Milan
David Beckham made his home debut for AC Milan on Saturday, playing 81 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina in the Italian league.
Beckham is on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy and hopes to stay sharp in hopes of earning a spot on the English national team. He played his first Serie A match a week ago.
He had a busy night on the right side of midfield before being replaced by defender Philippe Senderos in the game at San Siro.
Just before halftime, Beckham had an excellent chance. The ball was worked across to him on the right side of the penalty box, but goalkeeper Sebastien Frey was able to push his low shot away for a corner kick.
Alexander Pato scored in the seventh minute for the only goal in what many expect to be Kaka’s last game before joining Manchester City for more than $130 million. At the start of the second half, Kaka had three good opportunities, but each time the Fiorentina defense was able to block his shots.
The win leaves Milan in third place, six points behind leader Inter Milan and two behind Juventus. Both teams play Sunday.
Beckham is on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy and hopes to stay sharp in hopes of earning a spot on the English national team. He played his first Serie A match a week ago.
He had a busy night on the right side of midfield before being replaced by defender Philippe Senderos in the game at San Siro.
Just before halftime, Beckham had an excellent chance. The ball was worked across to him on the right side of the penalty box, but goalkeeper Sebastien Frey was able to push his low shot away for a corner kick.
Alexander Pato scored in the seventh minute for the only goal in what many expect to be Kaka’s last game before joining Manchester City for more than $130 million. At the start of the second half, Kaka had three good opportunities, but each time the Fiorentina defense was able to block his shots.
The win leaves Milan in third place, six points behind leader Inter Milan and two behind Juventus. Both teams play Sunday.
Americans in the UK: Friedel Cements Villa’s Spot
In what was a rather boring weekend for the Americans in the UK, Brad Friedel managed to help create some headlines as Villa continued their majestic run amongst the top four in the Premiership.
The 37-year-old keeper was impressive on Saturday as Villa grabbed a controversial victory at the Stadium of Light Saturday. After Ashley Young was sent off in the 72nd minute, Gabriel Agbonlahor was awarded a questionable penalty by referee Mike Dean in the 80th which Gareth Barry blasted home. Friedel made a few nice saves including a great footed stop of Dean Whitehead’s first half effort. Friedel and company now sit three points ahead of Arsenal and are in control of third place, just three points behind leaders Manchester United.
The 37-year-old keeper was impressive on Saturday as Villa grabbed a controversial victory at the Stadium of Light Saturday. After Ashley Young was sent off in the 72nd minute, Gabriel Agbonlahor was awarded a questionable penalty by referee Mike Dean in the 80th which Gareth Barry blasted home. Friedel made a few nice saves including a great footed stop of Dean Whitehead’s first half effort. Friedel and company now sit three points ahead of Arsenal and are in control of third place, just three points behind leaders Manchester United.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Fergie relishes United's durability
BOLTON, England, (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is delighted with Manchester United's durability after his side moved to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Bolton.
Last season's English and European champions have had a slow start to the campaign but since they returned from winning the Club World Cup in Japan, Ferguson's team have won five straight league matches.
That run has erased the seven-point advantage Liverpool held over them just a month ago. United's victory at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday not only edged them above the Reds - ahead of their match at home to Everton on Monday - but also equalled Chelsea's record of 10 straight clean sheets in the Premier League.
Having built a reputation for attacking football last season, it was United's seventh 1-0 victory in the league this season and Ferguson believes it is a significant indicator about his team's mentality.
Last season's English and European champions have had a slow start to the campaign but since they returned from winning the Club World Cup in Japan, Ferguson's team have won five straight league matches.
That run has erased the seven-point advantage Liverpool held over them just a month ago. United's victory at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday not only edged them above the Reds - ahead of their match at home to Everton on Monday - but also equalled Chelsea's record of 10 straight clean sheets in the Premier League.
Having built a reputation for attacking football last season, it was United's seventh 1-0 victory in the league this season and Ferguson believes it is a significant indicator about his team's mentality.
Mark Hughes is confident that Kaka will join Manchester City when he learns of the club's grand ambitions.
Milan confirmed on Thursday they were considering a £107million bid for the former world footballer of the year and, privately, City owner Sheikh Mansour is confident the offer will be accepted. Speculation in Italy has indicated that the player will stay at the San Siro as he believes the club cannot match his ambition, but Hughes does not feel there will be a problem. ''We are all working to the same end; trying to be successful on a regular basis,'' he said. ''You do that by bringing good players to the club to supplement those we already have. ''It is not something that will happen overnight and we have to let people understand what we are trying to do and understand where this club will go in the next few years. ''Once they understand that and recognise the people driving it forward they will become excited by what we can offer.'' Kaka's spokesman Diogo Kotscho admitted that although a deal was not close the Rossoneri had granted permission to open talks. "Milan has authorised the negotiation with Manchester City," he told AP. "The next step now is that Kaka's father will eventually talk to Manchester City. "It's an exaggeration what they are saying in England that it's almost a done deal and it's an exaggeration that Kaka has rejected the offer. ''I have no idea whether he will end up here,'' admitted Hughes. ''It is dependent on too many factors. However, people should not think this is just being done on a whim. ''(Executive chairman) Garry Cook, (chairman) Khaldoon al-Mubarak and I have discussed this for numerous months and Kaka was in our thoughts right from the outset. ''It is not something we have only thought of in the last week and decided to act and it would be naive of people to think I have not been involved in the process. ''It has moved forward at a pace this week. It is a football decision that has been done with a structure and an understanding that we can move it forward.''
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo voted FIFA player of year
Cristiano Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year award Monday to complete a sweep of soccer’s top individual honors for 2008.
The Portugal winger led Manchester United to the Premier League and Champions League titles in May. He scored 42 goals in all competitions last season and became the first English Premier League player to win the honor in the award’s 18-year history.
“It is an overwhelming moment, a very special moment in my life,” Ronaldo said. “I would like to say to my mother and sister that the fireworks can be fired off now.”
Brazil’s Marta won the women’s award for the third year in a row. She earlier announced she is joining the Los Angeles Sol in the Women’s Professional Soccer League.
Ronaldo received 136 first-place votes and 935 points in a worldwide poll of national team captains and coaches. He was followed by Barcelona and Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (678) and Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres (203), with the results announced by Brazilian great Pele.
AC Milan and Brazil midfielder Kaka, the 2007 winner, was fourth (183), followed by Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez (155), Liverpool and England midfielder Stephen Gerrard (98) and Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o (58),
The Portugal winger led Manchester United to the Premier League and Champions League titles in May. He scored 42 goals in all competitions last season and became the first English Premier League player to win the honor in the award’s 18-year history.
“It is an overwhelming moment, a very special moment in my life,” Ronaldo said. “I would like to say to my mother and sister that the fireworks can be fired off now.”
Brazil’s Marta won the women’s award for the third year in a row. She earlier announced she is joining the Los Angeles Sol in the Women’s Professional Soccer League.
Ronaldo received 136 first-place votes and 935 points in a worldwide poll of national team captains and coaches. He was followed by Barcelona and Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (678) and Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres (203), with the results announced by Brazilian great Pele.
AC Milan and Brazil midfielder Kaka, the 2007 winner, was fourth (183), followed by Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez (155), Liverpool and England midfielder Stephen Gerrard (98) and Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o (58),
Benitez edges closer to new Liverpool contract
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is close to signing a new contract after reaching an agreement on his salary.
Benitez still has 18 months remaining on his existing contract, but announced in November that negotiations had begun on new terms and that he wanted a deal signed by the end of the month. He denied reports that he is at odds with the club’s American owners over controlling transfers.
The Spanish manager expressed frustration last week about the lack of progress, but insists there is no conflict with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.
“My agent only received the draft document of my contract yesterday evening,” Benitez said Tuesday. “We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary. Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club.”
Benitez has enjoyed success in Europe, winning the 2005 Champions League at the end of his first season and returning to the final two years later. His priority is to secure Liverpool’s first league title since 1990. The Reds top the standings, but Manchester United is five points back with two games in hand.
Benitez was thrown into the middle of a power battle between Hicks and Gillett, with the former publicly offering him a one-year extension in April despite sounding out Juergen Klinsmann as a replacement months earlier.
Benitez still has 18 months remaining on his existing contract, but announced in November that negotiations had begun on new terms and that he wanted a deal signed by the end of the month. He denied reports that he is at odds with the club’s American owners over controlling transfers.
The Spanish manager expressed frustration last week about the lack of progress, but insists there is no conflict with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.
“My agent only received the draft document of my contract yesterday evening,” Benitez said Tuesday. “We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary. Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club.”
Benitez has enjoyed success in Europe, winning the 2005 Champions League at the end of his first season and returning to the final two years later. His priority is to secure Liverpool’s first league title since 1990. The Reds top the standings, but Manchester United is five points back with two games in hand.
Benitez was thrown into the middle of a power battle between Hicks and Gillett, with the former publicly offering him a one-year extension in April despite sounding out Juergen Klinsmann as a replacement months earlier.
Torres admits Man Utd now in pole position
Fernando Torres has admitted that Manchester United's demolition of Chelsea at the weekend has put them in pole position to claim a third consecutive Premier League title.
But the Liverpool striker remains confident that Sir Alex Ferguson's side can be knocked off their perch and has billed the meeting between the two clubs at Old Trafford on March 14 as a potential title decider.
A 3-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday means United will displace Liverpool at the top of the table for the first time this season if they beat Wigan on Wednesday evening then take all three points from their trip to Bolton on Saturday.
"United are the champions right now, they are the favourites," Torres told reporters at FIFA's World Player of the Year award in Zurich on Monday evening.
"They have shown in the last few years that they're a very strong side. Look at the great players they have, and they have played two matches fewer, so they could catch up and even go top."
But the Liverpool striker remains confident that Sir Alex Ferguson's side can be knocked off their perch and has billed the meeting between the two clubs at Old Trafford on March 14 as a potential title decider.
A 3-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday means United will displace Liverpool at the top of the table for the first time this season if they beat Wigan on Wednesday evening then take all three points from their trip to Bolton on Saturday.
"United are the champions right now, they are the favourites," Torres told reporters at FIFA's World Player of the Year award in Zurich on Monday evening.
"They have shown in the last few years that they're a very strong side. Look at the great players they have, and they have played two matches fewer, so they could catch up and even go top."
Thursday, January 8, 2009
United lose 1-0 at Derby in semi-final first leg
Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat by Championship (second division) side Derby County in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Pride Park on Wednesday.
Kris Commons fired the only goal with half an hour gone and Derby could have taken a two-goal advantage to Old Trafford for the second leg in two weeks’ time had Rob Hulse not wasted a glorious late chance.
United manager Alex Ferguson fielded an under-strength side but introduced Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo late on with the latter almost equalising with a trademark free kick that brushed the post.
Until then the Premier League champions had rarely tested their former keeper Roy Carroll in the Derby goal.
Derby, relegated from the top flight last season with a record low points total and languishing in 18th place in the Championship, had new manager Nigel Clough watching in the stands as he prepared for his first day in charge.
Clough, confirmed as the club’s new manager on Tuesday, must have been impressed by the organisation and spirit of Derby who fully deserved their first leg advantage.
United came under pressure early on, with Jonny Evans forced to clear one effort off the line. Andy Todd then lifted a good chance over the crossbar.
The hosts were rewarded for their enterprise when Commons surged into space midway inside the United half and advanced to smash a shot past Tomasz Kuszczak from 25 metres.
United, who host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, were subdued throughout, although they will start the second leg as favourites to reach the final.
Holders Tottenham Hotspur beat Championship side Burnley 4-1 at home in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.
Kris Commons fired the only goal with half an hour gone and Derby could have taken a two-goal advantage to Old Trafford for the second leg in two weeks’ time had Rob Hulse not wasted a glorious late chance.
United manager Alex Ferguson fielded an under-strength side but introduced Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo late on with the latter almost equalising with a trademark free kick that brushed the post.
Until then the Premier League champions had rarely tested their former keeper Roy Carroll in the Derby goal.
Derby, relegated from the top flight last season with a record low points total and languishing in 18th place in the Championship, had new manager Nigel Clough watching in the stands as he prepared for his first day in charge.
Clough, confirmed as the club’s new manager on Tuesday, must have been impressed by the organisation and spirit of Derby who fully deserved their first leg advantage.
United came under pressure early on, with Jonny Evans forced to clear one effort off the line. Andy Todd then lifted a good chance over the crossbar.
The hosts were rewarded for their enterprise when Commons surged into space midway inside the United half and advanced to smash a shot past Tomasz Kuszczak from 25 metres.
United, who host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, were subdued throughout, although they will start the second leg as favourites to reach the final.
Holders Tottenham Hotspur beat Championship side Burnley 4-1 at home in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Gerrard hailed as 'model pro' after Liverpool win
Steven Gerrard was labelled a "model professional" by Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee after capping a troubled week off the pitch by inspiring the Reds to a 2-0 FA Cup win over Preston.
The Liverpool captain, charged by police with assault and affray over an alleged incident in nearby Southport following the Premier League leaders win against Newcastle last Sunday, led from the front as goals from Spanish duo Albert Riera and Fernando Torres sealed victory at Deepdale.
Gerrard's driving display and unselfish creation of Torres's injury-time goal here Saturday were the hallmarks of the kind of effort Reds' fans have come to expect from the Liverpool-born, 28-year-old, England midfielder.
"Steven is a top professional and he produced a terrific performance out there," said former Liverpool and England midfielder Lee. "He is a model professional and he certainly has our full support.
The Liverpool captain, charged by police with assault and affray over an alleged incident in nearby Southport following the Premier League leaders win against Newcastle last Sunday, led from the front as goals from Spanish duo Albert Riera and Fernando Torres sealed victory at Deepdale.
Gerrard's driving display and unselfish creation of Torres's injury-time goal here Saturday were the hallmarks of the kind of effort Reds' fans have come to expect from the Liverpool-born, 28-year-old, England midfielder.
"Steven is a top professional and he produced a terrific performance out there," said former Liverpool and England midfielder Lee. "He is a model professional and he certainly has our full support.
Wenger backs Ferguson in fixture row
Arsene Wenger has backed Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that the Premier League fixture list is unfair and should be changed.
Ferguson has been highly critical this week of the scheduling that has led to his Manchester United side playing a majority of weekend Premier League games away from home following a midweek Champions League clash.
Wenger took the unusual step of agreeing with his longstanding rival after his Arsenal team's 3-1 FA Cup third round victory over Plymouth Argyle at the Emirates Stadium here Saturday.
The Gunners boss believes Ferguson has a case - and pointed to the imbalance of home fixtures across the four Champions League teams to reinforce his claim.
"I saw Ferguson made the case about fixtures," Arsenal manager Wenger said. "And we checked because we are always curious. And he has a case, and in this case so do we.
Ferguson has been highly critical this week of the scheduling that has led to his Manchester United side playing a majority of weekend Premier League games away from home following a midweek Champions League clash.
Wenger took the unusual step of agreeing with his longstanding rival after his Arsenal team's 3-1 FA Cup third round victory over Plymouth Argyle at the Emirates Stadium here Saturday.
The Gunners boss believes Ferguson has a case - and pointed to the imbalance of home fixtures across the four Champions League teams to reinforce his claim.
"I saw Ferguson made the case about fixtures," Arsenal manager Wenger said. "And we checked because we are always curious. And he has a case, and in this case so do we.
United, Villa ease through in FA Cup
Premier League sides Manchester United and Aston Villa reached the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday after seeing off lower league opponents Southampton and Gillingham.
United beat Championship (division two) strugglers Southampton, who played for almost an hour with 10 men, 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium and will now meet Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in the fourth round.
Aston Villa won 2-1 at League Two (fourth division) Gillingham with James Milner celebrating his 23rd birthday by scoring both goals. Villa will travel to play the winners of the postponed tie between Cheltenham Town and Doncaster Rovers in the fourth round in three weeks’ time.
United beat Championship (division two) strugglers Southampton, who played for almost an hour with 10 men, 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium and will now meet Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in the fourth round.
Aston Villa won 2-1 at League Two (fourth division) Gillingham with James Milner celebrating his 23rd birthday by scoring both goals. Villa will travel to play the winners of the postponed tie between Cheltenham Town and Doncaster Rovers in the fourth round in three weeks’ time.
Rampant Robben hands Real win over Villarreal
Arjen Robben’s superb run and curled shot gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday, moving the champions up to third in the Primera Liga.
Sevilla dropped to fourth after conceding a dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with bottom club Osasuna and Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Real Mallorca on Saturday means the Catalans are 11 points clear at the top.
Dutch winger Robben was rampant throughout at the Bernabeu, receiving a standing ovation when he was replaced near the end, and he nearly opened the scoring on 12 minutes when his deflected shot looped onto the top of the crossbar.
Sevilla dropped to fourth after conceding a dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with bottom club Osasuna and Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Real Mallorca on Saturday means the Catalans are 11 points clear at the top.
Dutch winger Robben was rampant throughout at the Bernabeu, receiving a standing ovation when he was replaced near the end, and he nearly opened the scoring on 12 minutes when his deflected shot looped onto the top of the crossbar.
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