Ronaldo Scores To Give United Win At St. Andrews

Cristiano Ronaldo struck five minutes after half-time to give Manchester United victory at Birmingham and move them second in the Premier League.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar through injury at half-time and had to survive a spirited Birmingham display.

Van der Sar saved well from Cameron Jerome and Rio Ferdinand cleared off the line from Gary McSheffrey.

Ronaldo grabbed the winner when he took advantage of Franck Queudrue's error to round Maik Taylor and score.

It was Ronaldo's 100th Premier League start, and the display summed up United's season so far - failing to scale the heights but grinding out the victory.

United restored all their big names after a shadow side lost to Coventry in the Carling Cup at Old Trafford - but it was Birmingham who posed the bigger threat in the first 45 minutes.

Jerome forced a fine diving save out of Van der Sar when he was presented with possession by Paul Scholes - then did well to stop Queudrue's header from the resulting corner.

Taylor then held on to a Wayne Rooney lob, but it was United who survived another scare after 17 minutes.

Sebastian Larsson's cross found McSheffrey at the far post, but his effort was smuggled off the line by Ferdinand.

Jerome then failed to take advantage of a poor clearance by Van der Sar as United looked uncertain at the back.

Van der Sar needed lengthy treatment to his left foot midway through the half, and despite carrying on until the interval, he was replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak.

United needed a break, and Queudrue's horrendous loss of concentration handed it to them five minutes after the re-start.

He allowed a ball to bounce in the area, seemingly unaware of Ronaldo's menacing presence, allowing the Portuguese star to steal in, take possession and evade Taylor to score.

Birmingham responded in spirited fashion, with Kuszczak producing a fine diving save to turn away a shot from McSheffrey that had deflected dangerously off Ferdinand.

United were still short of attacking threat, and Sir Alex Ferguson took action after 63 minutes, sending on Louis Saha for the subdued Ryan Giggs.

They almost doubled their lead immediately, but Stephen Kelly cleared Wayne Rooney's effort to safety.

Rooney then set up Ronaldo with 11 minutes left, but he pulled his shot inches wide.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Djourou (Schmitz 76), Ridgewell, Queudrue, Larsson, Nafti (O'Connor 84), Muamba (Palacios 70), McSheffrey, Kapo, Jerome.

Subs Not Used: Kingson, Danns.

Booked: Queudrue, Nafti, Larsson.

Man Utd: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 46), Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (Saha 64), Rooney, Tevez (O'Shea 89).

Subs Not Used: Anderson, Pique.

Booked: Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 51.

Att: 26,526

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).

Edwin to miss Roma Clash

Edwin van der Sar will miss AS Roma's Champions League visit on Tuesday after injuring his toe at St. Andrews in the Reds' 1-0 win.

The Dutch goalkeeper fell awkwardly after what appeared to be a routine gather mid-way through the first half and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he would now be sent for a scan. He played on after receiving treatment – Rio Ferdinand assumed goal kick responsibilities – but failed to reappear for the second half.

His replacement, Tomasz Kuszczak, kept the Reds in the game with a superb reaction save moments after Cristiano Ronaldo had sent United into the lead.

In his post-match interview on MUTV, Sir Alex confirmed Kuszczak will now be handed his Champions League debut against the Giallorossi on Tuesday.

"I think Edwin's damaged his toe - to what extent I don't know but we'll send him for a scan," the boss said. "He'll be out for Tuesday, that's for certain. It's a worry when you lose a man of his experience but Tomasz Kuszczak is very able and I'm pleased we've got someone as good as that."

Ronaldo gives United the lead with his first league goal of the season in the 51st minute

Coventry Send Man. United Out Of Carling Cup

Championship side Coventry sprung a major surprise by sending a re-shuffled Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson changed his entire team from Sunday's win against Chelsea and paid the price.

Coventry, backed by 11,000 fans, went ahead after 27 minutes when Michael Mifsud turned in Michael Doyle's cross.

And Mifsud killed off United with 20 minutes left, firing high into the net after Jay Tabb fashioned an opening.

United may have rung the changes, but their side still contained six full internationals and the result is a major embarrassment for Ferguson.

Nani, United's £17m summer buy from Sporting Lisbon, was a serious disappointment with his final ball and shot almost always poor.

Mifsud's opener was no more than Coventry deserved as Old Trafford voiced its disapproval at United's struggles, taking advantage of good work by Doyle to score.

Ferguson delivered his own damning verdict on his side's performance by introducing Wes Brown and young striker Fraizer Campbell at the break.

A third - and final - change followed 10 minutes after the restart as Michael Carrick was introduced for Jonny Evans, but it was all to no avail.

The second period was halfway through before United carved out anything like an opportunity as David Marshall parried Dong Fangzhou's shot into the path of Carrick, whose follow-up effort was blocked at close range.

Coventry keeper Andy Marshall then produced an outstanding fingertip save to deny Dong after 69 minutes, whose header was floating into the top corner.

The value of that stop was proved within a minute as Mifsud doubled his tally.

He picked up possession on the left, then when Tabb overhit his first touch as he tried to collect the winger's pass, Mifsud raced on and rocketed the ball home.

Mifsud will probably never know how he failed to walk off with the match ball as keeper Tomasz Kuszczak pushed into his path, but he somehow failed to find the target.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Bardsley (Brown 45), Evans (Carrick 56), Pique, Simpson, Nani, Martin (Campbell 45), O'Shea, Eagles, Dong, Anderson.

Subs Not Used: Heaton, Eckersley.

Booked: Pique.

Coventry: Marshall, Osbourne (McNamee 88), Ward, Turner, Borrowdale, Simpson, Stephen Hughes, Doyle, Tabb, Mifsud, Best (Adebola 90).

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, De Zeeuw, Thornton.

Goals: Mifsud 27, 70.

Att: 74,055

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

Silvestre To Play Again This Season? Gary Neville To Begin Full Training.....

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Mikael Silvestre could play again this season, despite damaging cruciate knee ligaments at Goodison Park on 15 September.

Initial reports claimed the Frenchman would miss the rest of United's 2007/08 campaign but the United boss told Manchester United Radio he expects the 30-year-old to be fit for the title run-in.

"I'm sure Mikael will be back in March," Sir Alex said. "We had him operated on in France last week and it all went well. It was pleasing to see there was no further damage other than the cruciate ligament. That's a big bonus because sometimes there can be cartilage problems that also come along."

Meanwhile, the manager also confirmed Gary Neville will begin full training today.

"Gary will be training with us this week for the first time. He's been working hard on his fitness but he's now fully into the football side of things as well. It's pleasing news because it's been a long time for the lad. We're very, very pleased.

"He's been unlucky and just had one injury on top of another. It's just an accumulation of small injuries that has set him back. Hopefully he's now on the mend and we're looking forward to having him back."

Man. United Sink 10-man Chelsea

Manchester United added to Chelsea woes by beating their rivals in Avram Grant's first game in charge of the Blues after Jose Mourinho's exit.

Chelsea put in a resolute showing but had Mikel Jon Obi harshly sent off for a rash tackle on Patrice Evra.

United then went ahead after first-half injury-time had elapsed with a near-post Carlos Tevez header.

Chelsea stubbornly kept the deficit to one goal until Louis Saha's spot-kick after a foul on him by Tal Ben Haim.

The Chelsea players had been firmly under the microscope at the start of the game after Mourinho's exit and came away with their pride intact after a battling display.

They traded high-fives and hugs in a show of unity as they gathered together just before kick-off.

If there was any fragility about the Blues' resolve, a professional United quickly tried to expose it as they took a stranglehold of the game.

United striker Wayne Rooney cut inside Ben Haim on the edge of the box and curled a shot on the visitors goal which keeper Petr Cech finger-tipped wide at full-stretch.

Chelsea heeded the warning and duly got into their stride, producing some promising periods of play - only to squander their good work with poor decisions and a lack of a cutting edge in the final third.

The home side were denied a penalty when a sliding Joe Cole appeared to make contact with Evra ahead of getting a touch on the ball, before Giggs then wasted a gilt-edged chance.

Michael Essien gave the ball away to Rooney and he crossed for Giggs, who side-footed a volley high from a tight angle at the far post.

Chelsea suffered a setback when Mikel was sent off when he led with his studs as he chased down the ball and their resistance finally buckled on the stroke of half-time.

Giggs curled an outswinging cross to the near post with the outside of his left foot and Tevez got his head to the ball before Cech to head in his first goal for the club.

Chelsea will be unhappy referee Mike Dean did not blow for half-time before the goal as the allotted two minutes of added time had already elapsed.

United pressed for a second after the break and Giggs blazed a volley high but the home side struggled to create chances as a determined Chelsea held them at arm's length.

Joe Cole was fortunate to stay on the pitch for a lunge at Cristiano Ronaldo as Chelsea hoped to snatch an equaliser.

But the visitors' hopes were ended when Saha stroked in a penalty to move United up to second and leave the visitors five points adrift of top place in the Premier League.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Tevez (Saha 79), Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Nani, Pique, O'Shea.

Booked: Rooney, Brown.

Goals: Tevez 45, Saha 90 pen.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Ben-Haim, Terry, Ashley Cole, Makelele, Essien, Obi, Joe Cole (Pizarro 76), Shevchenko (Kalou 59), Malouda (Wright-Phillips 69).

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Alex.

Sent Off: Obi (32).

Booked: Joe Cole, Terry.

Att: 75,663

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Man Utd make the better start and receive a big boost when Jon Obi Mikel is sent off for a foul on Patrice Evra

Chelsea survive until just before half-time when Ryan Giggs bends in a great cross for Carlos Tevez to score from

Andrei Shevchenko is left on his own up front but fails to make the breakthrough and is replaced by Salomon Kalou

With time almost up Louis Saha wins and converts a penalty to seal the win for the reigning champions

Introducing Erika 2007!

Erika Sawajiri's latest photobook (PB) is currently out on sale!

Titled Erika 2007, this PB is to commemorate the 20 year-old Erika Sawajiri, everything from clothes to the location of the shoot has been chosen by Erika herself.

The photoshoot took place in the middle of March this year. Erika went to France, the home of her mother and also to Italy.You will see everything from sexy shots in a bathtub to kimono pictures and even rare images of her with no make-up.

Erika really loves to travel and has already been to Europe either by herself or with her mother.

"I love going to Europe and have been going there without fail.", she said. "The usual stuff was harmonious and I did many things which I have always wanted to do. Everyday I was in a good mood. It was a wonderful feeling. Everything was really authentic. It was like a new start for me.", Erika continued.

Erika 2007 has been enjoying great sales as of time of writing. Do continue to support Erika by buying a copy of her latest PB.

* Some photos extracted from Erika 2007! Do enjoy it!

Cover of Erika 2007


Erika Sawajiri making an appearance to promote her latest PB (photobook)

Mourinho Leaves Chelsea Post

Chelsea have sensationally parted company with manager Jose Mourinho ahead of Sunday's clash with United at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese tactician has left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent after an indifferent start to the season, and Chelsea have confirmed former director of football Avram Grant as Mourinho's successor alongside Steve Clarke.

Grant, a close friend of club owner Roman Abramovich, joined the Blues in the summer from Portsmouth, where he was technical director. He has also coached Israel, Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.

Mourinho's departure is sure to stun the world of football, given the immense success the 44-year-old had enjoyed in his three years at Stamford Bridge. Having arrived from Porto in the summer of 2004, he won two Premier League titles, two Carling Cups, the FA Cup - at United's expense last May - and reached the Champions League semi-finals twice.

As recently as Tuesday morning, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had denied rumours that Mourinho would be sacked. "There's loads of speculation that if we don't win Jose gets fired, but that's not the way we think," he said.

It throws Chelsea's preparations for Sunday's visit to Old Trafford into further turmoil as Didier Drogba (knee), Frank Lampard (hip/thigh), Ricardo Carvalho (ankle) and Claudio Pizarro (calf) all face a race to be fit for the trip to Manchester.

Carlos Queiroz Denies Quit Claims

Carlos Queiroz has denied speculation that he will consider his future at the end of 2007 and says he is excited about continuing his role at the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant was quoted in the press as saying: “I need to reflect on what I want to do in this last part of my career. In December I’m going to stop and think about myself." But, as he explained whilst on United's visit to Lisbon, "it is just a misunderstanding".

"I don't understand why that has come up," he said in an interview with Sky Sports. "But the most important thing is that I'm happy, I'm very happy with the job and the position at Manchester United. "

The club is happy with me, so there's no reason to waste time with that issue."

Queiroz plays a crucial role at United in aiding Sir Alex on a daily basis, and his influence on players like Cristiano Ronaldo is immeasurably important to the Reds. And with a fresh influx of young talent at the club, Queiroz relishes what the future holds at Old Trafford.

"Especially at this moment, we have made a lot of decisions with a medium and long-term view," he added. "We expect a lot of things from our youngest players, talented players that we have got in the last season.

"So there are a lot of hopes and expectations about the future, and I want to be part of that future - it is really a big challenge for all of us."

Ronaldo Hails "Perfect" Evening

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed his return to his homeland as "the perfect night" after firing United to victory against his former club.

The Portuguese international headed home Wes Brown's cross just after the hour to give United a priceless victory and set them on their way in Group F.

Ronaldo was pleased with the result, but admitted that he felt a tad guilty about netting against the club he calls his second home.

"It's a perfect night for me. I scored and the team won. So it's been a great night for me and United," he told Sky Sports at the final whistle.

"It's always important to win away from home. Both teams played well, but I think the result is a fair one because we did better.

"Red is my colour and I want to win for United. I said before the game that Sporting Lisbon is my second home and I feel a little bit sad [that they lost], but the most important thing is United. They are my team and I'm very happy with the victory."

Some sections of the home fans rose to applaud Ronaldo's goal, before the whole stadium gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the final few minutes. It was a gesture which delighted the 22-year-old winger.

"The people here are very important to me," he insisted. "They helped me a lot when I played here.

"When I scored I didn't want to do too much because I don't think it's fair. But I'm very happy with the three points."

Former Sporting Player Ronaldo Scores To Give Man. United Victory Against Former Club

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half header on his return to Sporting Lisbon to ensure Manchester United's Champions League campaign started with a victory.

Ronaldo won warm applause from the home fans for his subdued response to converting Wes Brown's cross after 61 minutes of a low-key encounter.

Wayne Rooney made a quiet comeback after recovering from a broken foot.

And United were grateful to keeper Edwin van der Sar, who made superb saves from Liedson and Tonel.

Rooney, as expected was restored to United's line-up for the first time since sustaining his injury in their opening Premier League fixture against Reading.

Carlos Tevez dropped down to the bench, but Rooney and Ronaldo fed on scraps in a first 45 minutes in which United seemed set on containment.

Van der Sar made a stunning save to keep them on level terms after 27 minutes, diving to save one-handed from Liedson's rising drive.

Nani, another United star returning to his former club, saw a shot deflected narrowly wide after 32 minutes, but then picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Miguel Veloso.

Ronny audaciously tried his luck from 35 yards from the resulting free-kick, but Van der Sar saved comfortably.

Ronaldo started to influence affairs after the break, sending in a cross which was just too high for Ryan Giggs, who failed to control his header.

He made no mistake with his own headed opportunity as United took the lead after 61 minutes.

Brown was the creator with a fine right-wing cross, which Ronaldo diverted past Vladimir Stojkovic with a diving header.

Ronaldo's celebrations were muted as Sporting fans generously applauded his goal, against the club he left four years ago, aged 18.

Nani almost made it a double for United's former Sporting stars with a swerving long-range effort that Stojkovic palmed to safety with 20 minutes left.

It was the signal for Sir Alex Ferguson to withdraw Rooney, who had made a very quiet return after injury, with Louis Saha coming on.

Van der Sar had been excellent for United, and he showed his quality again when he turned away Tonel's header when it looked certain he would turn home Veloso's cross.

Ronaldo left to a standing ovation with four minutes left, but limping slightly, which will be a worry with Chelsea awaiting Manchester United this weekend.

United had been in control after the break, although Sporting substitute Simon Vukcevic shot narrowly wide late on.

Sporting: Stojkovic, Abel, Tonel, Anderson Polga, Ronny (Bruno Pereirinha 74), Izmailov (Vukcevic 55), Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Romagnoli (Purovic 67), Djalo, Liedson.

Subs Not Used: Tiago, Paredes, Farnerud, Gladstone.

Booked: Romagnoli.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Giggs (Anderson 76), Ronaldo (Tevez 86), Rooney (Saha 72).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Pique, Evans, Eagles.

Booked: Nani, Van der Sar.

Goals: Ronaldo 62.

Att: 39,514

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

Former Sporting player Cristiano Ronaldo is closely watched by the home defence early on

Wayne Rooney is unhappy about a high challenge from Sporting's Anderson Polga, but no free-kick is given

United are level at the break thanks to keeper Edwin van der Sar's brilliant save to deny Liedson

The deadlock is broken on 62 minutes, when Ronaldo stoops to head home Wes Brown's right-wing cross

Ronaldo is adored by Sporting fans and is given a standing ovation by them when he is substituted with four minutes left

Rooney, making his return after a foot injury, plays 72 minutes before being taken off by boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Heinze Celebrating Too Early?

Is Heinze way too confident of moving to Liverpool?

Read on.....


Heinze in the colours of Real Madrid instead of Liverpool

Gabriel Heinze was so confident of his move to Liverpool from Manchester United that he celebrated by buying a brand new £74,000 Porsche. But when the move went pear-shaped, Heinze, who eventually joined Real Madrid, was forced to sell it back for a £7,000 loss.

Carlos Queiroz To Quit Soon?

Carlos Queiroz has dropped a bombshell by revealing he is ready to quit Manchester United.

Queiroz, 54, is frustrated with his Old Trafford assistant role and is looking at other options. He is in his second spell as Alex Ferguson’s No 2 after an unsuccessful term at Spain’s Real Madrid.

Queiroz said: “I need to reflect on what I want to do in this last part of my career. In December I’m going to stop and think about myself. My contract is perpetual and caters for various options. But I only have one life and one career. I am going to think about it and go for the route that makes me most happy."

Manchester United News Update

Double injury boost for Reds

The Reds will have Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves back in action for the trip to Lisbon this week.

United have been without Rooney since the opening day of the season when he suffered a metatarsal fracture in his left foot, while Hargreaves has been troubled by a knee injury.

Rooney had been expected to play a part in Saturday's 1-0 win over his former club Everton, but Reds boss Sir Alex opted to rest the 21-year-old striker, who instead trained over the weekend in preparation for Wednesday's visit to Portugal.

"They'll both be ok for Wednesday," Sir Alex told MUTV after the victory at Goodison Park.

"We took medical advice on Wayne and as he had only started training on Monday, we felt that five days' training was maybe a bit short.

"But he trained on Saturday morning, Sunday and he'll train right through until Wednesday. By that point he will definitely be available for the match against Sporting Lisbon."

Giggs: We're better equipped

Ryan Giggs feels that United are capable of bettering last season's run to the Champions League semi finals because the Reds have a stronger squad this time around.

The Reds lost out to eventual winners AC Milan at the semi-final stage of the competition, despite recording a 3-2 victory over the Italians in the first leg at Old Trafford.

Giggs says the squad learnt a valuable lesson from that experience and are determined to go one step further this time round.

"We are better equipped for Europe than we were last year," said the 33-year-old.

"We have brought in players who have experience in Europe and hopefully, the younger lads can learn from their experience in Europe last year.

"I remember when I was a young lad, I learned something new from every game I played in Europe, especially away from home.

"Each game you play you get better and have more confidence. Hopefully that will be the case for the team this year."

The Reds kick-off this season's campaign on Wednesday evening in Portugal against Sporting Lisbon.

Clashes with Dynamo Kiev and Roma will follow in due course, with Giggs insisting the Reds are more than a match for anyone providing they hit top gear.

"If we play to our best ability, we should get out of the group quite comfortably," declared the midfielder.

"It is a tough group because they are all good teams and the away games will all be particularly hard.

"Hopefully we will get off to a good start. If we do that, we will be confident about going through."

FC Seoul deny bid for starlet Korean side

FC Seoul have denied rumours that United are attempting to take their highly-rated young midfielder Ki Sung-yueng on trial at Old Trafford.

The 18-year-old, who played against United during the Reds' pre-season tour of the Far East in the summer, has earned rave reviews in the K-League this season.

His performances have led to speculation in his home country that the youngster could join fellow countryman Ji-sung Park in Manchester.

But FC Seoul say there is no truth in the story and they have had no contact with United about the Korea Under-23 starlet.

"We haven't heard from United or received any formal documents," a club official told reporters in Korea's capital.

"It is the middle of the (K-League) season now, so organising a trial would be very difficult."

Silvestre suffers cruciate blow

Mikael Silvestre is likely to miss the rest of the season after scans confirmed that he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury against Everton on Saturday.

The Reds left-back, who was playing his first match since the opening day of the season against Reading, got his studs caught in the Goodison Park turf and fell awkwardly, twisting his knee.

Silvestre is the third United player to suffer a serious knee injury this year, after similar fates befell Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park and goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The trio are joined on the Reds' injury list by Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea, who are expected to be out for a number of weeks at least.

Silvestre's enforced absence, coupled with the summer sale of Gabriel Heinze, means Patrice Evra is Sir Alex Ferguson's sole recognised left-back.

However, United's squad has been suitably reinforced over the summer by the return of burgeoning talents such as Gerard Pique, Jonny Evans, Danny Simpson and Phil Bardsley.

Cat Has Different Coloured Eyes

This lovely two-year-old female cat is a mixture of Persian and Siamese from Riyadh. She looks unique because of her different coloured eyes. One of the cat’s eyes is brown and the other one is blue.

It sounds like this was a natural birth, the result of cross-breeding. This doesn’t really have anything to do with genetic engeneering. However, some people were saying that cats like that are usually deaf in the ear on the side of the blue eye.

I can’t tell whether it is true because I know nothing about that; maybe you can find out and let me know.

Thank you.