Manchester United winger Nani , who opened the scoring for the Red Devils inside ten minutes when he put them into the lead against Chelsea in today's Community Shield game at Wembley, is today facing up to additional disappointment after his team were beaten on penalties by the Blues.
The Portuguese enjoyed a good game on the left of United's midfield, but a second-half challenge from Chelsea skipper John Terry saw him fall heavily, and subsequently leave the action with a shoulder injury.
The player was seen cradling his injured limb after the game, and he will undergo a scan on Monday to evaluate the extent of the damage, according to United's official website.
However, initial fears are that he could be out of action for some weeks, and he is a serious doubt for next week's Premier League opener at home to Birmingham City.
Nani had earlier stated that he hoped that this would be his season to finally step forward and show his true talent following the departure to Real Madrid of Cristiano Ronaldo. It looks as though he will have to overcome at least this one major obstacle on the road to fulfilling that ambition this campaign.
Nani Doubtful For Start Of Manchester United's Season With Shoulder Injury
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Chelsea were triumphant in today's Community Shield encounter on penalty kicks after their clash with Manchester United ended 2-2 after normal time.
Nani had given United the lead before goals from Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard had seemingly clinched victory for the Blues, but a Wayne Rooney goal in injury time sent the match to spot kicks.
Carlo Ancelotti and his men were not to be denied, however, and they sealed a straightforward win on penalties after Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra both missed from twelve yards.
First Half
In what was an open and free-flowing encounter, both sides had a number of opportunities, with the Red Devils just edging the first-half in terms of possession and clear cut attempts on goal.
Chelsea, however should have taken the lead inside the first five minutes. Frank Lampard whipped in a tremendous delivery, finding Didier Drogba unmarked, but the Ivorian’s flick header found the crossbar via the head of Patrice Evra on the goal line.
The English champions then moved into the ascendency, and took the lead on ten minutes thanks to their mercurial Portuguese winger Nani.
The heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo on the United wing seized his chance, drifting inside from the right hand side to unleash a powerful shot that flew into Peter Cech’s net. The Czech stopper will undoubtedly feel he should have done better, with the ball flapping through his fingers, but it took nothing away from the vicious nature of the strike.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men looked to press home their advantage, and not long after Dimitar Berbatov broke clear on the right hand side. His floated cross was knocked back across goal by Wayne Rooney, and Park Ji Sung managed to get some kind of connection on his volley that Cech on this occasion did well to palm away.
Berbatov once again broke clear after a neat one-two with Park that left him in on goal and Jon Obi Mikel trailing in his wake, but Cech stayed big to block his effort and keep his side just one goal behind.
As the match edged towards half-time, the Londoners began to enjoy more sustained levels of possession without really showing any hint of penetration. Nicolas Anelka did well to shift and shoot low inside the area, but his shot drifted wide, and so ended the first half.
Second Half
Coach Carlo Ancelotti had set his Chelsea side up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation that his players looked uncomfortable employing in the opening period, but the second half belonged to the Italian and his players, and the equaliser arrived on 54 minutes.
Malouda played a teasing chip across goal and as Drogba jumped with the somewhat nervous Ben Foster, the ball broke to Ricardo Carvalho who accepted the gift to nod into the empty goal. 1-1, and probably a fair reflection of the game as a whole up until that point.
After the equaliser the contest became rather disjointed, but in the end it was Chelsea who moved into the lead, and the goal was a contentious one.
Patrice Evra was clearly blocked off on the left touchline by Michael Ballack, but with Wayne Rooney with the ball at his feet, referee Chris Foy waved play on. Evra remained flat out as Chelsea regained the ball and ignored pleas to knock out of play to allow the Frenchman to receive treatment. Drogba crossed to Frank Lampard, who drilled the ball into the net via the hand of Foster and the post. The Manchester United players protested, but to no avail – the goal stood and Chelsea had the advantage.
The Red Devils’ response was to make a quadruple substitution, with Giggs, Scholes, Owen and young Fabio entering the fray, but Chelsea appeared more likely to extend their lead. The ever-dangerous Drogba powered a low shot from the edge of the area that Foster instinctively smothered with his right hand.
The match looked to petering out to a Chelsea win, with United largely ineffectual in the closing moments as they laboured in their attempts to draw level.
But, as so often has been proven in the past, it is foolish to write off Manchester United, and in injury time they clinched a superb equaliser thanks to Wayne Rooney.
The imperious Ryan Giggs slipped through a beautiful pass into the path of the 23-year old, who drove in on goal and dinked the ball precisely over the despairing Cech.
No extra time is played in the Community Shield, and so we were straight to penalties. United entered the shoot-out with a mixed record, having lost to Everton in the FA Cup semi-final but defeating Spurs in the Carling Cup final, while Chelsea's agonising loss in the 2008 Champions League final was still fresh in the mind.
It was Chelsea who were to clinch the victory in the showpiece thanks to efficient penalty taking coupled with two dreadful efforts from Giggs and Evra, winning 4-1 and striking the first blow prior to the Premier League campaign commencing next weekend.
The Ecuadorian winger mustered only seven goals in 89 games for Wigan, a pale comparison against the number Cristiano Ronaldo The £17million capture promisingly opened his Red Devils account in Wednesday's 2-1 pre-season victory over Boca Juniors Fergusion
The Bulgaria international did not live up to expectations in his debut campaign at Old Trafford following a £30million move from Tottenham last September. Ferguson confesses he made a mistake in the way he deployed Berbatov The former Bayer Leverkusen star has enjoyed an excellent pre-season, impressing against Hangzhou Greentown, "I expected the form we've seen from Berbatov in pre-season so far," said Ferguson. "Last season was a strange one for him and maybe we didn't use him in the right way. "We know exactly how to use him now - further up the pitch, playing as a centre-forward. "He will improve and I think he will have a terrific season."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he did not use Dimitar Berbatov correctly last season, but expects the striker to blossom this season.
Bayern Munich claimed Audi Cup glory courtesy of a penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United.
Bayern win Audi Cup on spot-kicks after 0-0 draw.Bayern Munich claimed Audi Cup glory courtesy of a penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United. An evenly-matched contest remained goalless at 90 minutes, with Bayern enjoying the better of the first half and United carving out some good chances in the second period.Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen both squandered opportunities and United were made to pay as Bayern held their nerve to win on spot-kicks.Michel Rensing proved to be Bayern's hero as he made save from Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans in the shoot-out before Daniel van Buyten stroked in the winner.
Bayern hero:Michel Rensing
Changes:
United manager Sir Alex Fergusion changed his entire starting XI from Wednesday's 2-1 win against Boca Juniors, with Owen and Dimitar Berbatov leading the attack and Ryan Giggs given the captaincy.Bayern coach Louis van Gaal also made wholesale changes with Breno and MartinDemichelis coming into the centre of his defence, Anatoliy Tymoschuk commanding the midfield and Rensing returning in goal.The changes had not done much to slow the momentum Bayern had built up in their 4-1 win over AC Milan 24 hours earlier.Mario Gomez went close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute when he hammered a 12-yard shot on the stretch against Edwin van der Sar's crossbar.Thomas Muller, whose double saw off Milan, missed the chance to add to his impressive tally of pre-season goals when he shot straight at Van der Sar after being released by Alexander Baumjohann in the 28th minute.Five minutes later, Bayern were pleading for a penalty when Muller fell under the challenge of Evans, but referee Dr Felix Brych waved play on.The Red Devils had to be patient before creating their first chance of the match five minutes before the interval.Bayern failed to clear their lines after a Giggs corner had been flicked on to Berbatov by Rio Ferdinand and Owen only just failed to bundle the ball over the line.The ball than sprang up for Berbatov to try an acrobatic overhead kick which cannoned off Rensing's right-hand post with the Bayern goalkeeper beaten.
The Spanish club have caused a stir in the transfer market during the summer having splashed-the-cash on a number of 'Galactico' signings.
Milan attacking midfielder Kaka was the first to make the switch to the Bernabeu in a deal worth around €65 million at the beginning of June.
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo followed soon after in a record-breaking move in the region of €96 million, while Lyon forward Karim Benzema and Valencia defender Raul Albiol have also both signed on at Madrid.
The re-election of Florentino Perez as president of the club undoubtedly sparked the spending spree and Ferguson has admitted he feels sympathy for Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini when he attempts to pick a starting XI.
Sir Alex Ferguson may have claimed his summer spending is over, but he could make an exception for David Silva.
Ferguson still has around €70million left to spend after Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer, but he has said he will only splash out when the right player comes along.
According to Marca, that player could be David Silva.
In addition, many believe that Valencia still do need to sell some players and with David Villa now set to stay at the Mestalla, they could be tempted by a large offer for Silva.
However, Ferguson will face a tough task in convincing Silva to leave Spain, as he has always stated his desire to remain in the country.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has spoken bullishly of his decision to award new signing Michael Owen the club's iconic number 7 shirt, worn most recently by Cristiano Ronaldo and before him David Beckham, asserting that it was perfectly logical for the veteran goalscorer to wear the number.
"The criteria for the number seven is quite clear," the Scotsman told reporters at a press conference in China today. "It is a jersey that has been worn by some high-profile players and we have that in Michael Owen.
"You have to choose someone you are confident can carry that on and his profile in the last decade has been outstanding. I am not concerned about what the supporters think - it is important to give it to someone who is confident and comfortable and he was a natural choice."
Ferguson also hailed the qualities the player had shown in becoming the club's top scorer in pre-season.
"[He's] very clever in the last third of the field. He knows when to run and when to hold his runs, and I think, not only that, but the experience he gives in that position is vital to us," he added.
"Things are looking good for us on that side, and I must say I'm very, very pleased with it. Obviously it's not the acid test, but, given his abilities and understanding of play round about the last third of the field I think he'll get us goals."
United demolished Chinese outfit Greentown Hangzhou 8-2 in a friendly today, with Owen bagging a brace, as he begins to find some serious goalscoring form ahead of next month's Premier League kick-off.
Beckham insists he does not mind where he finds first-team football, accepting that he would have to consider a switch to the Premier League should the opportunity arise.
As a lifelong Manchester United
"I'd love to go back to United because they are the team I support," Beckham said.
"For me, they are the best fans in the world. They're the best club I've played for. "Manchester United is always a team that any professional would want to play for."
Adebayor completed a £25million move to City from Arsenal
Reports in the lead-up to his switch to City had suggested the Togo striker's agent had also tried to drum up interest from Premier League rivals United and Chelsea.
United bossSir Alex Ferguson
"When someone offers you that kind of money, it is a big attraction," Ferguson said.
"That is the reason they have gone there.
"At the last minute, from what I can gather, either Emmanuel Adebayor or his agent phoned us after they had agreed a deal with Ci
Sir Alex Ferguson summers latest signings -Gabriel Obertan ,Micheal Owen ,Antonio Valencia
After throwing his support behind Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has now expressed his confidence that Michael Owen will also be a success.Speaking at the launch of Manchester's bid to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup, the former United captain said, "It is a great signing, getting someone like Michael in on a free transfer.
"He is a great player. He is only 29 and for me he is in the peak of his carrer.
"The way United play and the way they dominate possession it will suit Michael's game."
Robson then went on to state that Owen's move to Old Trafford could help him reclaim a place in the England squad, continuing, "He will be in and around the box and I can see him scoring a lot of goals."
"I can also see him getting back in the England squad. The manager is very good at when to rest players and when to play them.
"He rotates his squad and that will help Michael.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Will Miss Manchester United More Than They'll Miss Him - Petr Cech
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Chelsea goalkeeperPetr Cech does not think that the departure of C.Ronaldo fromManchester United to Real Madrid will cause Alex Ferguson's side any significant long-term problems, and indeed feels that the forward could end up regretting his decision to swap the Premier League for Spain.
"Ronaldo had three exceptional years [with United], especially the last two, but I think Man United is a club that never relies on one person," the Czech Republic international told Sky Sports News.
"Of course he scored a lot of important goals, but I think that he gained as well from the way the whole team played. So maybe he will miss them more than they will miss him. Who knows?
"Maybe they will miss him terribly, maybe not. In football you never know, and I don't think they'll be much weaker because they have the money and they have the possibilities now to replace him, and to get to the new season as strong as before."
Ronaldo is set to be unveiled to a packed and enthusiastic Bernabeu this evening, with thousands of Madridistas congregating in the Spanish capital to welcome their £80 million signing to the club.
Sky Sports report that the 20-year-old is believed to have undertaken a medical in Manchester and could secure a move to the Premier League champions shortly.
Sir Alex Ferguson has acted quickly and has nullified reported interest from Arsenal, Inter and AC Milan, as the France Under-21 International has reportedly agreed terms on a four-year-deal to join up with United.
Bordeaux manager, former Manchester United defender Laurent blanc , recently admitted he was surprised by United's approach after poor performances led to him sending Obertan on loan to FC Lorient for the second half of last season.
"I was surprised too, but it is an unexpected chance for him to play with one of the best clubs in the world," he told Europe1
"He has the potential, but he must overcome psychological and mental challenges so he can express his true value."
Obertan has just be named Most Valuable Player at the Toulon international youth tournament, in which his French side finished second to Chilie.
The world’s most expensive footballer will be officially unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday evening, but before his glittering night of nights, he has joined the eternal argument of which league is currently the best.
“The Premier League is a very good competition,” he was quoted as saying on guardian.co.uk, “but I think that the spanish league is going to have a little more quality because of the players who are arriving.
“Both leagues are going to be very good, but I think that with Florentino Perez’s signings, the Spanish league will be superior to the English.”
With Los Blancos already having Kaka and Karim Benzema in their ranks while continuing to pursue the likes of Franck Ribery, the rivalry in La Liga will be intense in the 2009-10 campaign, especially with
Real Madrid Won't Offer Milan & Manchester United Discounts For Huntelaar
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Milan and Manchester United will have to meet Real Madrid price demands in order to have a chance of landing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, according to FIFA agent and transfer market expert Vincenzo Morabito.
With the Rossoneri and United both hot on Huntelaar's heels, caught up with the transfer guru for more insight into the striker's possible movements. Morabito is close to all the major movers and shakers in the transfer world as well as being the player's Italian representative, and he has exclusively revealed that Los Merengues will not offer any discounts for the highly-rated hitman.
"If Milan or other clubs want Huntelaar they will have to pay what Real Madrid are asking for," Morabito told.
"They player is wanted by many clubs, it's just a question of price at the moment.
"Real Madrid will not be offering cheap prices to anyone as Florentino Perez has instructed Jorge Valdano not to let players leave for less than what they want for them. Those who are keen know the prices."
Reports around the English media claim United are ready to make their move, despite having signed Michael Owen. In any case, Morabito believes such a move is possible.
"Manchester United? Maybe, why not? But I repeat, Real Madrid have set the price and whoever wants Huntelaar has to show up with the right money," concluded the super agent.
It is suggested Real want around €22million (£20m) for their man.
“I hope he has more success in Manchester and helps us repeat the excellent season that we had last year.
“Owen is more than just an athlete, he is the pride of the country. Our intention at United is to help him get back to his best.
“We want to have the player who enchanted the world at the beginning of his career.”
It is believed that Owen has taken a drastic pay-cut in order to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson, but partnering Wayne Rooney in attack could help the ageing forward play his way into contention for Fabio Capello's next England squad. The Italian manager has always maintained that the door is open for an Owen return.
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
As the reds go marching on on on
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Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at Old traford in Traford, Great Manchester, and is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. The club was a founding member of the Premier in 1992, and has played in the top division of English football since 1938, with the exception of the 1974–75 season. Average attendances at the club have been higher than any other team in English Football for all but six seasons since 1964.65.
Manchester United are the reigning English champions and Club World Cup holders, having won the 2008-09 Bpl and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. The club is one of the most successful in the history of English football and has won 22 major honours since became manager in November 1986. In 1968, they became the first English club to win the , beating 4–1. They won a second European Cup as part of a in 1999, before winning their third in 2008. The club holds the joint record for the most English league titles with 18 and also holds the record for the most wins with 11.
