Chicharito will Thrive on Valencia's Delivery

Manchester United may have coped well in his absence, but Antonio Valencia has been sorely missed at Old Trafford. His blistering pace on the right wing that has fans off their seats in anticipation - hoping, and often witnessing a dangerous delivery into a good area for the strikers to pounce on has sadly been absent since the wingers very unfortunate injury.

One loss in the Premier League all season isn't bad going for United, but boy would they welcome back their Ecuadorian winger who adds a fiery spark and invaluable energy into the United attack providing chance after chance for the strikers.

It is the kind of delivery that United's relative new boy Chicharito will thrive on.

Since Valencia's injury in September, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has proven himself as a deadly finisher, taking the nickname the "baby faced assassin" from United fans. His movement, his awareness of his surroundings, his pace, his vision, his unnerving ability to finish a move off with a delightful finish, have threatened to uproot a strike partnership worth a combined total of around £50 million in Rooney and Berbatov.

So just think of what the Mexican boy will do when he finds ball after ball flying into his territory - the oppositions box. I predict a fantastic partnership between him and Valencia in the future when the winger is fully recovered and back on form. It will be an exciting, and rather frightening prospect, especially for defenders.

Valencia showed it last season - his delivery and intelligent balls into the area helped Rooney to his highest ever scoring total. He provided the assists that Rooney has missed this season - as the English striker has gathered his lowest ever total of goals with seven (granted, the season isn't over).

With Rooney gradually building confidence, starting with his spectacular overhead kick a few weeks ago against City, Berbatov having his best United season by far, and with the little pea having an astonishing first year at Old Trafford, there will be healthy competition for the front spots. When Nani and Valencia occupy the wings, the strikers will have no excuses for a lack of goals, with the deliveries coming at them every two minutes, and hopefully the goals will come in, helping United to more trophies.

Exciting times, no matter what some say.

WATCH: Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham Carling Cup Final

Match Report Here

Arsenal 0 - 1 Birmingham [Zigic]



Arsenal 1 - 1 Birmingham [van Persie]



Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham [Martins]

Blues end 48 Year Drought to Keep Arsenal's One Going

Watch all Match Goals Here

Arsenal's 6 year trophy drought had nothing on Birmingham's 48, but it was the team in Blue who proudly walked away knowing that the sorry statistic is no more, and that Alex McLeish is now the proud manager who can place silverware in Birmingham's dusty trophy cabinet. So first of all, congratulations to Birmingham City.

Now to Arsenal. I said before the game, that if Arsenal were to lose, it would be through an individual error, and not the fact that Birmingham's quality was greater. In the end, it proved to be true, as Koscielny hesitated in clearing the ball in front of his goalkeeper, only for the ball to rebound off of Sczcesny into the path of Obafemi Martins for the easiest goal he will ever hope to score. Arsenal threw away their best chance to lift silverware today, and it is that reason why Arsenal fans will be so distraught.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, end to end, with full commitment from both sides as they fought fiercely in front of their passionate and willing fans who created a brilliant atmosphere at a packed Wembley Stadium. The pitch was perfect, much improved from the previous finals, which suited Arsenal's silky passing and quick, intricate play, but the Gunners could not take full advantage of it against the resilient Birmingham defence who stood strong for much of the game.

After Nicola Zigic's headed goal opened the scoring, anything looked possible, only for the stand-in captain Robin van Persie to strike into the corner for the equaliser. But it was the final goal from super substitute Martins that won the game and broke Arsenal hearts.

The man of the match was awarded to the deserving Ben Foster who was once again outstanding in a Carling Cup final win, mirroring his stunning performance for former club Manchester United two years ago. The Englishman told Sky Sports that winning the cup was the best feeling after the birth of his two children, and they would certainly be proud of him, just as the whole of Birmingham, and his former employers Manchester United surely are.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenals wonder kid was excellent again, doing his best to run the midfield in the absence of Fabregas, and doing a very good job. He couldn't lead his side to a win, but he created the goal after bringing the ball forward and striking the bar with a spectacular shot, however, he was left with his hands on has had after the winning goal rippled the net, and Arsenal fell, defeated.

The game may decide Arsenal's future. At the start of play, they were in all four competitions, and favourites to grab at least one. That chance has been blown by yet another defensive error, although very unlucky, and could break their season as they head into the vital closing stages of the title race and Champions League knockout-stages.

Arsenal may still be in all three competitions, including that knockout stage with Barcelona fast approaching, but it was Birmingham who delivered an unlikely knockout blow today which saw the Gunners fall to their knees in disbelief and distress. How will they react to such a cruel blow?

The Wayne Rooney Elbow - Banned for Chelsea Game?

Sir Alex Ferguson had an amusing view of the Wayne Rooney incident against Wigan. [Watch at bottom]

As a ball was played by Wigan, Rooney chased it, and on his way, McCarthy slightly edged into Rooney's path. As the Manchester United striker ran passed, he raised his elbow and hit the Wigan player in the side off the head. Credit to McCarthy, he didn't go down, rolling around in agony like some players would have done, but he held his head in genuine pain, as it did look as if the connection was harsh.

The referee, Mark Clattenburg - involved in quite a few controversial decisions involving United - gave a free-kick, although it was not entirely clear whether he actually saw the incident. If he had of seen it, I would think he would have given at the very least a yellow card for raising an arm, or very possibly a red, and not just a talking to and a pat on the back.
Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game:

"I have had a chance to see it. There is nothing in it.

"But, what will happen, the question has been asked and because it is Wayne Rooney the press will raise a campaign to get him hung by Tuesday or electrocuted or something like that.

"It is unbelievable. Watch the press. It will be interesting to see it."

It is a biased view, one that is trying to deflect the spotlight from Rooney, and onto the press, but to say that there was "nothing in it", I have to admit is a bit questionable. The United assistant, Mike Phelan said on his Match of the Day interview, "we can't dispute the referees decision". But we can dispute what you just said Mike! Sir Alex isn't always the biggest fan of referee's decisions when they go against him, and regularly disputes their decisions.
The Wigan manager Roberto Martinez obviously had a conflicting view from Ferguson. He said:

"Once you give a free-kick it is quite clear that it is a red card. When you look at the replay, it is quite clear he catches James McCarthy in the face with his elbow."

I am a United fan, and I am afraid I tend to agree with Martinez's evaluation of the incident. Rooney didn't need to raise his elbow - his running pattern showed that his elbows were down by his sides, and as he went past McCarthy, the elbow was raised in an unnatural position.
Unfortunately, it is indefensible when you see it, and he may be in trouble.

After Ferguson stated only his side and Arsenal are in the title race, United travel to Stamford Bridge to try and extend their now four point lead over Arsenal. Arsenal will play in the Carling Cup final on Sunday, and so haven't played this week-end meaning Wengers side will have a game in hand after the Chelsea - United game.

The question is, will Rooney be available for the game against Chelsea on Tuesday? Will he be punished by the FA? Could he be banned? I suppose it depends which way you look at it.

Watch: Wigan 0 - 4 Manchester United

Manchester United moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League after a convincing four - nil win against relegation strugglers Wigan. A Chicharito double, Wayne Rooney goal and Fabio strike gave United the win, and gives them some breathing space above Arsenal, whom Sir Alex Ferguson recently said are United's only title challengers.

Manchester United face Chelsea on Tuesday 1st March, while Arsenal have their Carling Cup final against Birmingham a little sooner on Sunday against Birmingham.

Nani Interview: Don't compare me to Ronaldo

Manchester United's winger Nani has been an integral part of the team this season, providing tantalising crosses, and constantly threatening defenders on the wing, leaving them for dead when he turns inside and unleashes a belter into the top corner. 

His nine goals have all been pretty special, while his delivery and creativity has made 11 goals for his teammates. In short, Nani is a devastatingly explosive winger, with the fantastic ability to produce moments of magic at any given time.

The player himself recognises that this season has been a special one, but despite similarities in their playing style, as well as obvious similarities such as nationality, he refuses to be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo:

"It is my best season at United. I don’t compare myself to Ronaldo or anyone else, I just think about myself and the club and what I can do for them. I hope to improve much more.

“It is good to have that many goals and assists but the most important thing is to win the trophies with the team. When I have won the trophies I will look back at how I have contributed.

“It is good for your confidence to know people are looking at you to win matches for the team. When you are on the pitch, it means you want the ball all the time because everything is going so well.

Nani is always looking to improve however, just like all good footballers do, while keeping himself in top physical condition so he is always ready for competitive football. Despite Ronaldo's move to Madrid, him and Nani are still very much in touch:

“I know, though, that I can do better. That is why I’m training hard every day and staying fit for every game.”

“We are good friends. He spoke to me before the Marseille game and wished me good luck. He always tells me how well I am doing.

“I know people liken me to Cristiano but I just want to be Nani, a good player who people enjoy watching.”

Nani wasn't always a first team regular however, mainly because of Ronaldo's massive presence in the team, and he spoke of his increased frustration at being left on the bench:

“I have ambition and it is not easy to give up on Manchester United. But at the same time, you come to this club to play.”

His manager Sir Alex Ferguson was not going to let him go in any case - he saw his exciting potential, and is delighted that the potential has been realised this season:

“Nani wasn’t close to leaving because he’d have had to get by me! Of course we sat down and talked. You do that with all your players.

“I don’t need to trumpet his improvement, he’s been consistent all season. He’s a match winner – he creates goals and he scores goals. Every time he gets near the ball, you think something special is going to happen. That’s the sign of a great player.”

Fabregas & Walcott Out - And Arsenal want Bojan Krkic

Despite the injuries, there is good news. Arsenal apparently want Bojan Krkic of Barcelona [Full Story].

That seems unlikely; especially as Barcelona have only recently called Arsenal "immoral" in their capture of a Barca academy player. I wouldn't think Barcelona would be too keen on dealing with Arsenal after that.

Anyway...
Fabregas and Walcott will miss the Carling Cup final through injury, and Walcott is likely to miss the Barcelona clash on the 8th March. This must be unbelievably frustrating for Fabregas especially, seeing as his main aim as captain was to lift a trophy, and now Arenal's best chance of doing so has come about he is going to be nothing more than a Wembley spectator.

Wenger said of Walcott who suffered an ankle injury against Stoke:

"Walcott will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem.

"I would say today it is very unlikely he will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game.

"I imagine the worst so maybe I will be surprised in a positive way but I just give you my gut feeling at the moment."

And of Fabregas:

"You cannot play football when you're injured. He's sad and disappointed but it could have been worse the injury - it's a very small one. We have many targets in front of us so it is important he is not out for longer."

Asked how long he would be absent, Wenger replied:

"One or two games maybe."

I think it isn't so bad that Fabregas will miss the next few games. The injury isn't at all serious, so he will just be rolled up in cotton wool and rested until the Barcelona game. It may work out well. No disrespect to Birmingham, but even without Fabregas and Walcott, Arsenal are comfortably the better side and should win comfortably.

The Walcott injury on the other hand isn't so good. His pace will be missed against Barcelona, but Arsenal should cope - although Wenger hasn't completely ruled him out of it, and still hold the hope that he will be pleasantly surprised.

Arsenal Midfield v United Midfield

After about 20 or so minutes in the Manchester United - Marseille game yesterday, it became very clear that neither side was prepared to take a risk going forward and give the opposition a chance to score. It was the kind of game that the commentators like calling "cagey". It was true - neither side wanted to give anything away, which resulted only in a tedious, drab draw which left pretty much everyone frustrated.

United's best effort was a Darren Fletcher snap shot which he hit into the ground proving awkward for the goalkeeper, but he dived well to save it despite seeing it late through a sea of flailing legs.

Then, probably the most interesting and curious event was Wayne Rooney looking up to see the keeper off is line only for him to attempt a Beckham style half way line goal that was easily caught.
Those two attempts were the only two that United managed to get on target - long range efforts that required no clever or defence cutting passing, no midfield creativity, no team imagination - simply a spur of the moment snap shot and an individual piece of forward thinking which in the end, both led to nothing.

Before the game, the Marseille manager Didier Deschamps claimed that this United team lacked "fantasy". Unfortunately, his comments were pretty well supported with clear evidence on the pitch last night (not that his team proved to be creative masterminds themselves).

A look at the starting midfield for Manchester United explains a lot. Darron Gibson, Darren Fletcher and Michel Carrick. They are all good midfielders, and they all do their own job - granted, not always well, but they can sure up the midfield, making it a steady area and so on. The problem is, they don't have that inventive artistry that makes Paul Scholes such a great midfielder with his superb vision, and ability to follow through that vision with his astonishing passing range. The midfield last night was left passing sideways to each other and could not find an innovative forward ball enough.

Compare United's central midfield triplet last night to Arsenal's three, Nasri, Fabregas and Wilshere, and no matter which way you look at it, even if you are the most avid United fan, the Arsenal midfield is far more dangerous, imaginative and attackingly productive.

This is why Paul Scholes is so important to United. He has the quality and vision to do what the Arsenal midfield do - find that clever ball, cut open the opposition defence - create a goal.

Unfortunately, when he came on yesterday, he was getting frustrated by the movement around him, and couldn't make the impact that was hoped for. He has been sitting on the bench all game watching the defence and midfield try hopeful long balls to no avail, with the penetrative "fantasy" that Deschamps was talking about woefully absent.

United can be better, they have proved it before this season, but unfortunately, they haven't shown it enough, especially away from home. Ferguson will certainly need to add to his midfield in the summer that is beyond doubt, especially if he is to be without Paul Scholes if he decides to retire. The United manager will also need to spend big on quality and not potential, as this is a problem that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later.

United have some tough remaining fixtures with two games against Chelsea, and one away game against Arsenal at the Emirates where the two midfields will come face to face. I still tip United for the win, as the defence is far stronger (Chris Smalling was brilliant with Vidic again yesterday), but Arsenal have a superior midfield, which is something that needs to be sorted out if the Red Devils are to challenge for all the trophies next season.

Fabregas & Walcott Injuries [Pics] & Reaction

So Arsenal claimed victory against a physical Stoke side to move within a point of Manchester United at the peak of the Premier League. But the three points came at a price. Two of Arsenal's talismanic players in Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott went off the pitch injured, with the latter having to be stretchered off.

See what Arsene Wenger had to say about the injuries below:

Wenger on Fabregas injury:

"Fabregas has a hamstring problem. We will assess that tomorrow. It is impossible to see how serious it is. We will know Thursday."

"It is of course a concern that he (Fabregas) is injured but it happens unfortunately. He was very upset. I am as well. But it is not his fault or mine. It is part of sport.

"It's strange when it happens early in the game but we have to face it. We did the job after that in a very professional way."

Wenger on Walcott Injury:

"Theo Walcott has an ankle sprain and he is out. For how long, I don't know, but he is definitely out of Sunday.

Games for Arsenal are coming in thick and fast, and injuries are the last thing that Wenger would have wanted, especially to their captain Fabregas and sometimes game changing winger Walcott. The three points will however soften the blow as the days count down towards the Carling Cup final on Sunday against Birmingham.

Wenger praised his sides performance against a defensive Stoke side:

"We did the job after the injury in a very professional way against a Stoke team who defended very well. They were very compact but we were intelligent, calm, patient and overall I believe we were resilient."

Stoke have been criticized for the way they play sometimes - using Rory Delap's long throw, not playing on the ground and being too physical - Wenger even once said they played with "rugby" tactics. But he had no complaints after Wednesday's game:

"No. I have no issue with the long throws and I do not have issue with any other aspect of their game. It is a team you know you have to prepare mentally for before the game because you will not take the points if you do not do it.

"Nobody likes to play against Stoke because they have a very special way to play the game, but I have to say tonight for me they defended in a very intelligent way. When we found some space they quickly cut it off and we could not take advantage."

Arsenal v Stoke - Szczesny: We Must Win Every Game

Arsenal face Stoke tonight at the Emirates in a game which the Gunners' goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has billed as a must win, along with every other game after that if they are to stay in the title race with Manchester United.

Arsenal have won the last three Premier League meetings between the two sides, and are unbeaten in their last nine matches, while Stoke have failed to win anyof their away games in 2011, so the omens are good for Arsenal as they continue in a very busy period of football for them.

Szczesny emphasised the importance of the game, in which Arsenal could move to only a point behind the leaders, who also play tonight in the Champions League against Marseille. He said:

"[Stoke] is a massive game for us, we need to win every single game to make sure that we catch Manchester United. It will be a very tough game but we’re confident going into win and we believe we’re going to win.


Exactly, [there's no margin for error], we need to make sure that we win every single game. We’ve been playing quite well recently and we seem to be catching up. We only made up one point so far but we believe we can win all the current games.

There’s not a lot in the Premiership at the moment because we play all the Cup games and we need to make sure that we win every single one to catch up. If we lose a single game we could be out of the title race or out of the Champions League so we have to take it game by game and we’re going to make sure to do our best in every single game.

We are very disappointed after [the Leyton Orient draw] because not only we drew the game but the circumstances didn’t help because it looked like we were going to win it but they scored with a couple of minutes to go. So we’re disappointed but we’re confident when they come to our place we can win the replay and get through to the next round."

Arsenal are without Diaby through suspension, and Koscielny and van Persie through injury, but should all be back for the Carling Cup Final against Birmingham on Sunday.

Too Much Too Soon for Bebe & Obertan?

After the game against Crawley Town in which Manchester United squeezed through to a narrow win, there were more than few questions asked about certain United players - questions that challenged whether some players were good enough to represent one of the best football clubs in the world.

As usual, when bold questions like these are put forward by the media and some fans, there is a barrel of mixed, contradicting and interesting views.

There are those who say the players who underperformed once too many - in this case Bebe and Obertan, should be gotten rid of as soon as possible. They say that if they can't perform against a lowly team like Crawley - 90 or so league places below United, then they have no chance of making any positive impact in the Premier League against teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and the rest. If they cannot even look like penetrating a Crawley defence, how are they going to fair against Champions League defences, who are trained to keep out the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

It has to be said, that Bebe and Obertan have not done themselves any favours with performances like that against Crawley in the F.A Cup. That was their time to shine - they won't get many chances in the League - so if they wanted to show the Old Trafford faithful what they are capable of, the F.A Cup was the perfect time. They failed to deliver.

On the other hand, there are those who jumped to the defence of the under fire pair. They say that they haven't been given enough time to shine or enough time to settle. Some hold the strong belief that Bebe and Obertan have the quality, but do not have the fitness in Bebe's case, or the confidence in Obertan's case, ad in time, with the guidance of the genius of Ferguson, they will come good.

Going on the performances I have seen from the pair, there isn't much basis for the above argument.

Obertan certainly holds the more natural talent from what I have seen - he has trickery, pace, and is building his strength. At the moment he is not good enough to challenge for a place on the wings - Nani and Valencia are currently in another league to him, but I think he will improve with support and confidence. Having said that, I can't see him ever nailing down a first team place, and I see him more of a lively substitute in the future.

Bebe on the other hand has shown very little to convince me that he is good enough - now or in the future - to challenge for even a substitute place. He has been so very poor, and the amount of abuse he has received - although harsh, is mostly true.

I think Sir Alex has learned his lessons. One, watch a player before you sign him, and two, don't take Carlos Quieroz's recommendations too seriously. Spending £7 million on Bebe was a mistake - his agent must still have his jaw firmly rooted to the floor in utter disbelief. Sir Alex will have to work miracles himself if he were to re-coop the fee paid for the Portuguese attacker.

I think it has probably been a case of too much too soon for both players. Obertan was hardly a regular at Bordeux before his £3 million move, and Bebe was playing on the streets of Portugal, and had no big League experience.

A few more seasons playing in the reserves with the occasional appearance in the Carling Cup and F.A Cup will do good for Bebe so he can gradually build his fitness, confidence, and lets hope his quality too.

Obertan can be trusted with more first team appearances, but needs the support of the fans, his team mates and his manager to build his confidence. Both need to settle in, but if they don't perform in the reserves, there is only one place they can possibly go - out the door.

£13 million Striker "a big fan of Manchester United"

Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanaian striker who plays his football for Sunderland, had announced his ambition to one day play for Manchester United - his manager, Steve Bruce's former club.

Gyan was signed on the 31st August 2010 for the Black Cats for a club record fee of £13 million after catching the eye of Bruce with his impressive displays for Ghana in the World Cup. He scored three goals in the competition, helping his country to the quarter finals only to be cheated out of it by Uruguay and since his move to Sunderland has scored 11 goals in 25 games.

He said:

"Of course I'm a big fan of Manchester United and will like to play for them if the chance comes my way."

It would be unwise to say this and then not reaffirm his commitment to his current side, while citing the need to repay the fans for their continued support. So he did:

"But at the moment I'm at another great club and will want to concentrate on that and help repay the faith the club and the fans have reposed in me."

Manchester United look likely to be a striker down come the end of the season, as it doesn't look like Michael Owen will be offered a new contract after suffering yet another injury. However, I don't see Sir Alex making a move for Gyan, no disrespect to Gyan, but I think United would be going for a better striker who would be able to nail down a regular place in the team ahead of the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Chicharito.

Ramsey Scores First Goal Since Arsenal Leg Break

On loan Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey scored his first goal since his double leg break for Cardiff on Tuesday night, and now feels he is getting back to his best.

He was playing his sixth game for Cardiff against Leicester City as his one month loan to the Welsh club comes to an end in the latter stages of February.

Ramsey said:

"I wanted to get a goal before I go back and I was glad it came at home

"I feel I'm getting there. That is what these games are for, to get me back in the swing of things and I feel that is coming and I'm getting better and stronger with each game."

Dave Jones, the Cardiff manager is apparently going to ask Arsene Wenger if Ramsey can stay at Cardiff for longer than the agreed loan period, and he is confident that the Arsenal midfielder is over the horrific injury that left him on the sideline for what seemed like ages:

"He is over the injury. What he needs is games and you probably saw in the last 15 minutes is he is not at that top level yet.

"For us it is good enough but for the next level he is probably just a few games still short."

Ramsey required surgery to fix fractures to both his tibia and fibula in his right leg following a challenge from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross. That happened almost exactly a year ago, on the 27th February 2010, and today, on the 23rd February 2011, Arsenal will take on Stoke City once again - this time at the Emirates in a bid to win another three points and gain ground on Manchester United in the title race.

Shawcross should prepare himself for a frosty reception, as many Arsenal fans refuse to forgive the high, leg breaking challenge that led to Ramsey's career hitting rock bottom.
Arsenal fans will however be delighted that their starlet is well on his way and back on track to breaking into the Arsenal first team again, and in the future helping them to some trophies. It is always great to see injured players come back and be successful, and I wish Ramsey all the best.

Sign Scholes Up

"The greatest player of his generation", "a beautiful player to watch", "he can do anything". Those are just a few of the compliments that have been presented to Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend who will turn 37 later this year. He is a role model to all footballers with his absolute professionalism and must be a joy to manage for Sir Alex Ferguson - never seeking the limelight, described off the pitch as "shy".

Despite his age, Scholes still has the defence cutting creativity and fantastic range of passing that has made him a regular starter at Old Trafford for the past 16 and a half seasons, which has enabled him to make 660 appearances and counting. It is no wonder therefore, that the United manager wants to hold onto him for as long as he possibly can, and with Scholes apparently still undecided over his future in football, Ferguson will be doing his best to persuade him to stay in the game.
Sir Alex said:

"I am more than hopeful about Paul signing another contract."

"I think he should.

"His fitness isn't in question. I think Paul feels he has to play all the games.

"It is not a bad thing to be that way but at his age, that is impossible.

"But he can still play a big part for Manchester United, this season and next."

It is unsurprising that the Manchester United manager is desperate to keep Scholes in the red of United, because in the current transfer market climate, he won't find another player of Scholes' calibre going on the cheap.

The current midfield isn't exactly full of developed top quality players; Michael Carrick is in an unfortunate long spell of bad or inconsistent form, while Darron Gibson is constantly under pressure to impress due to constantly being used as a scapegoat by some fans after poor team performances. Anderson was beginning to shine after some injuries but has suffered another injury which will rule him out for a little while - so what will his form be like when he gets back?

United have been linked to several midfielders as they scour the globe to find a replacement for Scholes, including Nuri Sahin, Steven Defour and Marek Hamsik - all would cost at least over £10 million, with the highest valuation being around £35 million for Hamsik.

Perhaps it would be better to give some young players from the reserve team a go - there are certainly some talents in there, with Tom Cleverley, who was on loan at Wigan and Paul Pogba impressing. Pogba may be too young at the moment, but I would like to see more of Cleverley, but it looks very possible that Ferguson will be looking for a new play maker in the market this summer.

Either way, it would be better for United if they could keep hold of Scholes for another season, and even if he doesn't play every game, he will still have a big impact on the squad with the example he sets and has set since his first appearance for the Red Devils.

Wenger: Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny Out Injured

Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin Van Persie, Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny will all be out of Arsenal's next game against Stoke City with injuries, although Diaby wold have missed the game with suspension anyway. Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday, but Wenger is positive that the trio will all be fit for Sunday's Carling Cup final clash against Birmingham where Arsenal have the chance to win some overdue silverware.

Wenger said:

"We don't have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available."

"Everybody else is fit. Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem."

"Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday"

Johan Djourou has been in very good form this season, making up for the absence of Thomas Vermaelen alongside Koscielny in the centre of defence, and Wenger will welcome the Swiss back into the side after missing the F.A Cup draw against Leyton Orient.
The Arsenal manager said:

"Johan Djourou is better and will play."

The replay with Leyton Orient in the Cup isn't going to help, as although Arsenal are favourites to win, it is another long 90 minutes and risks injuries or fatigue that they will not want in the lead up the back end of the season, as well as a second leg with Barcelona at the Nou Camp awaiting them.

Wilshere Admirers Grow by the Day

Jack Wilshere told of the best week of his life after Arsenal's win against Barcelona at the Emirates, and as his excellent performances become an ever frequent feature at the North London club, his fans, admirers, supporters, followers - call them what you like - increase by the day. No-one can doubt his obvious quality, skill and footballing artistry, and in such a young player it is very rare to see such natural ability so perhaps it is unsurprising that praise for him is not in short supply.

The most recent to heap praise on the 19 year-old is Barcelona's manager, Pep Guardiola. The manager, who has led Barcelona to eight trophies since taking over in 2008, is about to sign a contract extension at his club. Speculation had begun however, as to whether Guardiola may try to sign Wilshere for Barca in light of his brilliant performance against his side. The 40 year-old moved to rubbish the rumours, but not before adding his compliments to the players growing number of them:

"He [Wilshere] is a great player - a great player for Arsenal and in any case, Arsene Wenger doesn't sell his best players."

He continued to praise Arsenal:

"Arsenal are a wonderful side. You will not hear me discredit Arsenal - they are a great side with a great coach and they will be a very difficult opponent. It will be a great game against a great team."

His own manager has nothing but good to say about Wilshere. Arsene Wenger likened his playing style to that of Spanish players while applauding how he plays unworried and unfazed by his surroundings and occasion:

"He has a Spanish technique certainly, yes. He has an English heart because he's an English boy.

"He takes everything at the moment with a cool head, that's what I like. At his age you want to play and play again and show what you are. What I like as well is he isn't fazed by the occasion; he's not inhibited and just plays free off his chest which is fantastic."

Meanwhile his team mates, both club and country have told how they love to play with him. Fellow Arsenal midfielder Alex Song called him an "unbelievable young player" and he s "very happy to play alongside him". Song said Wilshere "always want to listen and learn" an invaluable quality in young players.
Wayne Rooney, who has had the privilege of playing with Wilshere for England and will undoubtedly do so in he future too, said after Wilshere's first start for England:

"I thought Jack Wilshere did really well. He is really composed on the ball and really good to play with. You can see the potential he has got."

Chelsea's Frank Lampard echoed Rooney's comments:

"We have learned that Wilshere can come in and continue showing the composure he plays with for Arsenal. Credit to him on his full debut because it isn't easy, but he is only going to get better and better now.

The media have given Wilshere rave reviews after watching his performance very closely, and he has been compared to the likes of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, Wilshere's Arsenal team mate Cesc Fabregas, and the two Spanish central midfielders Xavi and Iniesta. He is a superb player, and one with a fantastic future. If he continues to improve and showcase his excellent performances on footballs biggest stages, there will be little doubt that in the future, up and coming quality players will be compared to Wilshere himself.


With the Nou Camp coming up, he will have possibly the biggest stage in world football to pull Arsenal through to the final stages of the Champions League.

Welbeck May Play for Ghana Instead of England

Danny Welbeck may decide to play his international football for Ghana rather than England. The Manchester United striker, who is currently on a very successful loan with Sunderland, was born in Manchester, England to Ghanaian parents. That means he can play for either England or Ghana, and his Ghanaian team mates at Sunderland, Asamoah Gyan and Johan Mensah are trying to persuade to join the 2010 World Cup quarter finalists.

Gyan said:

"Myself and (John) Mensah have spoken to him about playing for Ghana. He has not made up his mind yet and says he needs more time to think through it.

"He is a very good player, young and talented so he will be helpful to Ghana, but we need to give him more time."

The young striker has played for England under 17, under 18, under 19, and under 21 sides, and is now awaiting a first team call-up as Capello looks for the future generation of England stars. If Welbeck doesn't find himself on that list, he may well turn his had and jon up with the Ghana side. They have, after all been monitoring his progress since late 2008 in the hope that he may one day play for them.

Welbeck has shown excellent ability in his time with Sunderland, playing up front in a prolific partnership with Gyan. The 20 year-old has scored six times the amount of Premier League goals that he did at Manchester United and has shown the kind of quality that has made Ferguson so reluctant to sell him. The loan period at Sunderland has only improved him as a player, increasing his sale value and raising interest from clubs in search of a permanent deal. Welbeck is currently out with a hamstring injury.

Fabregas: Wilshere was Scared to ask Messi to Swap Shirts

Despite being probably the best player on the pitch, which held the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Fabregas, Nasri and David Villa, Jack Wilshere was apparently too scared to ask Lionel Messi for his shirt after the game between Arsenal and Barcelona. 

The Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, tweeted Wilshere saying:

"can't believe i had to go to get Messi's shirt for u. U were so scared. You were MOTM [Man of the match] so next time please ask urself!"

In the end, Wilshere walked away with both Messi's and Xavi's shirts, and tweeted a picture of him [Right] and his dad holding the precious items which hold such significance to the young man early in his career.
He said:

"Morning tweeps. You will like this one. Me and my dad with Messi and Xavi's shirt after the game."

Wilshere was praised by his manager Arsene Wenger as outstanding after the Champions League clash, saying that the young midfielder was unfazed by the quality that surrounded him. After all, he will be - if not already - as good, if not better than the players he was up against. Wilshere is an outstanding and rare English talent and Arsenal are lucky to have such a down to earth, footballing man, who plays football so well - the heartbeat of the Arsenal midfield at times.

After the game, Wilshere was ecstatic:

"It's been a great couple of weeks - the best of my life.

"Outstanding" Wilshere has Wenger "Delighted"

Jack Wilshere showcased his fantastic natural - and rare - ability to keep calm on the ball as he played the heartbeat of Arsenals centre of midfield when he came up against some of the best central midfielders in the World; Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquettes. Those three Spanish midfielders were an integral part of the World Cup winning side of 2010, and as they came up against Arsenal's midfield on Wednesday, they must have been very excited at the prospect of the 19 year-old Englishman.

Wenger had only good words to say about Wilshere after Arsenal's first ever win over Barcelona, and quite correctly pointed out that Wilshere was not fazed by the occasion, despite the massive significance of the hard fought game:

"He was outstanding tonight. Jack (Wilshere) wasn’t fazed by the occasion. In the difficult periods when we were under pressure he took the ball and kept the ball. He played really well."

Wilshere had a great time, relishing every opportunity to show off his talents, and admitted he has had the best couple of weeks in his life playing for Arsenal:

"It's been a great couple of weeks - the best of my life. There was a spell in the first half where for about 20 minutes we (Arsenal) didn't touch the ball. But we knew they were going to do that."

The young midfielder praised the Spanish midfield, but despite the quality of the opponent emphasised the need for Arsenal to continue to play their way, and in the end, it paid off:

"I watched these [Barcelona] players in the World Cup and they were the best team there, so I knew a bit about them before the game. But once you get into a game, you get used to them," Wilshere said.

"We had to go up a level in the second half and we passed it around better. We had to carry on playing the Arsenal way and we did that."

The second leg at the Nou Camp will be an altogether different proposition, and a far harder one, as the Gunners learned last year when they felt the full force of Lionel Messi's magic as he scored all of the goals for Barca in a convincing 4 - 1 defeat of Arsenal. March 8th will determine how far Arsenal have come since last year. They gave a good account of themselves in a breathtaking comeback at the Emirates, and were drawing 2 - 2 this time last year, so an improvement is clear, but Barca need only one goal with no reply from Arsenal to progress on away goals.

Wenger however, is still revelling in the success of Wednesday night, and he highlighted the psychological
belief that his team now have going into the secnd leg. The players now know that Barca are beatable, and they can go into the second leg, remembering this, and using it to their advantage:

"I am highly delighted. It was a special football night. The game promised a lot and fulfilled that promise. It was two exceptional teams who tried always to be positive.

"We are not favourites now, but what is important is the belief that we have a chance. Barcelona are still favourites. We know now that we can beat them, though. We did not know that last year.

"This gives us a chance to to go to Barcelona with belief. Every game is difficult but we will prepare well and be highly focused.

"We took advantage through one special skill from Robin van Persie and a second goal through a build-up of how we like it."

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona: Brilliant Comeback Does Gunners Proud

When Arsenal went behind to a David Villa goal, it looked as if some impressive Arsenal play would count for absolutely nothing as Barcelona looked to keep possession and settle, as they capably do, with the 0 - 1 result. They may not have expected then, that Arsenal, in front of their brilliantly supportive fans who stayed on their side all night would bravely fight back for a memorable win at the Emirates - their first ever win against Barcelona.

It is hard to pick out an Arsenal player who had a bad game. Every one of them did themselves proud, with the young Jack Wilshere doing particularly magnificently among some of the greatest central midfielders on the planet. He was brilliant at knocking the ball around as well as getting out of some tricky and tight situations, portraying a footballing age years beyond his own 19.

The Arsenal defence, often questioned and exposed as their main weakness, was resilient and made very few mistakes - only falling asleep a couple of times, with only one of those instances being punished. Koscielny was very good at the back and coped with the explosive attack of Barca very well.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, and it did fly by, with the football from both sides being typically technically wonderful, and at times was end to end football. The entertaining game was constantly competitive, with Arsenal being spurred on by their excellent fans who played a very big part in the comeback, giving the players the belief that they needed to pick themselves up after some rocky spells.

A blasted Van Persie shot from an impossible angle caught Victor Valdes on his near post as he occupied himself with the prospect of a flashed cross. The Dutch striker caught everyone out with the shot, and it took a moment to sink in for the fans that the back of the net was bulging.

Five minutes later, and the breathtaking comeback was complete with an Andrei Arshavin winner. He popped off the bench late on and in a counter attack which saw the surprise starter Samir Nasri (after injury) roll it back almost in slow motion, the little Russian stroked the ball past Valdes for a second time. He wheeled away to the delight of the Arsenal fans who mustn't have believed the astonishing sight, as Barcelona players held their heads in their hands.

Arsenal should enjoy it while they can. Yes, they have beaten one of the best teams in the world for the first time in Barcelona. Yes, they showed excellent character to come back from behind. Yes they take a lead into the second leg. But, the second leg will be far higher task for them to complete. The atmosphere will be hostile, the players will be up for it, and Arsenal will be desperate to cling on to their win.

It would be absolutely fantastic for English football and Arsenal if they could pull off an aggregate win over Barcelona at Camp Nou. But it will be, as they undoubtedly know, a very tough task. Even if they do not, they can take great solace in the fact that they have improved from last year and shown great character to come from behind and win. They should use this as a spring board for better things, and finally come of age.

Watch: Disgraceful Gattuso Sours Spurs Superb Night

Graeme Souness summed it up perfectly when he called Gennaro Gattuso a "dog" who past his best quite a time ago. He said this immediately after the Italian defensive midfielder had head butted Tottenham's assistant coach Joe Jordan, and subsequently began a scrap between half the coaching staff, the Spurs bench and some Milan players. It was such a poor show of sportsmanship and sets a terrible example to young footballers watching with enthusiasm as the disgusting behaviour from the 33 year-old unfolded.

Tottenham played fantastically, from a solid, committed defence, a hard working, creative midfield and a brilliant work ethic and astounding patience from the lone striker up front, Peter Crouch. He, and Tottenham got their just reward in the end, with a brilliant counter attack in which Aaron Lennon showcased his blistering pace to twist and turn around the last man to set Crouch up for a simple tap in.

Crouch was unbelievably patient and restrained all night, and not just because of some poor service. Yes, Gattuso was always there, nipping at his heels, complaining to the referee about innocuous challenges, and elbowing Crouch in the chin whenever he could jump high enough.

 It was immensely irritating to watch from the side of Spurs, and the general bad gamesmanship from AC Milan was highlighted when Corluka was victim of a vicious two footed, off the ground challenge. Rather than looking concerned about the writhing defender - who was obviously in quite a lot of pain, they complained, with Gattuso and Robinho at the forefront of the crowd, as some tried to usher Corluka and the attending medical staff on the pitch treating him.

This was added to once Gattuso got closer to someone else with a pulse who he could start a fight with. This time it was Joe Jordan, and as the Spurs coach shouted from the touchline, Gattuso bumbled over, words were said, and the Italian pushed him in the neck. It was quite amazing that Jordan didn't retaliate.

We all know how passionate the player is, but he purposely gets himself in needless scraps and confrontations just for the sake of it. Or perhaps he enjoys it, playing up to the crowd, knowing he has them on side, whilst getting himself into trouble.

He will miss the return leg at White Hart Lane to my relief, as he picked up a deserved yellow card after a typical strong challenge from behind. In truth he was lucky to get away with only a yellow throughout the game. Tottenham however were the well deserved winners and hold an impressive advantage over Milan even without Gareth Bale bursting down the left wing. Spurs could be heading for the quarters and beyond if they continue to show the hard working, resilient, strong minded and quality performances like this one.

Title Race Over for Chelsea

Chelsea's sixth draw this season will be seen as another two points dropped as they struggle to keep up with the top two, Manchester United and Arsenal. As they will continue to emphasise, they are still mathematically in the race, with there still being a possibility - although a slim one, of Ancelotti's side gaining twelve points on the leaders without reply. It is one hell of a tall order, especially when the leaders United seem to become a stronger force later on in the season, and seeing as they have only lost one game up until now, Chelsea would be forgiven for setting their sights on fourth spot and not the top one.

After spending a colossal amount of money in January, you would at least expect the results to improve for the Blues. Torres, who cost £50 million, has made little impact in both his debut against his former club Liverpool, and against Fulham today. Perhaps understandably, Fulham fans were heard chanting 'What a waste of money', directing it the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, David Luiz, who had a strong full debut for his new club - apparently worth around £21 million - conceded a late penalty which, if converted, could have made a draw look like a good result. Clint Dempsey missed the spot-kick and saved Chelsea's blushes away at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea ultimately escaped with a point. That is not something anyone was familiar with saying about them last season or early this season when they trampled teams scoring goals for fun. Fulham are a tough side to beat, granted, and as Chelsea's narrow 1 - 0 home victory against them earlier this season proves, Mark Hughes' side are not to be rolled over all to easily. But this is the kind of fixture that Chelsea would be expecting to win, especially when they are already so far behind United and Arsenal.

Petr Cech, who saved the penalty to secure the point admitted:

"For the title, this point is too little."

"Mathematically it is not over, but obviously we are quite far [off] now because they [Chelsea's rivals] won their games and we dropped another two points."

However, the goalkeeper assured fans that this is not the end of them this season. While it still a possibility, Chelsea will continue to fight, in the hope of big slip ups from their rivals:

"But there is still a long way to go and we are going to fight to the end."

Ancelotti said after the game:

"Now [12 points adrift] is too much"

"Obviously it's very difficult to come back to fight for the title, but we have a very important aim to reach until the end with the FA Cup."

Chelsea do however have two games to play against the Manchester United, and therefore six points to gain without reply. After snowy conditions earlier in the season, the scheduled match was postponed, and was re-scheduled for later in the season. The two fixtures will be played on the 1st March at Stamford Bridge, and the 7th May at Old Tafford.

 Have no doubts, those two games will be pivotal in which way this years title swings - whether Chelsea are up there challenging or not. 2 wins for Chelsea aginst United may not win them the title, but it would surely guarantee a top four finish, while perhaps giving way for Arsenal to sneak ahead of United and snatch their first title in however many years its been.

They face a tough, arduous uphill battle, but Chelsea could still defend their title. It is more likely however, that they will have a bigger say in who gets it instead of them - United, Arsenal... or City, while in the meantime, they will have to concentrate on securing a Champions League place for next season, or their £50 million Fernando won't be happy.

The Goal That Will Change Rooney's Season & Just in Time

A season of struggle, strife, injuries and allegations for Wayne Rooney may just have been turned on it's ugly head by a moment of genius in a game in which the England international was unimpressive and ineffective for long periods.

A record tally of goals last season was never going to be matched this season, but no one thought that he could possibly perform as shoddily as what has been witnessed. Critics were beginning to suggest that perhaps Rooney's best was behind him, and that his sublime natural talents that saw him hailed as one of the best in the world were wavering much too violently.

But in a season of frustrating darkness with little direction for Rooney, an astonishingly bright light shone through at Old Trafford in a moment of pure genius - one that could only be achieved by someone who holds magnificent talents. Someone who is capable of such things due to the born instinct for scoring goals - a goal that most only dream of. Scored in the Theatre of Dreams.

As he rose in the air with his back to the goal, he was only thinking of one thing - to score. He didn't realise that if the ball rippled the back of the net, and the fans leaped off their seats in jubilation with more than a hint of astonishment, that the goal could change his season.

It is the kind of audacious attempt on goal that can only do good for the confidence of a player if it were successful. His confidence couldn't have been too low before the goal - as only someone who is solidly sure of their superior talents could even attempt the strike, but now, with his skill being replayed again and again everywhere around the world, everyone knows it. Rooney is back.

He admitted it was the best goal of his career, and one would have to agree, but it was something that Rooney felt was owed to his fans after what he put them through with the transfer saga early in the season:

"The Manchester United fans deserve that from me. I haven't had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that."

Oh, they enjoyed it alright. Football fans everywhere enjoyed it, and they will do for years to come. But it is Manchester United fans' hope that Rooney enjoyed it enough to use it as a springboard to better things - better performances this season. It is the period of the season where United are renowned for coming good, and if ever they needed both of their strikers to be firing on all cylinders, it would be now.

The treble is in reach, and although we won't be expecting any more sublime over head volleys flying into the top corner of the net in the most graceful and elegant of ways from such a physical and boisterous player, much improved performances and plenty of goals will be welcomed with open arms by United - no matter how they go in.

Manchester United 2 - 1 Manchester City

The game was won by a stunning goal. It was a goal that, if it hadn't of won the match, it would have been an absolute travesty, and one that will be played again and again and again. It will never get old - for United fans anyway. Watch it here.

To the game now, and the away team came out very bright, closing down United, and keeping the ball when they had it. They passed it around well and looked very composed on the ball.

City were able to get down the right through David Silva and were very dangerous in the box early on. Silva will still be furious with himself after missing a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he found himself opposite van der sar. All he had to do was to wrap his foot around it from just inside the six yard box, but instead, he toe poked it wide, and had City heads in hands.

United broke the deadlock with their first of two brilliant goals. Van der sar smashed it up field, and it was met by Rooney's head. Giggs picked it up and played a first time ball into the path of Nani who had made a wonderfully determined run through the middle. His marvelous athleticism saw him bring a high ball down in front of him and his second touch was equally as exquisite to make himself some space which enabled him to calmly stroke the ball past Hart in the City goal.

United then dominated the rest of the first half, rejuvenated with confidence after such an accomplished move for the goal. It had woken them up, and City needed the half time whistle to get in and gather themselves after going behind.

City came out better in the second half, but couldn't create too many chances that tested the United goalkeeper. They sent on Wright-Phillips and their big money January signing, Eden Dzeko and made City a far more threatening attacking out fit. Tevez came into the game a bit more, as there were now two strikers on the pitch in blue. They scored from a Dzeko shot which took a wicked deflection off of the back of the impressive, but in this situation oblivious David Silva. It was a fluky goal, but they all count.

City then had all the confidence. Goals change games, and it looked as if City's momentum could lead them to a win at Old Trafford. United stayed strong however, and stayed patient for the moment of the match. A moment of utter genius. The moment that won the game.

78 minutes, and the renowned period for United to grab that winner. This time, they did it in he most spectacular of ways. It does defy description, so its best you watch it.
Rooney smashed his over head kick into the top corner, and Old Trafford erupted into a stadium of jubilation. The Manchester Unite bench jumped up and hugged each other in complete disbelief, with Sir Alex Ferguson looking understandably astonished.

United have won the derby again. City of course will emphasise the fact that it took a wonder goal to win it, and that they played well, but United do, and will find ways of winning games and this time, it was a brilliant one.

United are now seven points clear at the top, but as I write, second placed Arsenal are winning against Wolves, which means that if that result were to stay the same, the gap between first and second will be reduced to four. City are eight behind their rivals, and their manager Mancini basically admitted defeat in he title race after the match, agreeing that the gap between them and the top is too big.

A brilliant derby for United fans, and a goal scored, brilliant for football fans everywhere. Bouncing back from defeat has been achieved by United - and by Rooney.

WATCH: Sensational Rooney Goal vs City

Take a moment to compose yourself.

It is a goal that defies description.

Every striker dreams of scoring goals like this - a perfectly flighted ball, no defender challenging you, a wonderful over head kick and watching it float into the top corner in front of 75,000 fans, screaming and jumping manically in the air as they realise the winner to a fierce derby has just been scored. 

Manchester United sit seven points clear of Arsenal and eight clear of Manchester City after a wonderful, spectacular goal that Rooney admitted was his best in his career. Arsenal will play Wolves later in an attempt to claw themselves back into the race with United, but Rooney's goal will go down in history as a goal that you will never tire of seeing.

Is it the goal of the season?

Full Match Report Here

Man United v Man City: Preview

Manchester United's unbeaten record may lay in tatters after the shock loss to Wolves last week, but they still have their unbeaten home record to cling hold of, not to mention being in pole position to win the Premier League title for a 19th time. They will host their fierce rivals Manchester City - a rivalry that has been burning ever more ferociously since the mass money injection that City have enjoyed, and their climb up the league table. United now recognise City as a threat. They don't like it.

A win for United will see them jump seven points clear at the top - a feat they could have achieved last week if it wasn't for Wolves, and if a win is achieved, it will strike another dent on City's hopes of winning their first League title in 43 years.

It has to be said, the omens look good for the men in red. City have won just one of their last 26 league visits to Old Trafford and have failed to score in four of their last five league encounters with their rivals. Consider then that United have the best home record by quite a distance this season, and the mountain that City have to climb is a daunting one.

City do have some of the statistics on their side however. As they travel to Old Trafford, they can remember that their away record is the second best in the League, having taken 22 points on the road behind Arsenals 25.

It must be emphasised though, that form counts for nothing in derby's. And in any case, whatever the form guide tells us about United this season, it can't hide the fact that the performances haven't been the strongest in some very lucky results.

Dimitar Berbatov, the Premier League top scorer is up against Carlos Tevez - a former United team mate, and current second in the top scorer list with 18 behind the Bulgarians 19. Both players will have their chances to build on those impressive tallies, and whats more, both could make themselves local heroes in what could be the game of the week-end.

Sir Alex Ferguson could be without Javier Hernandez due to fatigue after the Mexican had to travel across the world and back for his countries friendly against Bosnia in the week. The United manager will be without Ferdinand and Evans who have a calf and ankle problem respectively, so the youn Chris Smalling will partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence.

City will definatley be without England starlets Adam Johnson and Micah Richards, while Mario Balotelli is doubtful with a problematic knee injury and Nigel De Jong is struggling with ankle trouble.


Football fans will be hoping that the drab 0 - 0 draw which was witnessed between these two sides earlier in the season will not be repeated, but perhaps the Man City manager Roberto Mancini might accept that result now.
There will be top quality on show on Saturday, and anything could happen. Both sides should be eager to win, and as long as they are not too cautious as was previously witnessed, it could be an entertaining and enjoyable match of football. Much depends on whether the impressively good United or the poor United show up.

Wenger on Twitter

In 2010, it was found that the number of Twitter users increases by 300,000 a day and a massive 55 million tweets are tweeted every day. A number of Arsenal players have contributed to those massive figures too, with Jack Wilshere only last week criticizing a referee decision after the Gunner's draw at Newcastle.

At the moment, Cesc Fabregas, Denilson, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Wojciech Szczesny, and Sebastien Squillaci are among those big name Arsenal players who pour their thoughts onto the social networking site. So naturally, it is of interest to their manager, Arsene Wenger to know what the Internet phenomenon is all about to keep his players in check - making sure that they don't deliver any controversial messages and get themselves into trouble.

The Arsenal manager had this to say about Twitter:

"I don't believe you can stop the players using it because everyone has the freedom to press his point.”

“You want it to be intelligent in a good way, in a positive way. The players can get closer to the fans and that is one of the positive aspects of it.

“But let the referee do his job and let us make sure that we are 100 per cent right with our attitude and behaviour.”

“We do not want to get involved in referee's decisions, we want to take care of our attitude and behaviour.

“No matter what kind of decisions we had on Saturday we could have won the game and that is what we want to take care of.”

So it seems that Wenger won't be dusting off his keyboard any time soon to sign up for Twitter, and will leave the informing of fans up to his players - just as long as they don't insult the referees. Someone the Arsenal manager doesn't need to worry about is Theo Walcott, who expressed his confusion at the concept:

"I don't tweet myself, I really don't have a clue what it's all about. It doesn't really interest me."