Stoke City 1 Arsenal 3: Aaron Ramsey's the victim of hitmen out to destroy my kids, fumes Arsene Wenger

Aaron Ramsey was recovering from surgery to mend an horrific double leg break as Arsene Wenger claimed that his new generation of Arsenal stars are in danger of being 'destroyed'.
Ramsey was taken to hospital on Saturday night following a second-half challenge from Stoke's Ryan Shawcross that shattered the tibia and fibula in his right leg.
The 19-year-old Wales midfielder had a corrective operation to stabilise the leg and pin the bones back together, and was kept in overnight before travelling back to London with Arsenal's team doctor Gary O'Driscoll on Sunday.

Shattered: Arsenal players and Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross (far right) look stunned as Aaron Ramsey lies in agony on the pitch and is comforted by Glenn Whelan (No 6)

Although the early indications are that Ramsey will be out for up to eight months, the break is higher up his leg than a similar injury suffered two years ago by team-mate Eduardo, who had the added complication of a dislocated ankle.

Stoke put out a statement from Shawcross, conscious of the criticism Birmingham incurred when they failed to react to Martin Taylor's challenge on Eduardo.

Spot on: Fabregas gives the Gunners the lead at the Britannia Stadium

It stopped short of an apology, with Stoke and their player adamant that his attempt to win the ball in the 66th minute was mistimed rather than malicious, even though referee Peter Walton gave him a red card. Replays appear to support their case, but that will be of little consolation to Wenger. Two years ago the Arsenal boss had called for Taylor to be kicked out of football before quickly retracting his comments.

 

He was more restrained on Saturday but could still not hide his anger after Ramsey joined Eduardo and Abou Diaby on the Arsenal list of players who have had bad breaks.

Wenger said: 'Today in midfield we had Nasri, Fabregas, Ramsey, Eboue – an average age of 21. Up front, Bendtner is 20 years old. What these guys do, at that age, is remarkable. To handle the game like they handle it. But of course if you destroy them, they might not be football players.

 

 Tears: Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City is consoled by team mate Thomas Sorensen as he leaves the pitch after being sent off for a challenge on Aaron Ramsey

 

'What is most terrible for me is that Ramsey starts his career with a double operation and you never know what kind of consequences this will have on his physical side of the game and his psychological side of the game. It's just scandalous.

'He's not the first player to get an horrendous injury and it's always a coincidence. I don't believe in coincidences. This tackle was horrendous. It was not acceptable. In my time as manager here, none of my players ever broke the leg of anybody.'

 

 He stoops to conquer: Danny Pugh puts Stoke ahead

Shawcross left the pitch in tears and was driven home by his mother. The incident overshadowed his first senior England call-up, and in his statement he insisted: 'There was absolutely no malice in the challenge. I would never, ever go out to hurt a fellow professional.
'I am deeply upset that Aaron has suffered such a bad injury and my thoughts are with him. I would like to send him my best wishes for a speedy recovery.'

 

 Agony: Aaron Ramsey has suffered a suspected broken leg

Stoke boss Tony Pulis hit back at his Arsenal rival, insisting: 'I know my players better than Wenger. I wouldn't give tuppence for his opinions in respect of Ryan as a person because he doesn't know the kid.'

Danny Pugh put Stoke ahead and Nicklas Bendtner equalised before Ramsey's injury. Late goals by Cesc Fabregas, from the spot, and Thomas Vermaelen secured the win.

Wenger, whose side trail Chelsea by three points, believes Ramsey's setback could be the making of them. 'It will be tight to the end but it gives us one more reason to be strong, united and to fight until the finish to do it for Aaron,' he said.

DAVID BECKHAM TIPS WAYNE ROONEY FOR BALLON D'OR

 

Wayne Rooney face to face with David Beckham

DAVID BECKHAM has dismissed fears that Wayne Rooney will be mentally and physically burnt out for the World Cup finals this summer.

Beckham believes if Rooney can maintain his hot streak, he could become the first Englishman to lift both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s World Player of the Year awards at the same time.

Rooney is in the form of his life, his two goals against Beckham’s AC Milan in the San Siro on Tuesday taking him past his previous personal best for a season of 23 and well on course to smash the 30 mark for the first time. The one concern is that with Rooney being so crucial to Manchester United’s push for honours on three fronts, there could be nothing left in the tank when Fabio Capello takes his squad to South Africa in June.

Rooney has so far clocked up 38 appearances for club and country this season. That tally could reach nearly 60 if United get to the Champions League final on May 22.

But Beckham, who knows a thing or two about marathon campaigns, believes Rooney’s young legs, enthusiasm and adrenaline will carry him through.

“Burn-out won’t be a problem,” said Beckham. “Wayne is ready for any game. It doesn’t matter how many games he has played or how many he will be involved in to the end of the season. He will be ready for anything.

“Of course he can sustain this level until the middle of July. He should be able to – he is only 24 after all.

“He looks after himself and he works hard. The way he plays on the field is the way he plays in training and that is why he is so good.”

Rooney has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season, 17 coming in his last 17 games, and while Beckham hopes the streak comes to a temporary halt when Milan bid to retrieve a 3-2 deficit at Old Trafford on March 10, he is praying Rooney carries on scoring both for United and England, right through to a possible World Cup final appearance in July.

“Wayne was exceptional against us,” he said. “You give him chances and he will score goals. That is the way he is. That is the way his mind works. He was great.

“I wouldn’t like to see him do it again against us at Old Trafford next month, but I’d like it in the World Cup.

“Without a doubt he is one of the best goalscorers in the world. If he continues to do that then United will be even more successful than they are already. I have seen him since he was a young lad. I played when he made his debut for England and I have watched him score goals week-in, week-out and do it at the highest level. It’s amazing to see.

“I hope he is a contender for the World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or. I would love to see him win every title possible.”

Beckham revealed how highly Rooney is rated in Italy, especially in Milan, where they have great respect for English players following the efforts of Ray Wilkins and Mark Hateley for the club in the Eighties.

“Wayne is looked upon as a great player in Italy. That is all the Italian people care about, whether he is doing the right thing and scoring goals. They see him scoring goals and working hard. The Italian people, and Milan fans especially, love people who work hard.”

Despite his lavish praise of Rooney, Beckham has warned his old club that Clarence Seedorf’s late goal means the last-16 tie is far from finished. And Beckham was left frustrated that Milan squandered chances to build on Ronaldinho’s early goal before United raced into a 3-1 lead.

“It is not over,” he said. “The second goal helps us out, but we know how difficult it is going to be. Nobody gets gifts when they go to Old Trafford. United have quality right through their side. We are going to have to work hard and play well and if we do that we have a chance.

“But you have to put your chances away, especially against a team such as United and a player such as Rooney.”

Beckham is expecting some retribution from Paul Scholes in the second leg after a clumsy challenge on his old team-mate.

He said: “It’s always good to get Scholesy first, but it was just a mistimed tackle. He just got back up again, but I’m sure if he gets the chance in the second leg, he’ll get me back.”

Manchester United 3 - Ac Milan 2

Rooney gives United first leg edge over Milan!

 

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (R) celebrates with teammate Darren Fletcher after scoring against AC Milan during their Champions League soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan February 16

Manchester United won a thrilling encounter 3-2 against AC Milan in the San Siro, taking the upper hand going into the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.

The pre-match build-up had been dominated by David Beckham and the former United ace was handed a start on the right side of midfield for the home side.

And it was the Rossoneri who made a flying start, taking the lead within three minutes as a Beckham free-kick into the area was only half-cleared and Ronaldinho's volley was deflected past Edwin van der Sar by the outstretched boot of Michael Carrick.

Milan then came close to adding a second as Ronaldinho forced a save from van der Sar and Luca Antonini dragged a shot wide when well placed.

Twenty minutes in Wayne Rooney drilled a 25-yard left-foot shot a yard wide of goal, as United tried to get back into the game.

Eleven minutes from half-time Klaas-Jan Huntelaar went close to doubling the lead, spinning away from Rio Ferdinand before firing a shot from just outside the area narrowly wide of van der Sar's goal.

However, a large stroke of fortune enabled United to draw level two minutes later when Darren Fletcher's cross found Paul Scholes.

He missed the ball with his attempt at a shot from eight yards out, but the ball bounced off his standing leg and trickled just inside Dida's far post.

Straight after the restart Darren Fletcher headed wide from a Nani cross, before Alexandre Pato placed a header of his own wide of target when well placed at the other end.

Andrea Pirlo extended van der Sar with an audacious long-range free-kick, before the Dutchman did well to push away a curling effort from Ronaldinho at full stretch.

United then brought on Antonio Valencia for Nani just after the hour mark and he had an immediate impact as his cross to the far post was headed back across goal and into the net by Rooney.

Eight minutes later United hit Milan with a third goal, as Fletcher lifted the ball into the area and an unmarked Rooney had all the time in the world to head past the stranded Dida.

The visitors looked most likely to add to their tally, but five minutes from time Milan pulled a goal back as Ronaldinho pushed the ball in from the left and Clarence Seedorf executed a cheeky back-heel perfectly to reduce the deficit.

The home side then pressed for an equaliser, but were unable to find one, with Carrick being sent off right at the death for a second yellow card.

9.2 seconds: Wayne Rooney is as fast as Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United vs Arsenal)

 

Last weekend in the Premier League, Manchester United hammered a significant nail in Arsenal’s championship coffin when Sir Alex Ferguson’s troops staged arguably their performance of the season winning 3-1 away at the Emirates. After getting their noses in front of the Gunners, United went on the claim a stunning, counter-attacking second. From a loose Arsenal corner, the Red Devils, spearheaded by Wayne Rooney, broke upfield, and after Nani had carried the ball 60-yards Rooney was on hand to finish the move which he had started on the edge of his own box.
That goal brought back instant memories of Cristiano Ronaldo’s breathtaking goal at the Emirates during last season’s Champions League semi-final, and in side-by-side comparison Sky Sports went about investigating which of Rooney’s and Ronaldo’s goals were quicker counter-attacking moves.

The video evidence can be seen here

9.2 Sec - More amazing video clips are a click away

Who should succeed John Terry as England captain?

 

Over the last week John Terry has been exposed as a liar and a cheater after revelations about his personal life by the British press. His exposure has left the Chelsea skippers England captaincy and international career in jeopardy. Terry’s affair with England team mate Wayne Bridges former girlfriend has come at a terrible time for Fabio Capello with the World Cup in South Africa looming and expectations for England sky high, the England manager has a big decision to make. Do you stick by the captain you appointed regardless of his personal life? We look at the potential candidates to Terry’s armband should Capello decide to make the change.

  

Frank Lampard
Probably Terry’s closest allie in the England camp. Lampard is rumoured to be among the England players who would feel uncomfortable at the idea of replacing John Terry as England captain. The Chelsea star currently has 76 England caps and has time and again proved his worth to the England team contributing 20 goals from midfield. A more than decent injury record means he is an almost guaranteed starter for the World Cup. Lampard is a popular member amongst the squad and often leads from example on and of the pitch. A possible stumbling block for Capello giving the captaincy to Lampard could be that Frank is not a married. Although Lampard has a near squeaky clean record, Capello would hate to give the captaincy to someone who could very well end up on the back pages the following week.

 

  

Steven Gerrard
Another player rumoured to feel uncomfortable at the idea of picking up the armband from John Terry. Steven Gerrard would probably be the fans choice as his successor, the dynamic midfielder is the heart and soul of the Liverpool team for which he captains and his leadership skills have been ever present throughout the years at Anfield. Gerrard ran Terry close for the captaincy after David Beckham decided to step down but was named as vice-captain by Steve McClaren. Gerrards recent of field excursions may however place some doubt in Capellos mind about appointing him. In the summer Gerrard was involved in a club fight which saw the England star brought to court. Although the midfielder was found not guilty he spent many days on the front page of the tabloids a feat I’m sure Mr Capello is well and truly tired of. Gerrard has not been on form this season, suffering numerous niggling injuries and scoring only six goals.

 

Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand is a highly experienced and respected man in world football. The Manchester United defender has captained his club and country on numerous occasions. He is undoutbly a winner, winning a great deal of medals in his career. His know how and experience would add backbone to the England camp in uncomfortable situations. Ferdinand was very unlucky to be beaten to the captaincy by John Terry and in turn Capello named him vice captain. The natural order would see Ferdinand replace John Terry as captain. However Ferdinand has been on poor form. Chronic injury problems have seen the defender on the sidelines for the majority of the season. He is no longer certain of a starting birth at United which would cast doubt over a starting place in the England squad.

David Beckham
Fabio Capello’s golden boy. Beckham and Capello have a great relationship having known each other for many years. It would be a highly unlikely and controversial move to reappoint the man who tearfully resigned as captain after England were knocked out of the World Cup in Germany. Beckham could be used as potential stop gap to steady the ship having previously done it before. He has great PR credentials and a strong likability factor. (Arguably qualities that Terry lacks) Beckham is currently on loan from LA Galaxy at AC Milan, a move he went for to secure his place in the England team, a place that still hangs in the balance. He is the most caped England outfield player in history but a starting place at this summer’s world cup is unlikely. This leaves Beckham as the strong outsider should Terry be replaced as captain.

 

Wayne Rooney    
The young talismanic forward is in the form of his life. He is scoring goals for fun for United and is the Premier Leagues top scorer. All this in a season where the pressure was firmly on him to deliver for United after the departure of Ronaldo, and boy has he delivered. England go into the World Cup with most of our hopes pinned on Rooney. He has a great passion and commitment for the team which is always evident when he is on the pitch. He has now developed into the world class talent that may predicted for him all those years back and off the field he has grown up considerable as well, recently married to his child hood sweet heart and becoming a father for the first time. In another sense it would be harsh to burden the young striker with such a role, especially as it could take away from his all action game a risk I’m not sure Capello would be willing to take. Don’t be surprised however to see Rooney in the captains armband at some point in the future.

OFFICIAL: John Terry Dropped As England Captain; Rio Ferdinand To Take Over

 

John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy after a showdown meeting with Fabio Capello.

The Italian met Terry at Wembley on Friday and told the defender his role as captain of the Three Lions was over, following relevations of an alleged affair with an ex-girlfriend of former-Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge.

"After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry," Capello said via a statement on the FA's website.

"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.

"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.

"John Terry was notified first."

Capello hinted that vice-captain Rio Ferdinand will step into the role, following a brief 12-minute meeting with Chelsea defender Terry.

“When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice," he added. "There is no reason to change this decision.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank The FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti had previously said Terry's position as captain of the Blues would not be affected.

Ferguson has no regrets over Beckham sale

 

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no regrets about selling David Beckham as he prepares to face his former player in the Champions League knock-out stage.

Beckham will line-up for AC Milan when United travel to the San Siro for the first-leg of their round of sixteen clash and it will be the first time the midfielder has faced his former club since leaving Old Trafford seven years ago.

Beckham was near the height of his powers when he was sold by United to Real Madrid in 2003 but Ferguson feels the matter has long since been consigned to history. The United boss is more concerned about how his players will handle the inevitable attention that will accompany Beckham.

When asked about the player's £25 million move from Old Trafford, Ferguson told Inside United: "No regrets. We move on."

He added: "The only difference with David's return to Manchester United compared with other players is that there will be a big media circus surrounding him when Milan arrive.

"He's such a high-profile celebrity - not just a high-profile footballer - and we haven't really seen anybody else return to the club in that situation.

"Our job is to concentrate on the football match and let the David Beckham media circus carry on - we know we're not going to stop it anyway."
Beckham left United after a well-publicised rift with Ferguson but they have long since patched up their differences.

Former England captain Beckham, 34, is now on loan at Milan having been given permission by parent club Los Angeles Galaxy to sharpen his game in Europe ahead of the World Cup.

Ferguson is not surprised to see Beckham back at the San Siro for a second spell and added: "I think I told him myself last year when I saw him before our game against Inter that he should be thinking about getting back to Europe if he wanted to go to the World Cup.

"And it looks like he might just get his wish now. He had a good spell with Milan last time, so it made sense to me to see him back there again."
United travel to Milan on February 16 before hosting the Italians in the second leg three weeks later.

Ferguson sees the tie as United's biggest fixture of the season so far and said: "I think so, yes. The European Cup is always special to us and we've had some marvellous nights at Old Trafford. I just hope we have another one.

"We're away from home in the first leg, which won't be easy, but I'm certain the tie will be decided back at Old Trafford."

Isteri Kapten England larikan diri

 

 Kapten pasukan bola sepak England, John Terry di ambang perceraian selepas isterinya, Toni meninggalkannya setelah skandal seksnya dengan model dari Perancis, Vanessa Perroncel terbongkar, lapor sebuah akhbar semalam.

Tony, 28, memberitahu beberapa rakannya bahawa dia akan menceraikan Terry sebelum meninggalkan kediaman mereka yang berharga £4 juta (RM135.6 juta) di sini.

"Dia telah memalukan saya selama 10 tahun. Kini tidak lagi," kata wanita itu

Sekiranya mereka bercerai, kes tersebut menjadi antara penyelesaian perceraian termahal dalam sejarah ahli sukan Britain.

Wanita itu dilapor berhak menerima separuh daripada kekayaan suaminya yang dianggarkan mencecah £25 juta (RM85.3 juta).

Sumber yang rapat dengan keluarga mereka mendedahkan kelmarin bahawa Toni berlepas ke Dubai pada malam Sabtu lepas bersama anak kembar mereka dan ibu bapanya.

Kecurangan Terry, 29, terbongkar Jumaat lalu apabila seorang hakim Mahkamah Tinggi Britain menolak permohonan injunksi bagi melarang media mendedahkan skandal seksnya

 

Perroncel, 28, yang juga seorang aktres, merupakan rakan rapat isterinya serta bekas teman wanita pemain pertahanan England, Wayne Bridge.

Ketika Terry dan Perroncel menjalinkan hubungan sulit, model seksi itu masih menjadi kekasih Bridge, 29.

Selain Perroncel, Terry yang kini bermain untuk pasukan Chelsea dan menerima gaji £170,000 (RM948,214) seminggu, turut didakwa menjalin hubungan sulit dengan beberapa wanita lain.

Manchester United 3,Arsenal 1

Manchester United outclassed Arsenal at the Emirates to maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea - and brutally expose Arsene Wenger's title ambitions.

Sir Alex Ferguson's champions unleashed a devastating display of sweeping, counter-attacking football inspired by the brilliance of Wayne Rooney and Nani.

Wenger had outlined the importance of the meeting with United in the context of the battle to win the Premier League, and by the final whistle saw his hopes placed in painful perspective by a masterful United.

United now stand only one point behind Chelsea having played a game more, but the manner of this victory will send out the message that no-one will find it easy to wrest the title away from Ferguson's side.

Nani, so long a figure of frustration at Old Trafford, has rarely performed with more threat and finesse than he did in the first 45 minutes here as he ran Gael Clichy ragged and ensured United had established a two-goal lead by the interval.

He baffled Arsenal with a stunning piece of trickery that forced uncertain Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia to turn his cross into his own net after 33 minutes and then set up Rooney's 100th Premier League goal four minutes later.

United caught Arsenal cold as they turned defence into attack, Rooney sprinting from just outside his own area to take a return pass from Park and finish in style.

Ji-Sung Park graphically illustrated the gulf between Arsenal and United just after half-time when he took advantage of a path lack of resistance to run unchallenged from inside his own half to beat Almunia.

Thomas Vermaelen's deflected shot late on set up an Arsenal rally of sorts, but the scoreline barely reflects United's superiority as they gave the Gunners a painful lesson in ruthless, cutting edge football.

United boss Ferguson opted for Nani ahead of £15m summer signing Antonio Valencia - and the success of the decision was probably beyond all his expectations as the Portuguese winger tortured Arsenal.

Andrey Arshavin offered early optimism for Arsenal's fans with a couple of trademark twisting runs and shots off target - but they turned out to be a false dawn as United soon moved into a different class to Arsenal.

William Gallas needed to make timely interventions as United's crisp passing threatened to carve United open, with Nani the primary source of danger as he proved simply too fast and too clever for Clichy.

And when Nani helped fashion United's opener after 33 minutes, it was the signal for a blistering passage of play that saw Arsenal's hopes of getting anything from such a crucial game disintegrate.

Nani tricked his way past Cesc Fabregas into the area with sleight of foot worthy of his celebrated former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, although Almunia should have done a lot better than palm the ball in with a feeble attempt at clearance.

United topped that for quality four minutes later with a goal that, for Arsenal, bore the grim hallmarks of Ronaldo's third goal in the Champions League semi-final second leg at The Emirates last season.

Rooney, not far from the edge of his own penalty area, released the rampaging Nani down the right-flank, and arrived at the other end of the pitch on cue to drill a low finish past Almunia and send Ferguson out of his technical area and along the touchline in sheer delight.

Nani should have made it three when Rooney found him unmarked at the far post, but his goalbound shot took a crucial touch of Vermaelen that went undetected by referee Chris Foy and flew wide.

If Arsenal had any hope of mounting a fightback they were emphatically snuffed out seven minutes after the interval in a manner that would have been as embarrassing for Wenger as it was satisfying for Ferguson.

Park ran from just inside his own half, free from any Arsenal challenge, and accepted what was almost an open invitation to slip the simplest of finishes past the exposed Almunia.

Vermaelen gave the discontented Arsenal fans a moment of cheer after 80 minutes when his shot was deflected out of the reach of Edwin van der Sar by Jonny Evans - and there were even further opportunities to set up the unlikely prospect of a thrilling finale.

Gallas headed wide of an open goal and Vermaelen saw a shot blocked by Patrice Evra, but Rooney displayed a rare moment of fallibility by wasting the opportunity to give the score a more realistic appearance, shooting wide in stoppage time.

Arsenal 1 MUFC 3 match facts :

(HT 0-2)

Arsenal goal
Vermaelen 80

Man Utd goals
Almunia (og) 33
Rooney 37
Park 52


Arsenal
01 Almunia
03 Sagna (Bendtner 72)
05 Vermaelen
10 Gallas
22 Clichy
04 Fabregas
07 Rosicky (Eboue 71)
08 Nasri
15 Denilson (Walcott 61)
17 Song Billong yellow card
23 Arshavin
Substitutes

21 Fabianski, 18 Silvestre, 27 Eboue, 30 Traore, 14 Walcott, 16 Ramsey, 52 Bendtner


Man Utd
01 Van der Sar
03 Evra
06 Brown
21 Rafael Da Silva
23 Evans
13 Park (Valencia 87)
16 Carrick
17 Nani (Berbatov 89)
18 Scholes (Giggs 71)
24 Fletcher
10 Rooney

Substitutes
29 Kuszczak, 30 De Laet, 11 Giggs, 25 Valencia, 28 Gibson, 07 Owen, 09 Berbatov

Ref: Foy

Att: 60,091

Man United Shuts Down Twitter and Facebook Accounts For Its Footballers

Manchester United posted an announcement on its website Friday that said that none of its players maintain personal profiles on social networking sites.

“The club wishes to make it clear that no Manchester United players maintain personal profiles on social networking websites,” said the note posted on ManUtd.com. “Fans encountering any web pages purporting to be written by United players should treat them with extreme scepticism. Any official news relating to Manchester United or its players will be communicated via ManUtd.com.”

However what the announcement failed to mention is that several Manchester United footballers used to have accounts on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook accounts, but they have either been shut down or the contents on those pages have been removed presumably under the orders of Manchester United FC.

Our research reveals that Twitter accounts have been removed for Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher, while Facebook accounts have been removed for Wes Brown. Meanwhile, the contents of the Facebook wall for the following footballers have been erased: Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand. Pictured above is the wall of Ryan Giggs’s page on Facebook showing that the contents have been removed.
We can imagine why Manchester United would want to prevent its footballers from frequenting social networking sites. One, it’s a potential public relations disaster especially if a player says something controversial or releases information before it’s been approved by a club’s communications or PR department. Two, it encourages football supporters to find information about their favorite players outside of the official club website. Fewer visits to the official club website results in fewer opportunities to generate revenue by selling merchandise or website memberships. Three, and perhaps it’s the most important reason of all, it’s an issue of control. Professional footballers are under the control of the club almost at all times in terms of what they say, which members of the press they can talk to (if any) and what curfews they’re under. But social networking systems threaten the status quo because its professional footballers having personal contact with fans, the media and others, which could be terrifying for some football clubs.

While Manchester United is tightening the screws on which sites its players can frequent, Sunderland continues to allow striker Darren Bent to use Twitter and he’s definitely building a cult following (29,000 followers as of press time). Reading Bent’s tweets is refreshing and gives you a better appreciation of the footballer. Bent has embraced Twitter to such an extent that he even has football boots with his Twitter handle and Twitter logo printed on them.

In this world where professional footballers are so distanced from its fans, it’s a pleasure to see Darren Bent and other footballers using Twitter while clubs such as Manchester United (who don’t even have an official Twitter account for the club) are living in the stone age.

Here are the top 7 reasons why you should follow EPL Talk on Twitter.

Female TV Presenter Grabs David Beckham’s Golden Balls… And His Golden Penis

If your Italian is not so good, the story is as follows: Elena Di Cioccio, a reporter for Silvio Berlusconi’s Uno station (yes, Berlusconi also owns AC Milan, Beckham’s current home), wanted to see if Becks was really packing Dirk Diggler-heat downstairs, as all those pants ads suggest. So she pulled on a pair of rubber gloves, walked up to Beckham while he was being interviewed in Madrid for an American TV station, and grabbed his crotch.

“Off the pitch we have seen fascinating photographs of David Beckham in his underpants and seemingly very well endowed and even his wife says that he is well equipped and calls him Golden Balls,” Di Cioccio said.

“Well the image may have slipped slightly as he has been replaced in the Armani campaign by a younger footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, but we wanted to find out if he was as well endowed as the pictures suggest or if they were touched up.”

And Di Cioccio’s conclusion? A rough translation: “I touched it but it’s small! David you have conned us all. What did you use, cotton wool? It’s a trick!”

Beckham wants to end career at Manchester United, will never join City

Former Old Trafford favourite David Beckham wants to end his career at Manchester United and has rejected the idea of ever signing for rivals Manchester City , in an interview with the Daily Mirror.
Beckham, who is currently on loan at Italian giants AC Milan said that finishing his career at Manchester United "would be perfection."  He is set to return to Old Trafford this season to face the Red Devils as his AC Milan team take on Manchester United in the next round of the Champions League.
When asked whether he would consider signing for cash-rich Manchester City , Beckham frankly rejected the idea.
He said, "I would never sign for Manchester City … That's mainly because I am a Man United fan. It doesn't matter about money. It is always about loyalty with Manchester United .
"They are the team I supported and the team that I played for for years and I just couldn't bring myself to sign for City. I couldn't do it."
Although Manchester City have recently become a force to be reckoned with in English football, the former England captain believes that they will never have the world-wide appeal or attraction that Manchester United enjoy.
Beckham said, "City will never be bigger than United. Money does a lot for a club and a team, but being successful and being one of the most recognised clubs in the world doesn't come from the money.
"It's about history. There aren't many clubs that can boast the history of Manchester United , Real Madrid , Barcelona or AC Milan . It's not about having all the money in the world. All that does is creates attention but you can't buy the history of a club."

Man Utd’s Rooney in touch with Pique about Barcelona life

Barcelona tongues are wagging over claims Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney asked ex-teammate Gerard Pique about Nou Camp life.
El Mundo Deportivo says Rooney has asked Pique about what it's like playing for Barca - and coach Pep Guardiola - along with information on his teammates.
Rooney has been linked with Real Madrid in the past week as the Spanish press caught wind of United's financial dramas.
However, it's understood if the England ace was to leave United, he would choose Barca ahead of Real, where another former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, has urged him to make the move to Madrid.
Tito Vilanova, Barca's assistant coach, is a huge fan of Rooney and if it came down to a choice involving the likes of Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) and David Villa (Valencia), he would take the England ace every time.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning strike against Porto voted Manchester United's goal of the decade

Cristiano Ronaldo may have left for pastures new, but his years at Manchester United will never be forgotten by the club's supporters - and he has now won a fans' Goal of the Decade competition.
Ronaldo's magnificent strike against Porto in last season's European Cup quarter-finals was voted the best United goal from the past ten years.
Wayne Rooney finished in runners-up spot for his splendid volley against Newcastle in 2005.

Wonderful strike: Ronaldo fires home against Porto

The Portuguese star left United for Real Madrid last summer after six memorable seasons in the north-west.
Ronaldo helped United to three successive Premier League titles, and a famous European Cup triumph in Moscow

Stunning: Wayne Rooney volleys his marvellous goal against Newcastle in 2005

Manchester United Goals of the Decade 2000-2009

1) Cristiano Ronaldo v Porto, 2009 (20%)
2) Wayne Rooney v Newcastle, 2005 (15%)
3) Paul Scholes v Aston Villa, 2006 (11%)
4) Paul Scholes v Barcelona, 2008 (10%)
5) Cristiano Ronaldo v Portsmouth, 2008 (6%)
6) Federico Macheda v Aston Villa, 2009 (6%)
7) Cristiano Ronaldo v Arsenal, 2009 (5%)
8) Paul Scholes v Bradford, 2000 (4%)
9) Ruud van Nistelrooy v Charlton, 2005 (4%)
10) Paul Scholes v Panathinaikos, 2000 (4%)

Manchester United Crisis So Bad Ronaldo and Tevez AIG Picture Unnoticed

It appears Manchester United are in a real crisis at the moment, what with financial figures indicating that if they didn't sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record £80 million, they would post a massive loss for the financial year.

Of course, any club with interest payments of £69 million a year and debts of around £700 million isn't exactly going to be plain sailing in the financial department, are they?
And whilst this crisis with the moneymen has deflected attention from the on-pitch failings, it has also deflected attention from one of the pictures on the AIG website homepage .
On there, visitors will see today a picture of Ronaldo congratulating Carlos Tevez for a goal from the 2008/09 season, with the caption underneath the picture reading, "We see the value of teamwork in creating success."
So, the Old Trafford club are being endorsed on the homepage (the first thing visitors of the Web site will see) of their main sponsor by two of their former players.
And there's so much teamwork involved that AIG couldn't even update their Web site to reflect the successful players of the 2009/10 United team, i.e. Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs, etc.
Well, that goes to show how much the American International Group care about Manchester United.

Guardiola hails record-breaking Messi

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola praised Lionel Messi after the Argentina superstar became the youngest player to score a hundred goals for the Catalan club.

The FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or 2009 winner reached the milestone after scoring his side's third goal as Barcelona clinched a 4-0 victory over Sevilla.

When asked about Messi after the conclusion of the match, Guardiola said, "I congratulate him. It's outrageous to have done what he has at his age.

"It only depends on him to break all possible records. He has some very, very high numbers.

"What we like most is that his ambition has no limit. I feel that he wants more.

"He is a wonderful example to the future generations."

Krasic rejects Man City: Only Man Utd or Arsenal for me

Money-bags Manchester City have failed in a move for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic.
The Daily Mail says Krasic has rejected an approach from Roberto Mancini's Manchester City, saying he only wants to join either Manchester United or Arsenal.
The Serbia international impressed in both group games against United in the Champions League earlier this season with the lively schemer scoring in the 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.
Several of Europe's top sides sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old, who can play down the right hand side or as an attacking midfielder, but City were the first ones to make a strong inquiry.
Despite having only one year left on his contract in the Russian capital, City were taken aback by CSKA's £15million valuation but their efforts seem to be in vain as he has made it clear to his advisers he only wants to join United or Arsenal.

Rooney and Torres in new Nike advert

Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres team up in the latest Nike Advert for their new Total90 III boot. The Total90 Laser III is the next generation of Nike’s Total90 Laser boot, featuring an innovative ’shot shield’ that results in more power and accuracy on the ball.

Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard Tempted By Real Madrid Switch

Red icon on the move?

Talismanic Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is reportedly readying an Anfield exit for Real Madrid, according to the Daily Star.

The England international formerly elected to shun intense interest from Chelsea in order to maintain his Reds allegiance, but it's alleged he's close to heading for the Spainish giants after becoming frustrated with Rafael Benitez's side's inability to turn the tide this season.

Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League during the group phase and have consequently dropped into Europa League competition.

They also faced early exits in both domestic competitions, and their Premier League performances have been inconsistent and sub-standard.

Gerrard, according to the Daily Star, is pondering the merits of a move to Spain's La Primera, where he would team-up with former rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The British tabloid estimates the transfer could warrant a £30 million price-tag and quoted a source close to the player as saying: "Stevie [Steven Gerrard] turns 30 at the end of the season and knows time is running out for him if he wants to win more honours. "The chance to link up with the stars at Real [Madrid] is also one that excites him.
"The big fear is that it will take at least a couple of years before Liverpool can build a team able to challenge for the title again, and that there may not even be enough money around for them to do that.
"He loves the club, but he is frustrated at the way things have gone this year," the source added.
"But he doesn’t want to play for another side in the Premier League. If he did move, then he would prefer it to be abroad and a club like Real or Milan [AC Milan] would be ideal."

Manchester United eye up Guardiola to take over from Ferguson

Manchester United are sounding out Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola as they plan for life without Sir Alex Ferguson within the next couple of years.
Ferguson said in May 2008 that he cannot see himself managing Manchester United by his 70th birthday which is just under two years away.
According to the News of the World, Barcelona boss Guardiola may be asked to take on a coaching role at Old Trafford next season as he is groomed for the manager's job at United.
Guardiola's contract at the Nou Camp ends in June and it is thought that he will wait for the results of Barcelona's presidential elections to decide on his future.
Guardiola's agent Jose Maria Orobigt said, "A club has contacted me but there have been no discussions over money or the sporting project. Anything like that is up to Pep."
Guardiola had a stunning first season as Barclona coach, winning an unprecedented 'treble' of domestic league and cup and the Champions League.  His side were impressive in beating Manchester United in last year's final in Rome and United fans would likely welcome Guardiola's brand of attractive attacking football.