Manchester United take on Everton on Sunday with the ability to temporarily reopen an eight point gap over rivals Manchester City, and put a bit more pressure on Roberto Mancini’s men, who face Wolves later in the day. Football betting odds will favour the Red Devils at home, but an able and combative Everton side will not make it easy for the champions.
United bounced back from the surprise defeat to Wigan with a commanding 4-0 win over Aston Villa last time out, and the Old Trafford faithful will be baying for blood against the Merseysiders on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson will motivate his team to ensure that they respect Everton, but with the bulk of the possession the hosts should have enough in their locker to get goals against the Toffees. Long-term absentees Anderson, Fletcher and Vidic remain sidelined, however Ashley Young is expected to shake off a knock and Michael Owen is on the verge of fitness once more.
With the Manchester derby next on the fixture list, Fergie will urge his team not to slip up against Everton, and therefore give themselves the opportunity to win the title at the Etihad Stadium. Dropped points against David Moyes’ side would act as a boost to City, and could see a shift in momentum before next week’s fixture. City are widely expected to beat Wolves at Molineux later in the day, but with the Midlands club needing to win to avoid assured relegation to the Championship, the game could be tougher than expected for the visitors.
Everton have had a strong second half to 2011-12, and have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games. The Goodison Park club have beaten the likes of City, Chelsea and Tottenham this term, but do not have as good a track record away from home. Everton have proved a tough customer in the past for the Red Devils, with their last win at Old Trafford back in 2009 in the FA Cup. Nikica Jelavic will provide a dangerous attacking opponent after an impressive start to his time in England, and although Leighton Baines and Jack Rodwell are out, the away team will prove to be a stubborn opponent.
Many have questioned how good this United team is compared to previous versions, with Sir Alex’s men the subject of criticism from the press and others in the footballing community. Whether it is true or not, the champions have come good when they have needed to, showed more consistency than their rivals and are in prime position to claim their 20th top flight title with four games remaining. A win over Everton on Sunday will ensure the advantage over City is maintained, momentum remains with the leaders and that a memorable title victory can be claimed on rival soil.
Man Utd News 24/7
Excited aint the word,
Have a great day those going to the game (giggs12, king eric etc)
Man its a good feeling to be a red!
off topic: good to see CR7 scoring against barca last night! – would love to see him in a United shirt again!
Really dont care about CR7 anymore….come on UNITED!!!!!
It’s going to be a difficult game for us and i really hope that we’re gonna make it ..our midfield just like last season ,is not as creative as we would have hoped…but the return of the prince has made a massive boost to our title claim.
Tough game ahead, hopefully we can get a goal or two early on to calm the nerves
Evans & Rio have to watch Jelavic carefully, he’s been in good form for last four weeks.
Anyway with i still believe we’ll win this match & beat shitty at emptihad on 30th April (hopefully!).
Come on United!
TK99
Scholes, Giggs, Cleverley, Young, Nani, Valencia (also Anderson, Pogba) are creative.
Even Carrick and Fletch are creative.
Plus, we do like wing-backs and always play with at least one.
Then there is (usually) 2 up front.
Even de Gea is creative, and against teams that sit back so is Evans (and Rio)
We have scored a few this season. We are as creative as we would have hoped.
Jelavic knows where the net is for sure, but he’s a lazy striker and doesn’t offer much in the way of movement. I think if Rio and Jonny can get close to him, keep him quiet, then there’s not much to worry about. Pienaar on the other hand, looks in excellent form since his return from Spurs. He will be their danger man I feel. As for us, we just gotta do what do best – let Scholes dictate the play, score a few goals to kill the game off, and relax.
There’ll be no pressure on Citeh tbh. They are playing a team who are shockingly shite. They are already down and they know it. If Citeh get one tomorrow early on, then it could be another 5 or 6 as Wolves will give up. Deep down, I hope this is not the case and they give it their all and frustrate Citeh. Fingers crossed.
Come on you mighty REDS………… Get stuck the fuck in lads
UNITED
Sorry, how rude of me…..
Morning dipshits! ha ha
Come on reds! Expect Nani to be the only change from last week, him coming in for Young. Let’s pile the pressure on!
guys can anyone help me. I need to download our season previews. I only have the treble. Help please
Since when do United ever do it the easy way?! I expect there to be drama today…!
An off topic quote from the Holloway link on the last thread.
“I used to think Gary Neville was a totally biased horrible little fella. I mean that in the nicest possible way, just because he used to deliberately wind-up opposition fans and annoy people. But I love the lad since he became a pundit. I tend to watch every football show and he is the bloke who talks most sense.
“It is almost like having a foot inside the Manchester United dressing room. He has only just finished playing but is articulate about the game and often says something you didn’t know.”
Managers across Britain study our ex-players interviews and thoughts, hoping to learn some of the tunes and tricks that Sir Alex has played for years. Ten steps ahead, is our gaffer.
soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/1050874/eric-cantona:-the-king-of-the-premier-league?cc=4716
all rise for the king…
Let’s go to work gentlemen.
@PJBS:
well, i hope those 2 players won’t score today
@PJBS:
well, i hope those 2 players won’t score today
TheCANTONA
So good you posted it twice? ha ha
Come on UNITED, just over 2.5 hours to go
Sun-lamps on!
… and, flaunt your wares gentlemen!
The best of luck united. Make it a good win. May fortune favour us today….. And wolves.
John O’Shea has high hopes for United.
“If you can win the League in a transitional stage, by giving younger players a chance to blood themselves in, then heaven help everyone else.
“The belief and experience they will get from winning the League will mean they will get better and better.
“It’s not that United have been under par this season – because they have really showed their mettle when they had to – going back to February and early March when they won five and drew one of six difficult games.
“But this will be the making of a new team and even if City go out and spend God knows how many more millions on their team, nothing can take away from the fact that a group of young, talented players have grown up as men and as winners. Winning the league is priceless in terms of developing a team’s spirit.”
“United talk the best game and match it on the pitch.
“From around January, Sir Alex words his team-talks around how he wants the team to be nerveless, saying, ‘Don’t worry if it is nil-nil and not going our way, just keep going because while we might lose the odd game, we’ll win more than we lose’. United’s players never get fazed by the pressure. And Fergie-time has become a famous phrase in football.
“But those late, late winners don’t come along by accident. They are part of the United culture. When other teams are knackered and lose concentration, that’s the time when United come alive.
“On the park, you have Giggsy, Scholesy and Rio – men who have been there so long that a natural confidence and a calming influence exudes from them. They say the right things at the right times and City have lacked that experience this year. Even if they have had players who have won titles in other countries, United have shown more composure at crucial stages.”
John O’Shea speaks the truth.
Meanwhile, the other manager in Manchester is bumbling along. Mancini says …
“I am confident that I will continue to do this job next year. I don’t think we have any problems because I think we have done a good job and we have to play another four games.”
Mancini was asked if he could identify where his side’s challenge had faltered. “We have no problem with the players but we had players injured until four weeks ago,” he said, before stating that some refereeing decisions had gone against the team. “I didn’t like some decisions in the last two months.”
“I think there are some moments every year that will be difficult moments, like we had Kompany, Lescott, Agüero, we had all of those injured at the same moment [in recent weeks]. We had a problem with this.”
United have also suffered from injuries to key players this season, apparently with less detrimental effects. “But United have more players and different moments of injuries but every team has injuries,” said Mancini. “When you have important players injured at key moments [it is difficult].”
Yes Mancini, our injuries were far better timed, and we have far more players, and the ref is always against you, and you do have another 4 matches, so you should be confident that you will continue to do the job next year. No worries.
Torres was asked this week about his bumbling performances.
“Bum-bling? Si! Si! I have a gold anus ring and two arrows tattooed on each cheek.”
This is it lads…hold your bottle and keep your nerve. Come on UNITED!!! 3 points is the name of the game. Good luck!
2 Betting threads? Now I am worried. What if they cancel each other out in terms of being a good luck charm.
Welbeck agrees 4years contract,will sign in the summer before the Euros? Well done there
Personally i will prefer Young over Nani for a start,have the feeling the opposition will be shit scared to touch him in the area,he is gonna dive afterall,more chances for him.i really don’t think he will be targeted and Young is a more serious and direct player to Nani,we need to be on fire from the off,Everton are just one Barstard sturbborn opposition
Good lad Danny
Costas
Where, how, when?
The sensible Costas,ur prediction? And yeah are you on a BB?…King Eric too
I can honestly say I’m more nervous about today’s game than the derby game next week. I believe if we win today we’ll win the title so this fixture is absolutely massive. A five point lead with three games to go should be enough to see us over the line when you consider City’s last 3 games are virtually identical to our own and probably just a shade tougher when you’d have to admit you’d rather a trip to Sunderland than a trip to Newcastle. So nerves aside I expect us to get 3 pts later on even if it won’t be easy. Come on United, beat the Toffees and we’ll have one hand on the trophy. Then I couldn’t give a toss what City do against Wolves.
Stop costas u have me worried now!
No Costas No!
No bad vibes before the match!
You must remember that I have made kebabs at home so therefore we have our back up lucky charm in place – which is more important!
Good Morning United
Welbeck agrees 5years i was gonna say#ooops#
Kebabs
Betting thread on ROM
Byron ur right if we drop points today city have it in their grasp their confidence will be sky high, if we go into the derby 5 points clear then its all up to city to attack and win because if they don’t its all over for them but if its 2 then they they play with less nerves. Today a must win.
Albert Ross- Stop imitating me. You can never be like me. I am too busy to return to this blog on full time basis. Don’t dare to spoil or misuse my name you small time prick.
If this game is anything like last season’s it will be a tense affair. I think United will hit the ground running today and an early goal should settle any nerves amongst fans. Everton may have a hang over from the semi final defeat to Liverpool but in all honesty it will come down to how well United play on the day. If we play well we win and anything less gives City a life line so this is our most important game of the season to date. I’m in confident mood though and going for a 2-0 win for the reds.
Issa okay Mancini phone a friend
Ring ring
Hello?
Hello who dis?
This is Impossible Missions Force, team leader Ethan Hunt.
Issa Tom Cruise, no?
Ethan Hunt!
Issa okay then Mr. Hunt, issa need you to do mission impossible in Greece. Issa need to retrieve secret kebab recipe from Agent Costas. Then issa go to England and get second half from Agent MG. Issa do this for Roberto, no?
No. I can’t do this.
Isa why Tom, I mean Mr. Hunt?
I cannot betray my friends, they are a part of my team.
Oh no, issa they got to you too? Issa why Mancini got no friends like you?
This message will self destruct within 10 seconds, all other information is classified.
The phone shuts down.
How was that Costas and MG?
Thanks Tom, we mean Agent Hunt.
@Cedars
Don’t’ pay attention to me mate. Pre match nerves.
@jay4manutd
Honestly, don’t know what to make of the game. Could be a struggle for us. Hopefully the players who have been there before won’t allow any anxiety to creep in. Won’t be as easy as last week. That’s for sure.
BB? Which site is that?
Win this.Three points, do for me.
Ah, matchday! Fucking yay!
I do like a Saturday game, but Sunday’s are also great. Come on United!
I envision a 2 nil win today.
DDG
Rafael – Evans – Rio – Evra
Tony – cleverley – Scholes – Michel Carricke – Nani (never seems to perform on the left but he gonna have to learn quick as Valencia is going no where)
Wayne
No Welbeck and Hernandez for me as quite frankly they been shite for weeks, so has Wayne but at least hes scoring! Would generally hope for a Berba start but I have accepted that’s just not gonna happen (still for the life of me can’t figure out why, the guy is pure class on and off the field).
Final couple of points, firstly if Giggs starts in CM I am going to cry and secondly i really hope Fergie don’t fuck about with the back four! A consistent back four is the reason we been winning so much lately and young Rafael looks like he could really turn into something very special, wouldn’t surprise me if he scored today. He defends in a unique way, so instinctive and going forward he never gives it away. Him and Valencia are turning our right wing into a very potent weapon that’s only going to get better the more they play together.
Have a good day lads!
@MG
Hi mate. Your posts are one of the few relaxing things today.
Not even kebabs will work. 
Cue Mission Impossible theme.
Dum Dum! Dum de Dum Dum!
Good day keano99!
I presume that you are not going to the game. Just the home games for you then?
Morning Costas
I believe that United will be brilliant today, I do. United know get past this result then we can really go for it week on Monday.
Costas
And Breathe…
And in
And out
And relax
And again
@costas BB(blackberry)? Lol
MG
Why hello MG, how is match day treating you? Getting ready to head to the pub in half an hour and cheer on the lads……… Limassol will surely know there is a RED in town!
“Ashley is in danger of being targeted as a diver. It doesn’t take much for press to get the bandwagon rolling and it’s unfair. I concede he tends to be a little dramatic, but at the end of the day he is being fouled.”
Sir Alex’s view, which may not convince the ABU’s, but IS enough for all us Reds to know that Ashley is a little dramatic and not cheating. We all now KNOW this.
@jay4manutd
Ah ok. I thought you meant Big Brother for a second.
No, I don’t have a Blackberry.
@MG
Not working Mr Miyagi.:lol:
Got to find some pictures of Megan Fox me thinks.
Gday Cedars!
I’ve got the nerves the knotted stomach the racing heartbeat too Cedars!
However I’ve also my writing skills, so I’ll do my best to get us through
Enjoy that weather!
Come on UNITED
19
Cedars- spotted any blue shirts out there
Costas
We could always talk about a fantasy United Ladies 11
First pick Hayley McQueen – as my Assistant Manageress
Need to keep her close lol
MG- Ethan hunt >>>>>>>>>> Etihad cunt
David Moyes to succeed Fergie? Any thoughts……
Everton are certainly a side with desire…….don’t forget, they are above the Liverscum!!!!!!
It will be a tough game with DDG making yet another remarkable save off a free kick
Redbilly
Will report back re the blue shirts! Doubt there will be any, once this Devil is out on the town they tend to disappear!! ha ha ha
Just take the three points. Nothing more nothing less.
Yes. They are probably praying at the Etihad . Hope it’s a good day for reds out there .
Morning Reds 4.00am pre game starts at 5.00am,went to bed at 9.00pm,these early morning sunday games play havoc with me.This is what we all life for,wired for sound,doesn’t really go away this time of year always envious of the lads who get to go live but more so at this stage of the season.
Have to feel handing Liverpool the game last week must have deflated Everton,like the lads chances today a lot.
Dave Moyes is a good manager. But Him being the next manager For united is a big NO from me. He doesn’t have the skills to win trophies. Almost 10 years with everton yet no trophies.
@Cedars:
Oops sorry didnt mean to post it twice, thrice should be enough :p
@Costas:
Ha! i thought the same too when i read this thread.
Albert please do not mention me, with ur little queer name this blog is for real reds to express there views for good or for bad ( well it used to be) not for kids like u. So as I said don’t comment on me or anything I say on this blog thanks kiddo now go eat ur coco pops.
Its funny i dont feel nervous at all. While not being arrogant, i’d hope the players would feel as same as i am today & stay focuss.
COME ON UNITED!!
@keano99:
dont u have a game to catch? Funny, I thought u always go & watch United at OT on matchdays??
Moyes is a top manager.in the Prem would rate in the top 3,Sir Alex is obviously 1,Wenger 2 don’t see any other manager in the Prem i’d rate higher
If Utd go British would have to be odds/on,don’t see Sir Alex retiring anytime soon another 2 seasons at least,alot can happen in 2 yrs.
Without any disrespect to moyes but I feel his name should not even be mentioned for being the next manager. He has never taken everton to the next level. Maybe he is one of the better managers in the league but no way he deserves to manage Manchester United.
keano99 told me you are a season ticket holder and spend 2k a year in watching Utd,seems odd to me you’d miss this game?
Limassol will need its full concierge of police now that Cedars Is on the session. Hope all of you REDS get through this one unscathed, cos for me my Heart is at the mercy of United for another 90 minutes.
C’MON UNITED
Anyone saying Moyes hasn’t achieved anything is just being stupid,he keeps Everton competitive every year with no money.KKK spent 100mill this year and Everton are above them in the league ffs
keano99,- If you were right when you said “when ur spending a couple of grand on season tickets and travel every season like me and 52 thousand other reds then u can comment” then you can’t comment here because season-tickets don’t apply for away games. By your own logic, you should quiet down.
I don’t mind if you do comment, but I guess my view don’t count.
By ‘away’ I mean when you are away.
The cantona and albert if u must know iv been a season proud season ticket holder for 12 years travel 4 hours to old trafford and 4 hours back every home game( that’s the reason why I feel so strongly about where our money is going) but of late I haven’t been able to attend many games because I have a 28 year old wife who is fighting breast cancer and a 2 year old son to look after. Now as I said I want to come on here and banter about the team and the club not have to comment on what some kids who haven’t clue about any thing think.
David Moyes has done a truly remarkable job at Everton. And, he’s maintained his excellence for many years. We could do a lot worse, especially as he would not be pushy and petulant, but would continue our traditional strengths and values.
keano99
I am sure everybody feels very sorry for your wife, especially now that she is unwell.
My prayers are for her healthy, happy future.
@Keano99:
well, firstly i’m sorry about your wife, must be hard time for u &ur son. But saying people’s opinions unworthy bcoz they’re unable to come week in week out on matchdays just made you sound like citeh fan bashing our global fan-base.
Keano99
My prayers are with you and your Family. I hope she gets well soon.
anybody got a live stream link??
Fuck
What the hell is going on??
I just texted the score at 4-2 to the ABUs l work with then l cone back & it’s 4-4!!!
FUCKIN IDIOT! OUR DEFENDERS PLAYED LIKE BUCH OF AMATEURS!!
@kev e:
still think Evra dont need to improve his game?
In the moment like this we missed vidic very much. He’ll put steel, aggresiveness & pair of non-sense tackles.