Saturday Fulham Stuff (9/4/11)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6859925,00.html?

Hughes wary of Hernandez
Fulham boss praises United's Mexican striker

Mark Hughes does not think Manchester United will suffer too much from Wayne Rooney's suspension against his Fulham side on Saturday.

Rooney begins a two-match ban after the Football Association decided to take action over his swearing into a television camera at West Ham last weekend.

The Cottagers will be looking to take advantage of any weaknesses left by Rooney's absence when they travel to Old Trafford to take on the Premier League leaders.

However, manager Hughes recognises that Javier Hernandez will prove just as difficult to handle as the Englishman would have done.

Mexican striker Hernandez has enjoyed a sparkling debut season following his summer switch, and Hughes is wary of the threat he will present.

"Wayne Rooney is the first-choice striker for Manchester United, so when he is not playing, it takes something away from the team," said Hughes.

"However, I have been really impressed with Hernandez, I think he is a fantastic striker.

"You look at his movement and his understanding of where the ball is going to drop in the box, his energy and ability to recognise which run to make - so although Wayne is not going to be involved, United have a young striker there who could be one of the best."

Taken aback

Rooney - who will also miss the FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City at Wembley on 16th April - was quick to issue a public apology for his foul-mouthed outburst, but cannot understand why he is still being punished while previous instances of public swearing have not.

Hughes was a firebrand player during his time on the pitch, which also included a successful spell in Spain with Barcelona as well as two at United.

While the 47-year-old Welshman can accept Rooney's viewpoint, he feels given the circumstances, the authorities had to lay down the law.

"I have been in that situation where there is a release of emotion, of energy and when I was playing, I probably did similar things," said Hughes.

"But the fact it has been caught really in total on camera, that was the difference and why it took people aback because it was said down the lens.

"Given the world in which we operate, you know there are going to be consequences."

Hughes added: "Wayne is a player of huge significance in the Premier League, and the FA are right to be conscious of the influence they have at lower levels, the impact of their actions permeates right through the football pyramid and that is the reason, I think they come down more strongly."

[WhiteJC]

http://fulham.theoffside.com/match-report/match-preview-manchester-united-a.html?

Match Preview: Manchester United (a)

Manchester United are top of the league thanks to the fantastic work of individuals – namely in the striking department: Berbatov, Hernandez and Rooney have all won games on the back of some poor performances as a team. One individual stands out the most and that, of course, is Wayne Rooney. His hat-trick turned the game against West Ham last Saturday and effectively sealed the league trophy.

But Rooney also turned the moral judgments of the FA. By swearing into a pitch-side camera after scoring a penalty, Rooney earned himself a two-match ban and, to Fulham's luck, the first game he'll miss will be this Saturday. Fulham have been offered a chance to take advantage of a team who have lost a key player in a team that needs the individual to turn a game.

It will still be a tough ask to even get a point at Old Trafford. Man United are top of the home form table and Fulham's visits there over the past years haven't come away with many points. But Fulham are playing well and looked sharp when Bobby Zamora played in last Sunday's victory against Blackpool. A point really doesn't seem out of the question.

Fulham's line-up will hopefully be the same as that against Blackpool. Aaron Hughes seems to have overcome a shoulder injury and the only player who seems to be doubtful is Damien Duff who is said to have an achilles injury. If Duff is out; it would be good to see Simon Davies have a run out – who's been slipping off the radar. But a 4-4-2 with Zamora and Dembele up front really could take advantage of a Man United that are without a talismanic figure and whose defence are suffering in the injury department.

Speaking of Man United's defence, it may look like former Fulham player Chris Smalling will be in the starting line-up. Smalling has won over United fans with some very good performances and it'll be interesting to see him up against his former employers. Each game he plays for United it seems they got a bargain at around £10million. But it would have been a while before he broke the ranks of Fulham's solid Hangeland-Hughes partnership

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1375067/Andy-Townsends-boot-room-All-Premier-League-match-previews.html?

Andy Townsend's boot room:

[WhiteJC]

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Apr/Scholes-targets-more-goals.aspx?

Scholes wants more goals

Paul Scholes has admitted he should be scoring more regularly as he looks to repeat his superb strike at Fulham earlier in the season.

The powerful drive past Cottagers goalkeeper David Stockdale was a typical moment of genius from the evergreen playmaker but it remains his only goal of the campaign so far.

With memories of Scholes' derby-winning header last year still fresh in the mind, hopefully he still has at least one more goal in his locker before the season is out.

"I've managed to score a couple against Fulham, including this season away from home," he told United Review.

"My only goal of this season, in fact.

"I'd like to score more goals obviously. One goal in a season isn't enough really. But yes, I've had ups and downs against Fulham. I got sent off down there when we lost 2-0 but we've had some good wins down there to

[WhiteJC]

http://www.sportingpreview.com/matches/10112451.php?

MANCHESTER UNITED v FULHAM
BIG MATCH FACTS AND STATS

Manchester United have won only one of their last four Premier League games against Fulham.

• Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in the last four Premier League games for Manchester United against Fulham at Old Trafford.

• Rooney has scored eight goals in his last eight Premier League matches.

• Manchester United have won only one of their last four Premier League games against Fulham, but the London club are without a league win at Old Trafford since October 2003.

• Mark Hughes has won two, drawn three and lost six of his meetings as a coach with mentor Sir Alex Ferguson.

• Fulham have picked up the joint-fewest yellow cards and are the only team not to have earned a red card this season.

• Mark Hughes has won two, drawn three and lost six of his meetings as a coach with mentor Sir Alex Ferguson.

• United have kept just two clean sheets in their last nine Premier League matches.

• Manchester United have taken 49 points from a possible 51 in their last 17 Premier League games at Old Trafford.

• Javier Hernandez has scored 11 goals from just 15 shots on target in the Premier League this season.

• Manchester United have taken 49 points from a possible 51 in their last 17 Premier League games at Old Trafford.

• No opposition player has scored a first-half goal in a domestic match at Old Trafford since Joe Cole on 3 April 2010.

• United have won 70% (14/20) of their Premier League games that Wayne Rooney has started this season, compared to 45% (5/11) that he hasn't.

• Javier Hernandez has scored 11 goals from just 15 shots on target in the Premier League this season.

• Fulham are the only Premier League club yet to concede from a penalty this season. The only one they gave away was missed by Manchester United's Nani back in August.

• Damien Duff is one goal away from scoring 50 in the Premier League. He would become the third Irishman to reach this milestone after Robbie Keane and Niall Quinn.

• Fulham have picked up the joint-fewest yellow cards and are the only team not to have earned a red card this season.

[WhiteJC]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/904360/mark-hughes:-sir-alex-ferguson-behind-manchester-united-mentality?&cc=5739

Hughes: Fergie behind Utd mentality

Fulham manager Mark Hughes says his old club Manchester United are never beaten, they just sometimes "run out of time", and he credited Sir Alex Ferguson as the source of their fighting spirit.

Ferguson's men remain on course for a potential Treble after Wayne Rooney, who starts a two-match ban against Fulham on Saturday, netted a crucial away goal in the midweek Champions League quarter-final first-leg win at Chelsea.

Last weekend, United showed the spirit of champions as they battled back from 2-0 down to win at West Ham courtesy of a hat-trick from Rooney, with his foul-mouthed celebration down a camera lens leading to sanctions from the Football Association.

Hughes, 47, had two successful spells as a player at Old Trafford, and knows the burning for desire there is "woven through the fabric of the club''.

Hughes said: "It happens time and time again, it is not coincidence or luck, it is because of what is drilled into them on a daily basis and what the manager demands of them - sometimes United run out of time, but they are never beaten.''

Hughes hopes to be able to utilise such an approach within his own squad.

"You want to get to that point, where you see the qualities you need to get back into games when things are going against you,'' he said. "The advantage they have over most teams is United have outstanding players to be able to do that, to turn things around. There are a lot of examples of teams with big names on paper that just haven't got that mentality because it is not driven from the top.''

It is likely Ferguson will rotate his squad for Saturday's match against the Cottagers, who have been beaten nine times away this season. However, Hughes believes his old club will not lose any focus as they look to extend their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.

He said: "Although you look on and think there are a lot of higher-profile games for them in the next couple of weeks, they are still very clear in their objectives, and will want to be chalking up another victory to take them closer to the championship. People might think they will go into our game focused on other things ahead of them, but I doubt that.''

Hughes, however, is not about to park the proverbial bus tomorrow.

"We are not expected to win, given our record away from home is not good and at Old Trafford it is very poor. However, we are trying to change those things,'' he said. "We have been to some tough places this season and acquitted ourselves well. We know we can go to the bigger stages of the Premier League and give these teams a real run for their money, so why think any different going to Old Trafford?''

[WhiteJC]

http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-186196.html?

Fulham expecting Manchester United backlash in Premier League clash: Mark Hughes

London, Apr 9 : Fulham manager Mark Hughes is expecting a Manchester United backlash sparked by the Football Association bans for manager Sir Alex Ferguson and striker Wayne Rooney.

Fulham will face United in tonight's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Ferguson is in the middle of a touchline ban, while Rooney will join him in the stands for two games after last week's F-word rant at Upton Park.

However, Hughes knows from personal experience that Ferguson can turn adversity to his advantage.

"Sir Alex likes to generate a siege mentality and that has helped him in the past in terms of getting everyone together and thinking 'the world is against us so we'll show everyone what we are about'. He may use it to his advantage," the Sun quoted Hughes, as saying.

"He's done that many times in the past, recognizing that you can turn a negative into a positive," he added.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/mark-lawrenson/Mark-Lawrenson-Column-Why-now-is-a-good-time-for-Manchester-United-striker-Wayne-Rooney-s-lesson-in-respect-to-be-learnt-by-everyone-including-referees-article721395.html

Why now is a good time for Wayne Rooney's lesson in respect to be learnt by everyone...including referees

Wayne Rooney's punishment should mark the start of an FA Respect campaign charter.

Let's not do things by half measures. Let's not have a situation where one player is made an example of. Let's bring in the Respect campaign across the board.

Rooney deserved punishment, but it did come just 48 hours after the Premier League said they would get tough. This cannot be just a flash in the pan.

The Premier League and the Football Association need to introduce a few things to really clean up the game.

Don't just have one high-profile case, a couple more incidents and then the whole thing get forgotten.

Now is a good time for change – for good. Otherwise, it will be the same old story that players abuse referees, referees don't have to explain themselves and managers abuse the system.

You can swear on the pitch. It's a passionate game with careers, big money and titles at stake. That's what gets emotions going.

So, to that end, let's mic up the referees. Let's hear what they say, let's hear what the players say to them and, afterwards, let's make the referees go public on their decisions.

Referees should respect the game by explaining decisions. It's not a kangaroo court, but sometimes a simple explanation makes things so much easier to understand and often there is an explanation.

For example, there was a clear penalty the other night at Chelsea. Yet it would appear the extra official didn't want to question the referee, who seemed to be the only guy in the ground not to see Patrice Evra trip Ramires.

Why can't we just bypass the technicalities and do something really radical – like make the right decisions. How bizarre that would be.

That decision was every bit as bad as Frank Lampard's 'goal' not being given at the World Cup.

It's time for video technology to be brought in too. We don't want to hear that the referee did give a free kick at the time or took action so the decision can't be reviewed.

Without wishing to pick on Rooney again, any referee who thinks his elbow on Wigan's James McCarthy wasn't a red card should not be officiating in the Premier League.

So if Mark Clattenburg thinks that's acceptable having seen it, then he shouldn't be on the Premier League referees list.

But let's get behind the referees. Let's make it so they are not afraid to speak, not afraid to review their decisions and not afraid to admit they got it wrong.

Let's have a weekend whereby if players do swear at the referees, then send them off. That would change things pretty quickly.

Let's also crack down on cheating. The way Fernando Torres wrapped his leg around Evra the other night was a blatant attempt to cheat to win a penalty. Hammer him.

I hated seeing Marcelo celebrate when Peter Crouch got sent off. Let's also clamp down on players using imaginary cards to get a fellow pro into trouble. It's a disgrace.

No wonder players get wound up. But at the same time, it seems unfair to bring in rules halfway through the season – or at least to step them up and launch a crackdown. From day one next season, it would be good to see Respect across the board with new pointers for players, managers and officials.

Hopefully, that would ease some of the grievances and anger. Mind you, it's hard to know what would ease Rooney's mood.

Why on earth be so angry after scoring a hat-trick at West Ham? That was the moment Manchester United won the Premier League title.

Rooney is at the right club, has a great manager and his team are top of the table.

It's a year on from when he lost his form so dramatically and now it appears to be coming back.

So, Wayne, let's have some perspective here please.

Interview, by John Cross



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/mark-lawrenson/Mark-Lawrenson-Column-Why-now-is-a-good-time-for-Manchester-United-striker-Wayne-Rooney-s-lesson-in-respect-to-be-learnt-by-everyone-including-referees-article721395.html#ixzz1J0yKOxvg
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[WhiteJC]

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/04/calling-odds-man-utd-v-fulham.html?

Craven Cottagers
Following the 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons at Craven Cottage - recounted by season ticket holders who aren't actually Fulham fans.

Calling the odds - Man Utd v Fulham

With it being Grand National day, I thought I'd mark the occasion with a look at the betting opportunities available for today's match at Old Trafford. In recent seasons this has been a walkover for the home team - the last couple of games have been 3-0 there - although United's participation in the Champions League quarter finals will open the door a little as Fergie will no doubt rest half his team ahead of Tuesday's return leg against Chelsea.

Which begs the question - who will play? Probably Kuszczak in goal, with a back line of Fabio, Smalling Vidic and Evra. Fortunately for United, Evans is suspended as Zamora has made mincemeat of him before. Depending on their fitness, O'Shea and/or Brown may get a run out in the full back position.

Midfield is a tricky kettle of fish. I think Nani and Obertan will start on the wings, with Scholes and Anderson/Gibson, depending on the Brazillian's fitness. Berbatov and Hernandez are likely to be upfront with Rooney suspended, although I wouldn't be surprised to see Owen promoted to the starting 11 to give the Mexican a rest.

The only question Fulham has is who will play instead of Duff? Under Hodgson it would have been Gera, but Hughes doesn't seem to fancy the Hungarian, so it will possibly be Davies which might see Dempsey shifting to the right wing. However another option would be moving Dembele out to the right and playing Johnson up front with Zamora.

So what does this mean? Well even with a shaken up lineup such as this, Man United should be too strong for Fulham, who haven't scored a goal at Old Trafford for five years. The three away matches I have seen Fulham play this season - Arsenal, Spurs, Everton - they have been very ordinary and such a different side to the one that plays at Craven Cottage. United are building up a head of steam and should find today fairly comfortable, as long as they are not too distracted by the upcoming match on Tuesday.

Correct Score: A tense 1-0 is widely available at 6/1. Fulham have only been beaten by more than one goal away from home once all season (yet twice at home), so they are not a team to roll over. However some places are offering 10/1 for a 3-0 victory which has some value.

First goalscorer: If Nani is playing on his favoured right wing, he will be in direct opposition to Salcido who's defending is not his strong point. If Dempsey is playing left wing then he will leave his full back exposed and Nani will have a field day. If, as I expect, Davies is played left wing then at least he will provide some protection for his full back, but I'm not sure it will still be enough.

Nani is 6/1 at Bet365 and generally 5/1 elsewhere. If Valencia starts on the right wing, then he is available at 8/1 and has been playing exceptionally well since returning from injury. An outside shot would be Paul Scholes at 14/1 with Paddy Power as he has opened the scoring against Fulham a couple of times and did so in the return fixture at Craven Cottage at the start of the season.

As for Fulham, Man United have been having issues defending set pieces so Brede Hangeland (50/1 on Betfair) or more likely Clint Dempsey (35/2 Betfair again) are the likely scorers should Fulham take the lead.

Grand National: I might have a dabble on Oscar Time, but just find somewhere offering the first five places rather than the standard four and then even the long shots become viable money spinners.

[WhiteJC]

http://therepublikofmancunia.com/ahead-of-our-game-against-fulham/?

Ahead Of Our Game Against Fulham...

Share your predictions on United v Fulham with us on Scoreboard

We're reaching a great time in the season and as far as the title goes, it's less squeaky bum than it has been. Things could have been very different if it hadn't gone our way last weekend. Going down 2-0 away to West Ham in an early kick-off, with games against Arsenal and Chelsea still to come, sparked the fears that our excellent home form wasn't going to be good enough to compensate for our poor performances and results on the road. I tried to block out memories of Goodison Park from 2007, the day that felt like the title was definitely ours, knowing that I was probably just teasing myself with an impossible scenario. But then we go and do it. A 14 minute hattrick from Wayne Rooney, with a tap-in from Chicharito to seal the deal, left us 4-2 and incredible  sense of self-belief.

There has been lots of criticism of our squad this season, from United fans as much as anyone else, but what has to be noted is the incredible mental strength this team has. Sir Alex Ferguson is currently serving a touchline ban, so whilst we don't see him down there too often these days anyway, when we're in need of a result and things aren't going our way, he will be there, barking out instructions. Against Bolton in the game before, it was 0-0, with fifteen minutes left to play we went down to ten men, and without our manager on the sidelines urging them on, Berbatov popped up with a winner with two minutes to go. We saw an even more impressive come back against West Ham. Our players are winners and this has made the world of difference to our season.

Our rivals dropped points last weekend and may do again this weekend, so it's up to us to keep winning the easier games, so the tougher games, like Arsenal away and Chelsea at home, matter less. Our closest title challengers, Arsenal, currently have a game in hand on us and are 7 points behind. Their game in hand is in 10 days and it's at White Hart Lane. Of all the games we could pick for them to be their game in hand, this would probably be it. A local derby away from home. If we can keep the difference at the top until then to at least 7 points, we're laughing.

So, we've got Fulham today and we've got to make our great comeback games worth it. Fortunately, we rested a few key players three days ago for our victory over Chelsea, meaning a fresh Berbatov and Nani should start. We could also see Scholes in the starting line-up, who didn't even get at run out at Stamford Bridge. Anderson might make his return from injury, after an impressive display for the Reserves against City on Thursday, whilst Wes Brown and John O'Shea will be back fighting with Fabio for Rafael's spot in the starting team, after he was stretchered off midweek.

With an already impressive home record of 14 wins from 15, Fulham are a great side to be playing at Old Trafford, with own Wolves and Stoke picking up fewer points than them on the road this season. We've got big games ahead but you would like to think our lads are professional and dedicated enough to take it one match at a time at the moment, and get the result today to pave the way for the massive games next week against Chelsea and City.
Come on reds!

[WhiteJC]

http://www.unitedrant.co.uk/latest/fergie-circles-united-wagons-ahead-of-fulham-tie/?

FERGIE CIRCLES UNITED WAGONS AHEAD OF FULHAM TIE

Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Football Association of victimizing his Manchester United team, with the 69-year-old Scot claiming that it is now "an obvious trend" within the governing body. The FA has handed out a five-match touchline ban to the United manager and a two-match playing ban to striker Wayne Rooney in the past month, with the Reds' management vigorously contesting each sanction.

Indeed Ferguson, whose side meets 10th placed Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday, accused the FA of pressuring referee Lee Mason to alter his post-match report after United's victory at the Boleyn Ground last weekend.

"He was put under pressure [by the FA], there is no doubt about that. He's now put himself in the spotlight and if he doesn't send a player off for swearing the question will be: has he got double standards? It's a very difficult position. I don't know how his career is going to go now."

And asked if he believed the two-match ban imposed by the FA, was fair, Ferguson said: "I don't know if you can use that word 'fair' any longer."

"But we can use it. The support will be fantastic now. You watch it. It will be absolutely magnificent. And the players are absolutely brilliant."

But if off-the-field events have dominated this week's headlines then Ferguson is at least boosted by an almost fully fit squad for the Londoners' visit. While Brazilian youngster Rafael da Silva will miss the game with a dead leg, fellow defenders Wes Brown and John O'Shea return following injury, although Jonny Evans is suspended.

Ferguson will also welcome back midfielder Anderson, who scored twice in United reserves' 2-1 victory over Manchester City this week. The 22-year-old Brazilian has missed two months with a knee injury but could make the bench, with Paul Scholes also in line for a return to United's midfield. Nani is likely to be given another rest, with the Portuguese winger looking jaded in recent weeks.

Indeed, Ferguson may be tempted to protect key players ahead of United's crunch Champions League quarter-final second leg with Chelsea on Tuesday night. While Rio Ferdinand came through the tie at Stamford Bridge without reaction, Ferguson could turn to Chris Smalling in defence. Meanwhile, with Rooney suspended Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov will start in attack.

Yet, Ferguson chose to focus on outside pressures, saying that recent events will strengthen United's resolve to win a record 19th domestic title in May.



"I want us to make it clear that we can rise above recent problems and that we are a club who can overcome all difficulties and attempts to knock us off our perch," Ferguson wrote in his programme notes for United Review.

"We have done it before, and we can do it again if we pull together at this vital stage of the season as we go from one major fixture to another. This is the fighting spirit that makes Manchester United such a great club, and which has helped us over the line to success so many times in the past."

Meanwhile, former United favourite Mark Hughes is could be without winger Damien Duff, who is suffering from a sore Achilles but may make the bench. Defender Aaron Hughes is available after recovering from a head injury.

The west London club hasn't won at Old Trafford since 2003 but boasts just one loss to United in the last four meetings between the sides. United must also guard against complacency with the Reds having taken 49 points from a possible 51 in their last 17 Premier League games at Old Trafford.

"Every game is difficult now," midfielder Scholes added in United Review.

"Bolton at home proves it – that was a game we were expected to get three points from and we almost didn't. The games aren't turning out as people think they will. Bolton were very organised and had chances to win the game themselves. We know Fulham are a similar team. They like to get the ball down and play. They've got dangerous players and a manager who's hungry for them to do well.

"It's going to be difficult but, being at home, we'd like to think we can win it."

With league games against Newcastle United and Everton coming after the cup double-header in this week, victory will be another huge step towards regaining the Premier League title. Indeed, should United win each of the next three the title will surely be heading to Old Trafford. And with Arsenal not in action until Sunday, United will move 10 points clear of the Gunners with victory today.

Fulham – 4411 – Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Sidwell; Dempsey; Zamora. Subs from: Johnson, Dembele, Stockdale, Kelly, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Duff, Greening.

United
United – 442 – van der Sar; O'Shea, Vidic, Smalling, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Park; Berbatov, Hernandez. Subs from: Kuszczak, Owen, Bébé, Fabio, Obertan, Gibson, Nani, Anderson, Ferdinand, Giggs.

Officials
Referee: Mark Jones
Assistant referees: Stuart Burt & Scott Ledger
Fourth official: Michael Oliver

Form
United – DWWWWW
Fulham – DLDWLW

[Mr Fulham]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6860669,00.html

Kalou hints at Blues exit



Salomon Kalou has revealed that his time at Chelsea could be coming to an end.

The Blues striker has started just one game in the last seven and made his 94th substitute appearance last Saturday at Stoke.

The 25-year-old admits he is getting frustrated with the lack of opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

He told The Guardian: "I think I can talk to the club and see what my position is because it's frustrating to not get involved knowing that you're playing better than others.

"I did speak to Carlo Ancelotti. He is an understanding man. He knows what I feel as a player because he played before."
First choice

The Ivorian, who signed for the West London giants from Feyenoord in 2006, wants to be first choice striker and if it's not at Chelsea, then it might have to be at another club.

"Of course. I think about it all the time," Kalou said.

"That's what my goal is (to be the first choice). If you look at those statistics, if I play double the games, I'm sure I can do better than that.

"I think people know and I think the club know - they never let me go or try to sell me. I believe that my time is coming at Chelsea, and if it's not at Chelsea it will be at another team."