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Kamis, 04 Desember 2008

Manchester United 5-3 Blackburn

Thursday 4th December 2008

Carlos Tevez

Manchester United 5-3 Blackburn

Carlos Tevez claimed four goals to send Man United to the Carling Cup semi-finals with a 5-3 win over Blackburn.

Tevez fired in Man United's opener in the 36th minute to send a reminder to Sir Alex Ferguson of his determination and striking prowess.............www.espnstar.com

Tevez forces Fergie rethink

Premier League

Thursday 4th December 2008

Manchester United v Hull City - Premier League

Tevez forces Fergie rethink

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted a brilliant performance from Carlos Tevez has provided him with a selection headache.

Tevez has found his Manchester United appearances restricted since the arrival of record signing Dimitar Berbatov at Old Trafford.

But Blackburn felt the full force of Tevez's frustration last night, the South American scoring at least three times - with a fourth still yet to be definitively credited to the Argentina forward - in an amazing 5-3 win which saw the Red Devils into this season's Carling Cup semi-finals.

And although the match's opening goal looked as though it may have gone in off Rovers defender Aaron Mokoena, both manager and player were claiming it as a Tevez strike.

"Carlos' commitment was absolutely brilliant," said Ferguson.

"It was a marvellous effort to get four goals.

"It definitely makes my job more difficult, although it also makes the club stronger."

Tevez was equally delighted with the outcome and hopes it will lead to more regular action.

"I am very proud to score four goals," said Tevez.

"It is the first time I have done it in my career and it is better because it came for Manchester United.

"I have not played very often, so I was looking forward to the game and I am happy with my performance."

Debate was still raging over Tevez's opener long after the final whistle.

Fortunately, the outcome of his far-post duel with Mokoena cannot cost Tevez a hat-trick as he netted from the penalty spot just after the break and thrashed home another at the end.

In between, Tevez finished off the move of the match, started by Ryan Giggs' majestic back-heel and involving a series of passes between Anderson and his fellow South American, who was presented with a tap-in.

Nani also got his name on the scoresheet even though United, just as they did against Hull a month ago, lost their concentration at 4-1.

They allowed their opponents to score twice, through a McCarthy second and one from Matt Derbyshire, and were, at one stage, fearing an equaliser.

"It was quite unbelievable at the end," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We created a lot of chances and we got a bit careless because we don't want to be losing goals like that. But overall I am quite pleased."

Ferguson could also reflect on the return of veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after two months out with a knee injury even if January's two-legged semi-final does not help United's fixture pile-up very much.

Paul Ince can only wish for such problems.

With only one win in 11 now, Ince is under intense pressure with the majority of supporters who did make the short journey venting their frustration at half-time.

"I said at half-time the next goal was important," said Ince.

"We did that, with a great finish from Benni (McCarthy), but then we gave away a penalty straight away.

"You can't do that at any level, never mind against Manchester United."

www.espnstar.com

Beckham still hopes for England recall

Thursday 4th December 2008

David Beckham

Beckham still hopes for England recall

David Beckham reiterated his desire to continue playing for England prompted his forthcoming loan switch to AC Milan.

This was after arriving in New Zealand for the Los Angeles Galaxy's exhibition clash with an Oceania All-Stars side

The 33-year-old, who made the journey to New Zealand with the Galaxy for the second successive year, will join the Italian side in January on a two-month deal prior to returning to California in March for the start of the Major League Soccer season.

Beckham was not named in England manager Fabio Capello's squad for last month's friendly in Germany, but he hopes to return to the international fold and add to his 107 caps in the planned fixture with Spain in February.

"It's important that I keep my fitness up and that's one of the reasons I'm going to Milan for a few months," Beckham said in Auckland today.

"I take each game as it comes. If I carry on to the World Cup, then great but I'm enjoying the qualifiers at the moment and enjoying the way the team are playing and the way they are bonding together."

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who is England's third most capped player behind Peter Shilton and Bobby Moore, said he is aware that he is in the 'mature' stage of his career and said it is time to start thinking of the kind of person he wants to be remembered as.

"I've always wanted to be known as a hard worker on the field and successful," he said.

"I believe I've always worked hard in every game and every training session that I take part in."

Beckham believes Saturday's match at Mt Smart Stadium is important for the Galaxy.

"Some of the younger kids have not had much playing time, so it's a good opportunity for them to prove that they're good players and they're good Galaxy players," he said.

The Oceania All-Stars side includes former Holland and Tottenham midfielder Edgar Davids and former France international and Middlesbrough midfielder Christian Karembeu.

"Playing against Christian again will be great - a World Cup winner, it doesn't come any bigger than that in football," Beckham said.

"Of course, it will be great to play against Edgar as well. I'll try to stay away from him, because I know he likes to kick people.

"We've had a few battles in the past with Manchester United and Juventus."

(www.espnstar.com)