Alan Curbishley is looking for his team to 'put on a performance' when they
visit Manchester United
01.05.2008
Alan Curbishley knows the "whole world will be watching" when West Ham
United head to Old Trafford this weekend looking to match last season's
sensational away result.
On the last day of last season, West Ham United won 1-0 and his squad are
determined to rise to the occasion yet again. The travelling party will be
boosted by the fearless attitude of youngsters James Tomkins, Jack Collison
and Freddie Sears - all of whom will be itching for a first run-out at the
famous old stadium - while Scott Parker and Mark Noble will look to develop
their burgeoning midfield partnership and Dean Ashton has three goals in his
last six appearances
The manager is hoping Julien Faubert will be available after he was replaced
at the end of last week's 2-2 home draw with Newcastle United. "He came off
with a tight hamstring on Saturday," Curbishley said. "That is why he was
substituted right near the end but we are hoping he will be available." He
will definitely be without Freddie Ljungberg, who cracked a rib last time
out. "We think he is probably out for about four weeks ... we don't see any
complications. He should be OK [for Euro 2008]. He is obviously in a
position that he can't do too much at the moment. He is going to go out to
Sweden once he is OK just to let them have a check up on him."
Faubert and Ljungberg were key to last weekend's lightening start when "we
produced some of our best football". Curbishley added: "Both wide men were
enjoying themselves. It was quite exciting for us the way we were
performing." Acknowledging his frustration at being forced to rethink his
lineup again, Curbishley said there was no room for dwelling on those not
present. "The whole world will be watching the game on Saturday. We have got
to go there and put on a performance and show what we can do.
"The players have done fantastically well to get where we are and we want to
stay there ... We want to secure that top-ten finish. We want to do well. We
want to go there and let people know who we are." Such a statement of intent
would give the squad a lift going into the final game of the season at home
to Aston Villa on Sunday week and then into the summer when optimism will
naturally be high for the new campaign. "I am just hoping that we get most
of them fit for the pre-season and when we turn up back here it is like I
have four or five new players."
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Manchester United preview - WHUFC
All the early team news and background for Saturday's trip to Old Trafford
to take on the defending champions
01.05.2008
Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford
Saturday 3 May
12.45pm
Referee: Mike Riley
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference and live commentary to come
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
Introduction
* West Ham United, tenth in the Barclays Premier League, go to first-placed
Manchester United looking to make it three games unbeaten and preserve their
long-standing hold on a position in the top half of the table. The home side
need two wins from their final two fixtures to make sure of the title.
* Manchester United, who have only lost one of the last 12 in all
competitions, are level on 81 points at the top of the table with Chelsea
but have a +16 goal difference compared with their London rivals, who they
will meet in the Champions League final on 21 May in Moscow.
* An away win would secure United at least a top-ten finish for the
campaign. Alan Curbishley's men can finish no higher this season and only
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, both five points adrift, can
overhaul them.
* West Ham United are looking to do the double over Sir Alex Ferguson's men
for the second season running, having won 1-0 at home and away last season
and then 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground back in December.
* After this game, West Ham United finish their campaign at home to Aston
Villa on Sunday week, the same time as United go to Wigan Athletic.
* George McCartney made his 51th consecutive appearance in all club
competitions in last weekend's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United - dating
back to the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers on 17 March 2007.
* Two points from the final two games would take West Ham United to the
50-point mark in the top flight - something the club has only managed seven
times in the previous 14 seasons since 1992/93.
* West Ham United have been in the top half of the table for all but one
week since the middle of November.
* The last time West Ham United finished a top-flight campaign with a
positive goal difference was the 1985/86 season (+34). The club is currently
-5.
* For the second season running, West Ham United's last away game will come
at Old Trafford. At the end of the 2006/07 campaign, Curbishley's team
arrived for the final fixture not certain of Barclays Premier League
survival although that was confirmed with Carlos Tevez's 45th-minute winner
on 13 May as Sheffield United failed to beat Wigan Athletic at home, losing
2-1.
Last match
* Alan Curbishley's men drew 2-2 at home to Newcastle United last Saturday.
Mark Noble and Dean Ashton put the home side ahead with goals in the tenth
and 23rd minutes before Kevin Keegan's side battled back through Obafemi
Martins (42) and Geremi (45).
* Paul Scholes's goal on 14 minutes gave Manchester United a 1-0 win against
Barcelona on Tuesday. It meant a 1-0 aggregate win and took Sir Alex
Ferguson's men through to their first Champions League final since 1999.
West Ham United 2-2 Newcastle United (26 April): Green, Pantsil, Neill,
Tomkins, McCartney, Faubert (Solano 90), Noble, Parker, Ljungberg (Boa Morte
21), Ashton, Zamora (Cole 68)
Subs not used: Walker, Mullins
Goals: Noble (10), Ashton (23), Martins (42), Geremi (45)
Manchester United 1-0 Barcelona (29 April): Van der Sar, Hargreaves,
Ferdinand, Brown, Evra (Silvestre 90), Park, Scholes (Fletcher 76), Carrick,
Nani (Giggs 76), Ronaldo, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, O'Shea, Welbeck
Goal: Scholes 14
Team News
* Dean Ashton, with three goals in his last six games, showed no ill effects
last Saturday after recovering from tonsillitis. He will compete with Bobby
Zamora, Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears for a starting berth. Ashton is
hoping to make his 50th appearance for the club.
* Matthew Upson, Anton Ferdinand and Jonathan Spector have all not been
available to the manager since the 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on 12
April, when all three started the game. Ferdinand is in light training and
could return to face Aston Villa next week.
* John Pantsil, Lucas Neill and James Tomkins have all deputised in their
absence with Neill and Tomkins forming a central defensive partnership.
Pantsil has played 90 minutes in the last two matches in a row, the first
time he has done that since August 2006.
* Freddie Ljungberg is out for four weeks with a cracked rib suffered early
in the first half against Newcastle.
* Julien Faubert has had two extended run-outs against Derby and Newcastle,
having previously not figured since 1 March, although he came off late in
the last match with a tight hamstring. Matthew Etherington, after his
abdominal problems that have kept him out since 9 February, is also back in
training.
* Lee Bowyer is making good progress after his groin surgery and could
return to training soon.
* With regard to long-termers James Collins (knee), Danny Gabbidon
(abdominal), Calum Davenport (neck), Nigel Quashie (foot), Kieron Dyer
(double broken leg) and Craig Bellamy (abdominal), all are said to be making
progress.
* Manchester United expect to have Wayne Rooney back after he missed their
midweek European success with a hip injury. Patrice Evra was carried off
late in the contest with a knock to the face but should be OK while the club
are monitoring the fitness of Nemanja Vidic, who also sat out on Tuesday
with concussion.
* Ferguson could also include Daniel Welbeck on the bench, with the young
striker an England U19 team-mate of Tomkins and Sears. All three have been
named in the Young Lions squad for the Elite round qualfiers in Belarus
later in May. If England win the four-team mini-tournament they will
progress to the July finals in the Czech Republic.
Background
* After 36 games last season, West Ham United were one point from safety and
had just 35 points compared to the 48 they have achieved from the same
number of matches this campaign.
* West Ham United and Newcastle last met at the Boleyn Ground on 29
December. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring on 14 minutes but then missed
a penalty midway through the second half. That gave the home side a glimmer
of hope and Anton Ferdinand levelled matters on 77 minutes before Matthew
Upson's only goal for the club five minutes later sealed the points.
* The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Spector, Upson, McCartney, Solano (Pantsil
49), Parker (Ferdinand 55), Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg (Ashton 70), Cole
Subs not used: Wright, Camara
Manchester United: Kuszczak, Brown (O'Shea 89), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra,
Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Nani 80), Fletcher, Giggs, Saha, Tevez (Anderson 64)
Subs not used: Heaton, Pique
* McCartney has now made 42 appearances this season in all competitions. He
has not missed a match since sitting out the 4-3 home defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur on 4 March 2007 - an unbroken run of 51 games.
* McCartney is the only West Ham United player who has featured in every
league and cup game to date, starting in each one.
* In terms of the Premier League, only Green has played every minute of the
36 matches.
* Cole, on nine cautions for the season, is no longer under the threat of a
two-match ban as suspensions for ten yellow cards stopped taking effect
after the second Sunday in April - which came with the trip to Bolton.
* No Manchester United player has appeared in every top-flight game this
season.
* Ashton, with nine goals, eight in the league, is the club's leading
scorer. Newly crowned PFA Player of the Year Ronaldo with 28 goals in the
league, and ten in other competitions, is Manchester United's top marksman.
* As a teenage prospect, Spector made three appearances for United between
2003 and 2006.
* United have three players hoping to play against their former club in the
shape of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and, of course, Tevez. Ferdinand
played 127 league matches in claret and blue between 1995 and 2001 after
coming through the ranks, while another Academy graduate Carrick figured in
136 league outings between 1999 and 2004. Tevez scored seven goals in 26
league games last season, of which he started 19.
Last six league meetings
29 December 2007 - West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United
13 May 2007 - Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
17 December 2006 - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United
29 March 2006 - Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United
27 November 2005 - West Ham United 1-2 Manchester United
14 December 2002 - Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United
All-time record v Manchester United (all competitions) - W41 D24 L49
Weekend fixtures (all kick-offs 3pm unless stated)
Saturday 3 May 2008
Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic
Blackburn Rovers v Derby County
Bolton Wanderers v Sunderland (5.15pm)
Fulham v Birmingham City
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Reading v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 4 May 2008
Arsenal v Everton (1.30pm)
Liverpool v Manchester City (4pm)
Monday 5 May 2008
Newcastle v Chelsea (4pm)
General information
Tickets: This match is SOLD OUT. For general ticket information, click here.
For details of getting to the Old Trafford, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a warm but wet afternoon. The temperature is
set to peak around the 17C mark.
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Noble gets England U21 call - WHUFC
Mark Noble could find himselves in direct opposition with club-mate Jack
Collison in a U21 friendly
01.05.2008
Mark Noble could face Jack Collison in Under-21 action later this month
after being named in the England squad for a 15 May friendly in Wrexham.
The midfielder, who turns 21 next Thursday, is part of a strong 23-man
selection assembled by Stuart Pearce with other proven Premier League
performers such as Michael Johnson, Theo Walcott and Gabriel Agbonlahor also
included. England are on the verge of qualifying for the 2009 European U21
Championship play-offs this October as they sit six points clear of Portugal
in qualifying Group 3 although their next competitive opponents on 5
September do have a game in hand. Collison had earlier been named in the
Welsh party, with Brian Flynn's youngsters also well placed to reach the U21
finals in Sweden next year.
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May community courses open - WHUFC
Youngsters can sign up now for special West Ham United coaching events being
held this month
01.05.2008
Places are available for young fans wanting to take part in the West Ham
United in the Community coaching courses to be held during May.
West Ham United in the Community aim to provide a safe and friendly
environment for children of all abilities aged six-14 years to enjoy
football, with the emphasis on fun, enjoyment and participation. Each child
will be put into a group according to their age and ability and have the
chance to be recommended for a session in front of an Academy coach.
Courses start at 9.30am and finish at 2.30pm, with the children focusing on
learning new skills in the morning before games take place in the afternoon.
Mick King, West Ham United in the Community Chief Executive, said: "The new
community coaching courses provide exciting learning opportunities for young
players. An additional course feature will be Academy-led sessions for
selected players which will offer an advanced level of coaching - providing
a talent identification opportunity to progress players for Academy trials."
Two-day courses are £25 while four-day courses are £45 per child. To book a
place, please call the Community department on 020 7473 7720 or download an
information sheet and application form.
INFORMATION SHEET I APPLICATION FORM
Course dates and venues
2-day courses - Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 May 2008
1) Great Baddow High School, Duffield Road, Great Baddow, CM2 9RZ
2) Sweyne Park School, Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, SS6 9BZ
3) Warren Sports Centre, Whalebone Lane North, Chadwell Heath, RM6 6SB
2-day courses - Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May 2008
4) James Hornsby High School, The High Road, Laindon, SS15 6DD
5) Castleview School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island, SS8 9RZ
6) Goals Soccer Centre, Dagenham Leisure Park, Dagenham, RM9 6LA
4-day courses - Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 May 2008
7) Clearview Health-Raquet Club, Little Warley Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM13
3EN
8) Chigwell Met Police Ground, Chigwell High Road, Chigwell, IG7 6BD
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Rooney will play against West Ham - BBC
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 3 May Kick-off: 1245 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will return for the club's crucial
match against West Ham on Saturday. The striker sat out Tuesday's Champions
League win over Barcelona with a hip injury but Sir Alex Ferguson is
confident he will return to fitness. "We just cancelled him out [against
Barcelona]. He was in a lot of pain," the double title chasing manager said.
"He will be a lot better in a few days and involved on Saturday somewhere
along the line."
Patrice Evra left the field on a stretcher during injury-time at Old
Trafford on Tuesday but is expected to recover from a knock in time to face
West Ham.
But Nemanja Vidic remains doubtful with the face injury that ruled him out
against Barcelona. Ferguson said: "Vidic is under the control of the
doctor. He got a bit of concussion, so we have to be careful of that. He may
have a chance for Saturday." United are locked on points with Chelsea at the
top of the Premier League table, but have a vastly superior goal difference.
They will be aiming to keep up the pressure on their rivals, whose next
match against Newcastle is not until Monday.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United continue the quest for a first Champions League and
Premier League double since 1998-99.
Victory over West Ham, coupled with defeat for Chelsea at Newcastle on
Monday, would effectively give the Red Devils a record 10th Premier League
title. Mathematically Sir Alex Ferguson's side would need another point to
retain the crown, but such is their superior goal difference over the Blues,
it's worth one more point to them, and the celebrations would begin on
Monday night, if that scenario is played out. Manchester United are on the
brink of being hailed champions of England for the 17th time in their
history.
The title issue will not officially be decided until the last Sunday, when
United go to Wigan, Chelsea host Bolton and Arsenal visit Sunderland. If the
Gunners pick up six points out of six, and Manchester United and Chelsea
lose both their games, Arsene Wenger's club would claim an unlikely fourth
Premier League championship.
West Ham have been a thorn in United's side in recent years, and are vying
for a fourth successive victory over the defending champions. They need a
win to cement a top-half finish for the seventh time in 13 seasons in this
league, and a sixth top 10 finish in nine years.
United lost their last league match, 2-1 away to Chelsea last Saturday when
they could have all but tied up the title. Now they must avoid tumbling to
their first back-to-back defeats in 117 Premier League outings.
West Ham pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Manchester United on 29
December, which puts them on course for a second successive double over the
Red Devils.
CLUB FORM
MANCHESTER UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could realistically fall: 1st
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Lost one of the last 12 in all competitions.
2. The 2-1 defeat, away to Chelsea last Saturday, ended a nine match
unbeaten league run of seven wins and two draws.
3. Secured 25 victories, scored 74 goals, at one every 44 minutes on
average, and conceded 21, at one every 154 minutes (two hours 34 minutes);
the best in all three categories.
4. Victory in their last two games would give them a maximum of 87 points -
their third highest in a 38-game Premier League.
5. Kept the joint highest number of clean sheets with Chelsea (20 each), and
dropped the same number of points (27), which is fewer than any other clubs.
6. Opened the scoring in an unmatched 27 games (won 23, and lost just one of
them); and allowed the opposition to score first in eight matches - that's
fewer occasions than any other club.
7. Scored 17 goals in the last 10 minutes; more than any other club.
8. On the longest current run since a goalless draw of 35 matches; and the
longest since failing to score of 22 matches.
9. Won all four home games against London clubs this season, and lost one of
the last eight, spanning the seasons; 0-1 to West Ham on 13 May 2007. In
danger of suffering successive defeats to London clubs (home and away), but
not lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League since beaten away to
Norwich and Everton on 9 and 20 April 2005 respectively.
10. Won 16 of the last 17 home games, and lost one of 18; 1-2 to Manchester
City on 10 February. Won the last four league games at Old Trafford against
Bolton, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal, and conceded one goal in those
four games. Kept clean sheets in six of the last eight at the Theatre of
Dreams.
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 10th
Lowest could fall: 10th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Won one of the last six (2-1, home to Derby on 19 April), and won two of
10.
2. Already bagged seven more points than in total for the whole of last
season.
3. Their 36 games have produced just 83 goals (39 for, 44 against). At 2.31,
it is the second lowest goals per game return in the division - just
slightly better than Wigan's of 2.25.
4. Completed 26 matches without a goalless draw; since the visit to
Portsmouth on 27 October.
5. Only two of their 39 goals have come direct from outside the penalty
area.
6. Won two and lost three of the last five against the 'Big Four'. The most
recent two were both 0-4 defeats, home to Chelsea, and away to Liverpool.
7. Won one of the last five against North-West opposition (2-1, home to
Blackburn on 15 March), and picked up just two points out of a last possible
15 from trips to the region since a 0-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park
on 9 December 2007.
8. The season ends, home to Aston Villa.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 38 goals.
The Portuguese is also United's leading Premier League marksman with 28, and
in pole position for the Barclays Golden Boot, four goals ahead of Emmanuel
ADEBAYOR of Arsenal.
RONALDO is unlikely now to equal Denis LAW's club record 46 goals in the
1963-64 season, and with only three games remaining will be hard pressed to
catch Ruud VAN NISTELROOY's 44-goal haul in 2002-03.
Between them, RONALDO, Carlos TEVEZ and Wayne ROONEY have scored 74 of
Manchester United's 103 goals this season in all competitions, and 53 of
their 74 (72%) in the Premier League.
Ryan GIGGS is still on course to equal Bobby Charlton's all time appearance
record for Manchester United before the season is out. The Wales
international will match Charlton's 759 appearances, if he plays a part in
each of United's three remaining matches.
If selected:-
Mikael SILVESTRE will be making his 250th Premier League appearance for
Manchester United.
Rio FERDINAND will be facing the club where he began his professional
career. The 29 year old prospective England captain made 158 appearances
(127 in the league) and scored two league goals for the Upton Park club in
five years from November 1995, until his £18m move to Leeds.
Michael CARRICK will also be opposing the club where he was a trainee. The
26 year old England international made 159 appearances (136 in the league)
and scored six League goals in six seasons for the Eastenders until his £3m
move to Tottenham in August 2004.
Carlos TEVEZ will be facing former club-mates. The 24 year old Argentina
international made 29 appearances (26 in the league) and scored seven league
goals for West Ham last season.
If on the field from the outset:-
Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start
for Manchester United.
Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United,
Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with nine goals.
ASHTON is also the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen with eight.
The club's Premier League goal-scorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (10 of 14).
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a double to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle, Aston
Villa and West Ham).
Fredrik LJUNGBERG is two shy of 50 Premier League goals (Arsenal and West
Ham).
If selected:-
ASHTON will be making his 50th appearance for the Hammers.
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Jonathan SPECTOR will be facing the club where he started his professional
career, making eight appearances (three in the League) for United before
joining West Ham for £500,000 in June 2006, after a loan spell with
Charlton.
HEAD TO HEAD
Last season's double over Manchester United, was West Ham's first over them
since 1976-77 when Alan Curbishley was a West Ham player.
It took the Hammers 17 Premier League matches to gain their first victory
over United. Now they're enjoying their best winning streak over them since
four on the spin between 1932 and 1934.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 45 wins, West Ham 37, Draws 23
Prem: Man United 14 wins, West Ham 4, Draws 7
at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man United 34 wins, West Ham 12, Draws 6
Prem: Man United 10 wins, West Ham 2, Draws 0
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
13 May 2007 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
West Ham scorer: Tevez 45
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United
29 December 2007 - Ref: Mike Dean
West Ham scorers: Ferdinand 77, Upson 82
Man Utd scorer: Ronaldo 14
REFEREE
Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)
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Curbs pays Fergie tribute
Hammers boss backs Sir Alex to keep going
Last updated: 1st May 2008
Alan Curbishley has lavished praise on Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of West Ham's
trip to Old Trafford and backed the Manchester United boss to continue in
his job until he has won at least two more Premier League titles. Ferguson
was due to retire in 2002 but changed his mind and has now guided his side
to the top of the table with just two games of the season remaining. If
Manchester United can secure maximum points from their matches against West
Ham and Wigan they will claim their 17th league championship, just one
behind Liverpool's long-standing record. Curbishley believes Ferguson is
chasing two more titles, saying: "I think Sir Alex is looking at going one
better than Liverpool's trophy record. "Since United won the Champions
League the last time, that has also been something which is driving him on.
"The players he has brought into Old Trafford are young and that is what has
fuelled his enthusiasm."
However, Ferguson has not earned Curbishley's respect solely through his
achievements with United. The Hammers boss explained: "Sir Alex is the sort
of manager who is tremendously busy and occupied, but has always got time to
return calls. "With the League Manager's Association, he sees his role as
helping the next generation of managers improve their lot. "He's not doing
it for himself, he is trying to help the managers in the lower leagues who
perhaps have contracts that are not worth the paper they're written on try
and get the better benefits for the managers, where the lifespan is becoming
increasingly short. "So with all the commitments he has elsewhere, the other
managers really appreciate that."
West Ham beat Manchester United on the final day of last season to clinch
their survival but Curbishley accepts it will be difficult to stop United
this weekend. He said: "Alex is well aware that teams raise their game
against Manchester United; the atmosphere changes somewhat. "Last year when
we went there we had to get something there to survive and they had already
finished their season, were waiting for the cup final - this time they are
looking to get something."
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Keeper Richard Wright set for showdown talks with West Ham manager Alan
Curbishley over his future at Upton Park - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:49pm on 1st May 2008
West Ham's Richard Wright will seek assurances on his future from manager
Alan Curbishley when the goalkeeper returns to Upton Park from his loan
spell at Southampton. Robert Green remains firmly established above the
former Ipswich and Arsenal stopper as the number one at Upton Park.
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Angry Chelsea fear West Ham won't be up for Old Trafford clash against title
rivals Manchester United - Daily Mail
By MATT LAWTON - More by this author »
Last updated at 23:26pm on 1st May 2008
Chelsea are furious with West Ham manager Alan Curbishley for claiming that
it would be 'a great injustice' if Manchester United failed to win the
league.
Curbishley's side travel to Old Trafford tomorrow for a match that could
have a decisive influence on the outcome of this season's championship race.
Chelsea boss Avram Grant will today take Curbishley to task for promising to
'raise a glass' to his old friend Sir Alex Ferguson if he sees off the Blues
to claim a 10th Barclays Premier League title. He will draw attention to a
newspaper column in which Curbishley said: 'It has not been a fluke that his
side have been so attractive to watch and produced some thrilling football
to match their results. 'It is the reason they stand on the brink of winning
the Championship for the 17th time, and the general feeling among most
managers is that they would like to see them crowned again.' In the column
published nine days ago, Curbishley added: 'It would be a great injustice if
Manchester United were to lose the Premier League title. I would raise a
glass if United win the title. It would be, of course, a toast to Alex
Ferguson, the best there is and may ever be.'
Grant will refer to those remarks at his press conference before attending
the funeral of Frank Lampard's mother, Pat. By implicitly questioning
Curbishley's desire to beat his old friend, he doubtless hopes to spur West
Ham to another great performance against a side they have beaten in their
last three encounters and help deny United that 17th league title.
Curbishley, who believes Fergie will continue in charge until he beats
Liverpool's record of 18 top-flight triumphs, insists Sir Alex can accept no
favours, saying yesterday: 'The world will be watching and we've got to put
in a performance and show what we can do.'
But to further fuel Chelsea fears of football conspiring to aid United,
Wigan Warriors rugby league club have moved their Challenge Cup match
against Whitehaven from tomorrow week to the following Monday to avoid
damaging the JJB Stadium pitch the day before the Old Trafford club's visit
on the final day of the Premier League season. Fergie's No 2 Carlos Queiroz,
55, insists he has no intention of leaving the club to take charge at
Benfica and takes great pride in rebuilding the club around youngsters such
as Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson. 'I have a contract and I intend to fulfil
it,' said Queiroz.
Ronaldo, 12 months into a new fouryear deal, has revealed that he will
discuss his future after the Champions League Final. United insist they have
no plans to hold talks over improved terms. But asked in the aftermath of
Tuesday's win over Barcelona if he might be tempted by a move to Spain,
Ronaldo said: 'As far as my future is concerned I don't know, nor do I want
to speak about it until after the Champions League Final.'
United's Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are struggling to make the game with
West Ham. But Carlos Tevez, who became an Upton Park cult hero before his
switch to Old Trafford, is available for selection.
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'We'll show the world what West Ham can do' - Curbishley - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard
ALAN Curbishley believes his West Ham team can shock the world by denying
Premier League title-chasers Manchester United victory at Old Trafford on
Saturday. The Irons manager holds a perfect record of three wins in three
games since taking over at Upton Park in December 2006. And Curbishley has
urged his players to extend their unbeaten run to four matches by stopping
Sir Alex Ferguson's team at the Theatre of Dreams in Saturday's lunch-time
kick-off. Should United win the fixture, which is being shown live on SKY
Sports, it will leave the Red Devils just one success away from retaining
the title at the expense of second-placed Chelsea. For that reason,
Curbishley is expecting a titanic struggle but he insisted his players, who
won at the same venue to save their Premier League skins on the final day of
last season, will not be intimidated. "The whole world will be watching the
game and we've got to go there and put on a performance and show what we can
do," said the Hammers boss. "It's uncanny how it's worked out so similar to
last year, but the tables are turned somewhat."
Should West Ham avoid defeat, it should all but ensure the East Enders
finish the season in 10th place - a position that will secure Curbishley and
his players sizeable bonuses. But the manager claimed the Londoners were
playing for more than just their bank balances. "I came out with that
(bonuses) as just one of the reasons why (we had not given up on the
season)," he added. "We'd been accused of packing up and going on holiday
and all that sort of stuff and it was a bit frustrating when some of the
comments came out. "The situation we've been in has seen at least
six-or-seven first teamers out injured every week. "I think the players have
done fantastic to get where they are and we want to stay there. "We want to
secure that top-10 finish and also go there and do well and let people know
who we are, because that game will be going all over the world."
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Wayne Rooney to miss West Ham game - Telegraph
By Ian Winrow
Last Updated: 2:08am BST 02/05/2008
Sir Alex Ferguson will not take any risks with the fitness of Wayne Rooney
when Manchester United face West Ham United at Old Trafford tomorrow, with
the forward expected to play no part against Alan Curbishley's side. Rooney
was forced to miss the midweek Champions League victory over Barcelona
because of a hip injury he aggravated in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last
Saturday. The loss at Stamford Bridge means United, now level on points with
their London rivals, have little margin for error in their remaining two
league fixtures if they are to retain their title but, despite having seen
his side falter in recent weeks, Ferguson will resist any temptation to rush
Rooney back. Assuming Chelsea avoid defeat at Newcastle on Monday, the title
race will go into the final day of the season and Ferguson remains confident
that Rooney will be part of his squad for the final-day trip to Wigan
Athletic. Meanwhile, United's assistant manager, Carlos Queiroz, is
relishing the double showdown with Chelsea as his team fight them on two
fronts, the Premier League and the Champions League final. He said: "The
month of May will be a head-to-head between Manchester United and Chelsea
and Moscow will be the final showdown. "Football has produced some justice
in placing Manchester United and Chelsea in the final of the Champions
League. They're the two best teams, the strongest and the ones which have
shown the greatest ability to contest the two titles."
He believes that United's progress over the past two seasons as they brought
in new talents has been the key. He said: "They've gone through a renewal
and carried on winning, and, being a very difficult task, that gives it a
special taste."
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Chelsea fury as Curbishley says Ferguson is 'Mr Amazing'
Dominic Fifield and Sachin Nakrani
The Guardian, Friday May 2 2008
Alan Curbishley has angered Chelsea by describing Sir Alex Ferguson as "Mr
Amazing". Chelsea have expressed concerns at comments made by Alan
Curbishley in which he detailed his admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson and
declared that "it would be a great injustice if Manchester United were to
lose the Premier League title" given that his West Ham side are due to visit
Old Trafford tomorrow. United can edge three points clear of Chelsea by
beating West Ham with only one game remaining, with Avram Grant's side not
playing until the trip to Newcastle on Monday. Curbishley has since
attempted to defuse any controversy after first reflecting on Sir Alex and
United in a newspaper column last week but his comments have been noted at
Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea deeming them "unnecessary and inappropriate".
The timing has prompted genuine alarm. Curbishley wrote last week that
Ferguson was "Mr Amazing", praising his dedication and commitment to the job
and his achievement in having built yet another mouth-watering side at Old
Trafford. "The general feeling among most managers is that they would like
to see them crowned again," he wrote.
"That's why I would raise a glass if United win the title. It would be, of
course, a toast to Alex Ferguson, the best there is, and may ever be."
The comments prompted a rethink this week, with Curbishley insisting: "My
West Ham team are not going to roll over at Old Trafford on Saturday and
surrender to Manchester United. Our bonus scheme only kicks in from 10th
place so if we finish 11th there is nothing." Yet the Hammers are five
points clear of 11th-placed Spurs in the table with two games to play and
cannot finish ninth, with the Chelsea manager Grant concerned that the
integrity of the league may yet be compromised.
Curbishley, who enjoys a good relationship with Ferguson, can point to his
side's recent record against United having won at Old Trafford on the final
day of last season to preserve West Ham's top flight status. The Hammers
have won their last three games against United in all competitions but
expect a tough contest tomorrow with their hosts seeking to secure a 17th
title.
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West Ham United want £5million Rovers ace - fansFC
07:09 May, 2, 2008
West Ham United Football Club are lining up an offer for Benni McCarthy this
summer. Alan Curbishley is keen to add the South African international
striker to his squad at the end of the season, as rumours of Dean Ashton's
departure continue to grow. McCarthy signed a new contract with Blackburn
Rovers just last month, yet he has fallen down the pecking order for the
Ewood Park club in recent weeks and could be tempted by a move to London.
Hammers fans – if you did lose Ashton and replaced him with McCarthy, would
you be happy? And what about you Rovers fans – would you be bothered if you
lost the former Porto man?
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Curbs claims ruffle Chelsea
Friday May 02 2008 08:09
Chelsea have expressed concern after West ham United manager Alan Curbishley
claimed it would be an "injustice" if Manchester United did not win this
year's Premier League title. Curbishley takes the Hammers to Old trafford on
Saturday lunchtime for a game that is likely to have a huge bearing on the
destination of this year's league championship. United could move three
points clear of the second-placed Blues - who are not in action until Monday
- should they win their penultimate league game. However, Chelsea are
reportedly unhappy after Curbishley issued a gushing praise of United and
manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who he described as "Mr Amazing". He wrote: "The
general feeling among most managers is that they would like to see them
crowned again. "That's why I would raise a glass if United win the title. It
would be, of course, a toast to Alex Ferguson, the best there is, and may
ever be."
Curbishley has since attempted to play down the row by rubbishing
suggestions his team - who have won their last three games against the Red
Devils - would roll over at Old trafford. "My West ham team are not going to
roll over at Old trafford on Saturday and surrender to Manchester United,"
he responded. "Our bonus scheme only kicks in from 10th place so if we
finish 11th there is nothing."
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CHELSEA FURIOUS WITH CURBISHLEY COMMENTS - Football365
Posted 02/05/08 08:26
Already under fire from West Ham supporters for his mediocre work this
season, Alan Curbishley is today expected to be lambasted in public by Avram
Grant after declaring that he believes it would be a "great injustice" if
Manchester United did not win the title. The champions, who lead the table
on goal difference from Chelsea with two games of the season remaining, host
the Hammers at Old Trafford on Saturday and Chelsea are said to be livid at
what they perceive as favouritism towards United from Curbishley. A close
friend of Sir Alex Ferguson, Curbishley wrote in his newspaper column that
United were "attractive to watch and produced some thrilling football to
match their results" and declared, "the general feeling among most managers
is that they would like to see them crowned again."
If those comments were not incendiary enough, Curbishley then continued: "I
would like to see United win the title because of how they have played this
season. It would be an injustice if they didn't. That's why I would raise a
glass if United win the title."
Quite how the West Ham support feel about the pledge of their manager to
celebrate the success of another team remains unclear, but The Guardian
reports that Chelsea are preparing to voice their fury. After attending a
Holocaust memorial at Auschwitz on Thursday, Avram Grant will use his weekly
press conference to question the allegiance of Curbishley and demand a
retraction.
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Avram Grant accuses Alan Curbishley of Fergie 'love-in' - The Mirror
Exclusive by Martin Lipton Chief Sports Writer 2/05/2008
Angry Avram Grant will today accuse West Ham boss Alan Curbishley of
potentially destroying the integrity of the Premier League by saying that he
wants to see Manchester United win the title. Blues boss Grant is furious
that Curbishley went public on his wishes to see Sir Alex Ferguson win a
10th crown when United meet West Ham tomorrow. Grant is closing in on a
remarkable Premier League and Champions League double after Wednesday's
dramatic semi-final win over Liverpool. But the Israeli has demanded that
Curbishley issue a retraction, and that the FA and the League look into his
comments.
If West Ham avoid defeat at Old Trafford, Chelsea would be back in control
of the title race, knowing that wins over Newcastle on Monday and then
Bolton would see them crowned as champions. Curbishley said in a column: "I
would like to see United win the title because of how they have played this
season. It would be an injustice if they didn't. That's why I would raise a
glass if United win the title." An incredulous Grant responded: "He said
that? I do not know what his reasons are. He needs to answer or I will."
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Freddie Ljungberg "touch and go" for Euro 2008 - the Mirror
By Neil McLeman 2/05/2008
Alan Curbishley last night put the boot into Newcastle's Steven Taylor -
after revealing that Freddie Ljungberg is "touch and go" for Euro 2008. The
Sweden midfielder will miss West Ham's trip to OId Trafford tomorrow after
Toon defender Taylor stood on him and broke a rib. And after seeing the
video again, Hammers boss Curbs said: "Freddie is out because he's cracked a
rib and there's a big disappointment with that once we've seen it again.
"Taylor could have done a bit more to avoid it. "He's landed on him and that
caused the damage."
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Hammers' Green raises a cash mountain - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard
WHILE he has Manchester United to worry about tomorrow, Robert Green has
already raised more than £5,300 ahead of his summer charity trip to Africa.
Green will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in June to raise funds for the African
Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF). Before then, he is hosting a GK
Open golf day at the London Club in Kent next Wednesday, May 7, featuring
Premier League stoppers Paul Robinson, Scott Carson, Craig Gordon, Ben
Foster and Marcus Hahnemann. Then, on Monday, May 12, Green will host the
Boleyn Cup five-a-side tournament at Upton Park. Places are still available
for teams at both events, priced at £1,500 for golf and £1,000 for the
Boleyn Cup For further information about how to book a place, log-on to
http://uk.amref.org/get-involved/robert-green/
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West Ham's Noble warns Man Utd
tribalfooball.com - May 01, 2008
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble has warned Manchester United they won't lie
down this weekend. "The pressure is on United, they need the points, but
we've beaten them the last three times," said Noble. "It's so tight at the
top of the table and at the bottom and after they lost to Chelsea last week,
they'll be so up for it. "Last year they had already won the title by the
time we played them. This year, we're already safe and they need to win. "I
think it will be a cracking game. We've just got to enjoy the atmosphere and
enjoy playing against some of the best players in the world and come off the
pitch happy.
"We're going to go there with nothing to lose and they have to win. We're
going to go out and enjoy ourselves and whatever happens, happens."
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Chelsea angry with West Ham boss Curbs over Man Utd comments
tribalfooball.com - May 01, 2008
Chelsea boss Avram Grant is set to comment today on remarks made by West Ham
boss Alan Curbishley ahead of their trip to Manchester United.
Curbishley's side travel to Old Trafford tomorrow for a match that could
have a decisive influence on the outcome of this season's championship race.
Grant will today take Curbishley to task for promising to "raise a glass" to
his old friend Sir Alex Ferguson if he sees off the Blues to claim a 10th
Barclays Premier League title, says the Daily Mail. He will draw attention
to a newspaper column in which Curbishley said: "It has not been a fluke
that his side have been so attractive to watch and produced some thrilling
football to match their results. "It is the reason they stand on the brink
of winning the Championship for the 17th time, and the general feeling among
most managers is that they would like to see them crowned again.' In the
column published nine days ago, Curbishley added: "It would be a great
injustice if Manchester United were to lose the Premier League title. I
would raise a glass if United win the title. It would be, of course, a toast
to Alex Ferguson, the best there is and may ever be."
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Wright wants answers from West Ham boss Curbishley
tribalfootball.com - May 01, 2008
Richard Wright is considering his future at West Ham. The Daily Mail says
Wright will seek assurances on his future from manager Alan Curbishley when
the goalkeeper returns to Upton Park from his loan spell at Southampton.
Robert Green remains firmly established above the former Ipswich and Arsenal
stopper as the number one at Upton Park.
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Curbishley: West Ham won't forget Man Utd's Tevez
tribalfootball.com - May 01, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to Manchester United striker
Carlos Tevez ahead of this weekend's clash. Reflecting on Tevez's influence
on saving West Ham last season, Curbishley said: "During the run-in, Carlos
played a big part. "He has now gone to a club, where the big thing is 'can
you handle Old Trafford?' . "That's what Sir Alex looks at. "Carlos has got
that in his locker with his experience and everything else. "When we played
them at Upton Park, Carlos was very generous coming in and speaking to the
players. "I am sure we will get the same reaction this weekend - and nobody
at West Ham is ever going to forget Carlos Tevez."
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West Ham boss Curbishley unhappy with Newcastle's Taylor
tribalfooball.com - May 01, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has criticised Newcastle defender Steven
Taylor over the injury suffered by Freddie Ljungberg. Curbishley has seen
his injury woes increased with the loss of Ljungberg because of a cracked
rib following a collision in the Newcastle game last week. "There is a big
disappointment with that because once we have seen it again, we think
[Steven] Taylor could have done a bit more to avoid it," said the Hammers
boss.
"He has landed on him and that caused the damage." Curbishley, though,
expects Ljungberg to recover in time for Sweden's European Championship
campaign. "Freddie will probably be out for four weeks," he said, "We have
had no complications with him, so he should be okay."
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