Alan Curbishley is putting a fourth straight win against Sir Alex Ferguson
over any thoughts on the title race
02.05.2008
West Ham United can have a major say in the destiny of the Premier League
title this weekend but Alan Curbishley has stressed he will only be
concerned with the fortunes of his own team.
When asked about whether Manchester United, this weekend's opponents, or
Chelsea would be crowned champions, the manager said: "This is the most
competitive Premier League I have ever been involved in. Certainly Man
United thought they were in a position to wrap it up a couple of weeks ago
... but the resilience of Chelsea has been fantastic and they have just kept
going and going. They are not going to go away and not in the middle of May
either [with the Champions League final]."
He added: "We are all quite aware whoever gets there deserves it on merit.
If it ends up going to the last weekend, I don't think the Premier League
could have asked for much more." Level on points but with a superior goal
difference, Manchester United are in the driving seat but Curbishley has
enjoyed three straight wins against Sir Alex Ferguson and is determined to
secure tenth place. The manager will be going all out to inflict more misery
on a managerial rival who only has "three or four bad Sunday mornings in a
season".
He added that although this year's contest does not hold the same pressure
as last season's, while it is now the home side who have the weight of
expectancy on their shoulders, there should be no doubting the desire to
secure another memorable result. "We have got to go there and put on a
performance and show what we can do. I think it is uncanny how it has worked
out very similar to last year but the tables have turned somewhat."
Having pitted their wits over the years, Curbishley and Ferguson have become
old acquaintances with the West Ham United manager admitting he spoke to the
Scot before taking over at the Boleyn Ground although they "rarely talk
about individual situations" and have not discussed this weekend's major
meeting. Curbishley said: "The only time I have asked him for advice was
about this job. He said 'take it' - that is the only time I have spoken to
him about anything like that. His reasons were that this is a big club,
great support and if the club gets going it could be taken on."
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Ticket update for Old Trafford - WHUFC
Some extra seats have become available for supporters wanting to travel to
Old Trafford on Saturday
02.05.2008
The ticket office has received a small number of returned tickets for
Saturday's previously sold-out away game at Manchester United.
Anyone interested should contact the ticket office on 0870 112 2700 with the
tickets being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Barclays
Premier League encounter at Old Trafford gets under way at 12.45pm on 3 May,
with West Ham United bidding for a fourth straight win against Sir Alex
Ferguson's men. Click here for a full match preview and here for more
information on the ticket office.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green out to dash United hopes - SSN
Keeper keen to upset title chasers
By Amanda Cornforth Last updated: 2nd May 2008
Goalkeeper Robert Green insists West Ham will give Manchester United a run
for their money at Old Trafford on Saturday. Comments in a newspaper column
from Hammers boss Alan Curbishley recently upset Chelsea after he said he
felt it would be an injustice if United did not go on and win the
championship, although he insisted at Thursday's press conference that they
would not be making it easy for United. Green also says that West Ham will
be looking to cause an upset to the Red Devils' title dream as they look to
move ahead of Chelsea, who do not play until Monday. The England squad
member was part of the Hammers side that beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford to
stay up on the final day of last season and he admits it will be a bit
easier this time around. "Last season turned into a wonderful experience.
Hopefully it will be a more pleasurable experience from the start this time
when we haven't got so much riding on it," Green said. "When we walked on to
the pitch in the second half and for the whole of Old Trafford to be singing
'send them down', it was quite a motivation. It was enjoyable to dampen
their party. "This time we can go there, play football and hopefully give
them a real challenge and a few things to think about. "We will be doing
everything we can to put a spanner in the works. "People will expect us to
just roll over and get beat - but we have our own agenda and will make it as
hard as possible."
Curbishley has a good record against his good friend Sir Alex Ferguson's
team. He has won his last three encounters over United and heroics from
keeper Ludek Miklosko at Upton Park at the end of the 1994/1995 campaign
famously denied them the title. Green added: "They probably looked at the
fixture and thought on paper it's not the toughest in the world - but I
imagine they would want to be playing someone else."
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Parker nails Hammers doubters - SSN
Catch Man Utd v West Ham, live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday
Last updated: 2nd May 2008
West Ham's former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker has hit back at
suggestions they will not be trying to beat Manchester United at Old
Trafford on Saturday. Chelsea boss Avram Grant is unhappy that his West Ham
counterpart Alan Curbishley claimed that 'it would be an injustice if
Manchester United didn't win the title'. Grant insisted that Curbishley, who
has a close friendship with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, was 'wrong' to
air his views in a recent newspaper column. West Ham meet United in
Saturday's kick-off while Chelsea are at Newcastle on Bank Holiday Monday.
But as the row rumbled on, Parker hit back by claiming it was out of order
to question Curbishley's integrity. West Ham are five points ahead of
Tottenham in 10th place and are on added bonuses to finish in the top 10.
They have beaten United on the last three occasions they have met and Parker
says they will be giving it their all at Old Trafford. We're certainly not
going to roll over," said Parker. "We're professional footballers and we
take pride in what we do. We have to try to take something out of the game
for ourselves. "We can't get involved or even spend too much time looking at
what the game means for Manchester United. "We want to finish in 10th spot.
We would see it as a massive disappointment if we did not manage it after
being in that position in the table for so long.
"We have to try and take something out of the game for ourselves."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs - No favours for United - SSN
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 2nd May 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has slammed as 'ridiculous' suggestions
that he favours Manchester United in the title race. Chelsea boss Avram
Grant claimed that Curbishley was 'wrong' to state that it would be "an
injustice if Manchester United did not win the title" in a recent newspaper
column. The Upton Park side travel to Old Trafford on Saturday before
Chelsea head to St James' Park to meet Newcastle on Monday, with both games
being shown live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. The two teams are locked together
on 81 points at the summit of the Premier League with just two games
remaining. But Curbishley was quick to point to his recent record against
United with the Hammers and insists he would be happy to see either side
triumph. "I will raise a glass to whoever wins the title because they will
have deserved it," Curbishley said. "It is too ridiculous for words really.
"If I am supposed to be biased in favour of Manchester United, how come
we've beaten them the last three times we've played them? "United can expect
no favours from us."
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Man Utd v 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 after recovering from a hip injury.
Patrice Evra should also be fit after receiving a knock against Barcelona in
midweek, but Nemanja Vidic again remains doubtful with a face injury.
West Ham expect winger Julien Faubert to have shaken off a slight hamstring
problem to be fit to start. However, Freddie Ljungberg (rib) has been added
to the list of injuries.
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.
West Ham (from): Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert, Parker,
Noble, Boa Morte, Zamora, Ashton, Walker, Mullins, Cole, Solano, Sears,
Spector, Collison.
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)
Premier League referees' table
Mike Riley's 2007-08 Premier League card count
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant - Curbs got it wrong - SSN
Watch Man Utd v West Ham, live on Sky Sports 1, from 12pm on Saturday
Last updated: 2nd May 2008
Avram Grant feels it was 'wrong' of Alan Curbishley to suggest he wanted
Manchester United to win the title, but insists he does not doubt the West
Ham United manager's integrity. In a recent newspaper column, Curbishley
said it would be a 'great injustice' if United did not retain the Premier
League crown this season. West Ham head to Old Trafford on Saturday, live on
Sky Sports 1 and HD1, in a game which could see the Red Devils open up a
three-point gap over Chelsea before their title rivals play Newcastle on
Monday. Chelsea boss Grant believes it was unwise of Curbishley to comment
on who he would prefer to win the title, but does not expect the Hammers to
roll over. "I'm not doubting the integrity of West Ham and there is no
reason to doubt the integrity of Alan Curbishley," Grant told Sky Sports
News. "But I think it's wrong to say things like this because he's involved
in the games against United and West Ham won against them the last three
games. "I don't think it's a good idea to say things like this. "I cannot be
angry. I don't know what to say about this. I think it's wrong, but I don't
have any reason to doubt the integrity of him or his club. "I have heard so
many rumours in the last two weeks. I heard the referees will be with
United, I heard the managers will be like this, I heard this manager played
for them and this manager is a friend of Ferguson. "I know my head is full
of rumours, but I have decided to concentrate on what we need to do and to
trust the integrity of others."
When asked whether he thought other Premier League managers would prefer
United to pip Chelsea to the title, Grant admitted he does not believe it is
a major issue. He added: "I don't feel like this. When I meet them after the
game or before the game, I think they are more interested in the success of
their club. "I think West Ham is more interested in the success of their
club to win games. If they have some other wishes, we will need to ask them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs - Hoodoo could remain - SSN
Watch Manchester United v West Ham live on Sky Sports 1
Last updated: 2nd May 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley would not be shocked to see his side extend
their hoodoo over Manchester United. United tackle West Ham in Saturday's
early kick-off - a game you can see live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. Sir Alex
Ferguson's men need a win to keep up the pressure at the top of Premier
League table on title rivals Chelsea. But Ferguson is unlikely to look
forward to facing West Ham as they played a part in denying United the title
in 1992, 95 and 98. "I don't know why we have a hoodoo over them," said
Curbishley. "I was at the game when West Ham stopped United winning the
title in 1995.
"I think Alex is well aware that teams raise their game against them and the
atmosphere changes. "Last year when we went there we had to get something to
survive, while they had already finished their season and were waiting for
the cup final. This time they are looking to get something. "The only time I
asked him for advice was about this job and he said: 'Take it.' It's the
only time he's spoken to me about anything like that. "His reasons were this
is a big club with great support and if the club keeps going it can be taken
along. That's exactly how it's gone in the last two weeks. "I don't think
it's payback time. It doesn't matter who you play, United have got to win no
matter what." I think Man United might have felt three or four weeks ago
that they were in a position to wrap it up and it was more in their favour,"
said Curbishley. "It still is, but both teams have got to win both games.
"Whoever gets there has done so on merit and if it goes to the last weekend
I don't think the Premier League can ask for more. I think Alex is looking
at equalling or going one better than Liverpool's title record of 18. "The
Champions League has been something that is driving him on. "The players
he's brought to Old Trafford are young and that's what has fuelled his
enthusiasm."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ferguson blasts Grant over favouritism row - Telegraph
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Last Updated: 2:21pm BST 02/05/2008
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at title rival
Avram Grant for criticising Alan Curbishley's claim that he would "raise a
glass" if United were crowned champions. On the eve of the penultimate
weekend of the season, with United and Chelsea locked on 81 points apiece,
Grant said it was "wrong" of Curbishley, whose West Ham side visit Old
Trafford on Saturday, to suggest he wanted Ferguson to win the league.
United will open up a three-point lead over Chelsea, who play away at
Newcastle on Monday, if they defeat West Ham in their final home game of the
campaign. Grant said: "Look, I'm not doubting the integrity of West Ham, I
don't have a reason to doubt the integrity of Alan Curbishley. But I think
it's wrong to say things like this because he's involved in the games
against United. "I don't think it's a good idea to say things like this. I
cannot be angry. I will not be angry. I do not know what to say about these
things, but I think it's wrong. "But I do not have any reason to doubt the
integrity of him or his club. West Ham are more interested in the success of
their club, to win their games. If they have wishes for others, you have to
ask them."
Ferguson, however, was disappointed to learn of Grant's views, and said: "I
don't know why he has suggested that there might be something untoward. He
should know better." Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Ferguson and
Curbishley are close friends. Two year ago, Ferguson even presented
Curbishley with a pair of return tickets to New Zealand so that he could
visit his sister after deciding to leave Charlton to take a sabbatical.
Despite his wish to see Ferguson's men win the title, though, Curbishley has
insisted his players will not ease up this weekend. He said: "The whole
world will be watching the game on Saturday and we want to show what we can
do. "It is uncanny how the fixtures have worked out, similar to last year -
although this time the tables have turned somewhat. The Premier League has
been massively competitive, there are no 'gimmes'. "If you look at why Man
United are battling out this weekend its because Middlesbrough and Blackburn
took them to the wire and Wigan came back in the last minute at Chelsea.
"The integrity of the Premier League has always been there and this is the
most competitive I have ever been involved in. Man United thought they had
it wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, but the resilience of Chelsea has been
fantastic and they have kept going, so to the end it has been a fantastic
struggle."
Ferguson will certainly not be taking West Ham for granted, particularly as
the London club have won the last three league meetings with United.
However, the Scot believes his side are in the driving seat with two games
of the Premier League season left. He said: "We have got a better goal
difference and if we both win our last two games then I'll be very happy. We
have got to be in the driving seat. "They have certainly got a physical
advantage given that they aren't playing until Monday. However Newcastle
isn't an easy place to go. But we're just concentrating on our own game."
Wayne Rooney could be on the bench to face West Ham after missing the
Barcelona match with a hip injury. Ferguson says he will not rush the
England striker back from injury as he does not want to hinder Rooney's
chances of figuring in the Champions League final on May 21. Nemanja Vidic
will not feature against West Ham, although the influential Serbia defender
is likely to be available for the final league game of the season at Wigan
Athletic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram Grant slams Alan Curbishley bias - Times Online and Agencies
Ahead of the biggest fortnight of his career, Avram Grant, the Chelsea
manager, has gone on the attack by claiming Alan Curbishley was wrong to say
that it would be an injustice if Manchester United don't win the Premier
League.
With the endorsement of John Terry, his captain, ringing in his ears, Grant
says Curbishley was wrong to publically come out in support of Sir Alex
Ferguson's side just 48 hours before they are due to play United. While
Grant claims he has no reason to doubt the integrity of the West Ham United
manager, he believes Curbishley was "wrong" to speak out with so much at
stake.
"Look, I'm not doubting the integrity of West Ham," said Grant. "I don't
have a reason to doubt the integrity of Alan Curbishley. But I think it's
wrong to say things like this because he's involved in the games against
United. West Ham won against them in the last three games. I don't think
it's a good idea to say things like this. I cannot be angry. I will not be
angry. I do not know what to say about these things, but I think it's wrong.
But I do not have any reason to doubt the integrity of him or his club. West
Ham are more interested in the success of their club, to win their games. If
they have wishes for others, you have to ask them."
United face West Ham United at Old Trafford tomorrow, while Chelsea travel
to Newcastle United on Sunday with both teams level on points at the top of
the Premier League and separated only by goal difference.
Grant continued: "I've heard so many rumours in the last few weeks. I heard
that the referees would be with United, that teams would play for United. I
don't know what to believe. This week against two great clubs and two great
managers, we've shown that we can win. We played very well and we want to
continue with this.
"It was a big week. To play against these teams when you're still fighting
in the major trophies - one of them we'd never been in the final before -
they were great games. They were very exciting games, we enjoyed them,
including me. We want to continue. That's the kind of process here."
Despite guiding his team to the final of the Champions League for the first
time in their history, and drawing level with United at the top of the
Premier League, the Israeli says there is more to come.
"I always like to think that the best week hasn't come yet," added Grant.
"Since I've taken this job as a manager, every time you win a big game you
think it's your best. But it's been an exciting week. The 30th of April is
an historic day at Chelsea now. Every fan will remember that day now. It was
a big, big step getting to the Champions League final."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant Hammers Curbs Claims - The Sun
CHELSEA boss Avram Grant has hit back at Alan Curbishley for claiming it
would be an injustice if Manchester United did not win the title. The Blues
are level pegging with United at the top of the Premier League going into
the final two games of the season. United face West Ham at Old Trafford
tomorrow as they attempt to edge one step closer to winning the league.
Hammers boss Curbs has said that United deserve to win the title but Grant
reckons he was wrong to air his views in public. Grant said: "I'm not
doubting the integrity of West Ham. "I don't have a reason to doubt the
integrity of Alan Curbishley.
"But I think it's wrong to say things like this because he's involved in the
games against United. "I don't think it's a good idea to say things like
this. I cannot be angry. I will not be angry. "I do not know what to say
about these things but I think it's wrong."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United target Ashton and Bosingwa
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 10:00am BST 02/05/2008
Sir Alex Ferguson will move to address Manchester United's problem right
back position with a £15 million bid for Portugal international defender
Jose Bosingwa this summer as well as testing West Ham's resolve to hold on
to Dean Ashton. Wes Brown, who signed a contract extension with the club
earlier this month, has deputised at right-back for much of the season in
the absence of club captain Gary Neville due to long-term injury. Brown's
favoured role is in the centre, though his chances there have been limited
their due to the impressive partnership between Nemanja Vidic and Rio
Ferdinand. However, with recent injuries to Vidic Brown has been required to
play alongside Ferdinand with Owen Hargreaves filling in at right-back in
recent weeks. Though Neville has ended his long road back to full fitness
Ferguson is mindful that the youth team product's best days may be behind
him with the chances of him playing consistently to the levels he did
previously only slight. At 25 Bosingwa is in the prime of his career and is
a mainstay in the Portugal side as well as an important member of the Porto
team. Bosingwa is an attack minded defender with incredible energy and
stamina and would offer balance to Patrice Evra, who has been integral to
United's challenge for a Premier and Champions League double, on the
opposite flank.
With Ferguson inclined to deploy a single striker in many of United's
matches the importance of a full-back who can get forward to offer extra
width in attacks is paramount and Ferguson believes Bosingwa is one of the
best players in his position in Europe. United's interest in the player has
been long standing and Porto are likely to hold out for a fee in excess of
that which Ferguson feels is justified, opening the possibility of a
protracted negotiation process. The Portuguese side value the player at £22
million but United would be reluctant to go that high. United have ben
regular visitors to Portugal in search of young talent with Cristiano
Ronaldo and more recently Nani and Anderson following a similar path. Talks
with the club and player were first opened in January with United's
Portuguese assistant manager Carlos Quieroz prominent in discussions.
Meanwhile, Ferguson has identified Ashton as a player who can bring a
physical dimension to United's attack as well as offering an added aerial
threat and is preparing an £8 million bid for the player.
Ashton has not been offered the new deal he craves at West Ham and after
last summer's heavy spending the club are unlikely to match his wage
demands.
Portsmouth, Newcastle and Sunderland have all been monitoring the progress
of Ashton after he recovered from a year out with an ankle injury. However,
the lure of Old Trafford, even if first team opportunities might be harder
to come by, is likely to prove too strong. Despite his fitness problems
Ashton, who picked up his injury whilst training with the England squad, is
one of the most highly rated English forwards in the Premier League.
Ferguson has kept an eye on the player since he tried to sign him as a
youngster before Ashton joined Crewe, and sees him as fulfilling a similar
role to that of Teddy Sheringham when he was at the club.
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Manchester United v WEST HAM: Faubert to return for Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 09:45am on 2nd May 2008
West Ham expect winger Julien Faubert to have shaken off a slight hamstring
problem to be fit to face Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United
tomorrow. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg (cracked rib) has been added to the
long list of injuries. Defender Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) has returned to
light training, but is not expected to feature at Old Trafford tomorrow -
and neither is fellow centre-half Matthew Upson (calf).
Provisional squad: Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert,
Parker, Noble, Boa Morte, Zamora, Ashton, Walker, Mullins, Cole, Solano,
Sears, Spector, Collison.
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Curbishley: 'We want to show the world West Ham can stop United winning the
league' - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:14am on 2nd May 2008
Alan Curbishley insists West Ham will not be at Old Trafford just to make up
the numbers tomorrow, when the "whole world will be watching" as Manchester
United look to close in on the Barclays Premier League title. Sir Alex
Ferguson's men are top of the table with just two games left and victory
over the Hammers would all but secure the championship, given their superior
goal difference over Chelsea, who play at Newcastle on Monday night.
However, Curbishley has masterminded three wins over United in their
previous three meetings, including a famous triumph on the final day of last
season which kept the Hammers up. The West Ham manager knows the stakes are
just as high this time around, but for United now rather than his
10th-placed side. "The whole world will be watching the game on Saturday and
we want to show what we can do," Curbishley said. "It is uncanny how the
fixtures have worked out, similar to last year - although this time the
tables have turned somewhat. "The Premier League has been massively
competitive, there are no 'gimmes'. "If you look at why Man United are
battling out this weekend its because Middlesbrough and Blackburn took them
to the wire and Wigan came back in the last minute at Chelsea. "The
integrity of the Premier League has always been there and this is the most
competitive I have ever been involved in. "Man United thought they had it
wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, but the resilience of Chelsea has been
fantastic and they have kept going, so to the end it has been a fantastic
struggle."
The Hammers' campaign, though, petered out several months ago with mid-table
security assured. Curbishley, though, insists any suggestions staff are
already thinking about the summer are wide of the mark. He said: "We have
been accused of packing up and going on holiday and that sort of stuff - it
is frustrating when comments like that come out. "Every week we have had at
least six or seven first-teamers out, and the players have done
fantastically to get where they are and we want to stay there. There are a
few things going on on Saturday, obviously one of them is getting that
top-10 finish we want to secure and we want to go there and let people know
who we are."
Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is the latest player to join an already crowded
treatment room after the Sweden international cracked a rib following a
collision with Newcastle's Steven Taylor last week. Curbishley lamented: "If
sides like Blackburn, Man City or Everton and Portsmouth had six or seven
first-teamers out every week, I think they would have found it difficult.
"The fans were frustrated and upset a week ago and they let us know - but
when you sit down and analyse it, just look at the players we have had
missing." Curbishley added: "I have kept on about it for too long and it has
turned into a bit of a negative. Hopefully we can get them fit and ready for
pre-season."
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Toon Old Boy Thinks Man Utd Could Get A Shock! - NewcastleMad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Friday, 2nd May 2008
Newcastle play Chelsea and Nobby Solano's West Ham travel to Old Trafford at
the weekend ... and the ex-Toon winger thinks the top two had "better not
count their chickens". Solano: "We'll be taking on Man United before
Newcastle play Chelsea at St James's Park. "It's certainly going to be an
interesting weekend for all teams concerned. "I remember making my debut
against Chelsea and for some reason Newcastle's record seems to be quite
good against the Blues in recent years. "Both teams will have to play their
own game but the only thing you are thinking about as a player is winning.
"I have plenty of friends and contacts in Newcastle so I will be sitting
back to watch the game. "Hopefully, after a good performance for West Ham.
"If both teams win, it will be an interesting finish to the season at the
top."
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