Manu vs Arsenal
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Fergie To Stick With Young Guns
Giuseppe Rossi In With Starting Chance
"Rossi comes into the picture [against Arsenal]. We've been really impressed with him."
Sir Alex Ferguson is pondering starting United youngsters Giuseppe Rossi and Chris Eagles in United's Carling Cup clash with Arsenal on Wednesday night.
The Reds boss confirmed to reporters he will field a similar side to the one deployed against Crystal Palace in the last round of the competition, adding that both young forward Rossi and midfielder Eagles have a chance of making the starting eleven.
"I will play the same squad as against Crystal Palace, albeit with Louis Saha not involved," confirmed the boss. "Young Giuseppe Rossi comes into the picture, as does Chris Eagles.
"Rossi is one we would like to include," said Ferguson. "He has impressed us with the games he has played since he arrived at the club from Italy. Rossi, Gerard Pique and Floribert N'Galula have been absolutely fantastic. WeÂ’re very pleased with them.
"You always learn about your players in these matches. It is an area where you can test the players; test their character, their temperament and their ability to play at the top level. ItÂ’s a great moment for all the young players here."
There has been a buzz around the club and among supporters about RossiÂ’s performances in the reserves this season. Chris Eagles has also been receiving positive reviews for his displays for UnitedÂ’s second string.
"Young Giuseppe Rossi comes into the picture. He has impressed us since he arrived at the club from Italy."
Sir Alex Ferguson
Rossi, a 17-year-old summer signing from Serie A side Parma, does not turn 18 until February but has earned himself a place in the managerÂ’s plans for the quarter final clash with Arsenal.
And it may be the ideal time to include the younger players in the squad. A run of seven matches unbeaten in November will have doubtless filtered down through the squad and is a far better environment for the young players to gain first-team experience.
"YouÂ’re seeing the return of confidence," remarked Sir Alex ahead of the game. "There is no doubt that has played a part. With the return of confidence you see the results we are getting now."
The Reds boss expects his opposite number at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, to stick to his policy of using young players in the competition when he brings his team to Old Trafford.
"It's really good to see the young players getting a chance. It's a fantastic opportunity to show the manager they are good enough."
Rio Ferdinand
"I think he will keep to his promise," Sir Alex said. "I only know of one or two of their young players. They have got some good, impressive results against Everton and Manchester City.
"It will be a game of high quality and I am looking forward to it. ItÂ’s the quarter final of the league cup, so you expect it to be a competitive game.
"It doesnÂ’t matter who you play against or what game it is. On Tuesday night there is Fulham-Chelsea and Watford-Portsmouth, on Wednesday there is Tottenham-Liverpool. You have a chance of getting to the semi final and everyone wants to get there.
"I think whoever wins our game has a great chance of reaching the final," he added. -
Clichy, Smith return for Old Trafford Quarter-Final
Arsène Wenger has named his usual youthful squad for the Carling Cup Quarter-Final at Old Trafford.
In an exclusive video interview with Arsenal PLUS on Tuesday afternoon, the manager spoke about the 16 players he will take to Manchester United tomorrow.
He said: “I feel there are many players in there who are close to Premier League level. They have earned their chance and it would be unfair not to give them the opportunity to show how good they are.”
Gael Clichy is back after an ankle injury and Frankie Simek has also returned from his loan spell at QPR. There was also a surprise when Ryan Smith was named. The 17-year-old winger hobbled off with a knee injury during the victory against Everton in the last round.
“It was a big relief to see that Ryan would not be out,” said the manager. “But he is a little short of fitness because he only returned to full training yesterday."
Pascal Cygan is not available and the big centre back is likely to be sidelined for the game against Birmingham as well.
“Pascal has a back problem he got when we travelled to Eindhoven,” said Wenger. “He will be back soon but he will not be available for tomorrow and Saturday.” -
Clichy, Smith return for Old Trafford Quarter-Final
Arsène Wenger has named his usual youthful squad for the Carling Cup Quarter-Final at Old Trafford.
In an exclusive video interview with Arsenal PLUS on Tuesday afternoon, the manager spoke about the 16 players he will take to Manchester United tomorrow.
He said: “I feel there are many players in there who are close to Premier League level. They have earned their chance and it would be unfair not to give them the opportunity to show how good they are.”
Gael Clichy is back after an ankle injury and Frankie Simek has also returned from his loan spell at QPR. There was also a surprise when Ryan Smith was named. The 17-year-old winger hobbled off with a knee injury during the victory against Everton in the last round.
“It was a big relief to see that Ryan would not be out,” said the manager. “But he is a little short of fitness because he only returned to full training yesterday."
Pascal Cygan is not available and the big centre back is likely to be sidelined for the game against Birmingham as well.
“Pascal has a back problem he got when we travelled to Eindhoven,” said Wenger. “He will be back soon but he will not be available for tomorrow and Saturday.” -
Clichy, Smith return for Old Trafford Quarter-Final
Arsène Wenger has named his usual youthful squad for the Carling Cup Quarter-Final at Old Trafford.
In an exclusive video interview with Arsenal PLUS on Tuesday afternoon, the manager spoke about the 16 players he will take to Manchester United tomorrow.
He said: “I feel there are many players in there who are close to Premier League level. They have earned their chance and it would be unfair not to give them the opportunity to show how good they are.”
Gael Clichy is back after an ankle injury and Frankie Simek has also returned from his loan spell at QPR. There was also a surprise when Ryan Smith was named. The 17-year-old winger hobbled off with a knee injury during the victory against Everton in the last round.
“It was a big relief to see that Ryan would not be out,” said the manager. “But he is a little short of fitness because he only returned to full training yesterday."
Pascal Cygan is not available and the big centre back is likely to be sidelined for the game against Birmingham as well.
“Pascal has a back problem he got when we travelled to Eindhoven,” said Wenger. “He will be back soon but he will not be available for tomorrow and Saturday.” -
Man Utd vs Arsenal
Youngsters Giuseppe Rossi and Chris Eagles may start for Manchester United.
Rossi, 17, has impressed at junior and reserve-team level and with Louis Saha sidelined with a knee injury, Rossi could partner Alan Smith in attack.
A second-string Arsenal side will be without Pascal Cygan, who has a back problem, but Gael Clichy returns.
Robin van Persie and Jermaine Pennant are the most experienced players in a squad also including Ryan Smith and Frankie Simek. -
League E LEAGUE CUP
Match MANCHESTER UTD vs ARSENAL
Match No. 1004
Sales Close ^ 01/12/04 9:00PM
1X2
Home 2.08 <1.92>
Draw 3.20 <3.40>
Away 2.97 <3.18>
1/2 GOAL
Home MANCHESTER UTD (-1½) 4.20 <3.50>
Away ARSENAL (+1½) 1.16 <1.23>
TOTAL GOALS
No. of Goals
0 7.50 <7.50>
1 4.30 <4.30>
2 3.50 <3.70>
3 3.70 <3.70>
4 5.60 <5.50>
5 9.40 <9.00>
6 19.00 <17.00>
7 38.00 <33.00>
8 75.00 <80.00>
9+ 95.00 <110.00>
HALF / FULL TIME DOUBLE
Selection
H-H 3.95 <3.30>
H-D 11.00 <13.00>
H-A 16.00 <20.00>
D-H 4.60 <4.85>
D-D 5.60 <5.50>
D-A 5.70 <6.30>
A-H 18.00 <19.00>
A-D 13.50 <14.00>
A-A 6.40 <5.90> -
Arsenal win / draw
-
2004/2005
English Premier Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal 24-10-2004
FA Community Shield Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United 08-08-2004
2003/2004
English FA Cup Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United 03-04-2004
English Premier Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United 28-03-2004
English Premier Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal 21-09-2003
FA Community Shield Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal 10-08-2003
2002/2003
English Premier Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United 16-04-2003
English FA Cup Manchester United 0-2 Arsenal 15-02-2003
English Premier Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal 07-12-2002
2001/2002
English Premier Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal 08-05-2002
English Premier Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United 25-11-2001
English League Cup Arsenal 4-0 Manchester United 05-11-2001
2000/2001
English Premier Manchester United 6-1 Arsenal 25-02-2001
English Premier Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United 01-10-2000
1999/2000
English Premier Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal 24-01-2000
English Premier Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United 22-08-1999
FA Community Shield Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United 01-08-1999 -
Wenger names young squad
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been true to his word and named a young and inexperienced squad to travel to Old Trafford in the Carling Cup.
The Gunners head for Manchester on Wednesday with the same faces that have disposed of both Manchester City and Everton in previous rounds.
Arsenal's second string have looked imperious against Premiership opposition in the competition thus far but will be without one of their more experienced heads, Pascal Cygan, in midweek.
A back complaint has forced the Frenchman to the sidelines and his absence will be a major blow for Wenger, as he looks for an experienced senior figure to guide his youngsters.
Exciting prospect Gael Clichy returns after an ankle injury, while Ryan Smith, who injured his knee ligaments against Everton in the previous round, also makes a comeback.
It is expected that Dutchman Robin van Persie and Jermaine Pennant will be the only two familiar faces in the Arsenal line-up.
However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has also indicated that he will be fielding a side largely made up of inexperienced youngsters and those on the periphery of first team football. -
Fergie sticking to policy
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will stick with an under-strength squad for the Carling Cup tie with Arsenal.
The Old Trafford supremo could retain Wes Brown from the line-up that triumphed at West Brom, although the England international may shift to centre back.
Giuseppe Rossi, who came on as a late substitute against Crystal Palace in the previous round, and miskicked a volley as the ball dropped to him from a difficult height, is pushing David Bellion for the right to partner Alan Smith up front.
"I will play the same squad as against Crystal Palace, albeit with Louis Saha not involved," explained Ferguson on the eve of the live Sky Sports 2 encounter. "Young Giuseppe Rossi comes into the picture, as does Chris Eagles.
"Rossi is one we would like to include. He has impressed us with the games he has played since he arrived at the club from Italy.
"Rossi, Gerard Pique and Floribert N'Galula have been absolutely fantastic. WeÂ’re very pleased with them.
"You always learn about your young players in the Carling Cup.
"It is the area where we try to test them. We test their character, we test their temperament, we test their ability to play at the top level.
"It is great for all young players here.
"Of course the game will be competitive. It is the quarter finals of the League Cup so you can expect a competitive game.
"It doesn't matter who you play against. We have a chance to get into the semi-final and everyone wants to get there.
"Whoever wins tomorrow has a great chance of getting to the final."
With Arsene Wenger naming a shadow squad for Wednesday's clash, Ferguson is sure to urge the likes of Kleberson, Phil Neville and John O'Shea to make a real impact in the game.
Tim Howard will start in goal and Kieron Richardson should also play after scoring against Palace and looking lively in the reserves recently.
Talented defenders Jonathan Spector and Pique will also be in Ferguson's thinking.
Meanwhile, Cambridge United keeper John Ruddy will represent The Red devils' reserve side this week.
The England Under-19 youngster has been on trial at Old Trafford. -
Man Utd vs Arsenal
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Carling Cup is the perfect competition to test the character of his rising young stars.
Considering the fractious nature of the club's relationship with Arsenal there is little doubt their mental strength will be stretched to the full when the teams meet in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
It is the first time Ferguson and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger have faced each other since October 24 in a Barclays Premiership match which was riddled with bad blood and accusations.
There was talk that Arsenal players had thrown pizza and soup at Ferguson after his team ended Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten league run.
Given the average age of both sides in the Carling Cup, lemonade and ice cream is more likely to be on the menu this time around.
Of the side that defeated West Brom at the weekend, only Wes Brown is expected to remain in the United starting line-up against Arsenal.
Ferguson expects his team to rise to the challenge.
"You always learn about your young players in the Carling Cup," he said.
"It is the area where we try to test them. We test their character, we test their temperament, we test their ability to play at the top level. It is great for all young players here.
"Of course the game will be competitive. It is the quarter-finals of the League Cup, so you can expect a competitive game. It doesn't matter who you play against.
"We have a chance to get into the semi-final and everyone wants to get there.
"Whoever wins has a great chance of getting to the final."
Ferguson will stick with the squad that defeated Crystal Palace in the last round, bar the injured Louis Saha, and give a rest to the majority of his senior players ahead of the league match against Southampton.
He could give starts to promising youngsters Giuseppe Rossi and Chris Eagles.
Rossi, 17, has impressed at junior and reserve-team level since his arrival from Parma in the summer and might partner Alan Smith in attack.
Meanwhile, defender Pascal Cygan has added to Arsenal's injury problems after being ruled out of the clash.
Cygan was expected to be one of just a few experienced figures in the second-string Arsenal side, but he has joined the likes of Gilberto Silva and Edu on the sidelines with a back problem.
Full-back Gael Clichy returns after an ankle injury, while there is a surprise inclusion for Ryan Smith, who injured his knee ligaments against Everton in the previous round, and Frankie Simek is back after a loan spell at QPR.
But Robin van Persie and Jermaine Pennant are perhaps the only two well-known names in what will be a very inexperienced line-up at Old Trafford. -
Wenger Calls On Youth
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will rely on youth for Wednesday's Carling Cup clash with Manchester United
"I feel there are many players in there who are close to Premier League level," Wenger said on the Gunners' web site. "They have earned their chance and it would be unfair not to give them the opportunity to show how good they are.”
Similarly youthful sides have impressively gotten the job done so far for the Frenchman, but in the Red devils they face a stiff task.
Robin van Persie leads the list of Arsenal youngsters, which also includes another exciting attacking prospect in Arturo Lupoli. -
Ferguson Anticipates High Octane Clash With Arsenal
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects Wednesday nightÂ’s Carling Cup quarter-final against Arsenal at Old Trafford to be another highly-charged affair between two clubs who tend not to have low-key meetings.
Although both Ferguson and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger will continue their policy of fielding fringe players and youngsters in this particular competition, all clashes between these two rivals have become potentially explosive.
Ferguson said: "It is the quarter-finals of the League Cup, so you can expect a competitive game. It doesnÂ’t matter who you play against.
"ItÂ’s a chance to get into the semi-final and everyone wants to get there."
Ferguson admitted he did not much about most of the players who have taken Arsenal into the last eight.
"I only know one or two of them but they have had impressive results against Everton and Man City," he said.
"It will be a game of high quality and I am looking forward to it."
United may pair striker Alan Smith with 17-year-old Guiseppe Rossi in attack.
"We have been impressed with Rossi in all his games for the club. We are very pleased with him," Ferguson said of the teenager who joined United from Parma in the summer.
Rossi could find himself in opposition to another 17-year-old former Parma striker, Arturo Lupoli, who scored twice against Everton in the previous round. Lupoli also came to England in the summer. -
Injuries - Arsenal FC
PASCAL CYGAN
November 30, 2004
Pascal Cygan is not available for the Carling Cup and the big centre back is likely to be sidelined for the game against Birmingham as well. “Pascal has a back problem he got when we travelled to Eindhoven,” said Wenger. “He will be back soon but he will not be available for tomorrow and Saturday.”
GAEL CLICHY
November 30, 2004
Gael Clichy is back after an ankle injury and has been named in the Carling Cup squad to take on Manchester United.
RYAN SMITH
November 30, 2004
Ryan Smith has also been named in the Carling Cup squad for Old Trafford. The 17-year-old winger hobbled off with a knee injury during the victory against Everton in the last round. “It was a big relief to see that Ryan would not be out,” said the manager. “But he is a little short of fitness because he only returned to full training yesterday."
DENNIS BERGKAMP
November 26, 2004
Dennis Bergkamp sustained a minor Achilles injury during the 1-1 draw against West Brom and missed the Champions League game in Eindhoven and the match at Liverpool.
EDU
November 26, 2004
Edu broke a bone in his toe against Everton in the Carling Cup. "Edu will out for three more weeks," said Wenger ahead of the Liverpool game on November 28.
GILBERTO
November 26, 2004
Gilberto has an injury to one of his vertebrae. The Club will assess his condition early in the New Year.
JEREMIE ALIADIERE
September 9, 2004
Jeremie Aliadiere has a knee injury. Wenger: "Jeremie had surgery so we are without him until March or April." -
Probable Line Ups
Man Utd (from): Howard, P Neville, Brown, O'Shea, Fortune, Fletcher, Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Richardson, Smith, Bellion, Spector, Eagles, Rossi, Ricardo, Ngalula.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Wright, van Persie, Flamini, Senderos, Pennant, Clichy, Hoyte, Cregg, Djourou, Larsson, Lupoli, Owusu-Abeyie, Simek, Karbassiyoon, Smith.