Predictable as Ferguson and Benitez

The moment the ball flew off Didier Drogba's boot and rifled in to the back of Edwin van Der Sar's net, with the heavy suspicion of offside, I knew, predictably, that Ferguson would instantaneously begin rehearsing his ensuing wrath about the officials for the post match press conference.

The replays, as expected confirmed that the linesmen had made a glaring mistake, and I am sure the incrimination, would have had the offending man in black panic stricken, also bringing in to question his chosen profession. Why on earth would you be a linesman?? Is this not a job that could have been replaced by a more efficient and accurate machine? Holes in the wall can dispense cash, arguably with more polite delivery than their human counterparts, so why is there not a machine that can judge offsides? Failing robotic linesmen, at least give them the use of a video replay.

Carry on reading >>

Are United taking the Michael?

Evidently its not a whined up, and Michael Owen has indeed signed for Manchester United. To be honest its not the biggest shock I have ever witnessed, as it was something I was banging on about a couple of weeks ago, that I thought Rafa should have been doing himself. Unfortunately my managerial prowess was aligned only with Fergie and not Rafa.

I had hoped, that with the shortage in the Liverpool front line, it could have been patched up with the signing of Owen on a free, just as we saw Robbie Fowler making the miraculous return to Anfield a couple of years ago. And, like the United deal, it would have to have been like phone credit, play as you go.

Ferguson has shown another piece of shrewd business, as this signing really is a win win. If Owen stays fit, they have a world class striker who always scores where ever he goes, and if he ends up sleeping on the treatment table while medics fondle his stocky legs, then United won't have to shell out 100 grand-plus, a week on wages.

Couple Owen's signing, and much of the 80m sterling lying around Old Trafford piggy banks, and it is a worrying proposition as to who else might join the Champions. Owen is obviously not the answer to Ronaldo's departure but he does now cover the hole left by Tevez.

Seeing the pictures of Owen in a United jersey, scarf aloft, albeit in a half assed hollow way, may have been just about the last act he could do, to severe any remaining Liverpool loyalty, but I can't say I really blame him. His career needs to be reignited and seeing him playing at Hull would have arguably been an even sadder story.

It will be an eerie sight seeing him play for United, so I will try and keep my memory from being perverted and stick to reminiscing his goals for Liverpool, just like his debut goal against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. You could tell then that he had something, and I think he's still got it. Mark my worlds he will bang in the goals next season. Small print: all emphatic statements are subject to Michael Owen staying fit longer than it takes to read this disclaimer!!!

I couldn't find his debut goal, so we will have to make do with "that goal" in 98'. I just love the way he goes past Ayala, as if the defender is rooted to the spot.

The Ronaldo Theatre of Sanctuary

The formula would appear to be very simple, score over 20 goals a season and gain immunity from Alex Ferguson's gum chewing wrath. Perhaps in the privacy of the changing room, Cristiano Ronaldo's claim of sanctuary may not be quite so safe.

In the public arena however, Ferguson and all of Ronaldo's followers will blissfully ignore the petulance shown after being substituted during the Manchester derby, arguing it demonstrates just how much the "boy" wants to play, and his passion for the Manchester United cause.

From the enlightened neutrals perspective though, Ronaldo's antics make it increasingly difficult to appreciate his talent. Obviously, no player wants to be substituted with half an hour still on the clock in a derby match, and plenty will illustrate their dissatisfaction, but snatching your coat from the hospitable kit bag guy, and then pouting in the dug out for rest of the game, was naive at best and disrespectful at worst, and didn't win over any opposition fans who just jump at the chance to have a pop at the Worlds best player. Much as I am doing right now.

Being a Liverpool supporter, having any admiration for a United player, irrespective of the undoubted talent is hard to concede, and in Ronaldo, we have the unfortunate combination of talent and over inflated ego in equal proportion. In Ronaldo's defense, being popular among non Trafford devotees, is probably not among his top concerns. The same can be said for any professional, but others do manage to balance their talent and legions, while still earning respect even from their rivals.

Which, is why I have to do the disloyal deed, and heap praise on Carlos Tevez. Apart from Sheffield United fans, how can you not admire the guy? I was wondering how the acquisition of Berbatov last summer, would effect United's team line up and how they would cater for four quality forwards. Unfortunately for the hard working Tevez, it would appear, rather unfairly that his Goal haul the previous season didn't grant him immunity from Ferguson.

Despite all the pre-match tabloid squalor, prior to the Manchester derby, Tevez did start the match, and notably celebrated in Ferguson direction after scoring a cracking right foot effort, curled in off the post from the edge of the box. Such is the determination of Tevez, that he was even willing to head the post in an effort to get his second and a United third! Fortunately for Manchester City, the post won that battle against Tevez -this time.

For City, if they ever needed motivation in a derby, derailing United's Premier league title aspirations would suffice. Unfortunately, toothless finishing in front of goal by the Premier League's most expensive player Robinho, has already started the rumour mill that Tevez will be plying his trade over at Eastlands next season.

For all the Tevez brilliance, Ronaldo petulance and City impotence here are the highlights.

Manchester United V Manchester City

International Heart Break

Could the International break have come at a worse time? Just when the Premier League was finally coming to an exciting climax, with Manchester United at last proving they are human after all, we have to reassure our national legion's, and begin mumbling God save the Queen.

At least, this international break does have some significance for some nations, with a World Cup Qualifier being thrown in with a friendly. Did they think we wouldn't notice the friendly, or perhaps mistake it for another qualifier??

International friendlies are important, its just hard for the average fan to get excited about a game, whom's only reward is another cap for players, and on the rare occasion for managers to try out new players/tactics. If anything, I would advocate more friendlies, as in theory this would give players more International experience, and would provide the internationals managers a welcome break, from whatever it is they do for the rest of the year.

In reality, what little friendlies are played, end up being a very small window for experiment, meaning that we end up with what was so expertly demonstrated by then England Manager, Sven Goran Eriksson, making 11 changes plus at half time. Even the kit man got subbed, nobody was guaranteed a full 90 minutes!

The result of all this cramming, is the devaluing of the international friendly. You can hardly blame fans, who have in the past spent time and money on tickets, get disgruntled at the sight of their favourite players gingerly tip toeing around in fear that they might get a bollocking from their respective club manager if they fail to come back in one piece.

Ironically, I have to admit that while the distinct lack of enthusiasm shown by players can be an embarrassment to my nationality at times, I also find myself crossing my fingers, that upon their return, the club squad is left intact, especially at this time of the season.

In truth, over the startling and some what scary 20 years I have been a fan of the beautiful game (Italia 90' being where it all began), I have seen the slow shift in legions from country to beloved club, for both player and fan. As the old First Division was re-branded in to the Premier League shortly after Italia 90, the game has become far more professional, standards have been raised and with it, the amount of money sloshing around the footballing Industries coffers.

So, as we wait a whole 7 days for our next premier league fix, building enough paranoia to suggest the timing of the international break was a masterful plot by the Premier League to have us gasping for more, we are left to get a poor substitute in 'Arry and Fabs bickering over the fitness of Ledley King who must have been learning far too much from Darren "sicknote" Anderton in his academy days.

One person who will welcome the international distraction though, will be Sir Alex Ferguson. We all assumed that his refusal to speak to the press after the Liverpool game would have been a big enough signal to his team to refocus by the time they faced Fulham. Paul Scholes moment of madness amidst the complacency in which United started their game at Craven Cottage, being a stark reminder of assumptions being the mother of all F*@k ups, has shown even with the wealth of experience united possess, Ferguson actually has a challenge on his hands. A challenge he will be looking to reassert himself on during the shelter of the international break.

Mourinho Knock Out

Internazionale may have been knocked out by Manchester United in the last 16 round of the Champions League, but Jose Mourinho still managed a different kind of knock out of his own before departing Old Trafford.

A complaint was made by a supporter, alleging that the 'special one' had punched him on his way out of the stadium.

What ever the outcome of the allegation, the wounds will be felt most by Mourinho. Inter may be consistent season after season in Serie A, but the Italian media will be all over Jose after they failed to get pass the last 16. Maybe they should conduct the press conference in a ring?? Ding Ding.

Facing the current European and world champions, in this kind of form was always going to be a big ask, but Inter simply failed to capitalize on the chances they did create. After Vidic opened the scoring with what has become a trade mark header from a corner, Inter missed several chances, most notably through Zlatan Ibrahimovic's header hitting the bar and Dejan Stankovic' 25 yard effort curling just wide.

Inter were made to pay, as the sucker punch came right after half time with Ronaldo on the end of chipped cross by Rooney. Few teams come back at Old Trafford, after being 2 nil down and Adriano volley that hit the inside of the post late on proved to be the case once again.

Until the next Fergie-Mourinho sparring session, enjoy the highlights below....

Man Utd v Inter Milan

Fergie avoids kick in the teeth

Unfortunately for Liverpool and any other supporter hoping that United's ridiculous, but annual end of season good form is about to suffer from complacency, think again.

Talking about the Blackburn game, Ferguson describe the encounter as one that might need serious dental attention afterward. "This game can kick you in the teeth".

United lost a 12 point lead to Arsenal back in 1998. Ferguson's wealth of United title experience, allowing him to draw dressing room inspiration from over a decade ago. Its a great reminder for the united squad, not to take a rest, although Ferguson claims his side do not need one, "We don't need one anyway. These lads are young, fit and fresh. They can go the distance."

We come to expect this kind of posturing from Ferguson, especially as we get to the business end of the season. Its hard not to remain confident for United, who have not even conceded for 15 games, let alone loose. The almost arrogant, confidence will inspire his side and deflect pressure to United's title rivals.

Ferguson and his troops avoided the dental work, after one of Ronaldo's signature freekicks ensured the 3 points, giving United an 8 point gap at the table summit.

All eyes now turn to Anfield, where Liverpool take on United's neighbours, Manchester City. For a rare 90 minutes United will be supporting the sky blue half of the Manchester.

Ferguson is using the 12 points lost to Arsenal in 1998 to motivate his team, Liverpool will have to take the thought of loosing the bragging rights of the most league titles as their inspiration. The pressure is on, the manager mind games are in full swing and we still have over 30 points to squabble over.