Rooney key to Man Utd title charge, says Fergie

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against Fulham during their English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. (REUTERS)

Feels England striker could pip Van Persie for top award

 

Sir Alex Ferguson believes a more mature Wayne Rooney is key for Manchester United as the champions look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League against Blackburn on Monday.
An intense title battle with Manchester City looks to have swung United's way after their local rivals were held to a 3-3 draw by Sunderland at Eastlands on Saturday.
United have a two-point lead at the top and can take what may prove a decisive five-point advantage if they win at Ewood Park.
The home meeting with struggling Rovers on New Year's Eve saw Blackburn record a stunning 3-2 victory over a United side from which Rooney was missing, having been dropped for breaking a club curfew over the holiday period.
But, whatever the England striker's disagreement with Ferguson at that point, his form in 2012 has been little short of stunning and 17 goals in as many appearances - coupled with improved discipline on the field - suggest Rooney will be a pivotal figure if the Red Devils are to hold onto their crown.
"He's doing well. He's scored 17 out of 17. I hope he gets to 40," said Ferguson of Rooney, who has a total of 29 goals to date this season.
"Eight games left, averaging a goal a game, you'd take that wouldn't you? There could be games when he might get two.
"He could even pip (Arsenal's) Robin van Persie to Player of the Year but can only do that if he keeps scoring right up to the end.
"You always say there's a maturity about players when they get to their mid-20s. There's an ability and authority and timing comes into their play.
"They are able to control themselves and experience helps. Everyone matures. We're all different in our mid-20s compared to our teenage days."
Ferguson will come face to face with fellow Scotsman Steve Kean at Ewood on Monday and has paid tribute to the job carried out by the Blackburn manager in the face of long-term criticism, and even protests against him, from Rovers supporters.
"You know how things can change? Because you dig in and don't let them get to you," said Ferguson.
"Now no-one talks about those fans having protests, marches and all the rest of it.
"He's held his dignity very, very well and he deserves absolute 100 per cent praise from everyone, including his own supporters who, I'm sure, a lot of them will be saying to themselves, 'I wish I hadn't done that'.
"Because he's certainly shown his mettle in those times when it was difficult for him."
Meanwhile, Morten Gamst Pedersen has revealed Blackburn are not frightened of facing in-form United as Rovers look to pull off a double over the Premier League title chasers.
"We are facing a team who are doing well at the moment," the Rovers winger said. "They caught up loads of points on City so the machine is starting to go for United. It is going to be a very tough game.
"If you are going to be frightened you have lost before the game has started. It is always going to be a tough game.
"You have to face it that it is going to be Man United. But you cannot be scared.
"You are the underdogs, you just relax. We know it is going to be tough, of course, but that's the funny thing in football, you never know."

SRK rescues Katrina Kaif from frenzied crowd

Shahrukh Khan is known to be very protective of his female co-stars and he displayed this attitude of his when he came to Katrina Kaif’s rescue at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport. Both the stars were in London for the shooting of Yash Chopra’s untitled film. After the 35-day schedule, arrived at the airport in the middle of the night but their mere few minutes’ presence created a mini frenzy at the airport.
Katrina upon her arrival decided to walk straight to her car whereas Shahrukh chose to speak to media about shooting and his blockbuster film RaOne’s animator Charu Khandal.
When the crowd pressed too close to Katrina Kaif, SRK quickly came forward and shielded her from the crowd, physically keeping people away from her. He kept his arms around the actress and escorted her till her car.
It may be mentioned here that SRK and Salman Khan are not on very good terms and as Salman’s girlfriend, Katrina had always avoided working with SRK. Now, they are working together under Yash Raj banner and initially, there were rumours in the media that the SRK-Kat starrer film will be named London Ishq but Shahrukh has denied any such claims.

United stay top as City draw

United's campaign to win a 20th league title received an unexpected boost on Saturday afternoon when rivals Manchester City dropped two home points.

The Blues, in fact, came very close to suffering a first home league defeat for 15 months as they were trailing 3-1 with six minutes to go. Roberto Mancini's men dramatically dragged themselves level with Mario Balotelli's second goal of the game and Aleksandar Kolarov's equaliser immediately afterwards.
Sunderland had previously seemed well set to become the first away team to win at the Etihad Stadium in the league since Everton triumphed 2-1 on 20 December 2010. Even though Balotelli's first goal, a penalty, cancelled out Sebastian Larsson's opener, the Black Cats went back in front on the brink of half-time thanks to a close-range header from former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.
Larsson's second goal of the game, ten minutes after the interval, put daylight between the sides. Roberto Mancini, already missing the injured Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri, then withdrew his
early-season talisman David Silva to send on Carlos Tevez. The change seemed ineffective, however, until the Blues bagged the quickfire double late on and there was certainly no fairytale finish for City with a winner proving elusive.
The 3-3 draw leaves Mancini's men two points behind United having played one more match. It means the Reds could be five points clear at kick-off against QPR on Easter Sunday, after travelling to Blackburn Rovers for the game in hand on Monday night.
Three of Saturday's other results were bad for Blackburn, who are now out of the relegation zone by virtue of goals scored only. QPR are level with them on points and goal difference after they surprisingly beat Arsenal 2-1 at Loftus Road and Wigan Athletic also have 28 points after they beat Stoke City 2-1 at home. Bolton moved above Rovers  after winning 3-2 at bottom club Wolves.

Classic Penalty Shootout – Manchester United vs Chelsea 2008

 A Champions League Final featuring two English teams to be decided by penalties?

Yes, please – you’ve got to love the drama if you’re a neutral.

There’s really something for everybody here – Cristiano Ronaldo looking like he’s about to cry after being denied by Petr Cech, John Terry stumbling over his lines with the trophy there for the taking, Owen Hargreaves scoring probably the best penalty an Englishman has ever taken…
One night in Russia

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Sonal and Neil not hiding their relationship anymore

The rumoured couple Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan were seen in no mood to hide their relationship anymore

Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan are hell-bent on painting the town red.

The rumoured couple was spotted at a nightspot in Kala Ghoda over the weekend. They seemed to be living it up even though a bunch of friends accompanied them.

Says an onlooker, "They appeared to be having a good time together. From their behaviour, it certainly looked that the two are throwing caution to the wind.

They did not care that there were people around or they were being watched. Or anyone would take snapshots of them."

Adds the onlooker, "They both came together at the lounge bar and were there for a considerable time. As the place did not have too many Bollywood folk hanging out there were at ease laughing and chatting away."

Earlier in the evening both the actors were spotted at a fashion event in the suburbs.

But strangely they did not arrive together due to the media presence. They made sure that they came separately at different timings and left too separately.

It appears that the two hooked up later and drove down to south Mumbai for a night out.

For the past month there has been buzz about Sonal and Neil doing the B-Town rounds.

The two were also spotted together at the recent Dheeraj Deshmukh-Honey Bhagnani's sangeet.

The two who were mere acquaintances seemed to have been bonding big time lately ever since Sonal was a guest at Neil's house party. The actors remained unavailable for comment.

Man United ready to launch title sprint: Fergie

10 March 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson believes that West Brom’s visit to Manchester United starts a crucial period in his attempts to keep the Premier League title at Old Trafford.

United were beaten 3-2 by Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie at home on Thursday night.

But their form in the Premier League has been imperious since their 3-0 defeat at Newcastle on January 4.

They have dropped just two points - coming from three goals down to earn a 3-3 draw at Chelsea - in the last seven games.

After West Brom, United face Wolves, Fulham, Blackburn, QPR, Wigan and Aston Villa in the build-up to the vital match at Premier League leaders Manchester City on April 30.

Ferguson claimed that last week’s trip to Tottenham, which produced a 3-1 win, was going to be crucial for setting up this phase of fixtures and if they can achieve maximum points from these seven matches they will pile the pressure on City.

The United manager, whose team have won 10 of their 13 home matches this season, has admitted that the deficit ahead of next week’s trip to Atletic could cause him to rest players against West Brom.

But he will be desperate for a victory to keep up with City, who have a two-point advantage ahead of their trip to Swansea.

He could recall Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes for the home game against the Baggies, who have won their last three matches.

“The players know the challenge is there and we have a great opportunity to kick on after the great result at Spurs and hopefully we’ll manage to do that,” Ferguson said.

“I’ll make one or two changes. Scholes is available and so are Nani and Rio Ferdinand to get the freshness back in.

“West Brom are in a bit of form. But we’re at home and we’re expected to win our games at home and hopefully we can put Thursday’s result behind us.”

Chris Smalling is doubtful with a head knock and the game is likely to come too soon for midfielder Tom Cleverley, who has been out with an ankle injury.

Antonio Valenica and Michael Owen are still out, while Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher have both been ruled out for the rest of the season.

James Morrison has challenged West Brom to target a Europa League spot within the next year and hopes such ambitions will be enough to persuade Roy Hodgson to remain at the helm.

Head coach Hodgson continues to be linked with the England job vacated by Fabio Capello and is viewed as a viable alternative to favourite Harry Redknapp.

The 64-year-old has turned around the Baggies’ fortunes since his arrival 14 months ago but is out of contract in the summer.

“In recent weeks people have just been focused on playing football,” said Morrison. “The results overtake the manager’s situation. If we were losing then maybe it might come into things.

“But I think the gaffer is shrewd enough to know what he’s doing. I think he is really enjoying it here. So if everyone can stay together I’m sure the gaffer will be here.

“We finished 11^th and we’re tenth now, with a quarter of the season still to go. If we can kick on from there you never know what might happen next season.

“The Europa League is definitely something we can look towards next year if we can get more players in. If we got into Europe I’m sure the gaffer would be satisfied with that job.”

Hodgson will be without Steven Reid due to an ankle problem.

'EVRA TRICKED US OVER HANDSHAKE' SAYS JOHNSON

Glen Johnson has reignited the Luis Suarez row

LEN Johnson has reignited the Luis Suarez race row, claiming Patrice Evra tricked his Liverpool team-mate into not shaking hands. Johnson said: "Evra was clever. If I wanted to shake your hand I would stick it right out in front of me. But if my hand is down almost by my side, then it's because I really don't want to shake your hand.

"Luis didn't shake his hand because Evra's hand was down there. What else is Luis supposed to do? Would you go to shake someone's hand if their hand is way down there by their side?

"Course not. But then because Luis didn't do it. Evra has pulled him back by his arm as he walked on as if to say to everybody; 'Look I wanted to shake  his hand and he didn't...'

He's following Luis with his eyes as if to say: 'Right, he's gone, he's gone past, I'll pull him back now...'

"Evra probably stayed up all night thinking about how to do that. The whole thing was ridiculous."

Johnson also denied Suarez racially abused Evra, saying: "I work with the lad every day. There is no way he said that."

Are Chelsea the new Manchester United?

Chelsea have made a decision, whether it is a good one or not remains to be seen, but one thing is perfectly clear, Roman Abramovich buckles to public opinion. When the grumbles start to fly around Stamford Bridge, the P45 is usually heading towards the manager. This is him disguising the fact that Chelsea's problems are all Mr Abramovich's fault. The mess they are now in all comes down to his personal falling out with Jose Mourinho and the eventual departure of the self styled 'special one' in September 2007.

Villas Boas can only have been appointed manager at Chelsea for one reason, and that must have been to build a new, young squad of his own. There is no other reason to appoint such a young manager. The fact that Abramovich has turned his back on that after a dodgy couple of months is laughable. There is always going  to be a period of transition whilst a new team is formed. Arsenal have been in one for about 6 years now. Liverpool for approaching 25.

People may say 'What about Man Utd, they don't seem to have a period of transition?', but it is Man Utd that I most closely associate Chelsea's current situation with. Not Manchester United of now, obviously, but Manchester United 1972-1989, a team unable to cope with the pressure of emulating the great team of 1968. A team left to grow old together, instead of gradually being broken up and rebuilt without anyone really noticing. A club where the big names of the past made it almost impossible to succeed.

The problem Chelsea have is that the make up of the current squad still contains 4 senior members of the 2005 -2006 Champions winning squad. A team afforded legendary status by Chelsea fans brought up on Eddie Nzedwiecki, Kevin Wilson and Steve Wicks. These players are untouchable at Stamford Bridge, and have created a situation where they can't be left out without the manager immediately being under pressure. These players are growing old and their performances are not what they once were.( In fact out of the 4, Frank Lampard (the player most commonly dropped by Villas Boas) is the only one playing anywhere near his original level.) Yet, there are no suitable replacements coming through. The youth system at Chelsea creates next to nothing, and any available top player would probably see other clubs as more forward thinking. What I find most amusing is that certain players seem desperate to see Mourinho back in charge. If he was, Terry, Cech, Drogba and Lampard would be unceremoniously dropped and released. I am certain of that. They would have gone last season if Mourinho was still there.

Chelsea need change if they are to remain at the top. They can't just hope that another great team comes along because it won't. Whoever the man is who gets the job, they will need 4 things to help them succeed:

Stability - no great change can be achieved in 9 months. The new man will need at least 2 season to get anywhere.

Cash - Roman had better be prepared to open his wallet. £200 million might enable them to keep sight of the Mancunian rears before they disappear beyond the horizon.

Support - The manager must be backed to the hilt. If he wants John Terry to go he must be allowed to send him on his way. I'm sure JT could do  a job at West Ham for a year or two.

The Mark Robins moment - At some stage, some player will have to stand up and be counted in a crucial game. I wouldn't back on anyone doing that right now.
Finally, if Chelsea really aren't going to spend 25 years in the doldrums, they'd better hope they don't get Fulham at home on the last day of the season. Damian Duff backheel anyone?

De Gea wants 'second Champions League' win

Manchester United news: David de Gea wants Europa League victory as consolation for Champions League failure

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is desperate to win his second Europa League title but believes the competition is getting more difficult.
The Spaniard was part of the Atletico Madrid side that beat Fulham in Hamburg in the 2010 final and wants to do the same with the Red Devils, though admits the nature of United’s entry into the competition is making the prospect of triumph significantly tougher.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stages and had to dispense with a Dutch giants Ajax, who were entered into Europe’s second tier competition similarly.
“I think this competition has become a second Champions League. There are great teams and strong rivals. It will be difficult to win it,” he said in the Manchester Evening News.
United welcome Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford for the first leg of their last-16 tie this Thursday and the 21-year-old insisted they must concentrate of winning this competition, while also admitting they should not be there in the first place.
“Yes, we were eliminated by Basel in the Champions League, but they are tough, as demonstrated by them winning against Bayern in the first leg of the last 16,” he added.
“But there are no excuses. United had to be in the next phase and we could not get it. Now we must focus on this title.”
United will be hoping there is no repeat of their last appearance in the Europa League at Old Trafford, when they lost 2-1 to Ajax but still went through due to winning the away leg 2-0.

 

Why is Nargis Fakhri so miffed?

It's been a month since Nargis Fakhri returned to Mumbai from her long holiday after Rockstar, and she sure is getting a taste of Bollywood.

A panchchi overheard her telling a friend at an event that she was extremely unhappy about all the talks of her being offered Race 2 and declining it.

She had apparently only met the producers and discussed the possibility of working together in the future.

Welcome to Bollywood, Nargis!

New York’s Best Bars for Watching British Football

Rosie, rooting for Tottenham, and Mark, rooting for Manchester United, at Brooklyn’s Black Horse Pub.
“A true Londoner would never support Manchester United, I was told,” Craig Taylor writes in this week’s London-centric issue of the magazine. When I ran into my friend Sulimon on Sunday at Brooklyn’s Black Horse Pub to watch Man U. play my team, Tottenham Hotspur, he disagreed. Born and bred in Brixton, Sulimon resolutely counts himself as a true Londoner — but he has been a United supporter since age 5. “A true Mancunian can never be a United supporter,” he said by way of correction. “They’re all Man City supporters. The rest of the country supports United.” Fighting words.
Still, London clubs currently account for 5 of the 20 teams in the Barclays Premier League, the highest stratum of British football: Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur. Here in New York, transplanted Londoners and their American sympathizers come together at bars, often at appallingly early weekend morning hours — 7:45 kickoff, anyone? — to watch their teams play in the company of fellow fans. Here’s a primer of where to go, by team preference:
Arsenal: The NYC Arsenal Supporters club watches at the Blind Pig, 233 East 14th Street, in Manhattan. Another local Arsenal fan club, NY Gooners, convenes at Legends, 6 West 33rd Street, where the beloved former Nevada Smith’s barman Jack Keane started the Football Factory — a home away from home for fans of a multitude of international teams, showing more than 100 matches every week.
Chelsea or Fulham: The Football Factory is also the preferred meeting place for the New York Blues, a substantial local Chelsea supporters’ club, as well as for fans of Chelsea’s neighboring Fulham F.C.
Queens Park Rangers: Devotees of this new addition to the Premier League congregate at Veronica’s Bar, 34-04 36th Avenue, in Queens.
Tottenham: The NY Spurs supporters’ club takes in weekend matches at Floyd, 131 Atlantic Avenue, in Brooklyn, and the rarer weekday games at Manhattan’s Perdition, 692 10th Avenue. I prefer the low-key scene at the Black Horse at 568 Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn. It’s a welcoming spot for fans of many teams — there’s a good mix — but Spurs supporters always make a good showing (in no small part because Brian, the owner, is one of us).
Some fans prefer to watch in the comfort and isolation of their own living rooms — undisturbed by the chatter of strangers and free to chew their fingernails off and curse at the television in privacy. I love the camaraderie at a good soccer bar, where we can rejoice, lament, cheer, cringe, argue and drink together. On Sunday, there was no rejoicing for me: my beloved Spurs played well but lost to Man U., 3-1. Sulimon and I politely shook hands. And Mark, another United supporter in the house (shown with me in the photo above), was gracious enough to treat me to a pint. It helped take the edge off.
What about those of you in the rest of the country? Where do you go to cheer on the world’s game?

Rio praises De Gea impact

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand pays tribute to David de Gea 

 

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed the impact of under-fire goalkeeper David de Gea following a string of fine performances.
The young shot-stopper was heavily criticised earlier in the season after high-profile mistakes against Blackburn cost United precious points in their battle with cross city rivals Manchester City.
However, Rio praised De Gea's character and commitment to improving his game.

Speaking to MUTV Ferdinand said: "David de Gea's made some good strides in goal. He's learning, he wants to be a better keeper and wants to improve and that's vital in a young player's make-up."
The Spanish under-21 international has made a series of top saves in recent weeks, including a vital stop from a Mata free kick against Chelsea and an accomplished performance against Norwich.
The much criticised keeper had endured a tough start to his Old Trafford career after signing in the summer from Atletico Madrid for €20 million. However, De Gea continued his recent fine form against Tottenham on Sunday, receiving considerable praise for one sharp reflex stop from a deflected Jake Livermore shot in the second half.
Speaking after the Spurs game Ferdinand credited the United back line for providing the foundation for the win, saying: "You've got to make sure you defend well if you're going to come away with anything.
"Jonny [Evans] played really well again and I thought the whole team defended well to be honest."
United have 11 matches remaining this season and look well placed to mount a strong title charge, with the majority of their remaining games against sides mid table or below.
As such the April 30 showdown against Manchester City looks increasingly likely to determine which side of Manchester the trophy finally ends upon.

Sneha goes raunchy, posts a sensuous video

It seems Sneha Ullal – best known for her role in the Telugu film Ullasamga Utsahamga and Simha – is in too much hurry to change her image on-screen from a girl-next-door to a sexy and sizzling babe.

The 26-year-old actress posted a raunchy and sensuous video featuring her titled ‘Lick’. The video was apparently shot by a photographer friend of hers and it was absolutely unplanned. Rather it happens to be a spur-of-the-moment act shot in her hotel suite in Hyderabad on a day when she had an off due to rains.

The actress, who got noticed after her debut movie with Salman Khan ‘Lucky: No Time for Love’ for her oh-so-similar appearance to acclaimed actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was quoted by a newspaper as saying that she had no intentions of sharing the video, however, her photographer friend put it on a networking site after which it made its way to a video sharing site.

The video had her in a white almost-transparent shirt-top and she can be seen sensuously cuddling on her bed. While talking to the same newspaper, she refused to term the video ‘sleazy’ and rather claimed that only those who are not familiar with Hollywood films will tag it seedy.

It is rumored that her friendship at college with Salman Khan’s younger sister Arpita Khan led her to grab the role of ‘Lucky in the film.

King annoyed by lapses

Spurs centre-back admits Man Utd loss was hard to take

Ledley King: Believes Tottenham must learn to keep their focus at all times

Ledley King has admitted Tottenham need to learn lessons from the loss to Manchester United after seeing defensive mistakes punished.

Spurs appeared to be on top during the first half of Sunday's game at White Hart Lane but fell behind on the stroke of half-time when Wayne Rooney headed in Ashley Young's corner.
Tottenham tried to respond at the start of the second period but a quick-fire double from Young sealed victory for United, with the final score 3-1 after a late Jermain Defoe consolation.
While United took their goals well, King was left frustrated by the lapses in concentration that allowed them to happen.
And the centre-back has called on his team-mates to keep their focus in future to avoid suffering such painful defeats.
"It's tough to take because I thought for the majority of the game we gave a good account of ourselves," King told the club's official website.

Regroup

"But if you fall asleep at vital times you will get punished.
"We conceded the first goal at a bad time. That was disappointing, a free header in the six-yard box shouldn't be happening.
"We tried to regroup, tried to come out and perform again, tried to lift ourselves and we did that, but went to sleep on a throw-in.
"You won't beat teams like United unless you are fully concentrated for the full 90 minutes, and that was a bit of a lesson.
"You can't fault our work-rate but it's those moments that make all the difference."

Team lineups: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United 04 Mar 2012

Tottenham Hotspur                        v                              Manchester United  

Starting line-ups                                      Starting line-ups
24	Brad Friedel                                                           1David De Gea
26	Ledley King                                                            5Rio Ferdinand
32	Benoit Assou-Ekotto                                              3Patrice Evra
28	Kyle Walker                                                           6Jonny Evans
4	Younes Kaboul                                                       4Phil Jones
14	Luka Modric                                                          22Paul Scholes
7	Aaron Lennon                                                        25Luis Antonio Valencia
29	Jake Livermore                                                      16Michael Carrick
30	Sandro Ranieri Guimarães Cordeiro                       18Ashley Young
15	Louis Saha                                                             10Wayne Rooney
10	Emmanuel Adebayor                                              19Danny Welbeck
Substitutes                                                                Substitutes
20	Michael Dawson                                                    14Javier Hernández
17	Giovani dos Santos                                                 20Fabio Pereira da Silva
23	Carlo Cudicini                                                        11Ryan Giggs
21	Niko Kranjcar                                                        8Anderson Oliveira
18	Jermain Defoe                                                        13Ji-Sung Park
25	Danny Rose                                                           40Ben Amos
33	Ryan Nelsen                                                          21Rafael Pereira da Silva

  

Carrick: Now it's serious

"We have a decent record down there. It doesn't count for much on Sunday but, over the years, we have done quite well."
- Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick admits that United are ready for the serious business of the title run-in - starting with Sunday's match at Tottenham.The dramatic win at Norwich kept Manchester City within touching distance at the top of the table and matches do not come much harder than the journey to third-placed Spurs. The elegant midfielder is aware that the Reds have a fantastic record against his former club but admits that will mean little this weekend.
"We see this as a big game," stated Carrick. "It is always a good game when we go to Tottenham. It is two teams that play good football and try to play the right way. Over the years, there have been some classic games. We have a decent record down there. It doesn't count for much on Sunday but, over the years, we have done quite well.
"At this time of the season, it starts getting serious. Wins and draws can make a huge difference. You saw last week how we responded and won the game and what it meant to everyone. We will be looking to do the same again."
Spurs have a number of top-quality players and United will need to be in top form to come away from White Hart Lane with a positive result.
"You look at Gareth Bale, Luka Modric," said Carrick. "Scott Parker has been playing well. Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha as well, the way he has settled in so quickly and started scoring goals. We all know here what a big threat he can be. Throughout the width of the pitch we have attacking threats as well as being good defensively. The balance of the team is really good and shows in their results.

Tottenham v Man United: Giggs and Scholes v Bale and Modric plus more key battles assessed

Tottenham, still hoping to edge third place in the Premier League ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, host title chasing Man United at White Hart Lane. talkSPORT looks at the game's key battles...

Spurs' CENTRE BACKS V ROONEY AND YOUNG
A fit again Wayne Rooney coupled with the attacking threat of Ashley Young will present any defence with problems, even those featuring the power and strength of Younes Kaboul, Ryan Nelsen and the composed displays of Ledley King and Michael Dawson. Young played and scored for England during the 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands, while in Rooney's last Premier League outing, he scored both goals in United's 2-1 win against Liverpool. Those aforementioned assured performances from King and Dawson will be vital in shutting out Rooney, who has 17 goals this season, if Tottenham want to put an end to their 11-year streak without a win against the 19-time champions. Beware of the late goal, mind. Just ask Norwich, Bayern, Liverpool, Man City... you see where we are coming from.
VERDICT: There will be goals, but nothing like the five that Arsenal put past Spurs

SPURS' MIDFIELD MAESTROS V UNITED'S AGEING SUPERSTARS
It's the ageing stars that the lauded Tottenham midfield will have to be wary of. Scott Parker is suspended so the job of shackling Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes may rest with Sandro. Giggs has scored more goals against Spurs than he has against any other opponent and both he and Scholes scored United's only goals in Spurs' last two wins in this fixture way back in 1999 and 2001 respectively, where both games ended in 3-1 defeats. Michael Carrick has been impressive this season, as has Nani, but they will all have their hands full with Spurs' Croatian ace Luka Modric and manager Harry Redknapp may throw in Aaron Lennon - an unused substitute against Arsenal - to cause problems for Patrice Evra down the right following his return from a hamstring injury.
VERDICT: Age and experience to edge youth and skill

BALE, ADEBAYOR AND SAHA V UNITED'S DEFENCE
Despite Rafael Van Der Vaart's absence, Tottenham have plenty of options in attack with Gareth Bale, whose injury concerns were rubbished by his manager Harry Redknapp, supporting goal scorers Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha, who is set to play against his former club. Chris Smalling is unlikely to be risked following his clash of heads with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on international duty, but Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans will need to be on high alert as will United's full-backs and we should not forget Jermain Defoe, whose England ambitions mean he will be desperate to get on and score.
VERDICT: United have the strength but Spurs have the pace and skill to counter

PREDICTION: If Tottenham are going to finally beat Man United, this season in front of their own fans is as good a chance as any. The trouble is, Man United are closing in on the title once more and there is no worse time to play Fergie's team than when the season is approaching its final straight and they can scent blood. Spurs have what it takes to beat any team on their day, but Redknapp's men will do well not to lose this one.

LAST FIVE
TOTTENHAM: WDWDL
MAN UNITED: DWWLW

Odds (Ladbrokes)
Tottenham: 9/5
Draw: 9/4
Man United: 6/4

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United: Live Score, Analysis, Recap

Can Spurs get up off the mat? Can United keep up with City?
Sunday will be a day of questions for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. And it turns out the two clubs will be asking them of each other.
Spurs host United on Sunday for a crucial English Premier League match. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. Eastern with American TV coverage on Fox Soccer Channel.
Last week, Spurs lost 5-2 at Arsenal after taking a 2-0 first-half lead. United are unbeaten in their last six league games, but they trail crosstown rivals and league leaders Manchester City by five points after City's 2-0 win over Bolton on Saturday.
Both teams need the points. Who will take them?
We'll all find out tomorrow.

'Hi sexy!' Sexist comment or compliment?

The word 'sexy' crept into the Indian lexicon a long time ago, but it continues to create ripples in a society where the conservative goes hand in hand with the modern. Some find it outrageous and derogatory while others say it is important to see how the term is used.

The renewed debate comes after Mamta Sharma, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), said: "If a group of boys eve-teases you by calling you sexy, you should not get provoked and instead you should take it positively."

Smriti Irani, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) All India Mahila Morcha, finds Sharma's statement irresponsible and derogatory.

"It's extremely unfortunate that a woman of this stature has come up with such a remark. Being the NCW chairperson, it was her duty to talk in a responsible manner. With this statement, she has made a derogatory remark about the entire women's community. It is absolutely outrageous to get comment like this from any man. It is objectionable and disrespectful," Irani told IANS.

Irani feels such remarks will add to crimes. Despite several new initiatives by Delhi Police, the year 2011 saw a significant rise in the number of rape and molestation cases - 568 rape cases were reported last year compared to 507 in the previous year.

Sharma later regretted her remark saying, "If the remarks caused offence to anyone, I apologise and withdraw any mention of it."

Social activist Nafisa Ali agrees with Irani but respects Sharma's apology.

"I think the word 'sexy' is derogatory for women but if Mamta said sorry then I don't have any problem. I think she also highlighted that men should take care of words while talking to women," Ali told IANS.

Actress and anchor Pooja Bedi says what is important is the manner in which such words are used.

"Sexy is an adjective and one that denotes physical beauty. I think the important aspect is not 'what' is said but 'how' it is said. If the eyes rove lecherously and the facial expression is sleazy, then it's pure harassment," Bedi said.

"But someone randomly shouting it or stating it in a complimentary manner is something one can choose to ignore or smile and thank," she said.

In the last few years, filmdom has gone bold and brazen when it comes to the use of slangs. In 1994, a song titled "Sexy, sexy, sexy mujhe log bole", featuring Karisma Kapoor, had to be changed to "Baby, baby, baby..." after the word 'sexy' created an uproar.

So is Bollywood responsible for popularising such words?

Item girl Rakhi Sawant, known for making headlines with her bold statements, said: "Such remarks are perfectly fine as long as they are not from an unknown guy. In fact, there are many girls who are offended when a guy doesn't notice them. I don't think there is anything wrong when someone calls you sexy. After all, you are sexy!"

 Pakistani actress Veena Malik says 'sexy' is a beautiful word.

"When men call a girl or woman 'sexy', I feel it's a compliment and every girl should believe that she is hot and sexy. They should not feel bad or offended because it's a beautiful word. I personally feel great when men compliment me with such words. I hear these compliments almost every day. It's so common," she added.

Former Miss India and model Shonal Rawat feels in today's time "when modern girls work so hard on their bodies, compliments like 'sexy' could be termed as a confidence booster."

"Getting such compliments from acquaintances gives a boost to the personality and from strangers too, it is fine unless he harms you."

Perhaps model-actress Sophie Chaudhary hits bull's eye when she says Indian men should first learn how to compliment a woman.

"I don't think there is anything wrong. But there is a way of saying everything and that's something, unfortunately, our Indian men need to learn. There is a way to talk to a girl, complimenting a girl," the 31-year-old actor told IANS.

"Even if they are saying you are looking sexy, it should not be sleazy, it should not be tacky. If it's said genuinely and nicely, then it is definitely a compliment."

Oldham sign Manchester United midfielder Reece Brown

Oldham Athletic have signed Manchester United midfielder Reece Brown on a one-month loan deal.

Brown, 20, who is the younger brother of Sunderland defender Wes, could make his Latics debut in Saturday's clash against high-flying Sheffield United.
He told the club website:  "I have reached the age where I need to be playing first team games.
"It is a privilege to play here, to help the team and learn from playing proper men's football."

When Vidya Balan almost died

Sujoy Ghosh saved the actress at the nick of time as she almost fell onto the Metro rail tracks in Kolkata while they shot for 'Kahaani'.

Vidya Balan almost fell on the tracks while shooting for her upcoming release, Kahaani at a Kolkata metro station. Fortunately, the director Sujoy Ghosh came to her rescue and saved her from falling onto the tracks.

Recalling the incident Ghosh says, "When we were shooting we had security guards across the platform. It went pitch perfect, not a single thing out of place.

While we were paying attention, amidst all this, the only person we forgot was Vidya (laughs). But she is an adult. She is supposed to take care of herself. There was a scene where she was running backwards on the platform.

She bumped against a weighing machine. She tripped and was about to fall onto the tracks. Seeing that she was about to fall, we immediately rushed to her. When she acts, she acts and forgets everything else."

Ghosh says, "There was nothing heroic about it. Since I was behind the camera I could see what was going to happen. I just had the quick sight to rush and save her from falling."

So did the incident cause an interruption? The director explains, "Balan is like 'Oh cool I got saved, lets get back on the job.'"

"You take a lot of precautions for other people but you take your own folk for granted. We took the precaution for everybody else. We just forgot Balan," he adds.

He signs off saying, "Kahani was shot in real time. We shot during Durga Puja. When you are shooting in real time, you shoot with real people who don't know what's going on. One of our challenges was to be on our best behaviour."

Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Manchester United are undefeated in their last 25 matches against Tottenham Hotspur in all competitions. United will be looking to improve this with a win against Spurs this Sunday afternoon at White Hart Lane.

Team News

Tottenham should have Gareth Bale available after he missed Wales’ friendly with Costa Rica due to a hamstring problem. Rafael van der Vaart and Kyle Walker should also be available after they both pulled out of their international squads.
The hosts will be missing Scott Parker, who was sent off during their 5-2 loss against Arsenal last weekend.
Wayne Rooney has trained all week for Man United and will return to the squad. Manchester United will be without both Tom Cleverley and Antonio Valencia.
Chris Smalling is doubtful after picking up a head injury during England’s 3-2 loss to Holland midweek. Michael Owen has returned to training but will not feature.

League Form

Manchester United have the best form in the Premier League, winning five of their last six games. Tottenham are halfway down the form table after winning two, drawing two and losing two of their last six games.
Spurs: DLWDWL
United: WWWDWW

Most Recent Meeting

The last time the two clubs met was back on the 22nd August 2011, which saw Man United beat Tottenham 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Danny Welbeck opened up the scoring on the 61st minute, United’s second came on the 76th minute via Anderson. Wayne Rooney finished off the scoring three minutes before full-time.

Head-To-Head

Man United and Tottenham have played each other a total of 175 times, which have seen 83 Man United wins, 46 Tottenham wins and 46 draws.

Referee

Martin Atkinson will referee Sunday’s clash. So far this season Atkinson has refereed 29 games, showing 107 yellow cards and nine red cards.
Atkinson is yet to referee a match involving Man United this season, he has taken charge of one involving Spurs, which was their 2-0 win over Everton.

Rivals

Top of the table Manchester City have a chance to go five points clear of Man United if they beat Bolton at home Saturday afternoon. Arsenal play Liverpool at Anfield in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.