Congratulations Manchester United!!!
Congratulations Manchester United!
RVP th score karala neh
Congratulations Manchester United!RVP th score karala neh
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AC Milan 5-1 Chievo: Rampant Rossoneri record biggest victory of season
Chievo had no answer for an impressive AC Milan team on Saturday afternoon, as the 2010-11 Serie A champions recorded their biggest win of the season with a 5-1 drubbing of the Verona side.
Urby Emanuelson, Ricardo Montolivo and Bojan were all on target in the first half before Stephan El Shaarawy sealed the triumph with a close-range finish, while Flying Donkey captain Sergio Pellisier briefly threatened to challenge the Rossoneri dominance with a header in the opening minutes.
Further pain was inflicted by Giampaolo Pazzini, who made it five in the dying seconds and completed the rout.
Looking to continue the recovery after such a disappointing start to the Serie A season, Milan quickly went onto the front foot against Chievo and dominated possession, albeit with few opportunities created during the opening exchanges. With 16 minutes played, however, and in one of their first forays into opposition territory, Massimiliano Allegri's men found themselves in the lead.
Marco Andreolli was caught out by a cross from Kevin Constant that looped in from deep on the left, and failed to get enough on the ball to clear it from danger. Urby Emanuelson was ready to punish the defender and executed a left-foot half-volley with power and precision to put the home side in front.
Two minutes after the Netherlands international had opened the scoring, the Flying Donkeys were given a chance to strike back from a corner. Luciano's delivery to the near post was not picked up by any player in red and black and it was club legend Sergio Pellisier who was the beneficiary, as he stole in front of Christian Abbiati to nod home.
10 minutes before halftime, San Siro exploded when its heroes retook the lead in the most exquisite fashion. A patient move passed through Bojan and Pazzini before ending up at the feet of Emanuelson, who had options in the area. The winger nevertheless decided to play the ball back for Ricardo Montolivo, and was rewarded when the midfielder released a stunning effort that gave Sorrentino no chance from outside the area.
Bojan extended the advantage to two with his own low stunner from deep, and Chievo looked in disarray trudging back down the tunnel 3-1 down.
The game was finally ended as a contest 15 minutes from the end. With the Chievo backline in severe disarray, Abate's low cross was picked up expertly by El Shaarawy who was left with a simple tap-in to add the fourth. There was no prospect of the away team coming back into proceedings, and both the youngster and Montolivo were taken off to a strong San Siro ovation as the Rossoneri celebrated a convincing win in front of their own fans.
The icing on the cake was provided by Pazzini, who met El Shaarawy's cross with a diving finish to add another and send the home support into raptures.
The three points temporarily move Milan into eighth place in Serie A, with nine games of the 11th round still to play. Chievo, meanwhile, stays in 15th, and could drop further should other results go against it at the foot of the table.
Chievo had no answer for an impressive AC Milan team on Saturday afternoon, as the 2010-11 Serie A champions recorded their biggest win of the season with a 5-1 drubbing of the Verona side.
Urby Emanuelson, Ricardo Montolivo and Bojan were all on target in the first half before Stephan El Shaarawy sealed the triumph with a close-range finish, while Flying Donkey captain Sergio Pellisier briefly threatened to challenge the Rossoneri dominance with a header in the opening minutes.
Further pain was inflicted by Giampaolo Pazzini, who made it five in the dying seconds and completed the rout.
Looking to continue the recovery after such a disappointing start to the Serie A season, Milan quickly went onto the front foot against Chievo and dominated possession, albeit with few opportunities created during the opening exchanges. With 16 minutes played, however, and in one of their first forays into opposition territory, Massimiliano Allegri's men found themselves in the lead.
Marco Andreolli was caught out by a cross from Kevin Constant that looped in from deep on the left, and failed to get enough on the ball to clear it from danger. Urby Emanuelson was ready to punish the defender and executed a left-foot half-volley with power and precision to put the home side in front.
Two minutes after the Netherlands international had opened the scoring, the Flying Donkeys were given a chance to strike back from a corner. Luciano's delivery to the near post was not picked up by any player in red and black and it was club legend Sergio Pellisier who was the beneficiary, as he stole in front of Christian Abbiati to nod home.
10 minutes before halftime, San Siro exploded when its heroes retook the lead in the most exquisite fashion. A patient move passed through Bojan and Pazzini before ending up at the feet of Emanuelson, who had options in the area. The winger nevertheless decided to play the ball back for Ricardo Montolivo, and was rewarded when the midfielder released a stunning effort that gave Sorrentino no chance from outside the area.
Bojan extended the advantage to two with his own low stunner from deep, and Chievo looked in disarray trudging back down the tunnel 3-1 down.
The game was finally ended as a contest 15 minutes from the end. With the Chievo backline in severe disarray, Abate's low cross was picked up expertly by El Shaarawy who was left with a simple tap-in to add the fourth. There was no prospect of the away team coming back into proceedings, and both the youngster and Montolivo were taken off to a strong San Siro ovation as the Rossoneri celebrated a convincing win in front of their own fans.
The icing on the cake was provided by Pazzini, who met El Shaarawy's cross with a diving finish to add another and send the home support into raptures.
The three points temporarily move Milan into eighth place in Serie A, with nine games of the 11th round still to play. Chievo, meanwhile, stays in 15th, and could drop further should other results go against it at the foot of the table.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Saint-Etienne: Ibrahimovic sees red as league leaders crash to defeat
Paris Saint-Germain lost its unbeaten Ligue 1 record on Saturday evening at Parc des Princes as it was defeated 2-1 by in-form Saint-Etienne. The fixture will be remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s dismissal midway through the second half.
There had been few suggestions that PSG had the imagination to break down the visitors in an engrossing first period, yet it still came as a shock when Mamadou Sakho put through his own net to give Sainte the lead.
Ibrahimovic’s red card for a reckless challenge on Stephane Ruffier was fully merited before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put the game beyond doubt moments later. Guillaume Hoarau restored some pride with an 88th-minute strike, but by that point the damage had been inflicted.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men had done just enough in midweek to elbow Olympique de Marseille out of the Coupe de la Ligue, but they were impressively contained by Sainte in the first half. Jeremy Menez was the liveliest of the home players, as he fashioned a good chance for Ibrahimovic after 11 minutes only for Ruffier to foil the Swede with a fine block.
That proved to be the only genuine opening of the first 45 minutes. A number of half chances followed, but Menez lifted a shot over from the edge of the box after dancing clear of a couple of challenges while Mamadou Sakho headed over following a corner from the ubiquitous winger.
Things really started to crumble for the capital club when Aubameyang was introduced from the Saint-Etienne bench. Within minutes of arriving on the field, the former AC Milan youth had broken the offside trap and centred with such ferocity that there was little Sakho could do to prevent the ball ricocheting off his leg and into his own net.
Ibrahimovic’s dismissal was the result of desperation as he leaped in an attempt to control a long ball through but succeeded only in clumsily delivering a flying kick to the midriff of Ruffier. After a brief delay to treat the goalkeeper, Ligue 1’s top scorer was brandished with a red card.
Aubameyang’s own exploits this season deserve credit, and the Gabon international came firmly into the spotlight when he added a second for the visitors shortly afterwards to kill the game off with 20 minutes to play. Mathieu Bodmer was carelessly robbed in the midfield, and Sainte ruthlessly exploited the break, with the striker left a simple tap-in.
With two minutes left, Hoarau's fine, late consolation merely served to remind his coach ahead of Ibrahimovic's impending ban.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains top of Ligue 1 for the time being, but Toulouse could steal its place if it overcomes Bordeaux on Sunday, while Saint-Etienne has moved to within four points of the summit thanks to a third win in its last four Championnat games.
Paris Saint-Germain lost its unbeaten Ligue 1 record on Saturday evening at Parc des Princes as it was defeated 2-1 by in-form Saint-Etienne. The fixture will be remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s dismissal midway through the second half.
There had been few suggestions that PSG had the imagination to break down the visitors in an engrossing first period, yet it still came as a shock when Mamadou Sakho put through his own net to give Sainte the lead.
Ibrahimovic’s red card for a reckless challenge on Stephane Ruffier was fully merited before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put the game beyond doubt moments later. Guillaume Hoarau restored some pride with an 88th-minute strike, but by that point the damage had been inflicted.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men had done just enough in midweek to elbow Olympique de Marseille out of the Coupe de la Ligue, but they were impressively contained by Sainte in the first half. Jeremy Menez was the liveliest of the home players, as he fashioned a good chance for Ibrahimovic after 11 minutes only for Ruffier to foil the Swede with a fine block.
That proved to be the only genuine opening of the first 45 minutes. A number of half chances followed, but Menez lifted a shot over from the edge of the box after dancing clear of a couple of challenges while Mamadou Sakho headed over following a corner from the ubiquitous winger.
Things really started to crumble for the capital club when Aubameyang was introduced from the Saint-Etienne bench. Within minutes of arriving on the field, the former AC Milan youth had broken the offside trap and centred with such ferocity that there was little Sakho could do to prevent the ball ricocheting off his leg and into his own net.
Ibrahimovic’s dismissal was the result of desperation as he leaped in an attempt to control a long ball through but succeeded only in clumsily delivering a flying kick to the midriff of Ruffier. After a brief delay to treat the goalkeeper, Ligue 1’s top scorer was brandished with a red card.
Aubameyang’s own exploits this season deserve credit, and the Gabon international came firmly into the spotlight when he added a second for the visitors shortly afterwards to kill the game off with 20 minutes to play. Mathieu Bodmer was carelessly robbed in the midfield, and Sainte ruthlessly exploited the break, with the striker left a simple tap-in.
With two minutes left, Hoarau's fine, late consolation merely served to remind his coach ahead of Ibrahimovic's impending ban.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains top of Ligue 1 for the time being, but Toulouse could steal its place if it overcomes Bordeaux on Sunday, while Saint-Etienne has moved to within four points of the summit thanks to a third win in its last four Championnat games.
Van Persie hails 'special day'
Robin van Persie hailed Manchester United’s victory over his Arsenal as a “special day” after the 29-year-old scored against his former club.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners in a game they completely dominated after van Persie opened the scoring inside three minutes.
The Netherlands international has scored eight goals in 10 Premier League games for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and has now scored against all 20 of the clubs in the league, and he was very pleased to have registered against the Gunners.
“It was special day, and I think we played well,” he told Sky Sports. “We were a bit sloppy with chances; we should’ve scored two or three more. But in the end I’m happy with the three points and that’s what matters.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever played against my former club, because I only have three. Yes, it was a special day, but in the end it’s about the game like I said. We won it, and I’m pleased with that.”
When asked why he didn’t celebrate the goal against his former side, van Persie said: “I think it speaks for itself; I played there eight years. I had a fantastic time there. I respect the fans, the players, the manager, the whole club. So that’s why.”
Van Persie and Wayne Rooney have formed a fine partnership up front for the Red Devils, and the Netherlands striker believes he has found the reason why they are forming a potent double.
“We spoke about it last week, funnily enough, and I believe we are both nine-and-a-half, because we have two positions; both nine and 10. We both play a bit behind and a bit high up, and it seems to work well. I’m very happy with him and hopefully we can keep going.”
Robin van Persie hailed Manchester United’s victory over his Arsenal as a “special day” after the 29-year-old scored against his former club.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners in a game they completely dominated after van Persie opened the scoring inside three minutes.
The Netherlands international has scored eight goals in 10 Premier League games for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and has now scored against all 20 of the clubs in the league, and he was very pleased to have registered against the Gunners.
“It was special day, and I think we played well,” he told Sky Sports. “We were a bit sloppy with chances; we should’ve scored two or three more. But in the end I’m happy with the three points and that’s what matters.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever played against my former club, because I only have three. Yes, it was a special day, but in the end it’s about the game like I said. We won it, and I’m pleased with that.”
When asked why he didn’t celebrate the goal against his former side, van Persie said: “I think it speaks for itself; I played there eight years. I had a fantastic time there. I respect the fans, the players, the manager, the whole club. So that’s why.”
Van Persie and Wayne Rooney have formed a fine partnership up front for the Red Devils, and the Netherlands striker believes he has found the reason why they are forming a potent double.
“We spoke about it last week, funnily enough, and I believe we are both nine-and-a-half, because we have two positions; both nine and 10. We both play a bit behind and a bit high up, and it seems to work well. I’m very happy with him and hopefully we can keep going.”
That Robin van Persie would score against the club where he spent eight years felt strangely inevitable. That he did it in such a comfortable 2-1 victory for Manchester United would have made it all the more painful for Arsenal supporters who watched their side finish the game with 10 men.
The Dutchman took just three minutes to open the scoring on his first appearance against Arsenal since his 24 million pound summer move before Wayne Rooney missed a glorious chance to double the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.
Patrice Evra effectively sealed the victory with a 66th minute header to take United to the top of the Premier League for at least a few hours ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Swansea.
A miserable day for Arsenal was completed when it was forced to play the final 21 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of Jack Wilshere for a second booking before Santi Cazorla scored a consolation strike with the last kick of the game.
It may not have been pretty, but United was able to swat aside opponents once regarded as its greatest competitors. The 3,000 Gunners supporters in the stadium once again made clear their frustration, singling out chief executive Ivan Gazidis and chanting ‘we want our Arsenal back’.
Sir Alex Ferguson chose to continue with the 4-4-2 formation used in the victory at Chelsea last Sunday, with van Persie partnering Rooney in attack, while Aaron Ramsey was the only starter for Arsenal who featured in last season’s humiliating 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
The Arsenal fans ignored Ferguson’s plea in his program notes to treat van Persie as “a hero”, instead booing their former captain and targeting him with vile chants.
It took just three minutes, though, for van Persie to provide his answer as he took advantage of woeful Arsenal defending to score his 10th goal of the season.
United right back Rafael exploited a gaping hole in the Gunners’ left back area and when Thomas Vermaelen failed to clear, the ball fell perfectly for van Persie to shoot low into the bottom corner with his right foot.
While Arsenal saw plenty of the ball in the opening period, it failed to create any chances of note and looked vulnerable defensively, with left back Andre Santos particularly woeful.
The Gunners had goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for keeping them in the game as the Italian made fine stops to prevent van Persie and then Rooney from doubling United’s advantage.
Then, on the stroke of halftime referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot after Santi Cazorla raised his arms and handled Ashley Young’s cross. United failed to take advantage, Rooney shooting wide of the left post from 12 yards, meaning the striker has now missed nine out of 26 penalties in his club career.
Arsenal improved after the break, with Olivier Giroud striking against the outside of the post from a tight angle, but in truth if always felt as though United was coasting towards a comfortable victory.
In the 66th minute, United found the second goal with a well-worked corner routine seconds after van Persie had forced Mannone into another excellent save.
From the resulting corner, Rooney played a one-two with Young and whipped in a vicious cross for Evra, the shortest man in the penalty area, to head home in the absence of any semblance of marking from the Arsenal defenders.
To add to the misery, Wilshere was sent-off three minutes for a second booking. The midfielder, who was booked in the first half for a late challenge on Tom Cleverley, could have no complaints after lunging in on Evra by the touchline.
The game then meandered to its conclusion before Cazorla scored a wonderful curling goal with the last kick of the match. It was nowhere near enough.
Mancini's first request to City's new sporting director: Get me Brazilian superstar Neymar
Neymar will be on the agenda when Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini holds talks with the club's new sporting director Txiki Begiristain this week.
Mancini covets the Brazilian ace more than any player in the world and sent his most trusted aide Attilio Lombardo on several scouting trips to South America to watch him.
Wanted: Brazilian forward Neymar
But there is confusion over the 20-year-old Santos striker's future, with big political pressure in Brazil to keep him in the country until they host the 2014 World Cup.
There have also been claims in Spain that Barcelona have paid a large down-payment to secure his signing.
It has left Mancini confused over whether City have a chance to sign a player regarded as the successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano as the world's best.
He hopes Begiristain, until recently sporting director at Barca, will provide some answers when he starts work at the Etihad this week.
'I have read that Barcelona have bought Neymar but I don't know if it is true,' said Mancini.
'But I am very happy to work now with the new sporting director because he may know situations that I don't, and we can move very quickly regarding some players.
'If we work well in the next three or four years, Manchester City can be very strong.'
Mancini will want to see action in the January transfer window regardless of whether Neymar is available.
City have one point from three Champions League games so far and face Ajax on Tuesday desperate for a win.
Neymar will be on the agenda when Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini holds talks with the club's new sporting director Txiki Begiristain this week.
Mancini covets the Brazilian ace more than any player in the world and sent his most trusted aide Attilio Lombardo on several scouting trips to South America to watch him.
Wanted: Brazilian forward Neymar
But there is confusion over the 20-year-old Santos striker's future, with big political pressure in Brazil to keep him in the country until they host the 2014 World Cup.
There have also been claims in Spain that Barcelona have paid a large down-payment to secure his signing.
It has left Mancini confused over whether City have a chance to sign a player regarded as the successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano as the world's best.
He hopes Begiristain, until recently sporting director at Barca, will provide some answers when he starts work at the Etihad this week.
'I have read that Barcelona have bought Neymar but I don't know if it is true,' said Mancini.
'But I am very happy to work now with the new sporting director because he may know situations that I don't, and we can move very quickly regarding some players.
'If we work well in the next three or four years, Manchester City can be very strong.'
Mancini will want to see action in the January transfer window regardless of whether Neymar is available.
City have one point from three Champions League games so far and face Ajax on Tuesday desperate for a win.
Valencia 2-0 Atletico Madrid: Soldado stunner and Valdez clincher end visitors' impressive unbeaten run
A sumptuous strike from Roberto Soldado and a late goal from Haedo Valdez ended Atletico Madrid's unbeaten run in La Liga as Valencia claimed its seventh win in eight matches.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, it took a moment of brilliance from the Spain striker to settle the matter, as he allowed Adil Ramis' long ball to drop over his shoulder before volleying into the far corner, leaving Thibault Courtois helpless between the posts.
Atletico responded and applied pressure throughout the second half but it was unable to make much headway in front of goal, and Valencia settled matters late on as Sofiane Feghouli played in Valdez to slot past Courtois and seal the points.
It was a game billed as a match up of two of the main pretenders to the Liga crown, featuring a fearsome battle of the number nines, as Soldado and Radamel Falcao vied for supremacy in front of goal.
The visitors were targeting a ninth victory from their opening ten matches in La Liga this season, which would have seen them better their start to their famous double-winning campaign of 1996, while the hosts were keen kick on up the table after recovering their form of late.
Atletico started proceedings brightly, with Falcao coming close with a range-finding free kick in the opening 15 minutes while Che keeper Diego Alves was forced into a couple of important punches from corners.
However, in a half bereft of clear-cut chances, it was Valencia's number nine who struck the first blow shortly before the half hour mark. Adil Ramis floated a superb long ball over the top of the Atleti defence, and Soldado watched it drop over his shoulder before volleying superbly across goal and into the far corner.
The match wound down somewhat towards the interval, but not before Manuel Pellegrini was sent to the stands after an exchange with the fourth official on the touchlines, as the tension of the match threatened to reach boiling point shortly before the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, as both sides struggled to create many meaningful chances.
Arda Turan came close after some clever interplay on the edge of the box but could only find the side netting, whilst Alves was called upon to punch an Emre free kick off the line.
Valencia seemed content to sit off and wait to launch a counterattack, with Andres Guardado coming close with a low drive from 20 yards.
Turan - Atletico's brightest player - hit a fearsome dipping effort which had Alves concerned, but the Turkey international was not able to find a way past the Brazilian stopper.
Valencia continued to frustrate the visitors, with the excellent combination of Ramis and Victor Ruiz consistently frustrating the efforts of Falcao and Adrian Lopez up front as Atleti surprisingly struggled to create any real chance of note in the second period.
With Simeone's charges desperately seeking that elusive equalizer, Valencia was always likely to get the chance to settle matters on the counter and, in the dying moments, Haedo Valdez did just that. Some superb control and a sliderule reverse pass from Sofiane Feghouli allowed Valdez to race clear on goal, and after a clever dummy sent him past Courtois, he slotted home into the unguarded net to seal the points for the hosts.
A sumptuous strike from Roberto Soldado and a late goal from Haedo Valdez ended Atletico Madrid's unbeaten run in La Liga as Valencia claimed its seventh win in eight matches.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, it took a moment of brilliance from the Spain striker to settle the matter, as he allowed Adil Ramis' long ball to drop over his shoulder before volleying into the far corner, leaving Thibault Courtois helpless between the posts.
Atletico responded and applied pressure throughout the second half but it was unable to make much headway in front of goal, and Valencia settled matters late on as Sofiane Feghouli played in Valdez to slot past Courtois and seal the points.
It was a game billed as a match up of two of the main pretenders to the Liga crown, featuring a fearsome battle of the number nines, as Soldado and Radamel Falcao vied for supremacy in front of goal.
The visitors were targeting a ninth victory from their opening ten matches in La Liga this season, which would have seen them better their start to their famous double-winning campaign of 1996, while the hosts were keen kick on up the table after recovering their form of late.
Atletico started proceedings brightly, with Falcao coming close with a range-finding free kick in the opening 15 minutes while Che keeper Diego Alves was forced into a couple of important punches from corners.
However, in a half bereft of clear-cut chances, it was Valencia's number nine who struck the first blow shortly before the half hour mark. Adil Ramis floated a superb long ball over the top of the Atleti defence, and Soldado watched it drop over his shoulder before volleying superbly across goal and into the far corner.
The match wound down somewhat towards the interval, but not before Manuel Pellegrini was sent to the stands after an exchange with the fourth official on the touchlines, as the tension of the match threatened to reach boiling point shortly before the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, as both sides struggled to create many meaningful chances.
Arda Turan came close after some clever interplay on the edge of the box but could only find the side netting, whilst Alves was called upon to punch an Emre free kick off the line.
Valencia seemed content to sit off and wait to launch a counterattack, with Andres Guardado coming close with a low drive from 20 yards.
Turan - Atletico's brightest player - hit a fearsome dipping effort which had Alves concerned, but the Turkey international was not able to find a way past the Brazilian stopper.
Valencia continued to frustrate the visitors, with the excellent combination of Ramis and Victor Ruiz consistently frustrating the efforts of Falcao and Adrian Lopez up front as Atleti surprisingly struggled to create any real chance of note in the second period.
With Simeone's charges desperately seeking that elusive equalizer, Valencia was always likely to get the chance to settle matters on the counter and, in the dying moments, Haedo Valdez did just that. Some superb control and a sliderule reverse pass from Sofiane Feghouli allowed Valdez to race clear on goal, and after a clever dummy sent him past Courtois, he slotted home into the unguarded net to seal the points for the hosts.
Juventus 1-3 Inter: Milito and Palacio end champion's unbeaten run
Inter underlined its Scudetto credentials by coming from behind to defeat reigning Serie A champion Juventus 3-1 in their top-of-the-table clash in Turin on Saturday night, thus ending its opponent's 49-game unbeaten run in the process.
The Nerazzurri had found themselves a goal down after just 19 seconds, with Arturo Vidal turning in Kwadwo Asamoah's shot/cross. However, Inter maintained its composure and more than played its part in absorbing first half before taking control of the proceedings after the interval.
The visitors deservedly drew level just before the hour mark courtesy of a penalty from Diego Milito and the Argentine struck again with just 15 minutes remaining after following up Fredy Guarin's drive. Juventus went in search of an equaliser but they were punished for pouring forward when Rodrigo Palaco stabbed the ball home to secure a victory which saw Inter reduce the Bianconeri's lead at the summit of Serie A to a solitary point.
The hosts could not have hoped for a better start to such an important fixture, stunning the in-form Nerazzurri with a goal inside the opening 20 seconds. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco exchanged passes in midfield before the former slipped the ball through for Asamoah. The Ghanaian was offside but the flagged stayed down and the former Udinese man benefitted from another huge stroke of luck when his awfully wayward attempt on goal was calmly turned in by the Vidal at the back post.
Credit to Inter, it responded well to such a devastating early setback, with Esteban Cambiasso, ably supported by Palacio, leading the backlash. However, Andrea Stramaccioni’s side would have fallen further behind seven minutes in had Samir Handanovic not produced a wonderful reaction save to deny Claudio Marchisio, who had met Andrea Pirlo’s sublime through-ball on the volley.
As it was, Inter continued to press and thought it had claimed a deserved equalizer when Palacio nodded home a Cambiasso free kick from wide on the right. However, the striker was deemed fractionally offside, which felt harsh given the nature of the game’s opening goal.
Inter just wasn’t getting the breaks, which was underlined again when Antonio Cassano unleashed a terrific curling effort from the edge of the area only to see the ball drift just wide of the far post with Gianluigi Buffon beaten all ends up.
The Nerazzurri should also have been given a helping hand shortly before the break when Stephan Lichsteiner - already on a booking for jumping into Cambiasso - floored Palacio with a horribly reckless challenge. The Swiss escaped with a talking-to, though, and that enabled Juventus to ensure that it would reach the interval with the lead intact and 11 men still on the field by replacing Lichsteiner with Martin Caceres almost immediately.
The Bianconeri made another change during the break, sending Nicklas Bendtner on in place of Vucinic, but it was Inter who looked the more likely to score next, with Palacio blazing over after being slipped in on goal by Diego Milito before Yuto Nagatomo drew a decent save out of Buffon after cutting in from the left wing.
An equalizer felt inevitable if Inter’s luck would only turn, and it did on 59 minutes when the officials did wonderfully well to spot Marchisio’s slight tug on Milito in the area. The hosts were incensed but the Argentine didn’t care and he converted the resulting spot kick with aplomb to finally draw Inter level.
The momentum was now all with Inter and it silenced Juventus Stadium when Milito struck again in the 75th minute, firing past Buffon after the goalkeeper had failed to parry Guarin's well-struck drive to safety.
Led by Andrea Pirlo, the home side tried to rally but it was stung on the counterattack in the final minute of normal time when Palacio controlled Nagatomo's clever through-ball before prodding it past Buffon to put the seal on Inter's eighth successive win in all competitions.
Inter underlined its Scudetto credentials by coming from behind to defeat reigning Serie A champion Juventus 3-1 in their top-of-the-table clash in Turin on Saturday night, thus ending its opponent's 49-game unbeaten run in the process.
The Nerazzurri had found themselves a goal down after just 19 seconds, with Arturo Vidal turning in Kwadwo Asamoah's shot/cross. However, Inter maintained its composure and more than played its part in absorbing first half before taking control of the proceedings after the interval.
The visitors deservedly drew level just before the hour mark courtesy of a penalty from Diego Milito and the Argentine struck again with just 15 minutes remaining after following up Fredy Guarin's drive. Juventus went in search of an equaliser but they were punished for pouring forward when Rodrigo Palaco stabbed the ball home to secure a victory which saw Inter reduce the Bianconeri's lead at the summit of Serie A to a solitary point.
The hosts could not have hoped for a better start to such an important fixture, stunning the in-form Nerazzurri with a goal inside the opening 20 seconds. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco exchanged passes in midfield before the former slipped the ball through for Asamoah. The Ghanaian was offside but the flagged stayed down and the former Udinese man benefitted from another huge stroke of luck when his awfully wayward attempt on goal was calmly turned in by the Vidal at the back post.
Credit to Inter, it responded well to such a devastating early setback, with Esteban Cambiasso, ably supported by Palacio, leading the backlash. However, Andrea Stramaccioni’s side would have fallen further behind seven minutes in had Samir Handanovic not produced a wonderful reaction save to deny Claudio Marchisio, who had met Andrea Pirlo’s sublime through-ball on the volley.
As it was, Inter continued to press and thought it had claimed a deserved equalizer when Palacio nodded home a Cambiasso free kick from wide on the right. However, the striker was deemed fractionally offside, which felt harsh given the nature of the game’s opening goal.
Inter just wasn’t getting the breaks, which was underlined again when Antonio Cassano unleashed a terrific curling effort from the edge of the area only to see the ball drift just wide of the far post with Gianluigi Buffon beaten all ends up.
The Nerazzurri should also have been given a helping hand shortly before the break when Stephan Lichsteiner - already on a booking for jumping into Cambiasso - floored Palacio with a horribly reckless challenge. The Swiss escaped with a talking-to, though, and that enabled Juventus to ensure that it would reach the interval with the lead intact and 11 men still on the field by replacing Lichsteiner with Martin Caceres almost immediately.
The Bianconeri made another change during the break, sending Nicklas Bendtner on in place of Vucinic, but it was Inter who looked the more likely to score next, with Palacio blazing over after being slipped in on goal by Diego Milito before Yuto Nagatomo drew a decent save out of Buffon after cutting in from the left wing.
An equalizer felt inevitable if Inter’s luck would only turn, and it did on 59 minutes when the officials did wonderfully well to spot Marchisio’s slight tug on Milito in the area. The hosts were incensed but the Argentine didn’t care and he converted the resulting spot kick with aplomb to finally draw Inter level.
The momentum was now all with Inter and it silenced Juventus Stadium when Milito struck again in the 75th minute, firing past Buffon after the goalkeeper had failed to parry Guarin's well-struck drive to safety.
Led by Andrea Pirlo, the home side tried to rally but it was stung on the counterattack in the final minute of normal time when Palacio controlled Nagatomo's clever through-ball before prodding it past Buffon to put the seal on Inter's eighth successive win in all competitions.
Real Madrid 4-0 Zaragoza: Higuain and Di Maria among scorers in routine win
Real Madrid made it five Liga games without defeat as it coasted to a straightforward 4-0 victory over Zaragoza at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In front of a rather hushed set of fans, two goals in quick succession, courtesy of Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria, ensured that Los Merengues took a two goal lead into the break.
The visitors were resurgent in the second half but Michael Essien and Luka Modric added a pair of late goals as Jose Mourinho earned his 100th win in charage of Madrid.
The game began at a relatively tepid tempo, with Zaragoza not afraid to push men forward and attack Los Blancos.
Yet Madrid looked more likely to score and after Di Maria wasted an early chance, he clipped a fantastic ball up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 14th minute. The Portuguese got between the defenders and headed it at goal but was unable to work Roberto Jimenez in the Blanquillos' goal.
The relatively muted atmosphere in the Bernabeu almost turned to stunned silence six minutes later though. Sergio Ramos' poor clearance fell straight to Helder Postiga but the defender's blushes were spared as Iker Casillas saved the Portuguese's effort with his legs.
Typically, Madrid countered with intent and in the 23rd minute it took the lead. Roberto did well to stop Raul Albiol's header from finding the back of the net but there was nothing he could do as Higuain lashed in the rebound from inside the six yard box.
The onslaught continued as it only took two minutes for the hosts to double their lead. Again, Roberto saved the initial effort but Di Maria fired home at the second time of asking.
Madrid was exploiting acres of space on the right and Ronaldo came close to making it three before the half hour mark, though his driven cross-goal effort flew narrowly wide of the post.
The hosts remained on top after the break but some resilient defending from the Blanquillos ensured that the deficit remained at two.
Zaragoza began to get a footing in the game but was denied a goal by a fantastic Casillas save in the 58th minute. Victor Fernandez shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a 20-yard effort for the far corner, only to see the keeper claw it aside.
The Spain international's goal came under real threat again moments later as Paco Montanes tested him with a long range strike before Jose Mari's deflected effort cannoned back off the crossbar with 25 minute remaining.
The visitors did manage to get the ball in the back of the net after a brilliant finish from Postiga but the goal was disallowed for a contentious offside decision.
Ronaldo rattled the bar with a swerving 85th-minute free kick but the third goal came two minutes from time as Essien slotted home following a swift counterattack.
There was still time for another as, in the second minute of stoppage time, Modric drilled a low effort from the top of the box past Roberto to add some gloss to the scoreline.
Victory sends Madrid above Malaga and into third position, however, it still sits a daunting eight points adrift of league leader Barcelona.
Real Madrid made it five Liga games without defeat as it coasted to a straightforward 4-0 victory over Zaragoza at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In front of a rather hushed set of fans, two goals in quick succession, courtesy of Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria, ensured that Los Merengues took a two goal lead into the break.
The visitors were resurgent in the second half but Michael Essien and Luka Modric added a pair of late goals as Jose Mourinho earned his 100th win in charage of Madrid.
The game began at a relatively tepid tempo, with Zaragoza not afraid to push men forward and attack Los Blancos.
Yet Madrid looked more likely to score and after Di Maria wasted an early chance, he clipped a fantastic ball up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 14th minute. The Portuguese got between the defenders and headed it at goal but was unable to work Roberto Jimenez in the Blanquillos' goal.
The relatively muted atmosphere in the Bernabeu almost turned to stunned silence six minutes later though. Sergio Ramos' poor clearance fell straight to Helder Postiga but the defender's blushes were spared as Iker Casillas saved the Portuguese's effort with his legs.
Typically, Madrid countered with intent and in the 23rd minute it took the lead. Roberto did well to stop Raul Albiol's header from finding the back of the net but there was nothing he could do as Higuain lashed in the rebound from inside the six yard box.
The onslaught continued as it only took two minutes for the hosts to double their lead. Again, Roberto saved the initial effort but Di Maria fired home at the second time of asking.
Madrid was exploiting acres of space on the right and Ronaldo came close to making it three before the half hour mark, though his driven cross-goal effort flew narrowly wide of the post.
The hosts remained on top after the break but some resilient defending from the Blanquillos ensured that the deficit remained at two.
Zaragoza began to get a footing in the game but was denied a goal by a fantastic Casillas save in the 58th minute. Victor Fernandez shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a 20-yard effort for the far corner, only to see the keeper claw it aside.
The Spain international's goal came under real threat again moments later as Paco Montanes tested him with a long range strike before Jose Mari's deflected effort cannoned back off the crossbar with 25 minute remaining.
The visitors did manage to get the ball in the back of the net after a brilliant finish from Postiga but the goal was disallowed for a contentious offside decision.
Ronaldo rattled the bar with a swerving 85th-minute free kick but the third goal came two minutes from time as Essien slotted home following a swift counterattack.
There was still time for another as, in the second minute of stoppage time, Modric drilled a low effort from the top of the box past Roberto to add some gloss to the scoreline.
Victory sends Madrid above Malaga and into third position, however, it still sits a daunting eight points adrift of league leader Barcelona.
Hamburg 0-3 Bayern: Schweinsteiger, Kroos and Muller return Bavarians to winning ways
Bayern Munich extended its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to seven points after comfortably beating Hamburg 3-0 in a game where the home side provided little in the way of resistance.
Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos wrapped up the three points for Jupp Heynckes men, in what has been a perfect weekend for the Munich side.
After a closely contested opening, with its fair share of mistimed challenges and corners, Hamburg was the first team to carve out a respectable chance in the 13th minute.
Rafael Van der Vaart almost caught out Manuel Neuer at his front post with a first time strike, but Dante unknowingly blocked the effort, deflecting it out for a corner. Tomas Rincon struck a powerful 30-yard drive from the resulting set piece, which whistled past Bayern's post.
David Alaba and Franck Ribery were at the heart of the away side's creativity, as Bayern almost exclusively used its left flank to exploit Dennis Diekmeier.
The young fullback was responsible for Bayern's first shot on target, and provided service for an isolated Mario Mandzukic, while Ribery's drove at his marker throughout the first half and enjoyed great success.
Between its 13th minute flurry of action and the halftime whistle, Hamburg failed to create any chances, and Bayern's domination came to fruition in the 39th minute.
Kroos rounded Rene Adler, after a quick break from the away side, and looked to have wasted the opportunity to score, having taken the ball extremely wide. Instead of firing an effort at goal from a narrow angle, the midfielder chose to take his time and picked out a great cross to find Schweinsteiger at the back post, who threw himself at the ball to nod his side into a deserved halftime lead.
Hamburg boss Thorsten Fink threw on Artoms Rudnecvs at the interval to try and change the momentum of the game, but Bayern continued in the same vein as the first, with Mario Mandzukic spurning a great chance to double its lead in the 46th minute, as Adler saved brilliantly to deny the Croatian.
Muller made no mistake a minute later, however, with a phenomenal finish. The Germany international took a poor touch and raced to prevent the ball from going out for a goal kick, but then turned quickly and curled a breathtaking effort just inside Adler's back post from a seemingly impossible angle.
In the 53rd minute, Bayern was celebrating again, as Hamburg began to implode. After a delicate through ball from Ribery, Kroos hammered an effort into the roof of the net from close range, leaving Adler no chance and his side a lot to do to turn the game around.
Although the Rothosen saw more of the ball in the second half, chances were scarce, and a long-range strike from Van der Vaart was Neuer's only real save of note in a forgettable game for the home side.
A disappointing performance for Fink's side, which stays eighth, as Bayern goes well clear of second-placed Schalke.
Bayern Munich extended its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to seven points after comfortably beating Hamburg 3-0 in a game where the home side provided little in the way of resistance.
Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos wrapped up the three points for Jupp Heynckes men, in what has been a perfect weekend for the Munich side.
After a closely contested opening, with its fair share of mistimed challenges and corners, Hamburg was the first team to carve out a respectable chance in the 13th minute.
Rafael Van der Vaart almost caught out Manuel Neuer at his front post with a first time strike, but Dante unknowingly blocked the effort, deflecting it out for a corner. Tomas Rincon struck a powerful 30-yard drive from the resulting set piece, which whistled past Bayern's post.
David Alaba and Franck Ribery were at the heart of the away side's creativity, as Bayern almost exclusively used its left flank to exploit Dennis Diekmeier.
The young fullback was responsible for Bayern's first shot on target, and provided service for an isolated Mario Mandzukic, while Ribery's drove at his marker throughout the first half and enjoyed great success.
Between its 13th minute flurry of action and the halftime whistle, Hamburg failed to create any chances, and Bayern's domination came to fruition in the 39th minute.
Kroos rounded Rene Adler, after a quick break from the away side, and looked to have wasted the opportunity to score, having taken the ball extremely wide. Instead of firing an effort at goal from a narrow angle, the midfielder chose to take his time and picked out a great cross to find Schweinsteiger at the back post, who threw himself at the ball to nod his side into a deserved halftime lead.
Hamburg boss Thorsten Fink threw on Artoms Rudnecvs at the interval to try and change the momentum of the game, but Bayern continued in the same vein as the first, with Mario Mandzukic spurning a great chance to double its lead in the 46th minute, as Adler saved brilliantly to deny the Croatian.
Muller made no mistake a minute later, however, with a phenomenal finish. The Germany international took a poor touch and raced to prevent the ball from going out for a goal kick, but then turned quickly and curled a breathtaking effort just inside Adler's back post from a seemingly impossible angle.
In the 53rd minute, Bayern was celebrating again, as Hamburg began to implode. After a delicate through ball from Ribery, Kroos hammered an effort into the roof of the net from close range, leaving Adler no chance and his side a lot to do to turn the game around.
Although the Rothosen saw more of the ball in the second half, chances were scarce, and a long-range strike from Van der Vaart was Neuer's only real save of note in a forgettable game for the home side.
A disappointing performance for Fink's side, which stays eighth, as Bayern goes well clear of second-placed Schalke.
West Ham 0-0 Manchester City: Mancini's men frustrated in Upton Park stalemate
West Ham United held a wasteful Manchester City to a goalless draw at Upton Park.
The Hammers had an early Kevin Nolan strike wrongly disallowed for offside, before Mario Balotelli wasted a couple of golden chances for the visitors late in the half.
City pressed and probed in the West Ham half for large periods of the match and had the better chances, but didn't have the cutting edge to find the back of the net on the night.
Mancini opted for the front pairing of Edin Dzeko and Balotelli, with Gareth Barry coming in as a late replacement for the injured James Milner and Kolo Toure replacing Micah Richards at right back. The Hammers made one change from last weekend, with Joey O'Brien coming in for James Tomkins.
West Ham thought it had taken the lead in the fourth minute but Nolan's volley was wrongly ruled out for offside. Replays showed Dzeko played the West Ham midfielder onside.
The first quarter of the match was really open with Dzeko and Mohammed Diame and squandering chances to take the lead.
Yossi Benayoun hit the crossbar and Andy Carroll's strike whistled past the post as the Hammers stepped up the pressure midway through the half.
It was the visitors who gained the ascendancy towards the end of the half though. Balotelli wasted City's best chance of the half when he volleyed over Tevez's free kick six yards from goal.
The Italian again came close late on in the half with an overhead volley but his miss meant the sides went in level at the break.
Manchester City started the second period brightly. Tevez tested Jussi Jaaskelainen within five minutes of the restart with a shot on the turn. West Ham was unable to escape their own half as Mancini's men cranked up the pressure.
Nolan nodded Benayoun's early cross inches wide of the post on the hour mark as Allardyce's side edged back into the game.
The chance sparked a spell of good possession for the Hammers which was almost punctuated with an over-head kick from Carroll which was deflected for a corner.
Gareth Barry missed a golden chance in the 67th minute when he collected Tevez's cross but directed the finish wide of the post a couple of yards from goal.
City continued to pile on the pressure but it was West Ham which came close to taking the lead on the break, but Carroll couldn't provide a finish after fine work from Matt Jarvis.
Late substitute Sergio Aguero had a couple of late efforts on goal but West Ham held on quite comfortably to earn a point against the champions.
West Ham United held a wasteful Manchester City to a goalless draw at Upton Park.
The Hammers had an early Kevin Nolan strike wrongly disallowed for offside, before Mario Balotelli wasted a couple of golden chances for the visitors late in the half.
City pressed and probed in the West Ham half for large periods of the match and had the better chances, but didn't have the cutting edge to find the back of the net on the night.
Mancini opted for the front pairing of Edin Dzeko and Balotelli, with Gareth Barry coming in as a late replacement for the injured James Milner and Kolo Toure replacing Micah Richards at right back. The Hammers made one change from last weekend, with Joey O'Brien coming in for James Tomkins.
West Ham thought it had taken the lead in the fourth minute but Nolan's volley was wrongly ruled out for offside. Replays showed Dzeko played the West Ham midfielder onside.
The first quarter of the match was really open with Dzeko and Mohammed Diame and squandering chances to take the lead.
Yossi Benayoun hit the crossbar and Andy Carroll's strike whistled past the post as the Hammers stepped up the pressure midway through the half.
It was the visitors who gained the ascendancy towards the end of the half though. Balotelli wasted City's best chance of the half when he volleyed over Tevez's free kick six yards from goal.
The Italian again came close late on in the half with an overhead volley but his miss meant the sides went in level at the break.
Manchester City started the second period brightly. Tevez tested Jussi Jaaskelainen within five minutes of the restart with a shot on the turn. West Ham was unable to escape their own half as Mancini's men cranked up the pressure.
Nolan nodded Benayoun's early cross inches wide of the post on the hour mark as Allardyce's side edged back into the game.
The chance sparked a spell of good possession for the Hammers which was almost punctuated with an over-head kick from Carroll which was deflected for a corner.
Gareth Barry missed a golden chance in the 67th minute when he collected Tevez's cross but directed the finish wide of the post a couple of yards from goal.
City continued to pile on the pressure but it was West Ham which came close to taking the lead on the break, but Carroll couldn't provide a finish after fine work from Matt Jarvis.
Late substitute Sergio Aguero had a couple of late efforts on goal but West Ham held on quite comfortably to earn a point against the champions.
I was complimenting Stramaccioni, insists Marotta
Beppe Marotta has denied showing a lack of respect to Andrea Stramaccioni, insisting his prematch assessment was in fact complimentary.
The Inter coach was furious at comments made by the Juventus director concerning his tactics in the build-up to the game, but Marotta has moved to play down suggestions he was sarcastic in his appraisal of his management.
“If he wants to cause controversy, that’s his problem. It was a compliment, as it means he had courage coming to Turin with three strikers,” Marotta told reporters. “I said two excellent teams would go head-to-head today, so I cannot be clearer than that. If Stramaccioni wants to turn anything into a headline, then he’s free to do so.“Not everyone comes to Turin with three forwards, so it really was a compliment."The Nerazzurri recovered from conceding a first minute Arturo Vidal goal to win the match 3-1, ending Juventus' 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A in the process.
Marotta insisted his side did not underestimate the task at hand on Saturday evening, but hinted the Bianconeri's busy fixture list has left the team short of its best.
“We certainly did not underestimate Inter, which has some great individual players and I considered them to be one of the Scudetto contenders even before this match," he continued.“Perhaps we were not at our best. We certainly had more chances in the first half, though perhaps with the tempo not as high as usual.“The squad is keeping up with constant commitments at domestic, European and international level, so that does take a lot out of you in physical and psychological terms.
“Let us not forget we still have the strongest attack and defense in Serie A. Our characteristics are that the group allows individuals to have scoring opportunities. Perhaps having a more clinical hitman would’ve brought us some advantages.”Marotta also commented on the controversy surrounding Vidal's opener, which should have been ruled out due to a clear offside.
“They are mistakes, I don’t know whether grave or not. I think the goal was so fast that the assistant was not even in position and didn’t see."
Beppe Marotta has denied showing a lack of respect to Andrea Stramaccioni, insisting his prematch assessment was in fact complimentary.
The Inter coach was furious at comments made by the Juventus director concerning his tactics in the build-up to the game, but Marotta has moved to play down suggestions he was sarcastic in his appraisal of his management.
“If he wants to cause controversy, that’s his problem. It was a compliment, as it means he had courage coming to Turin with three strikers,” Marotta told reporters. “I said two excellent teams would go head-to-head today, so I cannot be clearer than that. If Stramaccioni wants to turn anything into a headline, then he’s free to do so.“Not everyone comes to Turin with three forwards, so it really was a compliment."The Nerazzurri recovered from conceding a first minute Arturo Vidal goal to win the match 3-1, ending Juventus' 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A in the process.
Marotta insisted his side did not underestimate the task at hand on Saturday evening, but hinted the Bianconeri's busy fixture list has left the team short of its best.
“We certainly did not underestimate Inter, which has some great individual players and I considered them to be one of the Scudetto contenders even before this match," he continued.“Perhaps we were not at our best. We certainly had more chances in the first half, though perhaps with the tempo not as high as usual.“The squad is keeping up with constant commitments at domestic, European and international level, so that does take a lot out of you in physical and psychological terms.
“Let us not forget we still have the strongest attack and defense in Serie A. Our characteristics are that the group allows individuals to have scoring opportunities. Perhaps having a more clinical hitman would’ve brought us some advantages.”Marotta also commented on the controversy surrounding Vidal's opener, which should have been ruled out due to a clear offside.
“They are mistakes, I don’t know whether grave or not. I think the goal was so fast that the assistant was not even in position and didn’t see."
Manchester United stalls on Giggs contract talks
Manchester United has delayed contract talks with Ryan Giggs until the end of the season, Goal.com understands.
The Old Trafford legend turns 39 at the end of the month and was set to begin discussions over renewing his current one-year rolling deal within the next month or so, but United officials will not open dialogue until May at the earliest.
Giggs' current terms expire at the end of June, though it has become standard procedure for the club's players over the age of 32 to be offered deals lasting no longer than a single season.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been keen in recent years to tie down his older players with six months still remaining on their contracts, with Giggs having signed in February after the United manager had confirmed an offer was in place last December.
The diversion from this tactic is likely to raise questions over the Welshman's future at Old Trafford. He recently admitted that the current campaign could be his last.
"It could be [my last season], yes," he told the Telegraph last month. "I’m of a similar mindset that I've been for the past couple of years: evaluate after Christmas, see how I feel, see what the manager thinks.
"If I'm not enjoying it, if I'm not contributing like I have done in the last couple of years then I'll finish. I'm 39 in November. I'm not worried by it. It's been coming for a couple of years. But I'm still enjoying it. I still feel I'm contributing to the team."
Giggs has made more than 900 appearances since making his United debut in 1991 and played 120 minutes in the club's Capital One Cup defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
"I think in Ryan Giggs, we saw a player of unbelievable proportions, in terms of playing the 120 minutes at 39 years of age next month and it's a credit to himself," Sir Alex said of the midfielder following the loss.
Manchester United has delayed contract talks with Ryan Giggs until the end of the season, Goal.com understands.
The Old Trafford legend turns 39 at the end of the month and was set to begin discussions over renewing his current one-year rolling deal within the next month or so, but United officials will not open dialogue until May at the earliest.
Giggs' current terms expire at the end of June, though it has become standard procedure for the club's players over the age of 32 to be offered deals lasting no longer than a single season.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been keen in recent years to tie down his older players with six months still remaining on their contracts, with Giggs having signed in February after the United manager had confirmed an offer was in place last December.
The diversion from this tactic is likely to raise questions over the Welshman's future at Old Trafford. He recently admitted that the current campaign could be his last.
"It could be [my last season], yes," he told the Telegraph last month. "I’m of a similar mindset that I've been for the past couple of years: evaluate after Christmas, see how I feel, see what the manager thinks.
"If I'm not enjoying it, if I'm not contributing like I have done in the last couple of years then I'll finish. I'm 39 in November. I'm not worried by it. It's been coming for a couple of years. But I'm still enjoying it. I still feel I'm contributing to the team."
Giggs has made more than 900 appearances since making his United debut in 1991 and played 120 minutes in the club's Capital One Cup defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
"I think in Ryan Giggs, we saw a player of unbelievable proportions, in terms of playing the 120 minutes at 39 years of age next month and it's a credit to himself," Sir Alex said of the midfielder following the loss.
Barclays Premier League 2012.11.04 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2012.11.04 Fixtures
QPR Vs Reading
Liverpool Vs Newcastle United
La Liga 2012.11.04 Fixtures
La Liga 2012.11.04 Fixtures
Real Sociedad Vs Espanyol
Deportivo Vs Mallorca
Osasuna Vs Valladoid
Granada Vs Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla Vs Levante
Real Sociedad Vs Espanyol
Deportivo Vs Mallorca
Osasuna Vs Valladoid
Granada Vs Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla Vs Levante
Serie A 2012.11.04 Fixtures
Serie A 2012.11.04 Fixtures
Pescara Vs Parma
Bologna Vs Udinese
Catania Vs Lazio
Fiorentina Vs Cagliari
Napoli Vs Torino
Sampdoria Vs Atalanta
Siena Vs Genoa
Roma Vs Palermo
Bayern can win the Champions League, says Tymoshchuk
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk believes that Bayern Munich have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League this season.
The Bavarians fell at the final hurdle last term as Chelsea claimed a penalties victory at the Allianz Arena, but the Ukrainian is hopeful that the Bavarians can make amends for previous disappointments this time out.
"In my first year in Munich, we won all the trophies except the Champions League, and this season we have already won a Super Cup in Germany, started the Bundesliga with a national record and are first in the league," he was quoted as saying on the official FIFA website.
"This season we have every chance to win everything, including the Champions League," Tymoshchuk stated. "Over the past three years, Bayern have played twice in the final of the Champions League. We unfortunately lost twice, though in my opinion we deserved to win at least one of those finals.
"But football is unpredictable and that's why it's interesting."
Bayern is currently preparing for the Champions League Group F match at home against Lille.
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk believes that Bayern Munich have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League this season.
The Bavarians fell at the final hurdle last term as Chelsea claimed a penalties victory at the Allianz Arena, but the Ukrainian is hopeful that the Bavarians can make amends for previous disappointments this time out.
"In my first year in Munich, we won all the trophies except the Champions League, and this season we have already won a Super Cup in Germany, started the Bundesliga with a national record and are first in the league," he was quoted as saying on the official FIFA website.
"This season we have every chance to win everything, including the Champions League," Tymoshchuk stated. "Over the past three years, Bayern have played twice in the final of the Champions League. We unfortunately lost twice, though in my opinion we deserved to win at least one of those finals.
"But football is unpredictable and that's why it's interesting."
Bayern is currently preparing for the Champions League Group F match at home against Lille.
Khedira: I hope Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund progress
Sami Khedira is hoping that Borussia Dortmund will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League alongside Real Madrid.
The Bundesliga champions currently sit atop of the table in Group D with seven points from three games, narrowly ahead of los Blancos, and Khedira feels BVB deserves to survive the group stages.
"Real Madrid and one other team will go through. I am not going to predict who," Khedira was quoted as saying by Bwin.com. "But obviously, as a German, if Dortmund do go through that would be great for me as I think they also deserve it."
He added, "They have been German champions two years running and are now playing very well in the Champions League. Personally I would be very happy for them.
"Although what I hope most is that Real Madrid finish in first place, and the rest does not really matter to me."
Madrid hosts Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Sami Khedira is hoping that Borussia Dortmund will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League alongside Real Madrid.
The Bundesliga champions currently sit atop of the table in Group D with seven points from three games, narrowly ahead of los Blancos, and Khedira feels BVB deserves to survive the group stages.
"Real Madrid and one other team will go through. I am not going to predict who," Khedira was quoted as saying by Bwin.com. "But obviously, as a German, if Dortmund do go through that would be great for me as I think they also deserve it."
He added, "They have been German champions two years running and are now playing very well in the Champions League. Personally I would be very happy for them.
"Although what I hope most is that Real Madrid finish in first place, and the rest does not really matter to me."
Madrid hosts Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Yaya Toure: I want to finish career at Manchester City
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has stated his intention to see out the remainder of his career at the current Premier League champions.
The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international has quickly set about in making himself an influential player for Roberto Mancini's side since his arrival in 2010 from Catalan giants Barcelona, and the nature of the project on offer at the Etihad Stadium means Toure has no qualms about pledging his long-term loyalty to the club.
"In life, there is not only money. It's good for family, parents... But it doesn't give you everything. I've had a good wage since my arrival at City", Yaya Toure told L'Equipe.
He added, "Because I came from Barcelona, with an important history, to go to City, with a less important one, but one that I want to help write. I can make the history of City. I'm sure that when I am older, people will continue to talk about me here.
"I want to finish my career at City, for respect from the fans. But in football, we never know the future."
With the team struggling to match their blistering early season form last term in this campaign so far, the younger Toure brother expressed his belief in the quality of the side and that they must strive to match the consistency of the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
"I think we can be great players and it's necessary to progress, improve you qualities in your game. Everyday, we can see why you play in a great team," he said.
"City are almost considered like a big club because we have won trophies for two years. But for the moment, it's a club with a future, with many young players.
"It explains why this year could be difficult. What's more, each team wants to win against us."
When asked about his relationship with his manager Mancini, Toure was full of praise for the way that the Italian handles his star-studded squad.
"I like when managers respect work and egality. If you work hard in training, he gives you a chance. That's the words all players like. We have two or three players in each position and we fight to win our place," Toure said.
"Communication is very important in clubs like City or Barcelona. If you don't play with a manager and he doesn't explain why, you don't know what you think."
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has stated his intention to see out the remainder of his career at the current Premier League champions.
The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international has quickly set about in making himself an influential player for Roberto Mancini's side since his arrival in 2010 from Catalan giants Barcelona, and the nature of the project on offer at the Etihad Stadium means Toure has no qualms about pledging his long-term loyalty to the club.
"In life, there is not only money. It's good for family, parents... But it doesn't give you everything. I've had a good wage since my arrival at City", Yaya Toure told L'Equipe.
He added, "Because I came from Barcelona, with an important history, to go to City, with a less important one, but one that I want to help write. I can make the history of City. I'm sure that when I am older, people will continue to talk about me here.
"I want to finish my career at City, for respect from the fans. But in football, we never know the future."
With the team struggling to match their blistering early season form last term in this campaign so far, the younger Toure brother expressed his belief in the quality of the side and that they must strive to match the consistency of the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
"I think we can be great players and it's necessary to progress, improve you qualities in your game. Everyday, we can see why you play in a great team," he said.
"City are almost considered like a big club because we have won trophies for two years. But for the moment, it's a club with a future, with many young players.
"It explains why this year could be difficult. What's more, each team wants to win against us."
When asked about his relationship with his manager Mancini, Toure was full of praise for the way that the Italian handles his star-studded squad.
"I like when managers respect work and egality. If you work hard in training, he gives you a chance. That's the words all players like. We have two or three players in each position and we fight to win our place," Toure said.
"Communication is very important in clubs like City or Barcelona. If you don't play with a manager and he doesn't explain why, you don't know what you think."
Neymar: I will only play alongside Messi if he joins Santos
Santos attacker Neymar has once more repeated that a move to Europe is not an option for him at the moment as he is eager to stay at his current club at least until the end of his contract.
The Brazil international has been consistently linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, but has joked that the only way he will play with Lionel Messi in the near future is if he leaves Camp Nou for the Sao Paulo outfit.
"For now, I will only play alongside Messi if he opts to join Santos," the tricky attacker was quoted as saying by El Mundo. "It's possible for Santos to sign him. All we have to do is sell half of the city!"
The 20-year-old then went on to stress that he has not been in touch with neither Barca nor Madrid and that his only focus is his current club.
"I don't know anything about Barcelona. One day I'm linked with a move there, and another day I'm supposedly on my way to Madrid. I have a contract with Santos until 2014, though, and that's all I know," Neymar insisted.
Neymar also took the time to praise both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that he would like to follow in the former's footsteps.
"I would like to play with both Messi and Ronaldo. Messi's career is an example to follow for me. There are no words to describe his game. I just want him to keep on doing what he does with the ball," he said.
Neymar netted a hat-trick on Saturday, helping Santos to a 4-0 away win over Cruzeiro.
Santos attacker Neymar has once more repeated that a move to Europe is not an option for him at the moment as he is eager to stay at his current club at least until the end of his contract.
The Brazil international has been consistently linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, but has joked that the only way he will play with Lionel Messi in the near future is if he leaves Camp Nou for the Sao Paulo outfit.
"For now, I will only play alongside Messi if he opts to join Santos," the tricky attacker was quoted as saying by El Mundo. "It's possible for Santos to sign him. All we have to do is sell half of the city!"
The 20-year-old then went on to stress that he has not been in touch with neither Barca nor Madrid and that his only focus is his current club.
"I don't know anything about Barcelona. One day I'm linked with a move there, and another day I'm supposedly on my way to Madrid. I have a contract with Santos until 2014, though, and that's all I know," Neymar insisted.
Neymar also took the time to praise both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that he would like to follow in the former's footsteps.
"I would like to play with both Messi and Ronaldo. Messi's career is an example to follow for me. There are no words to describe his game. I just want him to keep on doing what he does with the ball," he said.
Neymar netted a hat-trick on Saturday, helping Santos to a 4-0 away win over Cruzeiro.
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