Sir Tokyo Sexwale Posted September 26, 2010 Posted September 26, 2010 probably never recovered Manchester United's match against Valencia at the Mestalla on Wednesday looks to have turned into an even more severe test after yesterday's 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers todaywas accompanied by a number of injury concerns for Sir Alex Ferguson. Ryan Giggs strained a hamstringat the Reebok Stadium that will rule him out for a fortnight. Rio Ferdinand, who was not involved in the match, may well return but there is no certainty over a centre-half with back-related problems whose appearances are now intermittent and Wayne Rooney is also a worry. The injury that saw him replaced at Bolton was more than a random knock, even though the attacker is expected to face Valencia. "He has a little issue with his ankle," said United's assistant manager, Mike Phelan, who said it would be examined tomorrow morning. "He has been playing with it for a couple of weeks now and we decided he wasn't getting into the areas we wanted and he wasn't getting chances, so we had to change it." A point against Bolton was satisfactory since United were twice behind and by drawing had a better weekend than the other Champions League representatives, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, who were all defeated. However, it is Ferguson's men who are under the greater stress on the European front after the 0-0 draw with Rangers in their opening game. Ferguson did, however, see some encouraging signs at the Reebok. "In the first half we should have done better but we did well to come from behind," he said. "The second half was very even. Bolton were a real handful and our chances were reduced but we must take credit for coming back again." The second of United's levellers was expertly taken by the substitute Michael Owen for his first league goal of the season. It brings him more strongly into contention to be in the starting line-up against Valencia but his satisfaction after the Bolton game was qualified. He claimed his goal was "tinged with a bit of disappointment" and rued the fact that United had only partly exploited their opportunity. "We were helped with a few nice results [on Saturday]," said Owen, "but when you don't capitalise fully it is disappointing." Underachievement by United is partly linked to Rooney's subdued form, although sympathy for him is diminishing. As Kevin Keegan – one of the match analysts at the Reebok – remarked, a person who reportedly sold his wedding photographs to the press cannot complain too much if newspapers then carry other pictures that are not to Rooney's liking.
sutty Posted September 27, 2010 Posted September 27, 2010 This post is not viewable to guests. You can sign in to your account at the login page here If you do not have an account then you can register here
Barnesy_10 Posted September 27, 2010 Posted September 27, 2010 This post is not viewable to guests. You can sign in to your account at the login page here If you do not have an account then you can register here
Swipe Posted September 27, 2010 Posted September 27, 2010 This post is not viewable to guests. You can sign in to your account at the login page here If you do not have an account then you can register here
Leo No.8 Posted September 27, 2010 Posted September 27, 2010 (edited) This post is not viewable to guests. You can sign in to your account at the login page here If you do not have an account then you can register here Edited September 27, 2010 by Leo No.8
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