United eye return to the top

January 23, 2010


With Chelsea and Arsenal otherwise engaged on FA Cup duty, Manchester United can steal a march on their rivals and return to the top of the Premier League table with victory over Hull at Old Trafford.

United’s third-round defeat by League One Leeds ensured United were able to bring forward their meeting with the Tigers, originally scheduled for the middle of next week, and they can’t afford to pass up the opportunity of three points.

Arsenal moved to the top of the table with a 4-2 win over Bolton in midweek but United could return to the summit with a win over Phil Brown?s side.

United manager Sir Ferguson surprised some with the strength of the team that he fielded in the League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City on Tuesday.

That match ended in a 2-1 defeat and now Ferguson must decide how many of his first-choice players he can afford to rest on Saturday ahead of the second leg against City at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Ryan Giggs is likely to sit out the Hull match and Gary Neville may feature while Dimitar Berbatov’s knee problem could mean a rare Premier League start for Michael Owen.

The game looks likely to come too soon for Rio Ferdinand, who is working his way back from several months on the sidelines with a back injury and Ferguson is still digesting the news that John O?Shea is likely to miss the rest of the season with a leg problem that he picked up in November.

Even though United were beaten at City, assistant manager Mike Phelan saw some promising signs and insists they can string some victories together if they start taking their chances.

Phelan said: “We want to keep some consistency in our game. At City there were signs that Manchester United are on the way forward.

“If we can stick the ball in the back of the net we are in business

“People keep saying the League Cup is not on anyone’s priority list but it is a cup game.

“When you get to the semi-final of a cup you want to get to the final. Both clubs are desperate for that.”

Hull boss Phil Brown is hoping that his side’s relegation battle can be boosted by the return of captain Ian Ashbee before the end of the season.

Ashbee has been out since May with a hamstring injury but has also been diagnosed with a recurrence of the degenerative bone condition that he struggled with early in his career.

Brown said: “I would never write Ian Ashbee off, never. Even if he said he wasn’t fit, I still wouldn’t write him off.

“The beauty of Ash of late is that he’s got a new focus in life, and that is that he can see light at the end of the tunnel.

“When anyone can’t see that, I can understand how they must feel and how hard it is to motivate yourself.

“But all of a sudden, I can see a realignment of his focus and I think he can see an end to all of this. We are seeing a different Ian Ashbee now, and long may that continue.”

Amr Zaki, the Egyptian striker who is joining Hull on loan, will not be considered for this weekend’s match because he is not fully match fit.

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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Berbatov injury not as bad as Fergie feared

January 18, 2010


Alex Ferguson has downgraded Dimitar Berbatov’s latest fitness problem from a recurrence of a knee injury to a dead leg.

The Bulgaria striker, United’s record 30.75-million-pound signing, now still has an outside chance of playing in Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Berbatov scored the opening goal in champions United’s 3-0 Premier League win over Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday but was substituted before full-time.

After the match, Ferguson said the former Tottenham Hotspur forward had suffered a recurrence of a knee injury which Berbatov has been advised requires an exploratory operation.

However, Berbatov had in fact only suffered a dead leg and while he may not be fit enough to face City, he should be available for Saturday’s league match against Hull.

“I thought Dimitar had got a knock on the knee. It turned out it was a dead leg and we are having a look at it,” Ferguson said Monday.

“I am hoping he will be all right but he is a doubt and we will see what he is like in the morning.”

Ferguson added that veteran forward Ryan Giggs would not feature in Tuesday’s derby tie for the League Cup holders and nor would Rio Ferdinand, even though the England central defender is nearing full fitness after three months out with a back injury.

“Rio is training quite well now,” Ferguson said. “He is a lot closer now but he is not in contention for tomorrow (Tuesday).”

Meanwhile, with United having suffered a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of third division Leeds, Ferguson said he would include some senior players in his team to play City despite having used the tournament in the past as an opportunity to blood young talents.

“I have got to think about getting a mix in terms of the programme we have got and also the fact I have given young players a game in the past,” he said.

“I will have a strongish team but there will be some young players as well.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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Ferguson confident Ferdinand on way back

January 1, 2010


Sir Alex Ferguson believes Rio Ferdinand is finally winning his battle against injury after the England defender stepped up his training with Manchester United.

Ferdinand has made just five league appearances for United this season and has not played since the defeat against Liverpool in late October because of a persistent back injury.

United have struggled with major injury concerns among their defenders recently and, although the problems are now easing, Ferguson revealed on Thursday that Irish international defender John O’Shea could be absent for a further two months.

But Ferdinand has been running in training and suffered no reaction, the first positive sign in his recuperation.

In his absence English champions United have still maintained a title challenge and a 5-0 thrashing of Wigan at Old Trafford on Wednesday left them just two points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Ferdinand’s fellow centre-half Jonny Evans is at a slightly advanced stage in his own comeback and Ferguson predicts his return within ten days although the United manager is unwilling to put a precise date on Ferdinand’s availability.

“We will see how Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans progress,” said Ferguson.

“If they come through the physical work then they will go onto the football side. Jonny has been involved on the football side for a few days.

“Rio is not near that but there is no recurrence of the back problem with the running he’s doing which is good news.

“That’s the moment you?re waiting for. He’s come through that running and the training, he’s doing the programme in the gym, which is good.

“At the moment it’s looking very hopeful.

“We do not have a date in mind but, hopefully, it?s not too far away and the signs are looking good. Jonny (Evans) should be back within the next ten days, he?s doing well.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson has conceded that O’Shea’s thigh injury remains a concern and the Ireland defender could face a further two months on the sidelines after suffering a haematoma to his thigh on international duty in the World Cup play-off against France in mid-November.

“He is showing no signs at all of recovery,” said Ferguson.

“It’s his first ever injury at the club and he is a big loss because he was so versatile. He could play any position for us and now we’ve just got to get him back, it doesn’t matter when. But it could be another couple of months.”

However, with Gary Neville expected to be involved in Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against Leeds, United’s immediate defensive crisis, which at one stage saw eight senior defenders out injured, has passed.

The return of Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown to the centre of United’s defence for the recent victories against Hull and Wigan has shown the value of having experience back in the team, according to the manager.

“You can see the difference it makes to the team, when you have two centre-backs back,” said Ferguson, who celebrated his 68th birthday on Thursday.

“You saw with Vidic and Brown, the stability and strength they bring to the back is going to be important.

“The second half of the season doesn’t hold any fears for us. We have got the squad, we hope we have everyone available and we have the confidence we can handle what’s coming up over the next few months.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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Chelsea seek to consolidate lead at West Ham

December 19, 2009


Fresh from putting Chelsea’s Premier League title drive back on track, Frank Lampard returns to West Ham this weekend admitting he fears for the future of his relegation-threatened former club.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola was one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players but that will not stop Lampard and co. from trying to push his second-from-bottom squad a little closer to the drop as they seek to consolidate their three-point lead over Manchester United at the other end of the table.

By the time Chelsea kick off at Upton Park on Sunday, United could be level with them on points provided Sir Alex Ferguson’s injury-hit squad collect all three points from their trip to Fulham 24 hours earlier.

Lampard, whose penalty clinched a nervy 2-1 win over Portsmouth in midweek, said: “It’s difficult for West Ham at the moment. They have a lot of financial difficulties and have had to sell a lot of players.

“I don’t want to see them do badly at all — it is difficult but then it is a difficult league.”

The win over Portsmouth’s was Chelsea’s first in five matches in all competitions but did little to suggest Carlo Ancelotti’s side have fully recovered the composure and confidence that has deserted them over the last few weeks, notably in their defending of set pieces.

Chelsea are hopeful that Didier Drogba, whose absence with a back injury was felt on Wednesday, will be available on Sunday. But it must be a concern for Ancelotti that the striker will depart for the African Nations Cup next month at a time when United traditionally hit their stride.

Lampard is acutely aware it was a mid-winter cocktail of injuries and lost form that ensured Chelsea conceded last season’s title to their rivals in the north.

“We had a really bad time around this time last year but when Guus Hiddink came in (as temporary manager) we were in the best form by far of anyone in the League. We can do that again.

“We’re having a patch at the moment where we’re not pulling away from teams when we might do and every free kick and corner seems to drop to them in a funny way.

“We are being punished every time and it is just a phase we’re in. We’re going 1-0 up and then not pushing on like we were a few games ago. It’s a problem.”

Ferguson is expected to deploy Belgian youngster Ritchie de Laet at centreback at Fulham, having been left with Patrice Evra as his only fit first-team defender.

“We just have to get on with it,” the Scot acknowledged. “Ritchie has showed some promise and he will probably be there on Saturday.”

Arsenal’s title hopes were hit by a 1-1 draw at Burnley in midweek and Arsene Wenger’s side entertain Hull on Saturday without injured skipper Cesc Fabregas.

It will be the Gunners’ third match in seven days while Hull have had since last Saturday to recover from their goalless draw with Blackburn, an anomaly of the fixture list that has infuriated Wenger.

“The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I am,” the Frenchman sniped.

Aston Villa will look to consolidate their position in the top four at home to Stoke on Saturday while Tottenham, two points back in fifth spot following their win over Manchester City in midweek, travel to Blackburn.

Liverpool’s ability to overhaul Villa and Spurs will be tested by a trip to Portsmouth for a lunchtime fixture in which the first goal will set a new record.

Nets have bulged 499 times in 167 matches so far this season and a goal at Fratton Park would see the 500 milestone reached with 17 matches to spare compared to the previous Premier League record, set in 1994/95.

High-flying Birmingham face a tough task if they are to keep their five-match winning run going at Everton on Sunday, and Wolves fans will find out if manager Mick McCarthy’s controversial decision to rest most of his first-choice players against Manchester United in midweek was the right one.

Wolves take on Burnley in the kind of fixture McCarthy believes they must start winning if they are to get out of the bottom three.

Fixtures (1500 GMT kick-offs unless stated)

Saturday

Arsenal v Hull (1730 GMT), Aston Villa v Stoke, Blackburn v Tottenham, Fulham v Manchester Utd, Manchester City v Sunderland, Portsmouth v Liverpool (1245 GMT)

Sunday

Wolves v Burnley (1330 GMT) Everton v Birmingham (1330 GMT) West Ham v Chelsea (1600 GMT)

Monday

Wigan v Bolton (2000 GMT)

LONDON (AFP)

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Lampard puts nervy Chelsea back on track

December 17, 2009


Chelsea moved three points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League as Frank Lampard’s late penalty clinched a 2-1 win over Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were in danger of failing to win for the fifth successive match in all competitions when Portsmouth’s Frederic Piquionne cancelled out Nicolas Anelka’s first half opener.

But Lampard, making his 300th league appearance for the Blues, held his nerve to drive home a spot-kick with 11 minutes remaining and reestablish his team’s lead over United, who had beaten Wolves to draw level on points 24 hours earlier.

Ancelotti can take heart from Chelsea’s ability to grind out a win when the fates seemed to be conspiring against them, but this was another less than convincing display.

Pompey boss Avram Grant received a warm reception from Chelsea’s fans on his first return to the Bridge since being sacked in 2008, but he was always facing an uphill struggle to depart with the points.

Grant, whose team are bottom of the league, must have breathed a sigh of relief to see Didier Drogba sidelined after suffering a back injury in training this week.

Salomon Kalou came in from Drogba, while Ricardo Carvalho paid the the price for Chelsea’s recent defensive woes and was dropped for Brazil centre-back Alex.

With Drogba out, Anelka had to be at his best and the France striker forced Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Bergovic into action early on with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Kalou should have put Chelsea ahead from the resulting corner but somehow headed over from point-blank range after Michael Ballack flicked on.

Chelsea took the lead in the 23rd minute as Anelka showed Kalou how to deliver the knockout blow.

Alex was the unlikely provider, popping up on the right wing to muscle his way past Marc Wilson and drive a low cross to Anelka, who side-footed past Begovic via the near-post.

Grant’s decision to play Piquionne as a lone striker gave Chelsea’s back-four an opportunity to rediscover their composure after leaking 10 goals in four games.

But they still looked shaky at times and Piquionne, shooting from just inside the penalty area, forced Petr Cech to make a sprawling save in the 34th minute.

Alex may not have cured Chelsea’s defensive ills, but he certainly added some pep to their attack and went close to scoring with a ferocious free-kick that flashed past the far-post.

Ancelotti had called on his side to concentrate better when defending set-pieces but Kalou appeared not to have heeded the warning.

He let Tal Ben Haim escape his attentions at Jamie Hara’s free-kick and the former Chelsea defender headed over when he should have scored.

After controlling the first-half, Chelsea surrendered their advantage in the most unfortunate manner in the 51st minute.

O’Hara’s free-kick was too close to the Chelsea wall and hit Kalou, but the ball then rebounded off Cole before falling perfectly for the unmarked Piquionne to lash past Cech.

It was a freak goal but Chelsea were rattled and it took a fine tackle from Cole to deny Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Ancelotti sent on Joe Cole for the injured Deco, then introduced Florent Malouda and young forward Fabio Borini soon after that.

Finally Chelsea recovered their rhythm well enough to regain control in the closing stages.

Begovic had to be alert to save when Ben Haim nearly turned Malouda’s cross into his own net, then Lampard drew a good stop from the Portsmouth keeper.

They broke Portsmouth’s resistance in the 79th minute. Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic poked the ball past Wilson and the centre-back conceded a penalty with a wild lunging challenge.

Lampard stepped up to crash the spot-kick straight down the middle for his first goal since October.

LONDON (AFP)

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Birmingham come back to beat Wigan

December 5, 2009


Birmingham City stretched their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games by coming from a goal behind to beat Wigan Athletic 3-2 at the DW Stadium here on Saturday.

Charles N’Zogbia’s 33rd minute curler put Wigan in front before three goals in 11 minutes after the half hour mark, two free-kicks from Sebastian Larsson separated by Christian Benitez’s effort, saw Birmingham in front.

Wigan substitute Jordi Gomez pulled a goal back with a late free-kick but it was not enough to deny the Blues all three points.

The Latics dominated the opening 45 minutes and deservedly went ahead when Jason Scotland’s cut-back found N’Zogbia and the Frenchman curled the ball high into the top corner.

By that stage Wigan had already seen goalkeeper Chris Kirkland go off with a back injury and replacement Mike Pollitt made a fine save to deny Benitez.

Birmingham though were level when Larsson’s free-kick from deep on the left evaded everyone in a crowded penalty area and somehow crept past Pollitt.

But there was no denying the quality of his second free-kick goal, a sharply curling strike from just outside the box that left Pollitt helpless.

By then Birmingham were already in front after Ecuador international Benitez latched onto Lee Bowyer’s pass, beat Titus Bramble and fired past Pollitt.

Wigan substitute Gomez’s 88th minute free-kick gave the home side hope of a draw but Birmingham held out.

WIGAN, England (AFP)

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Ancelotti confident ahead of United test

November 8, 2009


Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti knows his first Premier League clash with Manchester United will provide the acid test of his title credentials, but he believes the champions have weaknesses that can be exploited in Sunday’s summit meeting.

Ancelotti’s side have become the top pick to win the English crown after an impressive start under the Italian suggested he has recaptured the magic missing from Stamford Bridge since Jose Mourinho’s departure.

But Ancelotti is well aware that only when he has emerged unscathed from a head to head duel with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will he truely be able to feel like a major player in the Premier League. Related article: Ferguson snubbed overseas offers

The likes of Mourinho and Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger earned their stripes – and Ferguson’s grudging admiration – by defeating United in individual matches and then the title race.

Now Ancelotti, whose side are two points clear of second placed United, must do the same.

While most of Ferguson’s managerial opponents will inevitably suffer from an inferiority complex when they compare their achievements with the Scot’s, Ancelotti can draw inspiration from his previous battles with United.

He has knocked Ferguson out of the Champions League twice during his time with AC Milan, with the 2007 semi-final rout at the San Siro a particularly fond memory, and has won a Community Shield penalty shoot-out against United in August.

The Blues chief believes Sunday’s match will go his way as well if Chelsea take advantage of the flaws in Ferguson’s defence and midfield.

United, who haven’t won at the Bridge since 2002, were unusually timid in their 2-0 defeat at Liverpool two weeks ago and their porous defence has conceded 11 goals already in the league this season.

And, with England defender Rio Ferdinand ruled out with a back injury, Ancelotti suspects Chelsea maybe able to expose United’s soft centre in the same way as Liverpool.

“Liverpool played a fantastic match (against United), a strong match and put a lot of pressure on. That’s why they won,” Ancelotti said.

“They didn’t give United any possibility to play like they want to play. It was a good lesson for us because Manchester can suffer when there’s pressure on their midfielders.

“I think Ferdinand is a very good defender. Without Ferdinand they lose something.

“But I don’t want to work just against other team’s weaknesses. We want to put our own qualities on the pitch.

“The best thing is to maintain a balance. They have fantastic strikers. Wayne Rooney is one of the most intelligent strikers in the world.”

Ferguson will hope the return to fitness of Serbia centre-back Nemanja Vidic shores up a defence that conceded three times against CSKA Moscow in midweek, while Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov could feature after a knee injury.

The United manager, who can point to a famous 1999 Champions League victory over Ancelotti’s Juventus as proof that he doesn’t need to fear the Italian, has seen Chelsea bosses Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink fail to overthrow United in recent years.

But he admits Ancelotti could pose the biggest threat to his supremacy since Mourinho’s departure.

“I thought Ancelotti would do well,” he said. “He was a great coach at AC Milan. He won the European Cup twice and brought a wealth of experience with him to Chelsea.

“He was also a great player so he has a lot of knowledge. He brought a different system to the ones Chelsea have used in the past.

“It has maybe been easier to adapt tactics because they have very experienced players, who have more tactical knowledge than the younger ones. It seems to have worked well.”

Even though there is plenty at stake on Sunday, Ancelotti has no intention of being an unwelcoming host and will share a bottle of red wine with Ferguson whatever the result.

“We drank red wine after we drew in the semi-finals of the Champions League, Juventus against United,” he said. “United equalised in the last minute and I was a bit angry. But after the red wine it was better!”

LONDON (AFP)

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Wales ease with a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein

October 15, 2009


Pressure was lifted from boss John Toshack as his Wales youngsters grabbed the victory they needed to end their disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign on a high.

But it was a nervy performance, with everyone labouring under the knowledge that defeat in this Group Four clash would be the worst result in Wales history.

Toshack was more than aware of the fans’ dissatisfaction over his management and recent results and he will also realise that this scrappy victory does not represent an answer to the problem. But he saw both David Vaughan and Aaron Ramsey score maiden goals for their country to end a run of three successive defeats.

Striker Jermaine Easter, a late call-up to bolster Wales’s heavily depleted squad, was in the starting line-up in the Rheinpark Stadion for his first cap since February 2008.

Easter was one of four players flown out to join Wales’ injury and suspension hit party for this final qualifier, with Toshack also calling on goalkeeper Boaz Myhill and defender Craig Morgan in place of suspended pair Wayne Hennessey and Craig Bellamy. Lewin Nyatanga dropped to the bench but Arsenal’s Ramsey played after recovering from a back injury.

Liechtenstein brought back top scored Mario Frick following suspension and also included under-21 midfielder Lucas Eberle, the only changes from the side that lost 2-0 at home to Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Considering Wales’ current predicament, it was remarkable to see 400 hardy fans – many bare chested – belting out the anthem, no doubt somewhat annoyed to have had to listen to England’s Three Lions song played before the game by their hosts.

They were almost rewarded with a third-minute goal when Gareth Bale got to the byline on the first of many occasions, and fired in a cross that both Easter and David Edwards missed from close range. Another Bale chip somehow evaded Edwards’ near-post leap before Easter set-up Vaughan, but another close-range chance went begging.

The casual approach in defence that blighted Wales in the defeat by Finland in Helsinki on Saturday allowed David Hasler a free strike from the edge of the box that Myhill did well to beat away. But Wales got themselves ahead after 16 minutes when Bale was again played in on the left to produce a low cross that Vaughan hammered in from close range for his first goal for Wales on his 16th appearance.

Wales kept plugging away, with Ashley Williams having an effective influence in midfield. Bale and Chris Gunter worked to get down the flanks and Easter maintained possession up front. But the hosts, defending very deep and in numbers, were always capable of breaking quickly and there were plenty of nervy moments in the Wales defence.

Easter should have added a second when he ran onto a Bale long ball, but he delayed his shot enough to allow goalkeeper Peter Jehle to block the effort with his legs.

The dangers of complacency were evident when Hasler should have equalised after Buchel’s pass played him in behind the Wales defence, but the low shot flashed wide of the far post.

Buchel was booked two minutes into the second-half after a bizarre attempt to deceive Wales and referee Kaldma Sten at a twice-taken corner. James Collins, captain for the first time, headed wide from a Gunter free-kick with Wales needing the security of another goal. But Liechtenstein passed the ball well and Wales were increasingly nervous. Morgan was booked for hauling down Beck to underline the point.

Ramsey’s clever chip almost set-up Simon Church, while Easter was penalised for hand-ball when he bustled home a Bale cross. Ten minutes from time, Wales got their second and there was instant relief in the Welsh ranks.

Bale was tripped just outside the box by Yves Oehri, and Ramsey curled home the free-kick for his first senior goal for Wales. Wales then sent on Andy King for Edwards, with Nyatanga taking over from Bale.

Martin Rechsteiner and Eberle were both booked as the hosts tired, with Neal Eardley taking over from Gunter. Easter was through again in the final minute, and another chance went begging, but Wales were just grateful for small mercies.

Abhimanyu Rajput

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Ferguson hopeful of Obertan United bow

September 4, 2009


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said Thursday that he hopes French Under 21 international Gabriel Obertan will be fit enough to make his debut by next month.

Obertan cost three million pounds from Bordeaux in the summer, but has been sidelined because of a spinal injury.

“Gabriel has had a spine problem but I think he will be back in a month to six weeks’ time,” Ferguson told Inside United.

“We are taking our time with him because we want him back and 100 percent. He is very quick, can play wide both sides and through the middle so he brings a real versatility to us. We expect big things from him.

“At 16 he was one of the outstanding talents in Europe. But he has been playing with this back injury for a year and a half and no-one thought about getting a scan.”

LONDON (AFP)

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Injury scare has Beckham in doubt

July 31, 2009

England star midfielder David Beckham missed practice for therapy on a back injury, raising doubts the Los Angeles Galaxy star will be able to play against FC Barcelona here on Saturday.

Beckham sustained the injury three days ago but downplayed the pain in his back, saying he expects to practice on Friday.

“It’s not a problem,” Beckham said. “I’ve had something like this in the past. It comes up every now and then. I just did my work in the gym and got some treatment.”

Barcelona comes off an unprecedented treble, having won the European Champions League, Spain’s first division title and the Spanish Copa del Rey crown this season.

Beckham plans to play against the European side before the Galaxy return to the hunt for a Major League Soccer playoff berth.

“I hope so, unless I have a bad reaction from the last couple of days,” said Beckham. “But I think it will be fine. It’s feeling a lot better that it was so, fingers crossed, it will be good.”

Arena was confident that Beckham will be available, saying, “We expect him to be ready on Saturday” and that the England stalwart was “just nursing something.”

After two lackluster seasons serving as an attendance and television viewership lure, Beckham finds himself the target of jeers. He challenged Galaxy fans who yelled at him during a home exhibition against AC Milan to meet him on the field and was fined 1,000 dollars for the move.

Beckham said the secret to handling fan abuse was “just ignoring it as much as you can.”

LOS ANGELES (AFP)

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