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Fun Or Serious Games, Different Types For Different People.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:46:28 +0000

For some they really enjoy the large group fun games, but the focused and serious games are not for them. What type of games do you like to play?

I come from a very large family and we love to play games. I have some brother-in-laws that didn't grow up playing games and so it is like pulling teeth to get them to play games with us. There are certain games that we are pretty sure we can get them to play with us and then there are those that we know for sure they won't even consider playing with us.

When we sit down and play a big group game where everyone is laughing and it's a relaxed setting they will join us. They like the laughing and the poking fun of each other. It can get really fun when you have twenty adults playing together. As long as we are playing these types of games they will join us.

Then there are a couple of games that a few of us love to play and they are much more of a serious game. With these few serious games it is quiet and thought out and no one is helping each other. It is more technical and down to a few players. We love the serious games, but we definitely find that it is easier to play the serious games when the children are quieter and there are no distractions.

One of my brother-in-laws says that he doesn't like sitting and playing in the group setting, but has found that he loves playing more focused on his computer.

Will Costumed Vigilantes Ever Get Oscar Gold?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:42:42 +0000

The last thing anyone wants to read on this glorious Tuesday is another Oscar retrospective. But I just now thought of it, and it's cool to be fashionably late even to a discussion, right? Don't answer that.

One of my biggest disappointments about the 2010 nominations was seeing Watchmen shut out of anything to do with costume or art design, particularly the former. I'm a fan of Michael Wilkinson's work, and I think he's done an amazing job bringing the outlandish costumes of books such as 300 and Watchmen to life. But while Sandy Powell offended everyone else with her bored win for The Young Victoria, I actually appreciated that she dedicated it to "the costume designers that don't do movies about dead monarchs or glittery musicals" because I thought well, hey, she means men and women like Wilkinson. Because not only do costume designers on, in Powell's words, "the contemporary films and the low budget ones" rarely get enough recognition, the costume designers of sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book movies never do.

And I do mean never. While I wasn't surprised to see Wilkinson shut out, I had this vague idea that the Oscars of the deep dark past had recognized geek genre movies such as Batman or Star Wars, and that all those costumes worshiped by cosplayers and costumers had been admired and rewarded by industry professionals too. Shockingly, that's not the case. The further I dug, the more snubs I uncovered. I even widened my criteria to more mainstream fantasy such as the Harry Potter series. The Oscar gold is very, very scarce.

Rock Band-3 confirmed for Christmas 2010.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:40:16 +0000

Even though Rock Band 3 was always as likely as 2011 following 2010, let’s just press ahead with the “news” that Rock Band 3 will be here for this Holiday season.This tidbit was confirmed today via the Twitter feed of Harmonix PR man John Drake, though nothing else about the game – gameplay details, track listings, screenshots (that’s Rock Band 2 above) – has been discussed or revealed.

I’ve not played one of these new-fangled music games since Guitar Hero II, but even I know the newest genre titles are now packed to bulging with extra features. What can really come next after your last game had song editors and dedicated “stores” full of thousands of downloadable tracks?

Whatever RB3 contains, it will probably involve plastic instruments. So there we go: INQUISITR EXCLUSIVE!!: Rock Band 3 to have plastic instruments. Leave my Pulitzer with the neighbors if I’m out.

Fix the Franchise: Jacksonville Jaguars edition.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:39:00 +0000

As a one time resident of this fair city, and knowing I am going to have to explain myself to my Aunt who lives there currently I think the fix for the Jaguars is to move to a bigger market. I don’t like relocating teams anymore than anyone else, and as a Jaguars fan from afar I hate to say it, but it really seems like the market for this team is tapped out. That means even if they could build a winning team, the likelihood of making more money is poor. The Jaguars need to expand their brand but with the Falcons and Panthers to the North, Dolphins to the south, Buccaneers to the west, and ocean to the east, it doesn’t seem like they will be able to do that.

A move to Los Angeles may be just what this team really needs, but it in no way guarantees success. To be more critical of how this team has been run, if I owned this team I would fire Head Coach Jack Del Rio. I think he has taken this team as far as he can. On top of that the Jaguars have a confusing front office system set up. In looking at who runs this team I see no one labeled General Manger, so I have no idea who is making the day-to-day decisions. Tim Walsh’s title is Director of Football administration so he seems logical that day-to-day decisions fall to him.

If that is the case I would fire him as well. IN doing some searching through the media guide one Gene Smith is the Jaguars GM. He has been on the job for about a year, and is the first GM in Jaguars history. This suggests to me that Owner Wayne Weaver doesn’t know a thing about structuring a NFL front office. That is a problem, and may be why this team seems rudderless at times. For the Jaguars to be successful that must change.

Andre Agassi Admits to Meth Use In New Book.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:37:24 +0000

Tennis legend Andre Agassi admits to being a crystal meth user in 1997 in his forthcoming autobiography, according to multiple online reports.News of Agassi being a meth user started when Sport Illustrated’s Richardd Deitsch tweeted that “Book excerpt from Andre Agassi in the forthcoming SI: He admits to taking crystal meth during his career,” with further details cascading from there.

Multiple outlets are running excerpts from the book, with the best value coming from The Times of London (via ESPN) who quotes the section extensively. The excerpts note that Agassi’s assistant “Slim” was the one who introduced him to the drug.

“Slim dumps a small pile of powder on the coffee table. He cuts it, snorts it. He cuts it again. I snort some. I ease back on the couch and consider the Rubicon I’ve just crossed” Agassi writes. “There is a moment of regret, followed by vast sadness. Then comes a tidal wave of euphoria that sweeps away every negative thought in my head. I’ve never felt so alive, so hopeful — and I’ve never felt such energy.”Agassi was still playing tennis at the time, and married actress Brooke Shields later that year. Agassi’s autobiography is released November 9.

Brown out for six weeks

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:30:23 +0000

Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown faces a lay-off of four to six weeks with a broken bone in his foot suffered at Wolves on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was hurt after a challenge with Matt Jarvis and left Molineux with his foot in a protective boot before having a scan on Sunday.

"It's just unfortunate," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said. "He has had a career blighted by injury."

There had been fears the injury would rule him out of the summer's World Cup.

But the news will be concerning for England boss Fabio Capello as Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson is only just making his way back from a knee ligament problem which has kept him out since the end of December.

England's campaign in South Africa kicks off on 12 June against the United States.

Brown will miss Wednesday's Champions League last-16 return leg against AC Milan and a majority of United's end-of-season fixture programme.

However, with nine games remaining in the Premier League, as well as the ongoing Champions League campaign, Ferguson added: "We hope to get him back for some of the season."

It is another bad injury for the right-back, who has also slotted in at centre-back, and comes just over a year after breaking a metatarsal.

Brown won his 23rd cap for England against Egypt last Wednesday and is expected to be in Capello's squad for the World Cup.

United head to Old Trafford on the back of an impressive 3-2 win in Italy but with a growing injury list which already includes Anderson (knee), Ryan Giggs (arm) and John O'Shea (leg).

However, striker Wayne Rooney has overcome a knee problem.

Source: Link

Ambrosini hails Rooney class

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:28:53 +0000

AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini has hailed Manchester United's star striker Wayne Rooney as "a complete player" ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash at Old Trafford.

The former Everton man struck twice in United's 3-2 victory in the San Siro in the first leg, which made the Italian media sit up and take notice of the Premier League's top scorer.

Rooney's stock has risen considerably over the last few months, with both Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson declaring the 24-year-old to be among the best players in the world.

After his recovery from a minor knee injury, Rooney seems certain to play an integral part at Old Trafford on Wednesday and Ambrosini knows that fit-again Rooney will pose a threat.

"Rooney is considered to be a star player on the world stage," said the Italy international.

"He is better than in the past. He has improved and is now a complete player. He is one of the best in the world at the moment."

Ambrosini's words were echoed by coach Leonardo, who must try to find a way of stopping United's talisman, whilst retaining enough attacking invention in his own side to help them become the first team to beat the Red Devils in a two-legged game after losing the opener on home soil.

"Rooney is a fixed point of reference in the United team," said the Brazilian.

"It is incredible to see the way he has developed, grown and matured as a player.

"Maybe it has had something to do with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving because it meant he needed to step up."

Source: Link

Fergie wary of Becks threat

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:27:36 +0000

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits David Beckham's crossing ability may cause his side problems in their UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan on Wednesday, but is unsure as to whether he will make the starting line-up.

Milan travel to Old Trafford looking to overturn a 3-2 deficit inflicted by United at the San Siro in the first leg of their last-16 encounter, with former United midfielder Beckham making his first return to the club he left in 2003 for Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old started the initial meeting between the two sides, setting up Ronaldinho for the opening goal of the match before being substituted in the 72nd minute.

The assist provided a timely reminder of the danger posed by the Los Angeles Galaxy loanee, and his former manager is under no illusions as to the damage Beckham could cause to the Red Devils' hopes of making the quarter-finals.

But despite his warning, Ferguson expressed doubts as to whether the England international would make the first XI against his side.

He said: "David's strength has always been his crosses and if he plays tomorrow that will be the threat against us, and his set piece play.

"But I don't know if he will start. I've not got that down in my conclusions of the Milan team.

"He has not started a game since the first leg, so it would be difficult to say what impact he will have on the game.

"Bit he will be there and the one thing you have to be aware of is his delivery of the ball, which is fantastic.

"That is the threat. There are a lot of threats in their team, of course, but we are well aware of David's."

Beckham spent 10 successful years with United before his £25m move to Madrid, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League crown.

His contribution to the club's glittering success earned him a place in Manchester folklore and his first time back at his former employers is likely to be met with a warm reception from the United fans.

Paul Scholes - who bagged his 100th Premier League goal for United in the 1-0 win over Wolves - believes his former colleague will be welcomed by the crowd, who he believes will recognise the contribution made by Beckham.

And he too was keen to point out the former England captain's passing provided a potential threat.

"United fans love him for what he did for this club and he will get a fantastic ovation," said Scholes. "He will need to be watched though.

"If you give him time and room on the ball there is no doubt he will pick players out. From free-kicks as well, his delivery is as great as ever."

Wayne Rooney nodded in two vital goals to help put his side in control of the tie going into the return leg, and seeing off Milan again would continue United's push for a treble-winning season.

Ferguson's men have struggled with injury problems throughout the campaign but are well-poised to win both the Premier League and European titles after their Carling Cup success.

Victory in Italy nearly three weeks ago was a turning point in his side's campaign according to the Manchester chief, although he refused to underestimate the difficulty posed by Leonardo's men.

And while supporter disquiet over the controversial ownership of the club has threatened to overshadow what could be another trophy-laden year, the 68-year-old believes the fans will be backing his side to book a spot in the final eight.

He went on: "That was a landmark victory for us and it was a psychological thing winning there.

"European football is one of a changing nature every year and the challenge to me seems to get different because it's a varied tournament in the terms of club form.

"The Italians have not been as good as the Spaniards or English teams, but there is a sense they are better now.

"Old Trafford will be rocking and I am sure whether they are wearing the traditional red and white or the protest green and gold scarves, the supporters will be united and speaking with one voice to get us safely through."

Source: Link

Fergie worried by bugs

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:07:03 +0000

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is concerned by news that the England team may have been bugged.

Conversations between Fabio Capello and his squad in the national team's meeting room at a Watford hotel are believed to have been taped ahead of their friendly against Egypt.

Ferguson is already familiar with this type of controversy after listening devices were found in the United dressing room at Old Trafford in 2005 - following their meeting with Chelsea.

"It happened to us once before," said the Red Devils boss.

"I would be concerned about it. You have to be.

"Preparation involves discretion and secrecy. I haven't revealed one bit of my tactics ahead of the AC Milan match. I haven't been asked. And do you know why? Because I wouldn't tell anyone.

"Why should I tell anyone?

"Capello may have been discussing some important issues about his team. All of a sudden someone else has got it. It is a concern."

Source: Link

Practice makes perfect for Wazza

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:58:42 +0000

Wayne Rooney is reaping the rewards from his hard work on the training ground, according to team-mate Darren Fletcher.

The England striker is fit to face AC Milan on Wednesday night after recovering from a knee injury which kept him out of United’s win at Wolves on Saturday.

Prior to his enforced absence, Rooney had been in scintillating form for the Reds with 28 goals to his name so far this season.

Fletcher hasn’t been surprised by Rooney's performances over the last eight months having witnessed at close quarters his team-mate's determination to become one of the world’s best.

“What you’re seeing are the rewards of his hard work on the training ground,” Fletcher told reporters ahead of the Milan clash. “He’s matured and improved as a player and really risen to the challenge of being the team’s [main] goalscorer this season.

“He’s got stronger as the season has gone on and his confidence is growing. He really does believe that he’s up there with the best players in the world and his form is showing that.”

Arguably the world’s most famous footballer will be back at Old Trafford on Wednesday night when David Beckham makes his long awaited return to the home of the Reds.

Fletcher is a big admirer of the 34-year-old, but admits there will be no room for sentiment come kick-off.

“As a youngster he was one of the players I looked up to alongside the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs,” revealed the Scot.

“He’s a top class player and although he’s moved on from here, he’s had a successful career elsewhere and is battling for a place in the England World Cup squad so he’ll be out to impress everyone.

“I’m sure he’ll be welcomed back to Old Trafford just like he was greeted by our fans in Milan, but the most important thing for us is to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we win the match. Once the game kicks off friendship goes out the window.”

Source: Link

Milan: We can turn it around

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:56:32 +0000

Milan's head coach and captain were making all the right noises on the eve of their Champions League clash with United at Old Trafford, insisting they can overturn their 2-3 deficit from the first leg.

Sir Alex Ferguson's opposite number Leonardo certainly exuded confidence as he fielded questions in Italian and English, neither being his native tongue. When asked why he seems so upbeat about his team's chances, the former Brazil midfielder said: "My confidence stems from what we are doing, the way we are playing.

"Even in the first leg, there were many positive aspects to our play. It’s still an open tie. We’ve played well since the first leg so we are feeling confident. We just need to go out and make the most of our opportunities."

Leonardo believes the spirit and cohesion of his players will prove more important than any tactical card he could play. He's looking for the perfect team performance - akin to the one which Milan produced to beat United 3-0 in 2007 - but he acknowledged the English media's interest in one player in particular.

"I don’t think games like this are necessarily decided by tactics, it has more to do with the approach and the attitude on the day," said Leonardo.

"Our squad has many choices, and lots of players who are used to these big games. David Beckham is clearly one of them and we know we can call on him if necessary.

"There’s no denying it’s a big event for him to return here, having achieved so much as a Manchester United player. It’s a very special opportunity for him and it was incredible for him when the draw was made.

"But he’s an extremely professional player and person and I know he can cope with the situation."

As for the individuals in United's squad, both Leonardo and the man sitting alongside him - Milan skipper Massimo Ambrosini - waxed lyrical about the man who scored twice against them in the first leg.

"People in Italy definitely regard Wayne Rooney as a star player on the world stage," said Ambrosini. "Unfortunately for us, we saw a demonstration of that in the first leg.

"One of the things we've all seen is that he's become even better than he was in the past. I think he's a very complete player, a very consistent player and undoubtedly one of the best players in the world at the moment."

Leonardo concurred, "I think Rooney has become almost like a fixed point of reference in the United team. It's incredible to see the way he has developed, grown and matured as a player. Perhaps he needed to do that, to step up, after Cristiano Ronaldo left. He is extremely consistent and a very good player."

Milan may consider Rooney being passed fit to be bad news, but Ambrosini insists: "We’re very focused. We believe the first leg has given us a good opportunity to come here and achieve something.

"We have a calmness that goes with the belief in our ability and our conviction that we can do something. We know it’s going to be a huge battle, and a huge achievement if we manage to pull it off."

Milan have won three of their four domestic matches since facing United on 16 February - 2-0 and 2-1 away to Bari and Fiorentina respectively and 3-1 at home to Atalanta. Their most recent outing was Saturday's 0-0 draw away to Roma.

Source: Link

Sir Alex: We won't sit back

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:55:09 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson insists United are fully focused on winning the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie against AC Milan, rather than holding on to the advantage they already hold.

A historic 3-2 victory at the San Siro three weeks ago has given the Reds the upper hand in the tie with Milan needing to score at least two goals at Old Trafford to keep their hopes alive.

Despite being in the driving seat, Sir Alex says it’s vital the Reds don’t take anything for granted.

“I don’t think we should be confused by the scoreline and think that we have a bye into the next round,” the boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“I don’t think we’re very good at defending leads. We need to play our normal game and that includes attacking. We’ve got to accept that it’s going to be a very difficult game and one we have to win.

“The first 15 minutes over there was a bad spell for us, but the best one for them. We could have been two or three down, but once we recovered we played very well and maybe should have killed the tie altogether in the middle of the second half. Goals change games though and Seedorf’s goal near the end keeps the match on a tightrope.

“It's certainly an open tie which should make for a great game of football. We hope to kill the tie by our own attacking abilities, but obviously AC Milan have to score and that should make it a really open match.”

Should United end the night victorious on Wednesday it will be the Reds’ first ever triumph against the Rossoneri having lost all four of their previous European ties. After securing a first-ever victory at the San Siro, Sir Alex is urging his players to finish the job at Old Trafford.

“Historically we’re up against one of the best teams of all-time in Europe and winning at the San Siro was a great achievement,” he insisted. “It was the first time we’d managed to do it in four attempts and it was certainly a landmark victory for us and a really important one for us psychologically. Winning that game was fantastic for us and a real step forward.

“I think European football is one of a changing nature every year. The Italian teams haven’t been as good as the Spaniards or the English teams for a few years, but I think there’s been a little shift and the Italian teams are better this season. So it would be a big step forward for us if we can beat Milan on our ground.”

Source: Link

Paul Scholes - 100 League Goals

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:14:01 +0000

Scholesy has scored 100 league goals!

In the video, are some of his best.

He scores goals galore,
He scores goals,
He scores goals galore,
He scores goals,
He scores goals galore,
He scores goals,
Paul Scholes,
He scores goals...

Rafael: It Will Be An Honour To Mark Ronaldinho

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:44:58 +0000

Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva is relishing the chance to face Ronaldinho at Old Trafford. The youngster is expected to start the crunch match against the Rossoneri in the Champions League.

The Red Devils hold a 3-2 aggregate lead following their first leg win at the San Siro and are favourites to advance to the last eight of the competition.

"For me it is a privilege [to go up against Ronaldinho]," he was quoted as saying by Datasport.

"If the coach gives me this opportunity it means he really believes in my abilities. I feel appreciated and am happy to play in matches like this against Milan."

The 19-year-old has made only 13 appearances in all competitions so far in 2009-10 and will face a challenge trying to mark the former Barcelona maestro, who scored in the first leg.

Rafael joined Manchester United in 2008 after a promising start to his career with the youth team of Fluminense.

Rooney fit to face Milan

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:11:00 +0000

The talismanic striker is back in training ahead of the last-16 UEFA Champions League showdown, which United lead 3-2 after the first leg in Italy.

Rooney missed Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win at Wolves after aggravating a knee injury on England duty last week, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson subsequently suggesting Rooney was "a big doubt" for the Milan meeting.

But the striker's presence at the Carrington training ground on Tuesday morning suggests United's top scorer will be involved at Old Trafford as Ferguson's side attempt to reach the last eight of this season's competition at the expense of old boy David Beckham and his team-mates.

Although the Red Devils have never been knocked out of a two-legged European tie after winning the away leg first, fans will be cheered as their chances of victory will be significantly enhanced if the 28-goal 24-year-old is around to help.

Giggs Out

Veteran Ryan Giggs also trained on Tuesday morning, after having a plate removed from the arm he broke at Aston Villa recently.

But the Welshman was limited to a solo session and Ferguson has already declared the winger will not come into contention.

United do have options, though, with Dimitar Berbatov impressing at Molineux on Saturday, while Paul Scholes scored his 100th Premier League goal.

Michael Carrick is suspended following his late dismissal in the San Siro, so Darren Fletcher is expected to return after not featuring on Saturday.

Man Utd await Brown scan verdict

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:13:20 +0000

Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown will discover on Monday if he has broken a bone in his left foot.

If Brown has broken the fifth metatarsal he is likely to miss the run-in to the Premier League season and potentially this summer's World Cup.

Brown, 30, suffered the injury in a challenge with Matt Jarvis in United's 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

The versatile defender left Molineux with his foot in a protective boot and had a scan on the injury on Sunday.

Brown broke a metatarsal just over a year ago.

He won his 23rd cap for England against Egypt last Wednesday and is expected to be in Fabio Capello's squad for the World Cup in June.

However, if test results show he has broken another metatarsal, he faces a race against time to be fit for the finals in South Africa.

A United spokeswoman told BBC Sport the club was waiting for the results of the scan before making any comment.

Source: Link

Triesman - Fans could run club

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:11:57 +0000

Lord Triesman believes a fan-run club could work in England, as the Red Knights battle for control at Manchester United.

The supporter-led campaign is aimed at dethroning the Glazer family at Old Trafford, with mounting concern on the terraces that debts are spiralling out of control.

Football Association chairman Triesman does not question the Glazers' ability to handle the financial situation at United, but admits they would be foolish to ignore the fans.

He feels those who pay their hard earned money into the club's coffers should be regarded as more than merely customers.

With that in mind, he feels a fan-owned club could be the way forward - with Spanish giants such as Barcelona proving such a scheme can be successful.

Triesman said: "There are some good fan-run clubs and there have been in England too, there have been some clubs in difficulties where the fans have been the decisive factor such as York City and Bournemouth.

"Broadly speaking we are organised around companies and company law and I think that is a reality of our circumstance.

"But I don't think that fact alters the way in which fans look at their club and the way it is treasured in a way that not all that many social institutions are."

Triesman said supporters have a right to be concerned about their club's ownership and act accordingly.

He said: "All fans are concerned about the well-being of their clubs.

"I am really not saying Manchester United cannot deal with its overall financial arrangements but of course fans do take a view about whether their club is all right.

"I know perfectly well when I thought Robert Maxwell was going to take over Tottenham I was deeply concerned. I'm not making that point frivolously, people love their clubs and certainly want them to be in good shape.

"If they have been very successful they want them to continue to be very successful so they are interested in where the funds are.

"As it happens I think United are a huge business capable of generating very, very big resources.

"It would be disappointing in any club if fans were not interested in the whole thing."

Source: Link

Asian billionaires in Utd link

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:10:23 +0000

Sky Sports News understands two billionaires from South Asia were prepared to make a ₤1billion offer for Manchester United, but were told the Glazer family was unwilling to sell.

It is understood the deal was brokered by super-agent Pini Zahavi in October last year.

Zahavi represents Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and has close links with the club.

But the billionaires, who have not been named but are 'huge Manchester United supporters', were told the Glazers 'were not willing to hear offers'.

It is believed the potential investors provided proof of funds in a Swiss bank account.

The investors have no involvement with the 'Red Knights' consortium who revealed their own takeover plans last week.

Zahavi was involved in Roman Abramovich's surprise takeover at Chelsea in 2003.

Source: Link

Reds on Milan mission

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:08:43 +0000

Edwin van der Sar is hoping to be part of a first United triumph over AC Milan in European competition on Wednesday night.

The Italians have been a bogey team for the Reds in the European Cup. In four previous two-legged ties, the Rossoneri have always come out on top.

Edwin was in goal for one of those defeats, back in 2007, when after a 3-2 first leg win at Old Trafford the Reds lost 3-0 at the San Siro to exit the competition at the semi-final stage.

“It’s not a case of owing Milan one, but we will want to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes we did a few years ago when they knocked us out at the semi-final stage,” Edwin told ManUtd.com.

“They played particularly well in the home leg here when we won 3-2 and Kaka scored two goals. Then at the San Siro, Clarence Seedorf was fantastic – he was excellent in both games actually. But we got a good result in Milan and now we need to finish it off with a magic night at Old Trafford.

“We’re always confident,” he added. “And I haven’t played a lot in the Champions League yet this season, so I’ve been really looking forward to these games.”

Van der Sar does have experience of defeating Milan, and right at the cutting edge of the competition – he won the Champions League outright with his first club Ajax back in 1995, when Patrick Kluivert struck the only goal against the Italians in the final in Vienna.

Edwin remembers what a great night that was (just about) and will draw on that experience on Wednesday. “[Puffing out his cheeks] It was so long ago!” he joked. “I was still a young boy and the Ajax team had a lot of young players. I think you could compare it with the 1999 Champions League title that United won.

“There were a lot of home-grown players, friends who’d grown up together in the youth team and then progressed into the first-team. We had one or two foreign guys, but it was mainly Dutch players in a team that was brought together by a great manager, Louis van Gaal. Everything came together and the players really gelled during that period and it was a great feeling to win the Champions League title.

“It was a lot like United a few years after that, we were a bit unfortunate not to add a second European title to the one in 1995. In those situations you want to stamp your authority on that particular era, but it was only one year. It’s a difficult trophy to win, so if you win it more than once you’ve done well.”

United have, of course, reached the final two years in a row. And Edwin, who signed a new contract last month, perhaps only has a year left in an illustrious career, so he has a burning desire to make the most of his opportunities in this tournament.

Source: Link

Scholes out of the ordinary

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:07:36 +0000

Rio Ferdinand reserved special praise for Reds pair Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov after United secured a vital 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday.

Scholes netted his 100th league goal in a red shirt, earning Sir Alex's men a crucial three points, while Berbatov impressed in a lone striker role.

Rio saluted Scholes’ professionalism and finishing ability after the midfielder popped up with the winner at Molineux.

“He's a true professional and a great footballer and someone who has been a pleasure to play alongside,” he told MUTV. "We're delighted he's got us the winner and it's great for him to have got 100 league goals.

“Scholesy’s just Scholesy. He wants to be first out of the training ground when training is over to get home and be with his family, but when he's training he works very hard.

“He’s not really anyone who shouts or makes a noise if he scores a goal or does something out of the ordinary that no-one else can do, which he often does. But just that speaks volumes for the kind of professional he is."

While Scholes netted the all-important winning goal, Dimitar Berbatov also caught the eye in the absence of Wayne Rooney. Not only was he impressive in his hold-up play, he added a touch of flair to United's attack with an array of delightful back-heels and one-twos.

“I thought Berba was fantastic,” added Rio. “He occupied their whole back four, which is all you can ask of a centre forward, especially one playing on his own. I think he proved he can be the lone striker if we need him to be."

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