Luis Suarez case: Ferguson says ‘no’ to peace talks

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says there is “no need” for peace talks ahead of his team’s home clash with Liverpool on 11 February

Liverpool want a board-level meeting with United to restore harmony following the Luis Suarez affair.

But Ferguson said: “I do not see why there is any need for it.”

The Old Trafford match is likely to be Suarez’s first away match after his eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

The Uruguay striker faces severe treatment at Old Trafford and Liverpool want to reduce the offensive chants Suarez is likely to endure.

When questioned on reports that Liverpool would like peace talks at the club’s press conference on Friday, Ferguson said: “It is nice of them to do it through the press.

“You would have thought they would come to Manchester United first. I do not see why there is any need for it but I have nothing to say about it.”

Relations between the two clubs have been at a low ebb and, while accepting the punishment of Suarez, Liverpool were unhappy with the decision.

After Suarez issued an apology - though not to Evra – for any offence his use of the word “negro” may have caused, Liverpool want to build bridges with United but are continuing discussions with the FA over an investigation process they believe was flawed.

United have said little on the entire matter, other than questioning Liverpool’s public statements prior to the hearing.

Henry completes Arsenal return and could face Leeds in FA Cup

Arsenal have confirmed Thierry Henry has signed a two-month loan deal and will be available to play against Leeds in the FA Cup on Monday.

Agreement has now been reached with the New York Red Bulls and the 34-year-old has completed his return to north London.

The Gunners were hoping the Frenchman would be able to play in a reserve match against Sunderland earlier in the week as they seek to get him back up to full match fitness, but a delay in the paperwork put paid to those hopes.

Instead, his first involvement is now likely to be a place on the subs’ bench when Leeds visit the Emirates in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday.

Sorry United succumb on Tyneside; Newcastle United 3 Manchester United 0

Following their disappointing defeat at the hands of Blackburn on new years eve, United looked to quickly bounce back with a trip to St James’s Park to face Newcastle United. Having not lost to the Tyneside club since 2001, United were confident of reducing the 3 point gap on league leaders city to merely goal difference, going into the second half of the season. However, with Demba Ba having scored 14 goals already this season, United’s  defensive woes of late would have to subside in order to get a positive result. Rio Ferdinand alleviated some of the pressure by returning to the side along with Wayne Rooney, as Antonio Valencia continued at right back in an auxiliary role.

With a boisterous home crowd roaring them on, Newcastle began the game very brightly, putting pressure on Anders Lindegaard, replacing David De Gea, with a barrage of long balls into the penalty area. United however looked dangerous on the break, and brought the first save of the game as Nani’s curling effort was parried by Tim Krul, nearly into the path of the onrushing Rooney. The Portugese winger was beginning to find some joy down the right hand side, as United looked to break the deadlock, but the final ball was constantly letting the reds down. This was telling, as Giggs’ perfectly weighted through ball was poorly controlled by Rooney, who had the goal at his mercy if he could have brought the ball under. United were made to pay on the half hour mark, as an arrowing Tim Krul long ball was nodded on by Shoala Ameobi, and expertly volleyed home by Demba Ba past a helpless Lindegaard to leave United facing another mountain to climb at the half time interval.

Any words of wisdom issued at half time were quickly out the window, as Yohann Cabaye produced one of the goals of the season just 2 minutes after the restart, curling a sublime free kick from 30 yards into the top corner and all but condemning United to a second successive defeat. With their tails up, Newcastle ramped up the pressure on a creaking United, who instead of rallying in typical fashion to mount a classic comeback, appeared to be wilting. The introduction of Danny Welbeck brought some respite for United, who nearly found an unlikely way back into the game as Nani’s cross was flicked on by Welbeck to Rooney, whose side footed volley was frustratingly cleared off the line by ex red Danny Simpson, preventing an inevitable United siege in the final stages. For all their possession, United were failing to find the target with the frequency required to get back into the game, and with Demba Ba constantly harassing the United back four, the reds were unable to build sustained pressure from the back.

Another insipid United display culminated in a farce, as with only stoppage time remaining, a seemingly harmless long ball down the middle was nodded by Phil Jones into his own goal, leaving United well an truly beaten and 3 points off the pace at the top. Next up for United, the small matter of a trip to Eastland’s to face Manchester City in the FA cup 3rd round.

Ratings

Lindegaard – 5 Could do nothing for goals, but unconvincing display.

Valencia – 6 Attacking force but vulnerable defensively.

Ferdinand – 5 Couldn’t live with Ba’s movement and pace.

Jones – 3 Shocker, but will be back.

Evra – 4 Constantly exploited by Newcastle.

Nani – 4 Couldn’t get into the game.

Carrick – 5 Regressed back after positive performances.

Giggs – 4 Willing but not able.

Park – 4 Inept performance, not needed in these sorts of games.

Rooney – 3 Looked horribly out of sorts.

Berbatov – 3 Unlucky to not score with header, only touch in final 3rd however.

Subs

Welbeck – 6 Immediately improved attacking threat.

Hernandez – 4 Constantly offside.

Anderson – 5 Provided some drive.

LAW GIVES JOHN TERRY GROUND TO WORRY

JOHN TERRY’S career in Britain could effectively be ended by magistrates if he is found guilty of a racist offence at the end of what could be a six-month legal process.

 Since 1999, upon conviction of a disorder offence at a football ground, the court has been duty-bound by law to consider a Football Banning Order.

Such an act would prevent Terry, 31, from even attending a football ground for a minimum of three years.

Significantly, the FA have spoken out strongly in favour of such banning orders in the past for those convicted of racist crimes at football matches.

Yesterday, a spokesman confirmed that was still their stance where spectators were concerned. Chelsea defender Terry vehemently denies the charge and is adamant that he will “clear his name as quickly as possible” having been given a date for a first hearing at West London Magistrates Court on February 1.

Experts say a banning order is unlikely as it is liable to be challenged under a restraint of trade action. Yet it will not be brushed under the carpet. If the magistrates do decide not to go down that line, they “must in open court state that fact and give reasons”.

Manchester United loanee: I’m here to improve as a player

Federico Macheda, on loan at QPR from Manchester United, is looking to use his time with the west London club to improve as a player.

The 20-year-old admitted it will be hard to maintain a first team spot at Rangers given the talent the west London club possess.

The Italian, who burst onto the scene for the Red Devils with a last minute winner against Aston Villa in April 2009, has found it hard to break into the side.

Macheda came off the bench in the west London club’s defeat to Norwich and is in line for his first start against MK Dons in the FA Cup on Saturday.

“I came here to work very hard, fight for my place and hopefully make a good impression,” Macheda told the club’s official site.

“I think QPR has a good squad of players. I think we can improve and gain many points over the coming games.”

He added: “When I get on the pitch I will give my best.

“When I spoke to Sir Alex he said I need more playing time. There is more chance to play here than at United at the moment.

“The important thing now for me is QPR. We will see what happens in the future when I return to United.”

Chelsea still want me, confirms De Bruyne as Genk star holds out for transfer

Chelsea are still in the hunt for Belgian star Kevin de Bruyne, according to the man himself.

The Blues were keen to take the talented 20-year-old to Stamford Bridge during the summer but refused to meet Genk’s asking price.

The failure to agree a fee caused the deal to collapse, leaving De Bruyne with the Belgium league runners-up for at least a few more months.

Wanted: Kevin de Bruyne is set to leave Genk before next season

Now the midfielder, who best operates in a wide attacking position, has revealed Chelsea will be come back for him before the start of next season.

He said: ‘Chelsea are still interested in me and already have a plan in place for me. Staying at Genk for another season is not an option for me. Chelsea were serious about signing me but maybe Genk’s asking price was too high.’

De Bruyne failed to impress in two games against Andre Villas-Boas’s side in the Champions League earlier this season.

Ahead of the second meeting in Belgium, De Bruyne had said: ‘I will think about only doing my best for Genk. ‘My “relationship” with Chelsea is not important. Nothing is signed yet, we will see.’

Manchester United refuse to “panic” after shock defeat to Newcastle

Sir Alex Ferguson insisted there was no need for panic after seeing his Manchester United side humbled at Newcastle United.

The Magpies ensured that arch rivals Manchester City remain three points clear at the top of the table by beating the champions 3-0 on Tyneside as the run of surprise results for the main contenders over the holiday period continued.

However, Ferguson was taking a measured approach when asked about the impact of a potentially costly defeat.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s not a time to panic or anything like that. We have got the experience to cope with that.

“Losing a game at this time of the year, you don’t want it, but it sometimes can happen – you have seen some of the results recently.

“But obviously, we need to get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March and April.”

Even with Wayne Rooney back from his exile and Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs also restored to the starting line-up, United were able to make little impression on a Newcastle side looking for just their second win in nine league games.

Striker Demba Ba, in his last game for the club before heading off to the African Nations Cup with Senegal, blasted the home side ahead with a delicious 33rd-minute volley – his 15th goal of the season.

With Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote, who will also be on duty in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, determined to sign off in style, the home side were good value for their half-time lead, and there was further cause for celebration within two minutes of the restart.