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Post by Macmoish on Feb 23, 2013 17:17:57 GMT
Captain of the Titanic: "Plenty of ice for the drinks..."
Tony Fernandes â€@tonyfernandes
I am optimistic as ever. I'm still smiling. Its the next 8 games. Lots of good things.
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Post by sharky on Feb 23, 2013 17:59:40 GMT
From the Daily Mail
QPR 0 Manchester United 2: Rafael rocket extends lead at top but Van Persie goes off injured
By SIMON PEACH, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 16:51 GMT, 23 February 2013 | UPDATED: 17:35 GMT, 23 February 2013
Rafael's exquisite strike helped Manchester United stay on course for the Barclays Premier League title today as embattled QPR's survival hopes took another blow.
The Brazilian right-back's first-half effort set Sir Alex Ferguson's on course for a victory, which was wrapped up 10 minutes from time by veteran Ryan Giggs.
Only an unparalleled meltdown will now stop United winning a 20th league crown, while only the greatest of escapes will see QPR stave off relegation.
Harry Redknapp's side are still seven points adrift of safety but have only 11 matches remaining, with the twin brother of QPR loanee Fabio doing a lot of the damage today.
While the Rs full-back was ineligible to face his parent club, Rafael put in a fine performance in west London and rifled home from distance in the 23rd minute.
Giggs made sure of a victory that was never really in doubt late on at Loftus Road, where the only blot on a perfect afternoon for United was a knock to Robin van Persie.
Proceedings got off to a slow start in west London, where it took 13 minutes for the first chance of note to be created.
After being caught on the edge of the box by Jose Bosingwa - making his first appearance since December 8 - Nani connected with the resulting free-kick, only to see his flicked header go wide.
Adel Taarabt fired a low shot just wide of David de Gea's near post soon after but United were in control.
Pick that one out: Rafael hammers home his goal
Head to head: Rio Ferdinand and Rafael celebrate the Brazilian's wonder goal
Julio Cesar had to be alert to tip a goalbound Javier Hernandez effort over the bar, with the Mexican meeting a Ashley Young cross with a superb improvised header.
Stephane Mbia soon gifted United another chance. The midfielder was dispossessed on the right flank by Nani, whose driven cross just evaded Hernandez.
United did not have to wait long for the opener, though, with Rafael thumping home in style after 23 minutes.
Pain game: Robin van Persie collides with a cameraman
Concern: Robin van Persie receives treatment on the touchline after picking up an injury
Ouch! Van Persie receives medical treatment after his collision
Taarabt lost possession in his own half and play developed down the right, allowing Van Persie to wriggle free and hit a cross. Cesar parried the acute drive but the ball fell kindly for Rafael, who hammered a 25-yard strike into the top corner.
Jamie Mackie and Andros Townsend blazed over as QPR attempted to draw parity, before Taarabt struck tamely wide when a wide ball to Townsend would have been wiser.
When the Tottenham loanee did get the ball moments later, his long-range effort forced a corner from which Christopher Samba saw a header cleared off the line by Rafael.
Rolling back the years: Ryan Giggs makes it 2-0 with a delicate chip
Forever young: Giggs and Wayne Rooney celebrate United's second goal
The right-back, playing superbly in Shepherds Bush, then helped United counter, sending a fine ball over the top to Van Persie, who saw a brilliant left-footed volley denied in equally impressive fashion by Cesar.
It was the Netherlands international's last contribution before he was replaced by Danny Welbeck, having appeared to pick up a hip complaint earlier in the half.
Face in the crowd: Roy Hodgson was at Loftus Road to cast his eye over a number of players ahead of England's World Cup qualifying double header with San Marino and Montenegro
Despite his exit, United continued to dominate and almost immediately doubled their advantage as Giggs swung in a free-kick for the unmarked Nemanja Vidic to flash a header inches wide.
It was the last moment of note in the first period, which ended with Bobby Zamora, managing a long-term hip injury, pulling up.
Stop there: Nani tackles Armand Traore during United's win
The former Fulham striker managed to return for the second half unlike Esteban Granero, who was replaced by Jermaine Jenas after picking up a knock.
United continued strongly after the break but QPR were putting up more of a fight, with Taarabt seeing penalty appeals waved away.
The visitors were still threatening, though, and Hernandez saw an effort saved easily by Cesar before he was replaced by Wayne Rooney, who has been suffering with a sinus problem this week.
Tangled up: Patrice Evra challenges Stephane Mbia
QPR also made a change in the 61st minute, with Zamora limping off to be replaced by Loic Remy - a change that almost paid dividends straight away.
The January signing made himself space in the box to unleash a well-struck effort that De Gea head to be alert to stop, with Samba heading wide from the following corner.
United soon settled, though, and QPR captain Clint Hill did well to block a close-range strike by substitute Rooney, before Jenas put in an equally-impressively challenge to deny Welbeck.
No way through: Clint Hill stops Van Persie in his tracks
The visitors did grab a second goal 10 minutes from time as Nani played a cute ball through to Giggs, whose strike from an acute angle beat Cesar to send the 3,081 visiting supporters into raptures.
Giggs saw a looped strike rattle the crossbar and a Samba header brushed the post late on, but there was to be no more goals despite the best efforts of both sides.
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 23, 2013 18:02:04 GMT
QPR OFFICIAL SITE HARRY: ALL TO PLAY FOR R's boss upbeat despite United defeat ... Everybody else has written us off but I haven’t. I still feel we’ve got a chance." Harry Redknapp HARRY REDKNAPP insists there is still ‘all to play for’ in QPR’s fight for survival after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. Rangers began well at Loftus Road against the league leaders but Rafael’s stunning strike midway through the first-half broke the R’s resistance. Redknapp’s men battled bravely for a leveller before Ryan Giggs sealed maximum points for the visitors in the closing stages. “Today was always going to be a tough game,” the R’s boss told www.qpr.co.uk. “I thought we were bang in it and there wasn’t a lot going on. “Suddenly the right-back hits a worldy; he’ll never probably score a goal like that for as long as he plays football. He’s hit one out of the clouds that’s gone right in the top corner.” Saturday also saw the return of R's frontman Loic Remy from injury, replacing strike partner Bobby Zamora on the hour-mark. Despite defeat leaving Rangers seven points adrift of safety, Redknapp remains confident the pair can still hold the key to safety. “I still feel we’ll get out of it,” he said. “It [defeat] leaves us bottom today but we won’t be bottom at the end of the season. “With Bobby Zamora and [Loic] Remy coming back from injury I see two forwards that can start scoring some goals between now and the end of the season for us. “That’s been our problem, we don’t score enough goals. “Between them I can see them doing some damage to teams.” Rangers face a trip to Southampton next in the first of five matches against challengers in the bottom half. Redknapp knows the odds are firmly stacked against his side but the R’s boss hasn’t given up faith of beating the drop. He added: “Every game is important now. With 11 games to go there’s still all to play for. “They’re going to be tough games but I think there’s enough there [in the squad] to give us a chance. “Everybody else has written us off but I haven’t. I still feel we’ve got a chance.” www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/230213-harry-man-utd-673824.aspx |
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Post by sharky on Feb 23, 2013 18:07:24 GMT
The owner and the manager on planet Zorg me thinks!!
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robbie
Neil Warnock
Posts: 556
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Post by robbie on Feb 23, 2013 18:23:31 GMT
in all fairness sharky you cant expect them to come out and say were F****d !!! ;D ;D
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Post by nomar on Feb 23, 2013 19:42:07 GMT
If Remy and Zamora were fit then maybe.
But they're not. Zamora is unlikely to last much longer this season in my opinion. And they should have known this.
Again, if only they had signed Odemwingie........
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 23, 2013 20:49:32 GMT
“@tonyfernandes: Good chat with Harry on the future come what may. We know what we have to do. Many points to play for.” “@tonyfernandes: No. RT @tiote_in_Toon: @tonyfernandes do you regret firing Neil Warnock? It appears that was when it started to go wrong.” “@tonyfernandes: I'm sure he will. RT @reecetop10: @tonyfernandes will harry be staying come what may? That's what we all won't to know #RTID” Not sure how many times I can pledge. Hahaha. But I'm pledging. Aint going anywhere as long as the fans want me. RT @c14r4n: @tonyfernandes can you, right now, pledge that you'll be sticking with us for many seasons to come ? It really would settle our nerves tony! “@tonyfernandes: I will. I'm responsible for this mess ultimately. I have heard the fans and I will stay and fix it. I really love ... t.co/SUDNy3IlIl” |
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Post by terryb on Feb 23, 2013 20:50:47 GMT
Has 'Arry explained why he took off our best player?
I know that I was anti signing Townsend but he has played well in both of his home games & I'm mystified (unless he had an injury) on him being replaced but leaving Jamie & Adel (not one of his better games) on the pitch.
Are we responsible for Granero losing all of his ability or did he not really have any when we signed him?
Lastly, Clint does really give us all he has but questions have to be raised when he is your best defender!
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Post by Bushman on Feb 23, 2013 21:18:22 GMT
“That’s been our problem, we don’t score enough goals" Good to see Harry has spotted the problem.  |
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 23, 2013 21:45:31 GMT
“@tonyfernandes: Not downbeat. Thought we played well. United are an amazing side. RT @magsports: Surprised to see @tonyfernandes ... t.co/UMxDKZ2ypo”“@tonyfernandes: Completley agree RT @10dtozzi: @qblockpete @tonyfernandes massive six pointers coming up! We've been so unlucky ... t.co/9h546GnvKD” |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2013 21:51:29 GMT
“That’s been our problem, we don’t score enough goals" Good to see Harry has spotted the problem. have we not scored at home since 2012 |
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Post by londonranger on Feb 23, 2013 23:22:45 GMT
All was not well when Hughes stayed on after Reading loss. Then if Im the owner, when a manager
doesnt win one away game, I get rid of him. Yes, staying in Prem worth eating his contract.
By the way, Ferguson agreed with me on Hughes being kept on too long. No wins but he always had a
plan??? Plus the expensive rejects he signed!!. Tony must be a bit touched. Loveley guy tho.
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Post by londonranger on Feb 23, 2013 23:29:29 GMT
By the way, Terry, who is our best player?? Not Zamore,know didnt mean him. He had to come off.
On another tack, we had a geat shot on goal by Samba but three defenders were on the goal line.
Thats why they never lose. Our defence is still lettling too many players hang out in front of goal.
Their second goal, two players unmarked, the with Cesar pitching ball to defenders who diddle around with ball. So bloody painful to watch this, that I had to admire our opponents play to keep watching.
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 24, 2013 7:43:18 GMT
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Post by saphilip on Feb 24, 2013 8:21:18 GMT
In the end the gulf between QPR & Utd was all too clear. Of goes Rvp and on comes the likes of Rooney and Welbeck - and if none of them can score - well you have Giggs and everybody else.
I'm not knocking the team and I'm not going to knock the team seelctions. They played as well as they could on the day, didn't disgrace themselves and put up a decent performance. The problem of course it was just not good enough, while it is all too clear where our problem lies - not scoring goals.
My advise to everybody at QPR, including the fans, is this. We have 11 games left of the EPL before we find ourselves back in the Championship. That's almost a given now, so start planning for that eventuality now and, above all, enjoy what is left of this season - and make the most of it, whether we win or not.
Far too many people will be happy to see us go down; let them at least say "well at least their fans made the most of it".
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 24, 2013 8:31:45 GMT
Yes...But probably won't happen
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 24, 2013 8:32:46 GMT
OBSERVER Ryan Giggs completes Manchester United win at Queens Park Rangers Jacob Steinberg at Loftus Road The Observer, Saturday 23 February 2013 11.57 EST Unless there is a collapse to rival the one that gifted Manchester City the title last season, surely nothing is going to stop Manchester United now. This routine victory against an abject Queens Park Rangers, who possessed neither the quality nor the desire to make life remotely complicated for United, moved Sir Alex Ferguson's side 15 points clear of City, who simply must beat Chelsea tomorrow if they are to retain any hope of clinging on to their title. The only worry for United, with the second leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid to come next week, was the sight of Robin van Persie clutching his hip as he limped off in the first half after an accidental collision with an unwitting cameraman in the buildup to their first goal. His substitution looked precautionary though, and that Van Persie played on for another 18 minutes before being replaced by Danny Welbeck suggests it was not a serious injury. "Robin has collided with the cameraman in the dugout and has hurt his hip," said Ferguson, who expects the striker to be available against Real. "He seems to have hit the base of it and has a very bruised hip. He will be assessed tomorrow." Against a more accomplished side, Van Persie's departure might have been the turning point. Yet QPR, bottom of the table and seven points behind Wigan Athletic in 17th place, were as clueless as ever and, although Harry Redknapp tried to search for the positives afterwards, time is running out for them. Redknapp is pinning QPR's hopes of survival on Bobby Zamora and Loïc Rémy forming a deadly partnership up front, but the former's body has taken such a battering in the last few months that he was barely able to break into a light jog here. When Rémy was introduced after 61 minutes, it was for Zamora, who limped off with an ankle injury. QPR are clutching at straws. Their desperate plight was summed up the presence of José Bosingwa in the lineup for the first time since 8 December. Redknapp had aimed fierce criticism at the Portuguese right-back after his refusal to sit on the bench against Fulham in December and fined him £130,000 – two week's wages – and yet here he was, back in the side, a forgiven man. Bosingwa, to be fair, did not do a lot wrong; instead it was United's right-back who stole the show in the first half. After a fairly even start, United were firmly in control by the time they took the lead on 23 minutes with a stunning goal by Rafael da Silva. The danger looked to be over when Júlio César had beaten out a drive from Van Persie, who fell into a cameraman behind the goal as he shot, but the ball dropped to Da Silva 25 yards from goal and, with barely a moment's hesitation, the Brazilian unleashed a vicious, swerving volley into the top-right corner with his right foot. Redknapp sighed that Da Silva had "hit one out of the clouds" and Ferguson's verdict was equally glowing. "I said to him he must have closed his eyes," United's manager said. United should have been out of sight by half-time. Shortly after his goal, Da Silva, having an eventful afternoon, charged up the right flank and sent over a delicious crossfield pass that dropped on to Van Persie's left boot, only for Júlio César to tip his cushioned finish wide. The Brazilian goalkeeper had earlier pushed over a looping header from Javier Hernández, Nemanja Vidic had headed inches wide, but all QPR had to offer was a Christopher Samba header that Da Silva cleared off the line. It was too easy for United and the danger for them was their own complacency. They were given a warning when David de Gea had to make his one save, beating out a fierce drive from Rémy after his introduction as a substitute, and, sensing that his side had slightly lost their way, Ferguson brought on Wayne Rooney to restore focus. With 10 minutes left, Ryan Giggs, making his 999th senior appearance, wrapped up the points, running on to Nani's fine pass and sweeping a shot past the helpless Júlio César. Giggs likes Loftus Road; one of the most memorable goals of the 39-year-old's career came at the end of a winding, breathtaking run 19 years ago. There was still time for a curious chip from Giggs to hit the bar, but two goals were more than enough to beat QPR, who have not scored at home in the league since Boxing Day. "We won't be bottom at the end of the season," said a defiant Redknapp, whose assertion that United will be top at the end of the season seemed rather less fanciful. This is United's title to lose and they are in no mood to throw it away. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/feb/23/qpr-manchester-united-premier-league |
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Post by spanishal on Feb 24, 2013 9:25:36 GMT
Spot on saphiilip it was nothing more than a practise match for united. When your best team is unable to offer any effective opposition, despite playing well, then managers and owners comments lose all credibility. One serious shot at goal, at home, says it all. Can't really fault team effort, "they think its all over..........well"
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 24, 2013 17:23:22 GMT
Luckily not this one (from the Bushman Archives)  |
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Post by saphilip on Feb 24, 2013 19:40:12 GMT
I can say this with confidence;
I have seen much better Man Utd teams than the one that took on QPR yesterday. If it was one of those teams that pitched up yesterday then they would have easily beaten that 8-1 record. Such is the current state of affairs at QPR these days.
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 25, 2013 10:02:00 GMT
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Post by Macmoish on Feb 25, 2013 11:31:04 GMT
So late in the season to be learning... West London Sport 25/02/2013 By David McIntyre Harry Redknapp wants his struggling QPR side to be more direct and focus on getting the ball up to Bobby Zamora. The striker is nursing a long-standing hip problem and suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s defeat against Manchester United. But Redknapp believes Zamora and Loic Remy can help keep Rangers in the Premier League and has told his players to look for the England international at every opportunity. Zamora has a hip condition. Zamora has a hip condition. “I think the players don’t really know – they’ve got to learn – how to play with him,†said the R’s boss. “Every time I want to play a forward ball into Bobby, not play backwards, square or whatever. “Get it up to Bobby, go and join him and play off him. I think that’s how we’ve got to play. “Every time we played the ball up to Bobby against United he got hold of it and gave us a little chance to get up and join him.†Meanwhile, Redknapp has told Junior Hoilett he can play a major role in QPR’s attempt to escape the drop. Hoilett urged to stand up and be counted Junior Hoilett 25/02/2013 By David McIntyre Harry Redknapp has told Junior Hoilett he can play a major role in QPR’s attempt to escape the drop. Hoilett, available again after a hamstring injury, has struggled for fitness and form since his summer move from Blackburn. It has been a hugely disappointing season for the Canadian, but manager Redknapp believes he could yet make his mark. “Maybe Junior Hoilett might come alive now,†said Redknapp. “We might see something from Junior, who since I’ve been here has been injured or not played. Maybe the time is now for Junior to come to the front www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/redknapp-wants-qpr-to-be-more-direct |
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