pigglets are brilliant in a different way

Jul 22, 2009

SECOND GRANDSTAND

Manchester United 2 - 0 Malaysia XI

Michael Owen was on the mark again as Manchester United wrapped up the Malaysian leg of their Far East tour with another comfortable win.Owen got United's second, just two minutes after Federico Macheda's 11th-minute opener, which proved to be the end of the scoring for United, despite their domination.Anderson and Nani both wasted decent opportunities near the end.

And, despite the supposedly friendly nature of the contest, Wayne Rooney had plenty of fire in him as he reacted badly to a penalty area challenge when really he would have been better advised to let the matter rest.Given the humid conditions, it was hardly a surprise Sir Alex Ferguson fielded an entirely different starting line-up to the one he named for the first game between the teams on Saturday.

On that occasion, Owen grabbed the late winner to save his side's blushes in a less-than-convincing 3-2 win.This time around, the former Liverpool striker scored the second, showing his usual predatory instincts after the home defence had made a woeful attempt at clearing a Zoran Tosic cross.

MANUNITED ASIAN TOUR

Manchester United 3 - 2 Malaysia XI

Sir Alex’s men had earlier taken a 2-0 lead through Wayne Rooney and Nani. Rooney opened the scoring on eight minutes, tapping in from close range, and then turned provider for Nani, who finished with aplomb, 20 minutes later.

A stunning volley on half-time from Mohammed Amri Yahyah gave the hosts hope, before a mistake from Ben Foster seven minutes after the restart allowed Yahyah to grab his second. But Owen wrapped up the win with a cool finish five minutes from time.

Jul 5, 2009

TRANSFER NEWS

MICHAEL OWEN ; seals his deal

Owen, who finalised his move on Friday after a day of talks with Sir Alex Ferguson at United’s Carrington training ground, admitted he agreed to the move “without a moment’s thought”. The striker will take take a substantial cut to his £110,000-a-week wages at Newcastle, although he will earn a similar figure if clauses related to goals, appearances and success are met .

Jun 25, 2009

SHOCKING

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 ;

SPAIN 0 - 2 USA

Even more stunning, the Americans were on the verge of elimination and ready to head home last weekend before a reversal of fortune. On Wednesday, goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey led to an upset of the planet's top-ranked team.