Gary Ablett Interview

Ahead of already relegated Stockport County's match against Huddersfield Town, I spoke to Hatters boss and former Liverpool defender Gary Ablett about the game itself, his thoughts on a difficult season and the future of the cash strapped club.

Matthew Tait Interview

This week I caught up with Sale Sharks and England Centre Matthew Tait ahead of the Sharks huge relegation clash with Newcastle.

Matthew told us about the game itself, how he feels about playing against his brother Alex, and where his only future lies....

Rooney's loss is Berba's gain

As Manchester United stumped to a largely unimpressive 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, they left the stadium not only knowing that they would have to overturn the scoreline at home next week, but knowing they would have to do so without their 34 goal talisman, Wayne Rooney.

The in-form United and England striker signalled to the bench that there was a problem in the final minute of the game, and scans have revealed that Rooney has suffered ankle ligament damage, which will leave Rooney out of action for around three weeks.

While fans are praying that their converted scouser will be back in time to face Manchester City at Eastlands on 17th April, they have already come to terms with the face that he will be missed for the return leg with Bayern, as well as Saturday's crunch league tie at home to Chelsea.

Step forward... Dimitar Berbatov

United's record signing, although in good form as of late, tends to be overlooked by Sir Alex in many of the Reds' big games, with Wayne Rooney normally preferred as a lone striker.

As with many key clashes this season, many will expect to see Ferguson deploy the 4-5-1 formation again, and opt for more strength in the midfield and aiming to control the game from there.

With injuries to the likes of Rooney and Owen, Berbatov will be seen as United's only real viable striking option, particularly for their next two fixtures, with the inexperienced Diouf and Macheda only expected to feature late on if needed.

Despite having been in good form this season, many United fans will still feel that they have perhaps not yet seen the Bulgarian at his best, and recapturing the sintillating style of play, seen in his Tottenham days.



In fact, Berbatov has split opinions amongst United fans, with often his laxidasical approach at times criticised for not working hard enough for the team.

What must be remembered is that Berbatov's touch and control is second to none, and he is as intelligent a footballer seen at Old Trafford since the likes of Eric Cantona and Teddy Sheringham.

Berbatov, although may not always be seen busting a gut to reach the ball, or breaking much of a sweat, his input should not be under-rated. Berbatov came 2nd in last season's Premier League assist table, and despite not scoring quite as many as Rooney this season, or Ronaldo last, his input into the teams style of play and fluidity should not be taken lightly.

Injuries to Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, will mean that Berbatov will have to adapt again, with more expected of him in the mean time. The games will give him the chance to prove that he can not only play second fiddle to Wayne Rooney, but he also be there to drive the team forward in a similar fashion.

The upcoming games against Chelsea and Bayern could make or break The Reds' season, and there will be alot of pressure on the Bulgarian captain. United are by no means a one man team, as many ABU's will seem to suggest, but nonetheless, United fans would be much more confident going into the game with a fully fit and in form Wayne Rooney, but for now they will have to put their trust in Berbatov, and he is going to have to show he is ready to repay the £30.75million transfer fee paid for him.