‘Pool tickets decision.
Manchester United fans may have their ticket allocation for the club’s away fixture against Liverpool on October 15th reduced by more than a third, as the Anfield club look to address ’persistent standing issues’ in the away end at Anfield, the Telegraph reports.
The decision as to whether, and if so to what extent, United will be granted fewer briefs for their trip to Anfield in the autumn, rests with Liverpool City Council, who are currently reviewing a report provided by their Ground Safety Advisory Group.
This report is said to advise the capacity of the Red Devils section in the Anfield Road Stand is reduced from 3,015 to 1,965, as although visiting fans of other clubs also ‘persistently stand’, they have not been witnessed to spill out into and encroach on, the gangways with the same intensity as United’s following at Anfield.
For instance, with reference to Liverpool’s 3-1 home victory over United last season the report claims that: “The actions of the Manchester United supporters had overwhelmed the reasonable operations of the steward’s through the management plan.” Subsequently: “unsure as to what the club can do through stewarding measures to stop spectators encroaching on gangways.” Liverpool City Council are set to decide on August 8th whether to reduce United’s ticket allocation as a means of trying to resolve the problem.
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Ferdinand to fight for place.
Rio Ferdinand has expressed to Sky Sports his determination to stave off the threat of losing his place in United’s starting XI to one of the club’s young stars.
Following the arrival of England U-21 International Phil Jones from Blackburn and the emergence of Chris Smalling as an able performer on the big stage last season, Ferdinand is in for a fight to retain a centre back slot in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
“I remember when I was young, looking up at guys like Slaven Bilic, Marc Rieper, Alvin Martin and Steve Potts at West Ham. I was only a kid and I used to sit on the bench and think I should be playing. I am sure these guys will be the same,” declared Ferdinand, who does not plan to concede his coveted spot in the centre of United defence to either of them any time soon. “I do not want to be giving my position up to anybody. My task is to prove I am hungrier than them.”
Owen: Utd the only place.
Michael Owen has reiterated his delight about being a Manchester United player to Eurosport.com, as he prepares for United’s pre-season encounter against Chicago Fire later today.
As a result of being used as a bit part player since arriving at Old Trafford in July 2009, Owen has been the subject of criticism from many of his Twitter followers for agreeing to a one-year contract extension with United rather than trying to secure a move to another club where he would have the chance to play more often. However, the ex-England international striker continues to remain defiant in his assertion that Manchester United is the right club for him.
“I am at the best team to be at. Where would you go from here? The only way is down,” declared Owen before adding, “There are so many games in a season at Manchester United. You never know when the manager is going to call upon you and that is exciting to be a part of.”
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