Ronaldo slams 'cheat' Mascherano and claims Barca receive outside help

Cristiano Ronaldo has launched a furious blast following Real Madrid's Champions League exit - claiming Barcelona get outside help and accusing Javier Mascherano of cheating.

Cristiano Ronaldo: "Barcelona are a difficult team to beat because they get outside help"

Gonzalo Higuain's goal early in the second half was controversially ruled out last night as Real could only manage a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp, following their 2-0 defeat at the Bernabeu.

And Ronaldo, who was also incensed by the decision to send off Pepe in the first leg, is adamant Barcelona receive favourable treatment from officials.

"It's very difficult to beat a club who get outside help," said the former Manchester United star. "We knew we could beat Barca, but the referee didn't let us.

"Once again it was the referee that didn't allow us to dictate the outcome. The referee in the first match [Wolfgang Stark] took away our chances of playing the final.

"Whoever knows anything about football knows that Barcelona get preferential treatment. Barcelona are a difficult team to beat because they get outside help. Next year they should give the cup directly to them."

And Ronaldo also accused Barca players of play-acting, pinpointing his former Premier League rival Mascherano as the worst culprit.

"Javier Mascherano wasn't like this at Liverpool," he added. "He must have learned all these cheating tricks at Barcelona."

Derby plan unlikely move for Man Utd star

Derby boast one of the Football League's biggest celebrities in captain Robbie Savage, however with the veteran midfielder set to retire at the end of the current campaign, the Championship club are rumoured to have focussed on bringing in an even more recognisable name.

Manager Nigel Clough recently said this about his summer transfer policy: "The last two seasons have been very frustrating and I think everybody recognizes we need a fresh injection of players. There will be money available. We want six or eight players. It will be a mix of experience, free transfers and at least one biggish signing."

His comments have got anyone guessing and the Metro have come to the conclusion that the man he is speaking about is out-of-contract Manchester United striker Michael Owen, who it is suggested could be tempted to move to Pride Park despite having a number of Premier League suitors.

The Rams are expected to show a lot of ambition in the window in an attempt to avoid yet another disappointing season having failed to finish in the top half of the Championship in any of their three terms since their record-breaking relegation from the Premier League in 2007-08 with 11 points.

Owen hasn't really spoken about his future but his comments this week about how he rates Javier Hernandez as a superior version of the type of football he know is suggests that he has resigned himself to either leaving Old Trafford or not getting much action if he is offered an extension.

Derby meanwhile could yet finish as low as 21st in the Championship and require a victory away to a Reading side already sure of their play-off place to confirm 19th. Odds of 5.9 are offered on them signing off on a high with three points at the Madejski Stadium.

Should Owen consider joining Derby? Where will he end up? Tell us below...

Guardiola: I fear Man Utd

After The Semi-Final Win Against Madrid

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola expects to face a very different Manchester United side to the one they beat in the 2009 Champions League final if the two teams meet in European football's showpiece at Wembley later this month.

Barca sealed passage to the final thanks to a 1-1 draw - and 3-1 aggregate win - over Real Madrid at the Nou Camp and will face United if, as expected, the Red Devils overcome Schalke at home in the sides' second leg match on Wednesday night.

"We will wait and see who will be our opponent and we'll prepare accordingly," Guardiola said.

"But if it's Manchester United then it will be a different game to the final in 2009 - they are a different team with different strikers."

Guardiola's side survived a nervous opening to outclass United in Rome two years ago, but the Barca coach believes that match - a 2-0 victory for the Catalans - was decided by a number of factors.

"A match is decided by many uncontrollable things," he said.

"We were lucky in the beginning of that game and we were a bit better than them after that, but if we meet again it will be a different match.

"We will have to try and find their weaknesses, have the ball and attack."

And Guardiola says he will not be underestimating the Premier League leaders or coach Sir Alex Ferguson.

"They are a great team and he is one of the best in the game - he has shown he can repeat and recreate, and win and win and win in finals."

In the meantime, Guardiola declared himself happy with his side's aggregate win over their fierce rivals Madrid.

"We are very satisfied with what he have achieved," he said.

"We knocked out a great team."

Meanwhile, Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka claimed that refereeing decisions had condemned his team to defeat in the semi-final.

"Mourinho was right," the Portuguese's number two said, in reference to a disallowed goal for Gonzalo Higuain early in the second half.

"He said that it would be impossible for us to go through.

"This match proved that it was impossible and 100 million people saw it - there is nothing more to add."

Cristiano Ronaldo did have something to add, however.

"Next year they might as well give the cup directly to Barcelona," said the forward, a losing finalist to Barca in 2009.

"It was Mission Impossible 4."

Madrid keeper Iker Casillas was equally angry.

"It has happened again - just like it always does," he said, alluding to Pepe's controversial sending-off in the first leg.

"We feel tricked and knocked down by the officials."

Play had already been stopped by the time Higuain netted after Javier Mascherano had been inadvertently tripped by a floored Ronaldo.

And Barca full-back Dani Alves dismissed Madrid's complaints as sour grapes.

"Madrid are always trying to draw attention away from the most important thing of all - the football," he said.

Barca club president Sandro Rosell, meanwhile, believes his side can take the moral high ground following the defensive displays and manipulation tactics shown by Madrid.

"The victory is a triumph for football and the values of Barca," he said.

"This makes the history of Barcelona even greater and now we're going back to Wembley, which has a special significance for us."

Man Utd vs Shalke: Injury News, Preferred Team & Predicted Score

After gaining the upper hand in the first leg, Manchester United hosts Schalke 04 in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League Semifinal at Old Trafford.

The Reds completely out-classed the Royal Blues at the Veltins-Arena, but they had to use perseverance to overcome a world-class goalkeeping display to earn their 2-0 victory.

In theory, those two away goals should be more than enough for the Reds to progress to the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley in a few weeks' time, however, they will need to possess complete composure to avoid an embarrassing exit from the competition.

After being completely frustrated for over 65 minutes by their goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney scored two goals in as many minutes to give United a commanding, but susceptible lead going into the second leg.

Let's face it, Schalke did not get to the semifinal stage by just have loads of luck, they have goals in them and they proved it in the last round. Against Inter Milan, a pretty discipline defensive team and the Miners notched seven in two games - including five at the San Siro.

Everyone knows that a two-goal lead is the worst lead to have in football, and being that this two-legged affair is really at halftime, the Reds will need to go for it. Having been taught a very harsh lesson in their 1-0 loss against Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson will encourage his players to smartly enjoy their football.

The Gaffer seemed very content playing for a draw of some sort, which would have not only kept them four points ahead of Chelsea, but also keep a slim advantage in the goal differential column. If they play that way against Schalke, Raul, who has scored a few goals in his day, will pick his spot and the confidence would build from there.

Essentially the Reds need to nip their belief in the bud quickly, because like they experienced at the Emirates Stadium, it does not matter the form of the team. This holds true with Schalke as well, because they are on a mini skid and what better way to get back on track then to beat United in their own backyard.

Since beating Inter Milan, the Royal Blues have not tasted victory in their four games - losing three of them - including 4-1 thrashing against Bayern Munich this weekend. What is most concerning is that Schalke has only tallied two goals - both them away from and one of them being an own goal.

Chance

Ferguson has admitted that he will be freshening up his team a little bit, which should give some squad players a chance to contribute to this season's run-in. Some of the players who are likely to get some minutes under their belt are Darren Fletcher, Rafael, Dimitar Berbatov and Chris Smalling, who have all only played bit parts lately.

Fletcher has been out of action since the beginning of March with a physically-draining virus, while Rafael has been riddled with a couple of unfortunate injuries that has kept him sidelined. However, Smalling has been on standby with the reemergence of Rio Ferdinand in the center of defense, but with a mammoth match with Chelsea on the horizon, he should be given a look.

The same goes for Berbatov, who has only scored four goals in 21 European matches, as Ferguson will look to give Javier Hernandez and Rooney a much needed break, and he could very be partnered with Michael Owen in the attack.

There is no question that Manchester United can not only win this semifinal tie against Schalke, but they can do it with style and conviction, which will springboard their assurance to potentially win the UEFA Champions League and Barclays Premier League titles.

Treatment

Out: O. Hargreaves (shoulder), Questionable: D. Fletcher (virus)

Projected

T. Kusczcak; Rafael, C. Smalling, N. Vidic, J. O'Shea; A. Valencia, P. Scholes, D. Fletcher, R. Giggs; M. Owen, D. Berbatov

Prediction ManutdFanzone

Manchester United 2 Schalke 04 0

Picture: Manchester United Away Kit For 2011-12 Season

The latest United away kit 'leak' doing the rounds features this blue and black number.

By no means a travesty, if it is next season's away kit let's hope it brings United a bit more luck on the road than we've had lately.

What happened to Cristiano Ronaldo?

Sometimes, I just miss the good old days. I miss cheering for Savicevic (when playing for Milan). I miss watching Beckham score a free-kick for United. I miss Rivaldo's bicycle kick against Valencia. I miss Ronaldo's hat-trick scored at Old Trafford (in United's 4-3 win over Real Madrid). I definitely miss Ronaldinho's smile on a football pitch.

As I sat watching the second tie of the semifinals, I couldn't resist a nostalgic thought: what happened to United's Cristiano Ronaldo? The former United player used to be so spectacular under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. His dazzling runs and fancy footwork were ever present in Sir Alex's side. Do you remember those good old days? When Cristiano used to mesmerise the world?

Nowadays, as statistics suggest, he enjoys his best season: 42 goals and 13 assists in 49 games for Real Madrid.  Impressive, huh? Not quite, as far as i'm concerned.

When playing for United, during the 2007-2008 season, he scored 42 goals and provided 8 assists in 49 games. Those performances earned him a well deserved Ballon D'or (the first United player to receive the award since George Best in 1968).

Furthermore, he received many other prestigious awards for those thrilling displays (including but not limited to):

-          Fifa World Player of the Year,

-          The first winger to win the European Golden Shoe Award,

-          PFA Players' Player of the Year,

-          PFA Fans' Player of the Year,

-          Barclays Player of the season,

-          FWA Footballer of the Year,

-          Barclays Golden Boot (31 league goals in 34 appearances – 12 years after Shearer's record of 31 league goals scored for Blackburn),

-          Barclays Premier League Merit,

-          Named in the PFA Team of the Year,

-          UEFA fans' man of the match (for his display against Chelsea in the Champions League final).

One could argue that the Red Devils managed to win the Double during the 2007-2008 season, but the fact is Cristiano Ronaldo was that good. He was simply divine and, at times, unplayable.

Now, if you look at the statistics, he has had a better season playing under Mourinho. But, if you saw Real's games, you would acknowledge the lack of truth in that last sentence. His electric displays are gone. Those electric displays that earned him all the aforementioned awards.

Today, Cristiano is a just a goal scoring machine. Which is great, especially for a club like Real Madrid.  It's just that he's not that Cristiano anymore. The most expensive player in football's history has left outside the pitch his flicks and tricks to help Real Madrid stop Barcelona's Golden Age.

As I fan, I would argue that this attitude. The Portuguese's enthusiastic dribbles, back heels, step overs / scissors, were breathtaking. If you take that out, he's not the €94m player anymore. He's a fantastic goal scorer, yes, but not the Portuguese phenomenon.  I simply cannot understand why Mourinho wouldn't let Cristiano play the way the player wants. He let Deco (at Porto) play as he wanted.

If you read my other articles, you would know that I have (and always had) a tremendous respect for Mourinho. He's perhaps the best manager in the world. But not to give Cristiano a free role is shocking.

I know the lad since his Sporting days (promoted alongside Quaresma by Laszlo Boloni). I watched him score a double on his league debut. Moreover, I watched him during the inauguration of the Estádio José Alvalade, when Sporting defeated United 3-1. That kid was amazing.  I think I even have that tape back at home.

Cristiano soon became United's first ever Portuguese player. And perhaps United's best deal (at least from a financial point of view) in their history. I liked that Sir Alex refused to give Ronaldo the number 28 shirt and stressed that he should take the number 7 instead.

Cristiano truly lived up to the fans' expectations, with his flamboyant skills. I definitely enjoyed Cristiano do the Denilson (aka the scissors) again and again.

On 1^st of July 2009, Cristiano moved to Spanish giants, Real Madrid, for an astonishing £80 million fee (€94m). He was presented as a Real player at the Bernabeu in front of 80.000 fans (surpassing Diego Maradona's record with Napoli).

He formed a successful partnership with Higuain, scoring 53 league goals during the course of the season (Real's highest scoring league duo in their history). His displays were almost brilliant, as the free role given by Pellegrini suited him like a glove. Too bad that he failed to win a trophy.

With the departure of Raul, Ronaldo inherited the number 7 shirt (in the summer of 2010) and scored a cornucopia of goals. But, that's pretty much it. His audacious skills are to be found, perhaps, outside the Bernabeu stadium. Despite scoring the winner in the Copa del Rey Final played at Mestalla, Ronaldo's flicks and tricks went awol.

As I watched the semifinal against Barcelona (at Bernabeu), I was disappointed to see him play like that. He didn't dribble and even had 3 free-kicks wasted. I could not help but remember his fantastic free-kicks while playing for United. Do you remember?

The former United man confessed after the game that he would need time to adapt to this defensive attitude of Real Madrid. Perhaps, he suffers from a mental block, especially when playing against Barcelona. One thing is certain. For Real Madrid to shine, they desperately need Cristiano's flamboyance.

As a football fan, I could not care less if he scored 20 goals in one season. But I would care about the way he played in those games. I want to see Cristiano given a free role again. Let the guy play his game! Football needs him, with all his flicks and tricks.

I'm back to my best :Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is all smiles in training on Tuesday

Rio Ferdinand insists he is fully fit and ready to steer Manchester United through a hazardous path to glory.

The England defender has been troubled by a succession of problems for the past three seasons now.

He was making only his 26th appearance of the season when he turned out in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, compared to the 43 that have been amassed by central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic.

Ferdinand's most recent problem was a calf strain that kept him on the sidelines for six weeks, since when he has been rested for another couple of games by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Indeed, it would be no surprise if the 32-year-old was omitted against Schalke, as United look to book a Champions League showdown with Barcelona at Wembley on May 28.

If he does, it will only be because he wants Ferdinand fresh, because the player himself is happy with his fitness just now.

"People keep going on about how many games I have missed and compared to the usual amount I play you could say it has been a bit of a sporadic season for me," Ferdinand told United Review.

"But I have been pleased with my performances and I feel back to my best now.

"My back is fine and hopefully I can put the niggling calf problems I have had this season behind me.

"I feel good and to be involved in the big games at this stage of the season, fighting for trophies, is what you want as a footballer.

"We just need to make sure we get the job done."

If Ferdinand is left out, Chris Smalling is his likely replacement.

The England Under-21 star has enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign following his arrival from Fulham and Ferdinand is convinced that in his fellow Londoner and Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans, United already have their defence of the future.

"Chris has been fantastic," said Ferdinand.

"He and Jonny are great young players with big futures at this club.

"In time I am sure those two will be the bedrock of the team."

Barcelona favourites for likely Man Utd tie

After eight hours of aggression, animosity, controversy and the odd bit of skill too, there will be no more Clasicos in 2010-11, and while Real Madrid won the only one that directly earned either club a trophy,Barcelona will end the series far happier after booking a spot in the Champions League Final.

They did so after delivering a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou on Tuesday to see out the 2-0 advantage gained at the Bernabeu six days earlier, and while there was controversy again with Gonzalo Higuain having a legitimate goal chalked off at 0-0, it's difficult to dispute that the best team progressed.

And having eliminated the trio of Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid to reach Wembley, Barcelona are clear favourites to celebrate a second triumph in three years and third in six in the city of their first ever Champions League success, with odds of 1.54 offered on them lifting the cup.

Their most likely opponents in London are Manchester United, who head into the second leg of their semi-final against Schalke this evening with a 2-0 kead and are overwhelmingly fancied to qualify at 1.03 and in the process confirm a repeat of the 2008-09 Final in which Barcelona were 2-0 victors.

Considered almost as certain as a showdown between the expected La Liga and Premier League winners at Wembley is the fact that Lionel Messi will finish as tournament top goalscorer for the third season in succession.

Despite failing to net at home to Real Madrid, the Ballon d'Or holder is six goals clear of the nearest challenger still involved in the competition, and as that's Raul - whose campaign looks set to end tonight - it's no surprise that the Schalke striker is a1000.0 outsider.

Barcelona in final after Nou Camp draw

Following a completely one-sided first half in which Madrid keeper Iker Casillas kept his side in the game, Pedro gave Pep Guardiola's team the lead nine minutes into the second period.

Marcelo soon hit back for a vastly-improved Madrid 10 minutes later, but the Catalans never looked in too much trouble and will face Manchester United or Schalke in the final later this month, which sees them return to the scene of their first European Cup triumph, in 1992.

Madrid, two goals down from last Wednesday's bad-tempered first leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu, were missing suspended pair Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

Coach Jose Mourinho, also banned, named an attacking line-up, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain all in the side.

But after a solid start, which saw Ronaldo make some promising attacking runs, Barca began to dominate.

Ricardo Carvalho, who missed the first match through suspension, cut out a dangerous ball from Lionel Messi after 20 minutes and moments later, Casillas saved comfortably from Sergio Busquets, who was allowed a free header by the Madrid defence.

Casillas then made a double save to deny Messi and must have been relieved when the Argentina forward fired wide just a minute later.

The Spain goalkeeper then did well to keep out Messi's low drive, but produced an even better save to keep out David Villa's curling effort, which was heading for the far corner.

Madrid were hardly getting a sniff and things could have been worse a minute before time, when Carvalho - already booked - hacked down Messi.

The referee waved play on, much to the annoyance of the Nou Camp crowd, in what was the last real action of the first period.

Madrid improved after the break, but Barca took the lead just as the visitors had looked to be making some headway.

The goal was all about Andres Iniesta, who played a fabulous defence-splitting ball through to Pedro for a clinical low finish from the Tenerife-born forward into Casillas' bottom right corner.

Karanka then sent on Emmanuel Adebayor and Mesut Ozil for Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain as Madrid sought a more direct approach.

Despite the goal, effectively little had changed: Madrid needed three to go through.

It looked an impossible task, but some hope was restored as Marcelo levelled the scores on the night, firing home from close range after Di Maria had hit the post and then squared the rebound for his better-positioned team-mate.

Adebayor threw his weight around up front after that and was arguably lucky to only pick up a late booking, but the Togo striker was left with an unenviable task as he fed off scraps against a Barca side happy to keep possession and run down the clock.

There was a huge cheer just before the end as Eric Abidal came on to make his first appearance since returning from an operation to remove a tumour from his liver in March.

But there was an even bigger roar a couple of minutes later as the referee blew the final whistle to confirm Barca as Champions League finalists for the third time in six years.

The Catalans will now look for a repeat of their 1992 triumph and a fourth European Cup success in total as they return to Wembley on May 28.

Fergie tells stars they must not collapse like last season

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his Manchester United players not to let their season evaporate in the space of the next five days.

Ferguson's team take a 2-0 first-leg lead into their Champions League semi-final against German side Schalke at Old Trafford with most people expecting them to cruise through to the final. They then take on Chelsea in a Barclays Premier League crunch clash this Sunday.

And the United boss has told his players to beware the lessons of last season, when a 2-1 league defeat by Chelsea was quickly followed by a European exit against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

Off and running: Ryan Giggs scores Manchester United's first goal against Schalke

Ferguson said: 'It's like what happened last year — exactly the same situation. That's the optimism supporters have got (thinking United are already through) but we don't share that. It's easy to get  complacent in modern life — there are many examples of it.

'I hope Manchester United don't get complacent. Our work ethic will be very high. As regards the league, we must be favourites only because we are three points ahead but that can evaporate very quickly. As I said last week, the drama isn't finished.'

United breezed through the first leg in Gelsenkirchen last week with goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney. Neither player is expected to start at Old Trafford as Ferguson takes the unusual step of resting players for the Chelsea game.

Rooney missed training on Tuesday with a tight hamstring but will be fit for Sunday. Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen are expected to play up front against Schalke, and Darren Fletcher will return after a long lay-off with a virus.

Rare start: Michael Owen looks set to lead the line against Schalke a Old Trafford

Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal has thrown the title race wide open but Ferguson believes his players have the mental strength to recover. 

He added: 'It is always difficult when you have a lead from the first leg but I think the best way is to win the match, play your normal game. If you look at the experience of last year when we lost the league after a Wednesday game against Bayern, that has to have bearing on team selection.

'They are two massive games, both as important as ever. There will be some changes but hopefully the nucleus of the team is still good enough.

'It's always been the case at this club that if we lose a game we recover. The interesting thing about Sunday was that the four European semi-finalists all lost. There are stats that show the European games do take it out of you. 

'Sunday's match is a huge one which is why I have to pick the right team for this one.'

Final curtain: Edwin van der Saar will retire from football at the end of the season

Ferguson has urged Edwin van der Sar to ignore the dressing room pleas for him to extend his career by another season and quit while still on top of his game.

'If I was giving advice to Edwin van der Sar, right now, I would say retire,' said Ferguson. 'He is at the absolute pinnacle of his career but sometimes, age comes on to you suddenly. I wouldn't want to see Edwin in that situation. He deserves to go out at the very top.'

Schalke's flight from Germany was delayed by two hours by visa problems.  Non-European nationals such as forwards Edu and Farfan did not to have the right documents but were eventually allowed to travel.

If Schalke progress, they would be the first Champions League team to do so having lost the home leg 2-0.

Manchester United V Schalke - Follow LIVE text commentary

Manchester United V Schalke

Follow every kick as Manchester United take on Schalke in the UEFA Champions League 
on 04-May-2011, kick off time 19:45

Manchester United v Schalke Live 

Manchester United v Schalke: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Champions League semi-final second leg between Manchester United and Schalke at Old Trafford on Wednesday May 4 2011, kick-off 19.45 BST.

Wednesday, May 4

Manchester United v Schalke
Old Trafford
TV: ITV1

Key battles

John O'Shea v Jose Manuel Jurado: Schalke's best hope of getting the two goals they need will come from spreading play to the flanks and using the pace of Jurado and Jefferson Farfan. O'Shea is not a marauding right-back like Fabio or Rafael, though, and will be content to sit back, forcing Jurado into a more central area, where Michael Carrick can come in and clear up.

Antonio Valencia v Hans Sarpei: Is Sarpei the worst full-back ever to grace a Champions League semi-final?

On the evidence of his first-leg performance, possibly. He couldn't help his lack of pace - he is 34 - but his positioning was poor throughout, playing Javier Hernandez onside for United's first goal. Unless he ups his game, Valencia will have a very enjoyable evening indeed.

Dimitar Berbatov v Michael Owen: Two strikers desperate to prove a point. Both Berbatov and Owen will look to attack the penalty area in search of chances, but if they take up similar positions they will end up getting in each other's way. One of them, probably Berbatov, will have to drift wider for the greater good.

Man in charge

Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Stat

28 Schalke have received more yellow cards and committed more fouls (183) than any other team in the competition.