Michael Carrick hopes Manchester United can avoid repeat of Premier League agony

Michael Carrick says Manchester United will be keeping their foot on the gas during their Premier League title bid after suffering final day agony in 2011/12.


United saw the Premier League crown snatched from their grasp in dramatic fashion last season, with Manchester City stealing it away with virtually the last kick of the campaign.
Only goal difference separated Manchester's arch-rivals in the final reckoning, and it looks like being another tight chase this time around.
United are aware of the need to avoid a repeat of last season's heartache and are determined to build on the lead they have been able to open up at the top of the table.
Carrick told The Sun: "We're in a good position but if we don't keep doing the right things we know what can happen.
"It's not a case of being more determined this time. We would be hungry to win the league regardless of what happened last year.
"We were hurting in the summer. It wasn't a nice thing that we went through on the last day. But it's gone now, we've got to focus on what is ahead of us.
"We know City are not going to go away but there are so many games left that if you spend too much time thinking about who is getting what result, it can drive you mad. We just have to keep winning matches."

QPR striker Djibril Cisse joins Al Gharafa on loan until the end of the season

Queens Park Rangers striker Djibril Cisse has joined Al Gharafa on loan until the end of the Premier League season.


Rangers confirmed Cisse's move to the Qatar club on their official website on Sunday morning.
The 31 year-old had been expected to leave west London this month as Harry Redknapp takes his first opportunity to reshape his squad since taking over as manager in November.
Cisse scored 10 goals for Rangers following his £4m transfer from Lazio one year ago and helped them narrowly beat the drop last season.
But the former Liverpool player has now been deemed surplus to requirements in the first-team frame at Loftus Road.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Rs front-man Djibril Cisse has put pen to paper on a loan deal with Al Gharafa.
"The 31 year-old will remain with the Qatari-based club - who are managed by former Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin - until the end of the season.
"Cisse has made 21 appearances in all competitions this campaign, scoring four goals."

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are still a couple of players short

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are still a couple of 'big players' short of being challengers for top honours.


The Reds are hoping to be in a position to compete for the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League crown in the not too distant future, but are wary of splashing the cash in pursuit of such prizes.
Considered additions are the order of the day at Anfield, with January acquisition Daniel Sturridge another to have been drafted in with the present and future in mind.
Potential will only get you so ar, though, and Gerrard has reiterated his belief that experienced players of the highest calibre are required if Liverpool are to re-join English football's elite.
Gerrard told the Sunday Mirror: "In general, I like the direction the club is going in, but the harsh reality is that we still need two or three big players who can help.
"We were short before the last deadline and I think we struggled to find consistency because of that."

Harry Redknapp wants QPR to move quickly to land Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila

Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has urged the Premier League strugglers to move quickly to secure the services of Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.


Redknapp is keen to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window and has already seen Loic Remy added to his ranks in an £8million move from Marseille.
Speaking on Tuesday night, the Loftus Road boss said he hoped the arrival of M'Vila would be wrapped up in the coming days, but the move is yet to be finalised.
And now the former Tottenham boss has admitted that while discussions are on-going between all parties, there is a concern that rival bidders could hijack their swoop, with Everton and Tottenham also reported to be interested in the 22-year-old France international.
Redknapp told reporters after Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Ham, when Remy opened his account for the Rs: "We are working on it, that's all I can say.
"But you have to move quickly. The longer it goes on, the more people see his name in the papers."

Wales coach John Hartson thinks Aaron Ramsey should be looking to leave Arsenal on loan

Wales coach John Hartson feels Aaron Ramsey may benefit from a loan move away from Arsenal and regular first team football.


Ramsey is a key figure for his country and Hartson, along with national boss Chris Coleman, have high hopes for him heading forward.
They are, however, aware that the 22-year-old needs to be playing games if he is to produce his best on the international stage.
Taking that into account, Hartson has called on Ramsey to consider looking elsewhere during the winter window for an opportunity in which to get minutes under his belt and remind Arsenal of the qualities he brings to their squad.
Hartson said: "I just think Aaron needs that run of games.
"Maybe if he did go out on loan he'd get that, because he doesn't seem to start many games at Arsenal now and when he does start he's brought off and he doesn't look happy.
"Arsene Wenger knows he's a top-drawer player, because he wouldn't have given him a new deal otherwise.
"With Arsenal you look at their midfield. In Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, they've got some really, really gifted players.
"So it's up to Aaron to put in the performances when he plays and on the training ground."

Schalke 04 reject offer from Tottenham to sign Lewis Holtby during the January transfer window

Schalke 04 have rejected an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to sign midfielder Lewis Holtby before the end of the January transfer window, it has been confirmed.


Holtby is set to join Spurs when his contract expires in June, but with Brazilian midfielder Sandro out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, the north London side approached Schalke in a bid to sign him now.
Manager of the Bundesliga outfit, Horst Heldt, confirmed they had rejected the offer, saying: "Tottenham have made an offer, which was not acceptable, therefore it was rejected.
"The transfer window is still open and Lewis has not become any cheaper."
The Germany Under-21 captain produced another impressive performance for Heldt's side on Friday when he created two goals and scored the decisive fifth in Schalke's thrilling 5-4 home win over Hanover 96.
The 22-year-old later confirmed any potential move is out of his hands, and his eyes are firmly fixed on his future with Schalke.
"I am not going to just p*** off without busting my a*** for the team," Holtby said.
"I will give my all for Schalke until the last second. Everything else must be decided by the clubs."

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker calls for character in clash with Chelsea

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has challenged the Gunners to prove they can fight their way back into the top four of the Premier League with victory at Chelsea.


Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge boosted by their midweek FA Cup third-round replay win over Swansea, a much-needed lift after being branded "timid" by manager Arsene Wenger in last weekend's 2-0 home defeat by champions Manchester City.
A repeat of last season's thrilling 5-3 win in west London would move Arsenal back to within striking distance of the top four.
Mertesacker said: "Busy weeks are coming and the most important thing is to build up confidence after the defeat against Manchester City.
"We showed great confidence [against Swansea] right from the start. Last season, we showed we can win at Chelsea.
"When we put our opponents under pressure we are always dangerous, that must be our target at Chelsea as well. Let's show our character and our ability."
Mertesacker added: "If you want to be in the top four, you have to compete with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, those teams are in this zone, so we need to win against those four as much as we can.
"That is a good chance to show how good we are."
Theo Walcott finally penned a contract extension on Friday to end speculation about his future and Mertesacker is in no doubt Arsenal have the perfect blend to secure a successful end to the campaign.
"We have a good squad, good young players and experienced players, a good balance, but the most important thing is to stick together," the 28-year-old German international said.
"We have young players who are vital at the moment for the team."

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez ready to hand Fernando Torres a rest

Chelsea's interim manager Rafa Benitez is ready to take Fernando Torres out of the firing line and offer him a rest.


Torres' struggles at Stamford Bridge since completing a record-breaking £50million move are well-documented, with the Spaniard having struggled for form throughout his stay in the capital.
It was hoped that a spell under Benitez, who brought the best out of him during their time together at Liverpool, would bring about a reversal in fortune.
Unfortunately, no dramatic improvement has materialised and Benitez has now hinted that he is ready to give Torres a break - with Demba Ba having been added to the Chelsea ranks to help shoulder the attacking workload.
Ahead of Sunday's derby date with Arsenal, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Benitez said: "Torres is a Chelsea player and the fans have to understand that he will always do his best.
"It is really important for everyone to understand the way to win is to win together.
"Hopefully we can change that now if Torres can rest. He will be fresher and fitter and play at the level we know he can play."

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he tried to take Gareth Bale to Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he made a bid to take Gareth Bale to Manchester United prior to the Welshman signing for Tottenham Hotspur.


After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Southampton, Bale attracted plenty of interest from Premier League heavyweights.
Ferguson admits United were among those looking to do a deal, but saw an approach knocked back by Southampton.
Shortly after, Bale was on his way to Spurs and, now 23 years of age, he has matured into one of the most dangerous and highly-rated wingers in European football.
Ahead of United's trip to White Hart Lane on Sunday, Ferguson said: "We tried to buy him from Southampton and they turned us down.
"It was not the boy who turned us down, it was Southampton, then a few weeks later he signed for Tottenham.
"It happens. You don't get them all. As I said before, we would have loved to have got (Paul) Gascoigne but we didn't - but we did get Paul Ince and he was a great player for us. These things happen."
On a weekend clash with fourth-placed Spurs, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Ferguson added: "It's an important game because this is a period of the season that if we can keep our momentum going, we have got home games against Everton and Southampton in the next few weeks.
"These are really big opportunities for us."

Carlos Tevez plans to head back to Argentina when Manchester City contract expires

Carlos Tevez has revealed that he intends to head back to Argentina in 2014, rather than pen a new contract at Manchester City.


City had been hoping that Tevez would agree to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, with a troubled past put to one side during contract negotiations.
Tevez has, however, snubbed the offer of a new two-year contract.
He will see out his current deal, which has 18 months left to run, but admits that he will then look to head home and link up with Boca Juniors for a second time.
Tevez said: "I've got a year left on my contract at Manchester Cityand they want me to sign for two more seasons.
"I would prefer to return home, but it is very difficult because City won't let me leave for nothing.
"I will stay in Europe for another two years and then go back.
"Boca's president always says the door is open for me to re-join them and I am dying to pull on their shirt once more. I want to end my career with them. It is my dream and the dream of my family as well.
"But I am under contract and have to be here in England."