The Rise of the Red Dragon - A Welsh Story

[eddybw]

Focus turns to Wales

Sir Ryan Giggs' focus now turns to Wales' international friendly against Estonia in the Le Coq Arena. The Wales boss is expected to name the same line up with Gareth Bale returning after recovering from his injury suffered earlier in the season. Wales are looking forward to build on their impressive performances last season as they prepare for the coming World Cup in Brazil.

International Friendly
Estonia

0 - 3

Wales
Aaron Ramsey (12), Andy King (21), Marc Jones (31)

C Evans

A King

G Bale - M Jones - A Ramsey - Jack Collison

N Taylor - J Collins - A Williams - C Gunter

W Hennessey

Wales brushed aside a poor Estonian side in the Le Coq Arena 3 - 0 after a strong performance from Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey. The 3 Manchester United players all performed well in today's friendly with Marc Jones scoring an absolute screamer from 35 yards. Wales only have one more friendly before the World Cup starts in June. It was also a landmark match for Robbie Savage who made his 60th appearance for Wales. He said after the match 'I am delighted to have made my 60th cap, and it's thanks to Ryan who's been unbelievable for us and it was great of him to bring me out of retirement.'​

---------- Post added at 04:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:08 AM ----------

True, will just have to play around with my tactics XD Great story, like the way you put in the commentators thoughts too XD

Yeh I originally did it with all Internationals, but now its just with really Important games, will do it at the World Cup again.

 

[Jwnz]

A-m-a-z-i-n-g story mate! It's a pleasure reading, and it's really inspiring! The layout is totally awesome, and i'm loving (and looking forward) to every part you're writing!

 

[eddybw]

A-m-a-z-i-n-g story mate! It's a pleasure reading, and it's really inspiring! The layout is totally awesome, and i'm loving (and looking forward) to every part you're writing!

Thanks for the mate nice to have comments, I'm continuing to try and improve the layout and content of the story to keep it developing. Got another update coming soon

 

[dani3w]

brilliant buddy think iv followed from the start and now the best story on here by miles! really good keep it up

 

[eddybw]

brilliant buddy think iv followed from the start and now the best story on here by miles! really good keep it up

Cheers mate, yeh your one of the hardcore followers which is great It's only going to get better and better! I Hope anyways!!!

 

[JackMason]

This is wrong im afraid I can't follow anymore.....

I'm starting to support Wales between you and my missus (Welsh) I will switch aligences. NOOO!

 

[eddybw]

Haha good old Wales, Hope I can pull something out of the bag at the World Cup!!

---------- Post added at 04:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:40 AM ----------

United return to face Northern Rivals

Sir Ryan Giggs and his squad have returned from International duty to be thrown straight in t the deep end with a match away at Blackburn Rovers their North Eastern Rivals. Blackburn have been good value so far this season and currently lie in 10th position with 10 games remaining, they are high on confidence and look to give United a game at Ewood Park.

EPL - Match Day 29
Blackburn

1 - 3

Man Utd
Sanchez Watt (74) - Chicharito (28, 90), Marc Jones (32)
Nikola Kalinic sent off (23)

W Rooney - Chicharito

G Bale - D Fletcher - M Jones - Nani

F Coentrao - J Evans - N Vidic - Rafael

J Campodonico

Manchester United romped to victory today after a harsh challenge from Nikola Kalinic on Jonny Evans that resulted in the Northern Irishman having to be taken off in the 29th minute, despite not being injured. The scoring was opened in the 28th minute after Wayne Rooney expertly played through Chicharito who finished with style from close range. United's second goal was a truly memorable goal as Marc Jones struck a fabulous shot from 30 yards that beat Paul Robinson. Despite being down to 10 men, Blackburn managed to grab a goal back when Sanchez Watt broke free and finished neatly passed the United keeper. Chicharito grabbed a brace after a half volley from a deep cross from the ever present Juan Manuel Vargas.

EPL - Match Day 30
Man Utd

4 - 1

Sunderland
Wayne Rooney (5, 46), Marc Jones (29), Chicharito (69) - Gaetan Bong (75)
Siem de Jong injured (90+3)

W Rooney - Chicharito

G Bale - D Fletcher - M Jones - Nani

F Coentrao - J Evans - N Vidic - Rafael

J Campodonico

A Brace from Wayne Rooney inspired Manchester United to a comfortable home win over Eddie Howe's Sunderland side. The Red Devils started on the front foot as Wayne Rooney fired United into a lead in the 5th minute after his deflected long range effort beat the Sunderland keeper on his near post. Marc Jones then showed that he is truly two footed as he fired a powerful shot from range with his left foot to make it 2 - 0. Manchester United certainly showed what they could do as they continued to pile the pressure on and scored another fluke goal as Patrice Evra's cross ricocheted off the back of Wayne Rooney as he was looking the other way. David Beckham then came off the bench to play a great set piece in for the little Mexican to pop up to grab his deserved goal with a neat headed effort.

FA Cup - Quarter Final Match
Newcastle

0 - 2

Man Utd
Chicharito (7), Marc Jones (56)
Fabricio Coloccini sent off (25)
Fernando Gago sent off (90+1)

W Rooney - Chicharito

J Vargas - D Beckham - M Jones - Nani

P Evra - I Petric - N Vidic - T Avenel

J Campodonico

Manchester United brushed aside Newcastle United as they played their way into the FA Cup Semi Final. This was partly down to a harsh tackle from Fabricio Coloccini after Chicharito was clean through, from this point on Manchester United dominated the possession and there was only going to be one winner. The Red Devils go their break through when Patrice Evra charged through the centre of the park and played a wonderfully weighted pass for Chicharito who rounded the keeper and placed the ball into the back of the net. David Beckham set up the second goal, and goal of the game as Marc Jones scored a goal from 18 yards out to make it 5 in 5.​

 

[dani3w]

brilliant win for wales still nailing that job! brilliant! and chicharito looks awesome! really coming along on the game now KIU

 

[eddybw]

Manchester United face Olympique Lyonnais test

Wednesday 19.3.2014

Manchester United today face Lyon in the second leg of their first round knock out stage in the Champions League. They won the first leg with consummate ease 4 - 1 and completely out fought the French all over the pitch. There is a great belief surround Manchester United believing that they can go all the way in this competition. Jose Luis Campodonico is expected to start again in goal as he continued to perform well and impressing in training.

UEFA Champions League - Knock Out Stage Second Leg
Manchester United

4 (8) - 0 (1)

Olympique Lyonnais
Gareth Bale (8), Wayne Rooney (18, 38), Marc Jones (36)

Wayne Rooney scored a brace as Manchester United romped to a 4 - 0 first half lead. The scoreline could have been far more emphatic in favour of the hosts as the Red Devils ran riot in the first half. They pressed Lyon and didn't give them any time on the ball and the first goal came in just 8 minutes as Chicharito put a cross to the far post and Gareth Bale got up high and headed in past the keeper. Just 10 minutes later United doubled their lead as Patrice Evra got forward well on the left flank and played Wayne Rooney in to fire in a second for United to make it 2 - 0. In the 36th minute United scored a third and it was once again that majestic midfield player Marc Jones who fired a powerful shot from range that beat Hugo Lloris. Gareth Bale turned provider for the final goal as he played through Wayne Rooney before he turned and fired a powerful effort in past Hugo Lloris. Despite pushing forward in the second leg United were unable to increase their lead.

Thursday 20.3.2014

United get tough draw in Quarter Finals

Manchester United have been drawn against a Barcelona who have won 5 consecutive La Liga Titles under Pep Guardiola. Out of all the teams left in the competition Barcelona were the only opposition that Manchester United would have thought could be a match for them. In the 1st Knock out stage Barcelona struggled to overcome a FC Bayern side and just managed to nick it with a 1- 0 win at the Nou Camp.

Complete UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final Draw

Shaktar

vs

Benfica
At. Madrid

vs

Liverpool
A.C Milan

vs

Roma
Man Utd

vs

Barcelona

With two English teams through to the Quarter Final of the Champions League the Premier League is once against represented well with the other team being Liverpool. Liverpool have been drawn against Athletico Madrid and will fancy their chances against the Spanish Outfit.​

 

[JakeHartlepool10]

Great again
this is by far the best on this site
well done mate
have a look at mine and dani's

 

[eddybw]

Will do mate cheers for following

---------- Post added at 04:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------

Finishing March on a high?

Manchester United are returning from their Champions League victory over Lyon 8 - 1 on aggregate to face Blackpool at home, a team who have been struggling immensely since their return to the Premier League. They currently lie in 17th position and have already been on the receiving end of some big defeats.

Saturday 22.3.2014
EPL - Match Day 31
Man Utd

9 - 0

Blackpool
Chicharito (1, 40, 58), M Jones (13, 67), Wayne Rooney (16, 63), Nemanja Vidic (32, 43)
DJ Campbell injured (56)

W Rooney - Chicharito

G Bale - D Fletcher - M Jones - Nani

P Evra - J Evans - N Vidic - Rafael

J Campodonico

Manchester United certainly didn't look tired after home tie in the Champions League despite naming the same starting 11 just 3 days. It yet another strong home performance from the Red Devils as Chicharito and Wayne Rooney bagged 5 goals between them. Blackpool side look devoid from confidence and are currently on a run of 10 matches without a win, despite being unbeaten in their last 4. Blackpool came into the game hoping to keep it tight for the early stages and their game play fell apart in the 23 seconds as Nani played a wonderful ball over the top from Chicharito to fire across the despairing keeper. As Blackpool began to look for that equaliser they pushed men forward and Manchester United capitalised and eventually became in complete control and romping to a 9 - 0 victory.

Saturday 29.3.2014
EPL - Match Day 32
Arsenal

1 - 3

Man Utd
Robin van Persie (12) - Chicharito (14, 40), Wayne Rooney (33)

W Rooney - Chicharito

G Bale - D Fletcher - M Jones - Nani

P Evra - J Evans - N Vidic - Rafael

J Campodonico

Manchester United today produced the art of counter attacking as they once again tactically outclassed Roberto Mancini's Arsenal, this time on their own patch. It was the Gunners who got off to the best start after Fabregas played an expert pass into the box for Robin van Persie to slide an effort past the United keeper. With Arsenal continuing pushing forward believing that they had United on the back foot, Nani started a fantastic counter attacking move as he bombed down the right flank before firing in a delightful cross for Chicharito to win the race to the ball and fire it in at the near post.

Craig Gordon was left red faced as United went into the lead on 33 minutes as another counter attacking move started by Nani was played to Rooney before he fired a shot at the near post with Craig Gordon parrying the ball into his own net. Manchester United then netted a 3rd after Wayne Rooney found Chicharito on the edge of the box to smash in his second. Manchester United then closed the game off and actually managed to build their level of possession, with Marc Jones putting in another top class midfield performance.

FA Cup - Semi Final Draw

Manchester United today look forward to the coming FA Cup Semi Final Draw after putting in a strong performance in the Quarter Final defeating Newcastle 2 - 0 after they had 2 players sent off in a some what aggressive performance Toon Army. To recap we shall look at the Quarter Final Results.

Bristol City

2 - 0

Leeds Utd
Newcaslte

0 - 2

Man Utd
Huddersfield

0 - 1

Man City
Liverpool

0 - 1

Chelsea

With no major shocks in the FA Cup Quarter Final, and Bristol City being the only surviving Championship side in the competition will certainly be the team that everyone will wanting to draw. Manchester United are looking to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2004 after beating Millwall in the Final. This will no doubt be the time that they feel they can achieve it.

FA Cup - Semi Final Draw

Bristol City

vs

Man Utd
Man City

vs

Chelsea

After drawing Bristol City Manchester United will certainly fancy their chances at reaching the FA Cup Final where they will be facing either Manchester City or Chelsea. Although its worth noting that last time these teams met in domestic cup competition Manchester United succumbed to a 1 - 0 victory at Ashton Gate back in October 2012 League Cup 4th Round. Many fans dream final would be a Manchester Derby where they who clubs would meet and it would no doubt be an incredible atmosphere in Wembley Stadium.​

---------- Post added at 05:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:43 PM ----------

April 2014

After a great March for the club Manchester United secured qualification to the Champions League Quarter Final and won their first piece of silverware after defeating Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final. The are now entering into the final sprint, with no major injuries and Patrice Evra back from his hip injury and already put in some fantastic performances from left back.

A certain Marc Jones has had a fabulous month scoring 7 goals in 7 games for the Red Devils. Until this point in the season Marc had only scored 7 goals, but has certainly found another gear over the last month, as well as scoring these 7 goals he has assisted another 3 in those 7 games a fantastic effort from the 18 year old.

Here are the fixtures for April,

1.4.2014 -

Barcelona (Home)

5.4.2014 -

Man City (Home)

8.4.2014 -

Barcelona (Away)

12.4.2014 -

Everton (Home)

16.4.2014 -

Fulham (Away)

19.4.2014 -

Bristol City (Away)

26.4.2014 -

Wigan (Away)

Manchester United face a difficult April as they face crunch time in the season facing two Champions League ties either side of their Manchester derby, which will no doubt prove a tough ask for the Red Devil's squad. They also face a trip to Wembley to face Bristol City in the FA Cup Semi Final.​

 

[Andrewpage14]

Great end to the month, titles practically yours Im guessing from the results Tough draw in the Champions League, but not so tough in the FA Cup XD Good luck mate.

 

[eddybw]

Great end to the month, titles practically yours Im guessing from the results Tough draw in the Champions League, but not so tough in the FA Cup XD Good luck mate.

Cheers mate, yeh I should be able to win the FA Cup, just don't fancy playing Barcelona their always tough to play against!!

 

[Andrewpage14]

Yeah, the defence are gonna have a tough time but hopefully they'll hold them back, just gotta hope for no injuries and get the win at home

 

[eddybw]

Yeah, the defence are gonna have a tough time but hopefully they'll hold them back, just gotta hope for no injuries and get the win at home

Yeh deffo got them at home first so definitely looking to win that game, got a post coming up any second now with Pep speaking about United

---------- Post added at 05:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 PM ----------

Pep Guardiola questions United

Monday 31.3.2014

Ahead of tomorrow's Champions League Quarter Final clash between two global giants in Manchester United and Barcelona, Pep Guardiola has questioned the Red Devils' ability at mirroring their domestic performances on the big stage.

'Yes, Manchester United have been dominating the Premier League, but I feel that they cannot match my Barcelona side, we will press them and stop them playing, whilst playing our game. We look to go to Old Trafford and get the victory, we will attack them and put them on the back foot. This time they will not be able to cope with the pressure that we can put them under.'

Barcelona have been performing well so far in La Liga and are currently lying in 1st place 11 points clear of second placed Real Madrid and have won 5 consecutive Spanish titles. Manchester United have met Barcelona in last years Champions League and defeated them 3 - 0 at the Nou Camp in an incredible counter attacking performance inspired by then manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Pep Guardiola commented that this performance from the Catalan's was a one off and this time they plan to set things right.

'Last year Manchester United got lucky at the Nou Camp, we had an off day and it was a performance from Xabi Prieto that put us out, and he is no longer at United, I really feel that we can win this and go on to win the Champions League.'

Barcelona have won the Champions League once in the last three years after defeating Olympique Lyonnais two years ago at Wembley Stadium. Both teams are in unbelievable form domestically and in European competitions so we are certainly going to expect a top match.​

---------- Post added at 06:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:39 PM ----------

Fighting on 3 fronts...

Manchester United are approaching crunch time in April where they can secure places in the Champions League Semi Final, FA Cup Final, and claim the Premier League Title. Since Sir Ryan Giggs' arrival at Old Trafford, United have found themselves on an incredible scoring run, they have scored in everyone of their 54 matches so far this season, and already secured two pieces of silverware. The Community Shield after defeating Arsenal on the opening day of the season 2 - 1, and Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final 2 - 0.

Manchester United today face Barcelona as they aim to claim their fifth Champions League trophy after winning 3 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tuesday 1.4.2014
UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final 1st Leg
Man Utd

3 - 0

Barcelona
Marc Jones (28), Nani (pen 45+1), Wayne Rooney (56)
David Villa injured (22)

W Rooney - Chicharito

G Bale - D Fletcher - M Jones - Nani

P Evra - J Evans - N Vidic - Rafael

J Campodonico

A comprehensive victory for the Red Devils today was marred by a serious injury suffered by Barcelona forward David Villa who suffered a torn calf muscle that will keep him out for the rest of the season. As expected Barcelona saw most of the ball against the Premier League outfit but despite that they didn't create 1 clear cut chance. The scoring was opened in the 28th minute when Marc Jones scored a lucky long range effort that took a killer deflection that beat Victor Valdes. The second goal came just before half time when Nani scored a powerful penalty to make it 2 - 0. United finally put the game beyond Barcelona when Wayne Rooney scored a sliding effort from after some great wing play from Nani. Lionel Messi will also be out of the second leg after picking up a yellow card against Manchester United as well.​

---------- Post added at 06:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:41 PM ----------

Manchester Derby Dawns

After their impressive victory against Barcelona at Old Trafford, the Red Devils' focus immediately turns to their close rivals who will no doubt be looking at putting one over United after being beaten earlier in the season 1 - 0. Manchester United are expected to name the same first team as they bid to secure the Premier League trophy and maintain bragging rights over their close rivals.

Saturday 5.4.2014
EPL - Match Day 33
Man Utd

1 - 0

Man City
Chicharito (4)

Thanks to an early goal from Chicharito, Manchester United secured victory after a resilient performance. Where for long periods the Red Devils played keep ball with one eye on their away tie in Barcelona on Tuesday. The opening goal was scored in the 4th minute by Chicharito and it was a wonderful strike after a header forward from Darren Fletcher. Manchester City huffed and puffed for long periods of the match and despite having one great opportunity score an equaliser 20 year old Jose Campodonico pull off a delightful save to keep United ahead.​

 

[Andrewpage14]

Great result against Barca, should be able to hold it and head towards the final

 

[eddybw]

Great result against Barca, should be able to hold it and head towards the final

Yeh their without Messi and Villa so should be able to possibly even win there!

 

[Andrewpage14]

Yeah, takes away alot from their strike force XD Good luck

 

[eddybw]

Yeah, takes away alot from their strike force XD Good luck

Cheers buddy the second leg is next update

 

[dani3w]

easy result against Barcelona buddy! looks like man city showed a bit more resilience though! excellent work