Monday, May 5, 2008

Hargreaves: Utd deserves title - even on goal difference

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Even if Manchester United wins the Premier League title over Chelsea on goal difference, Owen Hargreaves doesn't believe the trophy is any less deserved. Perhaps even more so, because of the Red Devils' determination to attack.

Another four goals against West Ham United on Saturday swelled United's vastly superior goal difference to Chelsea to 19.

"We will deserve it (the title)," said Hargreaves, who joined United last summer from Bayern Munich. "We play attacking football, we try to score goals and hopefully that will be rewarded."

United's three-point lead gained in the 4-1 victory could be wiped out again Monday if Chelsea wins at Newcastle. But taking three points off Wigan in next Sunday's season finale will retain the title - regardless of the Blues' result against Bolton.

A slight slump culminating in a loss at Chelsea last weekend saw United surrender a five-point lead. Arsenal was equally in the ascendancy in February, but Arsene Wenger's challenge collapsed long ago.

It's been an exciting time for Hargreaves in his debut season in the Premier League.

"The league has been quite exceptional," the Canadian-born England midfielder said. "It's going to be interesting to see how the league finishes and obviously with (United and Chelsea) reaching the Champions League final it's great for English football - especially with England not going to the European Championships."

Portugal will be at Euro 2008 and Saturday's match witnessed displays of magnificence and madness from two of its wingers.

Cristiano Ronaldo took his season tally to 40 goals with a double against the Hammers.

"It's amazing, to be that consistent throughout the season and score so many goals," veteran wing wizard Ryan Giggs said. "It is unbelievable really - and he just keeps getting better and better."

But it was a bad day for Nani, who was sent off for headbutting Lucas Neill.

"There is no excuse, he showed a measure of immaturity," manager Alex Ferguson said. "He retaliated, he'll learn from it ... we will deal with it."

It could have proved costly had United not already held a 3-1 lead and the 10-men managed to add a fourth in the second half.

"It's in our hands, which is all we can ask for," Giggs said. "It will be a tough game (at Wigan)."

Hargreaves advises Ferguson not to tinker with the winning formula that has put the double in sight.

"At this stage of the season, the temptation is to be a little more cautious because you don't want to give anything away," Hargreaves said. "But we need to relax and play the football that has won us so many matches.

"We must train, prepare and play in the same way. Good players and coaches don't panic under pressure, you do the things you know are right and hopefully it pays off."

The 27-year-old Hargreaves accepts that sacrifices have to be made for the sake of the team. He reluctantly accepted being shifted back from midfield again Saturday.

"Clearly, I'm not a natural fullback, but you want to be involved," said Hargreaves, who provided the cross for Ronaldo's second goal. "People have been injured and every squad needs players who can step in and do a job.

"If I can help the team through the final stages of the season, whether that's in center midfielder or rightback, I'm more than happy to do it. I just want to be on the pitch."

Giggs came on in the second half to put him two appearances away from surpassing Bobby Charlton's club-record 758 games, with the Wigan match and May 21 Champions League final remaining this season.

Until club statisticians delved into the archives this week, it had always been thought that Charlton had turned out 759 times, but they discovered that the England World Cup winning striker - watching Saturday from the directors' box - had missed an FA Cup game in January 1962 with influenza.

"It would mean more to win the Champions League and the Premier League," Giggs said. "Personal records are things to look back on when you finish your career.

"Yes, it would be a proud moment if I do it but the most important thing obviously is trophies."

No comments: