English Premier League News: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Stoke City
Manchester United
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has hailed Javier Hernandez for his winner against Valencia in the mid-week Champions’ league group stage. Fletcher expects great things for the rather unknown Mexican, who burst onto the media when he agreed
a 7 million pound deal from Chivas. Since his arrival, Hernandez quickly established himself as a fan favourite and scored quick goals for his new club on the pre-season in North America. Hernandez also scored a goal against Manchester United while playing
in his tribute match for his former club. Chicharito’s first goal for United came in a rather unusual way when he deflected the ball off his face and into the net.
Hernandez was playing as a second half substitute against Chelsea in the Community Shield match and his unconventional goal nonetheless eased the pressure of scoring in a recognized clash. However, as the season started, Hernandez were given mostly cameo
opportunities but proved to be the difference maker in Mestalla, when he found the back of the net with just 5 minutes remaining on the clock. It proved to be only the second win for the club on Spanish soil and Fletcher expects much more to come from the
last World Cup’s fastest player. The Scotsman stated that Hernandez just got his head down and managed a neat finish. That showed his hunger and passion for the club and can become a great player for Manchester United. Fletcher explained that he is still
young and needs to adapt to the Manchester United’s style of play but coming from a club based in Mexico, Hernandez is a world class talent.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has denied to be swayed away by the season progression so far and the last season Championship winner would still have to see a lot of ups and downs in their opportunity to survive the fast pace of the premier league.
The manager stated that his side is well aware of the fact that every game they enter is a tough one which can go either way. Hughton explained that Newcastle had the talent to win any football match if they play to the best of their abilities but any slack
in any department can always lead to an unfavourable result. The manager also expects that former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, who made his first appearance in a Magpies shirt against Chelsea, could be available to feature against Manchester City this week.
The 36-year-old centre back returned with a thigh issue while playing against Chelsea and couldn’t feature against Stoke, but is expected to pass the fitness test to face Manchester City.
Stoke City
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has voiced his opinion regarding Matthew Etherington and Ryan Shawcross and claimed that both these player deserved call-ups to feature in England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro. Both of these players have been phenomenal
for their club’s unbeaten run in the past month, which neutralized the club’s disastrous start to the campaign. Stoke lost all three opening matches of the season and their recent rise in form can be credited to the efforts of these two rock solid centre backs.
Although Shawcross was an unused bench warmer in England’s friendly against Egypt back in march, Etherington has never been called up. English national team manager, Fabio Capello is expected to name his squad for the qualifier on Monday, as the Three Lions
would be looking for 3 wins out of three.
"In my opinion they must be very, very close. I'm not going to tell Capello who to pick, that's up to him and he's an experienced enough manager to know his own mind. But the two lads haven't done themselves any harm at all," stated the manager while backing
his players for the call-up.
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