Ivanovic nears return

[Milan 17,959]

chelseafc.com

Branislav Ivanovic trained today (Thursday) and could feature on the substitutes' bench for the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. The defender has been out since injuring his knee against Blackburn on 21 March.

Carlo Ancelotti reports he is planning an unchanged defence and midfield against Aston Villa but has decisions to make over the goalkeeper, Hilario having started previous FA Cup games, and up front although the Chelsea manager confirms Didier Drogba will start.

It is hoped Ashley Cole will return against Stoke on 25 April. Ancelotti announces Michael Essien is also making good progress and could play again a week later.

Ivan, Ash and Ess, all of them to play at Anfield? That would be some great boost, let's keep praying!

[Kostas 1,468]

Finally!! Hope he can make up for the lost time and grab that player of the year award

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Yippee!

[diskoviolente 425]

Right on time, lad !

[Kez 2,727]

Great news, While Arsenal are struggling with injuries.

[boshman 1,073]

Come on boys. Right when we need it they are starting to come back. Gooood news.

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Excellent.

The big man has been nothing short of amazing this season.

[diskoviolente 425]

It is so good to see that we have the (potentially) best defense in the whole Premier League. Only spot of bother is Carv sadly. But on the fulback position we have to quality options in Ivan/Bos - Yuri/Ash. So good.

I think if we can keep the squad together again and sort our midfield out i can see us dominating for some time again.

Is it just me or are there any others who think that United is the club in decline seen in a wider perspective ?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Maybe United are now even more worried?

[Fulham Broadway 17,332]

It is so good to see that we have the (potentially) best defense in the whole Premier League. Only spot of bother is Carv sadly. But on the fulback position we have to quality options in Ivan/Bos - Yuri/Ash. So good.

I think if we can keep the squad together again and sort our midfield out i can see us dominating for some time again.

Is it just me or are there any others who think that United is the club in decline seen in a wider perspective ?

Could be on to something there DV -it doesnt help with two thirds of Old Trafford wearing Norwich scarves and having no faith in the owners. The Glazer parasites will limit transfer activity in the Summer, could be red decline. Sometimes I think Ferguson has lost the plot, but seems to bounce back. Recently though, like after going out to Bayern, he seems a bit senile. Spitting red wine and saying ''typical Germans'' -racist old fart -will UEFA act ? Wont hold my breath.

With Ivanovich, Cole and SEN back great boost for the last few games....

[Jon 18]

will UEFA act ? Wont hold my breath.

Of course not, big red nose seems to be untouchable. And what I've noticed is how United's age has started being used in the media to explain away them losing to Chelsea and going out of the Champions League. The great red media bias nevers ceases to amaze,

[diskoviolente 425]

Furgies excuses of not "spending big" seems to hint at their real transfer money problem. They sold Ronaldo and Tevez (?) but didn´t bring anyone in except for Obertan and now this Brazilian lad. But no big buys. So, if they don´t spend big in the summer that will mean that they have to stick to the squad they now have - which isn´t exactly what you whish with players like Scholes, Giggs and Neville being past their prime, as for Scholes and Neville was a long time ago. Giggs sometimes still shows what he was capable of, not recently though...

As for their "amazing" goalscoring records..it is all down to Rooney and Nani, Berbatov really seems to have problems with the way United midfield is organised. Now add the oppertunity of Vidic leaving for a big cuntish team in Spain....they have at least to bring a good centre back in, a class winger and another striker, at least one midfielder who has to replace Scholes position and a good right back for replacing Neville.

The way the fans are slatting Carrick hints at some major frustration in their camp....

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Of course there's major frustration, they've been kicked out of Europe and lost top spot in the league, hardly going to be all rosy in the United garden!

[diskoviolente 425]

but the criticisms are bang out of order there. just have a quick read at Republicofmancunia....

but of course you are right BlueLion, wouldn´t be any different at our camp...although i think we haven´t had it all doom and gloom after our CL exit...

Edited April 9, 2010 by diskoviolente

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Our response to going out of Europe is what put us back in the title race. The draw with Blackburn was shocking, but look at the two games after; Chelsea 7-1 Aston Villa, Man United 1-2 Chelsea. Losing to Inter might be the single greatest blessing in disguise we could possibly have. Why? Because European matches are tiring. After losing in Munich, United were lethargic and tired and it was only a rousing second half performance that did them any credit. They were very slow in comparison to a Chelsea team given the week off; a benefit of not playing a European tie. I'm of course upset we whimpered out of Europe so pathetically, but for once, we were beaten by a team that played better than us over the two legs and deserved their win. However, if it means we don't have to play any more midweek fixtures, it's a bonus. Obviously United are out now, but there is the possibility of another European hangover.

[Fulham Broadway 17,332]

Getting knocked out of Europe has allowed the club -and now Yernited and Arse as well, to concentrate on the league. If anything we're now at a disadvantage with one or two FA cup games

I wouldnt say we ''whimpered out of Europe so pathetically'' , we were denied three clear penalties and were better than Inter overal. There was some shocking Euro refereeing.