Amir Khan- Not Ready Yet

Amir Khan laboured to a fifth round stoppage of his opponent Gomez last Saturday, prompting many boxing insiders and even his followers to admit that the UK fighter is a long way away from the title fight he so badly craves.

While the victory was indeed morale boosting, its exposed many weaknesses Amir Khan would have rather concealed. Many critics have pointed out Khan’s weak chin, which was previously exposed by Willie Limond, and again was exposed by Gomez as he was knocked down. Another worrying thing about Khan was how many times he played into his opponent’s hands in term of tactics. As a result he was dragged into a ‘street fight’ trying to fight on the inside, and was made to pay by being caught off-guard with the left hook that floored him.

But as his promoter Frank Warren said, that is purpose of these fights. Not to take anything away from Khan, after all the points I have pointed out, to come back an win shows his championship credentials. He is steadily moving up the learning curve, and win hard work we can expect not only a title victory, but a long title defence which will further stamp his supremacy in the sport of boxing.

This is the video of the last round (5)

Keeping It Real- The Ronaldo Saga

The biggest transfer story of the summer so far is whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United. After what has been his most successful season in the English premier league, the winger is now contemplating whether or not to carry on his illustrious career in England.

Much has been said and numerous rumours have surfaced during this summer period, but nothing concrete and formal has been said from the source himself- Ronaldo. His preparations for the European championships seem to have had been hampered by the speculation, as every interview questions were aimed towards him to clarify his future. His response has always been vague saying he will give an answer shortly, which has lead many to believe he could well want a move away as he has don’t nothing to quash the rumours.

Whilst Ronaldo has been vague in his response to the speculation, United have made their position very clear. They have issued numerous statements that the player is not for sale, and if Ronaldo makes his intentions clear that he wants to be sold, a legal battle could be brewing.

This saga has been going on for well over a year, but since United’s epic champions league win in Moscow, Real Madrid president Calderon has made is clear that Ronaldo was the clubs top transfer target. His public comments and flirtatious behaviour has infuriated Sir Alex, who eventually reported the club to FIFA for their actions. Even United’s owners the Glaziers have come out fighting, claiming they would rather let the winger rot in the reserves than being forced to sell their prized asset.

Ronaldo has never hidden his desire to play in Spain, and has recently labelled the move a ‘dream’. No doubt in the run up to pre-season we will see whether dreams come true.

Sven Out, Hughes In?

Sven Goran Eriksson parted company with Manchester City today after one season in charge. Whilst his departure has come as no surprise, his sacking has highlighted the cut-throat industry premier league managing has become in the midst of the foreign owner era.

Sven guided City to their highest league finish in 3 years (ninth) and also beat rivals Man United twice in the season. On the last day of the season, despite the humiliating 8-1 defeat to Middlesborough, he guided City into the UEFA cup via the fair play league. Owner Thaksin Shinawatra eventually ran out of patience with the former England coach after City failed to maintain their impressive start to the season. The news will come as a blow to City fans, who after hearing the news prior to the seasons end that Sven would be sacked, staged protests outside the club.

Many names have been linked with the vacant position but it seems as though the role may be filled by Mark Hughes, who earlier, was granted permission from Blackburn to talk to Man City. Rumours have also started to filter that Sam Allardyce may be ready to move to Blackburn, should Hughes leave Blackburn

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Man United Win Epic Champions League Final

Manchester United won their second champions league title in 9 years (3 overall) after an epic penalty shoot with Chelsea.

The final, which was the first all-english tie in the history of the competition, lived up to the expectations producing a highly entertaining spectacle for both sets of fans and neutrals.

The game started cautiously with both teams feeling each other out. As the first half progressed, the highly enthusiastic Cristiano Ronaldo, found success against make shift right back Michael Essien and produced a few openings. Makelele and Scholes were not afraid to hold back their aggressive approaches, both picking up early bookings. The breakthrough eventually came after neat work between Scholes and Brown allowed the right back to deliver a pin point cross to non other than Ronaldo. United were on top and produced more openings with Tevez missing the chance to double the advantage.

The failure to double their lead came back to haunt them after a rare Chelsea attack on goal. Essien tried his luck from distance, and after two deflections, the ball fell kindly into the path of Frank Lampard to tucked away the loose ball to equal the score on the stroke of half time.

After the break ,Chelsea were on top as they bossed the midfield. Although the had much more the ball they failed to produce any clear cut chances barring Didier Drogbas excellent shot from 20 yards which rattled the post. United had to ride the storm. Later on Ryan Giggs came on to break the appearance record previously held by Sir Bobby Charlton. The game went to extra time.

Frank Lampard went the closest to finding a winner in added time when his shot hit the bar after good work from Michael Ballack. Chelsea were also handed a blow when striker Didier Drogba was sent of for a moment of madness where he slapped United defender Vidic. The game went to penalties.

After a tense shoot-out which saw Ronaldo miss his penalty, the game was handed to Chelsea on a plate with John Terry needing to convert the last penalty to win the game. He slipped and hit the post. Afterwards, United keeper Van Der Sar save Anelka's penalty giving victory to United for a third time.

League going to the last day

After Chelsea's win over Newcastle United, the Premier league crown is going down to the last day. It has been a long time since we have seen this happen. The last close title race was when Manchester United pipped Arsenal to the title on the last day of the season 98/99 by 1 point. It was a tense game as United went behind to visitors Tottenham, with United needing a win to secure the first part of their treble. United ending up winning the game and the league.

Many will say that the league is in United's hand, and it is true. Not only do they have a superior goal difference, they are against Wigan, who have old United boy Steve Bruce as their manager. A lot of pressure is being put on Bruce as he is being drawn into the mind games ahead of the crucial weekend. With Wigan securing Premier league status next season by beating Aston Villa away, the game against United will mean nothing to them as the have nothing to play for. Meanwhile Chelsea will know a nothing but a win will give them the slimest chance of being crowned champions.

But with the odds and the managers stacked against them, it looks like Manchester United are on course for their 10th league title.

Thierry Henry- Was he right to leave the Premiership?

A Barcelona crashed out the champions league to Manchester United a few weeks ago, no Catalonia player was more distraught than Thierry Henry. The former Arsenal hitman played a bit part in both legs of the semi-final clash, coming on as a sub in and having little time to make an impact.

The united game was the tip of the iceberg in a season where so much was expected from the Spanish giants. They boasted the most formidable attack in club football, with Messi, Ronaldinho and Eto. With the addition of Henry, many thought the club would sweep all possible trophies with ease. But this was not the case. Since the early stages of La Liga they had been chasing rivals Real Madrid, who retained the crown on the weekend (Barcelona now have to applaud their rivals as champions in the next game- el classico). Not only that, they have been surpassed by Villarreal who currently lie second. Barca's poor away form has been blamed as well as injuries to key players.

Henry has been used by manager Frank Rijkard as a left winger, a position he previously held at Juventus, but it is clear that his preferred position is centre forward, where he played for Arsenal. Henry started his season brightly. Most notably, scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Levante. But a succession of injuries as well as being used as a sub have seemed to have deflated the French forward. Leading many to speculate that he is seeking a move back to Arsenal, but should he gave left in the first place?

Many footballers belong to one club. Like what Shevchenko is to AC Milan, or Stephen Gerrard and Liverpool. Now it may seem that Henry fits into that category, as he is rarely remembered for his time at Monaco & Juventus. Henry has vented his frustration of late, but vows to stay at Barcelona. All in all, it is his first season and perhaps some of the speculation and criticism has been unfair, but there is still time to prove the critics all wrong.

Cristiano Ronaldo- The Words Best Player 07/08

It was around this time last year that AC Milans Kaka came off the winner in a two legged dual against his nearest rival for the crown of world player of the year. Although Cristiano Ronaldo drew first blood and scored in the first leg at Old Trafford which in the end help United secure a 3-2 home victory, the night belonged to Kaka who twice scored and who twice exposed the back four with breath taking speed, technique and skill. He carried on his incredible form at the San Siro where in the rain scored another clinical goal helping Milan reach the final. Kaka had won the dual emphatically.

Forward a year later, and one of the two players on that drenched San Siro pitch is still on top of his game and has in fact improved. Cristiano Ronaldo has had another remarkable season. He has scored an outstanding 37 goals in all competitions. His goal last week against Roma embodied his form and character at present- determined, persistent and unstoppable. He has put on valiant displays this season where he has constantly outshone, but has played his part as a team player.

Two seasons ago it was a very different story. During a world cup quarter final match pairing Portugal against England, Wayne Rooneys' challenge on Ricardo Carvalho prompted Ronaldo to rush over to the referee and call for action against his United team mate. Rooney was sent off and cameras caught Ronaldo's cheeky wink to his team bench as if to say job done. Fearing a backlash on his return to England many reporters and sports insiders believed Ronaldo was on his way out United, especially with reports of Real Madrid showing interest. But if not for the guidance and intervention of Alex Ferguson, i might not be writing this article. Fergie who experienced a similar incident with David Beckham, convinced Ronaldo not only to be made a scapegoat for Englands failure to win the match, but to turn the boos into standing ovations.

Ronaldo has improved vastly since he first joined United, incorporating deadly free kicks, mazy runs, accurate shooting and headers into his game, making him a threat from virtually any position. He has also managed to maintain his form from start to finish, make an impact in important games and make a vital contribution whether its goals or crosses. This year he deserves the accolade of world player of the year, and with youth on his side we can expect to see him in contention for many more.