Ronaldo escapes Webb

Here’s an interesting time line involving Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester United’s 2 – 1 win over Blackburn at the weekend.

On 56 minutes, the Portuguese international, possibly provoked, kicks out at David Dunn in full view of the referee. Howard Webb does nothing. Seconds later, Webb produces a yellow card as Ronaldo swan dives after a non-existent challenge.  On 60 minutes, Ronaldo powers home a stunning free kick winner. And clubs say United get favourable treatment at home. Honestly, where on earth do they get that from!?

Not so Keane

Roy Keane has revealed that he left Sunderland because of a failing relationship with the club’s American owner Ellis Short. Keane, it transpires, was unhappy about Short wanting him on call the whole time as well as being accused of not spending enough time on the job. Since he’s gone the team has got themselves out of the relegation zone and up to 11th place in the table. Anyone else think that Mr Short has been totally vindicated for having those concerns in the first place?

Jose v SAF

Whatever ‘it is’ Jose Mourinho should bottle it and sell it on to every manager in the Premier League. Although Manchester United will claim a moral victory after largely dominating their 0 - 0 draw away to Inter Milan in the Champions League, it’s now just one defeat for Mourinho in 13 matches against Sir Alex Ferguson. An enviable record that, sadly for us, no-one in the English game can come close to matching.

Ramos is Real deal

Real Madrid’s decision to appoint Juande Ramos as coach was certainly a bit ‘left field’ after the Spaniard struggled so badly in his time at Spurs. But after this weekend’s results, Ramos is sitting relatively pretty. His Madrid side hammered Betis 6 – 1 while Barcelona were beaten at home by Esponyol, their  lead at the top of the table down from 12 points from a week or so ago to just 7. It was also Madrid’s 9th win on the bounce. Ramos is obviously a good coach who perhaps excels working with ‘better’ players. Should he do the unthinkable and win La Liga and the Champions League, Spurs’ decision to get rid of him will seem awfully hasty?

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