Weekly Football News, September 3, 2012
Van Persie shuns spotlight despite hat-trick heroics
Robin van Persie grabbed the headlines after scoring a hat-trick to rescue a 3-2 win for Manchester United at promoted side Southampton on Sunday, but the Netherlands striker was quick to pass on the praise.
Van Persie took his tally to four goals in two starts for United since his £24 million move from Arsenal, and he even missed a second-half penalty for the visitors.
But he agreed with manager Sir Alex Ferguson by insisting afterwards that Paul Scholes was the man-of-the-match despite playing only the last 30 minutes of the match.
"I have to say a big thank-you to Paul Scholes, when he came on everything started ticking. Every single pass he hit was the right one. Everyone felt that, I certainly did," Van Persie said. "He hit a couple of unbelievable passes over 30 metres.
"With him you are always on your toes because anything can happen with his qualities. For me, he is the man of the match."
Ferguson added: "After Southampton's second I thought we were well out of it until Scholes came on the park. His vision and consistency of passing gave us complete control again then."
Liverpool left in lurch after deadline day bungling
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has blamed a breakdown in communication with the club’s American owners for leaving the team without recognised striking back-up for Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.
Their 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday condemned the Anfield club to their worst league start in 50 years after taking just a point from their opening three matches.
Making matters worse, Fenway Sports Group allowed England attacker Andy Carroll to join West Ham United on a season-long loan but then failed to sanction the £6 million purchase of Fulham's Clint Demsey, who ultimately joined Spurs.
Reports now suggest that Rodgers is ready to turn to former Reds striker Michael Owen, who was released by Manchester United at the end of last season and has yet failed to find a new club, or even ex-Chelsea forward Didier Drogba to solve his side's goal shortage.
Modric debut overshadowed by Ronaldo brace
Luka Modric made his first La Liga start since a £33 million switch from Tottenham in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Granada, their first in the Spanish league this season.
However, Modric’s debut was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo's first two league goals of the campaign, with Gonzalo Higuain completing the scoring in the 76th minute to seal a much-needed win.
The former Spurs playmaker impressed for Jose Mourinho's side before being replaced by Mesut Ozil in the second half.
Eriksson takes up new post in Thailand
Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson, who left his latest coaching post at Leicester City almost a year ago, has been unveiled as Thai club BEC Tero Sasana's new technical director.
"I believe the players are eager to learn from a world-class expert," Robert Procureur, the club's general manager, said in a statement prior to Eriksson's arrival.
"Apart from the improvement of the team, I believe that his arrival will draw positive international attention to the Thai Premier League."
Eriksson has enjoyed a colourful 35-year coaching career including stints with Gothenburg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina and Manchester City.
Compiled by Marc Fox
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