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Striker Federico Macheda has reiterated his desire to make his mark with Manchester United in the Premier League.

Macheda joined Serie A side Sampdoria on loan earlier this month and the Italian Under-21 international scored his first goal for his new club in the Italian Cup win over Udinese in midweek.

But the 19-year-old is determined to ensure his time with the Genoa-based club boosts his career at Old Trafford, where he has scored four goals in 27 appearances.

“I have always said my objective is to return to Manchester United and make my mark in the Premier League, as they are a world-class club,” Macheda said.

“In terms of organisation, they are a step above the rest. Sir Alex Ferguson even came to watch the youth team games and always cheered me on.”

“That never happened when I was at Lazio. Before I left, the only one of the top players who came over and asked me to stay was Fabio Firmani.”

However, Macheda said responsibility came with playing for United.

“One time he tore shreds off me when I got back to the hotel late after a night out,” he said.

“I do like it at Sampdoria, so if I see there aren’t many prospects in England, then I could stay on longer.”

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Macheda also spoke about the comparisons between the Premier League and Serie A.

“The defenders hit you just as hard in Italy as in England, with the only difference being in the Premier League the referees whistle less,” he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s header 11 minutes from time was enough to see off Czech Republic and book Portugal a place in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Paulo Bento’s side toiled for over an hour to break down a stubborn Czech rearguard before Ronaldo provided the decisive moment stooping to meet Joao Moutinho’s whipped cross and head past Petr Cech to settle a largely forgettable quarter final.

Michal Bilek will find it hard to be annoyed with his players who sacrificed their early attacking momentum to fulfil his defensive game plan once Portugal took a stranglehold on the game.

In fact the Czech’s had the best of the opening exchanges but failed to even trouble the Portuguese defence with their final ball letting them down on numerous occasions. In fact it was their opponents who carved out the first meaningful chance of the half after Pepe clipped a ball into the penalty area for Ronaldo to attempt an audacious bicycle kick that flew well wide.

Nani then thought he should have been awarded a penalty after going under pressure in the penalty area with English referee Howard Webb waving away the frantic protests from the Manchester United winger. Ronaldo then came within a whisker of putting Portugal ahead swivelling brilliantly away from Michal Kadlec in the box and striking the base of the post from the angle with Cech beaten.

Portugal continued in a similar vein after the break with Hugo Almeida, on as a first half substitute for Helder Postiga, finding himself unmarked in the box but could only head Raul Meireles’ cross over the bar. Ronaldo then drove a free kick against the woodwork whilst Cech had to be alert to keep out efforts from Nani and then Meireles.

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The Real Madrid forward wasn’t to be denied though and finally made the breakthrough on 79 minutes. Nani fed Moutinho down the right and his cross was met by a diving Ronaldo, who stole in front of  Theodor Gebre Selassie, to send a downward header into the roof of the net and set up a semi final meeting with Spain or France. Cech then did brilliantly to thwart Joao Pereira from doubling Portugal’s lead getting across to keep out the defenders fierce strike from 25-yards despite being partially unsighted.

It would seem an almost offensive question at first that the greatest manager in the history of the game would fail to address the most important issue.

After all three major summer signings, over £50 million spent plus the recall of two important loanees and a promise they won’t be going out again this season, is hardly letting the grass grow under your feet.

Yet let’s ask ourselves one fundamental question: Are we now better equipped to beat Barcelona?

I’d argue not.

This Summer I’ve praised Sir Alex for making the side strong enough to mount another successful title challenge as I truly believe we’ve got the strongest squad in the Premier League.

Yet that shouldn’t detract from the two tonne white elephant still sitting firmly in the room: how are United going to beat Barcelona?

Last season in the Champions League final it was glaringly obvious we were at least one midfield enforcer short of really being able to give the Catalan side a game.

Never mind the “Fletcher was injured” argument or “Carrick had an off day” or even the “Anderson should’ve started” point. The fact is United as in Rome two years previously simply didn’t have the tenacious though tackling terrier to try and break down the Barca play and mix it up a bit.

Ji Sung Park tried his best but simply ended up running himself knackered after half an hour.

With all the rumours surrounding Samir Nasri or Wesley Sneijder, the smart money is that we won’t be buying a player like that even if we do make one more big name signing.

You could argue that Sneijder is that good a player that he will move us a step closer to Barcelona’s level, regardless of the fact he’s an attacking midfielder rather than a defensive or box-to-box one.

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All this is academic of course unless had signed Sneijder but at the time of writing we aint.

The loss of Paul Scholes and Edwin Van der Sar is a massive blow no matter what they’re ages but in terms of beating Barcelona it may actually be Owen Hargreaves’s departure which is the most telling.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not claiming that the curly haired one is a better player than Scholes that would be ridiculous. What I’m saying is he’s the one midfielder who, had he regained his fitness- admittedly a big ‘if’ then he could have been ideal for the task of getting in Barca’s faces.

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Buying players simply to beat one team may seem a little daft to some, but let’s face some simple facts, if United really want to win the Champions League then sooner or later we’re going to have to beat Barcelona and my concern is that problem doesn’t really seem to have been addressed this Summer.

Whenever the subject of beating Barcelona comes up with many of the Reds I’ve spoken to, the general consensus seems to be that United would need to be on form and simply hope the Spaniards had a bad day at the office.

That’s like expecting the Daily Star to have newsworthy story on the only day you buy it, call me a cynic but I think United’s chances of wrestling the Champions League from Barcelona, look about as likely as they did last season.

Read more of Justin’s articles at the excellent Red Flag Flying High

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Sir Alex Ferguson insists that the Premier League title race is at a defining moment.

United are top of the table on goal difference going into Saturday’s home game against Birmingham City.

Ferguson said: “It’s kicking on time now. Our home form is very good and we hope that continues, but we want to change the trend with our away form.”

Brazilian defender Rafael has a hearing with the FA on Friday after his red card against Tottenham last week and Ferguson was still fuming about his sending off.

“You hope for common sense, you hope that prevails ? It was a bad decision to send him off,” he said.

“In a big game it can have an impact, especially with 20 minutes left. Having to replace Rafael has given us something to consider, plus one or two other changes.”

John O’Shea and Wes Brown are back in contention after making midweek outings for the reserves and Paul Scholes is also available for selection.

Ferguson was thrilled to have veteran Scholes ready to play again after recovering from a groin injury.

“It’s good to have him back. He’s had a little break, and whenever he’s had an injury in the past and taken time out he’s coming back looking fresh,” he said.

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Meanwhile, winger Antonio Valencia could be back in action at the end of next month following the severe ankle injury he suffered in September.

“Valencia is doing well now, he’s started his running programme. He’s able to train every day now, which is a big step forward,” Ferguson said.

“I think possibly towards the end of February he should be back in the first-team squad which is a big boost to us, something for us to look forward to.”

Joe Cole has admitted that he wants the chance to prove himself at Liverpool, and hopes that Kenny Dalglish’s sacking will change his fortunes at Anfield.

The former England international spent the 2011-12 season on loan at French club Lille, but has returned to Merseyside with his future hanging in the balance.

Cole has admitted that a change in manager at Liverpool will hopefully give him a chance to be involved once more.

“I would love the chance – if they wanted to – to put it right,” Mirror Football quote the attacking midfielder as saying.

“I don’t want that on my career. I’ve been a success at West Ham, a success at Chelsea, and come to another country in France and had a good season.

“It’s just that season at Liverpool. It’s in their hands. I’m easy whatever way but the fire still burns with me and I would love to have the chance put it right if that’s what they wanted.

“Kenny was a good guy – he didn’t lie to me. I wasn’t in his plans.

“It just changes my future. Whereas it was quite clear before Kenny got the sack that I wouldn’t be going back there, who knows what will happen now? I’m just waiting on some kind of information,” he admitted.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Cardiff City have signed Scottish striker Kenny Miller from Turkish club Bursaspor for an estimated one million pounds.Miller, 31, played for the likes of Rangers, Celtic, Wolves and Derby but returns to the UK after a year in Turkey where he only managed five goals in 15 games.

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay told reporters: “We’ve agreed the fee, we’ve agreed his terms and the medical has been passed.”

“He’s been training with us and he has gone up this weekend to collect some stuff and bring his family down.”

The Bluebirds also appear to be on the verge of signing young French forward Rudy Gestede, who has already impressed for his country’s Under-19 side.

“We are doing the medical with him at the moment and he should sign on Monday,” Mackay said.

QPR have signed Wales international defender Danny Gabbidon on a one-year contract.

The 31-year-old centre-half made 113 appearances in six years at Upton Park.

Gabbidon had been training with the Hoops and played in three friendlies on the club’s recent tour of Cornwall.

He becomes manager Neil Warnock’s third pre-season signing after Jay Bothroyd and his former team-mate Kieron Dyer.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Gabbidon told the club’s website.

“It’s a good club. Hopefully I can learn more about it in the coming weeks.”

“I had a good week with the lads in Cornwall and I’m pleased to have signed.”

With all eyes on Zurich to see if England have been successful in their quest for the 2018 World Cup there has been little to report on the domestic scene, other than crowd violence at St Andrews and some transfer tittle-tattle.

In the papers today there has been focus on Ferguson about to eclipse Sir Matt Busby; Adebayor looking to force a move to Tottenham and Liverpool rally around to boost Joe Cole’s confidence.

*

Hodgson reveals Cole’s strife – Sky Sports

Violence mars Bimingham’s derby win – Guardian

Bayern: Schweinsteiger not joining United – Daily Telegraph

Landon Donovan says chances of Everton return ’50-50′ – IM Scouting

Adebayor out to ‘force’ Spurs move – Mirror

Denílson eyes Arsenal quadruple – Guardian

Santos set their sights on a January swoop for Liverpool midfielder Lucas – Daily Mail

Mancini focuses on league – Sky Sports

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Ferguson set to eclipse Busby – Guardian

Liverpool rally to boost Cole’s confidence – Daily Telegraph

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Frank Lampard has been ruled out of England’s Euro 2012 campaign, after picking up a thigh injury in team training.

The Chelsea midfielder pulled up on Wednesday, with scans yesterday proving that the veteran will not be able to compete for the Three Lions in Ukraine and Poland.

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson ahs been called up to the main contingent from the stand-by list, but Roy Hodgson could not hide his disappointment that Lampard will not be able to represent the nation this summer.

“It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry,” Hodgson told Sky Sports.

“The fact that the doctor cannot guarantee Frank could take part in any of the group matches means we have to replace him in the central midfield area.

“Apart from it being a huge blow to me and the team, I’m especially disappointed for Frank himself.

“He has been in very good form and was looking forward to the tournament.

“He made a huge contribution towards us qualifying for the Euros so it is cruel to be forced out through injury just before the tournament,” he admitted.

England face Belgium on Saturday in their final friendly fixture before the start of Euro 2012, and Hodgson will hope that his players escape the match injury-free.

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There are also rumours in the press that Hodgson is concerned over the sharpness of Scott Parker, who is yet to fully recover from an injury either, shortening England’s options in midfield dramatically.

By Gareth McKnight

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A staggering 123 players were released by Premier League clubs at the end of this season in order to trim their wage bills, or to make room in their 25 man squads for next season. In amongst the players released are World Cup, Premier League and FA Cup winners, players who have played for Inter Milan and Barcelona, as well as those who have valuable Champions League experience.

With the newly promoted clubs looking to add much needed Premier League experience to their squads the players won’t be short of contract offers, with many still able to offer something to the already established Premier League teams as well.

Like all football fans out there, I love making up unrealistic ‘dream teams’, and this is my ‘Out of contract All-Stars’.

Click on John Carew to see the free agents’ who made my XI

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Goalkeeper Joe Hart has been ruled out of England's friendly against France due to a back injury sustained during training on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Manchester City player had been expected to win his eighth cap against Les Bleus at Wembley, but he has now returned to his club after being assessed by the England medical staff.

Watford's Scott Loach has joined up with the senior squad as cover, having played for the Under-21s in their 2-0 defeat by Germany on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Citizens back-up keeper Shay Given has hinted that he will seek to leave the club in the January transfer window after losing his first-team spot to Hart.

He told the club's official website:"My own personal situation isn't ideal. We'll see what happens over the next couple of months.

"You try and work hard in training, but obviously it's difficult to try and re-enact a match situation.

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