All Greek to David Moyes

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Manchester United manager David Moyes says he is to blame for his side's 2-0 loss to Champions League opponents Olympiakos on Tuesday.

United were favourites to beat the Greek side over two legs but they now face the prospect of missing out on the quarter-finals.

"I take responsibility," said Moyes. "It's my team and I always front up."

The Scot added: "It was a really poor performance. We never really got going and we didn't deserve anything."

United registered their first and only shot on target of the match in the 89th minute as they slumped to a surprise defeat.

Moyes, who left teenager Adnan Januzaj out of the squad, admitted they had not done enough to secure a potentially valuable away goal.

"I am just surprised," he added. "I didn't see that level of performance coming, I just didn't see it.

"It's the worst we've played in Europe. We didn't offer enough on the night to create a goal.

"There is undoubtedly talent at Manchester United but we didn't show it."

Striker Robin van Persie, who failed to take United's best chance of the night, also spoke of his frustration.

He told Dutch broadcaster NOS he found it difficult to receive the ball: "Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in. When I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well.

"That forces me to adjust my runs, based on the position of my fellow players. And unfortunately, they're often playing in my zones. I think that's a shame."

Asked about his manager being under pressure, Van Persie added: "We all have to work at it. In some games we do play well but in others we do not. We have not had luck at times. I am not going to point the finger at anybody.

"We need to try to turn it around and we need to take our chances. With all due respect to our opponents, we should be able to win by three goals."

The last time United overturned a two-goal aggregate deficit in Europe was 30 years ago, when captain Bryan Robson led them to a 3-0 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford in the last eight of the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup.

The second leg is on Wednesday, 19 March.

"We are determined to put it right and we have the opportunity to do that," said Moyes.

"The players are hurt. Old Trafford has seen some great nights in the past and we hope to see another one."

Olympiakos manager Michel insists the tie is very much alive as his side chase their first appearance in the last eight since 1999.

"I'm obviously very happy with this match, but most of all I'm proud of my players," he said.

"But if somebody says that 2-0 is enough to qualify, he's probably wrong. We have a 2-0 lead against Manchester United, which means nothing."

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RVP Finally Agrees Old Trafford Move

Manchester United have agreed a deal for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, subject to a medical and personal terms.

Sir Alex Ferguson has made the capture of the striker his main priority this season and agreed terms on a deal that will reportedly be worth over £20 million.

A statement on the Man Utd website read: "Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Van Persie, 29, revealed earlier this summer that he would not be signing a new deal at the Emirates - with his current contract ending in the summer of 2013 - and cited a lack of ambition from the club's owners in the transfer window.

A statement on Arsenal's website read: "Van Persie will travel to 

Manchester on Thursday in order to agree personal terms and complete a medical ahead of the proposed move."

Despite the presence of Wayne Rooney, Federico Macheda, Bebe, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in his squad, in addition to Berbatov, who has been widely tipped to leave Old Trafford, United have sought out a new striker.

The Red Devils initially lodged a bid for Van Persie last month, but this was turned down by the Gunners amid further interest from Manchester City and Juventus.

However, City never followed up an initial inquiry, while Van Persie made it clear he was not interested in a move to Serie A.

Having taken the unusual step of confirming a bid for Van Persie on United's pre-season tour of South Africa, Ferguson is then said to have intervened in a deal that was in danger of stalling by speaking directly with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Although Wenger did not want to sell his star man to a rival club, he realised the Gunners were in a tricky situation, with supporters turning against their former favourite during a pre-season encounter with Cologne on Sunday.

RVP Decides Not to Extend Deal

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Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has announced he will not be extending his contract at Emirates Stadium.

Speculation has been rife over the future of the talismanic captain, who is entering the final year of his contract in North London.

Manager Arsene Wenger stated the importance of keeping Van Persie at the club earlier this month but the 28-year-old Dutchman has decided against prolonging his deal.

The frontman told his official website: "I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.

"You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions."

The striker had previously kept quiet over his future and refused to commit to a decision until Wednesday.

Van Persie says he has chosen not to extend his deal following talks with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis over the club's plans for the future.

He added: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr Gazidis and Mr Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what's really going on at the moment.

"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.

"Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."

More developments

Van Persie, who joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, added: "I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC.

"Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years.

"As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."

Van Persie ended last season as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, helping the Gunners to a third-placed finish.

Reigning champions Manchester City have been linked with a move for the prolific frontman, while European heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all thought to be interested.

The Gunners would be loathe to lose their star striker but could sell to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

RVP is PFA Player of the Year

RVP Explains Barca Hotel Visit

 

Robin van Persie has insisted he has nothing to hide after visiting Barcelona's team hotel this week, as he was only going to speak to a friend and still plans to discuss his future with Arsenal in the summer.

The Gunners skipper was pictured at Barca's London hotel on Tuesday night, ahead of the Catalan team's UEFA Champions League match against Chelsea 24 hours later.

The incident fuelled speculation that Van Persie could be set to join Barcelona at the end of the season, but he maintains that it was perfectly innocent.

"The explanation is really very simple. My very good friend Ibrahim Afellay plays for Barcelona," the Dutchman wrote in Arsenal's official matchday programme.

"After a bad long-term injury, he was finally back with the team - and during his absence I had been in contact with him a lot, but I hadn't seen him.

"This was an opportunity for me to go and visit a close friend, show him my support and catch up.

"Unfortunately, this had to be at the hotel, because he was not permitted to leave it.

"I was wearing my Arsenal tracksuit and we sat down by the reception to have a chat and some food - everyone could see us and there was nothing to hide.

"I can't imagine anyone conducting transfer negotiations in these circumstances!"

Social life

Van Persie has just over a year left on his Arsenal contract and Arsene Wenger has reassured supporters that the situation will soon be sorted.

The 28-year-old added: "The visit to the hotel was a social one and had nothing to do with the future of my career.

"I do have a social life next to football, even if my wife tells me that it sometimes doesn't seem that way!

"Nothing has changed in the sense that my intention remains to discuss my future in the summer."

Caldwell reaction

Van Persie also hit back at Gary Caldwell's claim that he refused to shake the Wigan captain's hand after Arsenal's shock 2-1 defeat on Monday night.

He said: "I was quite surprised by his reaction, and the fact that it made such news in the media.

"If you look properly at what happened, I offered him my left hand but he refused it and acted like the innocent party - so all the reaction has been a little over the top.

"There were no bad intentions on my side. In football, you can win and lose - that is part of the game, and of course I will always be disappointed with a defeat, but not to the point that I refuse to shake my opponent's hand. Not everything is always as it looks."

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Muamba collapses during FA Cup tie

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed and stopped breathing during the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Tottenham.

Medics spent 10 minutes trying to resuscitate the 23-year-old on the field after he fell to the ground with no other players around him.

BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis says the former England Under-21 international is fighting for his life.

The score was 1-1 when the match was abandoned after 41 minutes.

Medical staff gave Muamba mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and tried to revive him with a defibrillator. In total six medics were treating the player.

Both sets of supporters chanted Muamba's name as he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. ESPN, who were broadcasting the match, reported that he was not breathing as he was taken into the tunnel.

Referee Howard Webb called the visibly shaken players off the field after consulting with Bolton manager Owen Coyle and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

Minutes later the match was abandoned.

PLAYERS' REACTION ON TWITTER

"Praying for you Fab. Hope he's OK. Thoughts with him and his family. For all those asking, I know as much as you do. Waiting anxiously for updates from teammates. Fab is a fighter!" Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden 

"Pray for Fab. God willing he will pull through."Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe 

"All our hearts with Fabrice Muamba, one of my closest friends at Bolton. I'm shocked, wishing him a fast recovery." Wigan's former Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi 

"Hope Fabrice Muamba is OK. Praying for him and his family. Still in shock." Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney 

"Doesn't matter who you support. Doesn't matter if you aren't a football fan. Doesn't matter if you aren't religious. Pray for Fabrice Muamba."Tottenham defender Kyle Walker 

"I'm so sad about what happened to Fabrice Muamba today. Played with him for a couple of years. What a great guy. Always a smile on his face. Please Fabrice bring that smile back. My thoughts are with you and your lovely family!"Arsenal captain Robin van Persie 

A Bolton spokesman said: "Fabrice Muamba has been taken to hospital following his collapse. There is no further information at this time."

The former Arsenal midfielder was accompanied in the ambulance by Coyle and club captain Kevin Davies.

BBC Radio 5 live's chief football reporter Dennis, who was covering the game at White Hart Lane, witnessed medics rushing to aid Muamba.

"When the medical staff arrived his face was on the turf," he said.

"You could see them using a defibrillator and he was [electronically] charged on at least two occasions. Everyone could see Fabrice Muamba was fighting for his life.

"If he does pull through it will be down to the quick actions of the medics."

Soon after the incident, messages of support flooded in for the former Birmingham player.

Spurs' Rafael van der Vaart was one of those on the pitch when Muamba collapsed. He tweeted: "Terrible what happened with Muamba during the game. We're all praying for him."

England international Jack Wilshere, who played with Muamba at Bolton, wrote: "Hope Muamba is OK. Thoughts with him."

Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte, who played in the Arsenal youth team with Muamba, said: "I seriously hope my best friend in football is OK. Stay strong bro, please please stay strong. God is with you remember that."

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "At the moment we are all watching, waiting, hoping and praying. For all the football family it's a terrible thing to see.

"This can happen on a pitch and [it is] one of the reasons why we insist all youngsters coming into the game have the ability to have heart screenings to avoid this happening."

Muamba joined Wanderers from Birmingham in 2008 and has made 148 appearances for the club.

MUAMBA'S CAREER

Born on 6 April 1988 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Progressed through Arsenal's youth academy, representing England at every level from under-16 to under-21

Joined Birmingham in 2007, having been there on loan previously, then moved to Bolton the following year

Appeared at the 2011 European Under-21 Championship in Denmark for England Under-21s, for whom he made 33 appearances

Van Persie Looking for RSVP

Robin van Persie says victory for Arsenal in the North London derby with Spurs is "vital" for the Gunners.

And the Arsenal captain has challenged his team-mates to "put the record straight" by beating Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

After the disappointment of the 4-0 defeat in Milan which all but ended their Champions League hopes and the FA Cup exit to Sunderland, the importance of producing a performance against their arch-rivals is not lost on Van Persie.

"What better way to set things straight again than to beat Spurs?" the Dutchman said.

"I would rather be playing them now than on any other day, and we know that a win is absolutely vital.

"I don't think anybody would deny that Spurs have a really good side - and they've added consistency this season.

"They are winning the tougher games and, as a result, have made that next step towards the top teams.

"Spurs have invested a lot of money over the past few years, and when you look at the figures it's reflected in their league position."

Van Persie added in the Arsenal's Official Matchday Programme: "They are above us for the first time in many years, but it is in our hands to change the way things are going, win the game and start moving closer to them.

"A draw will not be a good result for us [on Sunday], either in our bid to catch up with Spurs or in our efforts to fight off our other challengers for a Champions League place."

Arsenal and Tottenham have issued a joint statement warning fans any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on Sunday.

Spurs' former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is the biggest concern - he was the target of abuse during the first meeting between the sides at White Hart Lane in October.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes positive support from the Emirates Stadium faithful is "vital".

He said: "Arsenal versus Tottenham is a passionate game, so you expect that.

"It is only a passionate game if your fans stand behind you and give absolutely everything like the players will do."

Van Persie Visits Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona had a surprise visit from Robin van Persie, the Arsenal striker, on Saturday night during a training session for Al Wasl.

The Dutch forward is on a short break in Dubai with his family and decided to make a spontaneous visit to meet his idol.

"I've always admired Maradona since I was a young child," said Van Persie. "He is one of the best footballers of all time, and a visit to Dubai would not have been complete without the opportunity to get to meet him face to face."

Maradona, who was very pleased with the surprise visit, was full of praise for the Dutch striker.

"Van Persie is not only a star player but a footballer with a stellar personality that is something that I hold in high respect. His great talent, combined with his humble character, make him a model for all great players to live by," said Maradona.

Van Persie, who brought his wife Bouchra and two children along with him, also had a kickabout with Maradona, even though he was dressed in jeans and smart shoes.

Arsenal face second-tier English side Leeds United tomorrow in the third round of the FA Cup, though it is not known whether Van Persie will be back in England for that game or whether he is being rested by manager Arsene Wenger.