Preview: Liverpool v Manchester United

Talismanic captain Steven Gerrard is set to start for Liverpool for the first time since 6 March after his slow recovery from a niggling groin problem.

That means they have a fully-fit squad, with Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio all available.

United captain Nemanja Vidic may return from the calf strain he suffered on the opening day of the season.

Young England duo Chris Smalling and Tom Cleverley could also be fit after groin and foot injuries respectively.

A time to celebrate anniversaries - and gnash the teeth over old rivalries - as the two most successful sides in English league history collide at a white-hot atmospheric Anfield.

It's a year since John W Henry bought Liverpool and ended the Hicks-Gillett nightmare. The club is already a fair way down the road to redemption, and they'll be roaring for revenge after seeing their record number of titles surpassed by United - who now have 19.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is unbeaten in his last five league games against United at Anfield, ever since Sir Alex's first match in charge against Liverpool there on Boxing Day 1986. And Premier League champions United have lost their last three in front of the Kop.

They've also wobbled in too many big away games of late, losing six of their last seven league visits to "big four" rivals. But they're still unbeaten in 12 games and they've only conceded two away league goals. This is the toughest test for both clubs so far.

The scene is set for Stevie Gerrard to start his first league game since he was injured against United in March and, possibly, to score his 50th Premier League goal at Anfield.

Wouldn't it also be typical of Wayne Rooney to make the right sort of headlines with his first Anfield goal in seven visits - and his 10th for the club so far this campaign?

But what of potential sub-plots? Will Andy Carroll's power in the air settle it? Will Nemanja Vidic return to add experience to United's defence - or will he suffer a fourth sending off against Liverpool? Big questions! Big game! Big rivals! Bring it on!

Head-to-head

• United have lost their last three Premier League visits to Anfield, not winning since a 1-0 victory in December 2007 when Carlos Tevez scored. This is the club's longest run of defeats at Liverpool under Sir Alex Ferguson - and the longest since losing seven from 1972-79.
• But United have the edge over Liverpool in terms of overall league victories, by 71 wins to 61. The two clubs first met in 1895 - in the old division two - when the Merseyside club romped to a 7-1 win.
• There have been four red cards in the last four Premier League meetings at Anfield - three for Manchester United, one for Liverpool.
• Draws are rare in this league fixture's recent history. The last one came 12 matches back, a 0-0 encounter at Anfield in September 2005.

Liverpool

• Liverpool have won six of nine matches in all competitions so far this season, drawing once and scoring 15 goals so far.
• They have had more possession than their opponents in six of their seven league matches this season, the exception being the 4-0 loss at Tottenham when they were reduced to nine men.
• Steven Gerrard has scored four Premier League goals in this fixture - the most of any current Liverpool player. He is two short of Robbie Fowler's six-goal record.
• Dirk Kuyt scored only the second-ever Premier League hat-trick by a player against Manchester United in Liverpool's 3-1 victory in March.

Manchester United

• Premier League leaders and reigning champions Manchester United are unbeaten in 11 league and cup games so far this season - scoring 34 goals in the process.
• And United are up to their old tricks again - the period of league matches in which they are most prolific is the last five minutes. So far, they have scored on five occasions during this time period.
• United's Liverpool-born former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has failed to score in his last six league visits to Anfield. His only goal in all nine league visits was in United's 1-0 victory in January 2005.
• England international Rooney is the Premier League's top scorer this season, with nine goals.

Vote now! Can Liverpool beat Manchester United at Anfield?

Source: BBC Sport

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Video: It’s just another game

Kenny Dalglish has downplayed Liverpool's game against rivals Manchester United on Saturday by insisting he has no long-term rivalry with fellow Glaswegian Sir Alex Ferguson.

Source: Telegraphtv

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Video: Judas can take comfort for his goalmouth howler for Chelsea

Fernando Torres may have missed an absolute sitter at Old Trafford for Chelsea, but he's far from the first football superstar to have a howler in front of the Stretford End.

Watch the video below and you’ll see a familiar face, United v Liverpool 1979/80 league match.

Source: YouTube

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Case Closed: Phil Jones Officially A Devil

Blackburn have stepped aside to allow Phil Jones to "follow his dream" of joining Manchester United.

Although Rovers have claimed Jones' switch to Old Trafford could eventually break their transfer record, United have not gone beyond the initial £16.5million offer that triggered a buy-out clause in the teenager's contract last week.

Even as Blackburn owners Venky's were refusing to sanction the deal when it was first put together last Wednesday and were fielding renewed interest from Liverpool over the weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson was secure in the knowledge Jones was not interested in going anywhere else.

So, once Jones' contribution to England's draw with Spain in their opening European Under-21 Championship group game was out of the way last night, further contact with Blackburn was made to assure the club any attempt at prolonging the transfer was futile.

Jones will formally sign a five-year contract once he returns from Denmark.

"Much as we would love him to stay on with us - and we made all efforts to convince him to stay - Phil has to finally follow his heart," said a statement on behalf of the Rovers' owners, directors and manager, released on the club website.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean confirmed those efforts included offering to make Jones the highest-paid player in the club's history.

"The offer we made he was staggering for a 19-year-old, but it wasn't the money," Kean told Sky Sports News. "Phil wants to play Champions League football now and we're not at that level.

"I'm sure we will be in the coming years, and we gave it a real good try and made him a fantastic offer, but I understand why he wants to go now. He goes with our blessing and it's an opportunity for us to invest in other young players across other areas of the pitch.

"We were hoping he was going to be captain of our club and captain of England, he's a fantastic prospect and I'm sure he'll be an England regular very soon."

It represents a smart piece of business for Ferguson, who knew the 19-year-old was also coveted by Arsenal, and secures another important piece in a developing United team that now contains four of England's starting line-up last night.

In addition, the Old Trafford chief is hoping to complete the signing of Spain goalkeeper David De Gea, who produced an excellent performance in Herning.

However, Ferguson is not focusing purely on youth as he looks to rebuild in the wake of his club's chastening Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last month.

It is widely assumed Ashley Young's much-discussed switch from Aston Villa will be completed once the Midlands outfit have sorted out their managerial situation.

Ferguson is also trying to secure a replacement for recently retired playmaker Paul Scholes, although apparently it will not be Mesut Ozil, the Germany star whom United were interested in before he left Werder Bremen for Real Madrid last August.

"We thank Manchester United for their interest but Ozil is fine in Madrid and has no intention of leaving," said the midfielder's agent Reza Fazeli.

With Wesley Sneijder giving out mixed messages over a potential departure from Inter Milan and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp repeatedly stating he has no interest in offloading Luka Modric, finding someone to step into Scholes' shoes is not going to be easy.

"That is up to the manager," laughed Scholes.

"You only have to look at the youth team and what they have done this year to see there is a lot of talent at this club. There are some great players.

"But the ones we have been linked with are great as well."

Although he will be part of Ferguson's coaching team at the start of pre-season, with his precise role yet to be determined, Scholes will have no input in the discussions over his replacement.

Instead, he will be like any other fan, sitting back and waiting to find out which star name will eventually arrive, knowing his first appearance on English soil could well come in Scholes' testimonial game against New York Cosmos on August 5.

"It is a great time of year," said the 36-year-old.

"Even when I was a player you see all these top players around the world that you're linked with, and you are excited about maybe playing with them.

"Now I am just like my son, hoping we buy the best players in the world and that they make us even stronger for next year."

Meanwhile, one of Ferguson's more bizarre recent captures, Bebe, is in talks with Turkish club Besiktas about a loan move.

Ferguson broke the habit of a lifetime buy snapping Bebe up despite never actually seeing him play.

The transfer has not really worked out, with the 20-year-old making only seven appearances, scoring two goals.

Source: Football365

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Liverpool outbid United for Jones

Manchester United’s multi-million pound signing of teenage defender Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers lies in tatters.

Blackburn's Indian owners have reacted furiously to what they perceive as United's attempt to railroad them into selling the 19-year-old and have told United: 'We will not be bullied'.

And in a stunning 11th-hour development on Saturday, the Mail on Sunday can reveal that Liverpool have told Blackburn they will pay £22million for Jones, a move that will ruin Alex Ferguson's holiday mood as he takes a break in the south of France.

Arsenal have also belatedly submitted a bid that tops United's £16.5m offer, and with Chelsea showing serious interest in the player, too, an auction appears to be unfolding. It will come as a bitter blow to Ferguson if he misses out on Jones, and it will sting all the harder if the player ends up at United's fierce rivals at Anfield.

Rovers' owners have been angered by United's attitude and at a meeting on Saturday in Pune, India, which was attended by manager Steve Kean - straight off a plane to Mumbai - they resolved to prevent the deal going through.

United have offered to make Jones the highest-paid teenager in the history of English football with a startling £80,000-a-week contract, but Blackburn are even prepared to top that.

Rovers chairwoman Anuradha Desai made it clear to Kean and fellow executives, who made up a 'war council' in India, that they must try to persuade the defender to stay. The prospect of being a future club captain is also being dangled before Jones.

Money is said to be 'not an issue' for Desai's family, who are billionaires through their Venky's poultry conglomerate.

They want to keep their best players, especially home-grown talents such as Jones.

But if they fail to persuade him, they will do all they can to elicit the best price from one of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, United or Tottenham, telling Jones: 'If you go, you go where we get the best money.'

A source close to Rovers said: "United can't do what they want in this case. Jones is a Blackburn player and while there is a clause that could mean he leaves, it's far from the straightforward issue everyone assumes it to be."

Jones signed a United shirt for fans while training with England's Under-21s in Denmark on Friday and, along with his representatives and United, had thought the transfer was a formality.

The player wants to join United but it is not known whether he has even been informed yet that Liverpool have made a bigger offer.

A major headache for United is in the interpretation of the release clause in Jones's contract. They triggered it with their £16.5m offer and were allowed to talk to the player as a result.

But Rovers have taken legal advice and insist the clause does not force them to sell to the first club to meet the figure.

The biggest loser in all this could be England Under- 21 boss Stuart Pearce.

He would not name his team on Saturday night for the opening game against Spain as the possibility of the transfer deal distracting the versatile defender grew.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv, Daily Mail

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Jones snubs Liverpool for United

Skysports.com has learnt Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones is at Manchester United having a medical as he closes on a move to Old Trafford.

The in-demand centre-half is also a target for Arsenal and Liverpool but it would appear United have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals in a transfer race that could be concluded soon.

Liverpool were thought to be the early front-runners for the England Under 21 international but Sir Alex Ferguson, with a healthy transfer chest of his own, is set to land a player many believe will be a mainstay for the senior national side for years to come.

It is understood United have offered the player a five-year contract, despite widespread reports he was to undergo a medical at Liverpool's training ground.

The 19-year-old was supposed to travel to Denmark on Wednesday with the England Under 21s for this summer's European Championship.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Sky Sports

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Video Prank by Liverpool Fans – Banner outside Fergie’s driveway

While Sir Alex was sleeping, a banner which mentions Liverpool’s 5 and Barcelona’s 4 European Cup wins was erected in his driveway.

Following Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday, Liverpool fans were quick to rub it in by leaving a banner outside the home of Sir Alex Ferguson which read “Champions 2011 – 4 times (Barcelona), Champions 2005 – 5 times (Liverpool). Loved it!

Source: vozmediacouk and Empire of the Kop

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Liverpool lost the race for England winger

Manchester United are convinced they have seen off competition from Liverpool to wrap up the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa for £15million in the next few weeks.

Sportsmail revealed last month how Liverpool were closing in on the England winger but feared United would scupper their plans.

Those misgivings have now been realised, with the champions putting the finishing touches to a deal despite Manchester City also showing late interest.

United have signed goalkeeper David de Gea from Atletico Madrid, as exclusively revealed by Sportsmail in March, and are keen on Inter Milan and Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder and Newcastle left back Jose Enrique.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Daily Mail

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Match Highlights: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United

Dirk Kuyt netted a superb hat-trick as a rampant Liverpool crushed Manchester United 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Dutch forward became the first Reds player to complete a treble in the fixture since Peter Beardsley back in 1990 as Kenny Dalglish's men put their old rivals to the sword.

The hosts dominated throughout a fiery clash in L4 and they took the lead on 35 minutes when Kuyt touched home from close range after some sublime approach play by Luis Suarez.

The No.18 was revelling in his role alongside the Uruguayan and doubled his tally just moments later when he took advantage of a Nani error to thump a header beyond Edwin Van der Sar.

The Reds maintained control of the proceedings after the interval and Kuyt capped what will go down as a career highlight when he showed great awareness to follow up Suarez's free-kick and fire in the rebound following a fumble from the United stopper.

The visitors did pull a goal back through substitute Javier Hernandez deep into stoppage time but it was a mere consolation on a day that belonged to the red half of Merseyside.

The victory means Liverpool move back into sixth place in the Barclays Premier League standings, six points adrift of Chelsea. [Read more…]

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

Cast your vote on the poll, “Can LIVERPOOL FC finish in the top four this season?”.

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Gerrard sees red as Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup

Kenny Dalglish endured a frustrating return to the dugout as 10-man Liverpool went down to a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Anfield icon was left stunned by the worst possible start to the encounter as Ryan Giggs gave the hosts a controversial second minute lead from the penalty spot before captain Steven Gerrard was shown a straight red card on 32 minutes for a lunge on Michael Carrick.

The Reds gave a good account of themselves in the second period but despite some magnificent support from the travelling Kop they could not find the breakthrough to force a replay.

It means our hopes of a first-ever visit to new Wembley will have to wait for another year while Dalglish and co will now turn their attention to Wednesday's trip to Blackpool and the small matter of next weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton.

Liverpool had gone into the Old Trafford encounter on the crest of a wave after a busy weekend had begun with an impressive Youth Cup victory over Crystal Palace and the sensational news that King Kenny would replace the departing Roy Hodgson in the hot-seat.

It led to a stark contrast in the mood of the supporters who had exited Ewood Park with their heads bowed in dejection following a midweek loss at Blackburn. Instead, 9000 members of the travelling Kop arrived in Manchester hopeful that their Messiah could inspire a sudden upturn in fortunes. [Read more…]

Watch the goal that shouldn’t be given

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Pepe for Manchester United? Not in a gazillion chances

In a recent report by the Guardian UK, the rumour mills are spinning off its wheel. Reds boss, Roy Hodgson quickly squashed the rumour by releasing this at Liverpool FC website.

   "It (Reina to United) was just one of those stories that seems to occur - it's just disappointing and annoying,"

"Pepe is fantastic here, he is a lifeblood of this team.

"Everything he does around the club is excellent - he is always lively in the dressing room, he is always first class in training and he always wants to do more to improve.

"He demands better from those around him, he is always pushing people on. He is a player who we hold in the highest esteem.

"We have heard nothing from Manchester United and, more to the point, we don't want to hear anything from Manchester United.

"If (Alex) Ferguson is looking around at the end of the season and he has got lots of money to replace van der Sar, he might very well want Pepe Reina because he is the best around.

"But we do not want to sell him. I would like to think that we are going to become a successful club once again and Pepe is crucial to that."

Hodgson admits players like Reina, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are imperative to his rebuilding job in making Liverpool a real force to be reckoned with once again.

"We want to promise the players we have got here that we are going to be up there fighting once again and we are absolutely not looking to sell any of our better players," he added.

"But, equally, I would also be disappointed if teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and all the teams with money were not looking at our players.

"If I was Fernando Torres, I would expect every top club in Europe to be chasing me. That's good as it means he's doing his job. But we don't need the money and we don't want to sell." – Roy Hodgson on speculation of Reina to Manchester United

Even though, Hodgson trying his best to keep all the best players in the team but I still have my doubts on how far will he lead Liverpool Football Club into?

Have you voted for this poll?

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Premier League: Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool

Dimitar Berbatov smashed home a hat-trick as Manchester United edged a pulsating encounter to beat Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

The striker netted either side of half-time to put the Red Devils firmly in the driving seat before a quick-fire Steven Gerrard brace pulled the visitors level.

However, the Bulgarian ensured United would enjoy the bragging rights when he nodded in his third of the game six minutes from the end to leave the away side empty-handed.

It means Roy Hodgson's men have now lost two of their opening five league matches and they remain in the bottom half of the table with just five points.

The Reds had gone into the contest with their arch-rivals on the back of a 4-1 success over Steaua Bucharest and the travelling Kop would have been further buoyed by the sight of Fernando Torres, Joe Cole and Gerrard in the starting XI. [Read more…]

 

 

 

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Weekend Links: A view on English prospects in this season's Champions League, Wayne Rooney – Some role model, eh?, Wayne Rooney Saga, United held, Chelsea win, Giants suffer comprehensive defeats

Another round of weekend links from me. This week’s focus on “Looney” Rooney and fall of the titan in Spain. Want to have your post mentioned here? Find out more here.

 

A view on English prospects in this season's Champions League – 90 Minutes

English clubs are becoming more obsessed than ever about winning the Champions League. Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are on the road to try and claim their first win in this great competition whilst Manchester United are trying to reclaim it. [Read more…]

 

Wayne Rooney – Some role model, eh? – Football Corner

This is what Wayne Rooney had to say when asked about his position as a role model in the game back in March following the revelations surrounding John Terry’s private life. [Read more…]

 

Wayne Rooney Saga – Football News Blog

Wayne Rooney would have not been the first person to of used football to escape demons on his personal life. Rooney wanted to be professional and not let his personal life affect his work, any one who works can understand that you have to leave your problems at home. The problem is that while scoring on Tuesday night delighted a nation, his professional life will not affect his personal life, while his personal life could affect his professional life. [Read more…]

 

United held, Chelsea win – Prem League Live

Wayne Rooney was left at home as Manchester United threw away two points at Everton courtesy of Mikel Arteta's dramatic equaliser. [Read more…]

 

Giants suffer comprehensive defeats – Premiership Talk

Champions League favorites Barcelona and AC Milan did little to prove their credentials ahead of the midweek’s group stage openers when they both succumbed to 2-0 defeats against minnows Hercules and Cesena, respectively. [Read more…]

 

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D-day on Merseyside

Today’s match against Manchester United at Anfield will decides Liverpool’s title ambition after losing four on the trot. Some quarters were venting their anger on the manager for the recent bad run of games. Do you think it is fair to blame it solely on Rafa Benitez?

How about the eleven players on the playing field? Aren’t they’re paid to do what they do best on the field?

Leave your thoughts here.

 

YNWA,

Red's Fury™

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Weekend Link – July 12: Return of the King, No more big money signing for Reds, R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), When a Hero turns to Zero, Chelsea swoop for Zlatan

 

Here comes another round of links galore from Red's Fury™.

 

Return of the King.

- Red in Dublin

 

No more big money signing for Reds.

- Liverpool FC Forever

 

R.I.P. Michael Jackson – The Tribute by Sashi.

- sashi-isms

 

From a Saint to a Devil.

- The Empire of The Kop

 

The Blues prepares to bid for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

- Tommy’s Football

 

Wants to have your post mentioned here?

 

YNWA,

Red's Fury™

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Michael Owen officially a Red Devil

The England international striker has officially signed for Manchester United in what is this summer's shock move in the transfer market. He has signed a two-year contract.

The Red Devils have confirmed the striker's capture on their official website, and Owen is clearly delighted to have completed such sensational move.

United manager Alex Ferguson was pleased to have reinforced his forward line, depleted by the recent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and the imminent exit of Carlos Tevez.

Owen will now link up with friends and former England colleagues Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, as he looks to put himself back in the frame for Fabio Capello's England squad with the World Cup only a year away.

I’d like to wish him and Manchester United all the best.

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YNWA,

Red's Fury™

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Michael Owen to join Manchester United

I don’t know how’s true are the press rumours surrounding former Liverpool striker, Michael Owen, 29-year-old, signing for Manchester United? Owen’s contract at Newcastle expires on July 1 and are free to join any clubs.

The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was poised to make an astonishing move in the transfer market by bringing injury-prone striker Michael Owen to Old Trafford on a free transfer.

The likes of Karem Benzema and Franck Ribery, who both targets for United has snubbed the Red Devils for Real Madrid recently and what irked Sir Alex even more are Carlos Tevez will not sign for United after being offered a contract.

Owen would welcome a move to United because it would give him the chance to prove himself at Champions League level and also bolster his chances of regaining his place in England head coach Fabio Capello's plans for next summer's World Cup finals.

With the luxury of £80million at the disposal of Sir Alex, he only managed to sign Antonio Valencia from Wigan for £16miliion. United could offer Owen a lucrative contract deal, matching his wages at Newcastle, which stands at £115,000 per week.

Everton has dropped out of the race to sign the out of favour England international as they could not match his salary demand. Although, Owen, who will be ready to accept a dramatic drop in wages, has already attracted public declarations of interest from Stoke City and Hull City while Tottenham and Portsmouth are also understood to be keen on securing the services of a striker who has fallen from grace during his time on Tyneside.

Should Owen join United - where he would also get the chance to team up with England striker Wayne Rooney - he would plug one of the gaps in the United ranks cause by the departure of two of Ferguson's so-called 'Fab Four' in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. At the same time, ends his relationship with all the Anfield’s fans.

The former Manchester United and England skipper, Bryan Robson, is confident that Owen can still prosper in the upper echelons of the game despite his recent problems since his £17million move to Newcastle from Real Madrid.

  "Michael is a natural goal-scorer and natural goal-scorers who can do the business at the highest level are few and far between,"

"I definitely think that he is capable of being a Champions League striker because he's only 29 and he has still plenty of good years left in him yet." - Bryan Robson, Telegraph Sport.

Liverpool is also in the market for a backup striker. Is Rafa going to make a last minute offer for Michael Owen? I would love to hear your thoughts and leave your comment here.

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YNWA,

Red's Fury™

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