View Full Version : The Manchester United Thread
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 14:04
Congrats on the 20,000 post Santino!
santinomarella
05-31-2011, 14:05
Congrats to the 20,000 post Santino!
And typically it was me having a go at Berbatov haters. :snicker
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 14:06
And typically it was me having a go at Berbatov haters. :snicker
Nothing really changes you know :p
squirrelbo1
05-31-2011, 14:20
It wasn't defensive, it was responding to his jab with one of my own, the whole point of banter.
yeah got that now. just didn't read like banter. apologies.
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 14:25
On the subject Berbatov, I think, if he leaves, the problem will be we would relay to much on our young strikers and I'm not sure that's a good idea. We can't demand Hernandez to perform as well next season as he did this season. Welbeck's first full year with United so we can't really expect him to take a big work load.
On the other hand, Berbatov needs to play regularly to perform so it's a hard decision which is why I'm confident SAF will take the right one, that's what he does best.
squirrelbo1
05-31-2011, 14:29
bit like letting jap stam go was the best ;)
DAMN! I wanted that 20,000 post. I was going to make it my best troll ever.
:(
:snicker
The Boy From School
05-31-2011, 14:48
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08Xt1aOa8Ycx7/950x.jpg
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/033OeClesh31f/950x.jpg
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01RK7kfcXz5mk/950x.jpg
santinomarella
05-31-2011, 14:55
DAMN! I wanted that 20,000 post. I was going to make it my best troll ever.
:(
:snicker
With a summer of every player being linked to us it won't be long until we reach 30,000. Then you can have your moment.
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 15:02
Modric admits Spurs doubt
Star not looking to leave Spurs but wants CL football
http://img.skysports.com/11/05/660x350/Liverpool-v-Tottenham-Luka-Modric-celeb_2597277.jpg
Modric: Happy at Spurs but wants Champions League football
Croatian star Luka Modric admits he is not quite sure that he will be playing for Spurs next season.
The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have been strongly linked with a summer move for the classy midfielder.
The midfield ace says he is happy at Spurs and is not thinking of leaving White Hart Lane.
Instead he is focusing solely on Croatia's up-coming Euro 2012 qualifier with Georgia on Friday.
But the midfield ace believes a transfer is always possible in football and he admits he would like to play in the UEFA Champions League again.
He told Jutarnji List: "Everybody wants to know what will happen with me.
Stay calm
"I'm trying to stay calm as my national team has a really important match coming.
"So I will tell you the same as all ways - my club status is the same as it was before.
"But of course, if there will be an offer which will be good for Tottenham and for me also, then a transfer is of course possible.
"That doesn't mean that I'm bothered with leaving Tottenham - I'm not thinking about that every hour and every minute.
"I'm happy at White Hart Lane - my status is great, the fans like me and I do have everything I need.
"But then again - when you experience playing in Champions League, you want to keep playing in this tournament."
Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_6960807,00.html)
He'd look nice in a red shirt.
Modric, Sneijder, Rodwell... who can fill the void left by United legend Scholes
It came as little surprise to anyone when Paul Scholes joined fellow Manchester United (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/teampages/manchester-united.html) veterans Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar by announcing his retirement this year.
The midfielder enjoyed 17 years in the United first-team and the search to find a replacement for him at Old Trafford is going to be a key area for the club in the transfer market this summer.
Filling the 36-year-old’s-boots is a near enough impossible task for any midfielder, but Sportsmail looks at five stars that Sir Alex Ferguson may feel are up to the difficult task.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/31/article-0-0C51F81F00000578-85_634x545.jpg Closing curtain: Scholes made his final appearance for United in their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona
Wesley Sneijder
If anyone needs reminding, Sneijder played a crucial role in dragging Holland to the World Cup final last year, displaying all the skills needed to star in a top team.
Cutting an inspirational figure on the field, he shone in the quarter-final against Brazil where he helped his unfavoured side come from a goal down by scoring twice in a 2-1 victory.
He will be Ferguson’s No 1 target, but Inter Milan can match United’s offer of being title contenders as well as Champions League ones and the 26-year-old has made it clear that he is not looking to leave the San Siro.
Value: £35million
Luka Modric
Forget Gareth Bale or Rafael van der Vaart, Modric has been the real star of the show at White Hart Lane this season, providing the main focal point of Tottenham’s attack.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/31/article-0-0BAFFDF800000578-929_634x473.jpg Modric has again been a standout performer for Tottenham
The 25-year-old’s eye for a pass is incredible and like Scholes, is capable of finding the net whether it’s inside or outside the box. A deal for the midfielder cannot be ruled out given the transfer history between the sides.
Spurs have gathered a reputation of being Manchester United’s feeder club over the last few years, with star players such as Teddy Sheringham, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov all being sold to the Red Devils – no matter how much the north London club resisted.
Value: £25million
Daniele De Rossi
An experienced Italian international, De Rossi has been at Roma for over 10 years where he has developed into a star for both club and country.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/31/article-0-0A5C17F1000005DC-102_634x548.jpg De Rossi (left) and Sneijder (right) are both under consideration by Ferguson
The 2009 Italian footballer of the year has been limited to just two Italian Cup wins during his time in Serie A and at 27-years-old is at the peak of his career.
Naturally he features more as a holding midfielder but can play in a box-to-box manner and is known to chip in with a few goals. With Roma playing Europa League football next term, Fergie can dangle the Champions League carrot.
Value: £25million
Jack Rodwell
Does not play as advanced up the field as Scholes once did, but he is more masterful in the art of tackling.
The 20-year-old is still finding his feet in the game but the Everton midfielder is one of England’s brightest talents.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/31/article-1392753-0C58CA6C00000578-994_634x435.jpg Ferguson famously took Rooney from Everton to United and might return for Rodwell
Although not a direct replacement he would help plug a gap in the midfield that was left brutally exposed against Barcelona in the Champions League final.
Having established himself as a first-team player at Goodison Park, Rodwell will be reluctant to move to Old Trafford if he is not given a starting role. Such is his value already, current boss David Moyes has already stuck a high price tag on him.
Value: £20million
Mario Gotze
ARE THE KIDS ALRIGHT?
Scholes was a product of United’s famous youth academy, here's how the latest starlets waiting to replace the United legend fare.
Darron Gibson, 23
Has had enough first-team chances to fill Scholes’ boots but lacks the all-round game to make it at Old Trafford.
Tom Cleverley, 21
Done his career no harm by holding his own in the Premier League on loan to Wigan last term.
Paul Pogba, 18
Yet to make his United first-team debut, he is famed for an incredible strike as well as his strength and dribbling.
Germany seems to be bursting at the seams with young talent but after missing out on Mesut Ozil last summer, Ferguson may turn his attention to the latest ‘wunderkind’ Gotze.
A catalyst in Borussia Dortmund’s surprise Bundesliga success, United scouts have been monitoring the 18-year-old for a number of months and he fits as a like-for-like replacement for Scholes.
Wayne Rooney is a fine example of Ferguson gambling big money on a teenager. If the talent is there, United will not shy away from trying to strike a deal with the German side who may reluctantly fold should a big money offer come in for their latest star.
Value: £15million
Link (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1392753/Luka-Modric-Wesley-Sneijder--replace-Paul-Scholes-Manchester-United.html)
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 15:29
That was a good read, I actually think De Rossi may be a good option along with a more offensive minded midfielder. Would provide some grit to the middle while making the defense better in that area.
Congrats everyone, we are the most read thread in the sports section :) 347,250
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 16:09
With the transfer window opening tomorrow, does anyone think we'll have a signing to announce tomorrow? I'm thinking De Gea could be announced tomorrow. Young as well if he's actually coming.
three3-times
05-31-2011, 16:35
Santi, oh jog on pal, despite berbas goals in bursts, he still is a right 'fit' for us and i think SAF knows it finally too.
Xxxxxxx
manutdfan
05-31-2011, 16:38
I think Berba will move on in the summer. But where does that leave us do we buy a striker or relay on Wellbeck and Kiko. Give Owen another year will be be fit enough?
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 16:42
I don't like the prospect of that, it would leave us thin and unexperienced. We should keep Berba around at least another year.
manutdfan
05-31-2011, 18:07
I don't like the prospect of that, it would leave us thin and unexperienced. We should keep Berba around at least another year.
Yeah your right it does leave us thin on forwards. Berbatov stepped in when Rooney was injured and in the US. Unless we buy young and he could play the Rooney role when needed.
Will Berba want to stay?
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 19:02
I think Berba would like to stay. <br />
<br />
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<br />
The Guardian <br />
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manutdfan
05-31-2011, 20:45
Great article.
Let's hope Rooney doesn't leave now lol...
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 20:50
Great article.
Let's hope Rooney doesn't leave now lol...
That'd be my ****ing luck. But I doubt that tbh.
Imagine if Rooney left now lol!
Rule 1 of shirt buying. Only buy when the transfer window is closed. Never before it opens.
Don't worry about Paul Scholes United fans, I'm sure we will see him around. Some of his challenges were so late they will be connecting way into 2012.
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 20:55
I guess you can say I'm that confident Rooney will stay, I know some fans of other teams think he'll leave but both him and SAF have said he won't so I'm going to trust that.
manutdfan
05-31-2011, 20:58
I guess you can say I'm that confident Rooney will stay, I know some fans of other teams think he'll leave but both him and SAF have said he won't so I'm going to trust that.
Oh yeah he's here to stay!!
squirrelbo1
05-31-2011, 21:09
DAMN! I wanted that 20,000 post. I was going to make it my best troll ever.
:(
:snicker
yeah me too.
That was a good read, I actually think De Rossi may be a good option along with a more offensive minded midfielder. Would provide some grit to the middle while making the defense better in that area.
de rossi never crossed my mind (actually he did) but i thought none of you lot would be interested in him, plus PL is a completely different ball game to seria A. sneijder or sweinsteiger would be my first choices, but the more i look at modric the better player I realise he is. added bonus is that he is proven in the PL where the others arent.
That'd be my ****ing luck. But I doubt that tbh.
im sorry, and this is horrible, but I would probably die of laughter.
Don't worry about Paul Scholes United fans, I'm sure we will see him around. Some of his challenges were so late they will be connecting way into 2012.
:lol: :lol:
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 21:25
de rossi never crossed my mind (actually he did) but i thought none of you lot would be interested in him, plus PL is a completely different ball game to seria A. sneijder or sweinsteiger would be my first choices, but the more i look at modric the better player I realise he is. added bonus is that he is proven in the PL where the others arent.
De Rossi would be a compliment to an offensive MF, could be used to replace Hargo.
im sorry, and this is horrible, but I would probably die of laughter.
I'm sure you would.
Imagine if Rooney left now lol!
Rule 1 of shirt buying. Only buy when the transfer window is closed. Never before it opens.
Don't worry about Paul Scholes United fans, I'm sure we will see him around. Some of his challenges were so late they will be connecting way into 2012.
I am not sure... I think he might be polishing up his trophy cabinet... its bigger then a few club trophy cabinets I know.
manutdfan
05-31-2011, 21:39
Feed the goat and he will score. Feed the troll and he will spout garbage...
Tutankhamun
05-31-2011, 21:44
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes retires but stays at Old Trafford on coaching staff
Paul Scholes will turn his attention to shaping Manchester United’s stars of the future next season, having rejected Sir Alex Ferguson’s offer of a one-year playing contract.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01909/paul_scholes2_1909095c.jpg
Early days: the 22-year-old Scholes celebrates scoring the second goal in United's 3-2 win over Juventus in the Champions League in 1997
The 36-year-old Scholes made 676 appearances for Manchester United after making his debut for the club in 1994 and was the midfield heartbeat of a team that has dominated English football for the past two decades.
Spain midfielder Xavi dubbed Scholes "the best central midfielder that I have seen," while France great Zinedine Zidane once branded him "almost untouchable."
"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honor," said Scholes, who eschewed the celebrity lifestyle of many modern-day footballers and rarely gave interviews.
"This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing."
Scholes won 10 Premier League titles — and 24 trophies in total — with United, scoring 150 goals, but was no longer a regular choice in the first team by the end of the recently completed season, leading to growing speculation about his playing future.
His last appearance for the northwest power was as a late substitute in Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley.
A fortnight earlier, he had helped United claim a record 19th English title, overhauling Liverpool as the country's most successful league team. He made 66 appearances for England before retiring from international football in 2004 to concentrate on his club career.
A one-club man, Scholes said he will stay at United by taking up a coaching role starting next season.
"What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player.
"Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season. Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."
Starting out as a deep-lying forward, Scholes eventually dropped back into central midfield where his touch, technique and vision could be more effectively utilized. He never lost his eye for goal, though, and turned his late runs into the penalty box into an art form.
Scholes had a particularly fierce shot and was always dangerous from outside the box.
"He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn't give possession away," Xavi said. "If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more."
The only part of Scholes' armory that let him down was his tackling, which was often late and clumsy. He missed the dramatic win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final through suspension but started in 2008 when United beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow to claim its third European Cup.
"It is very sad day for Manchester United fans around the world," said United chief executive David Gill. "We all know that Paul was one of the players that came through the ranks of the academy system in the 1990s and has established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt."
After Gary Neville, Scholes is the second member of the batch of young talent to burst into United's first team during the early 1990s, which also included David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, to retire this season.
"I was fortunate to play alongside him for many years," Beckham wrote on his Facebook page. "He was not only one of England's best ever players, he was a dedicated professional.
"We knew him as the 'silent assassin' as he was quiet but boy could he make himself heard through his tackles on the training pitch. I'm still carrying a few bruises. What a great career and a Man United legend."
United defender Rio Ferdinand used his Twitter account to describe Scholes as "the BEST player of his generation."
"Paul Scholes aka Sat Nav went from a scoring midfielder to a dictator of the game(changed his game while still at top of the game)," Ferdinand wrote.
Scholes was 29 when he retired from England duty. Current England coach Fabio Capello tried to tempt him back just a few weeks before last year's World Cup in South Africa but Scholes declined, saying he hadn't been given enough time to make the decision.
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8547151/Manchester-United-midfielder-Paul-Scholes-retires-but-stays-at-Old-Trafford-on-coaching-staff.html)
manutdfan
05-31-2011, 22:19
Probably won't fully sink in till the season kicks off.
squirrelbo1
05-31-2011, 22:21
Feed the goat and he will score.
best football chant ever
Feed the goat and he will score. Feed the troll and he will spout garbage...
Its more fun then just ignoring them :)
Not like I would ever get upset by one ;)
manutdfan
05-31-2011, 22:36
Its more fun then just ignoring them :)
Not like I would ever get upset by one ;)
True true.
Best sports thread on psu this...
Needs saying again Scholes legend!!!!!
Just came in to pay my respects to Scholes. One of the very few United players I have some semblance of respect for. Awful tackler, but the best passer of a Football England have produced for some decades. Hard to admit but the dominance and winning aside I actually quite enjoyed watching him during the late 90s early 00s spraying the ball everywhere and scoring some thumping volleys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZbL2h6pSTo&feature=player_embedded#at=121
Here is a great video I saw on redcaf.
True true.
Best sports thread on psu this...
Needs saying again Scholes legend!!!!!
and again!
Scholes Legend!
Just came in to pay my respects to Scholes. One of the very few United players I have some semblance of respect for. Awful tackler, but the best passer of a Football England have produced for some decades. Hard to admit but the dominance and winning aside I actually quite enjoyed watching him during the late 90s early 00s spraying the ball everywhere and scoring some thumping volleys.
Strange... I never knew you were a liverpool fan (despite your name)... I feel stupid :P
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 00:20
Transfer window is now open interesting and exciting times.....
Transfer window is now open interesting and exciting times.....
Any idea why it starts now as Opposed to the last day of the season?
I have never known that, wikipedia is surprisingly unhelpful
I think it might be something to do with all the other leagues in Europe finishing?
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 09:24
Lindegaard faces Fergie's wrath for missing Man United team bus
Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is facing a hefty fine after sleeping in following their Champions League final after-party and missing the club's return from London.
Staff at United's London hotel, The Landmark, had scheduled post-match drinks and 'chill-out' rooms for the players following their 3-1 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday night.
The muted party, attended by around 300 people, went on into the early hours but United's squad were up and ready to leave the Marylebone Road hotel at noon on Sunday.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/31/article-1392877-0D4587E5000005DC-627_468x286.jpg
Bus-ted: Anders Lindegaard over-slept and missed Man United's team bus
However, as they got on their coach ahead of the short trip to Euston train station, club staff noticed Lindegaard was missing from the group.
Instead of waiting for the Danish goalkeeper, an unimpressed Sir Alex Ferguson told the bus to leave so they could catch their scheduled return to Manchester at 1pm.
Team-mates tried to contact Lindegaard but it is understood he didn't wake until around 2.30pm when the train was approaching Crewe.
The 27-year-old was on the bus for Monday's title-winning parade around Manchester but cut a miserable figure.
The Denmark international only joined United in November for £3.5million and has figured in just two FA Cup ties against Southampton and Crawley.
He needed knee surgery in March which kept him out for five weeks and did not make the final squad on Saturday with Tomasz Kuszczak making the bench instead.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1392877/Anders-Lindegaard-trouble-missing-Manchester-United-bus.html?ITO=1490)
:lol:
-------------
EDIT:
Owen extends Old Trafford stay
Michael Owen's contract has been extended for a further year, in a deal that will see the forward complete a third season as a first-team player.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Michael has proved to be a top footballer. It’s unfortunate Michael didn’t get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season.”
Michael Owen said: “I’m delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract. To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many incredibly passionate supporters, is a real inspiration. I can’t wait for next season to start."
ManUtd.com (http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/Michael-Owen-extends-OT-stay.aspx)
Wow, big news!
I just hope he can stay fit and injury free, the guy can score goals.
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 10:14
I just hope he can stay fit and injury free, the guy can score goals.
Yeah if he can do that it's a good extension for us, could need his goals next season.
Wonder what it means for Berbatov?
He wants to stay
Berbatov - I felt ashamed
Dimitar Berbatov has vowed to stay at Manchester United after admitting he felt 'ashamed' to be left out of the UEFA Champions League final.
The Bulgarian striker, who finished the season as the joint leading scorer in the Premier League, did not even make the bench for United's 3-1 defeat by Barcelona (http://topics.skysports.com/barcelona/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif last weekend.
He was overlooked in favour of Michael Owen (http://topics.skysports.com/Michael+Owen/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif for a substitute's role and he spent the game at Wembley watching the action from the dressing room.
His absence from the touchline sparked suggestions that Berbatov (http://topics.skysports.com/Dimitar+Berbatov/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif could have played his last game for United, with the likes of Newcastle United (http://topics.skysports.com/Newcastle+United/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif and Borussia Dortmund linked with summer bids.
However, the 30-year-old explained why he was not sat alongside his team-mates and remains determined to stay at Old Trafford (http://topics.skysports.com/Old+Trafford/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif next season.
Fighting
"If I were an easy quitter, I would never have made it this far. Everything at Manchester United starts from scratch for me on July 4."
Dimitar Berbatov Quotes of the week (http://www.skysports.com/quotes)
"I will stay," Berbatov told Bulgarian television. "I will fight for the 20th title.
"If I were an easy quitter, I would never have made it this far. Everything at Manchester United (http://topics.skysports.com/Manchester+United/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif starts from scratch for me on July 4.
"There will be new finals and we will be fighting for new titles. I am moving ahead. When you go through difficult times, you should not quit.
"The truth is that I stayed at the dressing room and watched the Champions League (http://topics.skysports.com/UEFA+Champions+League/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif final there, on a TV screen.
"I was really disappointed. I was ashamed that I was not part of the team and did not want people to see how sad I feel."
Link (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6961684,00.html)
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 10:53
Good news on Owen getting another year.
three3-times
06-01-2011, 11:07
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13594839.stm
im happy about that!!! gotta cast doubts over berba, specially with kiko and danny to come back
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 12:24
Are Kiko and Wellbeck ready though to play a major part in our season that's the problem and can Owen stay fit. Can we afford to let Berba go?
Are Kiko and Wellbeck ready though to play a major part in our season that's the problem and can Owen stay fit. Can we afford to let Berba go?
I'd say yes with Wellbeck, he helped rip the Chelsea defence apart earlier in the season and looked good when fit. Rooney and Hernandez will take most of the load, allowing him to develop even more.
Owen is Owen. Glad he's staying on though, I reckon a few clubs would have grabbed him, given the chance.
So can United keep Berbatov if he's unhappy and sulking? The answer, ask Ruud. :snicker
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 12:56
I'd say yes with Wellbeck, he helped rip the Chelsea defence apart earlier in the season and looked good when fit. Rooney and Hernandez will take most of the load, allowing him to develop even more.
Owen is Owen. Glad he's staying on though, I reckon a few clubs would have grabbed him, given the chance.
So can United keep Berbatov if he's unhappy and sulking? The answer, ask Ruud. :snicker
Yeah Fergie usually likes to operate with 4 strikers at the club so it could be Rooney, Chicho, Owen, Wellbeck. Wouldn't surprise me if Macheda was sold...
LOL at the last comment.
santinomarella
06-01-2011, 13:06
Tevez scored 5 goals, had a massive ****ing strop about being benched, criticised the manager, but our fans wanted him to stay.
Berba is the top scorer in the league, doesn't have a massive strop, doesn't criticise the manager, but loads of fans want him gone.
:lol:
http://twitter.com/#!/R_o_M <-- Follow this guy very passionate about United.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 13:21
I just think the majority of the fans just haven't taken to Berbatov.
He cost a lot of money I don't think he's justified that big fee. No doubt he's got lots of talent and has done well this season. But will he want to play second fiddle to Rooney and Chicho... Will fergie also want that?
Doesn't help either Rooney saying he loves playing with Chichoo.
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 13:46
Very quiet on this first day of the transfer window thus far, have barely heard any rumors. Just a little about Young and Henderson out there, nothing concrete at all.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 13:53
Very quiet on this first day of the transfer window thus far, have barely heard any rumors. Just a little about Young and Henderson out there, nothing concrete at all.
Yeah might be cause players are on international duty. Do you usual get any deals announced on the first day of the window?
On a side note I want to see a YouTube video of someone dressed as Braveheart knocking a guy with a shel suit and curly wig of a perch!
On a side note I want to see a YouTube video of someone dressed as Braveheart knocking a guy with a shel suit and curly wig of a perch!
You forgot a mustache, and squawking "calm down, calm down, calm down".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7VspOs3Qt0
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 14:30
WESLEY SNEIJDER
Inter Milan to Manchester United
THE INSIDER says: 3/5
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/01/article-1393079-0C5409F600000578-632_306x528.jpg
The Dutch midfielder has long been a target for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and remains at the forefront of his thinking.
With the expected retirement of Paul Scholes, Ferguson has always wanted to bring in two midfielders this summer and is eager that at least one of those can give United the experience and creative spark they crave.
The deal is not as difficult as has been painted but the possibility of bringing in Luka Modric from Tottenham has caused a slight re-think.
Although Tottenham have insisted the Croat is not for sale they have a pattern for doing business at the right price.
If United are prepared to hit that mark whether in straight cash or with makeweights then a deal is distinctly possible and that would bring in a player who needs little time to settle and is fully accustomed to Premier League pace.
Sneijder, who is also wanted by Manchester City, is understood to be ready to leave Inter and would prefer United for football reasons in terms of style and opportunity to win things. For around £30m, perhaps cheaper than Modric, a deal could be done.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393079/Brad-Friedel-set-sign-Tottenham.html?ITO=1490)
Would be a good signing Sneijder.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393079/Brad-Friedel-set-sign-Tottenham.html?ITO=1490)
Would be a good signing Sneijder.
Have United ever showed an interest in him? They could have got him for next to nothing in the Ronaldo deal, besides I don't think his missus fancies England.
Not holding my breath that United will sign a big name.
Could be the time to see if the younger players have what it takes. If Morrison is as good as they think, give him a go. And chucking him in at the deep end, might just be the wake up call he needs.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/michael-calvin/Michael-Calvin-on-Manchester-United-Why-Ravel-Morrison-must-now-make-choice-between-fame-and-oblivion-article741700.html
I haven't seen much of Sneijder if im being honest, he didn't cut it at madrid so do you guys think he could cut it at united?
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 14:46
You forgot a mustache, and squawking "calm down, calm down, calm down".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7VspOs3Qt0
Yeah lol!
Yeah Wesley would be a good signing T but personally I would prefer Modric for reasons I've stated before. But if we can't get Modric go for him..
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 17:14
Berbatov fighting for United future
Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have nudged Dimitar Berbatov closer to the Manchester United exit door after handing Michael Owen a new one-year contract.
It was widely assumed Owen would leave Old Trafford this summer after making only 17 appearances this term, which yielded five goals. Instead, Ferguson values the 31-year-old’s contribution enough to reward him with an additional season.
Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney have already established themselves as a potent striking partnership and Danny Welbeck is due to return from Sunderland, having performed well enough to gain his first England cap, which gives Ferguson plenty of striking options at his disposal.
In addition, it is anticipated the United manager will add to his reserves of strength by making at least one additional signing in the striking department. If a new face does come in, it is difficult to see where there would be room for Berbatov, who was left so devastated by his omission from United’s UEFA Champions League final squad at the weekend.
The 30-year-old certainly did not warrant a mention in Ferguson’s assessment of why Owen made so few appearances last term, although there was a pledge the former England man will be involved more often next year.
“Michael has proved to be a top footballer,” said Ferguson. “It is unfortunate that he did not get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito [Javier Hernandez] put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season.”
I will remain at United. I will fight for my place and I will fight for title number 20.
Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United forward
That will suit Owen, who finally has a Premier League title medal to go with the collection of cup competitions he amassed at Liverpool. “I am delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract,” said Owen.
“To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many passionate supporters is a real inspiration. I can’t wait for next season to start.”
Berbatov ready for battle
Berbatov ready for battle
Berbatov is saying much the same. However, it is debatable whether the private thoughts of this most thoughtful of characters match the bullish rhetoric he came out with on his return home. “It was embarrassing for me - that I was not included in the group,” Berbatov told Bulgarian newspaper 24 Chassa.
“I was in the dressing room. I watched the final from there. I didn’t want people to see the pain in my eyes.”
Now Berbatov is fighting for his United future. The striker has a year remaining on his contract, which the club have an option to extend by a further season. However, talks have broken down and so far, there is no hint that they are about to be renewed. Yet, for now at least, Berbatov is ready to battle.
“I will remain at United. I will fight for my place and I will fight for title number 20,” he said. “If I was a man who gave up easily, I would never be here in the first place - starting 4 July, everything begins all over again - my personal fight to be in the first team, and for United to win more titles.”
FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1445427.html?cid=rssfeed&att=&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)
Got good fighting spirit Berba.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 17:42
I can see why you like Sanchez Big T just saw him playing on espn he looks quality, loves a step over. He plays the Rooney role for Udinese.
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 18:00
Yeah he's versatile and highly skilled I think he'd fit in nicely for us. Udinese wants more than £35m though and they have said they consider him as valuable as Messi. So making a deal won't be easy.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 18:41
Yeah he's versatile and highly skilled I think he'd fit in nicely for us. Udinese wants more than £35m though and they have said they consider him as valuable as Messi. So making a deal won't be easy.
Yeah plus City are interested..
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 18:53
Michael Owen deal may spell end of Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov
• Club hand forward one-year-extension contract
• Eight strikers could mean fewer chances for Bulgarian
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Admin/BkFill/Default_image_group/2011/6/1/1306949267402/Man-Utd-training-berbatov-007.jpg
Dimitar Berbatov, right, could be training with another club after Mancheter United extended Michael Owen's contract.
Sir Alex Ferguson has provided further evidence that he believes Dimitar Berbatov's future lies away from Manchester United by handing a one-year contract extension to Michael Owen.
Owen had been expected to leave Old Trafford when his two-year contract expired this summer on account of starting only one Premier League game this season. Having been chosen ahead of Berbatov for the substitutes' bench in the Champions League final defeat on Saturday, however, Owen has now signed a 12-month extension that is likely to reduce the Bulgarian's opportunities and usher him towards a move.
United's record signing has admitted it was "embarrassing" to be omitted from the squad to face Barcelona at Wembley but has vowed to stay and fight for his place. But Berbatov would be one of eight strikers in Ferguson's first-team squad next season – a collection that includes Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernández, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda, Mame Biram Diouf, Bébé and Owen – and with the possibility of another forward joining this summer, plus the prospect of Ravel Morrison breaking through, this week's developments are ominous for Berbatov's United future.
The 30-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, compared with Owen's five in 17 appearances, and finished as the Premier League's joint leading scorer yet was unable to convince Ferguson of his worth on the biggest stage. "It was embarrassing for me that I was not included in the group," Berbatov told the Bulgarian newspaper 24 Chasa. "I was in the dressing room. I watched the final from there. I didn't want people to see the pain in my eyes."
Berbatov's contract expires in 2012 and United have yet to take up an option to extend his deal by 12 months. The striker said: "I will remain at United. I will fight for my place and I will fight for title No20. If I was a man who gave up easily, I would never be here in the first place. Starting 4 July, everything begins all over again – my personal fight to be in the first team, and for United to win more titles."
Handing Owen a 12-month extension may have caused surprise but the former England international is on a heavily incentivised contract. He also offers experience to Ferguson following the retirement of Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville and the United manager has been impressed with his contribution on and off the pitch since joining on a free from Newcastle in 2009.
"Michael has proved to be a top footballer," said Ferguson. "It is unfortunate that he did not get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito [Hernández] put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give Owen more opportunities in the new season."Owen, who qualified for his first Premier League title medal this season, said: "To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many passionate supporters is a real inspiration. I can't wait for next season to start."
The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/01/michael-owen-manchester-united-dimitar-berbatov)
Still think we need both.
FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1445427.html?cid=rssfeed&att=&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)
Got good fighting spirit Berba.
I wouldn't trust a word from the FIFA website. :snicker
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 19:23
Penalty spot Wayne Rooney scored for Manchester United to win 19th title at Ewood Park reach £1m on eBay
The bidding on eBay for the Ewood Park penalty spot from which Wayne Rooney scored the goal that secured Manchester United their record 19th league title has reach the £1 million mark.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01910/rooney_1910435c.jpg
Spot of profit: a piece of history doesn't come cheap when it's the spot Wayne Rooney scored from to claim Manchester United's 19th title
Rooney dispatched the spot-kick to earn United a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park and seal top spot in the league in the process and now Rovers fan Eddie Maxwell will be auctioning off the piece of football history to the highest bidder.
“At first I was just thinking of taking the centre spot because any Rovers fan would be interested in that but then after the Manchester United match I wanted the penalty spot as well,” Maxwell said.
‘’It is a piece of football history – maybe Rooney would be interested in buying it. I just thought this was a great way to help the club.”
The club allowed Maxwell to dig up the turf, as a new pitch is being laid at Ewood Park this summer.
“I just thought, if you don’t ask you don’t get,” he added. “They were happy for me to take it because it was all being dug up anyway.”
Maxwell will use the money to raise funds for his Sunday league side, King Edward Guide FC, with the bid standing at £999,323.05 at the time of writing.
It is unclear wether the bidding has been hijacked by mischief makers who will fail to follow through on payment. the auction is due to end in just over a week.
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8550654/Penalty-spot-Wayne-Rooney-scored-for-Manchester-United-to-win-19th-title-at-Ewood-Park-reach-1m-on-eBay.html)
Damn, wish I'd thought about that.
Do any of you guys think fergies transfers this summer has changed after the hiding we got by barca?
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 20:26
Do any of you guys think fergies transfers this summer has changed after the hiding we got by barca?
I don't think so, Fergie probably knew well before that game what he needed for the squad to compete next year both in Europe and to remain the best in England.
I do, however, think Scholes retirement pushed some plans way ahead in terms of the midfield.
Metal Warrior
06-01-2011, 21:07
Like Tut said, I think Scholes' retirement will definately force Fergie's hand, moreso than another domination by Barça. He would've probably known that Scholes was hanging up his boots, or at least suspected it, so he was probably planning to buy a new creative mid for a while. In my option, with Spurs not making the CL, he'll see this as the perfect opportunity to go for Modric. I think he'll try everything in his power to get him.
yourmumsface17
06-01-2011, 21:10
Hello, you know the flags before the game on the pitch with the massive club logos on them? Before the champ league final? Guess who has a tiny little piece of one of those flags? :D I will try and get pics when my housemate passes em over to me lol :D
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 21:27
Eight strikers wow I can't see Diouf staying though.
yourmumsface17
06-01-2011, 21:36
We certainly have a lot of strikers... so we are good there! I honestly think this squad is young and doesn't really need any manjor changes. a Keeper and maybe..maybe a holding midfielder.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 21:45
We certainly have a lot of strikers... so we are good there! I honestly think this squad is young and doesn't really need any manjor changes. a Keeper and maybe..maybe a holding midfielder.
It needs a creative mid Modric is perfect for that. Maybe a holding midfielder as well. If we don't get a creative midfielder you could go down another route and get a holding midfielder that can pass the ball well like Busquettes for Barcelona.
Metal Warrior
06-01-2011, 21:45
We certainly have a lot of strikers... so we are good there! I honestly think this squad is young and doesn't really need any manjor changes. a Keeper and maybe..maybe a holding midfielder.
You don't think we need to replace Scholes and get another face on the wing now Giggs' days out wide are surely over? I know I do! We've got three wingers (Nani, Valenia and Park) and a 37 year old as our only creative midfielder (it's clear by now Anderson isn't someone who can dictate the tempo and spark attacks consistently). We need 4 players this summer really, a keeper, a holding mid, a creative mid and a winger. I'd say De Gea, Rodwell, Modric and Young. Young wouldn't be my first choice but he seems most likely.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 21:54
We need someone to post our current squad with there ages and take it from there what we need to bring in. We could post it to Fergie then lol.
Big T is the man for that task...
Metal we got Cleverley to come back as well.
yourmumsface17
06-01-2011, 22:00
I see where u are coming and with Cleverley returning and Morrison (maybe) coming good Pogba and Tunnicliff I feel we one day will some great players. It all depends if Fergie sees these players as future or not.
Metal Warrior
06-01-2011, 22:10
I agree we've got a few exciting looking players coming through, but unless Fergie sees as much in them as he saw in the class of '92, they're not going to become regulars any time soon. Either they become first teamers next season, or we need to spend.
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 22:15
I was going to do a list of the players age but ManUtd.com lists the year born and not the age in numbers - and since I'm terrible at math and can't calculate that in my head, and can't be bothered to get a calculator, I'll just link you guys: http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/First-Team.aspx
But as I've said earlier, we need one creative MF and a winger, I'd prefer Sanchez but can settle with Young. Then we need to see how Cleverly does in the pre-season and act accordingly.
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 22:17
Yeah otherwise we could have a few seasons without trophies.
Don't think they'll be ready for next season to play a major part Morrisson, Pogba or Tuncliffe cause they haven't played a league game yet. Need to be introduced slowly.
Berba will stay by the looks of it... So will owen obviously. That works out, no need to waste money on a striker (even if they both left I would not buy another one, but some people seemed to deem it necessary). Lets spend our money on a keeper, a young defender, and 2 midfielders (sneijder and modric :D )
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 22:52
Goalkeepers:
Lindergaard – 27
Amos – 21
Defenders
Evra – 30
Ferdinand – 32
Brown – 31
Vidic – 29
O’Shea – 30
Fabio – 20
Raphael – 20
Evans – 23
Smalling – 22
Midfielders:
Anderson – 23
Giggs – 37
Park – 30
Fletcher – 26
Nani – 24
Carrick – 29
Gibson – 23
Valencia – 25
Cleverley – 21
Forwards:
Owen – 31
Berbatov – 30
Rooney – 25
Hernandez – 23
Bebe – 20
Welbeck – 20
Macheda – 19
Tutankhamun
06-01-2011, 23:04
Nice! Age isn't a huge issue it seems, although in a few years we'll have a few retirements. We just need to up the quality in the midfield with a signing or two.
yourmumsface17
06-01-2011, 23:06
I'm hoping the current playes aged 28-32 can become the new senior players like Giggs, Neville, Scholes and VDS in the near future and the current younger players can become the key players...then the youth players can come in/out of the team. Lets hope.
santinomarella
06-01-2011, 23:14
Scholes being on the coaching staff now will be excellent news for youth players and should help Gibson!
manutdfan
06-01-2011, 23:21
Yeah looks like just a couple of midfielders and a keeper are needed for next season. Maybe Fergie will sign a few youngsters in certain positions as well.
Yeah having Scholsey as a coach is awesome!
Scholes being on the coaching staff now will be excellent news for youth players and should help Gibson!
I would be very surprised if Gibson is still a united player at the start of the new season.
I would be very surprised if Gibson is still a united player at the start of the new season.
Sunderland are being linked with Gibson and Brown, so maybe a swap deal and cash for Henderson?
manutdfan
06-02-2011, 11:37
Sunderland are being linked with Gibson and Brown, so maybe a swap deal and cash for Henderson?
Uniteds interest in Henderson has seemed to have cooled off since his dip in form recently.
Brown had supposed to of had a failing out with Ferguson over his lack of games recently, so he's supposed to be leaving. I don't think we need him now anyway, time to cash in on him while we still can.
Transfer targets ages:-
Possible transfers:-
Midfielder: Luka Modric – 25
Midfielder: Wesley Sneijder – 27
Midfielder: Jack Rodwell – 20
Midfielder/Forward: Ashley Young – 25
Midfielder/Forward: Alexis Sanchez – 22
Midfielder: Juan Mata - 23
Midfielder: Javier Pastore - 22
Midfielder: Raphaël Varane – 18
Defender: Jan Vertonghen – 24
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 12:00
Manchester United expected to extend Ji-sung Park's contract at Old Trafford
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01910/ji-sung-park_1910245e.jpg
Staying put: Ji-Sung Park is likely be given an extension to his contract at Old Trafford
Ji-sung Park is set for contract talks at Manchester United at the start of next season with the South Korean midfielder expected to follow Michael Owen in extending his stay at Old Trafford.
Owen, 31, will return to pre-season training at United on July 4 after signing a new one-year contract at the club on Wednesday.
The former Liverpool and England forward is the eighth first-team player to commit himself to a new deal at United since the start of last season and Park, whose contract expires in June 2012, is due to open talks over an extension to his deal once the club returns from their pre-season tour of the United States in August.
Park, who returned to South Korea on Tuesday, admits he is keen to remain at United having arrived in a £4m transfer from PSV Eindhoven in June 2005.
He said: “Manchester United is an important club and I am happy if I’m seen as an important part of the club. In football anything can happen, but I’ve been here six years and I like this club.”
Park’s emergence as a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team this season was demonstrated by his starting role in the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona on Saturday.
The 30 year-old, who retired from international football following the Asian Cup in January, scored eight goals in 28 appearances last season and earned plaudits for his man-of-the-match performance during the pivotal victory against Chelsea at Old Trafford on May 8.
But while Park can expect a two-year extension to his current deal, the futures of Dimitar Berbatov, John O’Shea and Darron Gibson - all of whom are out of contract next summer - are unlikely to be resolved until the new year, should they remain at the club beyond this summer. Wes Brown, whose contract also expires next year, is likely to be sold during the closed season.
The retirement of Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, combined with the release of the out-of-contract Owen Hargreaves, has ensured a substantial saving on the United wage bill in excess of £200,000 a week.
The imminent arrival of £18.3m goalkeeper David de Gea from Atletico Madrid and attempts to sign Ashley Young, plus the interest in Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder, is likely to nullify the wage bill saving, but at the same time protect the club from a costly leap in salary commitments.
United have loaned the reserve team forward Josh King to Borussia Monchengladbach, but youngsters Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf are all due to return to the club following loan spells this summer.
The return of three forwards and Owen’s contract extension ensures that Ferguson could have as many as seven strikers to choose from next season, but after handing Owen only one Premier League start last season, the United manager insists that the free transfer signing from Newcastle will be given more first-team opportunities next year.
Ferguson said: “I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season.
“Michael has proved to be a top footballer. It’s unfortunate he didn’t get more opportunities, but the form of Chicharito (Javier Hernandez) put everyone in the shade and his partnership with [Wayne] Rooney proved invaluable.”
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8550214/Manchester-United-expected-to-extend-Ji-sung-Parks-contract-at-Old-Trafford.html)
Good news about Park.
manutdfan
06-02-2011, 12:32
Yep good news on Park he deserves it. If we do sign De Gea do you reckon he'll be on the same amount of wages as VDS?
The wage bill has been lowered by around £200,000 then with the retirements.
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 13:10
I guess De Gea may get close to what VDS had, hard to say. I don't think wages is a huge issue for us though I think we can compete there
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 13:14
Nasri?
Would be a great signing, Arsenal won't sell him to us though I promise you that.
Would be a great signing, Arsenal won't sell him to us though I promise you that.
So why would Wenger come out and say that publicly?
Id take Nasri over Modric any day of the week,if it were possible.
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 13:18
So why would Wenger come out and say that publicly?
Id take Nasri over Modric any day of the week,if it were possible.
Say what? Wenger have said Nasri may be sold but no way to United: http://sport360.com/component/content/article/102-breaking-news/124461-wenger-admits-nasri-fears-but-insists-he-wont-join-man-utd
santinomarella
06-02-2011, 13:25
Sunderland are being linked with Gibson and Brown, so maybe a swap deal and cash for Henderson?
Apparently Henderson is off to Liverpool for 16 million.
Say what? Wenger have said Nasri may be sold but no way to United: http://sport360.com/component/content/article/102-breaking-news/124461-wenger-admits-nasri-fears-but-insists-he-wont-join-man-utd
Say that they wont sell him to united. I mean,most clubs always say such and such a body isnt for sale/we wont sell to such and such a club... and then what happens?
Im sure Nasri wants to win something? And we all know its the players that have the power.
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 13:55
Say that they wont sell him to united. I mean,most clubs always say such and such a body isnt for sale/we wont sell to such and such a club... and then what happens?
Im sure Nasri wants to win something? And we all know its the players that have the power.
Yeah that's good points, we'll see I guess. Just seems like it would be very hard to make a deal with Arsenal about their best player.
How about this for scenario. United don't sign anybody(apart from De Gea) and bring all the young players into the squad instead, Morrison, Pogba, Cleverly and Wellbeck.
Where do you think United would finish this coming season, but more importantly the seasons in 2 - 3 years time?
santinomarella
06-02-2011, 15:12
You'll never win anything with kids. :snicker
You'll never win anything with kids. :snicker
always one ain't there...lol. bet alan hansen will feel a right c**t for the rest of his life.
manutdfan
06-02-2011, 18:15
How about this for scenario. United don't sign anybody(apart from De Gea) and bring all the young players into the squad instead, Morrison, Pogba, Cleverly and Wellbeck.
Where do you think United would finish this coming season, but more importantly the seasons in 2 - 3 years time?
I'd imagine Morrison would get sent off a few times if he played regular next season.
squirrelbo1
06-02-2011, 18:25
Here is a great video I saw on redcaf.
great vid. the one that hit me the most was the edgar davids one. also the pele one was like wow.
Any idea why it starts now as Opposed to the last day of the season?
I have never known that, wikipedia is surprisingly unhelpful
becuase leagues finish at all different points. and the first of the month is a nice round number
Yeah might be cause players are on international duty. Do you usual get any deals announced on the first day of the window?
not really. just tends to be finalisation of deals already done. and assessment of what you have etc
i know this is kind of late, but i typed it and never sent it for some reason
:O
Fergie to retire. Hughes to take his role.
Please Based God.
manutdfan
06-02-2011, 21:01
Mark Hughes is going to take over at Aston Villa probably.
Interesting read:
As 2010/11 has drawn to a close now is probably as good a time as any to look at the squad. While we had a very good season there will be a bit of an overhaul this year. For the first time in a number of years we will see a raft of players leave the club due to injuries, retirements and a few who won’t have their contracts renewed. As a result we can expect to see more new faces than usual this summer. If I were in Fergie’s shoes I would make the signing of two top class central midfielders my number one priority, one creative and one defensive (assuming that David De Gea signs to replace Van Der Sar).
Below GGMU look at the squad player by player, we will look at squad numbers 1-12 today, 13-23 will follow tomorrow and 24-35 will be posted on Friday.
1. Edwin Van Der Sar: The Dutchman has become a true United Legend. His 6 years at the club have seen him pick up 4 league titles a Champions League and a League Cup. The best we have had since the Great Dane, he formed a telepathic understanding with Rio and Vidic and will leave a massive hole to fill. Retired.
3. Patrice Evra: One of the best left backs in the world, the Frenchman probably didn’t live up to his own high standards this season but a top class act nonetheless. Solid in defence and dangerous going forward there are not many better than Evra. Commitment to the cause and determination are also notable attributes. Keep.
4. Owen Hargreaves: What a waste. United have missed him over the last three seasons and many will wonder how those two Champions League finals would have panned out if we had someone like Hargreaves at the top of his game marshalling the midfield. Won’t be getting a new contract this summer and we wish him the best for the future. Hopefully he gets to play professional football again somewhere at some decent level. Out of Contract – Gone.
5. Rio Ferdinand: Still a class act and one of the best centre-halves in the world. His partnership with Vidic cannot be matched and when fit he’s one of the first names on the teams sheet. Injuries have held him back over recent seasons but he’s still one of Fergie’s most reliable lieutenants. Keep
6. Wes Brown: There has definitely been some sort of fall out with Fergie here. Wes has been a great servant to the club but it appears it is time to part ways. He didn’t even play enough Premier League games to get a medal this season and I can’t see a way back at this point. Best of Luck. Ditch.
7. Michael Owen: Didn’t contribute much this year but I think it was the right decision to offer him the one year extension as I think Macheda and Welbeck could learn from having him around. Owen will work hard in training and won’t kick up if not involved at the weekend. Could be a useful character to have in the squad, it won’t cost us to keep him on so I don’t see why not. Keep.
8. Anderson: The Brazilian’s season was disrupted by injury once again. He was impressive in the run-in and managed to bag a few goals too. His performance against Schalke in the second leg deserves special note. Ando needs to step up and consistently perform at the highest level, a breakthrough similar to that which Nani has had overthe last year is required if he is to remain at the Theatre of Dreamsand I would give him one more year to achieve that. Keep.
9. Dimitar Berbatov: Berba had his most prolific year yet in a red shirt but the question marks over his future will be bigger than ever after he failed to make the squad for the Champions League final. The Bulgarian is United’s most ex*****ve player ever and there can be little doubt that he has not lived up to expectations. 20 goals in the league this season (although 11 have come in 3 games), he hasn’t scored in the Champions League for a couple of seasons and has started less than 50% of the big games since he has joined. His link up play has been superb but he has missed chances in big games which have cost us i.e. City in the semi-final this year, Chelsea in the league last year. Fergie clearly doesn’t have 100% trust in Berba and as a result I think we should take whatever cash we can get for him now. Ditch.
10. Wayne Rooney: The man we look to when we need something special. Our star player. Keep.
11. Ryan Giggs: Another top notch contribution from the Welsh Wizard has secured another one year contract. What can you say about Giggs that hasn’t been said already? The man is a genius, one of the best ever and it was great to see some of the displays he put in towards the tail end of the season. Showed no signs of slowing down in 2010-11. Keep.
12. Chris Smalling: Former Maidstone United centre half Chris Smalling has had the season of his life. This year was seen as one for Smalling to find his feet at a new club and learn from training with the likes of Rio and Vidic on a day to day basis. He has racked up over 30 appearances in his debut season and has staked his claim to be Rio’s long term successor. Another good bit of business by Fergie. Keep.
Today we have part 2 of our squad analysis. Yesterday the big call was in relation to Dimitar Berbatov and today the man who is most likely to divide opinion is Michael Carrick. Is he good enough to marshal the Premier League Champions midfield next season? See numbers 13 – 23 below:
13. Ji-Sung Park: The South Korean may not be the most talented player to wear the red shirt but he is one of the most reliable we have seen in recent years. Fergie plays Park in all the big games as he knows he will get nothing less than 110%. He chipped in with some important goals too this season and will be sure to be at Old Trafford when the season kicks off in August. Keep.
14. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez: Fans favourtie Chicharito took to life at United like a duck to water. Well liked by his team mates, adored by fans, Hernandez and United seem like the perfect match. The Mexican was widely regarded as the signing of the season and when he hit form after Christmas top scorer Dimitar Berbatov had to settle for a place on the bench. The future is bright for this man, he has what it takes to become a big star at United. Keep.
15. Nemanja Vidic: Our captain, the rock at the back, one of the best bits of business we have done in recent times was securing the Serb on a new contract last summer. He has grown since being given the armband and has led by example when we’ve needed him. One of the few who could stand tall after the Barca mauling. Keep.
16. Michael Carrick: Carrick enjoyed his best spell in the run-in this season but for me he’s one we should let go. He has recently signed a new contract so will prob stay but I would try to cash in. Midfield is where we have been the weakest in recent times. We need some fresh blood, some new faces and we need to make room. Carrick is seen as a passer of the ball, some one to link play between defence and attack and I feel we need a truly world class player to take over this role. The Englishman has served us well but the time has come to put a “marquee” name top of our list. Unfortunately Carrick is the man I would move on to accommodate this. Ditch.
17. Nani: Top of the Assist charts in the league this season, Nani played a big part this season and was unlucky to miss out on the big games towards the end. Players’ Player of the Year at the club, he has started to look like he could reach his potential. Lethal going forward, his final ball has improved dramatically and he is no longer as wasteful as when he first arrived. If he improves as much next year as he did this year we will have a serious player on our hands. Keep.
18. Paul Scholes: Red Legend. Sad to see another of the class of 1992 leave the first team. Will be staying on in a coaching capacity which is the least he deserves after over a decade of stirling service. Without a doubt the best English midfielder of his generation. Retired.
19. Danny Welbeck: Very promising youngster who was sent out on loan this season. Welbeck did well at Sunderland despite suffering a couple of injuries and his performances were rewarded with a first call up to Fabio Capello’s England squad. Will be returning to the first team this summer and looking to push for place in Fergie’s starting XI. Keep.
20. Fabio: Endured a frustrating start to life at United as he suffered numerous injuries, his brother Rafael’s career took off while he looked on from the sidelines. Fabio has battled through though and was rewarded with a starting place against Barca at Wembley. Bags of potential, definitely one for the future. Keep.
21 Rafael: Looks likely to be United’s first choice right back for years to come. Bombing forward he has been a joy to watch this season and defensively he looks solid. Has lost his head at times and still seems likely to pick up the odd red card when put under pressure. Like his brother he has potential and will no doubt improve over the coming seasons. Keep.
22. John O’Shea: Jack of all trades master of none? John O’Shea has slotted in right across the back four, has played in midfield, was brought on in the dying minutes as a target man up front in the midst of an injury crisis and even did a shift between the posts a few seasons back, however, when all are fit the Irishman finds himself on the fringes. O’Shea is always ready when called upon and never lets the side down, he’s the type of player that every squad needs. Keep.
23. Jonny Evans: The Northern Irishman had a shaky start to the season but he came back after Christmas stronger and put in solid performances when selected. At the youthful age of 23 Evans has close to 100 appearances for the first team and will hopefully go from strength to strength in the next few years. Chris Smalling appears to have established himself as first choice reserve when Rio or Vidic are out but Evans can still be an important part of the squad. Keep.
Do you agree or disagree?
Interesting I'm on the fence with Carrick he's one of our most experienced players now, but he's a solid pro not top class. On his day he can be quality. But against big teams he can't boss a game. Not sure if we should keep him as a squad player or not it all depends on who we sign. Maybe he can do a job till some of the youngsters break through. All the rest I agree with.
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 21:08
I think Carrick played better and better as the season progressed, I'd keep him for sure. Even if we sign Modric or Sneijder, Carrick would still have a place IMO.
manutdfan
06-02-2011, 21:11
I think Carrick played better and better as the season progressed, I'd keep him for sure. Even if we sign Modric or Sneijder, Carrick would still have a place IMO.
Yeah I'm a fan of Carrick good pro strong squad player he was better when he used to play further up the field when Hargo used to play.
I remember when he scored two great goals from outside the box against Rome when we took them apart in the CL at OT.
Tutankhamun
06-02-2011, 21:13
Yeah I'm a fan of Carrick good pro strong squad player he was better when he used to play further up the field when Hargo used to play.
I remember when he scored two great goals from outside the box against Rome when we took them apart in the CL at OT.
Yeah he have become more defensive hasn't he? Still a great passer though.
Just noticed you'd posted over 2,000 times in the thread congrats!
squirrelbo1
06-02-2011, 21:16
may as well keep him in the squad. if he doesnt do so well sell in January. wont be hard to find a buyer wouldn't of thought.
manutdfan
06-02-2011, 21:20
Yeah he have become more defensive hasn't he? Still a great passer though.
Just noticed you'd posted over 2,000 times in the thread congrats!
Yeah he's had to become more defensive since Hargo picked up all those injuries.
Cheers.
may as well keep him in the squad. if he doesnt do so well sell in January. wont be hard to find a buyer wouldn't of thought.
Yeah he makes the squad stronger. Experienced player now. Anderson needs to step up next season hopefully he can stay injury free, he's had a lot of injury interruptions.
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 00:20
New deal for Man United winger Valencia hits a snag over image rights
Manchester United have opened talks over a new contract for Antonio Valencia but negotiations have hit an impasse over image rights.
The Ecuador winger is halfway through the four-year deal he signed after arriving from Wigan for £16million in June 2009. United are prepared to improve Valencia’s £50,000-a-week contract but early discussions faltered when his representatives asked for image rights to be included in the new package.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/02/article-1393682-0C509D3A00000578-390_468x347.jpg
Snag: Antonio Valencia’s Man United deal has stalled over image rights
Old Trafford chief executive David Gill is refusing to agree to image rights clauses while investigations continue by HM Revenue and Customs, who believe they may be able to recoup millions owed in tax on the payments across the Premier League.
United are still optimistic they will reach a compromise with Valencia, 25, who has been one of their most impressive performers after recovering from the serious ankle injury he suffered in September.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393682/Antonio-Valencia-Manchester-United-deal-hits-snag.html?ITO=1490)
Damn, can't risk losing Valencia.
--
Sunderland wants Darron Gibson and Wes Brown in double swoop on Manchester United
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce wants to sign Darron Gibson and Wes Brown from his old club Manchester United this summer.
Bruce has identified Gibson as the man to replace Jordan Henderson, who will join Liverpool if they can compromise on a fee with Sunderland.
Gibson, 23, is on the fringes of United’s squad but the Irishman has failed to command a regular first-team place and is one of a number of players who will be allowed to leave Old Trafford this summer if the right offer comes in. United value him at around £6million.
Brown is another after falling behind Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and the Da Silva twins in the pecking order to play in central defence or at right-back.
The 31-year-old former England defender has been at United since 1992, but his career has stalled and Bruce is ready to offer him a fresh start at the Stadium of Light.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393681/Sunderland-wants-Darron-Gibson-Wes-Brown-double-swoop-Manchester-United.html?ITO=1490)
Unsurprising.
santinomarella
06-03-2011, 01:57
Rodwell? Henderson? No! We Need Someone Special
Paul Scholes was a bit older and slower, Michael Carrick struggled to find the form he enjoyed before the disastrous 2009 Champions League performance, Owen Hargreaves was permanently injured, attitude and injuries held Anderson back from fulfilling his potential to the maximum and Darren Fletcher still had plenty in the engine but his virus only interrupted what was an ineffective season for the Scot.
We never really replaced Roy Keane, maybe because he is irreplaceable, but this season we have struggled in the centre of the park more than ever, with the gap left by the departure of true world class talent more obvious than ever. Week, after week, after week, particularly on the road, the midfield has been alarmingly below the standards set by our defenders and attackers. Even when shoving five across the middle, average teams have overrun our central midfield. Whilst the gulf is class was obviously far more apparent when confronted with the best midfield in the world in the Champions League final, it shouldn’t be ignored that we’ve struggled to get to grips with the likes of Blackpool, Bolton and Birmingham this season.
Jordan Henderson, a Manchester United fan who has been linked to the club for some time, has now become a target for Liverpool. Sunderland rejected their bid this morning, apparently £13m, and I desperately hope we don’t try and beat it.
Another 20-year-old United fan who we’ve been linked to is Jack Rodwell. Of the two deals, this appears to be the more likely, but again, I hope it doesn’t happen. We’d be looking at least £20m for this lad.
After our midfield has been on a steady decline for a few seasons, we can’t afford the time, as much as the money, to see whether these players can make it. Scholes has gone, Giggs is a year older, Hargreaves is finally out of the picture once and for all, so we need someone special, and we need them now. Maybe Henderson and Rodwell will be special players in a few years time but that’s no use to us.
Luka Modric has to be our priority and is probably the most realistic of the lot, with Wesley Sneijder also mentioned fairly regularly. For all Harry Redknapp’s assertions to the contrary, Spurs will sell Modric if the price is right. After spending all season claiming he was going to stay, he revealed this week that he wanted Champions League football and would leave if there was a good deal for him and the club. United will have to stump up the cash, which should be around the £30m mark. He still has five years remaining on the contract he signed last summer, so there’s no chance of us getting him on the cheap. We will probably have to rely on him stamping his feet a little too because that Daniel Levy can be a stubborn git, particularly where United are concerned.
I’m being spoilt and unrealistic but I’d like Bastian Schweinsteiger to come with him. He also has five years remaining on his contract, despite his brother repeatedly telling him to join us, so wouldn’t be cheap either. If Fletch and Carrick have it in them to up their game and play like they did a couple of years ago, then Schweinsteiger wouldn’t be a desperate need, like Modric is. He would be a luxury. Remember when we used to be able to afford them? A midfield of Scholes and Keane at their peak and splashing the cash on Juan Sebastian Verson? Those were the days. Our situation is different in the Glazer reign though, so I’m probably going to have to get over Bastian.
When it comes to young players with the potential to be great, we should look no further than our own youth. Tom Cleverley will be welcomed back in to the squad for the pre-season and will be on the fringe of the team next season. Why spend £15m-£20m on Henderson or Rodwell when we have our own players waiting to step up?
Oliver Holt met Tom Cleverley last summer and couldn’t speak highly enough of him. “There is something about him that tells you he has been at United since he was 11. He is assured, mature, single-minded and happy to make whatever sacrifices he needs to.” This is the player we should be offering our opportunities to, not Sunderland and Everton’s youth products. Further down the line, you hope that Paul Pogba and Ryan Tunnicliffe will be given their chance too, given how brightly they have shone for our youth teams.
In years gone by we had time to wait and see youth develop, even if it meant the team wasn’t as good as it could have been in the present. We don’t have £20m to spend on a 20-year-old who might be world class in five years time and we can’t afford to be any weaker than necessary with our rivals splashing the cash. We need to go for the kill, bring in that special player now, and hope that players like Cleverley do enough with the limited chances they get to improve their game and keep their place in the squad. That is how we’ve always been successful and after keeping the purse strings pulled tight in recent seasons, it’s time for the manager to spend what is required to land us that world class midfielder who will take us to the next level.
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/rodwell-henderson-no-we-need-someone-special/
100% agree with this.
transburgh
06-03-2011, 03:49
Called the Man U title at beginning of season but Chelsea gave me a scare the way they started the season on fire.
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/rodwell-henderson-no-we-need-someone-special/
100% agree with this.
A keeper is a must. For the rest, I say give the young players a go and stick with the tradition of the club.
Buying a so called star player never works for United. But more importantly, stay away from overpriced Spurs players. :snicker
One question for the Modric admirers. If he's that good. How come Barcelona or Madrid are not after him? Surely from a financial sense for Barca, trying to buy Modric would be a cheaper option than Fabregas.
squirrelbo1
06-03-2011, 11:59
how could you not agree with a man that says buy bastian sweinsteiger !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you got him united would be my fifa team.
on that note, iknow this is a silly and not so accurate portrayl of real life, but united are not hard to beat on 11. becuase you just play it through the middle. carrick and fletcher have nothing if you get a decent few in the middle and play quick passes. then you just have to hope the relentless pressure pulls through (seeing as the defence is bloody good, as is the keeper)
im talking about playing against friends who are pretty much evenly matched.
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 12:06
One question for the Modric admirers. If he's that good. How come Barcelona or Madrid are not after him? Surely from a financial sense for Barca, trying to buy Modric would be a cheaper option than Fabregas.
There could be several reasons, Modric may not be suited for their style of play or they simply don't need another midfielder. Perhaps they are even after him. As for Barca and Fabregas, let's be honest, Barca don't need Fabregas they just want him to have him.
---
Sir Alex Ferguson banks on Michael Owen to pass on wealth of experience to Manchester United young guns
Eyebrows were raised at Manchester United’s decision to hand Michael Owen a new one-year contract earlier this week, but the former England forward can credit Sir Alex Ferguson’s admiration of AC Milan for his extended stay at Old Trafford.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01911/michael-owen_1911456c.jpg
High quality: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has copied the AC Milan way by keeping his more experienced players, like Michael Owen, to pass on their knowledge to younger squad members
Despite naming Owen in his Premier League starting XI just once last season, Ferguson believes that the 31 year-old’s experience at the highest level is an invaluable quality and one which overrides his limited involvement on the pitch.
With Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes this week following Gary Neville into retirement, Ferguson has lost a collective well of experience totalling 1,544 Manchester United appearances from his first-team squad.
Which is why Owen has been retained for a further year and a key factor in Ferguson’s attempts, ultimately futile, to delay Scholes’s retirement for 12 months.
The United manager’s philosophy is that knowledge and experience outweigh minutes on the pitch when determining the ongoing contribution of his senior professionals and it is one he has adopted as a result of his respect for the approach taken by Milan.
While many clubs dispense with players approaching their mid-30s in favour of youth and potential, Milan have consistently bucked the trend, with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, Cafu and Clarence Seedorf all performing central roles for the rossoneri during their domestic and European successes in recent years, despite being into their mid-30s and beyond.
Ferguson, who has also ensured that United follow Bayern Munich’s blueprint of appointing former players, such as academy director Brian McClair, first-team coach Mike Phelan and former reserve coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, to key internal positions, believes Milan have led the way in exploiting experience by relying on seasoned performers more readily than their rivals.
Ryan Giggs, at 37, continues to justify Ferguson’s faith, but while Owen is unlikely to disturb the Wayne Rooney-Javier Hernandez strike partnership next season, Ferguson believes that the mere presence of the one-time European Footballer of the Year alongside the likes of Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda will prove as valuable as any goal he scores next year.
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8553019/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-banks-on-Michael-Owen-to-pass-on-wealth-of-experience-to-Manchester-United-young-guns.html)
There could be several reasons, Modric may not be suited for their style of play or they simply don't need another midfielder. Perhaps they are even after him. As for Barca and Fabregas, let's be honest, Barca don't need Fabregas they just want him to have him.
So if you had a choice, would you sign Fabregas or Modric?
I would choose neither, and go after Wilshere. He's the only midfielder this season(that I've seen), that has got anywhere near and more importantly behind the Barcelona midfield.
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 13:29
So if you had a choice, would you sign Fabregas or Modric?
I would choose neither, and go after Wilshere. He's the only midfielder this season(that I've seen), that has got anywhere near and more importantly behind the Barcelona midfield.
I'd sign Modric, Fabregas is a great player, and arguably, better than Modric but Fabregas is always going to want to get to Barca so it would just be buying him on borrowed time.
As for Wilshere, great player with a real talent for the game two problems though - Arsenal won't sell him for anything in the world and he has an attitude problem.
----
Look what arrived in the mail today:
http://f.cl.ly/items/0d3U2d0f212R0d120s15/2011-06-03%20at%2002:25.png
http://f.cl.ly/items/2K1r3q2t1s2s1a2O1S0s/2011-06-03%20at%2002:25.png
http://f.cl.ly/items/1E1g1Z1s0a30382d3p3k/2011-06-03%20at%2002:27.png
:D
three3-times
06-03-2011, 13:29
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/rodwell-henderson-no-we-need-someone-special/
100% agree with this.
and me too, spot on, spot on.
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 13:34
Berbatov set to snub PSG
DIMITAR BERBATOV
Manchester United to Paris St Germain
THE INSIDER says: 2/5
The languid Bulgarian had a nightmare finish to the season after being left in tears by Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to leave him out of the Champions League final side.
His rolling contract situation and the form of Javier Hernandez has cast doubts over his long-term future for the past year, however he remains determined to prove he is not a failure at Manchester United.
Although coming across as moody to the outside world he is liked by team-mates at United and Ferguson needs a player like him to provide alternatives to his other forwards.
A deal with Luka Modric remains a possibility and Berbatov enjoyed his time at White Hart Lane but there is greater interest in the 30-year-old from Italy and Germany where he has spoken fondly of in the past.
Paris St Germain are also looking to bolster their squad ahead of a Champions League campaign and are willing to offer him an alternative route back into the limelight.
At the moment the odds are he will stay put.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393865/The-Insider-Dimitar-Berbatov-set-snub-PSG.html?ITO=1490)
I'd sign Modric, Fabregas is a great player, and arguably, better than Modric but Fabregas is always going to want to get to Barca so it would just be buying him on borrowed time.
As for Wilshere, great player with a real talent for the game two problems though - Arsenal won't sell him for anything in the world and he has an attitude problem.
----
Look what arrived in the mail today:
http://f.cl.ly/items/0d3U2d0f212R0d120s15/2011-06-03%20at%2002:25.png
http://f.cl.ly/items/2K1r3q2t1s2s1a2O1S0s/2011-06-03%20at%2002:25.png
http://f.cl.ly/items/1E1g1Z1s0a30382d3p3k/2011-06-03%20at%2002:27.png
:D
Never knew Wilshere had an attitude problem, but he is young and cockernee, so that is probably it.
Nice shirt. I wish I could wear one, I would never offend the shirt by stretching one over my beer belly. :snicker
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 14:13
Never knew Wilshere had an attitude problem, but he is young and cockernee, so that is probably it.
Nice shirt. I wish I could wear one, I would never offend the shirt by stretching one over my beer belly. :snicker
Check his Twitter, a little rude at times.
They have the shirts in many sizes, I'm sure you could get one that fits!
Check his Twitter, a little rude at times.
They have the shirts in many sizes, I'm sure you could get one that fits!
Trouble is, it will be that big from the back, I will need to have Roooooooooooooney printed. :snicker
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 15:14
Trouble is, it will be that big from the back, I will need to have Roooooooooooooney printed. :snicker
:lol:
---
Federico Macheda's agent - 'As far as I am aware, #MUFC intend to keep Macheda. They don’t want to loan him out again.' #MUFC
@rotimikuforiji (https://twitter.com/rotimikuforiji/status/76647567169044480)
I hope Macheda stays, I really think he can be a great striker for us.
Seeing as this is THE football thread (man it pains me) I thought I'd show you guys this:
http://www.nextgenseries.com/
- 16 Top clubs including Barcalona, Manchester City & Inter Milan
- Last of the 16 teams to be revealed in the next week or so
- Under-19 level
- Starts in August
- Has the full approval of Uefa
I was pretty shocked to see United haven't been invited/included to play in this. It's all about building youth and with financial fairplay breathing down everyones necks this kind of thing will help.
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 18:02
United doesn't really need to be in something like that, the club has a very good and successful youth development right now. The clubs youth plays a lot of games during the season as well so they may feel resting them is a smarter move.
squirrelbo1
06-03-2011, 18:45
As for Wilshere, great player with a real talent for the game two problems though - Arsenal won't sell him for anything in the world and he has an attitude problem.
he does ?
Check his Twitter, a little rude at times.
yeah hes a bit mouthy, but a lot of them are. rio is hardly a saint. lets be honest all of England starting XI (bar maybe lampard and heart) are scum. o and crouch hes a top bloke, but very rarely starts.
Seeing as this is THE football thread (man it pains me) I thought I'd show you guys this:
http://www.nextgenseries.com/
- 16 Top clubs including Barcalona, Manchester City & Inter Milan
- Last of the 16 teams to be revealed in the next week or so
- Under-19 level
- Starts in August
- Has the full approval of Uefa
I was pretty shocked to see United haven't been invited/included to play in this. It's all about building youth and with financial fairplay breathing down everyones necks this kind of thing will help.
They also host this http://www.manchesterunitedpremiercup.com/ and have a guess who won it last year? :snicker
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 19:05
he does ?
yeah hes a bit mouthy, but a lot of them are. rio is hardly a saint. lets be honest all of England starting XI (bar maybe lampard and heart) are scum. o and crouch hes a top bloke, but very rarely starts.
Wilshere just comes across as incredibly bitter to me but whatever floats his boat.
Rio I think conducts himself proper on Twitter and have done since day one. #oooff
He's passionate about Arsenal and speaks his mind on some rare occasions just like you do on these forums. If that means you are bitter as well then your point is valid. I mean just look at all his tweets from the past 2-3 months and you will be hard pressed to find anything malicious. On the contrary, you will see him tweeting for good causes and visits hospitals and other fundraisers almost every week.
I just think you "perceive" him as an angry school boy who swears constantly like the media does but the boy must be the shyest person off the pitch (and off twitter at times). :lol:
three3-times
06-03-2011, 19:29
jack is a quality player and a quality lad, i like the fact he has a lil bit of devil in him!! yes he does run his mout, but so what!! he is the one player id love to have from any Premiership team
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 19:34
He's passionate about Arsenal and speaks his mind on some rare occasions just like you do on these forums. If that means you are bitter as well then your point is valid. I mean just look at all his tweets from the past 2-3 months and you will be hard pressed to find anything malicious. On the contrary, you will see him tweeting for good causes and visits hospitals and other fundraisers almost every week.
I just think you "perceive" him as an angry school boy who swears constantly like the media does but the boy must be the shyest person off the pitch (and off twitter at times). :lol:
I don't mind it but I think SAF may would have minded if he played for United but its a moot point since there's no way Arsenal will sell him.
(In Football Manager 10 for iPhone, Arsenal sold Wilshere and I bought him played very well for me at United)
Seeing as this is THE football thread (man it pains me) I thought I'd show you guys this:
http://www.nextgenseries.com/
- 16 Top clubs including Barcalona, Manchester City & Inter Milan
- Last of the 16 teams to be revealed in the next week or so
- Under-19 level
- Starts in August
- Has the full approval of Uefa
I was pretty shocked to see United haven't been invited/included to play in this. It's all about building youth and with financial fairplay breathing down everyones necks this kind of thing will help.
Top three youth teams in England not in the series? Not much of a series then. :lol: (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United)
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 20:01
Speaking of Arsenal players, thinking about it, I'd take Nasri over both Wilshere and Fabregas anyway.
manutdfan
06-03-2011, 21:51
Tutankhamun
06-03-2011, 22:10
Man U reportedly in a meeting with Independiente's attacking midfielder Pato Rodriguez (via @arieljudas & @radiolared)
@joel_richards (http://twitter.com/joel_richards/status/76698050202058752)
Anyone know anything about him?
squirrelbo1
06-03-2011, 23:05
(In Football Manager 10 for iPhone, Arsenal sold Wilshere and I bought him played very well for me at United)
portable versions of fm suck so much
Top three youth teams in England not in the series? Not much of a series then. :lol: (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United)
were **** as a youth team
@joel_richards (http://twitter.com/joel_richards/status/76698050202058752)
Anyone know anything about him?
hes pretty good, but not seen too much of him. hang on a sec ill fm him see what hes saying.
EDIT: doesnt seem to exist on fm, must be a youth player in which case im thinking about somebody else
EDIT2: was thinking about the bloke at porto. he would be decent actually.
Tutankhamun
06-04-2011, 00:27
PSG chasing United striker Berbatov with £12m opening bid
Paris Saint-Germain will be the first club to tempt Manchester United with an offer for Dimitar Berbatov this summer.
The Bulgaria striker faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to leave him out of his Champions League Final squad last weekend and then hand Michael Owen a new one-year deal.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/03/article-1394060-0C3481F600000578-927_468x307.jpg
Net result: Dimitar Berbatov faces an uncertain future at Manchester United despite finishing the Premier League's joint top scorer last season
It is believed United will listen to offers of between £10million-15m for a player who cost £30.75m from Tottenham three years ago but only has 12 months left on his contract.
PSG have money to spend after Qatar Sports Investments bought a 70 per cent stake in the French club this week, and are ready to make an opening bid of around £12m.
Berbatov, 30, has stated his desire to stay and fight for a place at Old Trafford.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1394060/United-striker-Dimitar-Berbatov-wanted-PSG.html?ITO=1490)
If we are going to sell him, we should get £20m in a cash deal in my opinion.
squirrelbo1
06-04-2011, 01:12
he wont go psg. too small a club.
@joel_richards (http://twitter.com/joel_richards/status/76698050202058752)
Anyone know anything about him?
Nope never heard of him. But he scored a good goal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuOTuVP5c4c
And can dribble.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwBjl1WdB3g&NR=1&feature=fvwp
three3-times
06-04-2011, 16:17
lol at wazza!!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13654209
http://i55.tinypic.com/zagcj.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/zagcj.jpg
At least United made their first signing of the season. Hairy Transplant. :dunce
santinomarella
06-04-2011, 18:56
Which Rooney do you want?
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/313829521.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1307210995&Signature=3%2F3kPzpyO4IOB0khOj1veZHSuvQ%3D
Tutankhamun
06-04-2011, 18:57
I admire Rooney for doing that, he wasn't happy with the way he looked and he did something about it even though he knew he'd get a lot of stick. Takes some courage to do so. Good for him.
I imagine he'll just look like he did when he was around 18:
http://www.topnews.in/sports/files/wayne-rooney3325.jpg
Ireland had a hair transplant:
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/Stephen%20Ireland-thumb.jpg
squirrelbo1
06-04-2011, 20:40
was that before or after his gran died :snicker
Tutankhamun
06-05-2011, 11:32
Nasri asked on Telefoot if he may join #MUFC: 'Let's find out if the interest is true first, then we'll talk about it'
@mattspiro (https://twitter.com/mattspiro/status/77318189624725505)
Maybe he want to come here?
Ireland had a hair transplant:
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/Stephen%20Ireland-thumb.jpg
I hope he got his money back.
2739
@mattspiro (https://twitter.com/mattspiro/status/77318189624725505)
Maybe he want to come here?
Think this started because Evra jokingly told Nasri to join United, if he wanted to win trophies.
I would not like to be in the Giggs household today...
I would not like to be in the Giggs household today...
Me neither, I heard they're having chicken for dinner instead of beef.
Nasri wouldn't even deny that he would go to Manchester United even after he was asked directly.. if he's really demanding 120k (that's Cesc's weekly wage) then you can have him. Can't be bothered if a player is only playing for money and doesn't love the club.
There still is a small chance that this whole situation is being misunderstood and Nasri's intentions are understandable (and I hope they are) but it's slim.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13662377.stm
Samir Nasri unsure over Arsenal future
Samir Nasri has cast more doubt over his Arsenal future by admitting he may not sign a new contract.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who is entering the final year of his current deal, has also refused to rule out a move to Manchester United.
Speaking to French sports programme Telefoot, Nasri said: "I don't know if I will sign a new contract, the discussions are ongoing.
"Do I want to go to United? First, we should see if it's real and concrete."
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra invited his French team-mate Nasri to move to Old Trafford (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/may/26/samir-nasri-arsenal-manchester-united) last month.
The versatile attacker, who joined the Gunners in 2008 from Marseille, has scored 27 goals in 124 appearances.
He particularly impressed during the first half of last season, which was his most productive to date at the Emirates, scoring 15 goals in 45 games in total during the campaign.
Tutankhamun
06-05-2011, 21:34
In the end, it's probably just away for Nasri to get a better contract from Arsenal I'd love him to come to us though, would be amazing for us.
---
This made me happy:
@RooneyForMadrid just to stop u wasting ur time. I will be at mufc as long as I'm wanted there. #hairwego
@WayneRooney (http://twitter.com/WayneRooney/status/77098374351962112)
manutdfan
06-05-2011, 21:41
Nasri would be an awesome signing!! It's quite a long shot though...
Tutankhamun
06-05-2011, 21:45
Who'd you rather have between Nasri and Modric? I'm undecided.
manutdfan
06-05-2011, 21:47
Who'd you rather have between Nasri and Modric? I'm undecided.
Wow that's a tough one can we have both?
Tutankhamun
06-05-2011, 21:49
No :p I think I'd go for Nasri, already proven he can play in the big teams and in the CL.
manutdfan
06-05-2011, 21:54
No :p I think I'd go for Nasri, already proven he can play in the big teams and in the CL.
Yeah exactly what I was thinking, gets into a better National French team also..
And nobody believed me when i posted last week.... :snicker
Me neither, I heard they're having chicken for dinner instead of beef.
I bet it was a silent meal.
Anyway! Nasri, Modric, De Gea, Sneijder, Sanchez just to name a few.
Is the value back in the transfer market? In my eyes it's no different to last years.
squirrelbo1
06-05-2011, 23:45
well nasri would cost you about £35 mil probably more. modric is being over priced but spurs dont want to let him go, he could be the difference between CL football and not. so £35 million is what it could feasibly cost them finishing 5th as opposed to 4th.
sneijder i reckon about 30 mil. all your options seem to be in the 30 mil range. but you need a world class player there, so will have to pay a lot.
get that bloke from porto. reckon you could get him for about 20 mil and he could be class.
StaticAge
06-06-2011, 03:38
Chicharito scored a hat-trick to help Mexico beat El Salvador 5-0 :)
three3-times
06-06-2011, 09:12
Who'd you rather have between Nasri and Modric? I'm undecided.
modric. nasri had HALF a good season and isnt really a creative force. Modric is a creative force and is consistent.
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 10:36
Manchester United keep tabs on Erick Torres, Chivas de Guadalajara's 'new' Javier Hernandez
Manchester United are set to watch Mexican striker Erick Torres in action against China on Monday following the 18-year-old's rapid rise as Javier Hernández's replacement at Chivas de Guadalajara.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01913/erick_torres_1913478c.jpg
Quick off the mark: Mexican Erick Torres has caught the eye since replacing Javier Hernández
Torres has scored six goals in 19 appearances since making his Chivas debut against Monterrey last November and his form has earned him a call-up into Mexico's Under-20 squad for the Toulon tournament in France.
PSV Eindhoven have already scouted the player in Mexico, but Manchester United have forged close links with Chivas since signing Hernández, aka Chicharito, for £6 million in April last year.
And Sir Alex Ferguson and chief scout Jim Lawlor have been made aware of Torres's emergence since breaking into the Chivas first-team.
Torres, nicknamed 'El Cubo', stands 5ft 11in and is described as being strong in the air and with a powerful shot.
The youngster has so far made two substitute appearances for Mexico at Toulon, failing to score in the 4-1 defeat against France or the 2-0 victory over Hungary.
Ferguson's scouts are due to watch the game against China in La Seyne, however, as they attempt to unearth another rising talent from Latin America following the success of Hernández.
Hernández, currently playing for Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup in the United States, enjoyed a stunning first season in English football, scoring 20 goals in 45 appearances, and started the Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley.
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8558201/Manchester-United-keep-tabs-on-Erick-Torres-Chivas-de-Guadalajaras-new-Javier-Hernandez.html)
Another Mexican wonder kid?
--
Young seeks bigger stage
Winger hints at United interest
http://img.skysports.com/11/05/660x350/Ashley-Young-England-training_2604103.jpg
Young: Wants to play at the highest level
In-demand Aston Villa star Ashley Young admits he wants to play "at the highest level" as he prepares to discuss his future with Villa chairman Randy Lerner.
Manchester United and Liverpool are both thought to be leading the chase for the England international.
Young, who came off the bench to score England's equaliser against Switzerland on Saturday, is entering the final year of his contract and is widely expected to leave Villa this summer.
The skilful attacker has hinted he would be interested in a move to United after revealing he wants to be playing in the UEFA Champions League on a regular basis.
"I've always had self-belief. I've always had the confidence I can play at the highest level," said Young.
Test
"I want to test myself at World Cups, European Championships and the Champions League. As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League - and hopefully one day I will.
"People say the prime of your careers is aged 25, 26, 27. I'm 26 next month so hopefully I'm coming into my prime."
Young's Villa team-mate Darren Bent admits he is not surprised the likes of Premier League champions Manchester United are chasing the winger's signature.
Proven
"He has shown people why clubs like Manchester United are after him and he is a top, top player," admitted Bent.
"He has played the last four internationals and got three man of the matches so he is on fire at the moment.
"That's why teams like United want him.
"I have always said the best player I have played with club-wise was Luka Modric at Tottenham but Ash can't be too far behind now, if not on a par with him."
Bent believes it is unlikely that Villa can prevent Young from moving to the Champions League runners-up.
"I am still trying little bits and bobs here and there to make him stay but at the end of the day he a top, top player and a top professional," added Bent.
"If he wants to go and play for the second-best club side in the world, who is going to stop him?"
Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6967844,00.html)
I think this signing will be concluded before the end of the week.
three3-times
06-06-2011, 10:38
really? ashley young defo to us? i muist admit when he scored on sat, i was like, please buy him.
Didnt really think we need another winger, A Young is exactly like Nani, but with better decison making.
DMC and an AMC and thats it!!
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 10:45
really? ashley young defo to us? i muist admit when he scored on sat, i was like, please buy him.
Didnt really think we need another winger, A Young is exactly like Nani, but with better decison making.
DMC and an AMC and thats it!!
Yeah it seems Fergie wants to wrap it up. Definitely need to sign an AMC, very curios to see who that will be.
Manchester United set to step up Ashley Young chase
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/902.$plit/C_71_article_1422786_image_list_image_list_item_0_ image.jpg?06%2F06%2F2011%2008%3A44%3A01%3A346
Ashley Young and Philippe Senderos in action on Saturday
Sir Alex Ferguson wants to wrap up the signing of Ashley Young as soon as possible after the Aston Villa winger’s outstanding performance for England.
United are at the head of the queue for the 25-year-old and are close to sealing a £15m deal.
But they are aware his match-saving performance against Switzerland in the Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley on Saturday will only heighten the interest in him from the Premier League’s top clubs. Liverpool are also in the hunt for Young, while Chelsea have monitored him for the past two seasons.
But Ferguson believes he is in the box seat for a player he tried to sign during the January transfer window.
Young has only one year remaining on his Villa contract and wants to experience Champions League football and play in World Cups and European Championships.
He said: "I've always had the belief I can play at the highest level.
"I've always had self-belief. I've always had the confidence I can play at the highest level.
"I want to test myself at World Cups, European Championships and the Champions League.
"As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League - and hopefully one day I will.
"People say the prime of your careers is aged 25, 26, 27. I'm 26 next month so hopefully I'm coming into my prime."
Young has constantly intimated he will speak with Lerner before announcing any news about his future - and nothing has changed.
He said: "I'm going away on holiday. But I said at the end of the season I was going to speak to the chairman.
"I'm going to talk to him this week and we'll see where we go from there."
Manchester Evening News (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1422786_manchester-united-set-to-step-up-ashley-young-chase?rss=yes&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
Metal Warrior
06-06-2011, 10:53
Young is more direct than Nani, with a more consistent delivery. His set pieces should also improve our options. In our team, he'll get a load of assists. He's not nearly as skillfull as Nani though, or capable of scoring the sort of goals as him. It would give us several options on the wings.
three3-times
06-06-2011, 10:56
Im still curious who was this player we tried to sign in January????
Still think we need a DMC just as much as an AMC.
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 10:57
Young is more direct than Nani, with a more consistent delivery. His set pieces should also improve our options. In our team, he'll get a load of assists. He's not nearly as skillfull as Nani though, or capable of scoring the sort of goals as him. It would give us several options on the wings.
Who do you think SAF would prefer to start most games Nani or Young?
Im still curious who was this player we tried to sign in January????
Still think we need a DMC just as much as an AMC.
According to Manchester Evening News it was Young (see above article).
Yeah in an ideal world, we'd sign Rodwell as well as an AMC.
Metal Warrior
06-06-2011, 11:13
Who do you think SAF would prefer to start most games Nani or Young?
Nani. He's just better.
three3-times
06-06-2011, 11:22
Nani. He's just better.
not in big games!
nani is defo more skillful, but his decison making went to pot after the carragher tackle!
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 11:29
Hi all there's my head. It will take a few months to grow. Still a bit bloody to. But that's all normal. #hairwego yfrog.com/gznpmbtj
@ waynerooney (https://twitter.com/waynerooney/status/77682014685380609)
Looks good.
Props to Wayne for actually having the conviction to deliver on the picture he promised. He doesn't seem at all embarrassed about having the procedure done. <br />
<br />
He's off on his holidays today! <br />
...
Metal Warrior
06-06-2011, 11:40
What the hell is this about Giggs having an 8-year affair with the wife of his own brother?? :s
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3620015/Giggs-brother-Rhodri-dumps-wife-over-her-affair-with-Ryan.html
I know it's the Sun, but still, all those quotes and Rhodri dumping his wife over it... If true, this is a million times worse than the Imogen Thomas stuff. Not even Terry was this bad.
Giggs... Giggs is sha**ing a tart again.
All the United fans know the tune to that one.
That will be sung loud and clear at Wembley in August.
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 12:15
Utd need £20m just to take a Luk
ALEX FERGUSON has been told he will need to find in excess of £20million to sign Tottenham star Luka Modric.
The Manchester United boss is a big fan of the Croatian playmaker, 25, who he sees as the ideal replacement for the retired Paul Scholes.
And he now plans to test Tottenham's resolve.
Spurs do not want to sell Modric but a top White Hart Lane source says a deal will be inevitable.
He said: "The word is that Sir Alex has already spoken directly to Harry and said how much he admires Modric and how much he wants him.
"And as much as Harry wants to keep him he knows United can make an offer we just can't refuse.
"So Harry's busy now trying to do the Joe Cole deal to bring in a new playmaker to compensate for the expected departure of Luka."
The Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3619454/Man-Utd-need-20m-just-to-take-a-Luk.html)
£20m for Modric would be an absolute bargain, wouldn't mind paying £35m for him.
--
Manchester United review: This year has been one of Sir Alex Ferguson's best
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/538.$plit/C_71_article_1422795_image_list_image_list_item_0_ image.jpg?06%2F06%2F2011%2010%3A21%3A38%3A159
Even if a third Champions League crown ultimately evaded him, Sir Alex Ferguson’s majesty in the game was only emphasised in a season that will compare with his greatest.
European domination was 90 minutes too far – but this Manchester United side weren’t even supposed to get through the door, let alone sit at the top table.
Which is why a record 19th title should feel every bit as satisfying as that first Premier League trophy in 1993, the double the year after, the Treble in ’99 or the European Cup in 2008.
Ferguson’s powers remain in the ascendancy, even in the year that he turns 70.
How else can you describe a man who made champions out of a group that, in all honesty, would never have lived with any of his previous title-winners?
Not only that, but he took them to the brink of a fourth Champions League success – stopped only by arguably the greatest team ever to play the game.
Throw in an FA Cup semi-final, in which they were severely handicapped by the suspension of their talisman in Wayne Rooney, and Ferguson produced near miracles with his class of 2010-11.
How many of his current side would have forced their way into his teams of ’94, ’99 or 2008?
It might seem unkind to so openly question a team that won the title by nine points and swept all but one aside in Europe, but the plain truth is that it lacks the flair, individual brilliance and sheer romance of its predecessors.
Consider the double-winning midfield of ’94 – Ryan Giggs, Andrei Kanchelskis, Paul Ince and Roy Keane. An ageing Bryan Robson was also there to call upon.
In ’99 the perfectly balanced, Giggs, David Beckham, Keane and Paul Scholes could have lived with this current Barcelona team.
In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Rooney were the new Holy Trinity – Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at their most effective at the back.
Both Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park missed out on the Moscow triumph against Chelsea but, in the years since, have become vital components of the team.
With the greatest respect to both players, that is as clear a sign as any of the decline that has been allowed to set in at Old Trafford.
And that Ferguson has managed to keep the silverware rolling in like a conveyor belt is the clearest measure of his brilliance.
This team will not go down as his greatest when he finally calls it a day – but it will always hold a special place in his heart.
It is a team that required him to call upon all his managerial reserves – whether that be as a leader of men, motivator or tactician.
Pep Guardiola is blessed enough to have a team of such supreme quality that they play the game as if they were in the back garden.
Barcelona stars
Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi have the skill and technique to mesmerise their Galactico-packed rivals in Spain – Real Madrid – and the champions of England at will.
Ferguson simply does not have the players to do that.
Instead he plotted his way to Wembley and the Premier League summit with old-fashioned tactical nous.
Whether that be packing the midfield when necessary in Europe – or switching to 4-4-2 as the campaign went on, to best deploy the striking assets of Javier Hernandez.
Even in his 25th year at Old Trafford, he continues to evolve to ensure he keeps producing winning teams.
That, combined with a team spirit that pulled United through testing times at Blackpool and West Ham – two goals down on each occasion to go on to win – that has been the hallmark of his latest success.
And in the face of the mega-spending across Manchester by their noisy neighbours, Ferguson proved that value can still be found in the transfer market.
Hernandez at £7m and Chris Smalling at £10m were virtually unheard of before heading to United, yet both played significant roles in their first season at the club. Then there was the Rooney masterstroke.
With the walls of his empire seemingly crumbling last October, Ferguson pulled his regime back from the brink.
Had Rooney gone through with his intention to leave the club, it is difficult to see how United and Ferguson would have recovered.
It was never just about the impact of his departure on the pitch, rather what it meant symbolically.
Rooney request
Having lost Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez the previous year, the exit of another world class player could have been fatal.
Ferguson knew that, which is why he went to such extraordinary lengths to keep him at the club.
For a man so often lauded for his powers of psychological warfare, he deployed the sort of mind-bending tricks that would leave Derren Brown dumbfounded.
Announcing to the world that Rooney wanted to leave, he made an unprecedented stance.
Never before had he openly admitted one of his stars wanted away. And never before had he so publicly put the ball in their court.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was allowed to walk, Kanchelskis before him.
Ronaldo was persuaded to stay for one more year before leaving for Real on Ferguson’s terms. But this was different.
Ferguson looked like a beaten man as he made his announcement, adding that the door remained open.
Rooney responded by questioning United’s ability to compete for game’s best players – but he didn’t bargain on the weight of public pressure that would come his way once it became official that he was the one who wanted away.
Never before had Ferguson hung one of his players out to dry in such a fashion.
As fans and commentators piled in on the seemingly ‘ungrateful’ star, it was Ferguson whose arms were outstretched to offer him shelter.
In short, Rooney was scared straight and a new five-year deal promptly signed. He never stood a chance.
But the question marks he raised about United’s continued success, even in the face of growing challenges from City and Chelsea, were unfounded.
He had every right to wonder if Ferguson would be given the financial backing to add more quality to the squad – and the United manager is set to do just that this summer.
He is expected to bring in the players that will help him produce his next great team – one to rival those of ’94, ’99 and 2008.
But whatever success he goes on to achieve – perhaps none will be more satisfying than what he has done over the past 12 months.
Manchester Evening News (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1422795_manchester-united-review-this-year-has-been-one-of-sir-alex-fergusons-best?rss=yes)
Apparently Redknapp wants to replace Modric with Joe Cole... :lol:
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 13:28
Dutch journo Marcel van der Kraan on Talksport says Sneijder 'really really keen' on move to Manchester, ideally United.
@stevebartram1 (https://twitter.com/stevebartram1/status/77697022148362240)
Van der Kraan says Sneijder fancies replacing Scholes but adds that wages may be stumbling block - expected £175k pw minimum.
@stevebartram1 (https://twitter.com/stevebartram1/status/77698528620724224)
Re Sneijder: "@talkSPORT: @stevebartram1 You can listen again here - bit.ly/lnIfH3”
@stevebartram1 (https://twitter.com/stevebartram1/status/77701265404067840)
If between Modric and Snejider who'd you guys rather have? I'd say Modric.
--
Sir Alex Ferguson claims pressure will force him to seek 20th title
• 'It's our time now,' says Manchester United manager
• 'The only thing you can do at this club is win,' he adds
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/4/24/1303636523396/Manchester-United-manager-007.jpg
The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, says it is his responsibility to deliver a 20th title.
After beating Liverpool's record title haul to claim a 19th championship, the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has claimed: "It was Liverpool's time in the 80s, it's our time now".
He also added that, such is the expectation on him and the club, that he would be aiming for a 20th title next season.
"There's a responsibility as the manager of Manchester United. It doesn't go away," he said. "I'm not going to take it easy because we won the title. Hopefully we'll be better next season. The only thing you can do at this club is win – that's all that matters.
"We have to carry on, there's nothing else you can do," he told Inside United magazine. "We have a responsibility and expectation to live up to and that carries on next season. As I've always said, Manchester United should accept a challenge. We're good at that and, next season, we'll accept anything that comes our way."
Speaking on the subject of title number 19, Ferguson said: "It's special. This is a particularly special one because it means we've won the title more than anyone in the country. It's history and it's great for the tradition of this club. The players have been great, I think they deserved it because there were a lot of great performances. I'm dismissing all that nonsense that it's not a great Manchester United team. It's a great feat winning this league. It was Liverpool's time in the 80s, it's our time now."
Ferguson did concede, however, that the season had not ended well after the defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final, adding that their loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final was also disappointing.
"We've come to Wembley twice and been beaten," he said. "But it has been a fantastic season, [even if] it has ended up on a disappointing note.
"There is good evidence that we are a consistently good European team. We've found a good way of playing in Europe. In some years, we've let ourselves down and not made finals but in general the consistency has been very good and that's come down to playing in Europe every season.
"But I think this Barcelona side is the best team we have ever played. They are at a tremendous peak in the cycle of their team – you get teams who elevate themselves to that status and I think Barcelona are that team. We were well beaten. There is no other way to address the situation.
"We were beaten by the better team, a fantastic team of course, but we expected to do better. It's as simple as that."
Ferguson promised that there would be new faces at Old Trafford in the summer, especially as the older members in the squad have either retired or are nearing it.
"I'm looking at possibly a couple, maybe three signings, which would boost our overall quality in the team," he said. "Of course, the way we're looking at it is we have Ryan Giggs coming towards the end of his career and Gary Neville's already retired. Edwin van der Sar announced his retirement and there are holes we want to plug in terms of the safety and security of the team in the next few years.
"We've got some excellent young players, many of whom have progressed this season but we've got some ideas in mind and hopefully we can get them put in place."
The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/06/sir-alex-ferguson-title)
Wise man, Sir Alex Ferguson.
--
EDIT:
How is this news:
http://f.cl.ly/items/2x0r3F0U0S3r1q1S2C07/hair.png
:lol:
Who'd you rather have between Nasri and Modric? I'm undecided.
Nasri, because he would be the cheaper option. Leaving more cash for other signings. But I think this is an agent thing, as soon as a player mentions United, his demands will be met and all the chatter will be lost in translation. :snicker
three3-times
06-06-2011, 14:01
I want modric above any other AMC in the world.......well gimme pastore too!!
Sneijder, No, nasri, No.
As for Ravel, sigh, he reminds me of my brother, he had all the talent but chose to be a wannabe gangster instead. I really really hope he fixes up as he is the best thing to come out of England since.....well.....wazza. he really is that talented. just the black side taints him!! (im black before you all start!!)
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 14:06
Manchester United star Paul Scholes the best of all time
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/793.$plit/C_71_article_1422811_image_list_image_list_item_0_ image.jpg?06%2F06%2F2011%2011%3A36%3A39%3A522
Paul Scholes scores a stunner against Barcelona
It was right at the start of the ’90s that I heard the name Paul Scholes for the first time. The football world and the media, this newspaper in particular, was waking up to the fact that something unusual and wonderful was taking shape at Manchester United.
A group of kids who were growing up together at Old Trafford were starting to make ripples. Some of them who were aged just 16 or 17 were already pushing for a place in Alex Ferguson’s first team.
So I took myself off to United’s old training centre, The Cliff in Salford, to have a chat with the Reds youth team coach Eric Harrison who watched over that talented bunch of youngsters like a mother hen.
Of course Eric was eager to sing the praises of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.
But Eric became even more animated when talking about the boy I had never heard of. That boy was Paul Scholes.
“You won’t believe this,” said Eric, “but Scholesy has got a fan club.
“Have you ever heard of a 17-year-old footballer with a fan club, because I haven’t.
“But scores of young girls turn up at The Cliff just to watch him training.
“He’s tiny, he’s got a mop of ginger hair and he suffers from asthma. But to those young girls he’s already a star. Of course Scholesy doesn’t take advantage of his stardom.
“He’s only interested in playing football. At least that’s what he tells me.
“What those young fans are seeing, I believe, is that they are watching the birth of a great career in professional football at the very highest level.
“And do you know what? I couldn’t agree with them more. The scrawny ginger haired kid I am talking about is going to become a superstar over the years ahead.”
Let’s wind the clock on 20 years to an interview with Thierry Henry broadcast by Sky Sports earlier this season.
The programme was filmed in New York where the brilliant French striker was giving the interviewer a grand tour of the Red Bulls Stadium where he now plays. The conversation turned to the days in the late ’90s and early 2000s when Arsenal and United comprehensively dominated the Premier League.
Henry was asked if he and his Arsenal team-mates feared any of United’s players. Roy Keane for his ferociousness perhaps, or maybe Ruud van Nistelrooy for his goal-scoring ability?
Henry’s reply was instant and revealing. “We respected all of United’s players,” he answered diplomatically. “But there was one United player we genuinely feared – and that player was Paul Scholes.
“Scholes had everything.
“We prided ourselves on our defence but he could split it open with one pass.
“He could score fantastic goals out of nothing and, although he was small in stature, to say he could take care of himself on the pitch is a massive under-statement.
“At his peak he was one of the greatest midfield players of his generation, not just in the English Premier League but right across Europe.”
Genius
So there it is. Two tributes to the ginger genius from north Manchester separated by two decades.
The first from his former youth team coach Harrison could be expected. Eric treated the members of that famous class of 1992 as though they were his adopted sons. But when you look again at that second tribute 20 years later from one of the world’s greatest strikers, there is only one conclusion to be reached.
That scrawny asthma-stricken kid, born in Salford but raised in Langley, was THE greatest English midfield player of his generation and arguably the greatest English midfielder of ALL time.
Why then was Scholes not showered with personal honours throughout his glittering career?
Why no PFA Player of the Year award? Why no Football Writers’ Player of the Year honour?
Those questions are difficult to answer. The only explanation I can come up with is that throughout his career Scholes preferred to keep himself under the radar.
He never sought publicity. Quite the reverse.
He was dynamic on the field but purposely anonymous off it. To him giving an interview to the press was the equivalent of having your teeth pulled out with pliers – without the anaesthetic.
Had he been more media-friendly he would certainly have banked extra millions during his career from sponsorships and various TV advertising campaigns.
All right, he didn’t have the film star looks of a Beckham or a Jamie Redknapp, but that hasn’t stopped Peter Crouch making a fortune outside the game has it?
And he’s twice the size but half the talent of Scholes, that’s for sure. But that was the Ginger Prince wasn’t it?
Turn in a match-winning performance, take a shower, get dressed and then it’s off home to take the wife and kids to the pictures.
A man who somehow managed to live a normal life in an abnormal profession.
United have granted Scholes a testimonial match later this year to celebrate his extraordinary career.
If the organisers of that match haven’t yet fixed up an opposing team for Scholes’s testimonial I would urge them to look no further than United’s ‘noisy neighbours’ from Eastlands. For almost two decades now my fellow Blue Mooners have ‘hated’ the little ginger haired midfield genius from Old Trafford.
But I’m sure I’m speaking for every true City supporter by saying that if Scholes had been wearing the sky blue shirt instead of a red one throughout those years he would have been idolised.
The Eastlands congregation would flock to Old Trafford in their thousands to say a last goodbye to one of football’s true greats.
A fellow Mancunian who reached the very peak of his profession with the minimum of fuss and the absence of publicity.
We will not see the likes of him again, more’s the pity.
Manchester Evening News (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1422811_paul-hince-manchester-united-star-paul-scholes-the-best-of-all-time-?rss=yes)
I want modric above any other AMC in the world.......well gimme pastore too!!
Sneijder, No, nasri, No.
As for Ravel, sigh, he reminds me of my brother, he had all the talent but chose to be a wannabe gangster instead. I really really hope he fixes up as he is the best thing to come out of England since.....well.....wazza. he really is that talented. just the black side taints him!! (im black before you all start!!)
Sneijder is class... Top class. I would not take him over Modric (he is a better player, but modric will work better for us IMO), but if we can't get modric, Sneijder will do just fine.
Nasri is overrated and flashy IMO... but so is arsenal ;)
Tutankhamun
06-06-2011, 23:56
Javier Hernandez is going nowhere: Sir Alex Ferguson to rebuff Jose Mourinho's advances
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Jose Mourinho that no amount of money will persuade him to sell Javier Hernandez to Real Madrid.
It is understood that Mourinho is so keen to take Manchester United’s goalscoring sensation to Spain that he has personally told his friend and rival Ferguson to name his price.
However, such has been the 23-year-old Mexican’s impact at Old Trafford in his debut season that Ferguson has instructed his board to dismiss any offer from a club that has developed a habit over the last decade of coveting United’s best players.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/06/article-1394963-0C504C8D00000578-209_634x379.jpg
In demand: Javier Hernandez (left) had a sensational first season at United
With Hernandez scoring 20 times during a campaign that ended with a starting berth in the Champions League Final against Barcelona at Wembley, it is no surprise that Europe’s biggest clubs are looking at a player who signed for United on relatively modest £40,000-a-week terms last summer.
It is understood that Mourinho told Ferguson he could have the likes of French forward Karim Benzema - a player the United boss has bid for in the past - or Argentinean striker Gonzalo Higuain in part-exchange for Hernandez.
Ferguson knocked the offers back flat, though, and it is likely now that United will attempt to offer Hernandez a pay hike reflective of his increased standing in the game, even though the Mexican is only a year in to his contract at Old Trafford.
As well as his stunning impact on the field, Hernandez is also proving a remarkably effective marketing tool for United. This is something else that attracts Madrid, given the signficant Latin-American contingent that follow the club.
Shirts carrying Hernandez’s nickname ‘Chicharito’ have sold more than any other in United stores around the world over the last nine months, while he is understandably doing much for the club’s profile in Central America.
Sources at United have indicated that they see the striker’s profile increasing still further in recent years while Ferguson himself simply believes that his partnership with Wayne Rooney can form the basis of his team’s attacking thrust for the years to come.
Meanwhile, so impressed has Ferguson been with Hernandez that he si also showing interest in another player from his former club Chiva, 18-year-old forward Erick Torres.
The teenager has just finished his debut season in Mexico, scoring six goals in 20 game.
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1394963/Javier-Hernandez-going-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-rebuff-Jose-Mourinhos-advances.html?ITO=1490)
How the hell does Madrid think they are?
If we would have known that we could have either benzema or higuian for hernandez 12 months ago, we would have laughed at it...
Now we fear such a trade... brilliant stuff little pea :D
Meanwhile...
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01323/Rooney_500_1323311a.jpg
Edit: Stupid attachments...
Since Ferguson did not spend on an attacking player last transfer windows, it makes me think there is a player that he has his eye on and will sign this summer.
I certainly don't think Nasri is overrated but I do think this season was his coming of age. If Nasri leaving means we could get someone like Mario Gotze, I wouldn't mind to be honest.
If we would have known that we could have either benzema or higuian for hernandez 12 months ago, we would have laughed at it...
Now we fear such a trade... brilliant stuff little pea :D
Meanwhile...
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01323/Rooney_500_1323311a.jpg
Edit: Stupid attachments...
is that the wig he got from that Granny he ****ed ???
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 08:05
MANCHESTER UNITED GRAB £20M ASHLEY YOUNG
MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of landing England ace Ashley Young from Aston Villa in a near-£20m deal.
Aston Villa have reluctantly allowed ambitious winger Ashley Young to move on in his quest to play regular Champions League football.
The deal for the forward, who has only one more year on his Villa Park contract, will be sealed in the next 48 hours.
Young, 25 – whose value has more than doubled since he moved to the Midlands from Watford in January 2007 – has agreed a four-year contract.
He scored 39 goals in 193 games for Villa and has netted twice in 15 England appearances, the latest being the equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland.
Young’s arrival is part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s plan to go for yet another League title.
Having moved ahead of Liverpool with this season’s 19th crown, he wants to increase the gap.
Fergie said: “This is a particularly special one as it means we’ve won the title more than anyone. It’s history and great for the club. It was Liverpool’s time in the 80s, it’s our time now.”
Fergie is also close to a deal for Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea.
Daily Star (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/194786/Manchester-United-grab-20m-Ashley-Young/)
£20m sounds like a lot for Young.
three3-times
06-07-2011, 09:01
daily star?
worse paper ever
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 09:25
daily star?
worse paper ever
It's all over the press now:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2000143/Ashley-Young-set-complete-Manchester-United.html?ITO=1490
Everyone is reporting a different price though so we'll see what the actual price really is.
Meanwhile...
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01323/Rooney_500_1323311a.jpg
Wonder how many PL players are trying to get her number.
Daily Star (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/194786/Manchester-United-grab-20m-Ashley-Young/)
£20m sounds like a lot for Young.
£20m would just be crazy, considering he could talk to other clubs in January and leave next summer for nowt. £10m should be the maximum. If United held out till January, they might even get him for £4-5m.
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 11:51
£20m would just be crazy, considering he could talk to other clubs in January and leave next summer for nowt. £10m should be the maximum. If United held out till January, they might even get him for £4-5m.
I guess the price has been driven up by Liverpool's interest. I'll say this though if we spend £20m on him it shows we're prepared to spend money this summer. Also wouldn't worry about him leaving after being bought rumors have it he has agreed to a 4-year contract with Man Utd.
---
De Gea delays decision
United target to wait till after U21 tournament to confirm future
http://img.skysports.com/11/05/660x350/David-De-Gea-Atletico-Madrid-goalkeeper_2601875.jpg
De Gea: Preparing for game against England U21's
David de Gea is determined to focus on the European Under-21 Championship before deciding whether to join Manchester United.
The Premier League champions have identified the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper as Edwin van der Sar's successor and have confirmed they are deep in negotiations with his club.
On Tuesday some Spanish papers reported that United have agreed to pay Atletico a fee of €21million (£18.8m) to secure De Gea's services.
But while the 20-year-old keeper has admitted he wants to play at the highest level, he insists he will not discuss his future with the media until after the Under-21 tournament in Denmark.
De Gea, who has made eight appearances for the U21's and is yet to win a full cap, is currently preparing for Sunday's opener against England.
And speaking from Spain's training camp, he said: "I will only speak about my future after the end of the Euro Under-21s.
Ambition
"Right now my challenge is to help the Spain team, but generally my desire is to play at the top and to improve day to day."
At the end of last month, De Gea's lawyer denied that the promising keeper has already agreed to join United and said he would not consider any offers until the end of June.
De Gea helped Spain's U17 team win the 2007 European Championship and finish second at the 2007 World Cup.
He made his Atletico debut in September 2009 aged 18 and has already racked up 84 first-team games for the Spanish side, who finished seventh last season.
Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6969205,00.html)
A lot of reports coming in he has agreed a contract and we have agreed to pay around £18m to Atletico Madrid and that the signing will be announced later this month.
I do hope we get sneijder...i'd throw alot more sickies to watch him play...as for nasri, he's had a good half a season, but i just don't think he's united material...ive been a united season ticket holder since 1991 and from the players ive watched over the years, nasri wouldn't be my first choice.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 17:16
Javier Hernandez: I'll keep scoring for Manchester United to repay Sir Alex Ferguson
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/644.$plit/C_71_article_1422854_image_list_image_list_item_0_ image.jpg?07%2F06%2F2011%2007%3A51%3A56%3A137
Javier Hernandez’s debt to Sir Alex Ferguson and United will spur him on to greater things. The Mexican striker was an unknown to Reds fans 12 months ago following his late- season signing from Chivas in Guadalajara for £8m.
The first glimpse his new supporters got was against England as a second-half substitute in a World Cup Wembley warm-up.
He then gave United fans a taste of things to come impressing in South Africa.
A year on and – after a sensational 20 goals in 45 appearances in his Old Trafford debut term that helped secure the record 19th League title – he is still at it for Mexico.
He scored his first senior international hat trick against El Salvador last weekend in the Gold Cup in America.
And the 22-year-old has vowed to keep winning titles for the Reds.
“I’m not a symbol or an idol, or anything like that. Football is not a sport like golf but a team game,” said Chicharito.
“I am very motivated after a great season with Manchester United.
“From now on I’ll owe a great debt to Sir Alex Ferguson for bringing me to Europe. My dream continues and has not changed.
“I want to win many titles to give back to the team that opened the doors for me.”
Hernandez’s next Gold Cup match is against Cuba in Charlotte at the Bank of America Stadium on Thursday.
Manchester Evening News (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1422854_javier-hernandez-ill-keep-scoring-for-manchester-united-to-repay-sir-alex-ferguson?rss=yes)
Viva Hernandez!
I do hope we get sneijder...i'd throw alot more sickies to watch him play...as for nasri, he's had a good half a season, but i just don't think he's united material...ive been a united season ticket holder since 1991 and from the players ive watched over the years, nasri wouldn't be my first choice.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Good to see you've stopped using the tampons. :snicker
Would be an amazing balls up if United are after Sneijder, Madrid were almost chucking him at United during the Ronaldo saga. And looking at the wages he's supposed to be seeking.... next.
Still think Nasri and his agent are just playing games with the Arsenal board, but he would be the cheapest option to both Modric and Sneijder. And United being the paupers they are(just ask any City fan), money will be the deciding factor.
So they'll end up signing Charlie Adam, instead of all the above. 8-)
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 17:25
I think it will be Modric, thats been my feeling all along.
I think it will be Modric, thats been my feeling all along.
Looking less likely.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6969693,00.html
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 17:33
Looking less likely.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6969693,00.html
Meh what does he know :p Been articles about Spurs being willing to sell so I guess it's square one. Were spending this summer, don't rule out a £35m bid for Modric.
Metal Warrior
06-07-2011, 17:39
Well, his loss really. Modric is, what, 25 now? At Tottenham he's looking at Europa League football and another season of struggling to get into the top 4. He needs to move, he needs to go someplace where he can win things and play in the Champions League consistently. He's just stalling his own career if he stays with Spurs. If we're interested, which I imagine we are, he should think really hard before turning us down.
Good to see you've stopped using the tampons. :snicker
Would be an amazing balls up if United are after Sneijder, Madrid were almost chucking him at United during the Ronaldo saga. And looking at the wages he's supposed to be seeking.... next.
Still think Nasri and his agent are just playing games with the Arsenal board, but he would be the cheapest option to both Modric and Sneijder. And United being the paupers they are(just ask any City fan), money will be the deciding factor.
So they'll end up signing Charlie Adam, instead of all the above. 8-)
lol. sneijder is EXACTLY the player united should sign...there can be no doubt. redknapp certainly isn't up for selling modric, as confirmed by redknapp himself on sky sports news hd about 30 minutes ago...i believe him, despite our transaction history with spurs...
I'll laugh my tits off if we sign nasri tho...and very dissapointed. some players are so massively overvalued...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using o.j. simpsons eyebrows...
Tutankhamun
06-07-2011, 21:02
Oliver Holt is a c*nt, that is all.
desolationw
06-07-2011, 22:47
£20m would just be crazy, considering he could talk to other clubs in January and leave next summer for nowt. £10m should be the maximum. If United held out till January, they might even get him for £4-5m.
£4 or £5m, what are you smoking?
It'll be at least £15m whether he is sold now, jan or even next summer, you're forgetting english players are currently 'worth' twice their real valuation.
£4 or £5m, what are you smoking?
It'll be at least £15m whether he is sold now, jan or even next summer, you're forgetting english players are currently 'worth' twice their real valuation.
I'm smoking Bosman.
Young can talk to clubs in January and leave in the summer for nothing, and because he's over 24 Villa would get diddly squat. So £4 - 5 million in January would be better than nowt.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 09:45
The problem buying in January is that prices usually get inflated and that during the start of the season till January you may not stay competitive if the piece you need is just sitting at another club waiting to run down the months on his contract. I think Fergie feels he needs Young from the start of the season and that's why he is concluding this deal now and for that price.
three3-times
06-08-2011, 11:18
Oliver Holt is a c*nt, that is all.
yes he is.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 12:02
Wedding could postpone Ashley Young's move to Manchester United
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/486.$plit/C_71_article_1423016_image_list_image_list_item_0_ image.jpg?08%2F06%2F2011%2008%3A47%3A21%3A150
Manchester United may have to put their move for Ashley Young on hold – until after his wedding day.
Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to wrap up a £15m deal for the England forward as soon as possible as he begins his summer rebuilding plans.
But Young is due to get married in Hertfordshire this weekend, which could see his switch to Old Trafford temporarily postponed.
The 25-year-old only has 12 months left on his contract and Villa are resigned to losing their star asset.
United tried to sign him during the January transfer window, only to be rebuffed.
But Ferguson was determined to go back in for the former Watford star this summer and looks to have beaten off the challenge of Liverpool for his signature.
But Kenny Dalglish has pipped his old rival to another long-term United target in Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool have agreed a fee in the region of £20m for the 20-year-old, who Ferguson has monitored over the past 12 months.
But with the United manager set to embark on his busiest summer since 2007, with Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric, Jack Rodwell and David de Gea also on his wanted list, Henderson was not considered a high enough priority to join in a bidding war.
The England international will undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with the Merseysiders today.
A statement from Sunderland said: "A fee has been agreed with Liverpool for Jordan Henderson and he travels to Anfield today with the club's blessing."
Manchester Evening News (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1423016_wedding-could-postpone-ashley-youngs-move-to-manchester-united?rss=yes)
£15m is a better price.
The problem buying in January is that prices usually get inflated and that during the start of the season till January you may not stay competitive if the piece you need is just sitting at another club waiting to run down the months on his contract. I think Fergie feels he needs Young from the start of the season and that's why he is concluding this deal now and for that price.
He is getting Young to replace Nani, who is off to Inter as part of the deal for Sneijder.
That is my rumour, due to the lack of good rumours going about. :snicker
The price is only inflated if the player has a long contract. Hence the £20m for Modric is pie in the sky, it would probably cost that just to pay his contract off and then add in the transfer fee.
Remember the Rooney contract issues, City were trying to get him for 5 quid, as he was coming into his final 18 months and if Rooney had waited until he was in his final year, in theory he could have paid United peanuts to leave before his contract expired. Contracts are meaningless, the shorter they get.
Why is Oiliver Holt a cant?
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 12:49
yeah if a player wants to leave and they have less than a year on their contract then if you cant persuade them to stay then at the end they could leave for nothing, so you get what you can. or the other club can offer them a contract before his is up and then when it finishes just move across.
its also a reason you get like 4 year contracts on your best players. because even if there isnt interest this year, if he has a good season there will be interest (look a modric) and if he has like 3 years of contract left. then going to have to pay for him.
Jones set for United switch
Sir Alex pulls transfer out of the bag despite strong Liverpool interest
http://img.skysports.com/10/12/660x350/Blackburn-Rovers-Phil-Jones1_2542637.jpg Jones: Set for Old Trafford switch
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 (http://topics.skysports.com/arsenal/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif and Liverpool (http://topics.skysports.com/liverpool/?section=football)http://static.lingospot.com/spot/image/spacer.gif 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, could be 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 lucrative 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.
More to follow...
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6970750,00.html
Dont see nothing on sky yet about this.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 12:53
He is getting Young to replace Nani, who is off to Inter as part of the deal for Sneijder.
That is my rumour, due to the lack of good rumours going about. :snicker
The price is only inflated if the player has a long contract. Hence the £20m for Modric is pie in the sky, it would probably cost that just to pay his contract off and then add in the transfer fee.
Remember the Rooney contract issues, City were trying to get him for 5 quid, as he was coming into his final 18 months and if Rooney had waited until he was in his final year, in theory he could have paid United peanuts to leave before his contract expired. Contracts are meaningless, the shorter they get.
Why is Oiliver Holt a cant?
But also see what Chelsea paid for Torres in January, think he would have gone for £50m in the summer? I don't think so.
Holt published DM's he got from Rio in an article and dragged up the 100 year old issue with Rio missing a drug test, he was just acting like a clown on Twitter yesterday check his timeline.
As for Rooney, if we were ever going to sell him I couldn't see us doing it for under £80m no matter if he only had a month left on the contract.
---
Jones set for United switch
Sir Alex pulls transfer out of the bag despite strong Liverpool interest
http://img.skysports.com/10/12/660x350/Blackburn-Rovers-Phil-Jones1_2542637.jpg
Jones: Set for Old Trafford switch
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.
More to follow...
Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6970750,00.html)
Damn.
EDIT: Sorry mankind, I think we posted that the same second!
--
Rumours are true: Phil Jones joining #MUFC from #BWFC for £16m. United beaten off interest from #LFC and #AFC
@dtguardian (https://twitter.com/dtguardian/status/78429670260998145)
Quite the fee, how much money do we have to spend this summer?
Its confirmed on sky sports news tv
santinomarella
06-08-2011, 13:09
Ooooo how exciting. Good idea signing him (assuming he passes medical) before the U21 tournament, if he played very well in it, could have made him more expensive.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 13:11
As for Rooney, if we were ever going to sell him I couldn't see us doing it for under £80m no matter if he only had a month left on the contract.
yeah but if he was going to leave for free a month after, then you would get what you could ? no.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 13:15
yeah but if he was going to leave for free a month after, then you would get what you could ? no.
I'd let him walk for free, especially if it was to City no way I'd touch there money with a ten foot pole.
---
#mufc interest in Jones dates back 18 months, but Fergie wanted to wait til next summer. Lpool move has forced their hand.
@mogdentelegraph (https://twitter.com/mogdentelegraph/status/78431096282415104)
But also see what Chelsea paid for Torres in January, think he would have gone for £50m in the summer? I don't think so.
Holt published DM's he got from Rio in an article and dragged up the 100 year old issue with Rio missing a drug test, he was just acting like a clown on Twitter yesterday check his timeline.
As for Rooney, if we were ever going to sell him I couldn't see us doing it for under £80m no matter if he only had a month left on the contract.
Torres had a long contract and Liverpool didn't need to sell, so forced the price up. Wasn't Torres supposed to have joined Chelsea last summer for £65m?
You would never get £80m for a player, if he's only got a year left on his contract, unless it was Messi. No club or player would be daft enough to let that happen, player waits out his final year, gets a massive pay packet and add-ons due to the lack of a transfer fee. Just like
Bit of surprise in getting Jones, Chelsea were supposed to be odds on to get him. And he was excellent against United at the end of this sesason.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 13:22
I'd let him walk for free, especially if it was to City no way I'd touch there money with a ten foot pole.
why ???? nothing wrong with cities money. its the spoils of the oil trade.
no different to cheap ****ty manufactured food.
manutdfan
06-08-2011, 13:24
Phil Jones would be a good signing. Good young English prospect, keeping in line with Uniteds policies.
three3-times
06-08-2011, 13:24
We signed phil jones - wtf!! Wow!!
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 13:24
why ???? nothing wrong with cities money. its the spoils of the oil trade.
no different to cheap ****ty manufactured food.
There's a lot of things wrong with the oil business but that's not why, I'd never sell to a team in direct competition of the league no matter what.
At this stage, looks like no Utd players going as part of Jones deal. £16m escape clause met.
@mogdentelegraph (https://twitter.com/mogdentelegraph/status/78431096282415104)
three3-times
06-08-2011, 13:50
he can play as DM as well apparently. I hope this hasn't taken away from our budget for our big problem - central midfield.
Jones, 19, held talks with manager Steve Kean at Blackburn (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/)’s Brockhall training ground on Monday morning, during which he admitted his determination to consider opportunities to play for a bigger club.
And it is understood United (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/) have moved quickly to sign the England Under-21 international amid firm interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/). Jones is currently undergoing a medical test at Old Trafford before completing his move.
United’s interest dates back more than 12 months and Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to senior figures at Ewood Park that he was hugely impressed by Jones during the 0-0 draw between the two clubs in April 2010.
Ferguson has been keen to identify a central defender to become a long-term partner for Chris Smalling at Old Trafford due to underlying concerns over Rio Ferdinand’s ability to avoid further injury.
While both Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were prepared to wait a further 12 months before making a move for Jones, Liverpool’s firm interest this summer has apparently forced United to move now in order to avoid missing out on the player.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 14:58
I hope Young isn't the only offensive signing we'll make though, don't want Fergie putting all the money on defense when that's not where we need to improve right now (besides a GK).
I hope Young isn't the only offensive signing we'll make though, don't want Fergie putting all the money on defense when that's not where we need to improve right now (besides a GK).
De Gea is making odd comments, considering a deal is supposedly done.
DAVID DE GEA has played down his proposed £18.3million move to Manchester United.
The Atletico Madrid keeper is with the Spain squad preparing for the European Under-21 Championship which kicks off in Denmark on Saturday.
When asked about a possible transfer to Old Trafford, De Gea said: "Until the Euros are finished and things calm down a bit, I don't know anything.
"I don't know what goalkeepers Alex Ferguson likes. I'm just a normal goalkeeper, a discrete one.
"Being Atletico's goalkeeper is completely different to being United's and I'm not quite sure what he's looking for."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3625303/David-de-Gea-plays-down-his-move-to-Manchester-United.html
I know its the scum, but quotes are quotes.
I'd expect more signings, this Jones deal will be the first of a few. Funny how one deal(Henderson) can spark the market off.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 15:23
I wouldn't worry about De Gea, rumors floating around Twitter is that the signing will be completed after his international games he's just trying to take focus away from those right now.
I wouldn't worry about De Gea, rumors floating around Twitter is that the signing will be completed after his international games he's just trying to take focus away from those right now.
Hope you're right, I'd hate Fergie to be on the phone to VDS at the start of August. :snicker
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 15:40
There's a lot of things wrong with the oil business but that's not why, I'd never sell to a team in direct competition of the league no matter what.
o all right fair enough. that makes sense. thought it was something about the money itself.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 15:58
If Young does sign, is that the end of Nani? I can't see us letting Valencia go.
It might be, depends on how were going to play Young. I hope Nani stays though.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 16:43
on the de gea, i think its like language barrier. he probably was just saying he has no comments to make atm, or he has to keep it private and not reveal it to the press. also nothing wrong with staying focused on the football.
three3-times
06-08-2011, 16:50
do we think Jones was always on our radar or was we forced by the interest in him?
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 17:11
do we think Jones was always on our radar or was we forced by the interest in him?
Mark Odgen confirmired this was the case (see prevoius page) we wanted to buy him next season.
---
Phil Jones will seal 5 year deal with Man Utd in next hour.
@danroan (http://twitter.com/danroan/status/78491943398682624)
Exciting times.
---
Sky: Sunderland bid for three #mufc players - Brown, Gibson and one more unnamed player
@DoronSalomon (http://twitter.com/DoronSalomon/status/78492360509632513)
5:04
News: Skysports.com understands that Sunderland have launched a triple bid for Manchester United's Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Darron Gibson. Stay tuned for more on this shortly...
I guess they're looking to reinvest that Henderson money asap. How do you feel about losing any of those? Can't imagine you'd be too opposed to see Gibson out the door haha.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 17:29
I guess they're looking to reinvest that Henderson money asap. How do you feel about losing any of those? Can't imagine you'd be too opposed to see Gibson out the door haha.
It's a lot of experience between Brown and O'Shea, I'd let both Brown and Gibson go but I would consider keeping O'Shea. We'll see how SAF sees it. The thing is O'Shea may not get many games if we sign Jones considering we have the twins, Rio, Vidic, Evans and Smalling in the first team.
So is this Jones any good? First I've heard of him.
If you get money from Sunderland, I'd be disappointed in knowing that we pretty much funded your hijacking of our Jones deal haha.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 17:36
I will say this regarding the Sunderland bid, £12m is far too little for those three players. If that's the bid we should reject it or negotiate a better price (unless we're getting a player as well).
TommyFewty
06-08-2011, 18:05
Jones is a better player than Smalling was at Fulham by a fair whack and look how hes turned out. Bit gutted he didnt stay and get another season or two of regular football but its up to him. Hope he rots at Utd, sod moving to you instead of us lol.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 18:16
I will say this regarding the Sunderland bid, £12m is far too little for those three players. If that's the bid we should reject it or negotiate a better price (unless we're getting a player as well).
its really not im afraid. nobody else is going to pay any real money for them. you want to offload at least one of them because no point having too big a squad and think you can only register 25 over 21's in a team anyway, so no point having those players on all those wages just sitting in the reserves. also doubt it will be oshea in that treble. will be gibson and brown and then like a kid. also the third player may be a loan job.
the smaller clubs really dont have that kind of cash to throw around. the only reason sunderland have 12 mil to play with is the money from the bent to villa deal.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 18:19
its really not im afraid. nobody else is going to pay any real money for them. you want to offload at least one of them because no point having too big a squad and think you can only register 25 over 21's in a team anyway, so no point having those players on all those wages just sitting in the reserves. also doubt it will be oshea in that treble. will be gibson and brown and then like a kid. also the third player may be a loan job.
It works out to £4m for each player, isn't that a little low? Brown I can see going for £4m but Gibson is still young so £6-7m for him would take £7m for O'Shea.
And they are not getting a young player for £4m they can forget about that.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 18:31
as i said i dont think o shea is in the 3 (if he is then yeah a little low) and brown is 4-5 mil, and gibson is about 5 mil.
what sunderland need is strikers. which is why i think the last one will be a youngster who plays up front. and could be a loan. the deal isnt necessarily transfer of all of them.
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 18:37
Think some Sky reporter said on Twitter it was O'Shea (don't quote me on that though). I guess it makes sense if we want to clear space in the squad and clear wages. Loan could make sense but I don't know if we have any striker to loan out, Welbeck is playing next season and King has gone on loan already. Maybe Macheda perhaps.
Nice to see people calling City's money dirty!
Dirty or not, we've got ****ing loads of it and we're not going anywhere anytime soon!
WHO ARE WE! BLUE ARMY!
WE ARE ****ING LOADED, WE ARE ****ING LOADED, NA NA NA NAAAAAA NA NA NA NAAAAAAA!
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 18:42
Nice to see people calling City's money dirty!
Dirty or not, we've got ****ing loads of it and we're not going anywhere anytime soon!
WHO ARE WE! BLUE ARMY!
WE ARE ****ING LOADED, WE ARE ****ING LOADED, NA NA NA NAAAAAA NA NA NA NAAAAAAA!
Who said City's money was dirty? I said there's lots of things wrong with the oil business that has nothing to do with the money being dirty or not.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 18:43
o ok thought o shea was just guessing.
and Sunderland REALLY need strikers. doesn't seem to make sense to buy 2 defenders and a more holding style central midfielder, when you need strikers. when you are working to a budget you need to prioritise. yeah all 3 would most likely be first team starters, but they are fairly strong in defence they just cant score. unless they have somebody else lined up on the cheap and can afford to get those 3 players that would certainly be an excellent addition to the squad.
Nice to see people calling City's money dirty!
Dirty or not, we've got ****ing loads of it and we're not going anywhere anytime soon!
WHO ARE WE! BLUE ARMY!
WE ARE ****ING LOADED, WE ARE ****ING LOADED, NA NA NA NAAAAAA NA NA NA NAAAAAAA!
Look forward to tangling with city again next season..bring it on...
City & United tangle at Wembley in August.
Can United shake there Wembley demons?
City & United tangle at Wembley in August.
Can United shake there Wembley demons?
StaticAge
06-08-2011, 19:57
Manchester United announced the signing of Jones
Manchester United confirmed the signing from Blackburn defender Phil - Jones.
Phil - summer of 2011, Jones became the first player to join Manchester United, Red Devils successfully obtained from the England Blackburn defender.
Club on June 8 issued a statement confirming the transfer of the message:
"Manchester United is pleased to announced that it has reached an agreement with Blackburn, Phil - Jones signed a five-year contract, did not disclose the transfer fee."
"The players have agreed personal terms with Manchester United, who today passed a medical in Manchester."
Jones, 19-year-old Blackburn Rovers player trained in youth development, in January 2009 he became a professional player, 2 months later, he was the League Cup against Nottingham Forest completed the first team debut, he was a total battle on behalf of Blackburn 40.
The strong defender is also capable midfield, he was 6 England U21 national team into battle. On Sunday he will attend the European Youth held in Denmark match, Manchester United also Clay Village, Smolin and Virginia Baker and others in Pierce array.
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.manunited.com.cn%2Fzh-cn%2FNewsAndFeatures%2FFootballNews%2F2011%2FJun%2 FReds-announce-Jones-deal.aspx&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 20:05
First confirmed signing of the season then, are we all happy with that?
As @JamieDalton82 has outed this i may as well add my two bob now. Arsenal had nid accepted for jones, spoke to him last night and...
@mattlawexpress (https://twitter.com/mattlawexpress/status/78535595323953152)
Were prepared to offer bigger wages than utd. Jones chose utd cause of n west connection and footballing reasons. Wenger did all he could
@mattlawexpress (https://twitter.com/mattlawexpress/status/78535950933831681)
I am happy with jones. Any idea how much we spent on him? Our defense is going to look sick in the future though.
Rafeal - Smalling - Jones - Fabio
Nice to see people calling City's money dirty!
Dirty or not, we've got ****ing loads of it and we're not going anywhere anytime soon!
WHO ARE WE! BLUE ARMY!
WE ARE ****ING LOADED, WE ARE ****ING LOADED, NA NA NA NAAAAAA NA NA NA NAAAAAAA!
Lol... You guys will suck hard next year without tevez...
Na na na na na
;)
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 20:10
I believe we paid £16m for Jones. A fair fee, wonder how much we have to spend?
16m is a bit high tbh, jones may be worth it someday, but we really don't need him now. Hopefully we make that money back selling some other players... Young, De gea, Jones is not enough players, we need at least one central midfielder.
Is that honestly 'value'.
I ask again. What has made the 'value' come back in the eyes of Fergie this season. Is it because the chips are down and all your players have retired?
Tutankhamun
06-08-2011, 21:01
16m is a bit high tbh, jones may be worth it someday, but we really don't need him now. Hopefully we make that money back selling some other players... Young, De gea, Jones is not enough players, we need at least one central midfielder.
SAF just needed to act now or lose him to Liverpool or Arsenal, sometimes, I guess, you are forced to act. But I agree, I don't want us blowing all our cash when the biggest need hasn't been addressed.
Is that honestly 'value'.
I ask again. What has made the 'value' come back in the eyes of Fergie this season. Is it because the chips are down and all your players have retired?
Value is in the eye of the shopper, in this case, SAF may have felt value in the market last season wasn't there because he (as a shopper) didn't see a piece he wanted badly enough. This summer, that may have changed and therefor he may see value in the market even though third-party observers (us) don't see adjusted prices in the market.
tl;dr Value is based on your need of the products being sold.
squirrelbo1
06-08-2011, 21:05
Is that honestly 'value'.
I ask again. What has made the 'value' come back in the eyes of Fergie this season. Is it because the chips are down and all your players have retired?
:lol::lol:
SAF just needed to act now or lose him to Liverpool or Arsenal, sometimes, I guess, you are forced to act. But I agree, I don't want us blowing all our cash when the biggest need hasn't been addressed.
Value is in the eye of the shopper, in this case, SAF may have felt value in the market last season wasn't there because he (as a shopper) didn't see a piece he wanted badly enough. This summer, that may have changed and therefor he may there's now value in the market even though third-party observers (us) don't see adjusted prices in the market.
tl;dr Value is based on your need of the products being sold.
a very articulate responce. +rep
apperntly I cant. havent repped you in ageeeesss though. maybe im just being tight with my rep.
:lol::lol:
a very articulate responce. +rep
apperntly I cant. havent repped you in ageeeesss though. maybe im just being tight with my rep.
You lolling at my honesty?
A lot of people including myself got sick and tired of Fergie's 'no value' rant last year. United cried out for young players, for creative players and they passed by the likes of Silva & VDV.