Manchester United Fan Club [Archive] - Page 5?login=1 - ThisisBigBrother.com

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 11:30 AM

Hodgson might gamble on Man Utd striker Welbeck

England coach Roy Hodgson has indicated he may be prepared to make an exception to his plan not to take injured players to Euro 2012 in order to squeeze Danny Welbeck into his squad.

The Manchester United forward has not played a competitive match since April 30, when he sustained an ankle injury in a challenge with Nigel de Jong during the key Barclays Premier League defeat to Manchester City.

Hodgson said: "We didn't want to take anyone who wasn't 100%. But given the shortage of front players we have and the fact Wayne Rooney can't play until the third game, if we are going to make any allowances whatsoever, it would be for a forward."

Welbeck carried on having intensive treatment after the domestic campaign drew to a close but has still only been able to do light training sessions and has no chance of being involved in England's friendly with Norway on Saturday.

Hodgson has previously stated his preference not to select injured players for the finals in Poland and Ukraine this summer and he does have Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge on standby in case Welbeck fails to make it.

However, Hodgson has now suggested he may be willing to bend his own rules, even though there is a long list of England managers who have picked players for major tournaments despite fitness doubts and been forced to regret it.

"Danny's injury has cleared up less quickly than we would have hoped," he said. "I fully expect to name him in the squad but on the other hand, it could be that he might still not be capable of taking part in all the training sessions next week. But the doctor Ian Beasley is telling me he doesn't think there is a major problem."

The news surrounding Scott Parker and Glen Johnson is more optimistic. Parker has shown no ill effects from the injection he had in his Achilles injury last week, while Johnson's toe problem is being described as "an irritant" by the new England boss.

Like Welbeck, Johnson will not be involved on Saturday. Parker will though, in a team captained by Steven Gerrard and including Robert Green in goal, his first cap since that disastrous mistake against the United States during the opening World Cup game in South Africa two years ago.

Leighton Baines and Phil Jones will occupy the full-back berths, while Liverpool striker Andy Carroll gets a berth, further recognition for his superb performances in the latter weeks of the campaign.

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 01:58 PM

"He Wants to play at Manchester United . Not for money." -Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke on Shinji Kagawa.

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 02:00 PM

Hans-Joachim Watzke (Dortmund CEO) talking about the potential Kagawa deal: "Both sides have a desire to conclude the deal". #MUFC

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 02:03 PM

German paper reporting about the Kagawa story.

http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/startseite/569743/artikel_kagawa-steht-vor-der-unterschrift.html

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 04:10 PM

United is world's most popular FC

New international survey finds 19-times English champions have 659 million followers

The largest global football follower survey ever conducted has today named Manchester United the world’s most popular club, with 659 million followers worldwide.

The survey was carried out by leading market research agency, Kantar, and gathered 54,000 respondents from 39 countries. The club that Forbes recently named the most valuable in world sport was identified as the favourite team of 659 million followers around the world. Kantar found that football remains the world’s most popular sport, with 1.6 billion followers globally, reinforcing the results of a recent FIFA survey which produced a similar figure.

Richard Arnold, the club's Commercial Director, commented on the long-term strategy that has made Manchester United the number one club in the world’s number one sport:

"Manchester United has built on a tradition of iconic players, iconic teams and iconic achievements – Beckham, Busby, Benfica ’68. Now our games are broadcast to 1.15 billion households globally, to an audience of over four billion a year.

Manchester United resonates with followers all over the world, and it’s their passion and support that means year after year we can continue doing what matters most to everyone at the club: playing attacking football and competing for trophies.

"The growth in our followers since 2007 correlates with what we have seen as we have rolled out our new approach to reaching fans. From the increase in TV viewership from two to four billion last season, to the demand from millions of media subscribers in 72 countries through our media partnerships, to the way the footage of Wayne’s overhead kick echoed around the world on social media, we can see that the connections to the club are growing exponentially.

"With the DHL Champ19ns Trophy tour we have seen that passion from our community of followers face to face in 38 cities across the globe, and there does not seem to be a beach or street in the world where you do not see the Aon and Nike shirt.

"This survey shows that our family of followers is going from strength to strength."

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 04:10 PM

Manchester United has 659 million followers worldwide:

- 71 million in Americas
- 90 million in Europe
- 173 million in Africa and the Middle East
- 325 million in Asia

bbfan1991

29-05-2012, 05:50 PM

Reserves revived Scholes

Warren Joyce wonders if the seeds of Paul Scholes' surprise first-team return were sown when he trained with Manchester United Reserves last season.

The veteran midfielder's enthusiasm was rekindled while working with the youngsters in Joyce's squad after he initially quit football at the end of the 2010/2011 campaign and enjoyed a testimonial at Old Trafford in August.

Following a shock return in the FA Cup third round win at Manchester City in January, Scholes went on to play a key role in United's bid to retain the title that fell agonisingly short on goal difference and Sir Alex Ferguson has already stated that the 37-year-old will stay on for another year.

“It was good for them to train with Paul Scholes before Christmas,” Joyce revealed to ManUtd.com, when discussing his trophy-winning reserves squad. “To get him involved with training and see how to act properly. He didn’t want to not be top man. His pride wanted him to be the best player and he raised the bar in training.

“I think it was good for him as well. Maybe, he just trained like he did when he was 18 again and working under Eric Harrison in the youth team. He was at them and they were at him. There was great spirit – he was kicking them and they were kicking him!”

Joyce also insisted that Scholes and Ryan Giggs are the perfect role models for the likes of Larnell Cole, Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane - the trio he shortlisted for the Reserves' Player of the Year award. All three players have been at Carrington since an early age and have been able to learn from the elder statesmen at the club "You look at the likes of Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes, for all they have done in football, which is unbelievable," added Joyce. "Yet they are very humble and down to earth. Whilst these lads have done nothing yet, they are in a similar mould to that.

"I’m not saying they are as good as players or they will be but they are normal, humble lads who just want to be footballers and are not that interested in the other things that surround footballers and young players. They just want to work as hard as they can every day."

bbfan1991

30-05-2012, 11:51 AM

New contracts for Reds duo

Ben Amos and Paul Scholes have both signed new contracts to remain with Manchester United.

Promising young goalkeeper Amos has penned a three year deal which will run until at least 2015, while Scholes has signed until the end of the 2012/13 season.

Having made his Premier League debut for the Reds in January's victory over Stoke City and featured in all three 2011/12 Carling Cup ties, Amos has continued his impressive ascent through the club's ranks.

A commanding presence and an excellent communicator, Amos has made seven appearances during the course of his Reds career to date, keeping three clean sheets, and has also benefited from loan spells with Molde, Peterborough and Oldham Athletic.

Scholes, meanwhile, has completed the formalities of the one-year extension which Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed earlier this month.

bbfan1991

30-05-2012, 12:59 PM

Ashley Young interview about his first season at United, England duty and the upcoming Euro 2012 tournament:).

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ashley-young-exclusive-interview-and-video-853199

bbfan1991

30-05-2012, 01:00 PM

Shinji Kagawa close to £12m Manchester United move

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa after agreeing a deal in principle with his club Borussia Dortmund.

The 23-year-old has still to agree personal terms but United expect negotiations to progress smoothly.

The initial fee for Kagawa is in the region of £12m, rising to £17m depending on success and appearances.

"Some details are to be confirmed," Dortmund director Michael Zorc said.

The expected arrival of Kagawa is likely to excite United's vast Asian fanbase, with the future of South Korea midfielder Park Ji Sung uncertain.

On Tuesday, United claimed their fanbase had almost doubled in the past five years to reach 659 million "followers" globally. Asia accounts for 325 million of those.

United had hoped to have completed a deal for Eden Hazard, but with the Belgium midfielder opting to pursue a move to Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson has acted swiftly.

Kagawa has shone for Dortmund this season, scoring 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches, as the German club won a league and cup double.

Ferguson was present when Kagawa scored in Dortmund's 5-2 win over Bayern Munich in the German Cup final this month, with the player able to play wide or in a more central role.

Despite Kagawa's obvious appeal in Asia, United commercial director Richard Arnold denied any suggestion players were signed to boost profits.

He said: "Our popularity in certain countries or regions may depend, at least in part, on fielding certain players from those countries or regions.

"We don't sign players to sell shirts. We are reliant on 25 players and they are all massive stars. We have 25 George Clooneys.

"When you look at the success we've seen in that part of the world [Asia], it isn't down to any one player or person.

"For Manchester United, it's more than any one player. It was more than George Best, it was more than Bryan Robson, it was more than David Beckham, it was more than Cantona, than Park."

Raph

30-05-2012, 05:54 PM

Damn Reggie, you've really made something of this thread. Hey, I still stand loyal to United but hopefully this time, next year, my loyalties in the premier league will lie with the great, Cardiff City ;)

bbfan1991

30-05-2012, 06:06 PM

bbfan1991

31-05-2012, 04:45 PM

Details of United's Summer 2012 pre season tour:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/May/manchester-united-announce-pre-season-summer-tour-match-in-shanghai-china.aspx

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser.aspx

bbfan1991

31-05-2012, 04:46 PM

Will Keane picked up an injury on England Under 19 duty:(, hope he makes a speedy recovery.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/May/manchester-united-quartet-qualify-for-euro-under-19-finals.aspx

bbfan1991

31-05-2012, 04:46 PM

Chicharito: I'm no superstar

Javier Hernandez is already a national icon thanks to his exploits with United, but the striker does not feel like the superstar of the Mexico team.

Chicharito has joined up with El Tri to prepare for their two upcoming CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, against Guyana on 8 June and El Salvador four days later.

With 23 goals in 34 international appearances so far, there’s a certain weight of expectation on Hernandez to fire Mexico to Brazil 2014.

But in typical fashion, he attempted to deflect that attention at a press conference in his homeland on Monday.

"I am simply proud to be involved each time the Mexico squad is announced," he said. "Whenever I’m mentioned, I do not feel differently to anyone else.

"I'm not a star, I feel the same as all my team-mates."

Hernandez, who will be 24 on Friday, burst onto the international scene with two goals at the 2010 World Cup finals, but is looking forward to playing in his first qualifying campaign.

"It’s very important for us to get off on the right foot," he added. "I’ve never played in the qualifiers as I missed them before the last World Cup."

Mexico beat Wales 2-0 in a friendly in New York on Sunday, and also play warm-up games against Bosnia on 31 May and Brazil on 3 June.

bbfan1991

31-05-2012, 04:47 PM

Ex-Red: Welbeck surprised me

Former Reds defender Arthur Albiston is looking forward to watching Danny Welbeck at Euro 2012.

The 21-year-old striker was confirmed in Roy Hodgson's final squad this week despite concerns over the injury he sustained in the derby defeat to Manchester City. Welbeck's growing maturity at Old Trafford has surprised the ex-United full-back, who felt the demands of playing as a central striker would have been too great for such a young talent. However, the local lad netted 12 times in a promising first full season with Sir Alex's team.

"I didn't think Danny was strong enough to play up front," admitted Albiston to ManUtd.com. "I thought he could be like Nani or Ashley Young, cutting in from the wing. He had goals in him but I didn't see him as a striker because he wasn't strong enough. But he's filled out, his legs are stronger and he wants to run which means defenders immediately back off to give you more space.

"It's great that he's going to the Euros. Even if he didn't play, he'd still benefit but both he and Phil Jones should come back better for us hopefully. Danny had a bit of experience on loan at Sunderland and did great. It was his first full season with us and it's not easy to play up front here.

"Although I like Jermain Defoe, I think Welbeck has a good chance of starting in the Euros if he does well against Belgium in the friendly on Saturday. Andy Carroll's not had the best of seasons even if he's had two or three good games at the end of the campaign, and Wayne's suspended of course for the first two games."

bbfan1991

31-05-2012, 05:29 PM

Manchester United: Chevrolet to be club's car sponsor

The General Motors (GM) has signed a sponsorship deal with Manchester United that will see the carmaker's Chevrolet brand become the football club's official car sponsor.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60609000/jpg/_60609212_014579721-2.jpg

The deal is to run for five years, but no financial details have been released.

The US carmaker said Manchester United stood "head and shoulders" above other football teams.

GM's UK-based Vauxhall business sponsors the England football team.

Chevrolet replaces Audi as Manchester United's car sponsor.

The German brand had sponsored the football club since April 2004.

GM said it hoped the deal would help it "build global icon status" for Chevrolet.

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 10:41 AM

Chicharito grabs late winner

Javier Hernandez came off the bench to fire a 92nd winner for Mexico in a 2-1 friendly win against Bosnia.

The birthday boy, who has turned 24, took advantage of some catastrophic defending by Ognen Vranjes to bag the decisive strike in stoppage time. Vranjes twice failed to clear, attempting an outrageous overhead kick inside his own box, and Chicharito pounced to beat Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic.

Hernandez, who sat out the win against Wales, came on just past the hour mark at Soldier Field and has handed his country a boost ahead of a big game with Brazil on Sunday with his 24th goal in only 35 internationals.

"It was totally random," he said of his goal. "Everyone was joking right now in the dressing room. The most important thing was that we won 2-1 thanks to God.

"I'm happy," he told Medio Tempo. "I've always said I'm 100 percent [fit] and available for the team. If the coach plays me for one minute or 90, I will do my best."

Happy Birthday Chicharito!:):hugesmile:

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 10:42 AM

Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is returning to Old Trafford, according to The Sun.

It is expected that he will return as an ambassador for the club where he won five Premier League Titles, three F.A Cups, the League Cup and the Champions League.

“The Great Dane”, as he is affectionately known by supporters, etched his name into eternal Old Trafford folklore in 1999 when he helped Manchester United to a treble – the Premier League, F.A Cup and Champions League. United remain today the only English team to achieve this feat.

He made 393 appearances after joining from Bronby in 1991 and was regarded by many as the worlds best goalkeeper.

After leaving the club in 1999, he played for Portugese side Sporting Lisbon, Aston Villa and even rivals Manchester City. He has an exceptional record in the Manchester derby in that he never played on the losing side. During his time at Old Trafford, United were unbeaten against City, and during his solitary year at Eastland’s, City recorded a win and a draw over their rivals.

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 01:09 PM

Scholes nets goal award http://dlvr.it/1fXSzr

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 02:13 PM

Tomasz Kuszczak released by United.

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 06:13 PM

Peter Schmeichel‏@Pschmeichel1

Thank you everyone for your kind words in regards to my new role as Manchester United ambassador, can't wait to get started.

:D

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 06:13 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his dismay after confirming that Will Keane has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The promising 18-year-old striker - who made his first team debut against Blackburn in December 2011 - sustained the blow while in action for England's under-19s side on Wednesday evening.

Keane had to be substituted after turning awkwardly during his side's victory over Switzerland, and a subsequent scan has confirmed the severity of the injury.

Speaking to ManUtd.com, Sir Alex said: "I'm very, very disappointed for the lad. He was in the first team squad for next season."

It is not yet known how long Will's rehabilitation period will take, but Nemanja Vidic - who suffered the same injury last December - is aiming to return in time for the start of the 2012/13 campaign.

Really gutted for the lad:(.

bbfan1991

01-06-2012, 06:14 PM

Kuszczak released by Reds

Tomasz Kuszczak has been released by Manchester United on a free transfer.

The Polish international goalkeeper's Old Trafford career began with his loan arrival from West Bromwich Albion in 2006 - a deal made permanent in 2007 - and he departs having made 61 appearances for the Reds.

Tomasz's final outing for the club came in May 2011 as United clinched a 19th league title at Blackburn, and his search for senior activity prompted a loan stint at Watford in the latter half of the 2011/12 campaign.

He now joins Michael Owen in exiting the club as a free agent. Both Tomasz and Michael leave with the very best wishes of everyone at United.

bbfan1991

03-06-2012, 09:56 AM

Vidic targets opening day

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic hopes to be fit for the start of the season.

The 30-year-old has been out since December because of damaged knee ligaments.

But he said in The Sun: "I can now run and do some things on the pitch which is better for me psychologically because for the last four months it's been every day in the gym, which is hard."

He added: "But the worst part is behind me. I can look forward to the second half of the rehabilitation and work more on my fitness.

"Hopefully, I'll be fit for the big kick-off."

bbfan1991

03-06-2012, 09:57 AM

Absolutely delighted that Danny Welbeck started for England yesterday vs Belgium and got the only goal, nice assist by Ashley Young too, that United combination:p.

bbfan1991

04-06-2012, 12:26 AM

Glad that Chicharito scored a penalty as Mexico beat Brazil 2-0:).

Nani denied press stories about him considering his future and says he will discuss with United after Euro 2012 as he and the club were in negotations over a new contract before...

Ryan57

05-06-2012, 09:52 AM

Long time no post.

Kagawa move agreed. :D

bbfan1991

05-06-2012, 10:46 AM

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtljCufez3vIIkQrfbsTuBORzTKjG_u SLtyPjUTqb1Yk_O0fXDcw

Shinji Kagawa

Birthdate: 17 March 1989
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: FC Miyagi Barcelona, Cerezo Osaka
Current club: Borussia Dortmund (transfer to United agreed, 5 June)

05/06/2012 09:00, Report by Press Department

Reds agree Kagawa transfer

Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the Club.

The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June.

Further details will be announced in due course.

bbfan1991

05-06-2012, 10:49 AM

Long time no post.

Kagawa move agreed. :D

Hey:). I am so excited by this, he is a talented player and has lots of potential, plus will improve our options in Midfield and linking up with the attack, now for a CM please!

bbfan1991

05-06-2012, 10:51 AM

Welcome to Manchester United, Shinji Kagawa:devil::):D:hugesmile::thumbs::cool::dance:.

Ryan57

05-06-2012, 12:38 PM

Hey:). I am so excited by this, he is a talented player and has lots of potential, plus will improve our options in Midfield and linking up with the attack, now for a CM please!

I haven't seen him play much but when I did, he looked good. I wonder if Welbeck will be dropped to the bench as, if i'm not mistaken, Kagawa plays behind the striker.

bbfan1991

05-06-2012, 01:09 PM

Ryan57

05-06-2012, 01:44 PM

We would need to switch formation to fit Kagawa in to like a 4-3-2-1 etc, although I am sure SAF will find a way to give Welbeck and Hernandez opportunities if we end up playing Rooney up front on his own.

I think if we'd signed Hazard it might of been 4-2-3-1 next season. Could still be if we get a wide player.

My dream is Luka Modric though. :hugesmile:

bbfan1991

05-06-2012, 01:49 PM

Ryan57

05-06-2012, 01:59 PM

Modric would be good, although the price is a concern. We cannot wait on one player because last season the club not signing a CM affected our season and I just hope that SAF signs one and has a few targets in mind!

We need a new LB too due to Fabio going out on loan, competition for Patrice Evra will be interesting and he will get more rest due to rotation.

Well it seemed Ferguson's intention was to give Anderson and Cleverley a chance to prove themselves. Unfortunately both were heavily affected by injury. Cleverley started the season really well also.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Anderson sold as it doesn't look like he can be relied on with his injuries.

Perhaps Cleverley will be given another chance next season and if things don't work out we'll go for Christian Eriksen who's leaving next summer. What a signing he'd be. :hugesmile:

Leighton Baines is apparently a target. I'm a fan of Baines and wouldn't mind seeing him come to United at all. Evra is no longer the player he once was unfortunately. Perhaps competition might put him back closer to how he was.

bbfan1991

06-06-2012, 12:34 PM

ManUtd Stuff‏@ManUtdStuff

Nani: "My future? I have a contract with Manchester United and I am relaxed." #MUFC

Nani: "I don't see the Euros as a chance to prove what I can do for United because SAF knows me perfectly & that is why I am there." #MUFC

Nani: "I have always said it & I do not regret it my aim is to be the best in the world & playing at a club like Man Utd, I can achieve it."

I am confident that Nani will stay despite the press speculating about his future.

United offered him a new deal during the season and he will discuss it after Euro 2012!

Ryan57

06-06-2012, 01:10 PM

bbfan1991

06-06-2012, 08:24 PM

bbfan1991

07-06-2012, 01:43 PM

Ryan moves into retirement

United's director of youth football Jim Ryan is retiring after giving great service to the Reds.

The 67-year-old is leaving the club he first signed for back in 1963 after returning to Old Trafford in 1991, following spells with Luton Town and Dallas Tornado.

Ryan also managed Luton and is highly regarded for his coaching skills - even taking charge of the Reds for the home match in the 1998/1999 season against Middlesbrough when Sir Alex Ferguson attended a funeral. The popular Scot worked closely with fellow countryman Brian McClair in helping to develop the young talent at Carrington.

"I think I have a lot of mixed feelings about it," he told ManUtd.com about moving into retirement. "Generally speaking, a football life is a good life so I'm giving up a lot of enjoyable things.

"I guess it's a wrench but everybody has to retire at some time. I'd like to think I'll still come to Carrington to watch the boys. Of course, you also become friends with the coaches and you don't just stop that friendship."

In his playing days, he was a wide forward and provided useful cover for United during the Sixties. Everybody at United would like to wish Jim a happy retirement.

bbfan1991

07-06-2012, 01:44 PM

Giggs' praise for Scholes

Ryan Giggs feels Paul Scholes should be a contender to replace him as the next Golden Foot winner, although his United colleague has not made the shortlist of 10 for the 2012 prize.

The Welshman was honoured with the accolade last term, as voted by fans across the globe, and announced the stars who are in the frame to also have their footprint on the Monte Carlo promenade. The award is presented for active players aged over 29 and they are only allowed to win it once.

"I think there's obviously lots of players who could probably receive this award," he stated in the video promoting the Golden Foot ceremony. "I think the one that springs to mind is probably Scholesy. He's still playing with the quality he's got. Obviously he retired and has come back. Since he's come back, he's playing as well as he has ever done.

"To do that at 37, to dictate games and to control the midfield like he does, I would say he was probably deserving of this award."

However, with the shortlist containing Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Carles Puyol, Raul, Clarence Seedorf and Xavi, Giggs was pressed on his choice of winner.

"I think Xavi is unfortunate to be in the same team as Lionel Messi and have Cristiano Ronaldo knocking about," he stated. "Otherwise, he would be probably have been the best player in the world in the last three or four years.

"Him and Scholes have been the best midfielders over the last 20 years quite easily. It could be hard to name one as it could be any of them but probably Xavi for his form over the last couple of years."

:worship:

bbfan1991

07-06-2012, 01:45 PM

Danny backs England Women

On the eve of the European Championship, United striker Danny Welbeck has thrown his weight behind the England Women’s Euro 2013 qualifying campaign.

Hope Powell’s side will take on Holland at Salford City Stadium on Sunday 17 June, needing a win to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive. The Netherlands currently top the group with England in second place, five points behind but with a game in hand.

Welbeck met fellow England forward Ellen White at Wembley ahead of his match-winning performance against Belgium and wished her luck for the crucial clash, which is taking place on Welbeck’s doorstep.

“It’s great having an England team playing in Manchester, especially with it being such a big game,” he said. “I know we have to win so hopefully the fans will come out and support the team. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the result when I’m at the Euros.

“Hopefully Ellen and the girls can beat Holland and give themselves a great chance of making it to their own Euro Finals next year.”

Ryan57

07-06-2012, 02:38 PM

[Pogba] Juventus confirm that Paul Pogba has signed for them from Manchester United on a 4 year contract #MUFC

Thank heavens this saga is finally over.

I wish him well, although I do not think he will get much first team Football at Juventus judging by the quality players they have in their Midfield.

Badly advised and he wanted the money!

Nice choice from Pogba. Joining a team than went unbeaten in Serie A last season, i'm sure he'll get a starting spot instantly. Rumours that he could go out on loan.
Such a fool.

bbfan1991

08-06-2012, 12:43 PM

Shinji Kagawa scored for Japan!:):D

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/40-japan-shinji-kagawa-v-jordan/

bbfan1991

08-06-2012, 12:46 PM

Strong press rumours linking United with Luka Modric, plus Poland's manager has said that he thinks Robert Lewandowski will join United. Rumours for now, not sure if they are true?

bbfan1991

08-06-2012, 12:48 PM

Man Utd agree Henriquez deal

http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_15199_man-utd-agree-henriquez-deal.html

Once again rumoured by the press, not confirmed although the lad has had trials at Carrington before and has praised United because we have first option for his signature.

Ryan57

08-06-2012, 01:55 PM

Strong press rumours linking United with Luka Modric, plus Poland's manager has said that he thinks Robert Lewandowski will join United. Rumours for now, not sure if they are true?

I've only seen Lewandowski play once, and he got a hat-trick (Germany Cup final). Will certainly watch him this summer starting this evening.

Edit: Just watched the Kagawa goal. Very well placed.

bbfan1991

09-06-2012, 02:26 PM

Javier Hernandez scored once for Mexico, amusing goal and the other goals in this game were good too:).

zBYO4bz41o4

bbfan1991

09-06-2012, 02:32 PM

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he holds no grudge against England's players after missing Euros selection.

For all Ferdinand’s disappointment, he remains a passionate England fan and will be cheering on Roy Hodgson’s men from his sofa.

He told The Sun: “I will be watching every game and I want the lads to do well.

“Just because I’m not there don’t think I want them to fail. That’s ridiculous — I’m not bitter.

“I know a lot of the boys and I know how much they want to succeed.

“I’ve been chatting to some of the United lads and they are confident of going a long way in the tournament.

“We have a lot of good players and it won’t do us any harm that expectations aren’t that high.

“For once there are no outside pressures, the pressure is coming from within themselves.

“From what I’ve seen in the two friendlies, the manager has them well organised and they are going to be difficult to beat. For me that’s a very good starting point.”

bbfan1991

12-06-2012, 12:40 PM

Kagawa only wanted United:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jun/german-football-expert-raphael-honigstein-on-shinji-kagawa.aspx

:)

bbfan1991

12-06-2012, 12:52 PM

Kagawa shines in draw

Shinji Kagawa's long season came to a close with Japan's 1-1 draw with Australia.

The prospective United new boy impressed in a pulsating World Cup qualifer as he and Keisuke Honda drove their team forward.

The visitors went ahead when Yuzo Kurihara profited from some fine work by Honda but the Socceroos levelled, despite being down to 10 men after Mark Milligan's sending off. A controversial penalty by Luke Wilkshire squared the match and both teams finished equal in terms of personnel too as Kurihara was dismissed late on.

Kagawa was denied by Mark Schwarzer after firing in a low shot in the closing stages before being substituted in injury time. Victory for Japan would have virtually sealed qualification for the finals but a draw will still be considered a good result for the Asian challengers

bbfan1991

12-06-2012, 06:21 PM

United agree Powell deal

Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Crewe Alexandra for the transfer of Nick Powell for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old England U18 international has passed a medical and agreed a four-year contract commencing 1 July 2012. Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have recruited the youngster and told ManUtd.com: “We have scouted Nick for months now. He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe. I’m delighted he has chosen to come to United. He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him."

Powell himself is over the moon to have secured a move to Old Trafford and told us: “It really is a dream come true to be signing for Manchester United. I have had a great time at Crewe and I would like to thank them for helping me to develop as a player over the past 13 years. I’m excited about continuing my development with Sir Alex and the world-class players in the squad. The thought of making the step up to the Premier League next season is an exciting prospect. I can’t wait to get started.”

bbfan1991

12-06-2012, 06:25 PM

Welcome to Manchester United NickPowell, promising young footballer with lots of future potential:).

bbfan1991

12-06-2012, 08:40 PM

Welbeck earns praise

Danny Welbeck's performance for England earned praise as he worked selflessly in a lone striker's role during the 1-1 draw with France.

The 21-year-old was his country's man of the match, according to BBC Sport, who stated: "Star performer right from the start. Looks completely at home in international football at the highest level."

Ex-skipper Alan Shearer agreed with the assessment, adding: "I would say Welbeck was our man of the match. I am sure Roy Hodgson would have been delighted with the first 25-30 minutes, in particular Danny Welbeck, who was giving the back four all sorts of problems.

"He was running in behind, coming short, turning Philippe Mexes and using his pace. The French did not do that but Welbeck was full of it and their defenders did not like it."

The display also impressed former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. The former England defender, writing in the Daily Mail, said: "Danny Welbeck put in a really mature performance, which was a credit to his club Manchester United and the way they have brought him up. His movement was excellent and he played intelligently, running into space and holding up the ball well. France's centre-halves Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami will have known they have been in a game."

Welbeck, who overcame a painful ankle knock in the first half, was substituted as the clock ticked past 90 minutes but will hope his performance has earned him another start against Sweden on Friday with Wayne Rooney still suspendedAshley Young played just behind Welbeck and created one glorious chance that was spurned by James Milner. The United winger was unable to get involved as much as he would have liked but he played the full match, picking up a yellow card in the 71st minute.

Patrice Evra, meanwhile, was upset with the tactics employed by Hodgson as he felt England defended in numbers during the stalemate.

"At times it was like there were 15 bodies in front of us," complained the left-back. "It was really difficult to find space.

"People laugh but they played the way that Chelsea played against Barcelona. Maybe the fans want England to play more football but if they win the tournament like that, they will be happy."

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 11:33 AM

Shinji Kagawa has confirmed that he has reached an agreement with Manchester United.

The Red Devils announced last week that they had an offer accepted by German champions Borussia Dortmund for the Japanese international.

Kagawa refused to discuss the potential transfer at the time, insisting that he was fully focused on Japan's upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

With those matches now completed, the 23-year-old has broken his silence.

"I have to do a medical check but the agreement between me and the club is done," he told Japanese reporters. "I wanted to avoid people focusing on this matter [during World Cup qualifiers]. It was Manchester United who sent me an offer officially."

"They're one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I was given a chance to play for them. I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they've got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn't an easy decision.

"But I wanted the challenge."

Kagawa will become the first Japanese player to represent Man United.

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 11:34 AM

Manchester United winger Ashley Young says he can handle the expectations of England fans.

He is looking to make an impact in Poland and Ukraine and, although a capable performer on both flanks, has impressed as the second striker in recent internationals.

Young said: "I think I'm always confident in my own ability. This season ended in a disappointing way but, on a personal level, I enjoyed it and thought I did well.

"When you play for Manchester United, the pressure's on you every week. Everyone wants to beat United, the biggest team in the world.

"But, when it comes to playing with pressure, I thrive on pressure. I enjoy having a challenge.

"I remember the manager, Sir Alex (Ferguson), saying to me when I first joined United, that it would be a challenge for me coming here.

"I've played a whole season now and now I'm looking forward to the first Euro game on Monday."

Raph

13-06-2012, 11:36 AM

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 03:30 PM

Manchester United have released details of a two-match pre-season tour of South Africa next month.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men will take on AmaZulu FC in the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, on July 18.

The Red Devils will then travel to Cape Town to take on Ajax Cape Town on July 22, wrapping up their first tour to the country since 2008.

"The training camp and matches in South Africa will be an important part of our preparations for the 2012/13 season and an excellent chance to renew our acquaintance with our loyal and enthusiastic fans in South Africa," said United chief executive David Gill.

"Everyone has fond memories of the visits there in 2006 and 2008 and, of course, of the exceptional organisation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup."

Ryan57

13-06-2012, 05:14 PM

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 07:29 PM

Kagawa wants central role

Shinji Kagawa is eyeing an attacking midfield role for United once he completes his transfer to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old usually plays on the left for Japan but believes he is most effective in the advanced central position he has occupied successfully for Borussia Dortmund.

"I want to play [in the hole]," Kagawa told a press conference in Tokyo. "I feel that's where I play my best football. I plan to work hard so I can win my place in the position.

"United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I have been given a chance to play for them. I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they've got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn't an easy decision. But I wanted the challenge."

Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid were among the clubs reported to be interested in Kagawa, but the playmaker admits his heart was set on United.

"There were talks with other clubs, but United were the first to make me a formal offer and the more I talked to them, the more I felt Manchester was the place for me," he said.

Kagawa, who will seal his switch once he passes a medical and obtains a work permit, is looking forward to making the step up to the Premier League.

He added: "It's the best league in the world. You've got the world's biggest clubs like [Man] City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea all in the same league, which is fascinating.

"In the Bundesliga, the only games that compare are the ones against Bayern Munich. I feel like I'd be able to gain so much by playing big games on a regular basis, including the Champions League. I can't help but be excited."

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 07:30 PM

Crewe mentor hails Powell

Crewe Alexandra director of football Dario Gradi says new Manchester United signing Nick Powell was in high demand prior to Sir Alex Ferguson's swoop.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Gradi - the man who has overseen the development of some top-class talent at Gresty Road - not only praised the young forward but also Sir Alex for the decisive way he acted during the negotiations.

"Nick Powell is a match winner," asserted the Crewe supremo. "He doesn't rely on other people to make the goals for him. He's not a six-yard box player. In fact, we've been trying to encourage him to get in that six-yard box more. But he picks the ball up, runs at people and finishes with a goal. He wins matches on his own.

"I used to watch him in Crewe's Under-16s, training on a Monday night, and he'd hit them in from everywhere. When he joined us and came with the first team, he was a little more reluctant to do that. Perhaps he lost a bit of confidence doing that and he was playing in a more central role for England, where he was passing the ball.

"We managed to persuade him not to do that if you can score. Don't become a 'steady Eddie' if you can become a special player. He scored a terrific goal at Wimbledon for us and it reminded us of the goals he used to score for the Under-16s, going on from there to score some terrific goals."

According to the Crewe supremo, Powell is a unique talent - different to players like Dean Ashton and David Platt who've rolled off the conveyor belt at Gresty Road. "We've had some terrific players at Crewe who went on to play for England, but Nick's not the same as any of them. He does a similar job to [current England player] Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain."

United had to fend off competition from rival clubs for Powell's signature but Sir Alex was determined to win the chase for the 18 year-old after witnessing his talents first hand.

"There was a lot of speculation," revealed Gradi. "Sir Alex came to watch him and then rang me up a couple of days later and said: 'Do you want to do a deal?' I said: 'I thought you were going to watch him for the rest of the season!' Sir Alex explained they were not going to learn much more about him as they'd got him down to a tee. We didn't want to stop the boy joining United so we worked together on an agreement.

"There were [other clubs interested] but I have to say Sir Alex wanted Nick more than anybody else did and worked harder at it. I was very impressed with the way Sir Alex went about it and what he said. If he was trying to sign me, I'd have signed!

"What Sir Alex has done is challenge the boy to do what Ronaldo did. Young players worry about their chances of playing when they go to United. But Sir Alex told Nick, 'If you do well enough, you'll get a chance. Ronaldo went on as sub (on his debut against Bolton) and was outstanding so I picked him.' Nick has got to be good enough, first of all, in training to be named as a sub but that's the challenge Sir Alex has given him."

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 07:32 PM

Ritchie excited by Powell

Former United striker Andy Ritchie is expecting big things of new signing Nick Powell after witnessing his skills first hand.

Ritchie watched the 18-year-old attacker in action on a number of occasions at the Alexandra Stadium and says it wasn't just his ability with the ball at his feet that stood out, but his awareness on the pitch.

"Even before he receives the ball he knows what he's going to do with it - he's already got that in his mind," Ritchie told MUTV. "That's a big thing for a player who plays in his position. It's important to know what's going around you and even behind you, and he's got that awareness. It's not something you can teach, it's something that inbuilt in you.

"I think he's going to be a very good signing. I've watched him a few times in the flesh and I've been very impressed with what I've seen.

"He has good all-round ability - he's very astute, quite quick, he can play a pass and he knows where the goal is, but the biggest thing for me is his awareness of what's happening around him on the pitch."

Defining Powell's best position will be something, Ritchie feels, Sir Alex and his coaching staff will look at over the coming couple of seasons as they manage his development.

"I think he could play in two or three different positons. I see him as an attacking midfielder but he could certainly do a job up front," he said.

"I think he'd love to play in that little hole just behind the striker where Wayne [Rooney] plays but I don't think he'll be dislodging Rooney just yet!

"You could play him in one of the wide positions as well because he likes to take players on. It'll be down to Sir Alex and his staff to work out what's best for him and the team.

"It's obviously going to be a big leap for him [from Crewe to United]," added Ritchie. "But we know he won't walk straight into the first team. He'll almost do a second apprenticeship here - he'll probably start off in the Reserves and be on the fringes for Carling Cup games and he might even go out on loan at some stage.

"I've certainly been impressed with what I've seen of him and he looks to be a very good talent."

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 07:33 PM

That's all three pre-season destinations announced then. I'm pleased they're not going to the US again. Those kick off times were awful for us in the UK.

Definitely, the times really took the piss but I actually stayed up for some of them:blush:.

bbfan1991

13-06-2012, 07:36 PM

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck believes he and his England teammates can produce a winning performance over Sweden on Friday.

The Three Lions take on the Swedes in Kiev in their second Group D match at Euro2012 and Welbeck, who played was replaced by Theo Walcott in injury time of the 1-1 draw with France on Monday, is confident of scoring goals and helping his country to maximum points.

"I was really excited to be in a major competition for England and obviously to make the start, I was really honoured," he told Sky Sports.

"I think it was a good start for us. We set our platform and we really want to build on that from now on - and I think we can improve a lot more.

"Looking at it from a neutrals perspective it should be a good game to watch," he added. "Once the game gets opened up, there will be a few goal scoring opportunities getting carved out."

Ryan57

13-06-2012, 07:47 PM

Definitely, the times really took the piss but I actually stayed up for some of them:blush:.

I stayed up for pretty much all of them. Sometimes went to bed during the match and then watched it later.

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 12:09 PM

Manchester United is reported to have ditched plans to float the club in Singapore in favour of a US listing.

Sources with knowledge of the deal say the club believes its efforts to position itself as a global media business rather than a sports franchise would be more attractive to investors in the US than Asia.

US investors are also said to be more familiar with United's proposed dual-class share structure, where class B shares would be sold with little or no voting rights while the Glazers would maintain control by retaining the bulk of class A shares, which do have voting rights.

The club declined to comment.

United's owners the Glazer family had eyed a Singapore flotation last year and had gained permission for an initial public offering, but shelved their plans due to market volatility.

The Florida-based family is looking to raise up to £600m by selling 25 to 30 per cent of the club via an IPO that would value it at up to £2bn.

A number of Far East listings have been pulled in recent weeks, including plans to float Graff Diamonds in Hong Kong, with a fall in demand for equities being blamed.

The Glazers, who also own American football team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, controversially bought United in 2005, taking it from a public listed company to a private one.

Last month Manchester United has agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with General Motors' Chevrolet brand as it looked to expand its fan base in the US.

United claims 659 million fans around the world, with just 34 million in the US.

It has been suggested that the new money raised through a float would be used to reduce the burden placed on the club by its £423m debt.

The club's income in the six months to December 31 rose nearly 12 per cent to £175m.

The figure included a ground-breaking £40m deal with logistics firm DHL to sponsor the club's training kit and £60.9m from its media deals, up 13.4 per cent from £53.7m.

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 12:13 PM

DANNY WELBECK has hailed his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney for helping him take his Euro chance.

Welbeck will lead the England line against Sweden tomorrow, boosted by his display in the opening draw with France.

And the striker said: “Wayne’s always there giving me advice on and off the pitch. He talks to me just before games, and at half-time. I’m glad to be around him.

“He lets you know what to do in games, or if he’s seen a weakness in the opposition you can exploit.”

Rooney will miss the Sweden clash through suspension but Welbeck can’t wait until his pal is back for the third game against Ukraine.

He said: “Wayne is itching to get out on the pitch. It’s going to be better for us once he can play against Ukraine.

“I’ve been put in a position now to lead the line for England and it’s not something I’m scared of.

“Playing for United means you’re expected to produce that moment of quality every time and once I get the opportunity I’ll be aiming to stick it away.”

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 12:14 PM

I am so pleased for Danny Welbeck that he has been given a chance to shine at Euro 2012 because he did so well in his first full season at United and he seems such a nice lad with no ego, mature and level headed:).

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 12:15 PM

Nani shines for Portugal

Nani bounced back from a disappointing opening Euro 2012 game with a commanding display to help Portugal to a late 3-2 win over Denmark.

The United winger struggled to make an impact in Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Germany, but was mesmeric against the Danes, outshining Cristiano Ronaldo on the opposite flank.

The 25-year-old set up Portugal’s second goal for Helder Postiga, but Denmark responded with two Nicklas Bendtner strikes, before Silvestre Varela snatched victory for the Seleccao in the 87th minute.

"We showed everyone we wanted to win the game," Nani told reporters after the game. "When Denmark equalised, we had a lot of anger in us and a desire to turn things around.

"The only thing we were thinking about was the victory and we had to fight for it until the last minute. That is what I tried to transmit to my team-mates.

"Those last minutes were decisive. We had to give everything, to risk everything."

Ronaldo spurned several chances but Nani backed his ex-United colleague, saying: "Everyone misses chances. Cristiano is very important to us because he helps in defence and attack."

Portugal are third in Group B, level with Denmark and behind leaders Germany, who have won their first two games. Nani’s side face pointless Netherlands on Sunday.

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 12:16 PM

Park welcomes Kagawa move

Ji-sung Park is backing Shinji Kagawa to follow in his footsteps and become a successful Asian import at Old Trafford.

Park knows what it’s like to carry the expectations of a nation in Europe, having become United’s first Korean player when he arrived from PSV in 2005.

Similarly, Kagawa will be the Reds’ maiden Japanese signing and he, too, is making the switch from another European club in Borussia Dortmund.

"I know United have agreed a deal for Kagawa and I'm happy because we’re signing a good player," Park told ManUtd.kr at an event hosted by his JS Foundation.

"Manchester United is a huge club and every season, we sign new, world-class names. I hope Kagawa shows how good he is next season and I think he will do."

Kagawa and fellow new-boy Nick Powell will swell the Reds’ midfield ranks next term, but Park is ready to fight for his place.

"There is a lot of competition in the squad but it doesn’t matter who I’m competing with," he said. "We're a team and I just want to concentrate on producing better performances.

"We're starting our pre-season tour next month and those matches will help me to prepare for the new season. As always, when I begin a new season I am determined to improve."

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 12:22 PM

Nick Powell‏@NPowell25

I am Happy and excited to join man utd. A big Thank you to everyone connected to Crewe. #NeverForget #CAFC #MUFC #Future

bbfan1991

14-06-2012, 11:29 PM

Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney admits he's become more of a leader inside the England camp at this summer's Euros.

The superstar striker is suspended from the Three Lions’ first two games and revealed coach Roy Hodgson offered him an extra week off before the team flew to their Poland base.

But Roo, dubbed Wazza, chose to spend extra time with the squad — and has boosted morale by helping Our Boys chill out between games.

He said: “I need to be more of a person around the dressing room and hotel, helping to get people relaxed more.

“I’ve a job to do there as well as on the pitch when I come back playing.

“We’ve got a big squad and a good squad. I just have to make sure I’m in there, getting in among the lads and getting in the spirit with them.”

bbfan1991

16-06-2012, 12:14 PM

http://i.minus.com/iwgUHxSfNZGfG.gif

WELBZ:D, so glad he scored England's winner and the lad has lots of talent and can progress even more. He has a bright future at United and for England, plus it is nice to see a homegrown lad who developed at United do well.

bbfan1991

16-06-2012, 12:52 PM

Summer break for Shinji

Shinji Kagawa should be refreshed and raring to go next season after Japan opted not to name him in their provisional squad for the upcoming Olympics.

It had been reported the 23-year-old would be selected as one of Japan’s three over-age players for their three group games in the UK, beginning at the end of July.

However, the prospective United new-boy has been omitted, meaning his summer break began after Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying draw with Australia.

Japanese FA technical director Hiromi Hara said: "Kagawa is one of the leading members of the Japan national senior team and he is almost certainly going to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"We came to the conclusion that not giving him enough rest is not good for his future nor our final World Cup qualifiers.

"I talked to Kagawa directly and told him he would not be chosen. We have other talented forward players and I hope they will make their presence felt."

Kagawa will complete his move to United from Borussia Dortmund if he passes a medical and obtains a work permit.

His first action for the Reds could be on the pre-season tour of South Africa in mid-July, though the travelling party will be announced nearer the time.

bbfan1991

16-06-2012, 12:53 PM

Winning finish pleases Welbeck

Danny Welbeck was delighted to score another winning goal for England on Friday night - but is by no means dwelling on his success.

The Manchester United striker's exquisite flick past ex-Manchester City keeper Andreas Isaksson sealed a thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden in Kiev, a result which means Roy Hodgson's men can reach the Euro 2012 quarter-finals with a draw against Ukraine.

"I'm obviously happy with the finish and to get three points for the team," said Danny, who scored his first England goal in the 1-0 friendly win over Belgium a fortnight ago.

"We're disappointed to have let Sweden score two goals at the start of the second half," continued the match-winner.

"But I think we came back well from that, we stuck together and the team spirit showed. Even when we went behind, we still had the belief."

Welbeck and England benefited from a substitution made after the Three Lions' 1-0 lead - courtesy of Andy Carroll's first-half header - was dramatically overturned by a double from Sweden's former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott replaced City's James Milner on the right and immediately made an impact, equalising in the 64th minute before setting up Welbeck's glorious goal in the 78th.

"We all know the ability that Theo has got," said Danny, "and we're all really happy for him.

"There's ability spread right across the squad so we know whoever comes on the pitch is going to make a difference."

The next assignment for Welbeck, Ashley Young and company - to include Wayne Rooney on his return from suspension - is Tuesday's final group match against Ukraine, who lost a storm-interrupted match 2-0 to France. Patrice Evra watched that game on Friday evening from the bench after Laurent Blanc selected City's Gael Clichy at left-back.

"We'll get back to [the team hotel] in Poland, get our recovery done and then obviously our attention turns to the Ukraine," added Welbeck. "We'll sit down to get our analysis all sorted, go from there and try and get the three points again."

Danny Welbeck was speaking to BBC Sport.

bbfan1991

16-06-2012, 12:55 PM

Rafael's agent claims the full-back is set to sign a new contract at Manchester United and that his twin brother Fabio is ready to join Queens Park Rangers on loan.

Brazil international Rafael has made over 80 appearances for United since joining the club in 2008, although his opportunities have been restricted by injury.

The 21-year-old is an important part of the Red Devils' future plans and reports suggest he is ready to finalise an extension to stay at Old Trafford until 2016.

His agent Cassiano Pereira told Estadao ESPN: "Rafael is very happy to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the giants of world football and always play in Europe's biggest competitions.

"Manchester United are the club that opened the door to Europe for him. He is loved, respected and has prestige at the club.

"We are all very happy that he is renewing his contract."

Experience

However, Rafael's sibling Fabio is set to head out on loan next season to build up his first-team experience and is being lined up for a switch to QPR.

Fabio has made 53 appearances for United and was a target for Benfica, but Pereira says staying in the Premier League will be more beneficial for the defender's long-term career.

Pereira added: "Fabio is a promising player and he needs to play. Because of that, Alex Ferguson suggested that he be loaned out to get more experience.

"He is a sought-after player because he is still young, and we think that his transfer to QPR was the best decision at the time.

"We received some offers from Germany and Portugal, but he preferred to stay in England to remain in touch with the country's football style and so that he would not have a problem to adapt to it when he returned to United."

bbfan1991

18-06-2012, 09:38 AM

Here are Manchester United's fixtures for Premier League season 2012-2013

August
18 Everton (A)
25 Fulham (H)

September
1 Southampton (A)
15 Wigan (H)
22 Liverpool (A)
29 Tottenham (H)

October
6 Newcastle (A)
20 Stoke (H)
27 Chelsea (A)

November
3 Arsenal (H)
10 Aston Villa (A)
17 Norwich (A)
24 QPR (H)
27 West Ham (H)

December
1 Reading (A)
8 Man City (A)
15 Sunderland (H)
22 Swansea (A)
26 Newcastle (H)
29 West Brom (H)

January
1 Wigan (A)
12 Liverpool (H)
19 Tottenham (A)
29 Southampton (H)

February
2 Fulham (A)
9 Everton (H)
23 QPR (A)

March
2 Norwich (H)
9 West Ham (A)
16 Reading (H)
30 Sunderland (A)

April
6 Man City (H)
13 Stoke (A)
20 Aston Villa (H)
27 Arsenal (A)

May
4 Chelsea (H)
12 Swansea (H)
19 West Brom (A)

Ryan57

18-06-2012, 10:36 AM

Swansea second to last match again, and at home again also.

bbfan1991

18-06-2012, 04:06 PM

jvTv_oatLA0

bbfan1991

18-06-2012, 04:08 PM

Everton away is a tough starting fixture and having to play some of the top clubs away after Champions League fixtures will be challenging too.

April 2013 looks tough too and Chelsea in the first game of May, although I am looking forward to all the fixtures already:D.

bbfan1991

18-06-2012, 04:44 PM

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling admits he owes his career to England coach Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson snapped up Smalling for Fulham from non-league Maidstone United.

Smalling said: “When I first went on trial at Fulham, Roy watched one of the practice games with the reserves. He called me into his office afterwards. We had a general chat and he talked about his own time at Maidstone.

“Roy’s a really easy guy to talk to and get on with. He’s somebody you want to play for.

“I spent the first year in the reserves but trained with the first team a lot of the time. Then the next year he put me in the side.

“It was quite an experienced team and I was a young lad but he gave me great belief.

“I don’t think I’d be here today without Roy.

“He is probably the one I need to thank the most. Roy let me showcase myself in a league where it is not easy to blood youngsters. Roy believed in me and I thank him for that.

“He may be 64 but he has no problem getting on with young players.

“Roy’s out on the training pitch every day. He relishes that side of the game and being in the thick of it.

“That’s the only way you can see the players improving and see if they are on the same wavelength.”

bbfan1991

18-06-2012, 09:57 PM

Man Utd star Wayne Rooney: This is England’s time to win.

http://www.premiershiptalk.com/2012/06/18/man-utd-star-this-is-englands-time-to-win/

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:34 PM

Shinji Kagawa will fly to England to undergo a medical with Manchester United on Friday.

The Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign the Japanese playmaker from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund this summer, which could eventually be worth over £17 million.

If the 23-year-old passes health checks this week, then the club must wait on a work permit application prior to completing his signing.

There is a chance United may have to launch an appeal if Kagawa is to be granted a UK permit because at present he fails to meet the stringent criteria that guarantees acceptance.

A player has to have played in at least 75 per cent of his country's competitive matches in the last two years - something which Kagawa has not done. However, if he is accepted as an ‘exceptional talent’ it should ensure he eventually gets the paperwork required to move to Old Trafford.

After a medical on Friday, the Dortmund player will leave Manchester at the weekend, by which time it is hoped he will have successfully proved his fitness to the Premier League giants and moved a step closer to securing his future.

Speaking to Goal.com last week, first team coach Rene Meulensteen hailed the qualities of Kagawa, who the club hope will help them keep pace with champions Manchester City and a revitalised Chelsea side in the race for the title next season.

"I rate Kagawa very highly," he said. "He gets behind the opposition in the midfield which means that he can help in possession or be direct in moving forward.

"He can play the ball quick, one touch or two touch and can create chances and score goals.

"He has got the complete package of what you could want from attacking midfielder."

In two seasons with Dortmund, Kagawa has won the Bundesliga title twice and one German Cup, having made 71 appearances and contributing 29 goals and 15 assists.

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:35 PM

Nani has credited Portugal coach Paulo Bento for having a major influence on his career.

The United winger will be a key figure again for his country when they take on Czech Republic in the first Euro 2012 quarter-final on Thursday evening.

Bento was a coach during Nani's younger days at Sporting Lisbon, before the move to Old Trafford, and the 25-year-old has paid tribute to the former Real Oviedo midfielder in an interview carried in the English press.

"He’s one of the main reasons I am where I am because he opened doors and my eyes and made me see what I was doing was wrong many times," explained Nani. "He made me realise that if I wanted to be here, as I am today, then I needed to change certain things.

"He believed in me and that’s what I remember. Paulo told me lots of things in private and when he became first-team coach at Sporting he gave me the opportunity to play."

Nani was quoted in The Sun and the Daily Mail.

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:36 PM

Sir Bobby Charlton will carry the Olympic flame past Old Trafford on Sunday morning, on day 37 of the Olympic torch relay.

The United legend and club ambassador is one of 14 torchbearers on the leg starting from MediaCityUK at around 06:15 BST on Sunday 24 June. Sir Bobby will carry the flame from Water's Reach to Old Trafford which is playing a key role in London 2012 as a host venue for the football tournament. Sir Bobby will stop for a photo opportunity in front of the Trinity statue on the forecourt before passing on the flame to the next torchbearer.

The Olympic flame arrived in Britain from Greece on 18 May and the relay began at Land's End, Cornwall, the next day. Sir Bobby is one of 8,000 torchbearers who will transport the flame to 1,000 cities, towns and villages across the UK during its 8,000-mile, 70-day journey to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London on 27 July.

There will be ample space along the route for spectators who are looking to join in with this memorable event. It is recommended that anyone wishing to attend arrives in good time to get their free parking space and a good vantage point from which to cheer on Sir Bobby.

Full details of the route and schedule can be found on Trafford Council's website. Free parking is available in N1 car park at Old Trafford and also at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Stretford High School and the Lowry Outlet Mall (until 07:30).

To read more about the history and traditions that surround the torch visit the official website, London2012.com.

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:36 PM

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jun/amazulu-will-tackle-united-as-part-of-south-african-tour.aspx#

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:38 PM

Wing and a Prayer
A
shley Young has given England an injury scare ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final. Young was still limping heavily with a shin injury on Wednesday, almost 24 hours after a collision with Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko during the Three Lions' Group D win over the co-hosts.

Manchester United and England forward Young will have further treatment on Thursday and said he is “hopeful” of being fit to face Italy in Kiev.

Young suffered bad bruising and while the England medical staff are optimistic he will be fit, it is believed to be a concern for manager Roy Hodgson.

The England boss will hold a closed training session on Thursday as he looks to try to maintain the fitness of his players.

While Young is the biggest worry, others who appeared in every group game may do light work in the gym rather than a full programme.

The Guardian speculates that Young - if fit - and his United cohort Wayne Rooney could be nominated for penalty-taking duty if England's quarter-final clash with Italy cannot be decided across 90 minutes and extra-time.

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:39 PM

UKAuolGp1Vg

bbfan1991

21-06-2012, 06:41 PM

Tom Cleverley fears being labelled "injury prone" because he spent most of last season in the treatment room.

The Manchester United midfielder missed the majority of the campaign because of an ankle injury and has also suffered a broken leg, dislocated shoulder and knee ligament damage during his career.

Cleverley, 22, insists he has no underlining problem with his body and hopes to emulate team-mate Ryan Giggs by playing into his late 30s.

"I’d hate to be getting the injury-prone tag because the injuries I’ve had have all been contact, impact or reckless tackles," said Cleverly who finally returned to action in March.

"It’s not like I’m picking up hamstring injuries or thigh injuries all the time.

"Hopefully I’m getting all the bad luck out at the start of my career and I can go on to play as long as Giggsy - he’s the perfect example."

Cleverley claims his time out of the team was not totally wasted because he worked on different aspects of his game.

"When you’re not on the pitch you can work on other areas," he said.

"I did work with video analysis, I worked hard in the gym on my upper body and I did vision work too.

"It’s a fantastic training ground because you can work hard on all aspects of your game when you’re injured. Everything I could work on, I worked on. I’ve done everything I can while I’ve been out."

bbfan1991

22-06-2012, 05:39 PM

Kagawa completes United move

Manchester United announced earlier this month that an agreement with Borussia Dortmund had been reached for the transfer of Shinji Kagawa for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Japanese midfielder has now passed a medical, obtained a UK work permit and has agreed a four-year contract commencing 1 July 2012.

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to be bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford. He told ManUtd.com: “Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal.

"I am delighted he has chosen to come to United. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United’s style of play. We are all looking forward to working with him."

Kagawa himself can't wait to get started as a Red. He told us: “This is a challenge I am really looking forward to. The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is such a massive club.

"This is a really exciting time for me and I can’t wait to meet the team and start playing."

bbfan1991

22-06-2012, 05:41 PM

Nani confident for semis

Nani is within two matches of winning Euro 2012 after helping Portugal to reach the semi-finals.

The United winger had a half-chance or two to break the stubborn resistance of Czech Republic in Warsaw, before his country and former club colleague Cristiano Ronaldo pipped him to it by powering a 79th-minute header past Petr Cech. The Chelsea goalkeeper had earlier parried away a long-range shot from Nani and although the latter's cross was converted by substitute Hugo Almeida, that 'goal' was rightly disallowed by English referee Howard Webb for offside.

"I had a couple of chances, Cristiano did, and Almeida as well," said Nani, who was the first player to be booked by Webb - for a foul on David Limbarsky - during a frustrating first half.

"Finally Ronaldo scored a goal, we won the game and that's the most important thing. Everyone is happy, we're very satisfied with the result. Every game [as we progress] is going to be more difficult but it was a great performance by all the players tonight and the whole team is feeling very confident. Now we have to rest and prepare for the big match."

For the second game in a row, Nani was substituted a few minutes from time while Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, with the main highlight - other than his winning header - being the moment he nearly scored the greatest goal of Euro 2012. With half-time approaching, the former United star controlled a flighted pass on his chest, swivelled and fired a shot against the near post. Ronaldo also hit the woodwork in the second half with a free-kick.

"I hit the post twice in the last game as well," Ronaldo told BBC Sport. "But then I did score and we won. We're very happy, the team played very well and we are in the semi-finals. We're ready for the fight."

Nani and co will next face Spain or France, for whom Patrice Evra will be hoping to play after two omissions.

bbfan1991

22-06-2012, 05:42 PM

Welcome to Manchester United, Shinji Kagawa now the deal has been completed:):D.

bbfan1991

22-06-2012, 06:05 PM

http://p.twimg.com/AwAx6wqCIAE8n6j.jpg

:worship:

bbfan1991

22-06-2012, 06:26 PM

Gallery of pictures from Shinji Kagawa's arrival at Old Trafford!:devil:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2012/Jun/gallery-shinji-kagawa-arrives-at-manchester-united.aspx

bbfan1991

22-06-2012, 07:42 PM

Liverpool fan Phillip Gannon banned for Evra racist abuse

A football fan has been banned from matches for four years after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

Phillip Gannon, 58, of Barmouth, Wales, was also seen on television making a racially offensive monkey gesture, Liverpool Magistrates' Court was told.

The incident took place during a match between Liverpool and Manchester United in January this year.

He will not be able to attend Liverpool or England games under the order.

Rob Girvan, prosecuting, said the incident happened amid a "volatile" atmosphere at Anfield when the two sides met in an FA Cup fourth-round clash.

It was the first game between the Premier League rivals following an eight-match ban imposed on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after the FA found him guilty of racially abusing the United defender.

'Clearly racist'

Gannon was seen as TV cameras panned over fans in the lower Centenary Stand, showing him gesturing with both hands under his armpits.

The court heard the offences were racially aggravated, despite Gannon's claims that the "monkey" gesture was a reference to "cavemen".

The coverage, which was broadcast worldwide by ITV, spread across Twitter and complaints were subsequently made to police, the court heard.

Another fan sitting behind Gannon at the match heard him aim a racist slur towards Evra in French when he approached the touch-line.

Chairman of the bench, Ray Moore, said both the gesture and the comment were "clearly racist".

The north Wales carpenter and joiner, who was seated close to the pitch, also directed a term of abuse found offensive by the travelling community at Manchester United fans.

The defendant said at the time he was unaware of the connotations of the term he used.

He was found guilty of two counts of using abusive or insulting words within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused alarm or distress.

The bench banned Gannon, of Heol Meirion, Barmouth, from attending both Liverpool and England matches and excluded him from Liverpool city centre for four hours before and after games.

He was also fined £180 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £300.

Liverpool Football Club said: "This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will do all we can to eradicate this kind of behaviour."

The club are thought to be considering their own ban for the supporter, although it is as of yet unclear how long this may be.

Good, no place in Football for behaviour like that.

bbfan1991

23-06-2012, 02:59 PM

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was among the first to text Martin Kelly over the Liverpool defender's England selection.

Kelly was the shock last-minute call-up to Roy Hodgson’s squad after Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill broke his jaw against Belgium.

But questions were raised over why the experienced Manchester United central defender Ferdinand was not selected instead.

Ferdinand, 33, is veteran of more than 80 caps for his country.

But he has told Kop youngster Kelly that there are no hard feelings on his part and urged him to enjoy the experience, says The Sun.

Ferdinand also kindly invited 22-year-old Kelly to ring him any time he wants to for advice.

Nice one Rio:).

bbfan1991

23-06-2012, 03:01 PM

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is feeling optimistic about England's chances of beating Italy in Sunday's Euro 2012 quarter-final.

Rooney made his first appearance of the championship against Ukraine on Tuesday and scored the only goal of the game to help the Three Lions secure top spot in Group D and to set up a last eight showdown with the Italians.

The United striker senses a quiet confidence within the squad and unlike at previous tournament, he isn't feeling any pressure to lead the country to glory.

Having missed the final two group games through suspension, the 26-year-old is convinced on a personal level his performance level can only go up, the further England progress in the competition.

He said: "I feel good. I feel fresh. In some ways, missing the first two games may help me in the later games. So I'll be ready. I'm looking forward to it.

"You have to play the best teams if you want to win tournaments and how much of a boost would it be for us if we beat them?

"[Ukraine] was my first game for a while so it was always going to take time to get into it. There were a few sloppy things, [such as] giving the ball away.

"To be honest, I don't feel [the pressure]. Sometimes it might look like that.

But I don't think I have to try too hard to make us win. I do hear all that stuff; but I don't take much notice of it.

"All I'm going to say is we've got the squad, we're more organised than we have ever been and we are hard to beat now.

"If we keep doing that and keep working hard, then there's no reason why we can't go far and be in with a shout of winning it. We are confident."

bbfan1991

24-06-2012, 11:42 PM

Manchester United new boy Shinji Kagawa is determined to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford following his move from Borussia Dortmund.

The 23-year-old was the subject of interest from major clubs from around the world after impressing this season for the Bundesliga champions. However, Sir Alex Ferguson moved quickly to secure the signing of the Japan midfielder.

Kagawa is now eagerly anticipating getting started for the Red Devils and insists he wants to carve out his own legacy at Old Trafford after turning down the chance to wear the famed No.7 shirt once donned with such distinction by George Best, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

United's latest signing announced the decision in an impromptu press conference at Tokyo's Narita Airport following a whirlwind trip to England.

In addition to a flock of journalists, the Japan international was greeted by 100 fans seeking autographs and handshakes.

"I've just joined the team and haven't accomplished anything yet," Kagawa said after the 12-hour flight. "I want to make a name for myself [at United] on my own terms."

Kagawa further elaborated that he had asked for a number with personal meaning, leading to speculation among Japanese media that the player could wear the 8, 26, or 29 he once wore at Cerezo Osaka, or the 23 shirt that brought him fame at Dortmund.

"I don't know which numbers are free," Kagawa coyly told reporters. "I gave them my requests, but they aren't as important a number [as No. 7]"

Despite the rigorous travel schedule, the Samurai Blue star still appeared excited after finally putting pen to paper on the move.

"The contract was as long as I'd expected from a club [like United]," Kagawa laughed. "When I was at [Old Trafford], I thought about how incredible it would be if I could score there."

I like his attitude!:worship:

bbfan1991

24-06-2012, 11:45 PM

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/magic-moment-for-sir-bobby-charlton-as-he-carries-olympic-flame-in-manchester-7879542.html

Sir Bobby Charlton carrying the Olympic flame outside Old Trafford, he is such a legend:worship::cool:.

bbfan1991

24-06-2012, 11:49 PM

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is due to return to training a week earlier than scheduled as he steps up his bid to be fit for the start of next season.

The central defender has been sidelined since suffering a serious cruciate knee ligament injury during the Champions League clash against Basel in December.

Vidic, 30, is making a rapid recovery and plans are in place for him to start a fitness regime in the next week, before other members of the United squad return for pre-season training at the start of July.

The Serbian was initially three weeks behind schedule in his rehabilitation but the club are delighted with his progress since the end of the season and confident he will be fit for next season's opener against Everton on August 18.

Vidic has been running without trouble and has maintained a specially devised programme to improve his core strength around the knee.

On his return to the club’s Carrington training base, Vidic will be assessed by United’s team of physiotherapists and sports scientists. They will then update United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as to when he can expect his captain to join the full squad in first-team training.

Brilliant news:D.

Brother Leon

24-06-2012, 11:53 PM

Vidic's importance is incredibly underestimated.

bbfan1991

25-06-2012, 12:23 AM

Wayne Rooney revealed it is a 'horrible feeling' after England were knocked out of Euro 2012 by Italy in a penalty shoot-out.

Following a 0-0 draw in the quarter-final in Kiev, striker Rooney had put England 2-1 ahead in the shoot-out following Riccardo Montolivo's miss.

However, Ashley Young then struck the crossbar and Ashley Cole's penalty was saved by Gianluigi Buffon to hand Alessandro Diamanti the chance to convert the winning spot-kick.

England have now been knocked out of three of the last five European Championships on penalties after previously losing to Germany in 1996 and Portugal in 2004.

Rooney expressed the devastation in the England squad following the defeat and praised the endeavour of the players against Italy.

"It was a horrible way to go out," said Rooney.

"We are all gutted.

"It was a tough game and we all worked hard, so to lose on penalties is a horrible feeling for everyone."

England coach Roy Hodgson said after the game that his players should hold their heads high and it is a sentiment echoed by Rooney.

Rooney added: "We can hold our heads up high. There are a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in next tournament."

bbfan1991

28-06-2012, 03:17 PM

Manchester United will play Barcelona in Gothenburg on Wednesday 8 August as part of Tour 2012, delivered to the world by DHL.

The match at the Ullevi Stadium will be only the Reds' second game in the Swedish city during Sir Alex Ferguson's time as manager - the previous occasion was in November 1994. United also played there twice under Sir Matt Busby, beating Gothenburg Alliance 4-2 in May 1955 and 4-0 twelve months later.

Announcing the game, chief executive David Gill said, "Manchester United against Barcelona is one of the top fixtures in world football and we are delighted to work with GotEvent to bring this match to the beautiful city of Gothenburg.

"We have a large following throughout Scandinavia and it’s great that this match will form part of our preparations for the new season."

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Europe said, "We are delighted to be involved in another tour with Manchester United. Using our global network we’ll be supporting the back room team to prepare for the Gothenburg leg of the tour and ensure that the team are ready to deliver success on the pitch."

This match will be supported by Chevrolet, Manchester United’s new global automotive partner.

bbfan1991

28-06-2012, 03:20 PM

Wayne Rooney might be licking his wounds over England's Euro 2012 exit, but it will not be long before Manchester United matters are on his mind again.

The striker is starting his annual summer break to a background of general discontent regarding his performances in Ukraine this summer. In addition, a seemingly innocuous comment about the England camp being a better place as a direct result of the new manager, Roy Hodgson, having full command of English seems to have annoyed Fabio Capello.

Yet the Italian former England coach's caustic comments about Rooney only understanding Scottish may, indirectly, have an element of truth about them. After all, while there have been a couple of significant fallouts, the 26-year-old seems to react better to the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, than to anyone else.

While Rooney can hardly be blamed for United selecting yesterday to highlight on their website an interview he gave them for their official diary of the 2011-12 season, entitled "Fight to the Finish", the comments reinforce a perception that United will always get the best of their star forward.

"I think we've all learnt a lot," said Rooney. "There have been a lot of games where you get a feeling afterwards that you never want to have again. Hopefully, we can get hold of that feeling and make sure it doesn't happen again. Just look at all the young players in the squad: they've played a lot of games, had a lot of ups and downs and most of them are already getting selected for their national teams.

"That's all going to help them. The next two or three years will be a big test for them and I'm sure we'll all pull through it."

Rooney's assessment was of a season that brought staggering low points for United, including a 6-1 home defeat by Manchester City; a defeat by Basle in December which led to them crashing out of the Champions League; and two games in which they were comprehensively outplayed by Athletic Bilbao, who finished mid-table in La Liga, in the Europa League. All these games left significant scars.

United nonetheless overcame all that to establish an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with just six games remaining, only to toss away the advantage and offer City a run to their first title in 44 years. Sergio Aguero's last-gasp, final-day goal at the Etihad Stadium then ripped the prize from their grasp.

Those setbacks, though, cannot be ignored. Ferguson, who returned to work this week, has begun the task of reshaping his squad with the arrival of the Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund. The England Under-19 international Nick Powell has been snapped up from Crewe Alexandra as Ferguson keeps an eye on the future.

Nevertheless, more will be required, even though actually piecing together a squad is not going to be easy for Ferguson, given the competing demands of Euro 2012 and the forthcoming London Olympics.

Of the United squad, only Portugal's Nani remained on active service in Poland and Ukraine as the semi-finals began. However, Ferguson prefers to give his players a minimum of three weeks off, meaning that those who have been involved in Euro 2012 in any way will miss some, if not all, of the club's pre-season tour to South Africa and Ukraine.

In addition, the goalkeeper David de Gea is certain to be required for Olympic duty by Spain and Ferguson can expect to lose more players, including possibly Ryan Giggs, when the Great Britain coach, Stuart Pearce, names his squad. United are also providing three players – Sam Johnstone, Tom Thorpe and Michael Keane – for England's Under-19 European Championship campaign next month.

United's captain, Nemanja Vidic, is not expected to travel on the pre-season tour either, as when he returns for duty next week he will be stepping up the rehabilitation work after a cruciate operation.

According to United's reserve-team coach, Warren Joyce, Ryan Tunnicliffe will be among the young players who are set to be retained next season, but Keane will be sent out on loan.

"There's bound to be interest from the Championship as they both did well last year," Joyce said yesterday. "The reserves won everything and Keane won the [reserves'] player of the year. For sure he will go out on loan but Tunnicliffe may well be around the first team."

bbfan1991

28-06-2012, 03:22 PM

Manchester United winger Nani believes he and his Portugal teammates can be proud of their Euro 2012 run.

Portugal gave World and European champions Spain a run for their money in their semi-final last night before losing on penalties.

"We really gave it all we had, and it's difficult to go out on penalties," Nani said.

"We showed a lot of quality. In the end Spain simply had more luck than we did.

“But people in Portugal can be proud of their team. We are sad as we deserved to be in the final - but we can go home with our heads held high."

bbfan1991

29-06-2012, 11:05 PM

Fans in South Africa will be the first to see new Manchester United signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell in action.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed both men will play a major role in the Reds’ 2012 DHL pre-season tour, which begins in Durban on 18 July with a match against AmaZulu FC. United have also confirmed games in Cape Town (also South Africa), Shanghai (China), Oslo (Norway) and Gothenburg (Sweden).

And although some big names will be left in Manchester following a strenuous summer of tournament football, the Reds manager has promised he’ll send the “strongest team available”.

“We are all looking forward to the pre-season tour,” Sir Alex told ManUtd.com. “ It’s obviously very difficult in a year when we have had a Euro tournament and we also have the Olympics this year.

“The final tour squad hasn’t been decided yet but we will be taking the strongest team we have available.

“I am delighted our new newest signings, Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, will be in the travelling squad, along with more established players such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ji Sung-Park.

“I’ve always said how important it is to get a good pre-season behind us. We saw the impact a good pre-season had on the start of last year’s campaign. We have incredible support in South Africa and in China and I am looking forward to returning to both countries to start our preparation for the new season.”

bbfan1991

29-06-2012, 11:07 PM

Director leaves United board

Maurice Watkins CBE is stepping down from the board of Manchester United Football Club Ltd after 28 years' service. From 1991-2004, he was also a director of Manchester United PLC, a company quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Mr Watkins joined the board in 1984, at the invitation of the then chairman, Martin Edwards. In 1986, he was centrally involved, alongside Martin Edwards, Bobby Charlton and Michael Edelson, in the appointment of Alex Ferguson to succeed Ron Atkinson. He has played a significant role in the development of Manchester United and the game of football both domestically and internationally during that time.

Announcing Maurice's departure, Chief Executive, David Gill said:

"Maurice has been a great servant of and adviser to Manchester United and I'd like to place on record my thanks and that of the other board members for the time and effort he has devoted to that task. He has been a source of calm, measured advice and someone who always has the genuine interests of the Club at heart. Although Maurice is leaving the board, in his role as Joint Senior Partner of Brabners Chaffe Street, he will continue to act as one of the Club’s advisers going forward. ”

Maurice Watkins said:

"It has been a privilege to serve on the board of that great institution which is Manchester United Football Club, for nearly thirty years and to work with so many committed individuals during that time. I shall continue to support the Club in the future both on and off the pitch wherever I am able to do so."

bbfan1991

29-06-2012, 11:09 PM

Manchester United plan to reward Wayne Rooney's below-par performances at Euro 2012 with a three-week break with the club set to allow the England striker to miss the club's gruelling world tour.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels the best way for his players who have competed at the Euros to return to fitness will be to have an extended break before missing the club's three-game tour of South Africa and China.

And as United prepare to start pre-season training, their star man - who spent time in Las Vegas before the Euros - took in a trip to Hollywood.

Question marks were raised over Rooney's fitness after he put in two average performances against Ukraine and Italy after being suspended for the tournament's opening two games.

Rooney - along with fellow England players Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones, France left-back Patrice Evra and Portugal winger Nani - will report back from pre-season training on July 16 - the day the touring party departs for Durban.

The sextet will then be put through an extensive conditioning programme before joining the European leg of the club's tour to ensure they are fit for the start of the new season in August.

bbfan1991

30-06-2012, 11:46 PM

Wayne Rooney has dismissed suggestions that he is to blame for England’s Euro 2012 failure.

The 26-year-old Manchester United striker insisted there is no flaw in his *temperament – despite being ruled out of Roy Hodgson’s plans for the games against France and Sweden by a two-match ban handed down for his red card in a qualifier in Montenegro.

And he defiantly declared that he has nothing to reproach himself about, even though Hodgson himself admitted that Rooney had under-performed in the penalty shoot-out defeat by Italy in the quarter-finals.

“I regret what I did in Montenegro,” said Rooney. “I shouldn’t have done it and I took the punishment I was given.

“I had no problem with the two-game ban I got and I will learn from it.

“I am sure everyone was keeping a close eye on me during the two games I did play and they all saw that I had no problem with my discipline.

“I showed last season that there’s nothing for me to worry about.

“I didn’t get a single booking for United in the Premier League, so it’s not something that I am concerned about.”

Rooney showed an impressive new level of restraint during a campaign in which he scored 36 goals for United.

But he paid a heavy price for his wild kick at Montenegro’s Miodrag Dzudovic in the 2-2 draw in Podgorica in October, with UEFA only reducing their initial three-game suspension when the FA launched an appeal.

Rooney has had a torrid time since *bursting on to the international scene as a teenager at Euro 2004.

His 2006 World Cup was ended by a red card against Portugal in yet another last-eight exit on penalties.

And he cut a frustrated figure in South Africa two years ago, when an obvious lack of fitness after an injury ensured he was powerless to prevent England being *humiliated by Germany in the round of 16.

Hodgson’s decision to allow his star *striker to begin his preparations for Euro 2012 by taking a holiday in Las Vegas has come in for criticism in the week since *England bowed out of the tournament thanks to a quarter-final defeat on *penalties to Italy.

But Rooney said: “Listen, we all did the best we could – every single one of us – and we can hold our heads up high.

“We came home knowing that we gave absolutely *everything at the Euros, but at the end of the day we just weren’t good enough because we didn’t go through.

“But we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. It was a horrible way to go out – on penalties again – but I think we did our job to a certain extent. We’ve got a new manager, a lot of younger players in the squad, and they will all benefit from the experience of this tournament.

“Now we’ve got to look ahead to the next qualifying campaign and the World Cup
in Brazil.”

Rooney, 26, agrees that lessons now have to be learned – although he believes *Hodgson does have the tools to succeed with England.

He said: “We have got to learn to keep possession better because although the game was quite even, in terms of chances that’s where Italy dominated.

“When you see teams like Italy, Spain and Germany, they win games by dominating possession.

“That is something we have got to bring into our own game.

“The manager worked a lot on getting us organised and on team shape. I think we are already a better team than when he first took over.

“But he’s only been in the job a short time and I am sure we are not yet playing the way he wants us to.”

Rooney added: “I think there are young players coming through. Roy put four or five of them straight into his squad with the likes of (Danny) *Welbeck and (Alex) *Oxlade-Chamberlain. Theo *Walcott is relatively young as well.

“We have got a lot of young players coming through and they’ll learn from this *experience.

“If we can all gel together, keep working on the team shape and keep the same desire, then we will grow as a team.”

bbfan1991

01-07-2012, 04:54 PM

Park recalls United move:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2012/Jun/ji-sung-park-recalls-manchester-move.aspx

bbfan1991

02-07-2012, 03:42 PM

Rafael has signed a new four-year deal which will see the Brazilian full-back stay at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015/16 season.

Rafael, 21, arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2008 and his performances for the first team have seen him called into the full Brazil squad.

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have secured Rafael's services for a further four years and told ManUtd.com: “Rafael is one of the club’s brightest young prospects; he has no fear of playing and has great belief in himself.

"The boy has developed immensely since joining United, his energy and enthusiasm are a joy to watch. Rafael has all the attributes to become one of the best full-backs in the world and I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”

The man himself is just as pleased: “I am so happy to sign a new contract," Rafael told us. "I love playing for Manchester United, there is a great team spirit here and a real desire to win.

"My time here has been unbelievable; winning two league titles, a league cup and a Club World Cup has made me hungry for more trophies. I would like to thank Sir Alex for his belief in me and I would also like to thank the fans for their support.”

bbfan1991

02-07-2012, 03:45 PM

Queens Park Rangers have signed Fabio on a season-long loan.

The Brazilian full-back will spend the entire 2012/13 campaign at Loftus Road, where he will work under Reds legend and Rangers manager, Mark Hughes.

The news follows Monday's earlier announcement that Fabio's twin brother, Rafael, has extended his United contract until 2016.

Fabio has found first team opportunities limited in his Old Trafford career to date, thanks to misfortune with injuries and the tricky task of displacing Patrice Evra at left-back, but he has still made 53 appearances and scored twice.

His sustained run of involvement in the second half of the 2010/11 season culminated in a starting berth in the 2011 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the defender has the wherewithal to succeed at Old Trafford, however, having admitted in April: "I think a year out at a good level playing every week will make Fabio a real top player for us.”

bbfan1991

02-07-2012, 03:47 PM

Fabio da Silva is determined to make his loan move to Queens Park Rangers a success.

The Brazilian defender will spend the entire 2012/13 season at Loftus Road, and he admits the move is crucial for the next stage of his career.

"I'm so happy to be here," Fabio told QPR's official website. "This loan is so important for me in terms of my career. I want to play as many games as possible here. I want to play well and win games as well.

"It's a good move for my career and for my confidence. Sir Alex Ferguson said that I'd enjoy it here and told me to play as many games as I can. I know that QPR is a club with great history. I read about the history and that's why I'm here.

"I also came here because I'm ambitious. I want to help QPR progress up the Premier League. Hopefully the fans will enjoy watching me in action, because I'll do my best."

QPR manager Mark Hughes feels the deal benefits all parties involved, as his side gain a talented player who will hone his craft before returning to Old Trafford.

"It's a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player, who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United," said the former Reds striker.

"He's played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he's got. I know they think very highly of him and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season.

"We can give him the games he's craving at this stage of his career, so it benefits everybody. He's very versatile - he can play left or right-back and he's also been utilised in midfield by Sir Alex in the past, so we know what we're getting, and that's a very good player."

bbfan1991

02-07-2012, 03:48 PM

Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs have been named in Great Britain's football squad for the London 2012 Olympics.

Team GB coach Stuart Pearce named the United duo in his 18-man squad on Monday after a summer of deliberation. The team will kick off its campaign against Senegal at Old Trafford on 26 July.

Great Britain then faces United Arab Emirates at Wembley before rounding off its Group A campaign against Uruguay in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

The top two teams from each group along with the two best third place teams qualify for the quarter-finals. The tournament rounds off with the final at Wembley on 11 August.

Great Britain squad: Butland (Birmingham), Steele (Middlesbrough); Bertrand (Chelsea), Caulker (Tottenham), Dawson (West Brom), Richards (Man City), Rose (Tottenham), Taylor (Swansea), Tomkins (West Ham); Allen (Swansea), Cleverley (United), Cork (Southampton), Giggs (United), Ramsey (Arsenal); Bellamy (Liverpool), Sinclair (Swansea), Sordell (Bolton), Sturridge (Chelsea).

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 11:02 AM

Ryan Giggs can play well into his forties, according to his former Manchester United team-mate Bryan Robson.

The Welshman turns 39 towards the end of November and many have suggested next season will be his last in the red shirt after getting the chance to represent Great Britain at the Olympics this summer.

However, Robson, who did not retire at Old Trafford himself until the age of 37, accompanied Giggs on a recent trip to Shanghai and is in little doubt the midfielder is still in tremendous shape. With Paul Scholes also extending his playing career by at least another season, many more vintage displays by the veteran pair are expected next term.

"Both are fantastic professionals and it was great to see 'Scholesy' come back and play so well in the second part of the season," Robson told ManUtd.com. "The boss knows how to use them as well as he rests them at the right time and gets them in and they look fresh. Those two will do a great job for the club again next year.

"You definitely have to do things differently in terms of training. The boss maybe gives you a few more days off compared to what you normally get. But it’s up to you as individuals as well. You have to look after yourself that little bit better and prepare yourself that bit better.

"Both of them are dedicated pros who want to win more things so they will go about it the right way. I can see especially Ryan, perhaps Paul depending on whether his joints allow him to do it, but I can see Giggsy playing well past 40 just because of the natural fitness of the lad."

There has been debate around United's midfield options for some time but the club's former 'Captain Marvel' feels the current personnel have the opportunity to press home their claims, even if there may be the need for an addition to the squad.

"I still think we’ve got enough quality in the midfield area," he stressed. "Although people are talking about it, Michael Carrick had a terrific season last year. Unfortunately, because of the illness to Darren Fletcher, we probably could do with somebody to replace Darren at this moment in time. Everyone has got to keep their fingers crossed and maybe he can get over the illness and come back because that would be a major boost for the club. So let’s hope that happens."

Tom Cleverley, who is United's other representative in Stuart Pearce's Olympic squad, will also be looking to prove he is in good form ahead of the new campaign.

"For me, this is a big season for Tom Cleverley," admitted Robson. "He did have a lot of injuries last season but this year has to be the year where he rallies and proves himself to be a Manchester United player. So it is going to be a big year for Tom."

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 11:05 AM

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes the Reds are well placed to win back the Barclays Premier League trophy, despite suffering last-day heartache in a thrilling climax to the 2011/12 season.

In fact, it’s precisely because Sir Alex’s men were so close to glory – a matter of seconds – that Cole says there’s no need to panic about the future.

“Yes, we lost the league, but that doesn’t mean we need an overhaul,” he told ManUtd.com. “Manchester City spent almost £300million to reach this level and only won the league on goal difference.

“I’m not disputing they were the best team last season – you can never argue with the league table – but they’ve had to spend a lot of money to even get near us. That’s why I think we’re in good shape. And whoever the manager signs between now and the start of the season will only improve that squad.”

Players are due back at Carrington for pre-season training later this week after a break that, Cole says, will have felt like “a very long summer”.

“You want to win something every single season so when you don’t your time off is naturally going to drag a bit. But they’ll come back doubly determined to do well this season.

“When you’ve lost the league you want to get straight back on the horse, so to speak, and set about regaining that trophy. As soon as last season finished they would have been thinking about this season. They’ll be thinking about how they can win it back, where it went wrong...

“At United, you never stand still or dwell on anything – good or bad. That’s the mindset that’s drummed into you at the club. I remember in 1999, after we won the Treble, the manager was already looking forward to next season.”

One player Cole is particularly looking forward to seeing in a United shirt this term is summer signing Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese international arrives at Old Trafford having made a big impact at German champions Borussia Dortmund and Cole has backed him to reproduce that form in the English game.

“I think Kagawa will be a very, very good player. To achieve what he achieved at Borussia Dortmund in just two seasons is incredible.

“I think the German league is one of the best leagues in the world. It’s a fantastic league – the players and the teams there are of a very high standard. So for Kagawa to have made that sort of impact, that tells you he’s a top prospect.

“Our other signing so far, Nick Powell, is probably one for the future. I’m not sure we’ll see too much of him in 2012/13.

“When you look at the forwards we have in the team at the moment, you’d have to say Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez would all be ahead of him. Dimitar Berbatov’s still at the club as well. Powell’s a talented boy, though, judging from what I’ve seen of him in a Crewe shirt.”

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 11:29 AM

The stars of the current United squad are not the only famous faces who will greet fans on the DHL pre-season tour later this month.

Several club legends will accompany Sir Alex Ferguson, his staff and players on Tour 2012, which features games in South Africa, China, Norway and Sweden.

Club ambassador and former captain Bryan Robson will be with the party for the entire tour, as will South African ex-midfielder Quinton Fortune.

Former striker Andy Cole will once again experience the passion of fans in China when the Reds visit Shanghai, while fellow Treble-winner Denis Irwin is travelling to Durban.

Another South African, popular goalkeeper and now respected TV pundit Gary Bailey, will be representing the club in Cape Town.

"I’ve been fortunate to visit the Far East quite a lot in the last 12 months and the appetite for United is getting bigger and bigger," Cole says. "It’s phenomenal and I’ve often had to pinch myself and just think, 'Wow'."

Bailey adds: "South Africa always becomes very excited whenever United are coming over on a pre-season tour. There’s a huge following for the club and it will be wonderful to see United here again."

All the legends will be meeting fans and appearing at various sponsor and charity events on tour, and they can also be spotted at United’s matches and open training sessions.

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 11:30 AM

United: Big in Japan

Shinji Kagawa has become United’s first Japanese signing, but the Reds have several other links with the Land of the Rising Sun…

Looking Sharp
Sharp Electronics were United’s first shirt sponsors, and the Japanese electronics company had their logo emblazoned across the Reds' shirts from 1982 in a deal that lasted almost two decades. The partnership came to an end after the 1999/2000 season, at which point Vodafone became the Reds' principle sponsor.

Familiar foes
In 1989, the Reds’ maiden voyage to Japan pitted them against familiar foes, as Howard Kendall’s Everton overcame the Reds 3-1 in Kobe. Just 8,000 fans were present, but a whopping 40,000 turned up to watch United face a Japanese National XI in Tokyo, where Mark Robins scored the only goal of a hard-fought game.

Schmeichel’s bow
While Peter Schmeichel’s United career ended in glorious circumstances in the sporting mecca of Barcelona’s Camp Nou, it began in distinctly less salubrious surrounds, against Japanese side Mazda at Littleton Road back in 1991. Former Red Bill Foulkes managed the visitors, who won 2-1 in a game watched by only a handful of spectators.

Touring parties
United have thrice locked horns with Urawa Red Diamonds in pre-season tours of Asia. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (1997, Tokyo) and Wayne Rooney (2005, Saitama) both bagged braces in 2-0 victories, while Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 2-2 draw in July 2007. Two years earlier, Kashima Antlers sprang an almighty shock as they overcame the Reds 2-1 in Tokyo.

On top of the world
Winning the Treble in 1999 secured United a shot at the Intercontinental Cup, and with it the title of the world’s greatest club side. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Palmeiras stood in the way and United were indebted to a fine performance from goalkeeper Mark Bosnich in keeping the Brazilians at bay. At the other end, a close-range finish from skipper Roy Keane provided the only goal of the game and ensured United ended the 20th Century as the world’s best.

Thunderbolts and lightning
United were due to face Urawa Red Diamonds in the inaugural Vodafone Cup at Old Trafford in 2004, only for the elements to decree otherwise. Boca Juniors and PSV Eindhoven made up the remainder of the four-way tournament. United beat the Dutch 1-0 and Boca overcame Urawa 5-2, but before the J-League side could face the hosts, a lightning storm prompted the abandonment of the tournament.

"Bring on the Martians"
United’s second stint as world champions was also secured in Japan. In the rejigged FIFA Club World Cup, the Reds first overcame AFC Champions League winners Gamba Osaka in an eight-goal thriller, then squeaked past Ecuador’s LDU Quito. Upon securing global rule, the small band of travelling supporters in Yokohama cheered: “Bring on the Martians.”

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 11:31 AM

Rumour time:

Neil Custis writes in The Sun...

Fergie makes his Mou-ve
Manchester United could be closing in on Portugal’s Joao Moutinho. The club are understood to have approached Porto with a view to signing their attacking midfielder. United are now preparing a £25million bid after getting fed up with Spurs’ demands for Luka Modric. SunSport revealed last month that Modric was boss Alex Ferguson’s No 1 target and United were ready to bid £25m rising to £30m. But Spurs have now quoted £40m for the Croatian and United will not pay that. Moutinho, 25, would follow Ronaldo and Nani on the successful track from Portugal to Old Trafford. Spurs and Chelsea are also interested in the player, who this week praised Andre Villas-Boas.

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 11:35 AM

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley says he joins Great Britain's Olympics squad with manager Sir Alex Ferguson's approval.

He admits he needs "minutes" after last season's injury-plagued campaign.

Cleverley told the Manchester Evening News: "The manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) was happy for me that I was shortlisted and had no problems about me being in the Olympics if chosen.

“I will miss United’s pre-season tour and, ideally, I would have liked to do both. But after my injury spell out last season, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were doing so well I didn’t get much game time.

“So I need minutes on the pitch and I feel that playing in high-stake competitive matches like I’ll get at the Olympics is right for me.

“I am very excited about it and I just want to have a good tournament. It’s a fantastic opportunity and a great boost.”

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 01:40 PM

Berbatov still a United player

Dimitar Berbatov remains a Manchester United player and will join the Reds on the DHL pre-season tour.

The Bulgarian has been strongly linked with moves away from Old Trafford this summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the striker is still part of his plans.

“Nothing has happened with Dimitar and he’ll join the tour to South Africa and China,” the boss told MUTV. “He’s a fantastic footballer.

“It wasn’t a great season for him last season, partly because I settled more with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck... and Chicharito.

“I don’t think I treated Dimitar unfairly but he can feel disappointed that he didn’t get more football. He’s a fantastic talent.”

Manchester United’s DHL pre-season tour begins with two games in South Africa (Durban, Cape Town) before Sir Alex’s squad move on to China (Shanghai), Norway (Oslo) and Sweden (Gothenburg).

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 01:41 PM

Sir Alex: More deals possible

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed there could be more signings during the transfer window as the club continues to work behind the scenes in that area.

The United boss suggested in an exclusive interview with MUTV that Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell may not be the only arrivals this summer if his plans bear fruit. Despite intense media speculation, the Reds will continue to conduct any negotiations in private and it often proves to be a lengthy business.

When asked if he is hoping to make further additions, Sir Alex replied: "Yes, there's a possibility. We’re working on one or two things but there’s nothing really to tell you to be honest.

"We always try to get our work done at the end of the season – we spent a good deal of time sorting the deal with Shinji and we’d agreed a deal with Nick Powell before the play-offs which was a good move by us because the boy had an outstanding final at Wembley.

"When you don’t get deals done immediately and you’re negotiating with a club over a long period, then you can’t expect to just snap your fingers and get it done."

Good news!:):D

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 04:25 PM

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been included in a strong Spanish provisional squad for this summer's Olympic Games.

Spain have also included Euro 2012 winners Jordi Alba, Juan Mata and Javi Martinez.

Alba, who is set to complete a 14million euros move from Valencia for Barcelona later this week, played every minute in Poland and Ukraine as Spain retained their European Championship title.

Those players have been called up for the friendly matches against Senegal (July 13) and Mexico (July 18) before the squad is reduced to 18 for the London Games.

The men's gold medal match takes place on Saturday August 11, a week before the Premier League season kicks off.

Spain squad: David De Gea (Manchester United), Diego Marino (Villarreal), Joel Robles (Atletico Madrid); Jordi Alba (Valencia/Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Marseille), Alberto Botia (Sporting Gijon), Alvaro Dominguez (Borussia Monchengladbach), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad), Javi Martinez and Mikel San Jose (both Athletic Bilbao), Martin Montoya (Barcelona); Thiago Alcantara and Cristian Tello (both Barcelona), Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao), Isco (Malaga), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata and Oriol Romeu (both Chelsea); Adrian Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao), Rodrigo (Benfica), Alvaro Vazquez (Espanyol).

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 04:32 PM

New numbers for United trio

Antonio Valencia will wear the iconic no.7 shirt for Manchester United in 2012/13.

ManUtd.com can also reveal that summer signings Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa will wear no.25 and no.26 respectively.

Ecuador winger Valencia requested the no.7 shirt - worn previously by United legends such as George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo - following Michael Owen's departure this summer.

The Reds' remaining squad numbers for the 2012/13 season are yet to be confirmed.

AV7!:hugesmile:

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 05:40 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson assumes Zeki Fryers will be back at United as he's not heard from his agent.

Paul Pogba to Juventus confirmed by Fergie on MUTV.

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 05:50 PM

SAF on Fletcher: 'The boy's trying very hard to get back to his level. It's not going to be easy but we'll give him every possible chance."

Ferguson "Pogba? He signed for Juventus a long time ago... I don't think he showed us very much respect at all."

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 05:54 PM

Good riddance to Pogba and Fryers expecting glory to land on their laps when they are still young and unproven.

United's conduct when we signed Paul Pogba from Le Havre was wrong, so some might argue we got what we deserved there.

Gutted at the news that SAF does not sound too confident that we will see Darren Fletcher in a Manchester United shirt again due to the illness:(.

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 05:55 PM

Sir Alex waits on Fletcher

Sir Alex Ferguson is being forced to play a waiting game as Darren Fletcher bids to return to action.

The influential Scotland captain took an enforced break last season after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and there is no suggestion yet that he will be able to take part in any of the pre-season campaign.

When asked by MUTV about any comeback for the 28-year-old, Sir Alex replied: "We’ll wait and see about that. Obviously the boy is trying very hard to get back to his level.

"It’s not going to be easy but we’ll give him every possible chance and we’ll see how he does. He kept himself active towards the end of the season when he replaced Paul Scholes as Reserves coach when Scholes decided to come back to the fold. He’s a terrific lad and we all hope he can come back."

bbfan1991

03-07-2012, 05:57 PM

Pogba departure confirmed

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Paul Pogba has left the club but he feels Ezekiel Fryers could return for pre-season training.

Both players, regular members of last year's successful Reserves side, are out of contract and Pogba agreed to join Juventus some time ago despite being offered fresh terms and the promise of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.

It is clear that the manager is frustrated with the French midfielder's actions and is still a little in the dark regarding full-back Fryers' decision on his future.

"Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware," he told MUTV. "Which is disappointing.

"I don’t think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I’m quite happy that if they carry on that way, they’re probably better doing it away from us.

"We haven’t heard anything from Zeki Fryers. I don’t know what’s happening there but he’s not been in touch with the club. His agent hasn’t been in touch with the club and I can only assume he’ll be back for training today."

BBfanUSA

03-07-2012, 10:10 PM

Manchester United filed to go public on the US Stock Exchange today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/9374453/Manchester-United-files-100m-US-IPO.html

bbfan1991

04-07-2012, 11:56 AM

Manchester United have filed with the US government to list shares on the New York stock exchange.

In documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, United said listing in New York would raise up to $100m (£64m) which would be used to repay some of the club's debt.

The club had earlier been considering floating on the Singapore exchange but the idea was abandoned because of volatility in the markets.

Under the proposed reorganisation, the team would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manchester United Ltd, a newly-formed holding company based in the Cayman Islands.

The American Glazer family, which bought the club in 2005, would retain control over the club through Class B shares, which would have 10 times the voting power of the shares that would be sold to the public.

The club was listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1991 until June 2005, when Glazer completed a leveraged buy-out valued at $1.47b.

United has been looking to raise funds to help reduce debts from the 2005 takeover that were £423m as of March 31.

The club was valued at $2.24b by Forbes magazine in April, ranking it as football's most valuable club for the eighth year in a row.

United will become the first sports club to list shares in New York since the Cleveland Indians baseball team in 1998.

bbfan1991

04-07-2012, 11:59 AM

The Glazers have screwed United and it has took them that long plus David Gill/SAF to realise that we now cannot compete financially with certain teams.

This plan is good if it reduces some of the debt.

bbfan1991

04-07-2012, 05:31 PM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2168552/Nani-sets-deadline-Manchester-United-future.html

I hope United get Nani's contract situation sorted out soon.

bbfan1991

06-07-2012, 06:31 PM

Duo open to loan moves

United starlets Jesse Lingard and Larnell Cole are both open to the idea of loan moves away from Old Trafford to further their education.

The 2011 FA Youth Cup winners were key members of Warren Joyce's side that swept the board at Reserves level last term and there has been speculation that they could be among a number of players to be farmed out by Sir Alex Ferguson.

There is likely to be no shortage of interest in the lively wingers, who were both short-listed for the Reserves' Player of the Year prize, if the green light is given regarding a temporary spell elsewhere.

"We’ll see when I come back how I’ve developed and, if I’m ready I’ll go out on loan," Lingard revealed. "I met Sir Alex and he said we’ll see what happens when I come back for pre-season.

"I’ve developed well now from being in the Reserves. Initially, I didn’t want to go on loan as I will miss the lads here despite it being good experience. But there are things like I can’t cook whatsoever. I’ve got to be independent and learn how to grow up so now it’d be a good experience for me to go out on loan."

Cole, who missed out on the England Under-19 squad for the European Championship due to injury, is also intriguiged by the prospect of gaining regular first-team football at this stage of his career.

"It’s good to learn and get a taste of it [at United]," he stated. "But I’d like to play and, hopefully next season, I’ll come back and do that. I would also like to get experience out on loan.

"I would look forward to going out [elsewhere] – it’s what I’d like to do to get more experience."

Sir Alex has hinted that a number of last year's Reserves squad will be pushed out on loan with Joyce confirming recently that Michael Keane would definitely be one of those to benefit. The boss has also revealed this week that both Lingard and Cole are in his plans for possible inclusion on the DHL tour.

bbfan1991

06-07-2012, 06:31 PM

Quartet at the Olympics

United will have four representatives at the Olympics after Rafael's inclusion in the Brazil squad was confirmed.

The right-back, who signed a new deal with the Reds this week, takes his place alongside the likes of Hulk and Neymar in the South Americans' party as they tackle Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand in the group stages.

Of course, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs are in Stuart Pearce's Great Britain squad and David De Gea will keep goal for Spain.

Rafael could play at Old Trafford when Belarus face Brazil while De Gea can look to shut out Morocco at his home ground on 1 August.

bbfan1991

06-07-2012, 06:32 PM

Cole: Big season for Welbeck

Former striker and Treble-winner Andy Cole says the forthcoming season could be pivotal in Danny Welbeck’s career.

The young Mancunian forced his way into Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI last term with a string of fine performances. He netted 12 goals, including important strikes against Manchester City and Arsenal, while forging a close understanding with fellow hitman Wayne Rooney.

Cole, who banged in 121 goals during his eight seasons at Old Trafford, says Welbeck has the ability to become one of England’s top centre-forwards.

“I love watching Danny play and people ask me a lot about him,” Cole told ManUtd.com.

“Chicharito’s injury last season gave Danny the chance to shine and he took that opportunity. He’s done very well for himself. He got himself into the England squad and, again, he made the most of that chance. First and foremost, he’s not let himself down at any stage.

“So this is going to be a big season for him. He has to try and cement his spot as a first-choice Manchester United striker. He’s more than good enough to do that, but he has to keep doing it. You have to do it season in, season out before people are convinced by you.

“All I can say is that Danny has the attributes required to score plenty of goals. But he needs to decide what sort of striker he wants to be. Does he want to be a great goal scorer or a scorer of great goals?

“Look at the goal he scored for England against Sweden, and some of his goals for United last season... he’s got that predator’s instinct. He can be that sort of player, but he needs to decide is whether or not he wants to be a 20-goal-a-season man or somebody who chips in with 10 or 12 screamers into the top corner.”

bbfan1991

06-07-2012, 06:33 PM

Rio excited by Kagawa

Rio Ferdinand can't wait to link up with new team-mate Shinji Kagawa after admiring the Japanese international from afar last season.

Ferdinand followed Kagawa's progress at Borussia Dortmund and was particularly impressed by his performance in Dortmund's destruction of Bayern Munich in the German Cup final in May.

The defender will begin training with his new colleague in the coming days and he is backing him to achieve big things at Old Trafford.

"I can't wait to see Kagawa in action," Rio told MUTV at Nike's 'The Chance' event. "I watched him on TV last season and saw him in the cup final when Dortmund beat Bayern Munich and he looked very impressive.

"I think a lot of people will be surprised by how good he really is and hopefully he can hit the ground running."

Ferdinand joined a number of his team-mates at Carrington earlier today as the players - bar the Euro 2012 contingent - returned to training after a seven-week break.

Rio insists he's delighted to be back and is gearing up for another exciting pre-season tour - delivered to the world by DHL - which will see the Reds play games in South Africa, China and Europe.

"I love pre-season," he declared. "This is the longest time I've had off and I'm raring to go. Even the family at home have been trying to get me out of the door to come to training! I've been getting cold feet in the house sitting around doing nothing. It's hard work but I love it.

"I can't wait to see the fans in all the different countries we're visiting on tour," he added. "It's great to see so many different parts of the world.

"I've been to Durban before and I can't wait to go back to South Africa. And then we're off to Shanghai in China which will be phenomenal and then we're visiting a few places in Europe which will also be good.

"It's great to be able to give the fans who support us throughout the world a chance to see us live."

bbfan1991

06-07-2012, 06:36 PM

It looks like Ezekiel Fryers is leaving for Spurs, fee to be decided by a tribunal.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ezekiel-fryers-close-to-spurs-switch-7918305.html

Rumours linking Park Ji Sung with QPR. If that is true then that is another departure and United might do some more spending in the transfer window.

bbfan1991

06-07-2012, 06:39 PM

Manchester United have completed the signing of Exeter City youngster Sean Goss for an initial fee of around £100,000.

Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to snap up the 16-year-old after he impressed on trial for the Red Devils during a tournament in the Netherlands earlier this year.

Goss joined Exeter's centre of excellence as an eight-year-old and scored 13 goals from midfield for the club's Under-16 team last season.

The League Two prospect professed to growing up as a United supporter and revealed he was overwhelmed after sealing a deal to join his boyhood club.

"The last few days haven't felt real - seeing all the first team players around and the training facilities is like a different world," Goss told Exeter's official website.

"As a Man United supporter as well as an [Exeter] City fan I couldn't believe it, I'd dreamt about it all my life.

"I can't wait to get started now and we've got pre-season games coming up now."

Goss is now focused on progressing at Old Trafford but insisted that he would continue to keep an eye on the fortunes of his first club.

"I just have to continue working hard and my aim now is to just push higher and higher through the ranks," he continued.

"I've got family nearby and I'm sure it'll help a lot knowing they are just around the corner. City's will be the first result I look out for on a Saturday and I'll be doing my best to get to northern away games if I haven't got a fixture."

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:12 PM

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has wasted little time trying to impress his national team coaches, after being called up to Spain's provisional 22-man squad for the 2012 London Olympics.

The 21-year-old has spent the best part of the off-season watching first-choice stopper and La Roja captain Iker Casillas impress at Euro 2012 earlier this summer, as Vicente Del Bosque's record-breaking side went on to lift the trophy in Poland and Ukraine.

And, with Liverpool's Pepe Reina and Barcelona's Victor Valdes already in reserve, De Gea knows that competition for the No.1 spot is as fierce as ever. So, he will be doing everything he can to show what he can do if, as expected, he is selected for Spain at the Games later this month.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to be pleased about the former Atletico Madrid man's inclusion, but will have to face up to the fact that his 2012-13 pre-season plans will be somewhat disrupted with further first-team players like Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley also taking part.

Luis Milla's squad are one of the pre-tournament favourites to win Olympic gold, thanks to the inclusion of high-profile stars like De Gea, Jordi Alba, Juan Mata and Javi Martinez.

Taking part in a light training session on Saturday, De Gea was spotted taking free-kick practice shots. After firing his first attempt high over the bar, the United stopper successfully curls an effort into the corner.

oA_EikcXCv4

Is this a sign of things to come? Keep your eyes peeled for more goalscoring goalkeepers at the Olympics this summer!

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:13 PM

QPR to sign Man United's Park: reports

QPR are set to complete the marquee signing of Manchester United's Park Ji-sung, Press Association Sport understands.

The South Korea international will move to Loftus Road for a fee of £2million once the relevant paperwork has been completed.

Park, who won four Premier League titles and a Champions League during his time at United, is understood to have been swayed to join QPR by their ambitious plans.

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:15 PM

Man Utd’s Ryan Giggs honoured to captain Team GB at London 2012

Manchester United's Ryan Giggs says captaining Team GB is an "equal honour" to skippering the Red Devils and Wales.

Two Champions League triumphs, 12 league titles and four times an FA Cup winner – Ryan Giggs has a bigger trophy cabinet than most clubs.
But, he claims, captaining Great Britain in their first Olympic campaign in 52 years is right up there in his sizable list of achievements.

Team GB goalkeeper Jack Butland wasn’t even born when Giggs made his debut at Old Trafford but Stuart Pearce claimed the decision to appoint the 38-year old Manchester United midfielder was the ‘easiest of his career’.

“It’s as equal an honour as captaining Manchester United and Wales,” insisted Giggs.

“It’s just tremendous to captain Great Britain in an Olympics on home turf. It’s an incredible honour and one that I’m looking forward to so much and couldn’t let pass by.

“It’s just an experience that I never thought would happen, especially since retiring from Wales, and that will always be a disappointment in my career – that I didn’t manage to get to a tournament with Wales.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has been less than complimentary about impact of Olympic football on an already crowded schedule, with the men’s gold medal match scheduled for August 11 at Wembley, one week before United’s Premier League opener at Goodison.

But Giggs insisted there was never any doubt he would be involved once he got the call-up from Pearce.

“Sir Alex has supported me right from the start,” he added.

“He’s wanted me to be involved and I’m really thankful for that. He wants us to do well and he wants me to do well, both personally and the team. I’ve got the full backing of the boss.”

Team GB side will spend the next week training before a behind-closed-doors match with Mexico and a friendly with gold medal favourites Brazil at Middlesbrough’s Riverside on July 20, which should be an interesting indication of their Olympic intent.

Brazil have named a strong London 2012 squad filled with attacking stars including Santos striker Neymar, who has previously been linked to Manchester United, Porto’s Hulk and AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato.

“I’ve not seen much of Neymar, but the Brazilian lads at our place rave on about him,” added Giggs.

“I’ve seen clips and they’re looking at him as the man to light up Rio at the next World Cup. Brazil, Spain and Uruguay have all picked marquee players and these teams are obviously taking it very seriously and want to win it, just like us.

“It’s like a mini-World Cup, with the players involved in this one, and the likes of Messi and Ronaldo in the past. It’s obviously an experience that a lot of players have loved and it’s obviously an even better experience if you win it.”

Giggs and the 18-strong squad, 15 of which are under the age of 23, spent time on Sunday collecting their Olympic kit from Team GB’s preparation camp in Loughborough.

It’s an experience that leaves even established Olympians wide-eyed, although millionaire footballers are a little more accustomed to being given enough free stuff to fill a small sports shop three times over.

While they were formally joining Team GB, David Beckham, overlooked for selection, was down in London, cheering on friend Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final at the All England Club.

But Giggs, a close friend of Beckham, is determined the talk should now stop being about who is not there and focus on who is.

“Stuart Pearce is like all of us – he wants to win and he’s picked the best players available to do that,” he insisted.

“Only time will tell if he is correct. There’s a lot of talented players in the squad and a lot of experience with the three over-age players, but even with the younger players, it’s a strong team.”

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:17 PM

Robson hails Kagawa

Bryan Robson is impressed by Shinji Kagawa's reluctance to wear the iconic number seven shirt at United.

Robson, who did so much to help make it the most famous number at Old Trafford, has also praised the Japan international's adaptability and thinks he has the attitude required to succeed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Kagawa said on sealing his move from Borussia Dortmund: "Since I am very new to the club, I have no intention to get a 'big' number" and indicated he would opt for a number of personal significance rather than the one vacated by Michael Owen. It was announced on Tuesday that the new recruit will wear No26 with Antonio Valencia taking on the seven shirt.

"Straight away that makes him seem like a good, honest lad," Robson told ManUtd.com. "For him to say that rather than put the No7 shirt on, proves he must be a down-to-earth lad. One thing you get with Japanese boys is they’re very hard working and conscientious about the job."

There is already great debate over where Kagawa will fit into the United line-up as he is capable of playing in an advanced role just behind a lone striker. It will be interesting to see where he features during the pre-season tour this month.

"I think the boss will be looking at where he does play him out there [on tour]," added Robson. "He’s got a good option now and can play Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck up top but can also now play Wayne [Rooney] up there if he really wants to and Shinji can play in behind him.

"From what I’ve seen and been told about him, he can play in numerous positions and won’t let you down. He can do a good, hard, workmanlike job for you.

"Versatility has always been important for the boss. He has a few players who can play in different positions. Look at his last few signings – even at the back, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can play centre-half or right-back. Phil can also fill in to midfield as well so the boss likes players who have got that flexibility where they can balance a team."

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:18 PM

Antonio deserves no.7

Antonio Valencia is the perfect person to fill the iconic no.7 shirt, according to former team-mate Gary Neville.

The shirt, famously worn by the likes of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo to name but a few, was unoccupied following Michael Owen's summer departure.

ManUtd.com announced on Wednesday that Valencia had asked for the shirt and Neville feels he is a fitting addition to the no.7 club.

"He’s been a fantastic signing for United and thoroughly deserves that no.7 shirt," the former skipper told ManUtd.com.

"Having played with him for a year or two, I can tell you he’s a brilliant footballer, especially to play behind as a right-back. He does the right things at the right time, he works back to help out when you don’t have the ball, he delivers good crosses and he can beat a man.

"He’s a real handful to play against and I was really pleased to see him score a few more goals last season. That’s probably the only area of the game in which you’d like to see an improvement.

"He has a wonderful shot and he stays calm under pressure. I’d love to see him chip in with 10 or 15 goals this season - he’s more than capable of doing that."

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:19 PM

Law's great respect for fans

Denis Law has paid tribute to the Stretford End and hailed the fans as key to Manchester United's continued success.

The legendary striker signed for the Reds 50 years ago today (9 July 1962) and recently opened a new exhibition in his honour at the Old Trafford museum to celebrate the anniversary.

Arriving from Torino for a British record fee of £115,000, there was obvious pressure on the Scot's shoulders but he soon started firing the goals that would earn him a place in the club's illustrious hall of fame.

"The Stretford End, as you know, is a very famous part of Manchester United's ground and it always will be," the 72-year-old told ManUtd.com. "It's incredible to think when you play in front of a crowd like that, how it inspires you to do well.

"These guys, particularly in the 1960s, were all working guys who paid good money to see you and want you to do well. You think, 'I've just got to go out and do my best for them because it's their life as well as mine'.

"There was pressure on me as I was a big signing. That type of money was not often bandied about. In today's game, some of them earn that in a week or whatever.

"But I was very fortunate as I knew Sir Matt Busby from being manager of Scotland and obviously manager of Manchester United as well. That was lucky and I was fortunate in that he knew what type of player I was. It was a bit nerve-wracking to begin with but, once I settled in, I felt fine."

Juventus actually tried to sign Law from local rivals Torino but he had his mind firmly set on Old Trafford once Busby declared an interest.

"Juventus bought me from Torino but I just left and got a plane!" he recalled. "I was out there with a guy called Joe Baker, who came back and played for Arsenal. Jimmy Greaves was out there for a spell and one of the greatest players ever, John Charles. Gerry Hitchens, too. There were quite a few British players out there at the time.

"But it was so unlike today's media where you've got the internet and everything has changed drastically. You don't feel like you're away in a foreign country anymore. That is a bit of a bonus and it works both ways: so for the guys who are over here from Brazil or Argentina, for instance, they can speak to their family. But we were very isolated out in Turin."

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:20 PM

Giggs to skipper Team GB

Ryan Giggs has been named captain of Great Britain's Olympic football team.

The United veteran, 38, was chosen by manager Stuart Pearce to wear the Team GB armband at this summer's tournament, which kicks off at Old Trafford on July 26 when the hosts face Senegal.

"Obviously I have experience and I can pass that on," said Giggs. "Obviously it is a tremendous honour to be part of the Olympics. Stuart has given me the captaincy, which is even better so I am really looking forward to it.

"It is a unique experience and one from the start that I wanted to be part of when I got the opportunity. I think it just got more and more exciting as the Games got nearer and then when the squads were announced I was obviously really, really proud to be involved."

Giggs is joined by Tom Cleverley in Great Britain's squad, while fellow Reds Rafael and David De Gea will attend London 2012 with Brazil and Spain respectively.

All four United players could feature at Old Trafford, and fans who wish to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event can peruse our Olympics hospitality offers at manutd.com/hospitality.

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:24 PM

Happy Birthday to Ashley Young and Rafael/Fabio Da Silva!:):D

United linked with Leighton Baines again and papers linking us with Joao Moutinho, the other two are more likely to be guesswork because no-one knows which players United are targetting next;).

I just hope we sign a Left Back and Centre Midfielder!

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 01:26 PM

Meet Manchester United's new WAG- Ameri Ichinose aka Shinji Kagawa's pornstar girlfriend;):p.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/shinji-kagawa-pornstar-girlfriend-ameri-1136810

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 02:27 PM

Ji-sung Park signs for QPR

South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park has signed for Queens Park Rangers on a two-year deal.

:(. Good luck to Park Ji Sung at his new club and thanks to the service he gave to United. He is such an underrated player.

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 03:06 PM

Ji-sung Park signs for QPR

South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park has signed for Queens Park Rangers on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old spent seven years at Manchester United following his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2005 and enjoyed numerous highlights during a trophy-laden Reds career.

Park, who played 205 times for United, will play his football this season alongside a couple of familiar faces. Fabio da Silva is already at Loftus Road on a season-long loan, while the Hoops are managed by Reds legend Mark Hughes.

Sir Alex Ferguson described Ji as "the ultimate professional" and will no doubt be wary of Park's presence when QPR visit Old Trafford in late November.

“He's been a fantastic servant to the club over the past seven years," the manager told ManUtd.com. "He is the ultimate professional and such a nice lad; he never let us down on the big occasions. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t give him the number of games he wanted.

"Everyone at Manchester United wishes him well for the future and I am sure he will be a great success at QPR.”

Always a fans' favourite, Park's tireless devotion to the cause and ability to rise to the occasion should ensure his enduring popularity among United fans. A true "big-game player", the Korean tended to reserve his greatest performances for matches against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and famously shackled Euro 2012 star Andrea Pirlo when AC Milan came to town in 2010.

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 03:07 PM

Rio sad to see Ji leave

Rio Ferdinand says he is sad to see Ji-sung Park leave Old Trafford after the Korean joined QPR on a two-year deal.

Ferdinand labelled Park "a real players' player" in recognition of seven years service for the Reds which saw him make 205 appearances and net 27 goals.

Always the player for the big occasion, Park helped United to four league titles, a Club World Cup and three League Cups and Ferdinand insists the winger will be missed at Old Trafford.

"Ji's a fantastic player and a real players' player," Rio told ManUtd.com. "He's been greatly appreciated by the other lads and the fans of our club over the years. He's been a great servant and never been any trouble. He's just a real selfless player who has always played for his team-mates and he was part of a very successful period for the club.

"I'm sad to see him go because he's a really good lad as well - after three or four years he really came out of his shell and was one of the lads, making a lot of jokes. As I said I'm sad to see him go as he's a really nice guy."

Ferdinand picked out Park's man-marking job on Andrea Pirlo in United's first-ever competitive win over AC Milan at the San Siro in February 2010 as one of the major highlights of the Korean's United career. And the defender admits he is not relishing coming up against his former team-mate when the Reds meet QPR in the coming season.

"We'll have to try and get in his hotel room the night before we play them and make sure he doesn't sleep so he's not running around against us at a hundred miles an hour for the whole game!" joked Rio.

"He's always been great for us and one his greatest nights was probably against AC Milan when he did an unbelievable manmarking job on Pirlo. Everyone was talking about how well he played in the dressing room afterwards and how he nullified the threat of Pirlo.

"Ji is just a great player who is really appreciated by everyone in the squad."

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 03:45 PM

Tom Cleverley interview:).

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/7883469/Cleverley-exclusive

bbfan1991

09-07-2012, 07:56 PM

Rio Ferdinand‏@rioferdy5

Wishing Park ji Sung good luck at QPR. Great player for man utd, selfless + real team player. Funny guy too. Pat will be lost!!

bbfan1991

11-07-2012, 01:27 PM

Scholes' sorrow for Beckham

Paul Scholes is pleased Ryan Giggs will captain Team GB at the Olympics - but disappointed that another pal David Beckham has been excluded.

British coach Stuart Pearce selected Giggs and Tom Cleverley in his squad for this summer's tournament but caused a major stir by leaving out ex-Reds midfielder Beckham, despite including the LA Galaxy superstar in his original plans.

"From speaking to Ryan, I can tell he’s looking forward to it," explained Scholes to MUTV. "I hope they do well. I don’t see any reason why they won’t do as they’ve got a very good squad. Obviously there are other squads in it who want to win the gold medal but I’m sure Ryan will lead the team well and hopefully they’ll go a long way in the tournament.

"Ryan's been unfortunate as Wales didn't manage to qualify [for a World Cup or European Championship] whilst he was playing for them. So it’s a good chance for him to play in a big tournament. I just hope they can do well and go all the way and win it."

Another of Scholes' Class of '92 team-mates had also been expected to parade his talents in the competition but Beckham missed the cut when the 18-man squad was announced.

"It's a shame about Becks," said Scholes. "It's surprising as well, after everything David did to help London get the Olympics. That's Stuart Pearce's decision, but I feel sorry for David as I'm sure he'd have loved to have played in it."

bbfan1991

11-07-2012, 01:28 PM

Park's parting words

In an emotional sign-off to his Manchester United career, Ji-sung Park admits he'll never forget his seven years at Old Trafford.

Park joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, played 205 times and collected eight major honours, including four league titles and the FIFA Club World Cup.

"My time at United will last in my heart for the rest of my life," he told ManUtd.com.

"It’s been a great privilege to be part of such a great team, to have won so much and to have played with special teammates and for the greatest manager in the game.

"I would like to thank everybody at the club who give their best every single day to put every player in the best condition to enjoy their football and achieve success."

Park was a firm fans' favourite at Old Trafford and his name was often sung loudly by United supporters, even when he wasn't on the pitch.

“The fans have been fantastic to me and I will always remember them with great affection," he said. "Now, I’m looking forward to giving everything for a new challenge at QPR, where I will bring all my ambition and spirit I have gathered at United. [Those qualities] will be with me forever."

I will so miss Park at United:(. Hope he does well at QPR, bargain for them!

bbfan1991

11-07-2012, 01:29 PM

Kiko keen to make mark

Federico Macheda can’t wait for the new season to start, a campaign he admits could be pivotal in his Manchester United career.

Macheda burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old in April 2009 with a stunning injury-time winner against Aston Villa on his senior debut. But the past three seasons have yielded just 12 starts in a United shirt, a handful of injuries and frustrating loan spells at Sampdoria and Queens Park Rangers.

Last term’s stint at Loftus Road started well enough – Kiko featured six times in a month – but a niggling ankle injury ended his season and eventually required surgery.

He’s not played competitive football since 2 February, which is why mention of United’s pre-season tour to South Africa, China and Europe draws a big smile from the 20-year-old.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he told ManUtd.com. “It’s always great to visit fans in different countries. You meet new people, you see new cities, you experience different cultures.

“I didn’t know how big the club was around the world when I went away for the first time in 2009. But I was very impressed by Malaysia, China and Korea. We have great support all over the world and I love being part of this team.

“It’s great to be back at Manchester United. When you go on loan you really understand how important it is to play for this club. I’m really happy to be back and I can’t wait for the start of the season.

“Last season was disappointing. In the first six months I didn’t get a lot of opportunities here so we decided it was best for me to go on loan.

“When I got to QPR things went a bit wrong, though, as I was feeling my ankle a lot. But now I feel a lot better and want to start the season well. It’s a big season for me.”

bbfan1991

11-07-2012, 01:37 PM

Kagawa's perfect stage

A star of Asian football and conqueror of the Bundesliga, Shinji Kagawa is ready to explode onto the English game.

In the parks of Kobe in Japan, a young Shinji Kagawa dreamed of playing on the biggest footballing stage even as he was kicking at an improvised goal between two tree stumps.

Having migrated from the Japanese second division to the Theatre of Dreams via Borussia Dortmund, his yearning for a platform commensurate with his talents is fulfilled. And believe us when we tell you: they are some talents.

Kagawa arrived in Europe completely unheralded, plucked from Cerezo Osaka (who he joined at 17 as the first Japanese schoolboy to turn professional) for the unfeasibly modest sum of €350,000. He landed in Dortmund, a bustling town in the dense and industrial Ruhrland, 5,722 miles from home.

The first time he visited the city with his parents, he complained not of culture shock but of "cold shock": in Borussia’s stadium, as he watched his future team in action, it was -14ºC. But the heaving Sudtribüne and vibrancy of Jürgen Klopp’s young team convinced him it was the destination for him, at least in the short term.

Once settled, Kagawa endeared himself in record time to the Dortmund faithful: his fourth league match for the club was at the home of arch-rivals Schalke 04 in what is dubbed in Germany “Die Mutter aller Derbies” – the mother of all derbies. In a glittering performance, he demonstrated so much of what his game is about, scoring twice in a 3-1 win.

Both goals were scored almost nonchalantly with his weaker left foot – and saw him hauled up on the away fans’ shoulders at the end of the match, a moment Kagawa says he will never forget.

For Freddie Röckenhaus, journalist, filmmaker and authority on all things Dortmund, it was also an unforgettable performance. For him, though, Kagawa’s contribution goes much further: for two seasons, barring a frustrating spell on the sidelines in the second half of the 2010/11 season when he returned from winning the Asian Cup with a broken metatarsal, Kagawa has been a crucial part of Dortmund’s demanding, collective, high-pressing game.

“He’s not a playmaker,” says Röckenhaus. “He’s a link player who plays more like a second striker and that’s where he has been at his best for Dortmund. He has a very high work rate, is a willing runner and is extraordinarily creative.”

Kagawa models himself on Andres Iniesta, and it shows. Although his preferred role is behind the striker in an attacking three, he can also play on the left as he has done previously for Japan. Like Iniesta, he boasts speed of thought, sumptuous close control and exquisite vision.

“Shinji is a very technical player with great skills,” says his national team coach Alberto Zaccheroni. Like an Iniesta, so good on the ball even when smothered by defenders, Kagawa’s best quality is his "rapidity,” according to Zaccheroni. “By that, I mean his ‘operating speed’ in difficult situations.”

It is a style that brought Kagawa 13 league goals last term and eight the previous injury-interrupted season (not to mention two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup). He is a supplier, too, always looking to thread a short pass through the defence. And, as both Sir Alex Ferguson and Mike Phelan will have noted when they travelled to Berlin to watch him play a pivotal role in destroying Bayern Munich 5-2 in the cup final, his longer passing is spectacular, too.

When Dortmund poured forward on the counter, it was Kagawa who often led the charge, carrying the ball to the centre circle before slipping probing passes through a scattered opposition backline. He constantly skipped through Bayern's midfield on the break and bisected their defence with incisive passes. The thought of him supplying such a willing runner as, say, Danny Welbeck in the same manner no doubt gave Ferguson pause for thought.

If he does have a weakness, it can be for over-elaboration, suggests Röckenhaus. “He sometimes doesn’t shoot early enough, doesn’t release the ball quick enough. There are moments when the shot is on, but still he looks for the cut-back.”

It is a small blot on his copybook and one few managers are as good at rectifying as Ferguson, who has previously coaxed better decision-making from his most skilful recruits. Kagawa, for his part, is a willing student: “Sir Alex Ferguson has consistently told me to trust him,” he says. “When such a legendary figure says that, it carries a lot of weight.”

Kagawa’s desire to push himself is clear, along with his hunger for trophies. In that, he will find sympathetic comrades in Manchester, and his biggest challenge to date. He is abundantly ready for it.

bbfan1991

12-07-2012, 02:39 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson with Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell at the press conference to unveil them:).

http://i.imgur.com/nLhzz.jpg

bbfan1991

12-07-2012, 02:42 PM

Video: Sir Alex unveils his new signings Shinji Kagawa & Nick Powell in a press conference at Old Trafford - http://youtu.be/cMKKsgj2wiY

bbfan1991

12-07-2012, 02:45 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson says there could be one or two more players following Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell into Manchester United this summer.

Speaking at an Old Trafford press conference to unveil the pair of new signings, the United manager admitted: "We could possibly bring one or two more in. When there's a major international tournament on there's a delay in the transfer market. But now the European Championships are over we're trying to bring someone in.

"We've always done well in terms of getting players at the end of season, instead of waiting all summer. In Kagawa's case, there was a fair bit of negotiating and that kept going for weeks. As for Powell, we knew Dario Gradi [Crewe Alexandra director of football] would help us do the deal quickly."

Sir Alex discussed Powell's best position with Gradi, having seen him operate mainly as a deep-lying forward for Crewe. "I asked Dario if Nick could be a central midfielder. Dario thinks that's his position and Nick does too so we're all in accord. We hope he'll be a central midfield player and that's where we'll develop him."

As for Kagawa's role, the boss said: "He'll play further forward [than Powell]. We shouldn't be looking at one player changing the way we play but he could make a difference. He can give us that extra in the final third of the field. If his goalscoring record continues he could be a very good player for us."

Kagawa was Borussia Dortmund's second highest scorer last season, and after acclimatising himself to European football with two successful campaigns in Germany, the Japanese international is poised to pick up the English game very quickly.

"Shinji's coming to South Africa with us and then to China so I think you'll be seeing him pretty soon," said Sir Alex, looking ahead to Monday's start of the DHL pre-season tour.

"Once he's adapted and gets to know some football phrases our players will use, he'll be used to that. He can start the first league game quite easily. I've got no problem with that."

Powell may have to bide his time for a competitive debut but he too will be on the pre-season tour.

"I think in Nick's case, he's got a bit of physical development to do, just as we would expect of an 18-year-old. But he'll be in the first-team squad and train with us every day."

The England youth international could still make an early impact, however, in keeping with the proud traditions of Manchester United.

"Football throws up opportunities for young players and we play young players all the time," Sir Alex said.

bbfan1991

12-07-2012, 02:49 PM

Shinji relishes Reds challenge

Shinji Kagawa is confident he can rise to what he describes as 'the greatest challenge' of his career, after joining United.

The attacking midfielder has made a meteoric rise to prominence, having won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund after previously featuring in the second tier of Japanese football, and he is keen to continue the upward trend of his career to date.

"I'm happy to be here and every day I'll take the chance to improve myself and move further up," he told the world's press at his Old Trafford unveiling. "It's definitely the greatest challenge of my career and I hope to learn and improve every day.

"I've always said I have to improve my playing qualities; now I've been here a bit I can really feel the difference. It's a top level club and environment, and when the other internationals join us it will be even better.

"I definitely feel the attention of the media globally now. I'm a member of a great club at Manchester United. I think I can handle the pressure and am pretty confident I can adapt to the style of the Premier League.

"Everything here shows me it's a really big club and it's a great honour to play here. I want to really contribute by achieving concrete results."

The versatile playmaker, who also confirmed his preference for playing in a central attacking role, admitted that he is keen to quickly learn English in order to hasten his assimilation to life at his new club.

"Language is very important to me," he said. "I'm very motivated to learn English; I hope I can learn it quickly so I can communicate with my team mates very soon."

Sir Alex Ferguson feels United's upcoming DHL Tour will provide the newcomer with the perfect setting to help him adapt to his new team-mates.

"He's got an opportunity to get to know the players on tour and acclimatise to the way we are," said the United manager. "Also there's the issue of the language. I'm sure he will improve his English - or Scottish - over next few months, whichever he finds easier. He won't understand my Scottish when I lose my temper anyway!

"I think there's a progress there and a procedure which he has to adapt to in terms of the language. I think he'll find the English language will be easier than the German, and he speaks a little German."

bbfan1991

12-07-2012, 02:53 PM

Powell eyes development

Nick Powell is relishing the opportunity to develop at Old Trafford.

The summer recruit from Crewe will be training with the first-team squad and bidding to earn a place in Sir Alex's central midfield.

Although facing the media glare with United is something that is new to the teenager, he took his first press conference as a Red in his stride.

"At Crewe, it was one camera and one person," he stated. "At United, it's the whole world.

"At Carrington, even with the building work around it, it is a complete change from Crewe. I thought Crewe's facilities were respectable but, to see this, it's a completely different world for me."

Sir Alex feels the player, at 18, still has some physical development to undertake but pledged that the youngster will train with the first-team squad every day.

"I've still got a lot to develop," added Powell. "I'm not near my best yet.

"I'm hoping to achieve what people expect me to achieve. I want to show I am a Manchester United player and show what I can do."

Petershaw1984

12-07-2012, 03:40 PM

Who can you see united signing?

Petershaw1984

12-07-2012, 03:41 PM

I reckon we will get another striker

Petershaw1984

12-07-2012, 03:45 PM

Scholes
Carrick
Anderson
Giggs
Powell
Kagawa
Cleverly
Nani

Too many midfielders

Rooney
Welbeck
Chicarito
Kiko

Need another striker

Petershaw1984

12-07-2012, 03:45 PM

Scholes
Carrick
Anderson
Giggs
Powell
Kagawa
Cleverly
Nani

Too many midfielders

Rooney
Welbeck
Chicarito
Kiko

Need another striker

Petershaw1984

12-07-2012, 03:53 PM

Valencia

bbfan1991

12-07-2012, 04:55 PM

Man Utd's Darren Fletcher faces 'great challenge' to play again
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will be given another role at the club if he cannot make a comeback from a chronic bowel complaint.

Fletcher has been out of first team action since November with ulcerative colitis, but had been hoping to make his return at pre-season training.

"He has obviously got great challenges ahead," said manager Ferguson.

"If it doesn't work for him, he knows he has a position at the club anyway."

Fletcher, 28, has been missing from the United first team since scoring in the 2-2 Champions League draw at home to Benfica on 22 November.

Ferguson said the club would provide the Scotland international, who signed a four-year extension with United in March 2011, with "all the time he needs".

"We are happy to be patient but he won't be starting the season," he added. "It is unfortunate because he is such a magnificent professional and such a nice lad."

Ferguson was speaking at a news conference to introduce his two summer signings, England Under-18 international Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa, who has signed from German Double-winners Borussia Dortmund.

And the United manager is keen to add one more new face to his squad before the start of the season.

"There will possibly be one more," he said. "We have always done well in terms of getting players in at the end of the season. That is the right time.

"But always in a European Championship or World Cup year, there is a delay in the transfer industry.

"That is over now and we are still trying to get one more in."

Kagawa is expected to make his United debut on the club's pre-season tour to South Africa later this month.

The Japan midfielder, 23, is confident he can prove a shrewd signing after winning back-to-back titles with Borussia Dortmund.

Kagawa is embarking on English language lessons to help him settle into his new surroundings.

"Language is very important to me," he said through an interpreter. "I'm very motivated to learn English. I hope I can learn it quickly so I can communicate with my team-mates very soon.

"Joining United is definitely the greatest challenge of my career and I hope to learn and improve every day."

Teenager Powell, who joined from Crewe, has being training with United's first team.

"I went straight into working with the first team on some possession work - although I got nutmegged on my first day," said the 18-year-old.

"It was much more relaxed at Crewe and you felt in a comfort zone there, but now I'm here I know I have to work hard every day and be at my best.

"Having that challenge will only help me progress."

Get well soon Fletcher, so gutted:(.

Petershaw1984

12-07-2012, 08:22 PM

Greatest challenge of his career ar 23

bbfan1991

13-07-2012, 04:55 PM

Cofie links up with Blades

Young striker John Cofie has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old, who enjoyed a loan spell at Royal Antwerp in Beligum last term, will look to gain further experience at League One level.

The Blades were desperately unlucky to miss out on promotion after being overtaken by fierce rivals Wednesday during the run-in and then losing the Play-Off final in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Danny Wilson won the battle for Cofie's signature and he will look to help fire the Blades towards the top of the table.

The former Burnley youngster came off the bench against the South Yorkshire side in both legs of the 2011 FA Youth Cup final.

bbfan1991

13-07-2012, 04:56 PM

Scholes vexed by delayed kick-off

Paul Scholes admits he will be itching to get the season underway come 20 August.

The Reds will have to wait until Monday night to kick off the 2012/13 campaign due to the difficult trip to Everton being rearranged for live television coverage.

With the other 18 Barclays Premier League teams in action over the weekend, the midfield veteran will be champing at the bit - even if he appreciates there is plenty of pre-season fitness work to be done before then.

"It's happened in the past sometimes," Scholes told MUTV. "Everton away is a big game and it's one TV will want to televise live. It's just the way it is. It's a bit frustrating as you want to get going as fast as you can with a Saturday game and get some points under your belt. But we'll have to wait until Monday night and hopefully we can win the game."

Scholes confesses it is hard work getting fitness levels up to scratch in readiness for another assault on the title but feels the matches on the DHL tour will be very beneficial.

"We've only been doing two or three days so we're still a way off being ready for a game," he added. "Hopefully, in the next 10 days, we'll be ready and raring to go. It is difficult. Ask any footballer: it's the most difficult part of the season where you're mainly running with a little bit of football here and there. It's vital and we all know what we need coming up to a new season.

"I wouldn't say I look forward to it but I know it's something we've got to do and, in two or three weeks, we'll feel the benefit from it.

"The football bit is enjoyable. When you've been off seven or eight weeks now, to come back and just be playing football again is nice. Obviously, it's tough on the lungs and tough on the legs but we'll be back in the swing of things in a fortnight or so."

Scholes only made the decision to come out of retirement in January, which means his last summer was very different after opting to hang up his boots.

"This time last year, I was in Portugal somewhere," he recalled. "I was glad I wasn't involved in pre-season but, 12 months on, I'm looking forward to it and enjoying being part of it. Hopefully we can have a successful season.

"As I say, we know it's a tough part of the season to get all the running done but it's great seeing the lads again and mixing together. It's something you miss when you've been away for a while. The friendlies are a massive part of it.

"You can do all the training you like but it's games where your fitness really counts and we've been to South Africa before and know they're tough games. We'll be well on our way once we've had a couple of games out there and the match in China, plus the next three games as well. It's all about the fitness at this time of year so we're hoping we can come out of those games feeling a bit stronger and fitter."

bbfan1991

13-07-2012, 04:58 PM

Shinji's warm welcome

Gary Neville believes Shinji Kagawa will feel at home almost immediately in the Manchester United dressing room.

Neville, who retired in 2011 following 19 successful seasons at Old Trafford, says the nature of the club is such that the Japanese midfielder will have no trouble settling in.

“The manager’s philosophy has always been to get deals done early and get the new players on tour so they can see what the dressing room is like and settle in,” Neville told ManUtd.com.

“You can guarantee that by the end of the tour they’ll feel like they’ve been a Manchester United player for a long time.

“You hear stories about other clubs where new players don’t feel particularly welcome. I can say with confidence that the manager and the players at United would never let that happen. Everybody’s made to feel very welcome straight away.”

Kagawa will jet out to South Africa with his new team-mates on Monday for a pre-season tour taking in six games in five countries. It’s an experience, Neville says, that will prove invaluable for the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

“Pre-season’s great for integrating new signings into the set-up. For those two or three weeks you’re living in each other’s pockets, you don’t see your friends or family... your team-mates are all you’ve got. It’s a great way to introduce new players to the club.

“As for the transition into the English game, I think it should be easy for him. He’s played at Dortmund, a very professional football club and one of the biggest in Germany. He won’t have any trouble adjusting to the English game.

“I’m really excited about watching him play and seeing how he fits in with the other talented players in this squad. He’s had a fantastic couple of seasons at Dortmund, who have been magnificent in Germany.

“It’s not easy to knock Bayern Munich off their perch. And if you look at the performances, Kagawa has played a big part in that.

“He might be one of these lads that comes to United and sneaks under the radar a little bit. He’s not what you’d class as one of Europe’s stellar names at the moment. But he could be somebody who has the same sort of impact as Chicharito or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and go on to become a real sensation for United.”

bbfan1991

13-07-2012, 04:59 PM

Anderson interview:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Exclusive-Interviews/2012/Jul/anderson-exclusive-interview-my-most-important-season-yet.aspx

Nick Powell interview:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Exclusive-Interviews/2012/Jul/nick-powell-exclusive-interview-reflecting-on-first-week-at-united.aspx

bbfan1991

16-07-2012, 01:58 PM

Reds name 22-man tour squad

A squad blending youth and experience flies to South Africa for the start of Manchester United's DHL pre-season tour on Monday morning.

The 22-man squad will head to Durban first before further stops in Cape Town and the Chinese city of Shanghai. Experienced players in the shape of tour captain Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes are all in the travelling squad alongside a host of youngsters including Davide Petrucci, Jesse Lingard and Ryan Tunnicliffe. Portuguese attacker Bebe is also included after returning from a loan spell with Besiktas.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men will take on AmaZulu FC in Durban on Wednesday night, before a friendly with Ajax Cape Town on Saturday. The Reds' final stop on the first part of the pre-season tour - the second will include visits to Norway, Sweden and Germany next month - will be in Shanghai to face Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday week.

All the tour games will be live on MUTV and MUTV Online and make sure you keep an eye on the dedicated tour section on ManUtd.com for news, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. ManUtd.com journalists Nick Coppack and Gemma Thompson are travelling with the team and will provide regular updates in their tour blogs. The first blog, Today in Durban will begin on arrival in South Africa late on Monday evening.

Travelling squad: Lindegaard, Amos, Johnstone, Ferdinand, Veseli, Vermijl, Wootton, Blackett; Valencia, Anderson, Carrick, Scholes, Powell, Kagawa, Bebe, Tunnicliffe, Lingard, Brady, Petrucci; Berbatov, Chicharito, Macheda.

bbfan1991

16-07-2012, 02:00 PM

United podcast Red Voices with Rio Ferdinand:D.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/rio-ferdinand-in-red-voices-manchester-united-podcast.aspx

bbfan1991

16-07-2012, 02:02 PM

Pictures of United at the airport ready to fly to South Africa:).

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/picture-gallery-wantaway-dimitar-berbatov-1144613

bbfan1991

16-07-2012, 02:05 PM

Dimitar Berbatov says it is better he leaves Manchester United:

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says it is "better for everyone" that he leaves the club.

Berbatov, 31, made just 21 appearances last season, and has fallen out of favour with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

And now the Bulgarian, who cost United £30.75m in 2008, says he would leave to go in search of regular football.

"I love this club, but I am not going to be useful to anyone if I am not playing," Berbatov wrote on his official website.

Berbatov scored 14 goals in his first season at United after arriving from Tottenham, and featured in the club's Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.

He found the target 12 times in his second season before finishing the following campaign as top goalscorer with 22, including hat-tricks against Liverpool and Birmingham and five in the 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn.

But last season he found himself behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in the fight for a starting place, and Ferguson admitted he would not be able to guarantee the Bulgarian regular first-team football.

"At 31, he is looking at first-team football," said Ferguson in March. "It is difficult for me to guarantee that so it could lead to him looking elsewhere."

Berbatov has been linked with several European clubs over the summer, but nothing has materialised and the former Spurs striker says he is desperate to sort out his future.

"I want to play, I want to help, but for unknown reasons it's not going to happen," added Berbatov.

"So it's better for everyone if we say goodbye. If not, I am professional and I will keep doing everything I can to help my team and my teammates, whenever I have the opportunity to do so."

I'll miss Berba:(. He does not fit the new attacking system that SAF wants now for our style of play, class player though and nice guy.

bbfan1991

16-07-2012, 02:06 PM

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs is using his Olympic duty with Team GB to cram more info into his database as he prepares for life after playing.

The Great Britain captain for the London 2012 Games is gathering more ideas to add to a well of knowledge picked up during a 21-year playing career with United and Wales.

Giggs will be 39 in November and has signed on at Old Trafford for another campaign with Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.

But it could well be a swansong season and Giggs is setting himself up for the day when his illustrious playing career finally comes to an end.

United’s most decorated player and number one appearance maker has already admitted he has future designs on being Fergie’s possible successor, while a crack at managing Wales is also on his dream wish list.

Giggs’ time with Stuart Pearce’s side is an opportunity to make more notes.

“Coaching is something I’m looking at more and more,” said Giggs. “In the middle of last season, I completed my UEFA A Licence, which was good. It’s a different side of things, completely different to being a player.

“I want to gather as much knowledge as I can and prepare myself as best as I can, if I do want to go into management or coaching.

“The Olympics is a great platform, it’s different being involved in tournament football to league football.

“I ask as many questions as I can at United and I’ve been the same here with Great Britain.

“I’ve always been a keen watcher of other sports. I love other sports to football. I think, as a coach, you have to look at other sports that are leading the way in different areas.”

bbfan1991

16-07-2012, 05:47 PM

l7nVrai4spk

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:49 PM

Joyce pleased for Cofie

Reserves boss Warren Joyce is pleased John Cofie has linked up with Sheffield United on loan.

The young striker spent time away with Royal Antwerp last term and Joyce feels the experience garnered in Belgium will stand him in good stead ahead of playing in front of large crowds at Bramall Lane.

Danny Wilson's Blades came agonisingly close to promotion in 2011/2012 and it is likely that Cofie will be asked to provide a cutting edge in attack.

"It's a good move for him," Joyce explained to ManUtd.com. "Obviously, it helped him going to Antwerp for six months as it aided his development.

"Going to Sheffield United is another test for him. They are a big club with a big fan-base but he had a taste of it with Antwerp. Their fan-base is unbelievable and they have passionate supporters who could match the Sheffield fans really."

Another centre-forward who will be unavailable to Joyce, probably for the rest of 2012, is least season's top scorer Will Keane, who sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury whilst on England Under-19 duty.

"It's unfortunate after such a good campaign," added Joyce. "It was his last game before going on holiday really and he picks up an injury and it's one that will keep him out for a while.

"It's very disappointing for the boy and for the club."

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:50 PM

Carrick knuckles down

Michael Carrick says he's enjoying pre-season training with Manchester United as he looks to dust off the cobwebs and focus on regaining the Barclays Premier League title.

The midfielder, who enjoyed arguably his finest campaign yet on a personal level in 2011/2012, is happy to be put through his pace during the exhausting work at Carrington. With the DHL pre-season tour now underway, the former Tottenham star is gearing up for the ideal preparation in a bid to wrest the title back from neighbours Manchester City.

"Whether you win the league or not, at the start of every season, we always try to start afresh," Carrick told MUTV. "We'll do that again this year and set out our objectives and goals to win trophies again.

"Pre-season is always quite gruelling although it's not as gruelling as it was when I first started my career 14/15 years ago because times have changed and the sports science side [of the game] has really developed.

"The training we do nowadays is more specific to position - we don't go charging round doing cross-country runs anymore which wasn't very pleasant! It's more geared to what happens on the pitch and we'll be as fit as ever come the start of the season.

"Sometimes you do enjoy pre-season - especially if you're ready to come back and get going again. When you have a long period of time off in the summer, you get a bit twitchy and want to come back into training. It's what we do and what we love.

"There are days when the training is tough but it's enjoyable and the tour gives us a chance to visit some great places and enjoy some great experiences. The pressure is off at this stage and we're just gearing up for the start of the season now."

The fixture computer has thrown up a tough start to the season, at Goodison Park, and television coverage means the Reds must wait until Monday night before getting going again.

"In some ways, it's good to start the season on a Monday night because there are internationals the week before so it gives us an extra few days to prepare and get players back and focus on the first game," he explained. "But, on the flipside, you want to get up and running as quickly as possible. That's how it is, though, and we'll just get on with it.

"It's always a tough game against Everton and a difficult place to go. We've had some good results there and some indifferent ones, but we'll be ready and raring to go."

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:51 PM

Sir Alex has revealed the team news ahead of Wednesday's opening DHL tour game against AmaZulu.

Speaking after arriving in Durban, the boss revealed there will be a mix of youth and experience on show with Robbie Brady handed the chance to impress at left-back.

The winger has played there for the Reserves and is set to start, with Jesse Lingard operating further up the pitch and Shinji Kagawa making his debut.

"The priority is to get the experienced players fit but young players will play in each game. It's likely that Kagawa will start with Chicharito.

"Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes will play. So too Anders Lindegaard, Lingard and Brady at left-back. Antonio Valencia will play.

"Young Robbie Brady will be at left-back. He's actually an outside-left but we believe there's the possibility he'll develop into a left-back. He was on loan last year at Hull City and did very well. He'll certainly figure at left-back. I don't know how many substitutes will be allowed - we need to establish that - but I'm sure we can be flexible. It's important the young players get a chance to play on such a big occasion.

"Left-back is an area which we're paying attention to. Patrice, in the last five years has played an average of 45-50 games. It's phenomenal. I don't know if anybody else has achieved that. He's still a fit lad and has the same drive and ambition. He's a fighter.

"Fabio went to QPR, which was so important for the boy because he has enormous ability, but he needs to play. Because Evra, touch wood, is never injured, the opportunities haven't been there for the boy. He played a few games last season but it's not enough for a young boy of 21 years. He needed to continue with his progress. With Fabio at QPR for a year, we're just a little short in that department.

"That's why we're trying Robbie Brady at left-back. We also have Tyler Blackett here - he's a big, strong boy, tall and quick going forward. But he's only just turned 18. He has time on his side but he's here for the experience and he may yet surprise us."

The manager expects a tough work-out and will be looking to get a positive result, even though the priority is ensuring preparation is spot-on for the Barclays Premier League opener at Everton next month.

"We expect a difficult game," Sir Alex predicted. "AmaZulu will be well motivated to play us on such a special day [Nelson Mandela day].

"The first thing we always try to do with the pre-season tour is to get everyone fit and try to avoid injuries. The priority is to get the players match-fit. That gives us a platform to say that, come the first day of the season, we are ready."

Excited for tomorrow now. I cannot wait for the match and to see Shinji Kagawa make his United debut behind Javier Hernandez:).

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:52 PM

Defenders making progress

United's injury problems at the back are expected to ease before the new season gets underway in earnest next month.

The Reds took only one senior defender on the DHL tour, Rio Ferdinand, for a variety of reasons but Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic are making good progress, even if Jonny Evans could miss the beginning of the campaign.

"Jonny Evans has had an operation," stressed the boss in Durban. "I'm not sure he'll start the season but he won't be far away. Vidic will start the season. I am sure of that. He's doing good amounts of training but not in the competitive sense in the way the lads out here have done.

"It was pointless bringing him with us. He's back at Carrington with the facilities and the physios so he can get to the next level. By the time we come back, we hope he'll be at the competitive stage of his comeback.

"Chris Smalling has actually done a bit of training. But the ruptured groin muscle he suffered needed a lot of attention. He's making progress and we expect him to start the season."

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:52 PM

Sir Alex puts title first

Sir Alex has warned Manchester City and the rest of the Barclays Premier League that the Reds will be going all out to regain the title.

A record 20th league success was snatched from United's grasp in the dying seconds of the previous campaign and the boss has stressed it is vital his team recover from the devastating setback.

"It would be special," he replied, when asked at a Durban press conference what winning the championship back would mean. "If you look back over different periods, you see we recover.

"When Arsenal won the title from us in 1998 we went and won the Treble the next year. We accepted that challenge and did something about it. Then Chelsea came along and got off to a flyer in the league for the first two years. We changed our pre-season a little to make sure we got off to quick starts. That allowed us to get the title back.

"That's happened three times in the last 14 or 15 years. Recovery is so important and the same applies this season. There’s not any difference. It will be special but no more special than in previous years.

"We want to recover the title. That's our priority No1 - to win the title back."

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:54 PM

Rio targets 35-game season

Rio Ferdinand believes he can make more than 35 appearances for Manchester United in 2012/13.

Although the defender, currently in South Africa captaining the Reds on the DHL 2012 pre-season tour, admits he's had his fair share of niggles in recent years, he's confident his body can still stand up to the rigours of top-flight football.

Speaking in Durban at a press conference ahead of United's clash with Amazulu FC on Wednesday, Ferdinand praised the Reds' medical staff and refuted claims he's now injury-prone.

"It's been well documented I had injuries over the last few seasons," he said. "But I think last season I played about 35 games for United [he played 38]. I felt I managed myself really well in terms of my back injury, with thanks to the physios and sports science team at United. They helped me through that as well.

"Long may that continue. Hopefully this season I can continue to play a similar amount of games. That would be great."

Indeed, Ferdinand's 38 appearances in 2011/12 was an improvement on his tallies in the two preceding campaigns (29, 21) and makes a mockery of claims that the 33-year-old can't handle life at the top anymore.

He's still one of the best centre-backs in the world... although he has no plans to force his way back into the England set-up following his non-inclusion in Roy Hodgson's squad for last month's European Championships.

"To be honest, I'm not thinking about playing international football," he said. "Manchester United is at the forefront of my mind. It's my club and this is what I love doing. If anything else comes of it then so be it.

"But I don't think about anything except for playing for Manchester United and, hopefully, winning back the league."

Rio is expected to start United's first Tour 2012 fixture on Wednesday when the Reds take on Amazulu FC at Durban's Moses Mabhida stadium. ManUtd.com, MUTV Online and MUTV will have full coverage of the match.

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:54 PM

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/blog-fans-joy-infectious.aspx

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 01:57 PM

[Away Kit] The Manchester United away kit is launched this Friday, the official megastore open at 9:30am BST #MUFC

http://p.twimg.com/AyApaLxCMAMGIJD.jpg

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 02:00 PM

Manchester United is the most valuable club in sport, according to Forbes magazine, which values the Premier League club at $2.23bn (£1.43bn).

United is rated top thanks to lucrative global sponsorship deals, including with AIG, Turkish Airlines, and DHL.

Second is Real Madrid at $1.88bn, with baseball team the New York Yankees and American Football club the Dallas Cowboys joint third on $1.85bn.

Fifth placed is American Football team the Washington Redskins at $1.56bn.

Earlier this month Manchester United applied to list on the US stock market in a share sale aimed at raising a minimum $100m (£64m).

In documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Premier League giant said it was listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

The club had earlier explored the possibility of a $1bn flotation on the Singapore stock market.

United, among the best-supported clubs in the world, said it would use money from the listing to repay debt.

The club has been controlled since 2005 by the Glazer family, the billionaire US sports investors who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football franchise.

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 02:02 PM

Manchester United defender Sean McGinty to join Oxford United
Oxford United are set to sign Manchester United's young defender Sean McGinty on loan until January.

The 18-year-old can play at left-back or as a left-sided centre-half and came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic before a move to Old Trafford in 2009.

"Sean is a player I have watched on more than one occasion and he is a good player who has always impressed me," said Oxford manager Chris Wilder.

McGinty's loan deal will officially start at the beginning of August.

The Republic of Ireland Under-19 international was part of the side that won the 2010-11 FA Youth Cup and moved up to the Manchester United reserve team whilst also going out on loan to Morecambe last season.

"He is very highly rated and will come into the group and give us another strong option," added Wilder.

"It's another example of the excellent relationship we have with Manchester United and we look forward to working with him."

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 02:07 PM

Video: Young guns on tour: Watch footage of the nine rookies looking to make their mark in South Africa. http://bit.ly/OObgqL

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 02:24 PM

The full ‪#MUFC‬ squad today in Durban on day 1 of ‪#DHLManUtd‬ Tour. The DHL bus will be couriering them around on.

http://twitpic.com/show/large/a8ny5f

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 04:08 PM

Kagawa taking part in a bit of Fifa #mutour #MUTV

http://twitter.com/tomadamreece/status/225259058888851456/photo/1

bbfan1991

17-07-2012, 04:10 PM

Lucky fans and DHL customers met with @CH14_ today on the #DHLManUtd Tour, pictures to follow...

http://twitpic.com/a8p5gb

Petershaw1984

17-07-2012, 07:54 PM

[Away Kit] The Manchester United away kit is launched this Friday, the official megastore open at 9:30am BST #MUFC

http://p.twimg.com/AyApaLxCMAMGIJD.jpg

That is the best football shirt i have ever seen........ever!

Petershaw1984

17-07-2012, 07:55 PM

The full ‪#MUFC‬ squad today in Durban on day 1 of ‪#DHLManUtd‬ Tour. The DHL bus will be couriering them around on.

http://twitpic.com/show/large/a8ny5f

Berbs looks very happy

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 03:50 PM

Page 1 of 2 Next .

Reds honour Nelson Mandela

Believe it or not, Manchester United does not dominate the headlines in South Africa today.

The Reds may be preparing to take on Amazulu FC in Durban tonight as part of the MTN Football Invitational challenge, but it's Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday that's captured the hearts of the country.

Rightly so, too. There are far more important things in life than football and one of those is Nelson Mandela.

He's one of history's great figures, revered universally. An inspirational leader, he led the fight for racial equality in South Africa and succeeded in removing the oppressive apartheid regime.

He spent 27 years - 1962 to 1990 - in prison before becoming the country's first democratically elected president (and its first black president) in 1994. Without Mandela, South Africa may still be divided, democracy but a dream.

Early this morning, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson appeared on live TV from the team's Durban base to take part in celebrations for "Madiba". Yesterday, too, he spoke of Mandela's great achievements.

"It's a privilege for us to be here on his birthday," Sir Alex said. "The impact he's made in South Africa is huge.

"The thing that strikes me most of all – and I’ve met him two or three times – is that there's no bitterness about him. It's an example to the world.

"After what he endured and suffered, he has no bitterness. You have to be special to do that, to put that to one side and try and get on with life and try and influence this country in a massive way.

"I remember when he spoke in Monaco after we won the Treble. Honestly, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. The speech he made was unbelievable. It’s a privilege for us to be here to help celebrate his birthday."

Tour captain Rio Ferdinand was similarly effusive in his praise for Mandela, a man he described as "an inspiration".

"Mandela was selfless," Rio said. "He gave up the majority of his life for everybody else. In today's society you see so much selfishness and me, me, me.

"For any young kid now, in the national curriculum, I think that's somebody they should be learning about and writing about - he gave up himself for a whole nation to make huge strides forward. There could be no better inspiration from one human being in today’s world."

Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish Nelson Mandela a happy 94th birthday.

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 03:51 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged to give each of his 22-man squad a run-out during the DHL tour.

A number of fringe players have been included in the party and will be champing at the bit for a chance to represent the first team for the first time.

The manager has already revealed that Robbie Brady will play at left-back and Scott Wootton, Frederic Veseli and Tyler Blackett are options to partner captain Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence.

"We'll try and give them all a part of it," Sir Alex told MUTV. "I think that's very important. There's no point coming out on a 12-hour trip to South Africa and then over to China and back without them getting experience by playing in these games.

"I think, with Rio, we have young Scott Wootton with us and he can play centre-back. Frederic Veseli, the Swiss boy, can as well and Tyler, for instance, so it's not so bad.

"They're young and it's not a problem. That experience is vital to them to give some opportunities to see what their temperament is like. That's important too.

"With Robbie [playing at left-back], it's an interesting experiment. He's got a good attitude, is strong and had a good season with Hull. It's a worth a try but I'm not saying it's going to be the answer to that position."

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 03:53 PM

Hernandez glad to be back

We sat down with Javier Hernandez on the plane to Durban to talk about the pre-season DHL tour...

How did your first week back at Carrington go?

It was great to be back. I really enjoyed my summer break in Mexico with all my family and my friends but I have to say I was missing not being at Carrington. I'm very happy to be back and to see my team-mates and start pre-season. It'll be my first complete pre-season because during the last two summers I met up with the team in America during the tour. I'm enjoying this pre-season a lot already - training at Carrington and then going on tour to two countries where we have a lot of fans.

How important will it be to get a full pre-season under your belt after only being involved in part of the last two?

It'll be important and I just want to enjoy it and do my best. I know I need to keep learning - you never stop learning and I want to continue to improve and work hard in order to repay the people that put their trust in me. I know I need to be professional on and off the pitch and I want to make sure I am ready for the new season.

As you know from experience, the tour will help our new signings settle in...

Yes definitely. The most important thing for the new players is to get to know the other players as soon as they can and to spend time with them.

It'll be good for them to train with us and also get to know everything about all the parts of the club. They [Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa] are both really good lads, they work hard and are very professional. It's important that we keep that winning mentality going that we have at United.

The new players will learn about that from the experienced players like Giggsy and Scholesy. They can teach all the young players so uch.

What have the other players told you about the kind of reception to expect from the fans on tour?

[Smiles] They've told me that particularly in Asia all the fans go crazy for United. They have said the same for South Africa which is a very special country for me because I played in my first World Cup there. I have very good memories of playing there and to now be going with my United team-mates is amazing for me. I'm really looking forward to meeting fans in both countries.

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 05:20 PM

Manchester United starting XI v Amazulu: Lindegaard, Brady, Ferdinand, Veseli, Wootton, Carrick, Lingard, Scholes, Macheda, Hernandez, Berbatov.

Man United subs v Amazulu: Johnstone, Vermijl, Blackett, Petrucci, Tunnicliffe, Powell, Valencia, Anderson, Kagawa, Bebe.

Yay not long till kick off at 7:00 PM now:).

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 07:01 PM

Good game so far and HT is Amazulu 0 United 1. Dimitar Berbatov and Jesse Lingard have played the best for United IMO during this half.

Here is Federico Macheda's goal:

uMAEFjTnVrQ

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 08:05 PM

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r607/InnaMUFC_Vettel/bbb-1.gif

bbfan1991

18-07-2012, 08:06 PM

United won 1-0 thanks to Kiko Macheda, good win to start off our pre season tour and Shinji Kagawa made his debut in the last few minutes:):D.

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:01 AM

Sir Alex: Durban star could leave

Sir Alex Ferguson praised Dimitar Berbatov's performance after Manchester United's satisfying pre-season tour win against AmaZulu - but admitted the Bulgarian has designs on a departure.

Berbatov produced an eye-catching display in Durban, including providing the assist for Federico Macheda's winning goal, but his future could still be away from Old Trafford. The manager has reiterated he wants to be fair to his number nine, who has recently struggled to hold down a regular place in the Reds line-up.

"I don't need to herald Dimitar's abilities," said Sir Alex. "He's a fantastic talent. He didn't get the amount of football he wanted last season. It's difficult for him at his age to accept second place in the forward line. The likes of Rooney, Chicharito and Welbeck were all in front of him last season. It's been difficult. But in fairness to him today he applied himself well and did very well with the first goal.

"The boy obviously wants to leave. That's a different matter. I'm easy about it. If he stays, I'll be happy. If somebody comes in for him and Dimitar wants to leave, we'll assess it."

Sir Alex also spoke about new boy Shinji Kagawa, who clocked up only a few minutes in his first appearance since arriving from Borussia Dortmund. The Japanese star would have had more, had the ball gone out of play sooner.

"I never thought the boy was going to come on!" said Sir Alex. "He must have been standing on the touchline for 10 minutes. The ball never seemed to go out when we wanted it to! He only came on because of Chicharito having cramp. But I think he'll probably start on Saturday."

As for the game itself, the boss was pleased with the positives after a physically-challenging match in Durban.

"We're satisfied," he added. "We always like to win our first game. It was a good work-out for us. In the second half, I thought AmaZulu increased their aggression and got closer to us, making it more difficult.

"In general, we showed some signs of tiredness towards the end, but we expect that in the first game of the tour. We played some good football and scored a nice goal. It was a good match."

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:02 AM

Strudwick happy with pre-season progress

Manchester United's head of fitness and conditioning Tony Strudwick says preparations for the new 2012/13 campaign are going exactly to plan.

A group of 22 players are currently honing their fitness on the first part of United’s DHL pre-season tour of South Africa and China. The Reds claimed victory in the opening tour match on Wednesday night in Durban against AmaZulu FC and are now preparing for two more friendlies against Ajax Cape Town on Saturday and Shanghai Shenhua next Wednesday.

Strudwick is pleased with the squad’s progress so far and insists the tour will be a great learning curve, on and off the pitch, for the host of young players in the travelling party.

“Things are going well,” Strudwick told us. “We had a good week and a half at Carrington when many of the players came back and they got straight into some ball work which is part of our philosophy. This week the games come into play and take precedence really.

“In and around the matches there are opportunities to top the players up with training but the target in these two weeks is to get the players exposed to match minutes with the main focus being on getting the senior players who are on tour ready for that first match against Everton on 20 August. That’s where we’re at the moment.

“There’s good energy within the group we have with us. Obviously some are away at the Olympics while the European Championship players aren’t back yet, but this tour has given the youngsters an opportunity to come in and do well and they’ve certainly done that so far. Robbie Brady and Jesse Lingard, for example, have come in and stepped up to the plate and shown they’re competent and assured at is level and that’s good to see.

“Another important part of the tour is to expose the young players, and the new lads, to what it is to be a Manchester United player and the experience that comes with travelling with the club around the world. You can tell all the lads are enjoying the tour and they’re embracing all the extra bits that come along on the trip such as the commercial activities the players get involved in. It’s a good learning curve, full stop.”

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:03 AM

Kagawa on a mission

Shinji Kagawa has enjoyed his first week as a Manchester United player and is keen to showcase his ability in the red shirt.

After a transfer he described as "intense", the Japan international trained with his new team-mates at Carrington last week and is now experiencing the fervour of fans in South Africa during the pre-season tour.

Ahead of the MTN Football Invitational against AmaZulu FC in Durban, Shinji told MUTV he was feeling settled at his new club, having already learned some English greetings.

"My team-mates all welcomed me very warmly and I'm enjoying every single day here," he said through an interpreter.

"This is a great club and I’m looking forward to playing. I have to prove myself on the pitch.

"I've joined the club but I've not shown my potential yet, so this is my first mission and I hope I can show all the supporters what I am able to do."

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:04 AM

Lingard's debut delight

Jesse Lingard was thrilled to make his debut in United's 1-0 win against AmaZulu.

The youngster turned in an extremely promising performance alongside Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes in midfield that suggests he could feel at home in the first team.

"It was an excellent experience," he told MUTV afterwards, clearly still bubbling with enthusiasm. "Training and playing with them [the first team] is a great, new experience for me and hopefully I can carry it on. It's all come so quickly, you know, and I've developed better than everyone assumed I would and kicked on from there.

"It's been great. It just tops it off making my debut for Manchester United. There's nothing better really.

"I had to treat it like a normal game and ignore the fans and the stadium. I had to concentrate on what I do best. It's better having your mates with you to guide you on - I've been playing with them for years so it's really good."

The presence of Carrick and Scholes also went a long way to help him settle quickly into the groove.

"They've been in the game a long time and for those two to speak to you the way they do, you get tips like that and it's a good learning curve for me," the Warrington-born midfielder added. "I'll take that into my game.

"Hopefully, this season the boss will keep me with the first team in training and take me to games and gives me good experience."

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:05 AM

Article about yesterdays match:

AmaZulu 0 United 1

The Manchester United DHL 2012 Tour got off to a winning start in Durban on Wednesday night, as Federico Macheda's first-half strike edged an entertaining affair against AmaZulu FC.

Both sides created chances in an open encounter but ultimately it was a night where goalkeepers shone. United's Anders Lindegaard and AmaZulu's Taupwa Kapini made a string of superb saves to deny the capacity crowd more goals. In the end, they were probably the only two men who were pleased the net bulged just once.

Not that the Durban supporters left disappointed. The crowd were treated to some fabulous passing moves from both teams, a match played in generous spirit and a late cameo from summer signing Shinji Kagawa.

Fellow summer arrival Nick Powell didn't feature at all, although there were plenty of other new faces in the Reds' line-up. Frederic Veseli, Scott Wootton, Robbie Brady and Jesse Lingard all pulled on a senior shirt for the first time, with Marnick Vermijl, Tyler Blackett, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Davide Petrucci also claiming the honour when they came off the bench in the second half.

Played against the backdrop of celebrations for Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday, the match started brightly. Javier Hernandez spurned a golden chance inside two minutes following fancy footwork and a stinging shot by Macheda, while Paul Scholes thrilled onlookers with a series of clever passes.

Vuvuzelas - the droning horn that soundtracked the 2010 World Cup - were dusted off and blown with gusto throughout, ceasing only to give way to cheers when Macheda opened the scoring on 20 minutes.

Berbatov, playing in the middle of United's three-pronged attack, fed the 20-year-old superbly with a ball that required little more than a cool head and a firm strike to send it beyond Kapini. Down the other end, Lindegaard had to react smartly down by his near post to prevent Ayanda Dlamini from restoring parity almost immediately. The same tricky AmaZulu forward wasted a much easier chance just before the break at the conclusion of a sustained period of pressure from the home side.

It wasn't the final highlight of the first half, though. That honour fell to Berbatov, who drew an acrobatic save from Kapini with an outrageous volley from 18 yards, direct from Robbie Brady's corner.

The anticipated raft of half-time substitutions never materialised (AmaZulu made two, Vermijl replaced Veseli) so the Bulgarian continued to torment the South Africans in the second period. One early shot was cleared off the line; another drew yet more goalkeeping heroics.

Lindegaard's battle with Dlamini also resumed at the other end, with the Dane diving to keep out an effort bound for the far corner. An even better stop denied substitute Josef Lekata from close range.

There was mass confusion just after the hour mark when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Blackett, on for Brady a few minutes earlier, tumbled inside his own box under a clumsy challenge from an AmaZulu forward. Sense prevailed after United's protestations, however, and the Reds escaped unscathed.

Petrucci rattled the crossbar from distance in the game's closing stages before Kagawa's eventual inclusion on 89 minutes earned the biggest cheer of the night.

As pre-season openers go, Sir Alex will consider this a success. He successfully juggled youth with experience to hand 17 players time on the pitch, gave new signings their first United minutes and, most importantly, none of his men sustained serious injury. No wonder he, along with more than 50,000 people, left the Moses Mabhida stadium smiling.

United: Lindegaard; Veseli (Vermijl 46), Wootton, Ferdinand, Brady (Blackett 58); Carrick, Scholes (Tunnicliffe 70), Lingard (Petrucci 70); Hernandez (Kagawa 89), Berbatov, Macheda (Anderson 58).

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:06 AM

Gallery: Durban action

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/gallery-of-amazulu-vs-manchester-united-match.aspx

bbfan1991

19-07-2012, 11:09 AM

Tour blog:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/today-in-durban-manchester-united-dhl-tour-2012-blog.aspx

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 04:57 PM

Boss confirms van Persie bid

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed making a bid for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

The Gunners' skipper has refused to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and is also said to be interesting Juventus and Manchester City.

"Obviously Arsenal have given out the fact that we've made a bid for him," the manager told MUTV.

"We try to keep business as close as possible to us until the moment we conclude a deal. There's no point talking about something that might not happen.

"There are other clubs interested in the player. We've shown an interest and that's where we're at at the moment."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 04:58 PM

Giggs can keep going

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that next season need not necessarily be Ryan Giggs' last in a United shirt.

The 38-year-old is more than capable of extending his glorious career even longer, although Paul Scholes seems unlikely to play beyond 2013.

Giggs, currently preparing to captain Great Britain in the Olympic warm-up fixture with Brazil in Middlesbrough, is targeting a 13th Barclays Premier League winner's medal next term. Scholes has 10 championships under his belt and performed well last season after coming out of retirement in January.

"If we can get a good season out of Paul, he will be satisfied with himself," said Sir Alex. "On the other hand, Ryan can play for another year after this."

The boss has also set Rio Ferdinand, currently 33, a target of being able to play for another few years at the top level.

When asked if the centre-back will ever represent England again after being excluded from the Euro 2012 squad, Sir Alex replied: "I don't think so. It's not on his agenda either. He wants to ensure he's fit for us.

"As a centre-back, if you stay fit and look after yourself, you should be playing until you are 37."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 04:58 PM

Brown becomes a Sky Blue

Coventry City have signed United defender Reece Brown on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old will join his new team-mates for pre-season training next week after the Sky Blues agreed a deal with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manager Andy Thorn said Brown, who has previously enjoyed loan spells with Oldham Athletic, Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City, would play a big part in the coming season.

He said: "This is another really good signing for us. Reece is a massive talent and we are delighted to be able to bring him here for the season.

“At 6ft 3ins, he’s big and athletic and can play at the back and in midfield which is a big plus for us. The fact that we looked after Ollie Norwood so well last season has stood us in good stead with Manchester United and we are grateful that Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff have put their faith in us to do exactly the same with Reece."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 04:59 PM

Amos excited by Hull chance

Ben Amos admits he is looking forward to getting some first-team football at Hull City when he flies home from Manchester United's DHL pre-season tour.

The 22 year-old goalkeeper has already spent some time getting to know the Tigers squad, having joined them on a trip to Portugal. In an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com at a UNICEF project in South Africa, Amos spoke about the prospect of playing for Steve Bruce's Championship side next term.

"Obviously, I had a little taster when I went to Hull's training camp in Portugal," said Amos. "While training was hard, I really felt like I fitted in with all the staff and all the players so I'm really excited to be hopefully getting quite a lot of games under my belt this season.

"I feel like it's exactly what I need to push on to the next level."

Signing a new three-year contract with United in May suggests Amos has a promising future at Old Trafford as he looks to push on and compete with David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard.

"It showed the club's intentions as well as mine," he explained. "You know, if the club had said they didn't see a future for me, if the manager said he didn't see a future for me, I wouldn't have signed it obviously. He's still got belief in me and I still believe I can do it so it's exciting times."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:00 PM

Brady wants to push on

Robbie Brady is striving to learn the left-back trade and make the most of a chance to push for the first team.

Sir Alex Ferguson still views the Irishman as a winger but the departure of Fabio, on loan to QPR, and Ezekiel Fryers, has prompted the boss to look at fresh cover for first-choice Patrice Evra.

Brady played in the role in Durban during the 1-0 win against AmaZulu and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"It was brilliant," he told ManUtd.com. "It's an amazing experience for me to come away and start. I was a bit nervous to begin with but, as the game went on, I felt more comfortable and really enjoyed it.

"After the press conference, I had an idea I was going to play and, when I got the confirmation, I was over the moon. I didn't see [what the manager said] myself but what I heard was good and I'm delighted about that. It gave me more confidence going into the game.

"It's new to me at left-back but, like I've said, I'm enjoying it. They've been moulding me for the last two weeks into being able to start in that position. Hopefully, I can get better as it goes on. I suppose, if I keep on progressing, I'd like to try and take it [a regular first-team spot] at some stage.

"Rio [Ferdinand] was keeping me in my place. I had a couple of ropey moments in the game but he talked me through it and I felt more comfortable as the game went on. With probably my best mate, Scott Wootton, coming along too, it was great for me to play with him as we came through together and I've known him since day one.

"So I hope to keep on pushing and play better in the next couple of games and get as close as I can to the first team. Patrice Evra is one of the best left-backs in the world and it's great watching him. He's unbelievable attacking-wise and I can learn from him. I'm not used to playing left-back but, watching him there, it shouldn't be long before I can pick it up."

The former Hull City loanee is still coming to terms with the thrill of representing the Reds on the DHL tour.

"It's a different world," he admitted. "Especially for me. I've never experienced anything like this before and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

"I know how big the club is but to see how people react to us is unbelievable. Playing for 90 minutes on the pitch besides people I grew up watching is unbelievable and a dream come true."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:02 PM

Welbeck talks ongoing

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that talks are ongoing with Danny Welbeck over a new contract.

The manager spoke to PA Sport about the England youngster and his club and international strike partner Wayne Rooney after their performances in Euro 2012.

Welbeck is tipped to score more regularly next term as he continues his development at the highest level while Rooney was a victim of circumstance in Ukraine and Poland as he looked short of fitness in the quarter-final against Italy.

"We are negotiating with Danny's brothers," stated Sir Alex. "They represent him. It's difficult to say where we are with that at this moment in time.

"If you look at the games he played for England at the Euros, he's never played three games in seven days before, well certainly not for us. So he did really well in that respect. That's where maturity and development comes in.

"We've fostered him. He's always had growth spurts and things like that, so we fostered him right that period when he was developing. I don't think he's got his full body yet. I think there's a lot of growth in him yet. I don't think he'll get taller, he's 6ft 3ins now.

"He's very powerful and, once that growth thing stops, I think you'll find he can play three games in seven games. There won't be a problem with that. He's got good movement, courage and confidence with the ball. Obviously, he will have to improve his goalscoring. I think he got nine goals last season but if you are going to be a top striker you have to get 20 goals or above. That will happen to him, I think he will do that."

Rooney's contribution at the Euros has been the subject of much debate in the press but there remains a feeling that the striker is approaching his peak with regards to his United performances.

"Where Wayne has improved is his consistency in scoring goals," said the boss. "He got 32 goals last season and that has made a difference to his game. It's difficult to say whether he is at a peak or not but his goalscoring has certainly given us more of a reward."

In terms of the striker's performance at the European Championship, the Scot was not surprised that the Merseysider appeared to be struggling for full fitness after being forced to sit out the opening two games of the tournament.

"We know him better than anybody," he explained. "If Wayne misses couple of games, it takes him three or four to come back. He needs a lot of football. He’s a big lad. He is stocky and he needs a lot of games.

"I always thought it was a bit of a difficult one really. He’d not played since his last game on 13 May until he played the third game of the Euros more than a month later. I don’t know what his stats were but he certainly didn’t look as sharp as normal. When he played one big game in four days and then had to play another one, that is very hard."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:03 PM

Veseli eyes improvement

Frederic Veseli is pleased to get an appearance for the first team under his belt, even though he admits he is still learning how to adapt to playing right-back.

The Swiss youngster, signed in January from Manchester City, made his name in the centre of defence but has been used in other positions in the Reserves since joining United. Nonetheless, injury limited his involvement last term so it was a huge step up to be starting against AmaZulu in front of around 50,000 fans in Durban.

"It feels good," Veseli told MUTV afterwards. "It's a big crowd and I was playing with the first team so I'm really happy.

"I've always been playing centre-half but, of course, I must be able to play in different positions. It's an unusual position for me [right-back] but I've played there before. There are still some points I need to improve, of course, and get better.

"It's different on the right, like getting forward, and I need to improve on a lot of stuff but it's always good experience to play.

"The fans cheered us on more than they did the home team and that's always good to see. It's a good experience as there is a lot I can learn from playing and training with the first team. I can get used to how it works and how to get prepared for games. I'm looking forward to the next game."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:03 PM

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser.aspx#

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:04 PM

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/today-in-cape-town-manchester-united-dhl-tour-2012-blog.aspx

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:05 PM

Watch Tour 2012 matches live

United fans in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man can watch all of the Tour 2012 matches live on MUTV or MUTV Online*.

The full tour schedule is as follows:

18 July, 20:00 Local time (19:00 UK) - AmaZulu FC in Durban
21 July, 15:00 Local time (14:00 UK) - Ajax Cape Town in Cape Town
25 July, 20:00 Local time (13:00 UK) - Shanghai Shenhua in Shanghai
05 Aug, 16:00 Local time (15:00 UK) - Valerenga in Oslo
08 Aug, 20:00 Local time (19:00 UK) - Barcelona in Gothenburg
11 Aug, 20:20 Local time (19:20 UK) - Hannover 96 in Hanover

To watch the matches live on MUTV - in the UK, call 08442 410 255 for Sky customers or 08708 48 68 88 for Virgin; in the Republic of Ireland, call 0818 719 315 for Sky, 1890 940 624 for upc.

To watch the matches live on MUTV Online * in the UK, ROI, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, subscribe at manutd.com/mutvonlinetour2012.

Highlights - MUTV Online* subscribers in all countries except USA, Hong Kong and Malaysia can watch footage of every Tour 2012 match on demand, following a delay period. The delay will be 24 hours after full-time (FT) with two exceptions: Barcelona (midnight UK time on 9 August), Hannover 96 (midnight UK time on 12 August).

*Please note, MUTV Online does not work on Chrome, smartphones or Apple devices.

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 05:06 PM

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/cape-town-ajax-v-Manchester-United-match-preview.aspx

Ajax Cape Town v United

Date, time and coverage: Saturday 21 July 2012, 15:00 local (14:00 BST) kick-off. Live on MUTV and MUTV Online (UK and Ireland only). Match report & reaction on ManUtd.com.

State of play: United's second DHL tour match takes place at the Cape Town Stadium with Ajax looking for a boost on the field after a relatively disappointing last term. The atmosphere promises to be electric for this MTN-sponsored fixture.

Ins and outs: Shinji Kagawa is set for his first start after the briefest of 'debuts' in Durban while Sir Alex has pledged to shuffle his pack and give all the players in the squad an outing. Nick Powell is doubtful as he's still behind with his training. Ajax welcome Brent Carelse and Granwald Scott back to the fold but Cecil Lolo, Aiden Jenniker and Koen van der Laak are all absent. Bafana Bafana striker Bradley Grobler will not be playing after signing for Goztepe instead but the Urban Warriors will field a full-strength team.

Last game in Cape Town: The Reds faced Kaizer Chiefs in the city in 2008 with Chris Eagles scoring in the 1-1 draw.

Opposition boss: Maarten Stekelenburg is the youthful 39-year-old coach of the team after previously working with the Ajax academy in Holland. He took over last year and has pledged: "We aim to play clever but also keep to our own brand of football. We want to make it an exciting game with some goals and to give the spectators something to enjoy."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 06:05 PM

Kagawa settling in nicely

Shinji Kagawa has already impressed Sir Alex Ferguson during his short time at Manchester United.

The Japan international made a brief appearance as a substitute against AmaZulu but is set to start Saturday's next DHL tour game with Ajax Cape Town.

"There are similarities to Ji-sung Park. They're both disciplined, they work hard," said the boss at a press conference. "He's been outstanding. His training performances have been very good. He was three or four days behind, but he'll play tomorrow.

"We're very pleased. Those qualities that you can compare him with Ji, they're very much the same. They're good professionals, excellent to work with. There will be no problems with him settling into the club.

"What we identified about Kagawa is exactly what I'm seeing now. The difference now is that our players are realising his qualities. He's got quick feet, both footed and had a good goal ratio with Dortmund. He's doing very well and I'm very happy."

The boss will start with his strongest line-up against Ajax Cape Town before giving some of the fringe performers another run-out.

"We'll play our strongest side to begin with tomorrow and introduce some young players later on," he added. "We've brought more than 20 players with us. We want to get them all game-time. We always hope we can finish the tour without any injuries, otherwise it's an issue."

bbfan1991

20-07-2012, 06:46 PM

Manchester United's squad pose with giant snake in South Africa http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/manchester-uniteds-squad-pose-with-giant-snake-in-south-africa/

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:14 AM

Lingard's hard work pays off

United midfielder Jesse Lingard admits even he has been surprised by the rapid progress he's made in the past 12 months.

Lauded by Sir Alex Ferguson following his first taste of senior football in Wednesday's opening pre-season fixture in Durban, the 19-year-old midfielder now hopes to earn more opportunities to impress on the big stage.

A close-to-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium (a World Cup semi-final venue in 2010) is certainly a long way from Conference side Fleetwood Town's quaint Highbury Stadium, the ground on which Lingard came off the bench for United's Reserves a year to the day before he spoke to ManUtd.com on Friday.

"It's been a mad experience for me, to be honest," he says. "It's even surprised me. I've come on a lot quicker than anybody thought I would. But from the start of last year's Reserves season until now, where I'm playing first-team friendlies in South Africa, I've loved every minute of it.

"I'm happy I've been given a chance and now I'm determined to prove I belong here. It would mean a lot [if I succeed in nailing down a regular spot]. But if you want to get into this team you have to put in the effort. You look at the likes of Rio Ferdinand and you see the attributes you need to be a top player. I know I need to get bigger and stronger so that's what I'm going to do."

Lingard, who's both slighter and shorter than most modern-day footballers, revealed he spent time this summer undertaking extra training in a bid to get sharper and stronger for the new season.

"A lot of my progression can be put down to hard work. I've been hitting the gym a lot and I went away this summer to America where I did a lot of speed work and extra training. It's all paid off in what seems like a matter of months."

Lingard's no overnight sensation, though. He's been on United's books since he was seven. In recent years he's shone for both the Under-18s and the Reserves and admitted recently he'd relish a loan move away from Old Trafford.

"It's a natural progression," he says. "You move up from the Academy into the Reserves and then, hopefully, you play well and secure a loan.

"It's good for me that the manager's brought me on tour to get a bit of experience. If I do go on loan then this taste of being around a first-team squad should really help me. The aim would then be to do well and then come back and challenge for a first-team spot. That's what Danny Welbeck did when he went to Sunderland."

Like Welbeck, Lingard - born in Warrington - grew up a staunch United fan. "For as long as I remember," he says, "all I wanted to do was to play for this club.

"I've been at United from the age of seven. It's a massive deal for me to have progressed so far. I've worked hard all my life to get here and it's now starting to pay off."

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:16 AM

Ryan's GB lose to Brazil

Three of Manchester United's four Olympic footballers started on the same pitch on Friday night as Great Britain faced Brazil in a friendly match.

Rafael was the only winner in the trio, playing a full 90 minutes as the South American visitors beat Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley's Team GB 2-0 at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Cleverley, who also completed the match, conceded the free-kick which led to Brazil's opener by fouling Oscar in the 12th minute. Neymar curled the dead ball to the back post where it bounced up for Tottenham midfielder Sandro to head past goalkeeper Jason Steele. Giggs almost teed up an instant equaliser with a free-kick of his own at the other end but although Manchester City defender Micah Richards connected with the cross, there was nobody in position to finish the move.

Brazil doubled their winning margin ten minutes before the break when Richards brought down Porto striker Hulk and Neymar despatched the resulting penalty. The Olympic gold-medal favourites could have racked up more goals in the second half but were thwarted by an excellent display by England substitute goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Giggs, one of seven GB players replaced by coach Stuart Pearce during the second half, enjoyed his 63 minutes of wearing the skipper's armband.

The United winger told BBC Sport: "I'm very proud to be the captain. It was a good game to be involved in and it's always special to play against Brazil. We knew it would be tough. They are ahead of us fitness wise and we have only been together two weeks. But we are getting better and better and we will improve as the tournament goes on."

Great Britain's first match in the Olympic Games will be at Old Trafford next Thursday, 26 July (kick-off 20:00) when Senegal provide the opposition. United's stadium will also host UAE vs Uruguay a few hours earlier, at 17:00.

Rafael and Brazil will also start their campaign on Thursday (19:45), against Egypt at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff while David De Gea will hope to be involved in Spain's opening match against Japan.

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:17 AM

Scholes has faith in kids

Paul Scholes is backing United's youngsters to justify his faith in their ability after working closely with the Reserves who have been promoted to the DHL tour squad.

The veteran midfielder has always been a huge advocate of Jesse Lingard and played alongside the teenager in midfield against AmaZulu while Marnick Vermijl, Davide Petrucci and Federico Macheda also trained with him last term. The quartet all played a part in the 1-0 victory in Durban and Scholes is fully aware of their potential.

"I'm glad these young players are here," he informed MUTV. "For the first half of last year, I worked with a lot of these players and know what potential they've got and how good they can be.

"They proved that in the Reserves last year and went on to win nearly everything they were in, I think, and now this is a big chance for them to step up to the first team and show what they can do. On the evidence of the game the other night, they all stepped up and played really well."

When asked whether his view was shaped by actually coaching the players himself, Scholes was quick to deflect praise onto Reserves boss Warren Joyce.

"It's no different," he asserted. "I was only helping Warren really for two or three months before I came back playing. But Warren looked after those lads. He's really helped make them become what they are today. They are all good players who work really hard and are desperate to do well. We just need me, Rio and Michael to reinforce that while we're on this trip to make sure they're always at it and ready to play."

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:23 AM

United still No.1, says Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to knock Manchester City off their perch, insisting: "We are still the team to beat". The Blues have spent the summer celebrating after pipping arch-rivals United to the Premier League title on goal difference following a remarkable end to the season. But Fergie has wasted no time in trying to flatten the Blues’ euphoria after making it clear United are still the top dogs in England. He is convinced his side will hit back to put their neighbours in their place and he said: "You can analyse every game you want to, but we still lost the league on goal difference. It is the first time it has really happened to us. That is usually such a strong thing for us. If you lose the league like that it does not matter who it is, it’s hard to swallow, but once the season is over you have to say, 'Right OK, we will just go again'. That is the great quality we have at this club. People may say Manchester City are the team to beat – but I don’t agree with that. We are the team to beat because of the way we react, the way we have bounced back from losing the league in the past."

The quotes came from an interview on tour in which Sir Alex suggested Kenny Dalglish’s handling of the Luis Suarez racism case was a factor in him being sacked by Liverpool.

"I wasn't surprised at Kenny leaving," says Ferguson. "(Liverpool owner) John Henry has obviously looked at that (the Suarez incident) and felt it wasn't handled in the right way."

Sir Alex also believes Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to play for England again, but that Ryan Giggs can play into his 40s.

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:32 AM

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told fans that there will be no repeat of the club's disastrous Champions League campaign of last season, insisting that lessons have been learned from the defeat to Basel.

United were eliminated from the competition at the earliest stage after being beaten by the Swiss side, which capped off a poor performance in a group that the then-defending Premier League champions were expected to win, with Benfica and minnows Otelul Galati the other teams in their section.

The Red Devils had previously reached the final in three of the previous four editions of the competition - and their earky exit proved even more damaging than it initially seemed, as Nemanja Vidic missed the rest of the season with a knee injury picked up against Basel - and Sir Alex has warned Europe that his side will not make the same mistakes again.

The Scot told reporters: "That definitely won't happen next season. There's no chance of that.

"Over the last few years, we've used the group stage as an opportunity to play the youngsters. Last season it backfired on us.

"We changed the team too much. We won't be doing that this season.

"I just think we were careless. The killer was the game against Basel at home [which ended 3-3]. We could have been 5-1 up at half-time but were really careless in that game.

"We were unlucky against Benfica at home because we played well, but that Basel game was a real killer for us. They were just an ordinary team and they showed that when they played Bayern Munich.

"They were lucky against Bayern at home [Basel won 1-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie] and they were lucky against us also. Bayern battered them [winning the second leg 7-0]."

Ferguson is confident that he has a squad capable of emulating the United teams of 1999 and 2008 by delivering another Champions League crown to Old Trafford next season.

When quizzed on the subject, he replied: "Oh yes, definitely. Absolutely. There's no doubt about that.

"Don't forget that Nemanja Vidic only played six games for us [in the Premier League] last season, while Darren Fletcher was a loss too."

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 12:09 PM

Manchester United team to play Ajax Cape Town: Amos, Vermijl, Wootton, Ferdinand, Blackett, Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Kagawa, Chicharito.

Subs: Johnstone, Lindegaard, Berbatov, Powell, Macheda, Bébé, Brady, Petrucci, Tunnicliffe, Veseli, Lingard

Shinji Kagawa making his United full debut:). Looking forward to seeing some more of the young lads again with our established players!

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 12:47 PM

Bad news - SAF confirms to #mutv that Chris Smalling has done his metatarsal - he will be out for 10 weeks. #MUFC

Absolutely gutted, what a blow:(.

Ryan57

21-07-2012, 01:51 PM

Big blow regarding Smalling.

And this match, blimey. Such a bore.

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:54 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a passionate defence of the Glazer family, insisting: ‘They have always backed me whenever I have asked them for anything.’
In a far-reaching interview here at the first phase of the team’s strenuous pre-season programme, the Manchester United manager rubbished suggestions that the mountainous debt incurred by the American owners of the club was hampering his buying plans.
‘I’m absolutely comfortable with the Glazers situation. They’ve been great,’ he said. ‘So if you’re asking me for my views, I don’t have any complaints.

Relaxed: Sir Alex Ferguson has no concerns about the Glazer family
‘I’ve never encountered opposition. They’ve always been as sensible as they can be in terms of financing the team, and they have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset.’
The fiercely strong anti-Glazer feeling among United’s rank and file following has grown with the recent revelation that the family are trying to float the club on the New York Stock Exchange in order to raise about £200million to help relieve the debt built up in buying United seven years ago.

That currently stands at £423m, with the club having spent more than £500m on interest, debt repayments and fees since 2005.
‘I think there are a whole lot of factions at United that think they own the club,’ said Ferguson. ‘They will always be contentious about whoever owns the club, and that’s the way it has always been.
‘When I came to the club, Martin Edwards was always getting pelted because he was going to sell to [Robert] Maxwell, then to [Rupert] Murdoch, Michael Knighton, and when they became a plc there was disaffection.

In the background: Glazer brothers Avram and Joel shun publicity
‘Then, when the Glazers took over, there was disaffection, so there have always been wee pockets of supporters who have their views… and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I think the majority of the real fans will look at it realistically and say it’s not affecting the team. We’ve won four championships since they’ve been there, one European Cup.
‘I think the problem is they [the Glazers] are not publicists. They don’t go out of their way to seek good publicity. They are quite happy to stay in the background. Roman Abramovich is the same.’
United are valued as the richest sports franchise in the world, at £1.5billion, mainly as a result of the efforts of Ferguson, whose haul of 48 trophies since he took over 25 years ago has made him the most successful football manager in British history. And now, giving little indication that his tenure is even close to ending, the 70-year-old Scot is as enthusiastic as ever about the future.
Citing the vast improvements to make the Carrington training complex one of the best in the world as evidence of the Glazers’ investment, he said: ‘Look at what they are spending on the training ground.

Investment: The Glazers have invested £30m into improving United's Carrington Training Ground and new players such as Shinji Kagawa have come into the squad
‘It’s going to be fantastic. At the moment it’s a bit of a bombsite, but it’s supposed to be completed by October and we just hope it’s ready on time. They’ll be spending about £30m and its all down to them.’
Ferguson responded to fans’ frustration at the lack of summer transfer activity by insisting he was not prepared to fork out inflated transfer fees. Responding to the fans’ clamour for a £30million-plus signing, he said: ‘Well they can wait!
‘We buy in the right way and that’s the difference between United and the rest — we can play 18-year-olds because it’s part of our history. It’s like a destiny for us that when a young player emerges we play him, and that has never failed us.

Coming to the rescue: Bebe celebrates scoring deep into injury time against Ajax Cape Town
‘No other clubs can do that. City won’t do it. They definitely won’t play any young players who have come up through the system. Their buys are all 25, 26, 27-year-old established players with a good maturity, experience and good ages. They won’t go away because the age group tells you that. They don’t have any over-30s in their team.
They don’t play any young players and the fans don’t expect any youth players to come through the way we expect them to at United.’
While Chelsea have spent huge amounts to sign the likes of Eden Hazard, the United boss has spent a total of about £20m to bring in Japan forward Shinji Kagawa and teenage midfielder Nick Powell.

Inexperienced side: Antonio Valencia is one of Manchester United's senior players on the pre-season tour as 13 players are still away
‘There is a borderline in terms of what you would think is a good signing for United,’ said Ferguson. ‘I see some values on players, like Hazard for instance. To me it was a lot of money. He’s a good player, but £34m?
‘What we’re finding anyway, the climate for buying these top players — not just the transfer fees, [but] the salaries, agent’s fees — is just getting ridiculous now. In the Hazard deal, Chelsea paid the agent £6m. The Nasri situation was the same.
‘It’s all about what you think is value for a player. I am not envious of those deals at all. We placed a value on Hazard which was well below what they were talking about. So if it doesn’t work, well we’re not worried about that. We think we’ve got good value in Kagawa.

Young hope: United spent £4m on Crewe's Nick Powell
‘We scout well. Sometimes we do the scouting for other clubs. The minute the agent knew we’d spoken to Powell, I think every club was in with offers. But we’d done the deal.
‘Whenever we show interest in a player it activates the situation with other clubs. But we’ve done well over the years. We’ve bought well, one or two bad ones, no doubt about that, but you handle that.
‘The big difference is when the academy started 10 years ago we had to change our scouting in terms of abroad. So that’s increased. Looking at countries like Brazil, Mexico and through South America. France, too, we’re all over Europe now.’

Fergie on Retirement
Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Manchester United will still continue to enjoy great success even after he decides to end his reign as manager.
Asked if he thought there would be life after him at United, he said: ‘Of course. Manchester United are an institution and the history here forces everything.’
Ferguson hinted that any successor would have to have had a wealth of experience managing at the top level. But he scoffed at the idea that following him would be a daunting prospect.

Not ready to go just yet: Ferguson says he still enjoys working at Manchester United
Would he like to follow himself into this job? ‘Yes, definitely. Why not? It cannot be an impossible job with the structure we have at this club.
‘I don’t think the club will choose a young manager because it is a job that demands experience. The future is absolutely solid. If you look at the team I could play all under 22 or 23, De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Jones, Evans. Cleverley, Powell, Chicharito, Lingard, Welbeck, Kagawa. These players will become the United team for the next three or four years.
‘It would not be a daunting prospect to follow me.’

On holiday: Wayne Rooney is not expected back at training until July 26 after playing at Euro 2012
Fergie on Rooney
Wayne Rooney and United’s other top players may not be fully tuned up for the start of the new season because of their summer international commitments.
The club have a comparatively inexperienced squad on their pre-season tour to South Africa and the Far East, with many regulars not due to return to training until later this week.
‘We’ve got 13 players who are not here from the squad,’ said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
‘Evans, Jones and Vidic are still recovering from operations and treatment for their injuries.
‘With the Euros, Nani, Rooney, Young, Jones, Evra won’t be back until July 26. Then we’ve got four more players (Giggs, Cleverley, De Gea and Rafael) at the Olympic Games. So it is difficult.

‘We’ve bought Shinji Kagawa and we don’t even know who he’s going to be playing with.

‘The rest of the squad won’t be playing until the game against Valerenga on August 5. It’s definitely an awkward feeling.’

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:55 PM

Amos signs off with draw

Ben Amos was relieved to see Bebe snatch a 92nd minute equaliser against Ajax Cape Town as he says United would have been "massively disappointed" to lose the second match of the DHL tour.

The keeper, who is flying back to the UK to join Hull City on loan, had no chance with Alcardo van Graan's clever flick from a corner but felt it was important that the Reds responded moments later.

"The first half was obviously much quieter," he told MUTV. "We had a lot of the ball but it was all in the middle of the park and we didn't create much in the first half which we were disappointed about. When the lads grew more tired in the second half, they had more opportunities.

"I had a lot to do with my feet and a couple of saves but obviously it's little things in pre-season that happen. Judging distances and things like that. People talk about match fitness and match fitness for a keeper is about getting your distances and decision-making right, things like that. There were a couple of things like that but I was happy on the whole.

"We'd have been massively disappointed to lose. We're disappointed with a draw anyway with the amount of possession we had. To lose would have been very disappointing. Obviously, we want to get into the winning spirit and mentality so it's good we didn't lose the game."

Amos is looking forward to his move to Hull. "I can't wait," he enthused. "It's a new challenge and one I'm going to throw myself into and get as many games as I can. Then I'll come back here and look to push on."

r Alex has explained his thoughts on the loan transfer to the Championship side, soon after the keeper signed a new three-year contract at Old Trafford.

"He needs this challenge now. He's been very patient and did not have a lot of football last year. This move to Steve Bruce's team is at the right time. He's an England Under-21 international so he's got to progress all the time."

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:57 PM

Smalling injury setback

Chris Smalling looks set to be out for around a further 10 weeks after undergoing an operation on a metatarsal injury.

The defender missed out on a possible place in the Great Britain Olympics squad and the DHL tour but Sir Alex Ferguson initially expected him to be ready for the start of the season.

However, the surgery to fix the toe problem means he will now miss the early part of the campaign.

"He got an injury on the Wednesday and, straight away, we decided to have the operation so he's out," the manager revealed to MUTV. "It's difficult to say with a metatarsal but it could be 10 weeks.

"He's not carrying any luck, the kid, but he's young and we've done the right thing in getting it done immediately and getting him back on the road as quickly as we can."

Smalling is expected to compete with Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones for a centre-back slot, along with Nemanja Vidic as soon as the skipper returns to fitness. Evans is already a doubt for the Barclays Premier League opener at Everton while Scott Wootton has played both tour games in the middle alongside Ferdinand.

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 10:58 PM

Boss pleased for Bebe

Sir Alex was pleased for Bebe after the forward lashed home the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Ajax Cape Town.

The Portugal Under-21 international pounced on Marnick Vermijl's cross in stoppage time and showed great composure to take a touch before ramming the ball into the net.

Although Bebe had stressed he was set to go out on loan against next season, the boss hinted he could be retained in Manchester.

"He had his loan at Besiktas and then picked up a bad injury which kept him out for most of the season," said Sir Alex. "That is probably his first game for about eight months, so he will be pleased to be back playing and pleased scored a goal. "We’ll see how the season progresses for him, but it gives me a headache in terms of number of strikers we have there, but that’s not a bad thing."

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 11:00 PM

New boys delight Sir Alex

Summer signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell caught Sir Alex Ferguson's eye in the DHL tour match with Ajax Cape Town.

Bebe's late effort salvaged a 1-1 draw after Kagawa had spurned a glorious chance to open his goal account. However, the Japan international impressed before Powell displayed neat skill as a substitute and was unlucky not to score before the injury-time equaliser.

"It was a competitive game," the manager told MUTV. "They caused us a few problems and we decided to make changes and bring on the younger players.

"Shinji was very good. He's an intelligent footballer, quick and has his head up all the time. He knows when a pass has to be made and I'm pleased. Nick Powell is a talented boy. He missed some training and 30 minutes was just stretching him a bit in terms of sharpness but the boy is a very good talent.

"We showed a reaction to losing the goal. We increased the pace in our game and could maybe have got a winner. It was a satisfying perfomance, a competitive game and a great atmosphere. Now we've got 16 hours' travel [to Shanghai] and we need to recover from that first of all."

bbfan1991

21-07-2012, 11:01 PM

Match Report:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/match-report-ajax-cape-town-manchester-united-cape-town-dhl-tour.aspx

bbfan1991

22-07-2012, 02:01 PM

Tunnicliffe's tour aims

In an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com Ryan Tunnicliffe reflects on his first week on the Reds' DHL tour with the senior side and discusses the influence of ‘role model’ Paul Scholes and his hopes for the future…

“The tour has been really good from a personal point of view. Just being able to train with the first team is a great experience, but to have been able to get some game-time in as well has been even better for me.

I was pleased to play a part in the opening win over AmaZulu FC and get my first United appearance under my belt and it was good to get another half hour in against Ajax Cape Town. The way we came back in that second game to snatch a draw was typical United. We played okay but they started to dominate as the game went on and got the goal. But I think that fired us up for the final few minutes and we pushed hard to try and get the equaliser which we did thankfully.

I've already learnt so much from the first week on tour. The stand-out thing is the professionalism and the preparation in the first team. If you don't prepare properly for games you're not going to play well. You also need to make sure you eat well and get your rest when you need it. The likes of Scholesy, Carras [Michael Carrick] and Rio [Ferdinand] have all been here for so long and achieved so much because they do the right things to prepare for games. It's important to look at them and try and emulate what they do.

The senior lads in the first team are great - they talk to us a lot and always there to offer us advice, but for me being able to train alongside Paul Scholes has been fantastic. He’s one of the best midfielders ever to learn from. The only disappointing thing for me so far on this tour is the fact I haven't been able to play with him yet - he'd already come off when I came on in the last two games which I was pretty gutted about as I'm desperate to play next to him! In my eyes, there is no other better role model for me to learn from.

It's been nice to have some of the other young lads on tour - I've grown up with quite a few of them so it’s good for us all to share the experience. It’s definitely been an eye-opener for all of us, not just from a training and playing perspective, but off the field as well. Obviously we all know how big United are in England and around the world but to see it with your own eyes really shows you that. We've all taken part in some of the commercial activities the club do which is something that's new for me but I've enjoyed it, and I hope it's something I have to get used to because I want to be part of the first team and come on the tour every year.

The most important thing for me about the tour is hopefully being able to put myself in the manager's thoughts. That’s my aim. Obviously there are a lot of top midfielders in front of me but it's up to me to show him what I can do. I've seen how Clevs [Tom Cleverley] and Welbs [Danny Welbeck] have done on past trips and how they progressed from there into the first team squad and that's what I want to do. Seeing how well both of them have done gives all the young lads a big incentive because it shows that the manager is still willing to put youngsters in if they do well."

bbfan1991

22-07-2012, 02:02 PM

Robbo's respect for Rio

United legend Bryan Robson has paid tribute to Rio Ferdinand as the defender celebrates the 10th anniversary of his signing for the club.

The superb acquisition has looked every inch the world-class defender he promised to be after joining from Leeds in 2002 and is captaining the club on the DHL tour after shrugging off niggling injury problems.

Ambassador Robson, who is also on the trip, agrees with Sir Alex Ferguson that there is still plenty of football left in the experienced centre-back.

"He has had a great career with the club," Robson told ManUtd.com. "There’s no reason why he shouldn’t last a lot longer.

"Rio is a naturally fit lad with no weight on him. He’s a good athlete. He’s been having a few problems with his back but the boss is good in the way he can nurse Rio through that side of it.

"As long as Rio has the desire to want to keep going, there’s no reason why he can’t play quite a few more years, especially being a centre-half."

bbfan1991

22-07-2012, 02:04 PM

Kiko backs pal Petrucci

Kiko Macheda says he has high hopes that team-mate and fellow countryman Davide Petrucci can make an impression on the United first team.

The 20-year-old Italian midfielder came on for the final 20 minutes of Wednesday's opening tour victory against AmaZulu FC for his first appearance in the senior side on the back of a trophy-laden campaign with the Reserves whom he captained last term.

Macheda, who netted the winner in the game in Durban, is delighted to have his good pal on tour and is predicting a bright future for Petrucci at Old Trafford.

"I'm really pleased for Davide," Kiko told ManUtd.com. "He's had a tough time at United with injuries but he did great for the Reserves last season. He deserves to be on tour and was unlucky not to score the other night.

"I've just told him to stay calm and not to put too much pressure on himself, but to enjoy the tour and do his best and just play his game. He is a great player and it's great to see him playing for the first team. I hope he'll do very well in the future."

Doing well for the Reds in the coming season is exactly what Macheda has in mind too.

"It's great to get opportunities on tour and show the manager what you can do. I just hope I can get the opportunities during the season now," he added.

"My aim is to do well on tour and hopefully become a regular in the squad next season. I think I'm ready and I can't wait to start the season."

bbfan1991

22-07-2012, 02:08 PM

Manchester United's Anderson is targeting an injury-free season as he aims to boost Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield options.

The 24-year-old Brazil international joined United in a £25million move back in 2007 and scored a vital penalty in the final of the UEFA Champions League in his first season.

But in the four campaigns since then his injury problems have become progressively worse with Anderson featuring in fewer than half of the club's league games in each of those seasons.

Indeed, the former Porto man has struggled for fitness since damaging his cruciate knee ligament in February 2010 and admits this is a crucial season for his career at Old Trafford.

"The last two years have been very difficult," he said.

"No-one wants a player who has a lot of injuries. But I am still young. I am only 24. And I believe I can get through this.

"All summer I stayed in Europe to work on my knee. Now I am 100%. I don't have any more injuries. I don't have a problem.

"I tried to push through it when I came back but it was still sore. Sometimes it was bad and the pain stayed.

"Sometimes you think you might have to change clubs but I love it here. The club has always helped me, as have the other players. I have worked so hard trying to get right."

Boost

The Brazilian started the club's first seven games of last season in the Premier League and his return would be a welcome boost to a United squad perceived to be lacking depth in midfield.

Predictably, Anderson does not share those concerns about that area of the pitch, citing the presence of Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs as evidence of their strength.

"Manchester United have some good players; Scholes, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs," he added.

"If we bring in new players it will help even more, although you could say that about any club.

"The thing is, if I stay fit, I can be that player. I can be a success at United. You have seen, when I don't have a problem, I play well.

"The problems come when I have an injury. After six or seven games last season it felt as though one leg was 30% weaker than the other

bbfan1991

22-07-2012, 02:09 PM

Rafael has urged Lucas Moura to join Manchester United and has claimed his fellow Brazilian is excited about the prospect of moving to Old Trafford.

Teenage midfielder Lucas is one of world football's most coveted talents and has reportedly been the subject of an offer from the Red Devils.

His current club Sao Paulo claim to have turned down a bid of €35million (£27m) for the 19-year-old, who is also a target for Inter Milan.

Lucas is presently part of Brazil's squad for the Olympics, alongside Rafael, and it appears the two have spoken about the chance to sign for United.

Full-back Rafael said in the Daily Star Sunday: "Yes, I have told Lucas he should come to Manchester United, of course."

And, when asked whether Lucas was excited about coming to United, Rafael replied: "Yes, yes!"

Another member of Brazil's Olympic squad who could be on his way to the Premier League is Oscar, who has undergone a medical at Chelsea.

Oscar has confirmed he will make a final decision on his future after the Olympics and Rafael feels the midfielder can enjoy an impact in English football.

He added: "I have heard about Oscar coming to Chelsea and he is a good player and very important to Brazil.

"I really think he will do very well in the Premier League because he is a talented player.

bbfan1991

23-07-2012, 12:05 AM

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/today-in-shanghai-manchester-united-dhl-tour-2012-blog.aspx#

bbfan1991

23-07-2012, 12:09 AM

Gallery: Reds land in China

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Teaser/Tour2012News/2012/Jul/gallery-arrival-and-training-in-shanghai.aspx

bbfan1991

23-07-2012, 12:12 AM

Eric Cantona 'kung fu kicked coffee table after Manchester United lost title'

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/eric-cantona-kung-fu-kicked-1154255

King Eric!:worship::cool:

United legend, amazing that he still adores Manchester United.

Ryan57

23-07-2012, 07:22 AM