Kagawa enjoying life as a Red

We chatted to Shinji Kagawa on tour in Shanghai about the start of his United career…

What has impressed you most so far as a United player?
The big welcome at the stadiums and the supporters’ response to us. I have joined such a great club and I want to achieve results here. I want to play football without forgetting that fact. United have so many fans and, because of that, I feel a big responsibility. That is in my mind each day.

What is the biggest difference you see between United and Dortmund?
I was totally amazed by how many fans came out in South Africa and China, and how loud they were! It made me realise that United supporters are all over the world. It dawned on me how big a club United is and I feel very proud and lucky to be a part of this club.

Sir Alex says you pick up things in training quickly, despite not speaking English yet…
I understand what I should be doing in training because most of the football exercises are easy to understand. I know my English is not good yet so I will study hard so that I can communicate with my team-mates directly as soon as possible.

Which players do you communicate with?
Players from South America such as Anderson and Antonio (Valencia) often strike up friendly conversations with me, which is a big help. Anderson asked me to teach him some Japanese.

What did you teach him?
I taught him ore kakkoii ("I am cool" or "I am handsome"). It is nice to see everyone seems to be interested in Japan.

How does it feel to be the first Japanese football player at United?
I won’t suddenly change my playing style. I think people appreciate that of me as a footballer and it’s why I think I was able to join United. As I did in the Bundesliga for two years, I would like to show my presence in attack – scoring goals, assisting my team-mates. If my combination with my team-mates improves, I believe there will be chances. I will use my experience.

What is your goal for the season?
Every single day is important. I have to achieve results in each game. That's how I feel. If I play well in one game but not in the next game, I get a poor rating. I want to grow as a football player who can help my team by doing my best everyday, for a whole season. To achieve that, I think it is most important to play in the matches.

Chevrolet signs seven year deal

General Motors and Manchester United today announced that the world's most popular football club's shirt sponsor will be Chevrolet, beginning with the 2014/2015 season.

Chevrolet, the current Official Car Partner of the Club, will become only the fifth shirt sponsor in the Club’s 134 year history.

Announcing the deal, signed for an undisclosed amount, United’s Commercial Director, Richard Arnold, said:

“This is a fantastic, long-term deal for the Club. We have been partners with Chevrolet for only six weeks, but already they have produced some fantastic ideas that will benefit both the partnership and our 659 million followers around the world. They are a key partner on our current tour and I know they have enjoyed experiencing the buzz generated by our fanatical support and the sell-out crowds in South Africa, China, and Europe.

"It is a great thrill for those of us who work with partners all year round when an existing partner steps up to being one of our principal partners. This commitment to United and its fans will bring real benefits to everyone who cares about the Club.”

The US-based car company will replace Aon, whose partnership with United began in the 2010/11 season.

Alan Batey, General Motors’ North America Vice President, U.S. Sales and Service said:

“We are extremely proud to connect our brand, Chevrolet, with Manchester United and its passionate supporters all around the world. Manchester United’s statistics are impressive, but this relationship goes far beyond the numbers – this relationship is about connecting our brand with the deep-seated emotion that surrounds the team everywhere it goes.

"When you consider the core values of Chevrolet, our passionate customers around the world, and our rich 100 year history, the partnership with Manchester United is a perfect fit. And, to be only the fifth name on the iconic red jersey is a genuine honour. We very much look forward to the road ahead and the opportunities we have in partnering with such a legendary club.”

Carrick content to fill in

Michael Carrick admits he is happy to fill in at the back if required after playing as centre-back against Shanghai Shenhua on the DHL tour.

The midfield star has appeared in the position in the past, during an injury crisis in 2009/2010 and also against Leeds, Wigan and Blackburn last term. It's another string to his bow but he's looking forward to training hard and nailing a regular place again in his preferred role.

"It was quite a comfortable game for me anyway as playing centre-back, I didn't have too much defending to do," he told MUTV.

"I don't mind it. From time to time, it happens, and you have to do a job but it was a bit less serious here than in the past and we got away with it.

"It changes the whole game for you really to being in midfield with everything around you. Sometimes, there's not much to do at the back and then you have to switch on so it's good to have an understanding of the game and, hopefully, it will benefit me.

"It's nice to get home. It's good to come to different countries and different places in the world to see the fans and play our football but it's nice to get home too. There is a lot of work ahead of us for two weeks and soon it'll be the start of the season and then it all goes again."

Magic Olympic moment for Giggs
Ryan Giggs has won more trophies than any other footballer in Britain, but last night he wrote another chapter for his book of memories. Giggs headed a 16th-minute goal for Great Britain, the nation he is captaining in the twilight of his career, that helped create a path deep into this competition. After an exciting first half, in which Giggs played an epic role, Team GB allowed the United Arab Emirates back into the match... Giggs’ goal was a gem. Not in the way he scored it, a simple header at the back post, but in the repetitive precise passing that brought it. It has to be a moment Giggs will look back on as one of the highlights of a career bedazzled with big moments. The ball moved among the team with care and precision, Bellamy, out on the left, finally swinging in a cross that Giggs headed home. A rare thing for Giggs to head a goal. Rare for a 38-yeard-old to be still playing for his country. Rarer still for it all to be done in the name of Great Britain.

Most of the daily papers have written variations on the same theme, with Giggs' exploits for Team GB gaining plenty of praise.

Elsewhere, The Sun have run quotes from the new edition of Inside United, in which Sir Alex promises fans the Reds will be better in Europe this season. The boss told the official magazine: "We’ll qualify from the group stages. I’ll make sure of it. European football is hugely important to us and we must compete for the biggest trophies. We need to make a statement — and show everybody last season was just a blip.”

Paul Scholes interview:).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...er-League.html

Team GB match report in which Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley played in:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/oly...y-decider.html

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley was delighted with his performance in Team GB's Olympics win over UAE.

Cleverley wants to use the Olympics as a springboard to nail down a place in Manchester United’s team.

“I know I was a bit short of match fitness last season, so to play competitive games on a massive stage like the Olympics and at massive grounds is perfect for me.

“I think that’s how the manager is looking at these next few weeks as well.

“My aim next season isn’t just to stay fit. I’m not injury-prone, it’s just that I have had some bad luck.

“I want to get into the United team, win as much silverware as I can for my club, and if I am called up for my country..."

Football Association announces Rio Ferdinand has been charged with improper conduct over comments he posted on Twitter.

Catching up on news...

FA charges Ferdinand

The Football Association has today charged Rio Ferdinand with improper conduct in relation to comments posted on Twitter.

A statement on the FA's official website confirmed: "The allegation is that the player acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute by making comments which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race."

Rio has until 16:00 BST on Thursday 2 August, 2012 to respond to the charge.

Sir Alex eyes flying start

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Manchester United to "get off to a flyer" this season, as the Reds aim to win back the Barclays Premier League trophy from neighbours Manchester City.

City pipped United on the final day of the 2011/12 season to win their first league title in 44 years. With success comes pressure, however, and Sir Alex is determined to turn up the heat on Roberto Mancini's men right from the beginning of the forthcoming campaign.

United begin the season with a tricky trip to Everton on Monday 20 August, 24 hours after City host Southampton at the Etihad Stadium. Not that playing catch-up from such an early stage is something that worries the boss.

"The Monday night start doesn’t bother me," Sir Alex told the club's official monthly magazine, Inside United. "That’s not a big factor. The fact it’s Everton away holds much more weight.

"It’s a tough fixture and we’ve not found it easy there in recent years, despite some good results. We can’t complain, though. We had a tough start last season, too.

"We played Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea very early and ended up getting off to a flyer. We’ll be aiming to do the same this year."

Indeed, the Reds' start last term - Sir Alex's men won six of the first seven league fixtures - was the best by a Manchester United team since the Premier League's inception in 1992/93. Similar results in August and September this time around would go a long way to helping United mount another title challenge in the manager's 27th season in charge.

Also on Sir Alex's wish list is a better showing in the Champions League. The Reds went out of last season's competition at the group stage, finishing third behind Benfica and FC Basel.

"That was very careless," he told Inside United. "We can't accept that. We're better than that. "And I played a part in that as well. I took too many risks with team selections, played too many young players in certain games.

"That won't happen again next season. We'll qualify from the group stages. I'll make sure of it. European football is hugely important to this club and we need to be competing for the biggest trophies. We need to make a statement and show everybody last season was just a blip."

Reds to field strongest side

Sir Alex has reiterated his plan to play full-strength teams in Manchester United’s final three pre-season tour fixtures.

The Reds embarked on the first two stages of the DHL 2012 Tour – South Africa and China – without those players who featured in the summer’s European Championships. But August’s matches in Oslo, Gothenburg and Hanover – against Valerenga, Barcelona and Hannover 96 – will feature Sir Alex’s strongest squad, including Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Patrice Evra and Nani.

“They’ll have to play,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “There’s no doubt about that. We need to get those players up to the mark.”

But while some of the club’s biggest names will return to action on the forthcoming European leg of the tour, it’s unlikely those featuring in the Olympic Games will gain any pre-season minutes in a United shirt.

“There’s a bit of a complication with the Olympic Games,” Sir Alex admitted. “David De Gea is there with Spain, although they’re out now so he should be back with us this week.

“Rafael, I would imagine, will get to the final with Brazil. And then we’ve got Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs. When they rejoin us will depend on how far they get in the competition but they won’t be with us for the European games.

“There’s no problem [with their fitness, though]. They’ve been training for as long as we have and they’ll get plenty of games under their belt at the Olympics. I hope they do well and progress a long way in the competition. That would mean they could play five or six games. So I don’t have any concerns when it comes to their fitness.”

Sir Alex backs Chicha

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced a much-needed summer break will lead to a successful season for Javier Hernandez.

After a superb maiden campaign for United, Chicharito struggled to reach the same heights in 2011/12, during which his progress was also disrupted by injury.

This summer Sir Alex negotiated for the striker to be left out of Mexico’s Olympics squad to allow him to rest, and the Reds boss believes we’ll see the best of him as a result.

"I think this season we'll see a better Chicharito," Sir Alex told the club's official monthly magazine, Inside United.

"For the last four or five years he's played all through the summer. This year, with the co-operation of Mexico, he's had a proper rest. And that started right back in May when I decided not to take him to Belfast for the Harry Gregg testimonial.

"We wanted to give him as much rest as possible. He had a couple of weeks off and then joined the Mexico side for a couple of qualifying games before getting another few weeks' rest.

"That was important for him and I'm sure he'll reap the benefits. We've already seen the fruits of that in the early training sessions and I think he'll have a top season."

Chicharito’s infectious enthusiasm will surely only aid his cause as he competes with United’s other forwards for a place in the side.

"He's such a good professional and such a fantastic personality," Sir Alex added. "He just loves life and loves playing football. Every training session he buzzes around the place with a big smile."

Chicha: Trophies, not goals

Javier Hernandez insists team achievements come before personal ambitions with more silverware for the Reds taking priority over scoring goals.

In an exclusive interview with Inside United, the Mexican striker says he doesn't allow himself to get "obsessed with scoring goals" and maintains that he would swap finding the net for more trophies.

"I’ve never had a goal target," insists Chicharito. "I don’t want to be obsessed with scoring goals, I don’t want to be only that player who only scores goals, and if I score goals I’ve played well and if I didn’t score goals I played badly.

"It’s more about doing my best for the team – if the goals come then great, but if someone else scores instead of me then it’s still great for the United fans and for the club.

"You can never play one man against 11, and one player can never score all the goals by himself. If the goals are coming then good, but as I’ve always said, I would swap every one of my goals for a title with Manchester United."

Sir Alex has already declared that winning the Barclays Premier League title back is the club's number one aim this season. And Chicharito believes that after the heartbreak of losing it in the dying moments last term, the Reds will come back stronger.

"It was difficult to believe, really," he said, in reference to last season's final day drama. "For so many years that type of game was a fable of Manchester United, with goals in the last minute [to win big games], and sometimes it is part of life to experience the bad moments like this one.

"It was a very strange day because in the space of one minute we thought that the title was going to be ours, and then City scored twice, and that’s it.

"When you win you learn to keep working hard in order to keep doing the things you did to win the title. And when you lose, you need to learn from the mistakes you made. It's not like one, two or three people are guilty of making mistakes – it's a team game and every player wants to do their best to help the team to win trophies. I think we all learned a lot from last season and we're confident we can come back this season."

Valencia 'humbled' by Manchester United No.7 shirt

Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia has revealed he is “humbled” after being handed the No.7 shirt to wear during the upcoming season.

The former Wigan star is relishing the opportunity to wear the iconic number, before setting his sights on winning the Premier League and Champions League next season.

The famous jersey has been worn by Old Trafford icons such as George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo over the years.

However, the winger was quick to turn attention to matters on the field as Valencia has targeted the Premier League and Champions League crowns this term – adding that a club of their size and stature should always be challenging for both trophies.

"I’m excited to be wearing the no.7 shirt in the coming season" Valencia told the club’s official website.

"It's a number I really respect because so many great players have worn the shirt and made history for Manchester United in it.

"Now I hope I can write my own. It's a new adventure but it's something that I'm very relaxed about and also humbled by."

Although the 26-year old is focused on winning a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI every game, he also wants the team to mount a serious charge for the league title and to be crowned champions of Europe.

He continued: "We are all looking forward to the new campaign. On a personal level, I want to be involved in every game, but to be honest I think more from a team perspective and I'd love us to win all the competitions we play in, particularly the Premier League and Champions League.

"We are Manchester United and those are the trophies we should always be aiming to win.”

Valencia has hailed the team spirit within the squad and believes full sessions in training camps in China and South Africa with the club will really benefit him ahead of the upcoming season as he has not completed a full pre-season programme for five years.

“Training for the new season has been going very well. We trained hard in South Africa and China and it was good to play some games,” he revealed.

"It’s been five years since I had a full pre-season so it's fantastic to be getting this opportunity. It’s gone well and more than anything I’m pleased not have picked up any injuries.

"All the players are feeling good about the new season. There is a great team spirit amongst everyone. I love being part of this team – I have some good friends here and I laugh a lot with guys like Evra, Nani, Anderson, Bebe and Chicharito, but everybody in the group has a laugh together.

"When we have to work, we take things seriously. When the time is right to enjoy ourselves, we do that too."

Tony V is class!:)

Pleased he has the number 7

Tunnicliffe pushing on

Ryan Tunnicliffe is determined to push on and continue his progress at United after making his senior bow on the DHL tour.

The 19-year-old is the only member of the FA Youth Cup-winning central midfield trio forcing his way into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans with Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba having left the club, and he feels there is the opportunity to achieve his childhood dream and become a first-team regular in the future.

After opening the scoring in the Manchester United XI's 6-2 win at Market Drayton on Wednesday, the tenacious midfielder will be striving to keep himself in Sir Alex's thoughts as the season progresses and aim for making a competitive debut at some stage.

When asked by Inside United if he felt any additional pressure flying the flag for the 2011 Youth Cup triumvirate, he replied: "On the other hand, they were good players playing in my position so one of us might have made it and another one might have not.

"So with them gone, it does open it up for me in a way but, obviously, I was close to them. We were midfield partners and good friends. I was sad to see Paul go and I do think he was a great player and could have made it here as well. But another door opens and it goes both ways."

With the likes of Ji-sung Park and Darron Gibson also departing this year, it was suggested to Tunnicliffe that the path to a midfield place may start becoming clearer from his perspective.

"There are not as many people," he admitted.

"But we've still got Larnell [Cole] and Jesse [Lingard], who are doing very well as well, and people who are younger than me and have got me looking over my shoulder as well as looking forward.

"There is a gap but I think there are still plenty of good players in the squad that I've got to get past to even get a few games this year."

Good luck to Ryan, he has a good attitude and is playing well so might be in line for some opportunities this season by SAF me thinks:).

Tour defence revealed

Sir Alex Ferguson has given the biggest hint yet of how Manchester United’s defence could look on the opening day of the new Barclays Premier League campaign.

The Reds travel to Everton on Monday 20 August to kick off the 2012/13 season, but it’s a game that will come too soon for injured centre-backs Chris Smalling (metatarsal) and Jonny Evans (ankle). Throw into the mix the fact that Fabio has been sent on a season-long loan to Queens Park Rangers and Sir Alex’s back four will almost pick itself.

The boss will find himself with a similar selection non-dilemma on the European leg of Manchester United’s pre-season tour, a three-game trip that begins in Oslo this Sunday with a match against Norwegian side Valerenga.

“Chris Smalling is out for 10 weeks with his metatarsal operation and Jonny Evans is still just in light training," Sir Alex said. "They’re big losses at the moment and they will miss the start of the season.

“Rafael is away [on international duty with Brazil at the Olympics] and Fabio is away on loan so there are four defensive players that we don’t have for the back four positions.

“We do have Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, though. That will be the back four on tour. Hopefully we don’t get any more injuries as it would leave me a bit short.”

News of Vidic’s return is particularly pleasing for United fans, who haven’t seen the Reds skipper in action since he injured cruciate knee ligaments against FC Basel on 7 December 2011.

The Serbian spent last month continuing his rehabilitation at Carrington while his team-mates travelled to South Africa and China on the first two stages of the DHL 2012 Tour. But the 30-year-old is now nearing full fitness and will fly out to Oslo with the European tour squad on Saturday afternoon.

Matches against Valerenga (Sunday 5 August) and Barcelona (Wednesday 8 August) are sold out, while limited tickets remain for the Reds’ final pre-season clash, against Hannover 96, on Saturday 11 August.

The small number of Defenders is worrying but great news that Nemanja Vidic is back!:D

How dare you! Fergie slams idea his backing of Glazers motivated by money

"There is not a single grain of truth in it" roars Sir Alex Ferguson after suggestion that his wallet is doing the talking over controversial share sale.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is "insulted" by claims his recent backing of the Glazer family is motivated by personal gain.

It has been suggested that Ferguson stands to profit from the controversial initial public offering (IPO), which the Glazer family are now saying will only partly go against United's massive debts.

A clearly angered Ferguson has today hit back: "There is not a single grain of truth in this allegation. This is an accusation that insults me."

Ferguson said he felt the need to address the issue to prevent a schism developing between him and the United fans.

A clause within the prospectus for the IPO, which the Glazer's signalled an official intention to launch in New York on Monday evening, suggests senior management figures will receive shares.

Almost immediately, some of those opposed to the Glazer family's ownership of United wondered whether Ferguson was amongst them.




"Being aware of the media coverage that is currently ongoing I felt, on this occasion, that I should make my position clear to the Manchester United fans," said Ferguson in a statement.

"In regards to suggestions that I have praised the Glazer family because I stand to financially benefit from the proposed IPO, there is not a single grain of truth in this allegation.

"I do not receive any payments, directly or indirectly, from the IPO."

Ferguson's recent praise of the Glazer family raised eyebrows in some quarters.

Many United fans dislike the Americans for running up massive debts during their leveraged buy-out of the Old Trafford outfit in 2005.

It has been claimed the debts prevent Ferguson from spending big money in the transfer market and competing with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.

"Ultimately, I run the football side of this club and in order to do this, you need backing from above," he said.

"The Glazer family have let me get on with my job, there is no interference or obstruction, only support."

The most successful British manager of all time, Ferguson indicated that he could have left United for more money if cash had been his prime motivation.

It is why he has been so annoyed at the slur on his character.

"My decisions and beliefs are not based around what is best for my personal financial gain," he said.


Value system: United boss Fergie with Labour leader Ed Miliband

"That is an accusation that insults me. If that was the case I would have left Old Trafford a long time ago.

"I am speaking because I do not want a situation to develop whereby the media and other parties create a rift, however small, between myself and Manchester United.

"I've spent 25 years of my life pushing this club forward and not only could I not have done that without those fans, I do it for them."

Ferguson's statement offers a clear challenge to meet the accusations, raised, amongst others, by the Manchester United Supporters Trust, head on.

The Scot has repeatedly claimed he has always been given the money he wanted to spend in the transfer market and the reason for his relative inactivity is that there is no value in certain targets.

This Sunday United take on Norwegian outfit Valarenga in the latest stage of their pre-season tour, which also includes matches against Barcelona and Hanover.

The Red Devils are still being linked with Robin van Persie, Leighton Baines and Brazilian Olympic star Lucas Moura, although so far, the only summer arrivals have been Japan playmaker Shinji Kagawa and Crewe's England Under-18 international Nick Powell.

On tour: Mike Donnelly

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2012Tea...donnelly.aspx#

Scunthorpe 1 United XI 1

A United XI and Scunthorpe shared the spoils in a keenly-contested friendly at Glanford Park in front of the watching Sir Alex Ferguson.

Nick Powell scored his first goal since joining the club in the summer to cancel out Mark Duffy's first-half strike past former Iron loanee Sam Johnstone, who received a warm welcome on his return to the club.

Federico Macheda had the ball in the net in only the third minute but the lone striker was flagged offside and jeered for much of the first half for smashing a volley over the bar when the whistle had already sounded. United pressed without really penetrating the home defence as Sam Slocombe fielded a Jesse Lingard shot and found a Powell drive too hot to handle after the ex-Crewe man unloaded a fierce drive.

Although Johnstone had made a couple of punches, the opening goal was somewhat against the run of play but superbly worked. Mike Grella won possession and fed Bobby Grant, who turned Michael Keane before teeing up Duffy for an emphatic finish that lifted the home crowd.

The Reds tried to respond but Davide Petrucci fired tamely at Slocombe after a neat spin and Bebe pulled an effort wide after Petrucci won a crunching tackle in midfield. Robbie Gibbons went to ground easily under minimal contact from Marnick Vermijl so the referee Darren Drysdale rightly refused half-hearted penalty claims and Bebe's hopeful poke straight at Slocombe ended the first period in terms of entertainment.

In a dramatic start to the second half, Petrucci and Macheda set up Powell for a stinging shot that brought the very best out of Slocombe, who dived to his right to pull off a marvellous save. Scunthorpe had a much clearer shout for a penalty turned down when Grella was sent tumbling by Keane's over-zealous challenge with referee Drysdale again waving 'play on'.

The Reds capitalised and levelled the scores with 54 minutes gone. Bebe cut inside to feed Lingard and the wiry winger intelligently helped the ball on again for Powell to spank a terrific finish past Slocombe in another illustrating of his shooting prowess.

The visitors also had a penalty shout rejected when Vermijl felt he was tripped inside the box while Macheda rammed a decent opening wide from an angle. Grant snatched at a rare chance although The Iron did look dangerous on the break at times while Petrucci blasted over when a Bebe cross fell into his path just outside the area before handing over the captain's armband to Scott Wootton.

Wootton had to make one saving clearance and Connor Jennings tested Johnstone's reflexes late on as Scunthorpe finished strongly but Lingard almost won it at the death when his shot was cleared off the line and both teams will take plenty from the 1-1 draw.

United: Johnstone; Vermijl (Cole 81), M.Keane, Wootton, Brady; Bebe, Tunnicliffe, Powell, Petrucci (King 85), Lingard; Macheda. Subs not used: Sutherland, Giverin, Veseli, Blackett.

Anders pens new deal

Anders Lindegaard has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2015/16 season.

The Denmark international, 28, signed for the Reds in January 2011 after agreeing a deal the previous month. His debut arrived soon after, in an FA Cup fourth round tie against Southampton at St Mary's.

Lindegaard has since played 13 times for United and looked sharp on each outing. A string of confident performances even helped him displace David De Gea from the number one spot in January 2012. But his status as Sir Alex's first choice was unfortunately brief; a knee injury sustained in training ended his season prematurely.

Fully fit again and, judging by his performances on the DHL Tour, in fine form, Lindegaard says he's delighted to put pen to paper on a new four-year deal.

"I'm very pleased to have signed a new contract," he said. "I'm glad and proud that the manager has shown the confidence he has in me by giving me a new deal.

"There is nowhere in the world I would rather be than right here. The competition for places is tough, as it should be in a club like this. It only makes us better as individuals and, more importantly, stronger as a team.

"It's what I have dreamt of all my life and nothing makes me more proud than wearing the Manchester United badge.”

Sir Alex acknowledged Lindegaard's development and admitted the Dane has the potential to pose him a number of selection dilemmas in the forthcoming campaign.

"Anders is still relatively young for a goalkeeper but he has come on leaps and bounds since joining us last year," the manager said.

"There is healthy competition in the goalkeeping department, which is always good for the team, albeit a headache for me!

"I am delighted he has signed a new contract and also delighted to see that he has clearly returned from the summer break in good shape after the disappointment of suffering an injury last season.”

I am pleased for Anders, he has a bright future at United and can improve even more:).

Europe tour squad confirmed

A star-studded, 21-man squad, including Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney, will leave Manchester airport on Saturday afternoon for the next leg of the DHL pre-season tour.

The Reds will fly to Norway for Sunday's match against Valerenga and then on to Sweden where United meet Barcelona in Gothenburg on Wednesday 8 August. The team then return to England for two days' training in Manchester before jetting out to Germany to take on Hannover 96 on Saturday 11 August.

Last month's trip to South Africa and China featured a young United squad shorn of players involved in the summer's European Championships, as well as injured skipper Nemanja Vidic. But the Serbian centre-back and the likes of Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Ashley Young and Nani will all travel to Oslo today.

Injured defenders Chris Smalling (foot) and Jonny Evans (ankle) will remain in Manchester to continue treatment (their absence means teenager Michael Keane travels), as will Olympians Ryan Giggs, Tom Cleverley and Rafael.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan will take charge of United in Norway, with Sir Alex Ferguson on other club business. The boss will rejoin the squad for the match against Barcelona in Gothenburg.

All Tour 2012 tour games will be broadcast live on MUTV and MUTV Online to UK and Ireland residents, while fans in all territories should keep an eye on the dedicated Tour 2012 section on ManUtd.com for news, interviews and behind-the-scenes content.

ManUtd.com journalist Nick Coppack is travelling with the team and will provide regular updates in his tour blogs. The first blog, Today in Norway, will begin on Saturday afternon as the squad checks in at Manchester airport.

Tour squad: De Gea, Lindegaard; Evra, Ferdinand, Jones, M Keane, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Nani, Powell, Lingard, Scholes, Valencia, Young; Berbatov, Hernandez, Kagawa, Macheda, Rooney, Welbeck.

Strong squad, glad we have the players involved in the Euro's back!

Ferguson staying home to work on the big deal for Emile Heskey.

Manchester United expect to spend £40 million in the summer transfer window, according to the club's chief operating officer, Michael Bolingbroke.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already brought in Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa for £17 million from Borussia Dortmund and Crewe teenager Nick Powell for £4 million.

United have also bid for Sao Paulo and Brazil youngster Lucas Moura - and Bolingbroke said more money has been put aside to strengthen the squad, suggesting Ferguson has at least £20 million more at his disposal.

They have a projected net spend of £40 million, and money has already been raised by selling Ji-sung Park to QPR and letting Ritchie de Laet and Matty James go to Leicester. Ferguson's transfer budget could be increased further if Dimitar Berbatov leaves the club.

Speaking at an investor roadshow ahead of the club's IPO, Bolingbroke said that United's net spend over the last 10-15 years had averaged out at between £20-25 million but added: "We are giving guidance at the moment that the current transfer period could result in net expenditure nearer £40 million."

I do hope that there is some more transfer business by United coming up:).

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...-worth-1215088

Woah big figures for the new sponsorship deal. I hope the money the club makes from business deals etc will help to clear the debt but no doubt those useless and pathetic Glazers will take money out of the club again!:bored: