[bbfan1991]

Tough night for Reds quartet

Four Manchester United players had a difficult day on international duty as England were held at home and Ecuador lost on neutral ground in friendly matches.



Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick both started for the Three Lions in their 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, then Phil Jones joined them in the fray as a half-time substitute for Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson.

Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish side, featuring former United defender John O'Shea in their back four, took a surprise first-half lead when West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long converted Seamus Coleman's right-wing cross with a stunning header. The away team's advantage only lasted for 10 minutes, however, until Frank Lampard netted a scruffy equaliser from close range. There was one more United connection on the pitch when the club's ex-goalkeeper Ben Foster, now of West Brom of course, ended his international retirement by coming on for Manchester City's Joe Hart.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia scored for Ecuador in Florida, USA, but was still on the receiving end as the positivity surrounding German club football rubbed off on the national team to devastating effect.

Even without the players who featured in Saturday's Champions League final for Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund, Germany went 4-0 up inside 24 minutes. Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski and Bayer Leverkusen midfelder Lars Bender scored a double apiece before Valencia pulled a goal back on the brink of half-time. A further consolation, from Walter Ayovi, was added in the 84th minute to make the final score 4-2 to the Germans.

[bbfan1991]

Johnsen reassures Jones

Ronny Johnsen has told Phil Jones not to be concerned that his versatility could end up being a handicap to his long-term career.



Jones came on as a substitute for England in the 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Wednesday and filled in at right-back but was also used in midfield and the centre of defence, his favoured position, by the champions last term.

England coach Roy Hodgson and retiring United chief Sir Alex Ferguson have both stressed that they feel the 21-year-old will mature into a top-class centre-back and Johnsen, who also switched roles regularly during his successful time at Old Trafford, feels there is no problem with being a utility man - particularly at his tender age.

Speaking ahead of his involvement in the Red Heart United Legends clash against Real Madrid on Sunday, which still has tickets available, the Norwegian had words of reassurance for Jones.

"The gaffer used to like me me playing in midfield, especially when 'Keano' [Roy Keane] was out with injury," he told ManUtd.com. "But I played in defence, at the back, a lot and enjoyed it. It's actually more common now [performing both roles].

"Phil doesn't need to be worried. Anyway, I think he benefits from it in the end. He's so young he can benefit from being versatile and he can learn from playing a little bit everywhere.

"I played centre-forward in the national team when I was 25 but was then, more or less, just a defensive player. You learn a little bit from every position you play in so it's something that you can only benefit from. He is obviously so young and has got so many years ahead of him that it is all good for his career."

Johnsen, who was part of the Treble-winning side in 1999, believes players need to be adaptable to change positions in the modern game.

"I think it's how things work at the minute," he opined. "Some clubs have to change things around a bit and look for a peak from the players they have got. Sometimes, you just have to adapt and play in the position where the manager wants you to play.

"If you're positive and you just think: 'I will benefit from this and learn a little bit from playing on this side or elsewhere'. Teamwise, I think that's the way the modern game is and especially the modern player as well."

[bbfan1991]

Neville: English core is key

Gary Neville believes it is imperative for Manchester United to have a nucleus of young English players, particularly at this time of transition at Old Trafford.



Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck were all first-team regulars during the 2012/13 title-winning season, clocking up an impressive 118 appearances between them. And having noted their progression, Neville sees a bright future ahead.

However, after a couple of encouraging campaigns, the Reds legend thinks the talented group must now step up and cement starting places under new manager David Moyes, citing the recent advancements made by David De Gea, Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva as examples.

“It is critical to have young English players at the club who are coming through and have good potential,” Gary told ManUtd.com. “Those players need to develop and become better. They are now champions after winning the title; they should gain confidence from that and want to go again.

“They should also feel more mature after the experience of losing the title last year and winning it back this season. They are two years on and this third season is where they really need to perform, kick on and become Manchester United players.

“There is a pressure on young players but in the first two years you are given a lot of leeway because you are young. Next year, you are getting to that 22 or 23 age and some of them will need to perform on a far more consistent basis, getting into the starting team more regularly.

“We have seen Jonny Evans do it in some ways, other players like Rafael have done it after being in and out for a couple of seasons and now he is number one. David De Gea, for instance, was swapping with Anders Lindegaard and now he is the number one.

“We have seen young players take that step and now it is for Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley to move into that position where they are full-time players.”

In his current role as an England coach, Neville is well-placed to analyse United’s batch of young Lions and, encouragingly, the Treble winner has noticed a clear increase in confidence and experience every time they report for international duties.

“They grow each time and you notice the maturity in them. Welbeck’s growth has been incredible, we’ve not seen too much of Phil Jones with England, Chris played well in Montenegro and Tom has done really well, playing a part in nearly every game.

“All of the young players are well thought of, not just at Manchester United but other clubs at well. You just hope that they can play more consistent football to become top England players as well.”

[bbfan1991]

Youtube video

David De Gea making some class saves on Spain U-21 duty.

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Legends ready to do battle

Manchester United's Legends are preparing to face their Real Madrid counterparts on Sunday at Old Trafford.



The Red Heart United event features a concert headlined by JLS and a number of other family-based activities with the ticket-office windows open for sales and collections all day. 55,600 tickets have already been sold.

United trail 3-2 from the first game at the Bernabeu last year with goalscorers Lee Sharpe and Teddy Sheringham again both on show. Coach Bryan Robson has been deprived of the services of Dion Dublin after he picked up a collarbone injury and Jesper Blomqvist has also been forced to withdraw.

Paul Scholes is likely to be a central figure and he will come up against Zinedine Zidane, Steve McManaman and Luis Figo in midfield. However, the visitors will be without Guti.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is scheduled to appear for both teams after representing the two clubs with great distinction.

United: Van der Sar, van der Gouw; Berg, Blackmore, Irwin, Johnsen, Martin, Stam; Fortune, Robson, Scholes, Sharpe; Cole, Sheringham, van Nistelrooy, Yorke.

Real Madrid: Contreras, Sanchez; Cannavaro, Helguera, Hierro, Pavon, Salgado, Sanz; Amavisca, De la Red, Figo, McManaman, Makelele, Zidane; Alfonso, Butragueno, Morientes, van Nistelrooy.

It should be a good game for lots of worthy charitable causes.

[bbfan1991]

Cole: My United regret

Andy Cole has admitted to ending his Manchester United career prematurely, citing his decision to leave Old Trafford in 2001 as the “only regret” of his illustrious career.



After eight trophy-laden seasons in M16, the Reds legend opted to join Blackburn Rovers in order to guarantee first-team football and supplement his dream of playing for England at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea – a plan that was ultimately unsuccessful.

And speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com, Cole spoke candidly about the circumstances which prompted his departure and revealed the role Sir Alex Ferguson played in trying to keep him at United.

“When I left the club, I wanted to play more games and I saw the manager numerous times,” Andy explained. “He told me that I didn’t have to go, he didn’t want me to go, I could have stayed for as long as I could and I would get my games. But I was trying to force myself into the World Cup squad.

“In the end, he just said ‘Okay, I understand and I know what you are like, I will let you go’. The crazy thing is that he sold me for Ł7million, which is more than what he paid for me. He got me for Ł6m and sold me for Ł7m. So I remember that last meeting with him like it was yesterday.

“I really enjoyed my time but I left far too early. That is my only regret. I could have stayed at the football club for a lot longer and, looking back, I wish I had.”

Few could argue with Cole’s logic for leaving, particularly as the former Nottingham Forest and Newcastle striker had literally won everything there is to win in the game while plying his trade at the Theatre of Dreams. But as Andy admits, he chould have added more silverware to his cabinet.

“Just because you have won everything, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to win it again,” the Treble-winner explained.

“If I was what I am now – more relaxed and calculated in what I want to do – I would have thought about it and realised I would have played games and still be involved in 20 to 25 games a season and win a hell of a lot more, but it wasn’t to be.”

[Ryan57]

Figo, Makelele and Zidane?

I just came.

[bbfan1991]

Exclusive interview: De Gea

What do you like best about playing in the English Premier League?
Playing for United, one of the greatest clubs in the world, is always a source of pride to me. Every time I pull the shirt on, I'm pulling on the history of this club.



How do you like to relax away from football?
I spend time at home, with my family. I watch a lot of films and like to play video games with my friends. Normal stuff, really, but I'm not in my house all the time. I often go shopping, go for a walk and go into the city centre. I put the subtitles on for English films so I can distinguish better what they're saying, which helps improve my English.

How often do you get together with your family and friends?
Well, I relax with my family a lot. I go out with friends, go bowling, have a meal. I relax and have a good time.

If you weren't a footballer what would you be?
All I can remember is wanting to be a footballer. It's all I've ever wanted to do and it's hard for me to even consider doing anything else. I guess if football wasn't an option, I would have concentrated a bit harder at school and put my mind to my studies. I would probably have gone to university and tried to attain a degree related to sport. I also enjoyed history at school, learning about important dates and events.

As a young boy, how did you first get involved with football?
I played with my father from a very young age. The first thing I remember is playing football in my home our outside. It was all I did! I joined Atletico Madrid's Academy when I was young.

I was around five or six years old and just a small boy.

Goalkeepers sometimes score goals. Although you've never scored a goal professionally, have you ever scored in a match as a goalkeeper?
Not as a keeper but, as a youngster, I played as an outfield player. I was a forward and scored lots of goals but eventually settled on being a goalkeeper. I think I've always liked to pass the ball and dribble - in the Spain under-age teams, I used to practise with the ball at my feet. And, at a club like United, it's important to be able to support the team in every way.

[bbfan1991]

Welbeck's World Cup dream

Danny Welbeck hopes a successful 2013/14 season with Manchester United will help him realise his dream of representing England at next summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.



The Reds striker once idolised Samba stars Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho as a teenager playing in the street, and having starred for the Three Lions in recent years, is excited to travel to their homeland for the most grandiose tournament in football.

However, two obstacles stand in his way. Firstly, England still need to progress from an increasingly difficult qualifying stage and secondly, the Longsight lad must earn his seat on the plane by excelling for United under new manager David Moyes.

“It is vital that we qualify for Brazil,” Danny explains. “It is a stage everyone wants to be at and every footballer wants to be in a World Cup. No one wants to miss out.

“My England career is coming along pretty well and I have coped with the step up in international football. Obviously it helps playing at United, where there is always going to be pressure. But you can’t afford to look back. My view is once one game has gone you look to the next one.

“I want to make sure I stake a strong claim to be vying for a striker’s role at the World Cup and to do that I know I need to have a good Premier League season first. I need to be playing regularly for United, scoring goals and playing consistently.”

As Welbeck acknowledges, scoring goals is absolutely pivotal and having only converted twice during the last campaign, he is more than aware that his tally must improve next term.

But rather than shying away from the matter, perhaps by referencing the fact he played as a winger for much of last season, the United forward is bullish when tackling the issue.

“It is an area I want to improve. If I need to help the team out by playing in other positions, I will do it. But I am aiming to get a better goal return from out on the wings anyway. That would benefit the team. All the strikers know that once they get their chance they really have to take it.”

I like his honesty on wanting to improve on the goal record for next season, that is something he must do!

[bbfan1991]

[Youth] Reece Brown, John Cofie, Michele Fornasier, Luke Giverin and Luke Hendrie have all been released by Manchester United #MUFC

[bbfan1991]

Swansea give Manchester United testimonial to Alan Tate

Swansea City have granted long-serving defender Alan Tate a testimonial against former club Manchester United.



New Red Devils boss David Moyes will send a Select XI to the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday, 13 August for the game.

Tate, 30, started his career at Old Trafford but joined Swansea for the first of two loan spells in 2002 before making the move permanent in 2004.

"I'm extremely grateful to the club and Manchester United for granting me this testimonial," Tate said.

"I spoke to [former United manager] Sir Alex Ferguson before he announced his retirement and he was really supportive.

"I had some great times at Old Trafford as a schoolboy, apprentice and a young professional.

"It proved the perfect grounding for me to develop my career at Swansea, where the fans have always been fantastic to me. I hope it will be a great night."

Tate is one of a select band of players, along with Garry Monk and Leon Britton, who has represented the club in all four divisions of the Football League.

[bbfan1991]

Ruud's a fan of van Persie

Ruud van Nistelrooy has described his fellow Dutch striker Robin van Persie as 'top class' and acknowledged the devastating impact he has made at United since arriving from Arsenal.



Van Persie collected his first Barclays Premier League winner's medal and the Golden Boot after adapting instantly to life at Old Trafford. Former Reds hitman van Nistelrooy, speaking ahead of the Red Heart United Legends match against another of his old clubs, Real Madrid, also feels that his ex-colleague Wayne Rooney is at his best when playing up front.

"Robin made a massive impact in his first season," van Nistelrooy told ManUtd.com. "Right from the beginning. He’s been a great signing and it ended with him winning the league.

"He’s a very good player in general. He scores the goals but, in nearly every goal that United score, he is a part of it with an assist or something else. He adds so much to the attacking play and will be very proud to win his first Premier League medal.

"I think he is definitely an example of a striker who can play the No9 and No10 roles together. He puts the goals in and provides a lot and I think, for a player of that quality, it’s very rare. He is top class."

As for Rooney, the England international played in different roles during the successful title-winning campaign and was not restricted to an out-and-out striking position.

"I like him playing further forward really," admitted van Nistelrooy. "Where he can hurt people. I know he has shown that he can play in midfield as well. He has great vision of the the game and is a fine passer of the ball as well and, physically, can get about the pitch and get stuck in. He was doing that as well but I'd like to see him a bit more up front.

"I saw the game against Real at the Bernabeu and he was on the right but I'd prefer to see him in the centre rather than out wide. Danny Welbeck did really well that night - it was a big goal that he scored there and he had a good game."

There was no doubt where van Nistelrooy's vote for United's Player of the Year was going as he is fully supportive of his fellow Dutchman.

"There's only one," he replied when asked for his choice. "Of course, Michael Carrick had a very consistent season too but I think van Persie's first season was outstanding."

[Ryan57]

Old article that I'd been meaning to read indicates Meulensteen's decision to depart was because Moyes wanted to demote him back to head of Youth. Sorry but, if true, Moyes is a total twat.

[bbfan1991]

ManUtd_PO Manchester United PO 7h

United’s new home kit is coming! Sign up to receive exclusive images next week

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Ryan57

Old article that I'd been meaning to read indicates Meulensteen's decision to depart was because Moyes wanted to demote him back to head of Youth. Sorry but, if true, Moyes is a total twat.

David Moyes apparently wanted Rene to stay, but Rene could see that as the new Manager David Moyes wanted to bring in new staff and did not want to stand in his way.

Rene will be missed because he knows the club inside out, but we actually do not know the full reasons and our only sources are via the papers.

[bbfan1991]

Youtube video

Youtube video

Another two goals for todays birthday boy Chicharito for Mexico.

[bbfan1991]

Jonny Evans and Helen McConnell got married today, congratulations to them.

[bbfan1991]

Q&A: Edwin Van der Sar

The Manchester United hero previews Sunday's Red Heart United match at Old Trafford and explains why he's looking forward to linking up with Messrs Scholes, Johnsen and Stam...



How’s your fitness ahead of kick-off?
I had a quick game of 5-a-side before the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley, which was quite quick and good for me. The players didn’t move as well as they did before but they did well, so it was a good game. I have also trained with the Under-19s at Ajax, so I hope it will be enough for Sunday. I saw the trailer with the lads training in the park and they look good. I also saw Figo recently and he said he is looking forward to the game. I just hope we can overturn the deficit from last year's game in Madrid.

Speaking of the first leg, it wasn’t your usual charity match was it?
It was very competitive. Of course it is for a good cause and everyone likes to play, but you always get a little bit competitive if somebody kicks you for example, or beats you to the ball, so that winning mentality always shows itself. It never leaves you. It drives you to do well and please the supporters. We all want to make a good impression of ourselves also.

Presumably, you must be keen to play behind Ronny Johnsen and your compatriot Jaap Stam?
Yes. Of course, I never played with them in 1999 when they were in their heydays but I played with Jaap last year at Soccer Aid. He looked good, he was sharp, his tackling was okay and he was still aggressive on the ball when he had to be. So I’m looking forward to playing with him again and hopefully we can get our partnership that we had with the national team back.

What do you make of both squads this time around?
Last year, I think they brought about 30 players onto the pitch with the likes of Roberto Carlos, Zidane and Figo, so it’s hard to believe they’ve strengthened this time around. But we have a good team - I just hope we can keep Scholesy on the pitch for as long as we can because he’ll probably be our fittest player. It will be great to play with him at Old Trafford again.

And how excited are you to return to Old Trafford?
I was here for the last game when the manager left and the team lifted the trophy so it was a great atmosphere, if we can get anywhere near those levels I will be delighted. Manchester is known for supporting good causes like the Foundation and watching great football players, so it will be a great day for the whole family. Ticket prices can sometimes be a little bit high for Premier League games so this is a great opportunity for everybody to have a good time.

[bbfan1991]

Gill proud of United role

David Gill has spoken about his successful tenure as chief executive as he prepares to step down from the role.



The FA vice-chairman was recently appointed to the UEFA Executive Committee after feeling the time was right to leave Old Trafford with Ed Woodward taking his place.

"I've had a fantastic 16 years in total, 10 as chief executive, and working with Alex [Ferguson] and all the staff at Manchester United has been a real privilege," Gill stated.

"I can't look back, I can only look forward but I've enjoyed it immensely and to go out with another Premier League title is a wonderful experience for me. I look forward to watching the team in years to come, winning more trophies, but in a slightly different guise."

One of the biggest challenges of his tenure was ending the spell of success from London duo Arsenal and Chelsea by bringing the title back to Manchester.

"I took over in 2003 and Arsenal won the league the next year," he recalled. "Then Chelsea won it for two years under Jose Mourinho. Speaking with Alex and Carlos Queiroz, they felt we needed to change the team so the 2006/2007 title was a really important moment and then, of course, we followed it up quickly in 2008.

"You can't forget the scenes in Moscow. I had to apologise to people like Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini for my celebrations after we won the game! That's the beauty of this club and it's given me so many proud moments. There are other things like the development of the stadium and redevelopment of Carrington but Manchester United is about what happens on the pitch.

"I've learnt a lot from Alex. We have a very good relationship and I had the benefit of being here since 1997 and getting to know him but not working directly for him. We want the best for the team so I always tried to work with him to deliver what he wanted. Over the years, we've developed a very good working relationship and friendship and it's something I will treasure forever."

With Woodward beginning his new role, the transfer business will be in new hands this summer as David Moyes will, no doubt, look to bring in some fresh talent.

"Ed is taking over from me and is doing an excellent job," added Gill. "I'm more than happy to give him any advice and help on that area [transfers].

"David is coming in and will work with Ed and evaluate the squad and what is needed with all the relevant people. The outlook is very positive and I'm looking forward to a very bright future."

When asked about any specific advice for his successor, Gill replied: "That's a good one. I think to try and retain the values and the spirit of Manchester United, which is about it being a family club - even though it's a huge, multi-national brand these days.

"But to have that family spirit is critical to it. Also to understand that we've got to be a successful business but we're a sport as well. Ed's been around the club for many years now so he understands all that.

"It's getting that balance between business and sport. Football is up and down. One season, you do well. The next season, you don't do so well so you've got to have an even temperament and keel throughout and make sure that you don't get too emotional with the highs and too emotional with the lows.

"I've tried to do that and also recognise that Manchester United has been around since 1878 and you're just a custodian for a period and the only thing you can do when you're involved is to leave it in good shape for your successor to take on to the next level."

Good luck to David Gill.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea hopes to return to Atletico Madrid one day but insists that at the moment he is very happy in England.

Speaking to AS, De Gea said: “To win at Madrid’s Bernabeu in a final, I cannot ask for anything more because they also have qualified for the Champions and have made a great season. Hopefully in the future I can return, you never know. It has been and will always be my home.”

De Gea will return to Carrington to start pre-season with United next month and says that it will be strange without Sir Alex Ferguson at the club. De Gea added: “Obviously there will be a change, he was the coach for many years, many titles and many joys. Now comes a new coach I think it will continue in the same line of Sir Alex and dynamics will be similar.

“Playing for United, one of the greatest clubs in the world, is always a source of pride to me. Every time I pull the shirt on, I’m pulling on the history of this club.”

It is understandable that David would want to return to Atletico at some point in his career, but as he said he is very happy at United and sees himself at the club for many years to come yet!

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

David Moyes apparently wanted Rene to stay, but Rene could see that as the new Manager David Moyes wanted to bring in new staff and did not want to stand in his way.

Rene will be missed because he knows the club inside out, but we actually do not know the full reasons and our only sources are via the papers.

Saw Miguel Delaney say he was going to be demoted, so I'd be inclined to believe it. Great decision, David.

[bbfan1991]

Robson wants Rooney to stay http://bit.ly/15sts3G

[bbfan1991]

Anyone going to be watching the Manchester United legends vs Real Madrid legends charity match on MUTV? Kick off is at 2:30 PM.

At least it is some footie to watch now the season is over!

[bbfan1991]

Van der Sar expects Rooney to stay: http://bit.ly/17MJt8S

[bbfan1991]

United: Van der Sar, Berg, Johnsen, Stam, Irwin, Blackmore, Fortune, Scholes, Sharpe, Yorke, Cole.

United's subs: Van Der Gouw, Robson, Van Nistelrooy, Thornley, Blomqvist, Martin.

Good team.