[bbfan1991]

Giggs becomes player-coach

David Moyes has appointed Ryan Giggs as player/coach with immediate effect.



Ryan, 39, Britain’s most decorated footballer, has been taking his coaching badges and is due to attain the UEFA Pro Licence next summer. He signed a one-year extension to his playing contract in March and will combine his new duties with being a member of the first-team squad.

Announcing the appointment, manager David Moyes said:

"I'm delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player/coach. His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game. His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I’m sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role."

Ryan Giggs said:

"It's a great privilege to be appointed a player/coach. I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long. It's no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. I'm really looking forward to working alongside David and the team."

Great move by United. I wish Giggsy all the best with this new exciting role he will be doing.

[bbfan1991]

Neville recruited to staff

David Moyes has appointed Philip Neville as a coach with immediate effect.



Philip, 36, retired from playing football after leaving Everton at the end of last season. He played for Manchester United from 1995 to 2005 and is currently taking his coaching badges.

Announcing the appointment, manager David Moyes said:

"I have known and worked with Philip for eight years and, in that time, I have come to know his dedication, ability to lead and appetite for hard work. In addition, of course, he understands the club very well and I think his addition to the coaching staff will be a valuable one."

Philip Neville said:

"When I retired from football, I knew that I wanted to continue in the game; it’s something that I have been preparing for over the last few years. So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn’t resist. I gave my all when I played for Everton but it is no secret that this club is in my heart. I’ve really enjoyed working with David and his staff as a player and I think that, together with Ryan, we can make a real contribution to Manchester United."

Another great move by United. Phil Neville knows the club very well of course and I wish him all the best with his new role too!

[bbfan1991]

Moyes to address media

David Moyes will address the media as Manchester United manager for the first time on Friday.



The new Reds boss officially took over the reins at Old Trafford on Monday, 1 July, and will discuss his arrival in front of the watching eyes of the world's media.

The press conference is to be screened live on MUTV between 15:45 and 16:45 BST and ManUtd.com, of course, will have all the news as it happens.

Club captain Nemanja Vidic will join his new boss in answering questions from the floor.

I'm looking forward to this tomorrow!

[bbfan1991]

Moyes meets the media

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...onference.aspx

David Moyes first press conference, which was interesting as you would expect but I like how calm he is.

[bbfan1991]

Video: United Today

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...from-mutv.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Boss deflects Ronaldo talk

David Moyes was predictably quizzed about potential transfer targets during his first press conference as Manchester United manager on Friday.



Top of the agenda for the large group of assembled journalists was Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been consistently linked with a return to Old Trafford from Real Madrid.

Moyes refused to be drawn on the Portuguese star but says the Reds will "do everything we can to add to the squad".

"I would never speak about players at other clubs," the former Everton boss said. "That's not my style. When people have contracts at other clubs it's wrong to speak about them. But this club is always interested in the best players.

"United had a great season in the Premier League last year and we'll do everything we can to add to the squad. This club will always go after the best players and we'll do what we can to remain at the top.”

When asked if he would bring in new players before the start of the pre-season tour next week, Moyes added: "I'll try but I couldn't honestly say yes. Time is closing in on me now.

"The way the window works, I think the deals may be done a little later this season. There are a few new managers so I don't think everything will be done right away."

At various points in the press conference, Moyes emphasised his strong desire to continue the traditions of the club – not least bringing through young talent.

"Everton didn't shop where Manchester United shop in the transfer window," he added. "But this club will always try to buy the best young players and also bring through players from the Academy.

"That's in the DNA and we're looking to bring through our own players."

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: How I got the job

David Moyes spoke about becoming the new Manchester United manager for the first time on Friday, and the former Everton boss revealed the extraordinary circumstances in which he inherited the job from his recently retired predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.



Speaking in front of the world’s media during his first-ever press conference with the Reds, the 50-year-old also outlined a desire to replicate the success that has been enjoyed at Old Trafford throughout history, whilst expressing his plan to maintain the traditions that embody the club.

“I'm incredibly privileged I was given the opportunity and grateful to Sir Alex and the board for making it happen,” David said. “It was a really strange situation for me. I had no idea whatsoever. I knew nothing at all about it until Sir Alex gave me a call and asked me to come to his house.

“I was expecting him to say 'I'm going to take one of your players’ but the first thing he told me was that he was retiring. I said, ‘Yeah, when?’ He was never going to retire. He said ‘Next week’ and his next words were ‘And you're the next Manchester United manager’. I was shocked but also incredibly thrilled that I was given the opportunity to manage Manchester United.”

“I have to say, whoever was going to take on this job knows the job at hand. The manager before was incredible, somebody everybody in football looks up to. There's probably no better. He comes from a great list of Scottish managers; Stein, Shankly... And Sir Alex is certainly up there.

All I can do is do what David Moyes has done before. I'll definitely continue the traditions of Manchester United but I also need to put my own stamp on the club. Sir Alex did the same. I'm very fortunate that I'm taking over the champions of England. Not many managers have that same starting point. I have to say, Sir Alex and the board have been brilliant with me.”

Of course, Moyes has inherited a team of champions following last season’s heroics in the Barclays Premier League and although the Scot is determined to retain that crown this campaign.

“My job is to continue the success at this club,” David told reporters. “This club is about wining trophies. I'm hungry to do it, I'm driven to succeed. It won't change me, though. I'm determined to get the first one [trophy] on the board.

“I'm inexperienced in a lot of areas and there are some brilliant managers who could have taken this role. But the biggest confidence I take into it is Sir Alex Ferguson telling me that I was the next Manchester United manager.

“United had a great season in the PL last year and we'll do everything we can to add to the squad. This club will always go after the best players and we'll do what we can to remain at the top.”

[bbfan1991]

Youtube video

[Ryan57]

I think Moyes contradicted himself about how he got the job in the conference. Could be wrong though.

Anywho, I'm sort of, well, coming around to the idea of Moyes as manager.

It's taken me about seven weeks , but I've calmed.

I am quite excited about a new era. Moyes just really has to fix the midfield.

[Jemal]

Basically Rooney will stay but has not said he wants to stay. Lmao. Hopefully we get Thiago from Barcelona.

[bbfan1991]

Wilfried Zaha ‏@wilfriedzaha
Great first day #MUFC ⚽✌

http://instagram.com/p/bgmf7Zswas/#

[bbfan1991]

Kagawa excited for Reds return

Shinji Kagawa places great expectations on his individual performances, so even after a debut campaign at Manchester United in which he provided solid evidence that he can make a big impact at Old Trafford, he still expects more.



Kagawa left behind a settled, tight-knit environment at former club Borussia Dortmund, despite their success on Jurgen Klopp, and joined United with the aim of challenging himself within a bigger set-up. It’s certainly been a challenge, he feels.

“It was great to win the title with United and to make it three in a row for me personally,” he tells the latest issue of Inside United. “But I feel I still have work to do. I would say I am half satisfied and half unsatisfied.

“I want to be a better player year by year. I expect a lot of myself. I hope to show my dynamism, style and presence more.”

Reds boss David Moyes confirmed that Kagawa will join up with his United team-mates on the Japan leg of the forthcoming Tour 2013 presented by Aon. And the Kobe-born attacker is already focused on what needs to be done to have a successful second campaign in England: “Hard work!”

He continues: “I think it is very important to keep working in your everyday training and in matches. You just have to keep practising. But you must also have a strong will. That is the key to playing in a foreign country, especially for me in Europe.

"It’s important to think positively and keep trying hard, imagining you are successful, even when things are tough.

“You have to believe in yourself. If you don’t, things can go wrong both on and off the pitch. And you can’t enjoy it. Being positive and believing in yourself is important, not only in football but also in improving as a person.”

[bbfan1991]

Scholes passes on new role

David Moyes has revealed that Paul Scholes has temporarily turned down the chance to join the coaching staff at Manchester United in order to spend time with his family.



The boss was hoping to add the Reds legend to his burgeoning backroom team after recruiting Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville, who were added to the team last week following the recent appointments of Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden and Chris Woods.

However, speaking during his first-ever press conference as United manager, Moyes did hint of a future role for Scholes, who is keen to help out at the Aon Training Complex following a short break from football.

“I wanted to make sure I had connections to what happened here,” David explained, when quizzed on the appointment of Giggs and Neville. “I spoke to Paul Scholes as well. He wants to have some time off with his family.

“I also spoke with Rene [Meulensteen] but he wanted to move on. So then the obvious choice was Ryan. He's an incredible footballer. To get him and Phil Neville together...I wanted to make sure I had some young members of staff behind me as well.”

Expanding on his exchange with Scholes, he added: “Paul was fantastic with me and wanted to help a lot. I probably spent an hour or two on the phone with him. He wants to spend time with his family at the moment. We'll bring him in when he's ready.”

[bbfan1991]

Henriquez exits U-20 World Cup

Angelo Henriquez endured mixed emotions on Sunday as Chile exited the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey following a 4-3 defeat to Ghana - despite the Manchester United striker's brace of goals.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...for-Chile.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Robson: Balance must be right

United legend Bryan Robson thinks there has been something of an obsession with the club signing a dominant midfield player in recent years.



The former England and Reds captain was an all-action inspiration in the middle of the park during his playing days and the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Ince and Paul Scholes have also been hugely influential figures in the position.

The Reds have been linked with a number of central midfielders following the appointment of David Moyes as manager after Sir Alex Ferguson's final few seasons in charge featured regular debate around incoming transfers in this area.

However, Robson believes the balance of the team may be more important than focusing on any one individual to pull the strings.

"I know with the Manchester United fans, they are used to having a really dominant central midfield player," he told ManUtd.com at the launch of the partnership with Aeroflot. "Like Keaney, Incey, myself and then Scholesy.

"But I think what the fans have got to look at is: Is the balance of the squad pretty good anyway without having that type of player in? You've got to say 'yes' as we won the title by 11 points.

"Now, of course you always want to improve but you've got to look at the balance of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Ando [Anderson] and the rest. They are still very, very good players but you've got to look at the balance and is that right, rather than go out and try to get an individual who you must rely on all the time.

"So my message to Manchester United fans is don't be too influenced by this talk that we need this midfield player because I think the boys can cope."

Robson helped announce the new deal with Aeroflot at Old Trafford alongside Andy Cole with the first-team squad and manager Moyes also in attendance.

"I think you've got to ask David Moyes what he thinks about where the squad maybe needs tweaking," he added during a press conference. "One thing he's done great, so far, for United fans is no-one has gone out of the door.

"If you look at the squad we've got at this moment in time, it's a healthy squad with a great chance of retaining the championship next year."

[Lowkey]

Rooney needs to **** off.

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Moyes takes training

Manchester United's pre-season preparations are well underway and we're delighted to bring you the first pictures of David Moyes working alongside the players at the Aon Training Complex.

The Reds fly out to Thailand on Wednesday for the first leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon (a three-week trip that will also include games in Australia, Japan (2) and Hong Kong) but many of the first-team squad have been back in training for almost a week already.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...n-9-july.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Alex's abrasive stance

Alex Büttner admits his aggressive approach to the game stood him in good stead during his first season in the Barclays Premier League.



The Dutch left-back admires United skipper Nemanja Vidic's no-nonsense style on the pitch and believes it helped him pick up his first-ever champions' medal.

"I always want to play aggressively," he reveals in an exclusive interview with the new issue of Inside United. "I try to - how do you say? - play strong. I like to play hard. It’s my game.

"I think you can see when you look at 'Vida' that he’s the same. He is a monster on the field. I like that. If I see that, I can learn from him. It’s nice to play with these kinds of defenders here."

In terms of aims for next season, it is clear that Büttner realises he needs to work hard in training to impress new boss David Moyes.

When asked for his ambitions for 2013/14, he replied: "To train hard again every day and I want to be better every day. Of course, I want to play more games. I'll go for that. My first season was good, like I have said, but I hope my second season will go better.

"Of course, I have my first champions’ medal. In my life, I have never been a champion before. It felt good to get the medallion as a Premier League champion for the first time."

Büttner also hopes that an international call-up for the Netherlands may not be too far away as he continues to prove his worth at Old Trafford.

"Yes, I hope it’s close," he stated. "I have to be patient. When I play here, I can play there. I have patience when I say that I'm for the future. Of course they are following me now and hopefully that will be okay."

[bbfan1991]

Zaha urged to take his chance

Former United striker Andy Cole believes Wilfried Zaha's integration at the club will be aided by the fact that everybody is starting on a clean slate under David Moyes.



Zaha was Sir Alex Ferguson's last-ever signing in January but spent the remainder of the campaign at Crystal Palace.

After helping the Eagles reach the top-flight and representing England at the Under-21 European Championship, the winger joined up with his new team-mates this week.

"It's down to the new manager," explained Cole when asked about the recent recruit at the press conference announcing Aeroflot's new partnership with United.

"Obviously, Sir Alex bought him last season and it's up to Zaha to come here and put in a shift in pre-season, give it a good go and David Moyes will make his mind up from there.

"I think it's a good thing that everyone is starting from a clean slate, so to speak, as the new manager is coming in with new ideas and he'll pick the team as he feels fit for going to win the championship week in and week out.

"I think it's a great opportunity for Wilfried and that's why he's come to Manchester United in the first place - to have that opportunity - and no doubt he'll enjoy it."

Welcome to Manchester United, Wilfried Zaha.

[bbfan1991]

Lessons learned for Fabio

QPR first-team coach Joe Jordan expects Fabio to have learned from his experience on loan at the club last season.



The Brazilian full-back spent the entire campaign at Loftus Road but was unable to prevent Harry Redknapp's side from sliding out of the Barclays Premier League.

After playing 23 times for the West Londoners, and scoring in his only FA Cup appearance against MK Dons, the South American must aim to take the positives from a year away from Old Trafford as he returns to stake his claim for a place in David Moyes' squad.

"I think we all learned from last season as it was a very, very difficult campaign," explained Jordan to ManUtd.com. "Whether it was someone in the latter part of his career or someone like Fabio just starting out.

"He will have learned a lot from last year. Hopefully, he can use it to better himself for the future that he has in the game.

"You see different aspects of life in football and you have got to store that away and use it because it was a hard season last year for everybody. It wasn't easy and it's not always you learn from campaigns where you're successful but when things haven't gone well and there's been disappointment.

"Sometimes, you learn from that and why it was like that. You have got to use that and make sure you gain something from all those difficult times and benefit from that experience."

I agree that Fabio will have learnt something from the loan and gained more experience, he can push on now for next season at United in this new era under David Moyes!

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney has a better chance of winning trophies if he stays at Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand http://mirr.im/12VPMyp

[bbfan1991]

Reds expand social media presence

Manchester United launches new social media platform
• Official Twitter and Sina Weibo pages launched

(NYSE:MANU) Manchester United today launched its official Twitter (@ManUtd) and Sina Weibo (www.weibo.com/manchesterunited) pages.



The micro-blogging services will allow fans around the world to engage with the club in a way they have never experienced before with iconic artwork, behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive content sent directly to their news feeds.

The @ManUtd Twitter page will reach the club’s fans among the 200 million active Twitter users worldwide. The account will initially launch in English, with foreign-language versions to follow. Manchester United’s Sina Weibo account will provide content in Mandarin to the service’s 500 million users.

Manchester United already has an impressive online presence with 67 million page views on its ManUtd.com website during the final month of the 2012/13 football season and over 34 million likes on its Facebook page. Today’s launches mark the next phase in the enhancement of the club’s digital media offering, with further new products and platforms to be announced later this summer.

These new services will be complemented by the updated press office Twitter account (rebranded as @MU_spokesperson) that will supply updates on Manchester United’s business and commercial developments.

Richard Arnold, group managing director, said: "Connecting with our fans is a key part of the club's strategy. We have invested a lot of time and resource into providing the best media offering for its fans, which is evident from the recent MUTV acquisition and today’s Twitter and Sina Weibo launches.

“Every month there are over five million Manchester United related social media posts and the level of engagement we have with our fans via social media is amongst the highest of all top global brands. I look forward to these new ventures further extending the club’s interaction with its fans around the world.”

United FINALLY join Twitter.

[bbfan1991]

Zaha in dreamland

Wilfried Zaha admits it was a dream come true to walk into the Aon Training Complex as a Manchester United player and mix with his heroes Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs.



The England international linked up with the English league champions for the first time earlier this month, having initially signed for the club in January. In the intervening period, he was loaned back to Crystal Palace - a move that paid dividends as the Eagles secured promotion to the top flight as Zaha claimed the PFA's Championship Player of the Year prize.

When quizzed on his first day of training with United during an exclusive interview with MUTV, the 20-year-old was refreshingly honest. “It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, coming in and seeing all these players that I’ve watched over the years," Zaha admitted. "But everyone seems all right so I’m settling in okay.

“I’m speechless really, I just never thought I’d have the chance to play with the likes of Rooney and to actually be sitting next to Giggs in the changing room. It’s just a dream really.”

Now that he has met his fellow Reds, Zaha is keen to join them on the pitch during Tour 2013 presented by Aon and manager David Moyes has already expressed a desire to work closely with the new recruit.

“He’ll travel with us on the tour now,” Moyes told TalkSport on Wednesday. “I’ll get a chance to have a look at him. He got a bit of extra time off after being away with England’s Under-21s, but I’ll take him away and have a look at him and see how he goes.

“This football club has a great record of producing young players and bringing young players into the team. Hopefully Wilfried can be one of those who we push forward.”

[bbfan1991]

Reds jet out to Bangkok

David Moyes has named 19 players in his Manchester United squad which jets off to Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday as part of the Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

The United boss has selected a blend of experience and youth for the visits to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, while three other first-team stars - Robin van Persie, David De Gea and Shinji Kagawa - will join up with the rest of the squad later this month.

The full tour squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Anders Lindegaard, Ben Amos
Defenders: Rafael, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Alex Büttner, Fabio, Michael Keane
Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs, Wilfried Zaha, Jesse Lingard, Adnan Januzaj
Strikers: Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck

Robin van Persie and David De Gea will join the squad in Sydney, while Moyes confirmed last week that Shinji Kagawa will fly out for the Japan leg of the trip. Javier Hernandez will miss the trip as he completes his holiday after only recently completing international duties for Mexico.

During the first leg of the tour, the Reds play matches in Bangkok, Sydney, Yokohama, Osaka and Hong Kong, and a final tour match against AIK in Stockholm is scheduled for 6 August.

Not long to go till the tour now. Good side bar a few players missing due to rest or injuries and it is nice to see a few young lads being given the chance to travel with the first team lot and to be given a chance to show what they are made of!

[bbfan1991]

Telegraph Sport ‏@TelegraphSport
Nemanja Vidic battling to overcome sciatica problem as he misses start of Manchester United's pre-season tour http://fw.to/SvJICOh