[bbfan1991]

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]

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!

[bbfan1991]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Manchester United filed to go public on the US Stock Exchange today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/m...0m-US-IPO.html

[bbfan1991]

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 (Ł64m) 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 Ł423m 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]

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]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...ed-future.html

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

[bbfan1991]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foot...h-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]

Manchester United have completed the signing of Exeter City youngster Sean Goss for an initial fee of around Ł100,000.

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]

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.

Youtube video

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

[bbfan1991]

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 Ł2million 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]

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]

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]

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]

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 Ł115,000, 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]

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]

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

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!