Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[richie_rich]

FLETCHER: WE`RE COPING WITHOUT RON

Darren Fletcher feels Manchester United are "more rigid" following the summer exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, with 'everyone knowing their roles'.

Many predicted United would struggle to replace the Portuguese superstar's goals, but Fletcher feels the gap is starting to be filled.

"Any team in the world would miss Cristiano," said Fletcher. "He's a fantastic player and a great goalscorer.

"He adapted so much when he was here. He went from being a silky winger to being a goalscoring winger and the best player in the world.

"Hopefully we can become a more-rounded team and other players will raise their game to cover the gap left by his absence.

"We need more goals from midfield and more goals from all the players. That will make us a stronger team, because we won't be as reliant on one player.

"Teams adapt when players leave, much as Cristiano was brilliant for us, the team sacrificed a lot for him too.

"As a midfielder, I knew that I couldn't go bombing forward because Cristiano had gone forward. I knew that I had to cover on the right so that the left-back and left midfielder couldn't double up on our full-back.

"Maybe now we're a lot more rigid 4-4-2, with everyone knowing their role. There are perhaps more opportunities for midfielders to get in the box and get goals.

"Other players will hopefully step up. Wazza springs to mind straight away and he's already banging the goals in.

"You could see at the start of this season that he was really hungry. He was in the shadows of Cristiano and often sacrificed himself for the greater need of the team.

"Now it's his time to become a bit more selfish and score the winning goals, while other players can also do a job, like Berba and Antonio."

Fletcher himself is emerging as a lynchpin in United's midfield and he relishes competing against the league's best.

"I love challenging myself against all the best players," he said. "I watch how good they are, but when we play them I think to myself 'right, I'm going to see how good you really are, Fabregas, Lampard and Gerrard. I'm going to get amongst you and see how you like it.

"And when you've not got the ball, I'm still going to get about you and see how you like it'.

"I'm going to ask you do you fancy it? Do you like getting kicked? Do you like the fact that I'm going to be at you for the whole 90 minutes? As soon as you get the ball I'm going to be in your face.

"You're not going to like it one bit. And when we have the ball, I'm going to run you into the corner and you're going to have to follow me. Are you ready for that? Because that's what's going to happen.

"That's my attitude and I don't feel I've come off second best to anyone this season."

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by asiancigar

I often wonder why SAF has to poach and buy youngsters from other teams..... Wayne Rooney being the best example. When in fact, we do have an Academy that is bursting with young exciting talent...but alas, SAF is never one to test and try out less they are proven products..... what a shame.
..few more coming thru the ranks instead of having to pay ridiculous amounts for transfers

Harsh reality is, only a few cut it. And with today's footy business of quick success? Giggsy, Scholes and others were a rare breed.. and also from another era.

And you saw the fate of few others who made rare appearances in 1st team. Where are they now? Either sold off or on loooong term loan. Mutually, also the players don't get much 1st team play, hindering own careers.

[asiancigar]

Had lunch with my friend the Liverpool Die-Hard and naturally our conversation drifted into football, here is an excerpt:

Frd: "KNN, we (Liverpool) are out of Champions League liao"
Me: "But its okay right...... like you said whats more important is that Liverpool beat ManU"

Frd: "and we can forget about EPL, sure no hope..."
Me: "But Liverpool beat ManU wor"

Frd: "and looks like maybe next year also no Champions league coz we may not end up top four...."
Me: "ayah never mind lah...... your super Liverpool beat ManU"

Frd: "f*** lah, it will be a disasterous 2009 and next year also looks bad"
Me: "its okay bro...... i am sure SAF will let Liverpool beat ManU again"

Poor chap, I think he is going to support Spurs quite soon....... hehehe

[Green Smoke]

MU should beat Besiktas and top the group.
me punting on MU to win 2-0/3-0

[richie_rich]

FERGUSON RULES OUT NANI SALE

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he has no intention of selling Nani in January.

The Portuguese winger has admitted his frustration at being unable to hold down a regular first-team spot this term.

Following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, Nani was seen as the heir apparent - but that has not transpired.

The likes of AC Milan and Benfica are both said to be keen on the 23-year-old but Ferguson is adamant he will not be selling.

"Some big clubs have been mentioned for Nani, like Milan and Benfica, but there has been no contact made with us - and we wouldn't entertain selling him anyway," Ferguson is quoted by the Sunday Mirror.

"He is only 23. If someone came in for Nani in January we would tell him that he is going absolutely nowhere.

"He's a young boy and he wants to play - and he might get a chance against Spurs in the Carling Cup this week.

"He has suffered because (Luis Antonio) Valencia's form has been excellent and because (Gabriel) Obertan has emerged as an interesting player.

"It is no criticism of Nani, but the way things have developed in the last few weeks have gone against him.

"I have spoken to him and told him that he must take his chance when it comes along."

[dc7176]

Man Utd set to swoop for Man City’s Richards
30.11.09 | Andrew Slevison

Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are ready to bid for the 21-year old who has fallen out of favour at Eastlands after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal with the club in early 2008.

Richards was destined for big things at City when he joined the senior squad back in 2005 but has failed to live up to expectations in recent times.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been keen on Richards for quite some time and the fact he is having problems with current right-backs Gary Neville and Rafael Da Silva makes a potential deal a reality.

[richie_rich]

FERGUSON JUSTIFIED BY YOUNG REDS

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised to stand by his youngsters in next month's Carling Cup semi-final after Manchester United sent Tottenham tumbling out in the last eight.

As expected, Ferguson offered another chance to the majority of the side defeated by Besiktas last week.

And the Red Devils chief was rewarded with a fine display against a Tottenham outfit good enough to scrap their way into third spot in the Premier League without being any match for their hosts once Darron Gibson had netted an excellent first-half brace.

United will learn who they will meet in the last four on Wednesday - Manchester City are potential opponents - but, whoever they get, Ferguson knows exactly which pool of players will benefit.

"I want these lads to enjoy the semi-final because they will play again," said Ferguson.

"We are gaining as a club because they are getting the chance to play in these matches. They are all definitely getting better."

It was a point Ferguson made quite frcefully in the build-up, condemning those who, in the aftermath of the Besiktas defeat, claimed his youngsters had no future.

This time, they showed their true colours, with central midfield pairing Anderson and Gibson picked out for special praise.

"They both played very well," said Ferguson.

"Once Anderson imposed himself on the game, he was able to attack players in the middle of the park and we finished up comfortable winners.

"And Darron Gibson is the one player in our club who can score great goals from outside the box. He has such tremendous power in his shot."

That aspect of Gibson's play was seen in his 16th-minute opener, a blistering 25-yard finish from Anderson's square ball.

But the second was pure teamwork as Park Ji-sung and Dimitar Berbatov started a flowing move that ended with Gibson playing a one-two with Danny Welbeck before curling brilliantly into the top corner.

"That second goal was excellent," said Ferguson.

"There was so much movement involved, on and off the ball, and the finish itself was absolutely terrific.

"We have to look upon this as a really good win for us.

"Tottenham have improved tremendously and look as if they are going to push for the top four.

"They have a strong squad and the lads who came in for them tonight did very well.

"We have played a good team so I have to be pleased."

[richie_rich]

MAN UNITED EYE MANUEL NEUER: AGENT

Manchester United are interested in Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, according to the player's agent.

The 23-year-old Germany international is under contract with the Royal Blues until 2012.

Neuer's agent Thomas Kroth was quoted by Sport Bild as saying: "I have heard of interest from Manchester United, we know about that."

Schalke last month received a much-needed financial injection after the city of Gelsenkirchen agreed to a 25.5million euro investment in the club by its own energy service provider GEW.

Schalke's chairman Clemens Tonnies said at the time the funds would be enough to see the financially-troubled club through to the end of the season.

The windfall is also thought to have alleviated the possible need for the sale of star players such as Neuer, but a sizeable bid could force their hand.

[richie_rich]

MANCHESTER RIVALS TO MEET IN SEMIS

Local rivals Manchester City and Manchester United will meet in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup after being drawn together in the last four.

City, who will host the first leg, earned their place in the draw with an eye-catching 3-0 win over Arsenal at the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday night.

United progressed with a 2-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night.

The first match will be played during the week commencing January 4, with the return clash at Old Trafford taking place two weeks later.

The other clash will see either Chelsea or Blackburn taking on Aston Villa, who beat Portsmouth 4-2 on Tuesday night.

City boss Mark Hughes welcomed the double-header in confident fashion. He told Sky Sports 1: "We are just taking in the events of this evening but they're going to be two fantastic games and the whole of Manchester will be tuning in and looking forward to some fantastic games."

He added: "Over two games we'd fancy our chances against anyone left in the draw, so bring them on.

"We've frustrated our fans and ourselves in recent weeks but when we play like that we are very strong."

[richie_rich]

MANYOO CALL OFF LJAJIC DEAL
An interesting story this: Manchester United have called off the prospective transfer of Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade.

The young Serbian was due to arrive at Old Trafford next month as part of last January's deal to sign Zoran Tosic in which the winger was sent immediately to Manchester while Ljajic was kept back in Belgrade.

So why have United had second thoughts?

The Daily Star's headline claim is that the pull-out has led 'to suggestions they are in financial crisis.'

But before you say 'wow, really?', here's The Daily Telegraph's thunderous put-down:

'Having scouted the player intensively since the turn of the year, and having also monitored him at close hand during visits to the club's Carrington training ground, Ferguson and his coaches have formed the opinion that Ljajic is no better than the young players currently at Old Trafford.'

But there's still a twist to come...

According to The Sun, 'The money saved from the potential deal will free up funds for Fergie to buy a striker to complement Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen. Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko, rated recently by Fergie as the most in-form striker in Europe, is top of Fergie's wanted list.'

[richie_rich]

UNITED NOT DISTRACTED BY CITY - BROWN

Wes Brown insists Manchester United will not be deflected away from the glory trail despite the emergence of Manchester City as another threat to their dominance of the English game.

United head to West Ham on Saturday looking to close the gap on Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea to a couple of points before Carlo Ancelotti's men tackle City at Eastlands later.

Yet it is the Carling Cup that remains the talk of the city, as it pits United against City in a two-legged semi-final where the prize is a place at Wembley.

While United have been there on numerous occasions in recent years, for City it would represent their first major final since 1981 and confirmation the multi-million pound investment of Sheikh Mansour may eventually change the landscape of the English game.

But the Red Devils have no intention of simply standing aside.

"You are aware of the shifts in power but we have always been up there, which is a good achievement," Brown told Inside United.

"We set out to challenge for the title at the start of every season and to continue doing that we have to keep working hard.

"City have got a lot of money to spend and have therefore bought good players and will probably continue to do so.

"That means they are going to be challenging - they have to be with the players they have.

"We have just got to keep doing what we are doing, continue improving and hopefully we can keep on doing as well as we have over the last few years."

Having placed his trust in youth to get United past Tottenham in midweek, Ferguson will bring back all his big names at the weekend, although there is still a question mark over Edwin van der Sar, who missed the win at Portsmouth last weekend after suffering a bang on the knee in a collision with Everton's Tim Cahill the week before.

However, it is the decision not to pursue a stated interest in Partizan Belgrade youngster Adem Ljajic that has vexed many United fans.

Old Trafford sources insist there is no truth in the claim by Partizan president Dragan Djuric that United - who have confirmed debts of £790million - are in the midst of a "financial crisis".

That has not stopped questions being raised by the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, who have been fiercely opposed to the Glazer family since they completed their controversial takeover in 2005.

"The true picture will not be clear until after the January transfer window but with the £80m Ronaldo transfer fee plus the supposed £25-30m annual transfer kitty a spend of £100m would effectively be break-even and supporters will rightly be asking where has the money gone when they've been forced to pay more and more through the huge ticket price rises in recent years," said MUST chairman Duncan Drasdo.

"If that money is not reinvested in the club, many will see it as little better than theft and feel entitled to demand ticket prices are slashed to pre-takeover levels."

[machoman]

Scholes strike sets up United's win over West Ham

Sunday, December 06, 2009, 02:00:13 HRS

Manchester United's midfiedler Paul Scholes (2nd R) celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammates during their English Premier League football match against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in East London. Scholes sent Manchester United on their way to a comfortable 4-0 victory over West Ham.

Paul Scholes sent Manchester United on their way to a comfortable 4-0 victory over West Ham at Upton Park as Sir Alex Ferguson's champions kept up the pressure on English Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Scholes fired the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time before Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney completed the victory.

United's win meant Chelsea started Saturday's late kick-off match against Manchester City knowing defeat would leave them just two points clear of the defending champions.

Scholes, 35, had spoken this week of his growing frustration at his failure to influence games in the manner he once did and hinted that he may consider retirement at the end of this season.

His goal, though, proved a timely reminder that the former England midfielder still possesses the quality to conjure something out of nothing and remains an invaluable member of manager Ferguson's squad.

Prior to Scholes's strike at the end of the first period, United had failed to create clear-cut chances against Gianfranco Zola's struggling side despite being in almost total control of the game.

Before kick-off it is likely that Ferguson may have had some concerns about fielding a patched-up back four that was weakened by the late withdrawal of Nemanja Vidic with a bug.

With Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans also injured, Ferguson was forced to partner Gary Neville and Wes Brown in the centre of defence with Darren Fletcher slotting in as a makeshift right-back.

However, with Carlton Cole missing until well into the new year with a knee injury, Zola's team are desperately lacking up front and they simply didn't have the strength to unsettle the visitors.

Experienced Mexican striker Guillermo Franco battled hard but he was lacking in support and the only real opening that fell the home side's way during the first period came from a careless back pass from the normally reliable Ryan Giggs.

Giggs presented Zavon Hines with time and space in the United box but the veteran midfielder recovered to deny Jack Collison when Hines delivered a low cross in front of Tomasz Kuszczak's goal.

That chance came after just ten minutes and the Hammers would have to wait until well into the second period until they created a second opportunity.

In between, the visitors took total control with Giggs showcasing the more positive side of his game with a series of darting runs down the left that continually stretched the home defence.

A Giggs corner presented Valencia with the chance to flick a header onto the roof of the net.

And the same two players combined again in the build-up to Scholes's goal when Valencia recovered the ball following a Giggs cross to keep alive a move that exposed West Ham's defensive weaknesses.

Three times West Ham failed to clear the ball and when Danny Gabbidon's weak defensive header fell to Scholes, the midfielder took the ball down expertly on his chest and lashed in a fierce left-foot shot.

West Ham's striker Guillermo Franco is challenged by Manchester United's Michael Carrick (back) during their English Premier League football match at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in East London. Manchester United won 4-0.

The half-time introduction of Alessandro Diamanti added some urgency to West Ham's play but there was never any chance of them getting back into the game once Gibson struck United's second.

The young Irish midfielder is fast developing a reputation for his powerful shooting and he showed why in the 61st minute when he capped a Giggs-inspired break with a powerful 20-yard drive that gave Robert Green no chance.

West Ham simply wilted at that point and nine minutes later Valencia made it three when he turned home Anderson's low cross from inside the six-yard box.

The Ecuador international then turned provider sixty seconds later when he delivered a carbon-copy ball, this time for Rooney to finish with ease.

- AFP

[CNY_OX09]

congratulation to all Red Devils here.
now going into Man Utd's favourite period,it is only 2 pts between MU and Chelsea.

MU normally goes into over-drive from this month onwards.

[richie_rich]

MORE INJURY PROBLEMS FOR UNITED

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a major defensive headache ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Wolfsburg.

United ended Saturday's 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham with Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra at centre-back and Ryan Giggs at full-back after Gary Neville and Wes Brown added to an already-lengthy injury list.

Ferguson is now hoping Nemanja Vidic will recover from flu in time to partner Carrick, while Darren Fletcher is expected to continue at right-back.

"Evra must be the smallest centre half in the world," said the United boss. "But he's a good reader of the game. He's quick and determined.

"I don't know where I'm going to get a back four for Tuesday. Probably Nemanja Vidic will be back from flu and I'll probably play Carrick alongside him."

[richie_rich]

The Injury Files

Fancy a centre-half partnership of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher? We bet Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko does. Manchester United have taken just 19 players to Germany and only two of them (Patrice Evra and son of David, Oliver Gill) are recognised defenders.

Flu victim Nemanja Vidic is missing along with Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans and the Da Silva brothers.

All have been left behind in England in an effort to get fit for the more important task of facing Aston Villa this weekend.