Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[yinyang]

Man Utd suffer Park injury blow

Park Ji-Sung is set to be out for at least six months
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung may be sidelined until January because of a knee injury.
The South Korean international, 26, had an operation towards the end of last season and now faces a lengthy lay-off.

"He will not be available until December or January," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the club's pre-season tour of the Far East.

"It is very disappointing news but hopefully we have the squad to cover injuries this year."

Park has still travelled with the United squad for their tour, which takes in Japan, Korea, Macau and China.

He injured his knee in the match against Blackburn on 31 March.

Park had surgery in April, with renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman conducting the operation in the United States.

United signed Park from PSV Eindhoven in 2005.

Of United's other current injury problems, Ferguson said both skipper Gary Neville and veteran front-man Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be back in training ahead of the first match of the season against Reading on 12 August.

Key forward Louis Saha will be out slightly longer, with Ferguson confirming it would be mid-August before he will be back on the training field at Carrington.

[yinyang]

Man Utd frustrated by Tevez saga

Tevez was impressive on the field for West Ham last season
Manchester United chief executive David Gill said the club's attempt to sign Carlos Tevez is "over-complicated".
The deal stalled as the Premier League said it must be done between United and West Ham but not Kia Joorabchian, who owns the 23-year-old's economic rights.

"It's become over-complicated," said Gill of the deal, which involves Tevez, West Ham, the owners of the player's economic rights and the Premier League.

But Gill added that he was hopeful Tevez would have a medical this week.

"The process is ongoing. The player will have a medical at some point this week, then we will take it from there," he said.

"We still have to sort out the paperwork but we are confident that can be achieved in the course of the next week or so."

Tevez finished on the losing side in Sunday's Copa America final as Brazil beat Argentina 3-0.

He is now reportedly preparing to fly into Manchester for the medical which, under normal circumstances, would mark the end game in a £30m move from West Ham.

United's legal expert Maurice Watkins has remained in England as efforts to resolve the dispute intensify.

On Friday, West Ham dismissed claims that Tevez was set to complete his move to United.

Representatives for the Argentine claimed he would have a medical at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

However, BBC Sport's Jonathan Legard said West Ham were bewildered by these claims and called them "irresponsible".

Personal terms have been agreed... Carlos feels confident now he is a Manchester United player

Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian

The move was complicated by Sheffield United's ongoing attempt to win back their place in the Premiership. The Blades believe West Ham should have been deducted points, rather than fined over the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who is now at Liverpool.

But on Friday, the Blades were refused leave to appeal against the Premier League arbitration panel's decision over Tevez.

Personal terms are understood to have been tied up and United have agreed an initial loan deal to sign Tevez.

But Five Live also understands the saga could drag on for a few more weeks, rather than the few days Man Utd hope it will take to sort out.

The Premier League has insisted West Ham, who hold Tevez's registration, must receive the majority of the fee rather than Joorabchian.

A spokesman said: "Any deal for Carlos Tevez has to be done directly with West Ham United.

"They hold the registration and we will not transfer the registration unless a deal is done directly with the club."

West Ham were only allowed to keep playing Tevez last season after assuring the Premier League all third-party clauses in the player's contract had been severed.

But Joorabchian is confident he is on a sound legal footing to push through the transfer.

"We don't see any problems. I spoke to United on Thursday and they are confident they will have him registered within days," said Joorabchian.

"Carlos will come on Tuesday, have a medical on Wednesday at United and hopefully we will have administrative issues sorted next week.

"Personal terms between Carlos and United have been agreed in full. He feels confident now he is a Manchester United player."

However, the deal could run into further complications after reports from South America claimed that Joorabchian is wanted by the police in relation to money laundering at Brazilian club Corinthians.

[Theme1]

Football: Charlton: Tevez will be a Red Devils star
368 words
17 July 2007
Daily Post (North Wales)

URAWA RED DIAMONDS v MANCHESTER UNITED, TODAY, 11.05 AM

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON believes Carlos Tevez has all the credentials required to be a Manchester United player.

The Argentina star is due to fly into the north west of England this week for a medical which will form the latest stage in a protracted attempt to sign him from West Ham.

Legal wrangles continue over who actually owns Tevez's registration, with the Premier League insisting any money United lay for the player must go :t to the Hammers.

This view is contested by Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian, who claims he owns the right to the player and he had only loaned him to West Ham for the season.

United chief executive David Gill, an FA board member, has branded the deal "over-complicated".

But, should it finally be completed, Charlton is confident Tevez has what it takes to become an legend at the Theatre of Dreams.

"Carlos is a tremendous prospect and hopefully we can complete the signing sooner rather than later," he said.

"I often talk about the exciting players we try to bring to this club - Carlos Tevez is one of them.

"He is a marvellous talent and we are always interested in bringing talented players to Manchester United."

The Red Devils* legal expert Maurice Watkins has cancelled plans to join United's party in the Far East in order to try to find a resolution to the ongoing dispute, which centres around whether West Ham were right to unilaterally cancel a third-party agreement over Tevez with Joorabchian in order for the striker to play in their final three Premier League games last term.

Gill, whose presence in the Far East on United's four-match Asian tour should end rumours of a Thursday Press conference for the player, is confident United will eventually get their man.

"We are working on it," he said. "In my opinion, it has become over-complicated.

"We are trying to deal with four parties here.

"We still have to sort out the paperwork but that can be achieved in the course of the next week or so."

[Theme1]

Football: WE'RE SO GOOD NOW, EVEN I'M NOT SAFE SAYS RYAN GIGGS
David McDonnell REPORTS FROM +++YO
798 words
17 July 2007
Mirror

UNITED ON TOUR: Fans go wild as Fergie and his men arrive in the Far East

RYAN GIGGS reckons Manchester United's squad is so formidable after Sir Alex Ferguson's £50million summer spending spree that he is no longer guaranteed a starting place.

Giggs has been virtually untouchable since breaking into United's first team 16 years ago, his enduring ability and remarkable longevity rewarded with the record-breaking ninth Premiership winner's medal he achieved last season.

But as United begin preparing for the defence of the Premiership title with a lucrative pre-season tour of the Far East, which kicks off today with a friendly against Japanese champions Urawa Reds, Giggs acknowledged his own place is now under serious threat.

The signings of England midfielder Owen Hargreaves and rising young stars Nani and Anderson, plus the imminent arrival of Carlos Tevez, means United now have a squad bursting with talent and capable of dominating for years to come.

So much so that Giggs, 33, the most decorated player in United's illustrious history, admitted he will have to significantly raise his level this season in order to keep his place ahead of the youngsters desperate to usurp him.

"I think it's great for the team that we've got so many attacking options," said Giggs. "And obviously the players we have signed this summer are young, so they're there for the future.

"I think we showed last year what a great attacking team we are and now, with these added options, hopefully we can improve on that. We always look to do that every season, whether we've won something or not.

"We won the Premiership last season but it gets tougher every year, as does the Champions League.

"You need to improve, you can't stand still, and I think we made sure we didn't do that this summer.

"Whether we had signed anyone or not, there's always a challenge there as a Manchester United player. You have got to perform to your best ability, otherwise you won't play. That goes for every player at the beginning of every season.

"Every player, including myself, has to meet that challenge. If you are playing well then you have got a great chance of staying in the team. If you're not, then you won't play. It's as simple as that.""

Unlike in previous years, when United have often brought a shadow squad halfway around the world for their pre-season commitments, Fergie has brought his big names for the four-game tour of +++yo, Seoul, Macau and Guangzhou.

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of many United stars who missed last season's pre-season tour of South Africa after the World Cup, are expected to lead the attack in today's 11am opener in Saitama.

Marketing and financial rewards are the chief reasons for dragging United's players over here to perform in front of their fanatical Far East support, yet there is little doubt the four games and tough training regime should benefit Fergie's men.

"The team for our first game will be a strong one, but it's possible Nani won't play as he's still carrying an injury he had at the European Under-21 Championship," said Ferguson. "Hargreaves is also a slight doubt, although he should be OK. I'm bringing the strongest squad available with me, which is great for us and our fans.

We have a few injuries, of course, which is why the likes of Gary Neville, Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ji-Sung Park aren't here.

"Gary had an operation at the end of the season, as did Louis and Ole, so they haven't made the trip.

"They'll all be training soon, but the major disappointments are Park and Ben Foster. Park won't be available until January and Ben won't be back with us until March."

Injuries permitting, today will see Hargreaves and Nani make their United debuts, a glimpse into what promises to be a hugely exciting future as Fergie plots his next dynasty, which will also include Rooney, Ronaldo, Anderson and, in all likelihood, Tevez.

Realistically, Giggs, Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have maybe one more season left before they must make way for the new generation, just as Bryan Robson, Paul Ince and Mark Hughes did for the Class of '94.

So this tour perhaps marks the beginning of the end for Fergie's veteran stars, as their understudies look to take on the mantle and lead United into another era of domination at home and abroad.

[chickenzip]

Hammers block on Tevez

Manchester United's hopes of Carlos Tevez undergoing a medical on Wednesday are in limbo after they failed to secure permission for the tests from West Ham. The Argentina striker flew into Manchester on Tuesday evening and United had been preparing to put the 23-year-old to go through a series of fitness and medical checks.


This is so annoying...how i wish West Ham have been docked some points and relegated last season...Tevez helped them last season and now they are blocking his wish...

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by chickenzip

Hammers block on Tevez
This is so annoying...how i wish West Ham have been docked some points and relegated last season...Tevez helped them last season and now they are blocking his wish...

Exactly!
Now I am waiting to see what happens when FIFA steps in.
May be West Ham and the Premier League will be embarrassed by the things that Tevez's agent Kia will 'reveal' then.
Surely if Mascherano is allowed to join Liverpool, Tevez should be allowed to go on the same terms.

[mr_missile]

United Draw In Friendly Game
Here's the cut and paste article :

FERGIE HAPPY WITH DRAW

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is optimistic Carlos Tevez will soon arrive at Old Trafford although he shed no new light on the club's protracted attempts to sign the player.

The Argentina star is due to fly into the north-west for a medical which will form the latest stage in the saga to sign him from West Ham.

However, Ferguson is hopeful the situation can soon be resolved.

Ferguson told MUTV: "I hope Carlos Tevez arrives....things are bowling along."

Ferguson was speaking after United drew 2-2 with J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama in the first match of their Far East tour.

Second-half strikes from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to have saved Edwin van der Sar's blushes after the veteran goalkeeper inexplicably gifted Hideki Uchidate a 25th-minute opener.

But former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono finished off a superb solo effort near the end for a draw.

However, the Scot was happy with his team's efforts, saying: "We tired a bit in the second half. Understandable really with the long journey on Monday - 14, 15 hours travel and they found it difficult to sleep on the first night of course.

"They've applied themselves very well I think, and played some good football at times. We managed to give a few of them a good run out tonight so we're happy with that."

United handed opportunities to youngsters Jonny Evans and Daniel Simpson who both came on in the second half.

Ferguson paid tribute saying: "I think they did okay, I think Jonny maybe could have done better with the second goal but the potential of the lad, he is a fantastic young player.

"Young Simpson did really well, his energy up and down the line was good. I'm happy with that."

He also praised Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

"They were excellent. You can see the development of their game, the decision making has been better which is important in young players. We are very pleased with them."


Midfielder Paul Scholes was philosophical United had not won but was pleased with the exercise.

Scholes told MUTV: "We played decent stuff at times.

"We didn't get the win we wanted but at this stage a win is not the most important thing, it's obviously about getting your fitness and getting back to where you were next season."

When asked about what he hoped to achieve next season, the 32-year-old did not hide his ambitions.

"To do the same as we did last year and maybe to win the FA Cup and the Champions League as well," Scholes added. "I think we've got a squad that is capable of having as good a season as last year if not better and if we can do that we will all be happy."

United have added Nani and Anderson to their squad as well as being on the brink of signing Tevez.

The former England midfielder is relishing the challenge that would be provided by the competition for players.

"Players are excited when new players come and especially the quality of players that have come - Nani and Anderson, they are quality players.

"They can only make us better which is what we need.

"With the addition of these three players there is competition all over the place.

"A lot of players who can play in midfield, a lot who can play up front, so there is two or three players for each position which is only healthy for the team."

[et911]

Originally Posted by chickenzip

This is so annoying...how i wish West Ham have been docked some points and relegated last season...Tevez helped them last season and now they are blocking his wish...

From what I understand, Sheffield will push for that deduction if the move goes through, ie, West Ham admits they have fielded an illegal player in Tevez during the end of last season, as they do not own the player. PL will also feel a slap on their own face because they took West Ham side during Sheffield's appeal.. it could be more interesting than the transfer saga..

I agree with you, West Ham should be docked points (it could still happen) and be relegated.

[chickenzip]

Originally Posted by et911

From what I understand, Sheffield will push for that deduction if the move goes through, ie, West Ham admits they have fielded an illegal player in Tevez during the end of last season, as they do not own the player. PL will also feel a slap on their own face because they took West Ham side during Sheffield's appeal.. it could be more interesting than the transfer saga..

I agree with you, West Ham should be docked points (it could still happen) and be relegated.

Last season transfer is one issue...whether or not they have "all rights" of Tevez...they should on "gentleman" term allowed Tevez to leave the club and join other club...from all the various reports, there are still some ways to transact this loaned move w/o further complications...but it seemed that they are unwilling to part with Tevez...

Tevez already made clear of his intention to leave, why force a player to play for them?

To think i actually support them last season, now i seriously hope they will be relegated....

[insanity]

Originally Posted by asiancigar

ps.... how came this and other MANU threads only have 3 star rating...???. Chelsea & Liverpool threads are 4 or 5 stars!!!

The most informative thread on a specific club has only a 3 star rating?

Something is not right somewhere.

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by insanity

..most informative thread on a specific club has only a 3 star rating? Something is not right somewhere.

Originally Posted by asiancigar

.. how came this and other MANU threads only have 3 star rating..??? Chelsea & Liverpool threads are 4 or 5 stars!!!.

Just did my small bit... cum 1, cum all red devils

[insanity]

West Ham got 2 players initially free on-loan from Kia but may now earn 25-30m from Tevez's transfer to Man U. Best deal in EPL history. They now regret and they should have done the same with Mascherano transfer to Liverpool. That would have earned them another 15-20m.

Break rules and get fined but still make money. Where to find this kind of lobang.

[et911]

Originally Posted by chickenzip

Last season transfer is one issue...whether or not they have "all rights" of Tevez...they should on "gentleman" term allowed Tevez to leave the club and join other club...from all the various reports, there are still some ways to transact this loaned move w/o further complications...but it seemed that they are unwilling to part with Tevez...

Tevez already made clear of his intention to leave, why force a player to play for them?

To think i actually support them last season, now i seriously hope they will be relegated....

Bro, the monetary rewards difference between the top league and the championship league is massive. It could be a difference between 30 - 50mil pounds sterling. Given the position they are in, West Ham (this is the club I liked since Trevor Brooking days, aside from my favourite Manchester United of course!) will try their best not to budge. Once (and if) they budge, the chances of them getting points deducted and relegated for the 07/08 season is extremely high, and they will fight to the end to ensure it does not happen.

It is not about the transfer of Tevez anymore. Honestly, if under different circumstances (i.e. West Ham has more than enough points to be docked from the 06/07 season), I am quite sure the transfer would have gone through already.

Now it is West Ham protecting their Premiership status (they have spent quite a lot on the transfer market for the 07/08 season, so if they get relegated, it is going to be a huge slap on their new owners' faces), and PremierLeague protecting their ass and faces.

Someone has to budge and it will happen. I am seeing West Ham getting points deducted for 07/08 season, like you, I will really like to see Tevez play for Man U too.

[et911]

FIFA TO RULE ON TEVEZ TRANSFER
Posted 18/07/07 11:45
Posted on Football365

FIFA have been called in to break the deadlock in the Carlos Tevez dispute.

West Ham and Manchester United believe only the world governing body can end the impasse over the Argentina striker and a decision to call in FIFA was taken by the clubs last night.

It will be Tevez himself, however, who will formally call for FIFA's dispute resolution panel to step in - a process that could happen within a fortnight.

Manchester United remain ultra-confident the 24-year-old will eventually become their player.

United chief executive David Gill confirmed the Red Devils' bid to sign the Argentina forward, who has scrapped plans to have a medical in Manchester this week, was headed for FIFA to effectively determine who currently owns Tevez: West Ham or his adviser Kia Joorabchian.

"There has been a lot of discussions over the last few days between Manchester United, West Ham and the Premier League but the case will probably go before FIFA's dispute resolution chamber (DRC)," said Gill, speaking in Seoul, Korea.

"We are very confident this will be resolved in favour of the player and he will be free to achieve his wish of joining Manchester United."

West Ham confirmed they have written to the Premier League this morning requesting the matter be referred to FIFA.

A West Ham spokesman said: "It now makes sense for this to be dealt with by FIFA.

"All parties agree this is the best way forward and of course we will be involved in helping this be resolved as quickly as possible."

United legal expert Maurice Watkins met with West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson in London yesterday, yet despite feeling reasonably optimistic a solution could be negotiated, there was only deadlock.

Although the Red Devils hope to push the matter through as quickly as possible, there remains the real possibility Tevez, who has now been allowed to start a short holiday, might not be signed before the August 31 transfer deadline.

"Hopefully the case will be heard on an expedited basis but we are not sure whether we will have him signed in time for the new season," said Gill.

"It may take up to two weeks for the body to be formed, all the paperwork has to be put together and then the case has to be heard.

"Even given that timetable we hope by the time the new season kicks off, Carlos will be training at Carrington."

Earlier this week, Gill, an influential FA board member, suggested the whole saga had become "over-complicated".

However, it now looks like becoming even more problematic, with Sheffield United no doubt keenly interested in how the matter is eventually resolved given Tevez played such a huge role in sending them down.

"All the discussions we have had over the last few weeks lead us to believe this will be resolved in Carlos' favour," said Gill.

"Once that happens, he will be free to join Manchester United."

While FIFA will examine all the documentation before deciding whether they have any jurisdiction over the case, it seems certain the Premier League - as well as West Ham - would be happy to abide by any decision.

So, instead of having his medical, Tevez will now go on holiday, hoping by the time he returns, he will only need to sign a contract to become a United player.

"It was always Sir Alex's plan to give Carlos a break, so I expect he will now go on an exotic holiday with his family," added Gill.

"He has not completed a medical with us."

However, Mick McGuire, an English board member of FIFPro who represent disputes that go to the DRC, believes the transfer could rumble on further to the player status committee (PSC).

He said: "It could drag on. But FIFA make the regulations on transfer windows and know the time frames - you would hope they take that into account.

"You can take it to the next stage, to CAS, and that would be the final appeal stage."

Whether a case is suitable for the DRC or PSC depends on the nature of the dispute, if it is club-to-club or player-to-club.

McGuire continued: "It's a matter of which avenue is most appropriate. It could be seen as a dispute between Manchester United and West Ham, or between Tevez and West Ham."

McGuire is also deputy chief executive for the Professional Footballers' Association, who have expressed concern over the issue of third-party ownership that is at the heart of the Tevez case.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has previously highlighted the problems of players being owned by companies or individuals.

"It's trafficking in people, which is never good," said Taylor.

"Once you get an individual or a company - not a football club - owning a player, you will get trouble.

"From a PFA point of view, you can't have players owned by individuals rather than clubs because it will make a mockery of the transfer system - and we don't want people trading in people.

"If you have a situation where that is the case then it will lead to nothing but trouble for the integrity of the game."

[mr_missile]

SAF is here to stay

FERGIE RULES OUT RETIREMENT

Sir Alex Ferguson intends to carry on as Manchester United manager as long as he feels up to the job.

The Scot will celebrate an incredible 21 years at the Old Trafford helm in October, during which time he has become the most decorated British manager of all time.

With nine Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and two major European trophies, including the 1999 Champions League, on his CV, Ferguson knows he could quit immediately and still be regarded as one of the finest managers football has ever known.

However, after performing one famous retirement U-turn, the 65-year-old does not intend to do another.

And, looking ahead to the new campaign, Ferguson emphasised his health is the most important factor in how long he will carry on.

"I will never set a date to retire," he said.

"I tried that some years ago and made a mistake.

"There are several things to consider but when you get to my age, you have to consider your health.

"Obviously, it is something you cannot control but I do feel good.

"At the moment I am enjoying working with some fantastic footballers, so I have no need to retire."

Ferguson would appear to have plenty to look forward to this season given the summer acquisitions of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson.

Carlos Tevez's eventual arrival would offer even more attacking options, ensuring the current Red Devils continue to fulfil the legacy left by Sir Matt Busby.

"It is important for us to have an entertaining, winning team," he said.

"I am very pleased with the signings we have made in the summer because they have added to the quality in our team, whilst also taking a long-term view.

"We are very excited about the new season. We feel we have a progressive, maturing team that will only get better."

After showing signs of progress in his recovery from an ankle injury sustained on European Under-21 Championship duty with Portugal, Nani could make his first United appearance against FC Seoul on Thursday.

Hargreaves will miss out with a minor knee problem, although Ferguson is confident the England international will be fit to face Shenzhen in Macau next Tuesday.

With Dario Gradi vacating the manager's job at Crewe, Ferguson is now the longest-serving boss in the English game.

The secret of his success, he claims, is keeping things simple, having a long-term focus, and getting a bit of luck when it is needed.

"One advantage I have had as a manager is that I have played the game," he outlined.

"When I started as a young manager at the age of 32, that was the most important credential.

"I also prepared to be a manager. I did all my coaching badges and never missed one summer course in 10 years.

"I was committed to the job and once I went into it I maintained the same things I have today.

"I still have the same work ethic and I don't over-complicate the job.

"But there is some luck attached to it too. You have to be lucky to survive in football today."