Luis Henrique Pereira Da Silva

RADCLIFE Borough have signed Brazilian striker Luiz Henrique Pereira Da Silva – older brother of Manchester United twins Fabio and Rafael, but the 25-year-old former America MG player, who has been training at the club since the summer, will have to wait between four and six weeks for international clearance before playing for the Unibond Division One North club. That's a bit rich as United had to wait four months for clearance on Manucho !!

Da Silva moved to England from Rio De Janeiro with the twins Fabio and Rafael, who were signed by Manchester United in the summer and have been regular visitors to Stainton Park to watch Da Silva training. Boro’s director of football Gerry Luczka said: “Luiz has been committed to the club throughout the time he has been training with us and he has become more accustomed to the place as each week goes by.

“It is obvious they are a footballing family and a close family and Luiz has been part of both brothers’ development in their early days back in Rio de Janeiro. Luiz was the first to breakthrough into professional football and his brothers have carried on the family tradition. It gives Luiz an opportunity to make his own mark and we are delighted to give him the opportunity. His English is slowly improving, but is not helped when people talk to him in a broad local accent which he can’t understand.” I know the feeling too, I still don't understand some of the slang people use.

Boro play on Saturday, November 8, when they entertain Harrogate Railway Athletic at Stainton Park. I might take a look, see how he does .....Back To Home Page

The "Cheat" Is Coming To Watch Carlos Tevez

Now that Argentina have chosen a big fat bloke who cheats and takes drugs as their new manager we can all make up the standard jokes that will no doubt follow. One out of every ten people in Argentina are happy about this appointment so he isn't a too popular chpoice at all it seems.

Personally I can't stomach the guy !!! He is no advert to kids on how to behave. His most famous, crowning moment was when he used "The Hand Of God" nonsense to cheat England out of a World Cup Final !!

Now he is coming to England to check out Tevez and Mascherano, and will no doubt be given free tickets and treated like royalty.

“I am going to the country against whom I scored two goals [a 2-1 victory in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final] and also to Scotland,” Maradona, who has no top-level coaching experience, said yesterday. “I am travelling to England to watch Tévez and Mascherano play. And in Scotland I am going to make my coaching debut.” Good riddance to bad rubbish I say !! .....Back To Home Page

Will We Be Hull's Next Shock Victims ?

In theory Manchester United playing Hull at Old Trafford is a foregone conclusion, maybe 4-0 and off we go, three more points safely deposited in our bid for a third consecutive championship win. That's what will happen too I feel. Preparation is the key and Arsenal and Spurs took Hull too lightly I feel.

Patrice Evra, talking to Man Utd.com says United will be ready, Fergie will make no mistakes in dealing with any of the smaller teams this year. Patrice Evra says Saturday's visitors to Old Trafford will be full of belief after already beating Arsenal and Tottenham away this season.

"When you beat the big teams, in particular, you feel more confident and it gives you more freedom to play good football. I don’t expect to see all of their players defending, I think they’ll have a go. If that happens I think it could be a great game because that would open up space for us".

Saturday's clash will see Evra come up against fellow french man Bernard Mendy, a firm friend since the pair played against each other in their native France. "We first met when we were playing in France and I also played with him for the French U21’s - he's a good friend," explained Evra. "I’m happy to see him doing well at Hull, but when I see him at Old Trafford I’ll be focused on helping United win the game.".....Back To Home Page

Charity Begins At....................Old Trafford !

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have joined forces with UNICEF to front a new AIDS awareness advertising campaign in Sierra Leone.

The trio have teamed up to promote HIV and AIDS prevention amongst the country’s three million young people, many of whom are at increasing risk of HIV and AIDS. Recent figures suggest there has been a 75% increase in new HIV infections in Sierra Leone, while few youngsters understand how to protect themselves against the virus. With low awareness of the dangers, and infection rates rapidly rising, the need to reach young people with accurate information to encourage them to change their sexual behaviour is vital.

In Sierra Leone, United’s players enjoy an unrivalled high profile and are instantly recognised as role models. Realising this popularity and the power of football to reach the country’s young people, the advertising campaign features each player delivering a unique HIV and AIDS prevention message. The messages focus on three key themes: stigma, encouraging safe sexual practice and getting tested.

This campaign marks the latest stage in Manchester United’s commitment to combating HIV and AIDS through the United for UNICEF partnership......Back To Home Page

Manchester United + Hublot = More Money !!

Manchester United have signed a new multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Swiss watch manufacturers Hublot. The three-year contract comes hot on the heels of similar contracts with Saudi Telecom, Seoul Metropolitan Government and Budweiser.

It just goes to show that despite all the moaning and groaning by the Anti-Glazer brigade the United brand has become stronger and stronger, even during a worldwide economic slump which has seen West Ham's shirt sponsor XL go into administration and Manchester United's other sponsors AIG be effectively bought out by the US government.

While some critical fans vehemently opposed to the Glazer family ownership will continue to insist United's finances are precarious, club officials will point to increased sponsorship as evidence to the contrary.

David Gill, Manchester United's Chief Executive said: "We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious partner as Hublot to the Manchester United family, their reputation for excellence and innovation makes them a fitting and exciting sponsor for the club. Sir Alex (Ferguson) is known as a stickler for timekeeping, both on and off the pitch, now we have a partner that shares his passion." .....Back To Home Page

"We Can Do The Double Again" - Carlos Tevez

CARLOS TEVEZ, talking to the Sun newspaper, has said Manchester United are dead certs for another Double. Even though they are currently trailing behind rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in sixth in the Premier League. But Argie ace Tevez, 24, expects United to be on top come the end of May and let's be honest, the end of May is the ONLY time it counts for anything when you are on top.

"I am convinced the entire squad is capable of maintaining the challenge throughout the season and staying at the top of the Premier League. After Christmas we have to play teams like Chelsea and Liverpool at home. We are going to be up there all the way throughout the season because we have the quality throughout the squad to be doing that. I think we have the squad capable of retaining the trophy [Champions League]. Whether we host teams here in Manchester or away we are capable of giving anyone a game and of beating anyone in the competition. The usual suspects - Real Madrid, Inter, Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool - will always be there. Retaining the trophy is a challenge we are looking forward to." .....Back To Home Page

Jonny Evans Will Be As Good As Rio !!

Paddy Crerand is the latest Manchester United legend to sing the praises of Belfast starlet Jonny Evans. Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed with the Northern Ireland international’s progress and has tipped the 20-year-old to captain his country in the future.

Evans made his league debut for United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, filling in for Nemanja Vidic who was suspended, and he produced an assured performance in the 1-1 draw. The centre-back was also cool and composed against Celtic at Old Trafford in the Champions League. Ferguson has been reminded that the youngster who came through the United Academy can be relied upon when Rio Ferdinand or Vidic are not available for selection.

Crerand, who helped United to league championship glory in 1965 and 1967 and won winners' medals in the 1963 FA Cup and 1968 European Cup finals, said:

“Young Jonny was outstanding against Celtic, said Crerand. Some fans may have been a little nervous when they heard Rio Ferdinand was injured, but I’ve seen Evans play a lot for the Reserves over the years and he’s always looked a terrific prospect. He’s not fazed by the big occasions and hasn’t once looked out of place. Everybody at Old Trafford has high hopes for him and he has a bright future at United.” .....Back To Home Page

Ronaldo's Quick One-Two Buries West Ham

Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half double was enough to give Manchester
United a deserved 2-0 win over West Ham.

Although the visitors nearly profited from some sloppy United
defending near the end, they never recovered from Ronaldo's
quick one-two.

First the Portugal international clinically netted Nani's cross after
14 minutes before a moment of brilliance from Dimitar Berbatov
created his fifth of the season on the half hour.

It was as easy as that to be honest......Back To Home Page

Vedad Ibisevic

Manchester United are highly interested in signing Hoffenheim goal-machine Vedad Ibisevic according to the player’s agent. The Bosnian striker is on fire, and has scored 10 goals in nine Bundesliga matches so far this season

24-year-old Ibisevic, who failed to impose himself during his time at Paris Saint Germain, has emerged as a possible future signing for United, according to the German press. When asked about a possible move to Old Trafford, the attacker’s agent confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson’s admiration for his client. "We are aware of Manchester United’s interest, but Vedad remains focused on his club’s duty,” agent company Stars & Friends’ spokesman told Bild

Vedad Ibišević (born August 6, 1984 in Vlasenica) is a Bosnian footballer currently playing for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga.

Ibišević and his family left Bosnia and Herzogovina in 2000, moving to Switzerland where Ibišević was signed by FC Basel 1893. However, his family left Switzerland after only ten months, moving to St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, Ibišević flourished as one of the region's most promising soccer players, and after his senior season in 2002, was named by Soccer America as one of the nation's top 25 recruits. He played his high school career at Roosevelt High School, and in the process turned a traditional minnow in the highly competitive and passionate St. Louis leagues into one of the city's better public high school teams. Vedad also played for the nationally recognized Busch Soccer Club '85 team, coached by Mike Turner.

During the offseason, Vedad was called back to Europe to play for the U-21 Bosnia and Herzogovina national team. During training with the team, he was spotted by Paris St. Germaine FC's Bosnian manager Vahid Halilhodzic, who quickly signed him to play for the renowned French team for the coming season. Through the beginning of the season, Vedad has seen little action, but loaned to French second division club Dijon FCO. In 2005, he signed a two year contract with Dijon.

In May 2006, he signed a 3-year deal with Alemannia Aachen and on July 12, 2007 he moved to another German club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim......Back To Home Page

I Wanted A Liverpool Win !

Iwas more than happy for Liverpool to win at Stamford Bridge. If we go on seasons past then Liverpool will be dead and buried by Christmas thus leaving Manchester United and Chelsea to battle it our through until May and United to be crowned champions AGAIN ! Sir Alex too was hoping for A Liverpool win, I assume he has the same theory as I do. Fergie seemed to be writing off the legitamacy of Rafa Benitez's bid for the title. Arguably, the Manchester United manager still considers both Chelsea and Arsenal to be his side's closest competitors, although United still lie eight points from Liverpool, who are top by a clear margin of three.

Ferguson stirred trouble on Friday when he implied that Liverpool did not have the requisite quality to defeat Chelsea on their own turf; he predicted a close match but stated that Arsenal were a more likely vanquisher of the Blues at the Bridge.

At the time, he told the press: "Sunday's game will be very tight, not many goals in it. But Arsenal could win there because they've got the quality to win."

In the wake of the match, Ferguson delighted in Chelsea's defeat as it leaves the pretenders to the Premier League throne sitting close to Manchester United, within five points, with 29 matches still to play.

He told reporters in reference to Liverpool's narrow 1-0 win: "That was the result I wanted." .....Back To Home Page

Manucho To Go On Loan To West Brom

Tony Mowbray has problems at WBA, they can't score ! His desire to add extra firepower in the January transfer window has brought attention to Manchester United reserve striker Manucho. This could set up a loan move to WBA for the Angolan striker.

Manucho signed for United last season from the Angolan League but was loaned out to Greek side Panathinaikos, while his work-permit application was processed. He was subsequently named in the ‘team of the tournament’ at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations, after scoring four goals in as many games. He was given permission to play in England this summer and made his United debut in the Carling Cup against Middlesbrough in September but is yet to figure in the Premier League.

Albion have a shortlist of more than half-a-dozen forwards, with a striker top of Mowbray’s January shopping list. It is also known to contain Real Mallorca’s Argentine striker Oscar Trejo, who remains a target after the clubs were unable to strike a deal in August yet Mowbray is still pledging to stick with Bednar and Miller, resisting the temptation to throw £3million summer signing Luke Moore into the fray.

“As a manager, the worst thing you can do is bin somebody, because they haven’t scored for a game or two, and stick somebody else in. Where do you go when he hasn’t scored for a game or two? Do you go back to the ones you’ve just binned? You’ve got to show a bit of loyalty and trust and every day you have to judge the mentality of your players. If that mentality is showing you that they’ve had a enough for a while, want a breather and don’t want to be in the firing line, you have to sense that and make changes. But if you’ve got strikers who are desperate to have another opportunity, because they know they’ve got goals in them and think it’s going to come in the next game, then you don’t disappoint them.” .....Back To Home Page

Sir Alex Ridicules Blatter !

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes FIFA president Sepp Blatter is being mocked within the game for uttering "so many ridiculous" statements that damage his credibility.

ALL United fans were angered when Blatter appeared to liken United's refusal to release winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid as slavery.

Speaking with GQ Magazine he said: "I think Sepp Blatter is in danger ... or has reached a point now where he is being mocked within the game. Whether he is getting too old, I don't know. But things can happen to people in power. Look at some of the despots in Africa." Now that is a classic quote, my hat comes off to Fergie for that little gem !

Ferguson said he was not likening 72-year-old Blatter to a dictator, but that he believed the game's top official should not utter such statements.

"All I'm saying is that, from a position of great power, he has uttered so many ridiculous statements that he is in danger of seriously damaging his credibility, so, when he came out with that stuff, it created a furore and rightly so, the year after the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery." Does Sir Alex have no fear. To set about the President of FIFA in this manner is not the kind of thing you see too often, Brian Clough, God rest his soul, was the same. If it needs saying then say it !! .....Back To Home Page

Alex Ferguson Claims Real Madrid Never Wanted Heinze

Sir Alex Ferguson certainly knows how to wind people up for sure. Especially Real Madrid - and why not ? They have this feeling of being abobe everyone and have this habit of doing as they please with total disregard to any rules. Fergie has said that Real Madrid only signed Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United in 2007 in a bid to try and lure his good friend Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford. I imagine that will be a shot in the eye for Heinze too who tried to break that unwritten rule whereby NO UNITED player will EVER be sold to Liverpool no matter what !!

Heinze was never a transfer priority to Los Merengues, according to Ferguson who believes the Spanish champions had a plan when they captured the Argentinian left back. He claims Real were already desperate to sign Ronaldo, and thought that brining one of his best pals to the Santiago Bernabeu would definitely convince him to follow in his footsteps.

Ferguson has attacked the Primera Liga giants and named them as ‘General Franco’s club’.

Speaking to GQ magazine Sir Alex said: “When we sold Gabriel Heinze to Real Madrid we knew it was going to happen, because Ronaldo was very close to Heinze, I knew what they were doing. I don’t believe they were interested in Heinze - good player though he is. The end-game was to get Ronaldo. What made it really obscene was that Madrid, as General Franco’s club, had a history of being able to get whoever and whatever they wanted, before democracy came to Spain.” Go Fergie !! .....Back To Home Page

Danny Simpson Hoping To Break Into The Big Time After Loan Period At Blackburn

Danny Simpson hopes to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson he can cut it at Manchester United as well as at Premier League level during his time at Blackburn.

He is currently on a season-long loan with Blackburn Rovers and to date he has made 5 starts with them which will give him invaluable experience. It is good for him and Manchester United that he gets the experience to play at that level. He has already experienced loans with Sunderland and Ipswich in the Championship.

Simpson is unsure of his long-term future at Old Trafford, but is eager to show Ferguson that he is worth keeping in his plans.

"You need experience, you need Sir Alex Ferguson to trust you that you can cut it in the Prem. For me, at the moment, I want to get as many games as I can. Obviously I will go back next season and then have a meeting and see what he says."

United boss Ferguson has said that he is not looking to sell him, he has faith in him to make it at the highest level, or so I assume.

"Obviously, it's what everyone wants to hear that I'm still in his plans and while I'm not there it's nice to hear." .....Back To Home Page

Some Interesting Betting If You Go To Jaxx

West Ham United have beaten Manchester United on three of their last four Barclays Premier League meetings, but head to Old Trafford seeking to end a run of three successive defeats after Sunday's unfortunate 2-0 home reverse by Arsenal. The Hammers are 15/1 with JAXX to record their second victory at the 'Theatre of Dreams' in three seasons. Manchester United are 2/9 to win, while the draw - which has occurred just once in the last eleven meetings - is on offer at 9/2.

Manchester United have conceded just one goal at Old Trafford this season and remain unbeaten at home. The Hammers have lost three of their last four away games, but victory would put them level on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The champions, who are eight points behind leaders Liverpool, can be backed at 1/2 to win by two clear goals or more on the Handicap, when West Ham United receive a mythical one-goal start. The Hammers are 27/10 on the Handicap and the draw (i.e. West Ham United to lose by a single-goal margin) is on offer at 3/1.

Four of the last five Premier League games at Old Trafford between these two have resulted in one side of the other failing to score. It is 3/5 that one or other fails to find the net again, but 21/20 that both teams score. Despite playing some entertaining football, West Ham United must be wondering how they have failed to register a goal in their last two games. They are 1/1 to beat United keeper Edwin van der Sar at any stage, while the odds against West Ham United scoring are 3/5. It is 6/1 that Robert Green keeps a clean sheet, and the superb form he was in against Arsenal, it would not be a surprise if those odds were landed.

Last season, West Ham United were beaten 4-1 at Old Trafford. JAXX offer Correct Score betting on every game and the odds for another 4-1 win for the hosts are 17/2.

The increasing parity in the Premier League outside the top four has been evident this term. Hull City are in the top three and only five points separate fifth-placed Aston Villa from eleventh-placed Blackburn Rovers. As such, it is worth bearing in mind that West Ham United can still be backed at 33/1 with JAXX to win the Premier League without the Big Four (Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea).

Do not forget, JAXX offer a plethora of markets for every Manchester United game. There are also a number of exclusive Season Specials.

What is more, when you register with JAXX and place your first bet, and you will get a free matching bet to the value of your own stake, up to £25. For example, if your first bet is £25, it will be doubled and you will get another £25 to bet absolutely free. Your free bet will be credited to your account within 48 hours of placing your first bet with JAXX. Log on to www.jaxx.com for more details......Back To Home Page

My Little Widget I Made

I made this widget you can see below.
Basically it scrolls Manchester United news
as it happens and will make a great addition
to your webpage, blog or anywhere else you
choose to put it. It's size is self adjusted and
to get it all you need do is click on the
button that says "Get This"

Try it out and see what you think x
PS ... It is stretched across the page here
because it actually readjusts itself to fit
your page, as it has done here, but in your
sidebar or whatever space you decide to fit
it in....this widget will fit perfectly. As can be
seen to the left of this article in my sidebar.
Any problems get back to me and I'll help ya.

And there's nothing better than a tight fitting widget !!!

Manchester United Open Talks With Kryiakos Papadopolous

As I previously mentioned in an article
about Kryiakos Papadopoulous The Sun
says that Manchester United chiefs have
already opened talks with the defender’s
club and with his family over a possible
£3 million deal.

The 16-year-old — also a target for Spain's
Espanyol — holds the record as the youngest
player in the Greek league.

More news if I hear anything ..... Back To Home Page

Nemanja Vidic Talks About Wayne Rooney And Sir Alex Ferguson

Not many players can worry Manchester United's rock solid, hard as nails defender Nemanja Vidic.

He is part of the formidable barrier in front of Edwin Van der Sar that took Manchester United to last season’s Double glory, the Serb is rarely fazed, but towards the end of training at Carrington, the one thing Vidic does not want to hear is a Scottish accent pointing to the other end of the pitch and saying:

“Wayne, you can play for that side.”

Vidic is used to lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney and aware of what they bring to the team. When his limbs are begging for mercy, though, the last thing he needs is a Scouse inquisition.

“It’s hard to play against all of them, of course, and I wouldn’t like to single one out, but if you get to the end of a session and are feeling tired, you really don’t want to have to play against Rooney. Rooney is always running, trying to find the space and score. He never stops, which you don’t need. Tevez is similar. This is their game, how they play and it’s maybe harder to have to play against Rooney or Tevez than any of the others, because of their energy. That isn’t all they have but they’re energy players who work so hard. It’s their game and they can’t change in training.”

Vidic feels the other Premier League defenders who only have to take on Rooney and Co twice a season should count their lucky stars they are not in his boots, but then again, the damage Rooney, Berbatov and Ronaldo have wrought on opposing defences in a six-match winning run which has brought 17 goals, which had a slight hiccup at the weekend, and a new sense of purpose to Old Trafford is an even bigger reason for Vidic to grin.

“We didn’t start well in the first few games and when you don’t have a good start you worry about what might happen. You begin to think, ‘If we lose one more game we could be out of the Premier League’. It’s something at the back of your mind and you feel the pressure. When you have that you get worried about what you might do in a game. But when you start to win, that brings the confidence back and when you are winning and scoring goals, like we are now, the confidence starts to flow. We’ve started to look like a team again, compact and with the right shape. I feel we’ve definitely got more now than last season. I believe we can be better but we can only show that on the pitch. Then you will see how much we improve, and at the end of the season, we can say we did. We haven’t changed our style but he gives us something we didn’t have last season,” suggested Vidic – is the sheer intensity that still comes from the man who has created the modern United in his own image.

After 22 years at the club, Sir Alex Ferguson shows no signs of wanting to quit yet. And Vidic sees only that fiery determination to be the best once again.

“The gaffer is the man who knows how to speak to players and give them confidence, to know he believes in them as players. He is the man who set up the club in that way, that desire to win and he expects his players to play every game 100 per cent to win. But I can see that in the squad, too, in Scholesy, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. They have played more than 15 years at United and you can still see the same desire in their eyes, all the time, even in training, desperate to win every game we play at Carrington. This is what makes United and it comes from the manager, who gives it to the players. Giggsy, Scholesy and Gary make sure we follow what they have done, so we all know we have to live up to the past of the club. Here it’s all about the next challenge. No matter what we’ve done, no matter how big the game we’ve won, the boss just says we can celebrate what we’ve done to win a trophy. But the next day, it’s over, forgotten. It’s all about the next one. We have to put the past away and concentrate on the future.” .....Back To Home Page

Rio Wants Champions League Back-To-Back Wins

Rio Ferdinand, as you would expect, has voiced his desire to be a part of the first team to ever win back-to-back Champions League titles. Of course, in it's old guise as the 'European Cup' a few teams achieved this, but since it's rebirth as 'The Champions League', it has never been done.

United became champions of Europe for the third time last season after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Premier League rivals Chelsea in Moscow, courtesy of John Terry "lying down on the job" as it were ! However, Ferdinand is eager to be a European champion again and also hopes United can complete a hat-trick of domestic titles this season.

"The gauntlet is laid down for us because we want to make history, the Champions League is something we would really like to retain as it has never been done. We want to win the Premier League three times on the bounce because it would give us a shot at number four, which no-one has ever done either. People who think we have won enough don't know this group of players. We want to win and we have a squad good enough to give us a realistic chance."

Ferdinand is also confident that he is approaching his peak as a player, saying: "I would say the best is still to come. A lot of people said my peak time would be after I was 30 because of the position I play in. I am beginning to feel that way now."

Ferdinand, who turns 30 next month, is also in no mood to start reflecting on his career, adding: "I am not going to start looking back yet. But if I get to the end of my career and have only won the trophies I currently have, I would be disappointed. I want to win more. I am greedy. You have to be in this sport to achieve anything." .....Back To Home Page

Cristiano Ronaldo Named FIFPro World Player Of The Year

Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted player of the year by his fellow professionals at FIFPro. The international players’ union, which has 57,500 members, announced that the Manchester United whinger, ooops I mean winger, who scored 42 goals last season when United won both the Champions League and Premier League, had topped their poll.

"To be recognized by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing," he said. Ronaldo is also a strong contender to win the Fifa award as well as the European Golden Ball, which is organized by the French magazine France Football.

"I would like to thank my teammates and coaches and everyone involved at Man United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support, thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world."

Five of the Spanish stars who won the 2008 European Championship were named in FIFPro’s team-of-the-year lineup. With all but one of the players coming from either the Spanish or English leagues, the lineup includes Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, Barcelona’s Carles Puyol and Xavi Fernandez and Liverpool’s Fernando Torres. Barcelona’s Argentina forward Lionel Messi is also in the team and Champions League winner Manchester United has Rio Ferdinand and Ronaldo. Liverpool also has Steven Gerrard, John Terry is the only Chelsea player on the lineup and AC Milan’s Kaka is the lone star from Italy’s Serie A.....Back To Home Page

No FA Action For Rooney

The Football Association will take no
action against Wayne Rooney for his
badge-kissing antics in Manchester
United's 1-1 draw against Everton at
Goodison Park on Saturday.

Rooney was booked for a foul on Mikel
Arteta and, with tempers starting to fray,
Sir Alex Ferguson removed the England
man from the field. He responded by kissing
his badge, a move which was regarded as
inflammatory toward his former club.

However, the FA have confirmed they will
not be investigating the matter further as
referee Alan Wiley saw the incident at the
time and had a quiet word with Rooney.

I can't even find the energy to write any-
thing else about this as it struck me as being
a bit unfair given that Joey Barton did exactly
the same thing on the same day, as do many
players. So why single out Rooney, yet again ? .....Back To Home Page

Milos Krasic

Manchester United face competition for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic. Portsmouth and Porto are also showing interest in the dynamic Krasic ahead of the January market.

After starting out with his hometown side Rudar Kosovska Mitrovica, Krasic's extraordinary talent was noticed by FK Vojvodinain 1999 and he made a switch northwards at still only 14 years of age. He spent the next 4 and a half seasons in Novi Sad where he further raised his level and became the team captain.

In January 2004, Russian powerhouse CSKA came calling and Krasić was on his way to Moscow where he featured in three games during the club's 2004/05 UEFA Cup winning run, including a cameo appearance in the final. He also helped them win the 2005 Russian title. With PFC CSKA Moscow he also won the Russian Premier League in 2005 and 2006, the Russian Cup in 2005, 2006, 2008, and the Russian Super Cup in 2006 and 2007. This is the reason why some of the bigger clubs have come knocking at the door for him .....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Head The Queue For Sergio Asenjo

Manchester United are favourites
to sign the Real Valladolid goalie
Sergio Asenjo. I wrote previously
about Manchester United's interest
in Sergio Asenjo, who at the age of 19
has been impressing teams from all
over Europe.

Manchester United are now at the head
of the queue which includes teams such
as Barcelona, Valencia and AC Milan. He is
rated at £4m and would have an ideal
opportunity to walk straight into the first
team with the immininent departure of
Edwin Van Der Sar. Liverpool had a bid for him turned down in the summer.....Back To Home Page

Help For Heroes

Sorry about this but sometimes football and
some other things need to be put into perspective
and other things seem more important. I want
to tell you about some thing I feel is important !!

I watched the X-Factor last night and heard the 12
finalists sing 'Hero', the single they have released
to help out the charity "Help For Heroes". It
was beautiful and all the cash from this goes
to the Poppy Appeal and to the guys and girls
hurt in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are out
there doing their job so we can sit here and
mess around on our computers or whatever without
fear of being attacked. We owe it to them to
download this song even if you don't like it,
you download it and then delete it !

It costs 0.95p - nothing is it,
a small price for your safety and freedom !!

Download Hero's Here

Download Hero's Here

Download Hero's Here

Download Hero's Here

Single ‘Hero’ Released Digitally Midnight Saturday October 25th

Released Physically Monday
October 27th

This year’s twelve X Factor finalists will release a charity
single this October in aid of the ‘Help For Heroes’ charity.

The final twelve acts have recorded a beautiful and
emotive cover of Mariah Carey’s classic song ‘Hero’,
and will perform the single for the first time on The X
Factor during the live results show on October 25th.

Fans will then be able to download the single at midnight
shortly after the performance. A physical release will
follow on Monday October 27th.

The single is the first charity release from ITV1’s
The X Factor, with all net record company proceeds going
to ‘Help For Heroes’ a charity that provides support for
wounded servicemen and women.

‘Help For Heroes’ was set up a year ago, by Bryn
and Emma Parry and a group of friends and relations,
many of who had connections with serving servicemen
and women. Bryn and his wife Emma wanted to do something
to help the wounded and ‘Help For Heroes’ was born.
‘Help For Heroes’ has to date raised more than £12.5 million
in just under a year. The funds raised by the song will be
shared at H4H’s request with the Royal British Legion’s
Poppy Appeal. The RBL has cared for Servicemen, women
and their families since its foundation in1921.

Bryn Parry says: “Everyone at ‘Help For Heroes’ is
thrilled to hear that The X Factor is supporting our boys
and girls. We hope the public will do their bit to make this
a hit single and demonstrate that we really care”.

The twelve acts performing on the single are the
14 – 24 boys Austin Drage, Eoghan Quigg and Scott Bruton,
14 – 24 girls Laura White, Diana Vickers and Alexandra Burke,
over 25s Daniel Evans, Rachel Hylton, Ruth Lorenzo
and groups Bad Lashes, Girlband and JLS.

Download Hero's Here

Louis Sahahahaha And His Remarkable Recovery From Permanent Injury !!

Everton striker Louis Saha says Manchester United made mistakes with his injury rehab.

He never got fully fit after a knee op and told the News of the World: “Everyone made mistakes, me, United. When you are injured for such a time, it’s because of mistakes.”

The striker only recovered at a French rehabilitation centre last summer and added: “They helped me understand how my body worked, which United were not able to do.”

What a load of old tosh !! In short, he is claiming all the Manchester United medical staff are no good and as soon as he went to Everton, they packed him off to a rehab centre in France with a packed lunch and this rehab centre finally solved the 5 year old injury crisis he suffered at United !! Isn't that amazing ? If I hadn't read it I wouldn't have believed it. What he really means is ... He does have a chance of getting into the Everton side so he can get off his sick bed and play again. At United he would have had to fight against the worlds best to get a place in the team and personally I don't think he has big enough bo...... to do it. Good bye and good riddance to the player who spent 5 years on his back and got paid £15m for doing it !! .....Back To Home Page

Ronaldo Hinting He May Stay With United Next Year

Manchester United fans can breathe a little easier after Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he sees himself staying at Old Trafford next season. He was at the centre of this summer's longest-running transfer saga as Spanish giants Real Madrid sought to prise the Portugal superstar away from United.

Ronaldo revealed at the time that he was keen to play for Madrid, but ultimately announced he was going to stay with United for "another year at least". I never expected that to be the final word on the matter though, with the assumption that Madrid - and possibly other clubs - would make a renewed bid for Ronaldo next summer.
However, the likelihood of the former Sporting Lisbon player leaving Old Trafford in the next 12 months appears to have become a little more remote following comments Ronaldo made in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca. When asked where he was going to play next season, Ronaldo said: "Only God knows the future. I insist that I am a Manchester United player and now I think that next year I will continue here."

Ronaldo admitted United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played a huge part in his decision to commit his immediate future to the Red Devils following this summer's transfer speculation.

"He has been a key person. I respect him a lot, because it was him who signed me and he has played a very important part in all that I have won," said Ronaldo, who met with Ferguson in July in Portugal to discuss his future. In Lisbon I reached an agreement with him and it was decided that the best thing for all was to continue. He listened to my arguments and I listened to his. Now I understand that it was the correct decision. I am with Manchester United body and soul."

Ronaldo's comments, which appeared in the second part of a lengthy interview with Marca on Sunday, were published just two days after Madrid president Ramon Calderon insisted his club's pursuit of Ronaldo was officially over. When asked to comment on the possibility of one day down the line playing for Madrid, Ronaldo added: "I'm a Manchester United player. I want to respect this club, my team-mates and the fans, and I prefer not to talk of other teams at this moment."

Calderon reiterated his club's stance on BBC Radio Five Live Sportsweek programme on Sunday morning that the saga is in the past.

"He is playing in Manchester. It's something that's been closed. Manchester didn't want to sell the player - we can't do anything. It's not our intention to get in trouble with any club. Manchester is one of the biggest clubs in the world and we want to have a good relationship. In fact I have a good relationship with (United chief executive) David Gill. We will not do anything against them. I don't see any way of doing it even at the end of the season. We tried in a friendly way last summer but Manchester was very clear. They didn't want to sell the player and that's all. For us it's something that's over now. You never know what life is going to say in the future but it's not our intention. I have to say very clearly that Real Madrid wants to have a very good relationship with Manchester - to not disturb them with signings that Manchester do not want to accept."

Madrid were not the only club to be linked with move for Ronaldo this summer, with United's neighbours Manchester City reportedly weighing up a mega-money bid for the winger. However, Ronaldo cannot see himself swapping the red of United for the blue of City, saying:

"No, it hasn't crossed my mind. I can't imagine one day leaving United to go to City." .....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Legends - Billy Meredith

Full name: William Henry Meredith

Birthplace: 30.7.1874. Chirk, Denbighshire, Wales
Height: 5ft 9
Weight: 12st 3lb's
Position: Winger/Forward
Nickname: The Welsh Wizard
Played: 670 games Goals 181
Wales: played 48 goals 11

Teams played for:

• Chirk
• Northwich Victoria
• Manchester City
• Manchester United
• Manchester City

Meredith is often named as the first football superstar, he had the attitude of a Cantona combined with the playing style reminiscent of a George Best or Ryan Giggs. His bursts of speed and mazy runs down the wing coupled with his deadly crosses earned him the title the "Welsh Wizard" and made him the undoubted star of the team and a hero with fans. Meredith was also nicknamed "Old Skinny" for his lean, slim, frame.

Billy joined Manchester City in October 1984 after playing for Northwich Victoria and Wrexham. He became a firm crowd favourite. At City he won the Second Division title twice in 1899 and 1903 and captained the team to an F.A. Cup Final victory in 1904. In 1904 Umpire magazine run a competition to discover the most popular player in the League. Meredith won and became arguably, the first genuine football superstar. Hundreds if not thousands would turn out at the public events he attended.

Everything was going so well then in 1905 a bribery scandal erupted - the FA accused him of bribing an Aston Villa player. Meredith denied the charge but the Football Association banned him for 18 months along with other City players. The scandal was to play a critical role in the development of Manchester United.

1907 was the year that Manchester United finally took centre stage as a major force in the footballing world. The attacking nature of the club can be traced back to this period. The exciting lineup and playing a brand of football that was to become a hallmark at the club. The heart of the team had made the short journey from their rivals Man City after the scandal had erupted. Players were all supposed to be on a fixed wage of 4 pounds per game, however it was discovered that City had been paying 6 or 7 pounds a week per player. The FA were furious and dismissed five of the Man City directors and banned 17 of its players from ever appearing in a blue shirt again. Mangnall the United manager managed first of all to sign Billy Meredith (in 1906) later adding four other City players.

Meredith had also been involved in a bribe fiasco and it is said he was lucky not to be banned from the game for life. Even though the players were signed in 1906, they all had to serve the FA mandated suspensions, consequently they did not make their debuts until 1907.

Questions were asked whether Meredith could regain his touch after his personal problems and such a long lay off about the player's, these questions were answered on his debut against Aston Villa. Meredith dazzled and tourmented the Villa defense all afternoon, finally pllaying the killer cross for Turnball to tutn into the net.

United finished 8^th, but their unique brand of attacking football with Meredith at the heart of most attacking moves became the talk of footballBy the end of the season United had climbed to 8th place and their brand of football. Moreover they were on the brink of the major breakthrough, the Championship !

Along with the manager Ernest Mangall, Meredith was instrumental in helping United to achieve their first major trophies He won two League Championship medals in 1908 and 1911, and an FA Cup winners' medal in 1909. Meredith along with others fought the FA rule that outlawed Unions, they were known as "The Outcasts FC" and finally the FA relented in 1910

World War One broke out and by the time Meredith returned to United he had lost critical parts of his game, he was sold back to Manchester City in 1921 where he continued to play until his last match was against Newcastle in the semi-finals at the age of 49 years and 245 days, making him the oldest player ever to play in the FA Cup.

Merdedith held the record until recently as the oldest international soccer player when he played for Wales v England at Highbury, London, England, on March 15, 1920, aged 45 years 229 days.

The Professional Footballers Association, the Welsh FA, Manchester United and Manchester City, joined forces and agreed to pay for a new headstone and to up keep of the grave after learning about the unmarked grave which had gone unattended for many years. This should help understand how highly many in the game perceive his influence to have been.

Billy Meredith Trivia

Billy Meredith's trademark was a toothpick he chewed while playing; he believed it assisted his concentration. He originally used chewing tobacco, however the cleaners refused to wash the spit off his shirts! In 1926 Meredith starred in a film portraying himself as a trainer ...Back To Home Page

Wayne Rooney May Face FA Probe After Badge Kissing Incident

Wayne Rooney faces the threat of a Football Association charge for inciting fans of former club Everton by kissing his Manchester United badge during yesterday's stormy 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Let's also remember shall we that when called off the bench at Sunderland to warm up, Joey Barton did EXACTLY the same thing to the Sunderland fans who were heckling him, he kissed his Newcastle United badge.

Let's hope the FA, who, let's face it, are a bunch of geriatric wannabes who have never actually achived anything in the game, let's hope they keep things fair and on a level playing field and charge both, or neither of them !!

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he had immediately substituted Rooney because he feared the England striker would be sent off, but that prompt action may not be enough to save the player from disciplinary action. After enduring an afternoon of abuse from the supporters who once idolised him, Rooney's suspect temperament erupted again in the 69th minute after he was booked by referee Alan Wiley for a foul on Mikel Arteta. When the Everton fans responded with their loudest barracking yet, Rooney responded by kissing the United badge on his shirt. Wiley immediately ran over to speak to Rooney, but Ferguson had seen enough and replaced him with Nani two minutes later. Ferguson said: 'I didn't know why he was booked and I had a fear about the way the referee was behaving. I just didn't think the referee was giving our players proper protection, I saw some bad tackles and it is the referee's job to protect players. The crowd were reacting and I thought he might get sent off, so I had to take him off.'

Everton boss David Moyes remained coy by saying: "I didn't see the incident and it's not my business." But the FA may well take a different attitude when they see footage of the game.....

Wayne Rooney Insists: "Manchester United Is The Only Team I Will Ever Play For"

While Ronaldo continues to suggest by his surly demeanour that he is really only playing out time at Manchester United before moving to the Real Madrid, Wayne Rooney insists that he could never be tempted to leave. His actions, as well as his words, are all about his desire to stick with Manchester United for the rest of his career. In fact, United need have no fears about Rooney's future as the Scouser smiles, points to his chest and says:

“Come on, can you ever see me playing for a foreign team ? I love England, I love being close to my family. And even if Stamford Bridge may only be a couple of hundred miles down the M6 and M1, Chelsea can forget ever capturing him as he declares : “To be honest I don’t even like going down to London. I am not comfortable there. I’m a northern lad and I’d like to think I could stay here for the rest of my career. The fans here at United appreciate players who give their all for the team and that’s what I try to do – and that’s all I want to do. To win a big personal award would be brilliant, a dream. But I am more concentrated on helping United to win the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup. I am more interested in that. I also have another target – I’m only at the start of my fifth season with United but I’m only 15 or 16 goals off my first hundred for the club – and it would be nice to beat my best tally so far which is 23. I certainly believe I can break that 100 mark this season and if I do that then in goals it would be my best ever. I am really settled now after getting married in the summer and I have my close friends, my family are only 30 miles away. I am really happy. And I want to keep it that way – with United" .....Back To Home Page

Jose Mourinho For Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is the man Manchester United want to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. I am even guilty of voicing my agreement with this idea many months ago ! Either we can carry on in our winning ways with a guy who has won everything in his time, or we should take a gamble with Eric Cantona. Roy Keane would me my final three. But for experience and sheer talent it has to Mourinho as things stand. The United hierarchy are waiting for 66 year-old Ferguson to confirm when he intends to call it a day. But the moment he makes his retirement plans clear Old Trafford sights will be set on recruiting the Inter Milan coach. Mourinho joined Inter last summer on a £7.8million a-year contract.

Significantly, he insisted on having a get-out clause written into his deal with the Italian giants. The man who guided Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League titles has already stated that his next move will be back to English football. He will need little encouragement in activating his get-out clause to join United.

United are conducting a management review. They want to make sure Fergie's retirement, after so many illustrious years, does not derail their inexorable success on and off the field.

The United board recognise they need a manager with the huge personality to step into the post-Ferguson void.

They believe Mourinho is that man.

Some United insiders believe Ferguson may be ready to retire at the end of this season. The manager prefers to keep his options open, well aware that any formal announcement might undermine his team's pursuit of honours......Back To Home Page

Manchester United Throw Away Two Points !

Manchester United wasted the chance to close on the English Premier League leaders when a sloppy second half cost them in a 1-1 draw at Everton. They could and should have been 3 or 4 goals clear at half time !!

Midfielder Darren Fletcher put United in front on 22 minutes and they really should have had the points in the bag before half time, but a second-half header by Marouane Fellaini gave Everton a deserved point.

United remain five points behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool who face each other in the weekend's big fixture at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was critical of his side's second-half display, although he also accused the referee Alan Wiley of failing to protect his players.

"We didn't deserve much at the end and it was a case of hanging on," Fergie told Sky Sports.
"They unsettled us in the second half and we started to give the ball away."

United striker Wayne Rooney, hoping to score his 100th goal in club football against his former side, was booked and later substituted after infuriating Everton fans by kissing the United badge on his shirt in front of them.

"The referee booked him for nothing and then the Everton fans were egging him on," Ferguson said. "I don't think he protected our players. Somebody will get a bad injury one day."

The first half was all United, with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo causing problems for Everton's defence. It was a Giggs pass that allowed Fletcher to take the ball away from Joleon Lescott and shoot past Tim Howard. Former United keeper Howard denied Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic and Giggs in quick succession while Rooney was denied just before half time.

Everton got their unexpected equaliser after 63 minutes when Fellaini showed tremendous strength to head a cross from former United player Phil Neville past Edwin van der Sar. United defender Rio Ferdinand was lucky to get away with a mistake minutes later when his slip allowed in Ayegbeni Yakubu but van der Sar turned his shot against the post....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Lead 1-0 At Half Time

Darren Fletcher fired Manchester United into a 1-0 half-time lead in their Premier League game at Everton.

The Scotland midfielder run on to a pass from Ryan Giggs to get away from Joleon Lescott and shoot through the legs of Tim Howard in the 24th minute. Everton had started well, but with Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat, United gradually became a threat and took the lead which was no great surprise !

United could consider themselves unfortunate not to be further ahead by the break, with Giggs and Ronaldo looking particularly commanding. United had a seventh consecutive victory in their sights - and manager Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes to the team that outclassed Celtic in the Champions League. Rio and Evra were back from injury, while Giggs returned as captain.
Right-back Wes Brown and midfielder Ji-Sung Park were also recalled.

Everton had former United striker Louis Saha in attack alongside Ayegbeni Yakubu, while Joseph Yobo and Phil Neville returned from injury as boss David Moyes looked for his side to end their seven-game winless run.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar, Saha, Yakubu.

Subs: Nash, Baines, Castillo, Vaughan, Nuno Valente, Rodwell, Anichebe.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney.

Subs: Kuszczak, Neville, Anderson, Nani, O'Shea, Evans, Tevez.

......Back To Home Page

Kia Gettimg Impatient With The Tevez Deal

Manchester United, apparently, must move quickly to tie up a permanent deal for Carlos Tevez according our beloved Sun newspaper. They claim Kia Joorabchian is a bit unimpressed with the United board as he was promised a deal would be done pretty quickly and now United say it will be the summer. I was under the impression the cash was in place to sort this out but who knows !!

Joorabchian, who owns the striker’s rights, is not prepared to wait until the summer before sounding out other options with interest from both Real Madrid and Inter Milan — and no doubt across the road at Al-City.

He fears Tevez’s price is being driven down by his lack of first-team starts. There are also question marks over whether the money is there for the deal right now with the club £600m in debt in the middle of a credit crunch.

Tevez, 24, has started only one of the last seven games since the arrival of £30.75m Dimitar Berbatov. He was also upset at Louis Saha’s No9 shirt being saved for the Bulgarian......Back To Home Page

David Moyes' Gaffes

DAVID MOYES' battles with Manchester United have been notorious for some almighty gaffes that have cost his Everton team. Here are three of the worst:

1. Steven Pienaar (United 2 - 1 Everton 07-08): Moyes called it a "moment of madness" as Steven Pineaar inexplicably stuck out his foot to trip Ryan Giggs, even though he was heading away from goal. Cristiano Ronaldo slotted in the winning penalty three minutes from time to end Everton's 13-game unbeaten run.

2. Phil Neville (Everton 2 - 4 United 06-07): Nevlille sent United on their way to another Premier League title - only this time he was playing for Everton so he didn't get a medal. He probably got a pat on his back from his brother though after he lashed the ball into his own net to complete United's comeback from 2-0 down.

3. Joseph Yobo (Everton 0 - 2 United 05-06):

The red shirt should have given Yobo the clue he needed that Wayne Rooney wasn't on his side any more. But that didn't stop him squaring the ball across his own box for the former Everton protege to tap in for an opening day victory.

OTHER CLOSE CALLS:

United 3 Everton 0 (Oct 02): Everton held United at Old Trafford until five minutes from time before being blown away.

Everton 1 United 2 (May 03): Ruud van Nistelrooy's late penalty denies Everton European football.

Everton 3 United 4 (Feb 04): Van Nistelrooy again, heading home in the last minute after Everton had fought back from 3-0 down at half-time.

Everton 0 United 1 (Sep 07): Nemanja Vidic flicks in a near-post corner minutes from the end to deny Everton again.

MOYES' PL RECORD v UNITED: P12 W1 D2 L9 F11 A25 Pts5 (out of 36).

For the gamblers out there you can get 16/1 for a Rooney hat trick same price for him to be sent off Hmmmm !! .....Back To Home Page

It's Liverpool's Year .... NOT !!

I've heard it every year for 12 years ! "This year we'll do it, this is our year" - yes it's the annual war cry from Merseyside as the Liverpool fans declare they finally got the combination of players to topple Manchester United - I love Fergie's remarks he made when he took over at United: "I'd love to knock Liverpool off their fucking perch, and you can print that !". He did that alright. They have gone 19 years without the league championship and guess what, this year will make it 20 !!

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed Liverpool's challenge to Chelsea this weekend. United boss Fergie said: “I don’t think it’s the most important top-of-the-table clash. When Arsenal play Chelsea could be more significant. There have been quite a few Chelsea and Liverpool 0-0s over the past few years. Sunday’s game will be very tight, not many goals in it. But Arsenal could win there because they’ve got the quality to win".

United are six points adrift of Chelsea and Liverpool after dropping points at both the Bridge and Anfield. They travel to Arsenal in a fortnight’s time but Ferguson believes Christmas will be the crucial period of his side’s season — after their gruelling trip to Japan to play in the World Club Cup.

“It’s interesting the bookies make Chelsea favourites for the title. I think the reason for that is that we’ve got the World Championship, when we’re away for 10 days. Coming back from that is a test for us. We’re back on December 23 and play Stoke on Boxing Day. That’s where the title will be decided for us — how we handle that.” .....Back To Home Page

December Could Be Difficult !

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson knows they face a tricky December. Already a game behind after their appearance at the European Super Cup, United will add a postponed game against Wigan on December 21 to their backlog due to their commitments at the World Club Cup in Japan.

"We will be away for 10 days and coming back will be a test for us, that is where the league will be decided. How we handle that period will be crucial."

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton, Ferguson notes with a wry smile that his side will have faced last season's top eight away from home before they leave for the Far East.

"They say the league is not handicapped," he said. Not that Ferguson would have it any other way. If fate had not intervened, John Terry might have stayed on his feet as he strode up to take that fateful penalty for Chelsea in the Luzhniki Stadium and the Londoners would have scored, leaving them to juggle the fixture difficulties. Unsurprisingly, Ferguson prefers it just the way it is.

"Of course it is worth it, it is the world championship and we are the only English team to have won it. We are only in it because we have won the European Cup, so I hope we are in it for the next three years."

Nevertheless, United need to continue their six-match winning streak on Saturday as Ferguson feels matches in hand during 2009 may not necessarily translate into victories.

"By the time we get to the end of December we will have two games to make up, if we were to have a good run in the League Cup - United face QPR at Old Trafford in the fourth round next month - which we have to try and do to be successful at all levels, the second-half of the season is going to be a big test for us. By New Year's Day we need to be around the top of the league to give ourselves a proper chance because those two games may be difficult for us." .....Back To Home Page

"Man U" - Don't You Dare !!!

In India and other parts of Asia, there are a number of amateur football fans who tend to call the club they follow by names which are an utter insult to the same. An avid Manchester United fan and the moderator of Manchester United Fans in Mumbai community on Orkut, Dhruv Tikka voices his concerns as to why the Red Devils mustn’t be referred as ‘Man U’ at least by their fans. People come on here and send emails to me or leave comments with the term "Man U" in them and it makes my blood boil !!! If you're going to proclaim yourself a supporter of the greatest club that ever graced this planet THEN HAVE THE COMMON COURTESY TO LEARN SOME OF THE HISTORY ABOUT THEM and don't just cling to the coat tails of success !!! Where were these glory hunters 3 and 4 years ago when we won NOTHING ? Probably declaring their undying love for Didier Drag Bar and Fat Frank Lampard !! Anyone using this term on my blog will be told about this and if they do it again they will be blocked !


This term is only used by United rivals as a complete and utter insult to the club. Many United
competitors would sing a song about the Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of eight
players.

"Man U Man U went on a plane Man U Man U never came back again..."

If you’re a Man United fan and that doesn’t get your blood boiling, I’m sure nothing will.

Manchester United are nicknamed UNITED, MAN UNITED, MAN UTD and RED DEVILS.

There are no official songs with a ‘Man U’ word nor will one lay his hands on ANY official
merchandise using that term. Manchester City isn’t christened Man C or an Aston Villa as Aston
V. Like the song goes ‘There’s Only One United’ so people will know where your loyalty is.

The term Utd is the proper abbreviation for the word United and nothing else.
Why can’t some accept this and get over themselves....

The Scousers (Liverpool fans) often tease United about the Munich incident again by chanting
‘Man U Never Intended Coming Home.’ It wasn’t just chants as it was also popular to write this
as graffiti.

When did this chant originate? Possibly in the 1960’s.

There was huge competition between clubs to sign Duncan Edwards when he was a schoolboy in
the early 50s and there was even a newspaper campaign in the Midlands to pressure him into
signing for a Midlands club, as he came from Dudley. His signing for United caused a lot of people
in the Midlands to regard him as a traitor and was hate figure for them.

It was West Brom fans who first began this mantra.

Duncan Edwards is manure, rotting in his grave,Man you are manure-rotting in your grave,

The origin of Man U is a song to insult the dead Duncan Edwards. The Liverpool and Leeds fans
copied this with their own versions. It is strange to hear from United fans referring them as
‘Man U.’

There was literally a bloodbath up on the old Scoreboard End at Old Trafford in 1964-65 season
when the West Bromwich Albion fans sang. A big battle took place with the home fans
outnumbering the visiting ones and hammering them to the utmost. Get the picture?

Most clubs did try to ban the chant. After United won the European Cup , it sprang up again but
this time there was also ‘Who's that lying in the aircraft.’ The West Brom fans taunted using a
United song ‘Who's that team we call United.’

But by the end of the decade it became universal and the term "Man U" became the word used
by almost all rival fans to affront United. Everyone knew what it meant. It was laughter at the
death of Duncan and the Babes. Fans of Spurs and oddly enough Chelsea never sang Munich
songs either.

A place where the word ‘Man U’ could spell doom was Millwall, even if you were a United fan.
United played them when they were in the second division and the policemen were asked to
work even if they were on leave or whatever !! The League officials had even tried to stop
allocating United fans a ticket to Millwall. The kick off was put forward to 11 am to try and stop
all United fans from going down there. It was billed as the ‘fight of the century.’

Not one single punch was thrown inside the ground. There was even a picture in the Sunday
Mirror of two United fans with "Harry the Dog" What did happen was after the match a
combined force of 20,000 plus United and Millwall fans descended on the Kings Road and
smashed the place up, including the football ground. But a lot of the violence that happened with
United fans around that time was usually sparked by the words ‘Man U.’

When Teddy Sheringham signed for United, incidentally he referred the club as ‘Man U’ and
received a dressing down from Sir Alex Ferguson.

So, I expect the "so-called" United fans stop chanting ‘Man U’ and as far as rival
fans are concerned…....... Back To Home Page