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

How Refreshing To Have A Referee Like This !!

OFFICIALS in charge of Celtic's 3-0 Champions League loss to Manchester United on Tuesday have apologised to the Parkhead club for errors in their handling of key incidents during the match. The Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere and his assistants Peter Hermans and Alex Verstraeten came under fire after Dimitar Berbatov netted the opening two goals despite being offside each time. They also ruled out a legitimate Wayne Rooney strike as the SPL champions were out-classed by the Champions League holders.

It takes a big man to admit you got things wrong, despite the fact the offside offences were very difficult to spot. It's easy for us to watch TV and see 10 slow motion replays and then pour scorn on the ref who sees it just once in real time and from an entirely different perspective to us. Rob Styles might like to take note of this guy and what he said.

De Bleeckere said: "At the moment itself, we were not aware of the error. There was no protest. I walked off the field with a good feeling. But when you see the images, it's a shame. The officials are a team. We must help each other and see it as a learning curve."

Assistant referee Verstraeten yesterday admitted that he had been stung by a wave of criticism which followed the Group E encounter.

"This is the first time that we have made a mistake in 52 international matches. I admit to the mistakes, but we also ask for understanding. Offside decisions are the hardest to judge. We are only human. It is our bad luck that the mistakes came at goals. We made mistakes and that should not happen. It is no consolation that Manchester United would have won without these decisions. Some players argue their case in front of us, but no Celtic player protested. That proves that the offside decisions were very tight. At the end of the match I was surprised when I saw the television images."

Meanwhile, John Hartson has insisted Celtic can still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League despite damaging defeats to Manchester United and Villarreal and a disappointing home draw with Aalborg that has left them sitting third in Group E, six points adrift of the La Liga side.

Former Celtic striker Hartson said: "I think you have to keep believing and the amazing thing about Celtic is that they have a fantastic home record, and Celtic are capable of winning their next three games. Now they can finish on ten points, so they are capable of beating Manchester United in two weeks' time and Villarreal and Aalborg. While it is still mathematically possible I think Celtic fans should keep believing they can do it." .....Back To Home Page

Champions League Round Up - Wednesday 22 October 2008

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Brilliant Barça brush Basel aside

FC Basel 1893 0-5 FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana totally outclassed their Group C rivals to equal their best result in this tournament and march ever closer to the knockout stage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Simão strike spares Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Liverpool FC
An 83rd-minute equaliser from Simão cancelled out Robbie Keane's early effort to keep the Spanish side ahead of their rivals at the top of Group D.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Terry header ends Roma resistance

Chelsea FC 1-0 AS Roma
Captain John Terry flicked in a second-half winner to settle a tight game and allow last season's runners-up extend their lead at the top of Group A.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Adriano sends Inter clear of the pack

FC Internazionale Milano 1-0 Anorthosis Famagusta FC
Adriano's header right on half-time moved a dominant Inter three points clear at the Group B summit as Anorthosis slipped to a maiden defeat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Bordeaux profit from CFR slip

FC Girondins de Bordeaux 1-0 CFR 1907 Cluj
Cadú's own goal nine minutes after half-time earned the French side their first points in Group A as the Romanian titleholders lost for the first time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Koevermans helps PSV prosper

PSV Eindhoven 2-0 Olympique de Marseille
Two headers from Danny Koevermans in the final 20 minutes gave the Dutch champions a first victory that revived their Group D challenge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Panathinaikos held up by Hugo Almeida

Panathinaikos FC 2-2 Werder Bremen
Two fine headers by Vangelis Mantzios were not enough to earn the hosts a first win in Group B after Hugo Almeida nodded a late equaliser for Bremen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Liedson returns to secure Sporting win

FC Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Sporting Clube de Portugal
Only recently returned from a five-month injury absence, Liedson struck with 14 minutes left to edge a game the home side had dominated in Donetsk....Back To Home Page>

Berbatov Is Supreme !

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed the "fantastic" performance of summer signing Dimitar Berbatov was the catalyst for Manchester United's 3-0 win over Celtic.

As reigning European champions they should look imperious and majestic and last night they certainly did as they eased past Celtic who now face an almighty struggle to progress from the group stage of the Champions League.

And Ferguson, who signed Berbatov for £30.75 million from Tottenham Hotspur on transfer deadline day in September, said the Bulgarian's influence is already showing itself in his team's play.

"It was a fantastic, marvellous performance from Dimitar again, he showed some fantastic pieces of football and I think the other players are beginning to understand what type of player he is. He's bringing that composure to the final third of the field and hopefully Dimitar's combination is developing with not only Wayne Rooney but also Carlos Tevez."

Berbatov first caught the eye of several English scouts when playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga before moving to Spurs for £10.9 million in 2006. His understanding with strike partner Robbie Keane quickly bore fruit for Spurs, who won the Carling Cup in Berbatov's second season before he expressed his desire to leave for Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Ferguson admitted he has been surprised at how quickly the player has settled into life at one of the world's most prestigious clubs.

"You always feel he can produce a pass that means something and his weight of pass on three or four occasions was superb [against Celtic], he has got five goals for us already and that is a terrific contribution. I was really pleased with our performance. It was a really bad night for Celtic to get us but a good night for us." .....Back To Home Page

Rafael Da Silva Is A Problem Admits Fergie

For a long time Manchester United fans showed concern that we were a bit weak in the right back position once Gary Neville had been injured 2 years ago and was out for 14 months. We had Wes Brown, John O'Shea could step in if needed and Owen Hargreaves can play there too, injury permitting, but all of these were 'dubious' replacements for the captain.

Now, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Rafael da Silva has handed him a new selection headache.

He said: "In football, when a guy turns the corner you cannot do anything about it, Rafael is a great talent and his performances are telling me I have another problem at right-back. Wes (Brown) himself came in at 18, played against Hasselbaink in his first game against Leeds and he was superb. It is a learning process playing against that power and experience. Premier League football is not easy. I didn't realise how big Brunt was and what a nice left foot he had, so that presented a challenge for Rafael. For periods in the game he was finding his way and it was only when I was going to take him off that he started to play the way we know he can. He was excellent. The positions he took up and the penetration from deep positions was absolutely superb. It gives me a selection problem that is good for the club."

So it seems Manchester United still have a problem at right back, but now the problem is a good one.....Back To Home Page

Gordon Strachan: "United The Best Club Side In The World"

Gordon Strachan watched his Celtic side
get taken apart by Manchester United and
then declared United are better than ANY
international team and are probably the
best club side in the world. Dimitar Berbatov
grabbed a brace and Wayne Rooney was on
the score sheet, again, in a 3-0 win.

"That's the best side we've played," Strachan told
ITV "and we've played AC Milan, Juventus, Madrid,
all the top teams, and they are the best. Physically
we couldn't match them and that told the longer the
game went on. The first two goals were offside but
I'm not going to speak about them. I'm a football
man and I know when we're well beaten. They have
strength, experience, speed, skill, discipline, they
have it all." .....Back To Home Page

Celtic Trounced As Manchester United Cruise On !!

Dimitar Berbatov struck twice to put Manchester United firmly in charge of their 'Battle of Britain' Champions League clash with Celtic and guess what, yes you got it Rooney scored too, that's now 9 goals in his last seven games for club and country, just incredible !!

Berbatov netted after 28 minutes to put United 1-0 ahead at Old Trafford, but he appeared to be offside when he scored. A Nani corner was only partly cleared and John O'Shea put the ball back back in the danger area for Berbatov to divert it home. However, TV replays suggested he was actually offside when the ball was played through. His second goal early in the second half was also hotly disputed. Celtic keeper Artur Boruc parried a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick into the path of Berbatov, who fired into an empty net. Celtic protested the Bulgarian had been in off-side when the free-kick was taken.

From the side that beat West Brom 4-0 on Saturday, out went the injured defender Patrice Evra and Rafael, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung dropped to the bench. In came O'Shea to left-back and Gary Neville to right-back with Nani and Anderson starting in midfield.

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell passed a late fitness test on an ankle injury but was deployed in a sitting midfield role for the first time this season at the expense of the injured Marc Crosas.
Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, who scored in both games against United two seasons ago, came in for Shaun Maloney who started as substitute.

Rooney's goal in the second half was typical United. Van Der Sar rolled the ball to Fletcher who ran to the halfway line before passing wide left to Nani who let it roll on to Tevez who squared for Rooney to bury it.

One thing to note was the bright, flashy start by Ronaldo. But as Berbatov got his two goals and Rooney scored again Ronnie seemed to get moody. As I said 12 months ago, and was slated for it, he doesn't like it when he isn't in the limelight !!!!!

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Evans, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney.

Celtic: Boruc, Wilson, Loovens, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Scott Brown, Caldwell, Robson, McGeady, McDonald .....Back To Home Page

The Best Manchester United Ever ?

Speaking at a recent press conference Gordon Strachan agrees with what I have been saying for a year now, this is possibly the greatest Manchester United team to grace the field at Old Trafford !!

"We are playing the best team in Europe and some of the best players in the world. Is it a better team than Busby's ? Did they win 10 championships ? It is not for me to decide if this is the best Manchester United side of all time. That is for those who watch them more often. But Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could look great no matter who we had up front. Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are terrific - I have no new words to describe them. Their performances speak for themselves. But, believe me, it could be a lot worse. We are here now to face United and we are in the Champions League. We could have finished second in the title race and missed out on all this. Let's have a go at it. We will try to win this game - that is for sure. Whether we have the full set of weapons we had for Villarreal is another matter, with some big players injured." .....Back To Home Page

Just Ignore The Crowd ?

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic says they must take out the crowd factor against Celtic tonight.

"The champion team of Scotland will be desperate to beat the champions of England, the atmospheres I experienced two years ago were the best I have known in my career and there will be more tension in the ground. But it is not good for the players to be too passionate. We need to be focused. If we put too much aggression into it or pay too much attention to the crowd, we could find it difficult. We need to stay calm and concentrate."

Easy to say isn't it but watch this video, they do tend to make their presence felt !! .....Back To Home Page

Manchester United To Sign 'Everyone'

Manchester United Football Club are in the running to sign Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres !! Ooops, I forgot David Villa too.

Despite having Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo at their disposal, the Reds will join Barcelona and Real Madrid in the hunt for the £35million-rated Lyon striker. Well that's the latest of a long string of reports I have read today anyway. I find it amazing that anyone would think Fergie would even consider deals such as this. It's not like £140m grows on trees to just snap these guys up. Then there would be the small problem of putting six of these eight superstars on the bench every game and they wont put up with that.

Benzema's agent Karim Djaziri is at the centre of all the rumours anyway, pimping his guy round Europe to wring every penny out of a possible deal ! The scourge of football is what these agents are, they should be shot !!

“Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United are not the only clubs following Karim because all the big European clubs are,” he told France-Football. Our contacts with the clubs are constant and our contacts did not start last year but since Karim is 16! But we are transparent with Lyon on every point and they are aware of everything happening.” .....Back To Home Page

Rafael Gives Fergie A Selection Headache

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Brazilian teenager Rafael Da Silva is now an integral part of his Manchester United first-team squad.

The 18-year-old has been handed starts against Aalborg and West Brom in recent weeks and Ferguson now accepts he has another selection dilemma on his hands at right-back with club captain Gary Neville and Wes Brown also vying for the position.

"In football, when a guy turns the corner you cannot do anything about it," he said. "Rafael is a great talent and his performances are telling me I have another problem at right-back."

At Champions League level, Aalborg did not offer much of a threat, leaving Rafael to attack down the right flank at will. Saturday's clash with West Brom was somewhat different. While the result was eventually quite one-sided, the Baggies gave a decent account of themselves during the first half. The pace and power of West Brom winger Chris Brunt provided Rafael with a tough examination of his talent, which is just what Ferguson wanted to see; a reminder of the task a similarly-aged Brown faced against Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he encountered Leeds a decade ago.

"Wes himself came in at 18, played against Hasselbaink in his first game against Leeds and he was superb," said Ferguson. It is a learning process playing against that power and experience. Premier League football is not easy. I didn't realise how big Brunt was and what a nice left foot he had, so that presented a challenge for Rafael. For periods in the game he was finding his way and it was only when I was going to take him off that he started to play the way we know he can." .....Back To Home Page

Cristiano Ronaldo On The Bench For Champions League Visit From Celtic

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing relegation to the substitutes' bench for Manchester United's Champions League clash with Celtic after manager Alex Ferguson admitted his concerns over the Portuguese forward's match fitness.

Despite netting three goals for the club so far this season, Ronaldo, 23, has struggled to rediscover his top form for United since returning from ankle surgery last month.

The injury hangover and the lingering discontent amongst United supporters over Ronaldo's open pursuit of a close season move to Real Madrid appear to have combined to diminish the player's performance levels. However, while Ferguson insists that he is happy with the progress being made by Ronaldo, he admits that he is reluctant to over-work the player by playing him too often as he bids to recover full fitness.

Ferguson said: "Ronaldo is fine and he is coming on terrific now, but I spoke to Carlos Queiroz, the Portugal coach, on Saturday morning before the West Brom game to ask him what he thought. Carlos said that he felt that Cristiano was still finding it difficult to recover for a Wednesday game after a Saturday game. He had played for Portugal against Sweden on the Saturday and Carlos said he was unbelievable, his decision-making, maturity, everything was at the top of his game, but against Albania on the Wednesday, he was flat because he is still trying to find the recovery thing properly. So we are looking at the situation against Celtic because it is Saturday-Tuesday in terms of games. If we had an extra day, it would be perfect for us, but we are just looking at the situation and whether we should bring in Nani for this one. We have the option of bringing Nani in. He only played 36 minutes for Portugal last Wednesday and then fifteen minutes for us on Saturday, so he is fresh."

Ronaldo's muted goal celebration on Saturday after scoring in the 4-0 win against West Brom suggested that he was not totally happy with his lot at Old Trafford and although Ferguson refused to be drawn on the player's on-field demeanour, he admitted that the former Sporting Lisbon youngster needs time to get to back to his best.

He said: "It's just a matter of getting the games in (for Ronaldo). When players have been out for so long, and he did have his operation, there is that little response to playing all the time. The adrenaline can perhaps carry through the one game, but then the form dips a little bit. But he has been great and, the one thing about Ronaldo is that he can always score for you. It's almost there and he is coming along fine."

Celtic's woeful away record in the Champions League has seen them lose 17 and draw one of their 18 away games in the competition, but Ferguson insists they remain a threat -- particularly in the form of Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura.

Ferguson said: "Celtic are missing the big focal point in their team with Georgios Samaras and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink injured. They had that two years ago and got their first goal through it. They ruffled up Rio Ferdinand and got the first goal and that set the tone for the game. We recognise that Nakamura is an exceptional talent at set pieces, though. He scored two free-kicks against us home and away in 2006, so I would be very surprised if we lost a goal again like that having discussed it so many times since then! There have been a few rockets given out." .....Back To Home Page

Ballon D'Or Short List

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard are among 11 Premier League players shortlisted for this year's Ballon d'Or. The trio are the only British representatives for the award alongside the likes of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo - the clear favourite - and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

France Football magazine have revealed the condensed list of 30 contenders for their European golden ball award, with Barcelona striker Thierry Henry and AC Milan's Ronaldinho, who received the accolade in 2005, absent after disapp-
ointing campaigns last season.

Portugal international winger Ronaldo is the clear favourite to win the award on December 2 with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and 2007 winner Kaka also in contention. Rooney won the Champions League with Manchester United in May while Lampard played in the final for Chelsea. Liverpool's Gerrard impressed as they reached the tournament's last four before losing to Chelsea in the semi-finals.

Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba (both Chelsea), Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic (both Manchester United) and Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) are the other Premier League stars on the list, which has been cut down from 50. Spain are represented by seven players after winning Euro 2008 in the summer - Torres and Fabregas being joined by Marcos Senna, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, David Villa and Xavi.

Only three Serie A players have been nominated - Kaka, Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon - with Spain's Primera Division matching the Premier League with 11 nominees. Previous Ballon d'Or winners Andriy Shevchenko and Fabio Cannavaro have missed out.

Shortlist: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg) Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Internazionale), Kaka, Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Pepe (Real Madrid), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Rafael van der Vaart (Hambourg/Real Madrid), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), David Villa (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona), Youri Zhirkov .....Back To Home Page

Owen Off To Barca ?

Manchester United have had enough of Owen Hargreave's consistent injury problems. Fergie didn't say that, Owen Hargreaves didn't say it neither did anyone at Old Trafford but the News of the World did, so it must be true.

I'm not too patient with injury prone players, I spent two years pulling out my hair waiting for Fergie to offload Louis Sahahahahaha, which eventually, he did.

According to the same news paper both Man City and Barcelona would be interested, however it is difficult to see United selling to City now that City have a real prospect of becoming a top 4 team.

Barcelona would not have to pay anywhere the £18 million that Manchester United paid Bayern Munich and would probably get the player for about half that amount if he were for sale. Fair enough, Hargreaves has struggled to find his form since his move from Bayern and has been sidelined with injuries since his arrival but he would be loathe to move on. Fergie is not one for sentimentality however and if rumours about David Villa are to be believed, then things might change. But for now OH is a red and we should be on his side........Back To Home Page

Sir Alex Dismisses Real's Tevez Taunts !

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed talk of losing Carlos Tevez to Real Madrid. Not that many people actually believe the continued nonsense that Real Madrid continuously bellow from their buttocks !

"I don't have to send any message to Carlos," said Ferguson. "He knows where he is and how well we have treated him.

"He's been a smashing player for us and I wouldn't want to lose him. I'm quite confident he will be staying.

"There's no deadline. Originally, we were looking at the end of the season, but that's been brought forward and we have been having negotiations for some time.

"Hopefully, it will be resolved soon - we are ahead of things.

"I don't know if it's true Madrid want him. It could be, but I am not worried about that.

"I think we will be OK. I don't have any worries about him going." .....Back To Home Page

Sir Alex: "Strachan Will Stay At Celtic"

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed former Manchester United player Gordon Strachan to stay at Celtic unless an opportunity arises at one of the top English teams.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie, the Manchester United boss feels there would be little point in Strachan moving to a smaller club further down the Premiership.

“It's difficult to leave Celtic or Rangers because in a way they're guaranteed success. It's a two-horse race in Scotland and either one of them is going to win something every year, so it's difficult to leave.

“They're big clubs. They've got great supports so it's very difficult to leave, I think. In terms of worldwide support, very few clubs in England can reach that. In terms of ability and quality then obviously the top teams in England are ahead of Celtic and Rangers but unless, like Graeme Souness, he has the opportunity to go to one of the top clubs in England, why would he want to leave Celtic or Rangers ?" .....Back To Home Page

Drogba Talking More Nonsense

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says he wished he'd punched Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic in last season's Champions League final.

How mature Didier, with all the youngsters that follow him and hang on his every word he comes out with a little gem like that. I'd like to advise him that punching Nemanja Vidic would not be the wisest move he could ever make ! Maybe he should stick to his daytime job in his new business venture, Didier's Drag Bar !

The Ivory Coast striker was sent off in the 117th minute for slapping the Manchester United defender – but now says that, if he knew he was going to get a red card, he would have hit the Serbian harder.Drogba had clashed with Vidic 18 months earlier, cutting his eye and loosening a tooth. He is quoted in the Daily Star Sunday: “I have seen the match on video and I believe I should not have been sent off with three minutes to go. If I had punched him, I would have understood. Now I wish I had.”

Maybe he should calm down and keep his mouth shut and try talking sense. Here's a little advice for him too in Chinese. Just tilt your head to the right to read it Didier .....Back To Home Page






'Ave it ... !!

Kryiakos Papadopoulos For Manchester United ?

Whilst perusing the Sunday newspapers this morning I was a bit taken aback to read that Manchester United are more than keen on a young boy from Greece who goes by the name of Kryiakos Papadopoulos. Doesn't Mr Papadopoulos own the laundrette in Eastenders ? First impressions tell me that this young man's father might own a kebab shop and that young Kryiakos has been helping himself to some of the fare on offer on more than one ocassion. He is not underweight, that's for sure.

The centre-half is considered one of the best defensive prospects in European football. Still only 16, Papadopoulos is already part of the first-team squad at the Karaiskakis Stadium and became the youngest player in Greek League history last season.

United have been keeping checks on Papadopoulos since he made his debut and they were one of a number of clubs to enquire about him over the summer. Now it is claimed by leading Greek sports paper Fos ton Spor that both United and Newcastle have made firm offers to the Athens side. It states that both Premier League clubs have confirmed they would be willing to pay €4million (£3.1million).

It remains to be seen whether Olympiakos would be willing to talk, as Papadopoulos only recently signed a new long-term contract with a get-out clause of €6million (£4.6million) and that is likely to be the fee they demand for the youngster.....Back To home Page

Rooney On Fire !!!

Since I wrote my article telling Wayne Rooney to hurry back from injury or he may not get back into the Manchester United starting eleven, he has scored four in four games in the Premiership and 4 goals in two games for England. So I apologise Wayne for ever doubting you.

Rooney himself says he's in the form of his life after his performance against West Brom. With eight goals in six games who is going to argue against that ? United thrashed WBA 4-0 with Rooney also collecting two assists as Portugal pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani added their names to the scoresheet, along with Dimitar Berbatov. With Celtic due in the Champions League on Tuesday, Rooney admitted he was at his peak.

"This is possibly the best form of my career, everything is going well for me at the moment. Hopefully that can continue and I can help this team win even more trophies."

Rooney's efforts helped eclipse a disappointing opening period for the United, who dominated throughout but drew a blank as referee Mark Halsey ruled out what appeared to be a perfectly good goal from the England man for a foul on Gianni Zuiverloon.

"From the position the referee was in, I can understand why he didn't give it," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "Wayne did have a hand on the lad's shoulder but he did not pull him. You can see it from the TV replays but obviously the referee does not have that advantage."

A capacity crowd did not need to look again to see the damage Rooney could cause. Following his World Cup qualifying exploits for England, Rooney carried on where he left off, collecting Berbatov's short pass before slotting in a fine solo effort that ended the brave resistance of West Brom keeper Scott Carson.

"Wayne is only 22, we expect him to improve, as we did with Ronaldo. But he is a member of the team, just like everyone else" said Ferguson.

Ferguson does feel his side are now starting to find their feet after a difficult start to the campaign. For the first time, they have joined Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in the top four, from where Ferguson is convinced the champions will emerge.

Fergie added: "I don't think we have given them a warning tonight, I think we provided that before the season began. We won the league last year - and the European Cup. Those three teams know the quality in our side, just as we know the quality in theirs. It is a fantastic league and any one of the four could win it." .....Back To Home Page

Berbatov Up And Running At Old Trafford As United Thump WBA

Dimitar Berbatov was almost as delighted as me when he scored his first goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford in yesterday's 4-0 thumping of West Brom.

He told MUTV: "It was a nice goal and I was really delighted to score in front of the home crowd. Hopefully there will be more to come."

United's second-half surge from 0-0 to 3-0 and eventually 4-0 was in complete contrast to a frustrating first half when Wayne Rooney had an effort disallowed and West Brom were defiant.

"There are often games like that," said Berbatov "In the first half you try hard to score but it doesn’t work. Then at alf-time, you have some good words from the manager - he tells you what to do exactly and what the weak points of the opposition are. You try to listen, we did listen and we scored four goals." ...Back To Home Page

Footballer's Worst Haircuts

Down through the years we have seen some whacky
hairstyles from footballers. Ranging from those with
no hair at all to those with long, whispy locks with some
bizarre arrangements included. Alan Smith with his
peroxide mania, Rio with his plaits, George Best with his
unkempt, unshaven look, Bobby Charlton with errrrrmmm
well let's just say his whispy bits. David Beckham's hair could
change overnight as we all know but the best one here has got
to be Sir Alex down below, if only it were true !!

Back To Home Page

David Beckham To Train With Milan In January, Maybe A Deal Could Occur ?

It would appear that ex Manchester United "super star" David Beckham will be joining Milan to train in January as he did this year with Arsenal, has he no standards ? It also seems likely that Milan will sign him on a permanent deal too. Not content with having a team with an average age of about 94, they now want to sign up another 'oldie'. He was actually a target for Milan when he left Real Madrid but as we all know Beckham took the money and ran - to the MLS, to set it alight ! Which he has failed miserably to do.

Sources close to the player have told World Soccer Daily that Becks will now team up with the Rossoneri in January to keep his fitness up while he prepares for the new season in April 2009.

Milan chief Adriano Galliani admits that his club could have signed him and he will try again when Beckham arrives at Milanello this season.

"If Beckham had stayed to play in Europe then we would have signed him. He would have been ours after his experience with Real Madrid, but it didn't happen," said Galliani.

Speculation is rife that Milan will make sure the Englishman is signed up quickly, and reports around the penisula suggest a multi-million pound bid as the Italian club tries to creat an international dream team by adding Beckham after the capture of Ronaldinho. Milan don't really have a natural right-winger in their team and Beckham will represent the perfect signing to continue building a squad full of superstars.

The lure of first team top-European football will appeal to 'Golden Balls' and he would relish the chance of trying his game in Serie A after his experiences in Spain for Real Madrid and the USA for Los Angeles Galaxy. I'm bemused as to why Milan should be so keen to buy him. He can deliver killer crosses and take a mean free kick but that's where it ends I'm afraid. He has always been a bit gutless in defence and wont get stuck in. Anyway, it's their decision.....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Sponsors AIG Party With Tax Payers Money

The world's largest insurance company and sponsors of Manchester United, AIG, spent $440,000 on a lavish corporate retreat at one of California's top beachside resorts a few days after accepting an $85bn emergency loan from the US government to stave off bankruptcy.

Am I over reacting here or is that a bit rude and inconsiderate ? I can tell you that if I was a tax payer in the USA I would be a little bit upset to say the least ! At the end of the day, it is the fault of these wannabe playboy wankers oooops bankers with their high living partying lifestyle earned by gambling with the money of others, that this whole world wide credit crunch is wreaking havoc world wide. So what do they do ? They hold a party !

Details of the week-long getaway enraged legislators at a congressional hearing yesterday where AIG's former bosses were accused of spending taxpayers' money on pedicures, golf games and cocktails. Crippled by losses on financial insurance companies, AIG was bailed out by US taxpayers on September 17th to avert a collapse which risked causing further failures.

The House oversight committee, which is investigating the company's problems, confronted AIG executives with an invoice from the St Regis resort in Monarch Beach, south of Los Angeles, detailing an eight-day company event which began five days after the rescue.

"Average Americans are suffering economically," said Henry Waxman, chairman of the committee. "They are losing their jobs, their homes and their health insurance. Yet less than one week after the taxpayers rescued AIG, company executives could be found wining and dining at one of the most exclusive resorts in the nation."

The bill shows that AIG spent $139,375 on rooms, $147,301 on "banquets", $23,380 on spa treatments and $6,939 on golf at an eight-day company event which began on September 22.

"US taxpayers will be, in effect, paying for this," said Elijah Cummings, another Democrat, who demanded to know who was responsible for the outlay. "I think that person ought to be fired."

Rooms at the resort start from $500 a night and the travel guide Fodor's gives the place a rave review, saying: "Exclusivity and indulgence carry the day here; you can even have someone unpack for you."

Apparently though, according to AIG it is OK, it was to entertain freelance insurance salesmen who sold life, health and accident policies for the group's US subsidiary. Incredible !

AIG's former CEO who got the boot after AIG got into trouble amused me too saying it "seems very inappropriate. If I had been aware of it, I would have prevented it from happening," he added. How very gallant of you Mr Willumstad. It's just a shame you feel able to react in a timely manner to stop a party but you were unable to spot a world financial crisis which crept up on you and kicked your ass out the door Mr !!

Oh, and should anyone from AIG get to read this, you still owe Manchester United £28m so cough up before you party that away too.....Back To Home Page

England Tried To Steal Sir Alex Not Once Or Twice But Three Times !!

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was approached on at least three occasions for the England manager's job, claims Former FA executive director David Davies.

The first approach to the Red Devils boss came after Terry Venables' resignation in 1996. Ferguson is said to have been targeted again after the subsequent departures of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan but rejected all three attempts by the FA.

Speaking to The Herald, Davies said: "After Terry Venables, I wanted Fergie. I was absolutely clear he was the best person for the job. I was a personal friend of Sir Roland Smith, then chairman of Manchester United, and he didn't totally kick the idea into touch. I was vaguely encouraged.

Davies went on to admit he didn't expect Ferguson to take the post, adding: "I don't think he ever came near becoming the England manager. The idea of Alex leading England out at Hampden is somewhat far-fetched. He is a very, very proud Scot. He was, I think, tickled by the idea, though. When I recruited Keegan, I would have loved Ferguson to become manager. But the conversations were very brief."

Can anybody seriously imagine the England Prima Donnas being capable of listening to someone who does actually know more than them and is held in much, much higher regard than every single one of them ? I don't. They would all have spat the dummy out, hopped out the pram and gone home to sulk. Good decision Fergie.........Back To Home Page

The Bindippers Second To Manchester United AGAIN !!

So who did actually sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" first. Would that be Liverpool, Celtic or Manchester United ?

The Bindippers

There is overwhelming evidence that Liverpool Football Club supporters were the first to sing this song en masse. The song was famously covered by Liverpool group 'Gerry and the Pacemakers' in 1963. At this time, supporters standing on the Spion Kop terrace at Anfield began singing popular chart songs of the day. Their "inventive ferocity" was captured on camera by BBC Panorama in 1964. One year later, when Liverpool met Leeds United in the F.A. Cup Final, the travelling Kop sang the same song and match commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme commended the "Liverpool signature tune." The Dippers have been singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' since 1963. Fully 45 years.

Celtic

Celtic sang it on two or three occasions during the 1970s, along with Aberdeen and Hibernian, though it was only popularised and formally adopted by the Parkhead faithful in the mid- to late-1980s. Liverpool were invited to play a charity game at Celtic Park following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Both sets of fans sang it together as a symbol of unity and support. Only in the years to follow - as both clubs repeatedly came together in a series of friendly matches - did Celtic begin to sing it on a regular basis, otherwise they have no legitimate claim to the song, nor is there any earlier evidence seriously linking them to it. Liverpool can produce an abundance of written material and video evidence. Celtic not so much.

Manchester United

Manchester United supporter Jane Hardwick asserted in 2004 that she, together with friends from the New Mills Operatic Society, decided to sing the song at "one of the games" following the Munich Air Disaster as her own personal tribute, before spontaneously being joined "by thousands of fans" around her. This would predate Gerry Marsden's faster-paced cover version by five years. However, as one local supporter scoffed:

"Anyone who has watched [or] listened to Carousel will tell you, the composition and performance of the musical version with the popular Gerry Marsden version sounds completely different."

So, to round off, it appears that Liverpool began to sing it in 1963, Celtic began to sing it in the 1970's but..........Manchester United were the first, in 1958. So Scousers, every time you sing this little melody just remember, you came second AGAIN !! We all know that second place is the first LOSER !!

Here are some other versions of it by Elvis Presley, The Three Tenors (30 quid) and by the Celtic and Dipper fans......Back To Home Page

What's Hot In Brazil Right Now ?

So what's hot in Brazil, apart from the young lady parading around in a sexy manner to our left. Not that you would have noticed her such is your love for Manchester United - yeah right !

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United

have appointed two full-time scouts in Brazil to keep tabs on the latest Samba stars.

Ferguson already has four young Brazilians on his books, with twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, plus Rodrigo Possebon joining Anderson in the Old Trafford first-team squad this season.

Now reports have emerged linking United with the 'new Ronaldinho', 18-year-old midfielder Douglas Costa, who is earning rave reviews at Gremio.

While Ferguson is refusing to comment on that specific speculation, it is no coincidence United are starting to get linked with more Brazilians.

"We have invested in two full-time scouts in Brazil, it is a country you should pay attention to. Historically, it has always been a country that produces fantastic footballers and players who can play in big games all the time. They have ability and enthusiasm."

While it may seem odd to cast the youth net so wide, Ferguson feels he is only following a trend that brought Sir Bobby Charlton down from the north-east in the 1950s and George Best across from Northern Ireland a decade later.

"It goes in cycles, the north-east used to be a great hunting ground for scouts for many years. We had a spell in 1993. France had a great spell and are still producing some fantastic young players. Our scouts go to games and might get seen. It doesn't mean we are signing anyone."

Maybe if there are no players available he should import 24 of these delightful girls to entertain the guys at half time while we girls all meet up for a gossip by the Tea and Burger van.....Back To Home Page

Frazier Campbell Appears Happy With Loan Move From Manchester United To Spurs

When Manchester United suddenly threw Frazier Campbell into the formula for the Dimitar Berbatov transfer deal I actully felt quite sorry for him. As well as feeling sorry for Phil Brown, manager of Hull City.

I felt Campbell might see this as a situation in which he was 'used' and 'abused' by United to get their man [Berbatov]. Phil Brown had also had Campbell on loan as Spurs do now. Frazier was instrumental in getting Hull into the Premiership and Brown offered £500,000 for him, a bit cheeky. He later raised his bid to £2m and eventually to £5m he rated him that highly. Suddenly to have the rug pulled out from under his feet as United traded him off against Berbatov.

But it seems Campbell is happy with his move and is looking forward to the challenge of getting a regular first team spot at White Hart Lane. He told Setanta Sports:

“I'm enjoying myself down at Spurs, obviously we could do with a win, but I'm still settling in and I'm sure we can turn it around. The next thing for me is to try to break into the first team, hold down a consistent position and hopefully score some goals for the team.”.....Back To Home Page

Rooney Says He Is On His Best Form Ever For England

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney had an interview with Radio Five Live which was interesting. He told how he feels he is on his best form for England right now. Who can argue with that ? Four goals in his last 2 games and let's not forget his form for Manchester United either, he is currently on a run of 3 goals in 3 games. Bring on WBA !!

Rooney said: "I think it's probably the best I've ever played for England. I'm enjoying my football, getting on the ball and scoring and making goals."

England top Group Six following four wins from their opening four matches - a record-breaking start to a World Cup qualifying campaign.

Rooney's second-half double took England's qualification goals tally to 14, while the 22-year-old has six goals in his last five games for club and country.

"I'm really pleased with my goals, you try to play with a smile on your face sometimes but its hard to smile when things aren't going right. But I'm in good goalscoring form for club and country and hopefully that can continue. We've got players who can score from all areas of the pitch, it's nice to see it come together, its been a while since we've been in this form for England. He [Fabio Capello] has helped me with my finishing and we've worked a lot on that, he gives you advice on movement and where the spaces are to get into good positions. I'm looking forward to meeting up with him and working with him and improving." .....Back To Home Page

Partizan Belgrade Clear Manchester United Of Any Wrong Doing

Partizan Belgrade have denied that talented teenager Adem Ljajic has linked up with Manchester United against their will. Which is a bit of a shot in the eye for the accusers, our beloved Real Madrid. They were casting aspertions about United's approach for Adem, which has now been confirmed as bull excrement by Partizan themselves !!

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has managed to secure the midfielder on trial after being tipped off on his potential by scout Budimir Vujacic.

With the 17-year-old elaborately dubbed 'The Little Kaka' in some quarters, it was surprising that United had managed to steal a march on his many admirers by acting so swiftly. However, Partizan have insisted they did not expect him to return to Belgrade after an Under-19 international match in Northern Ireland and gave full permission to United to run the rule over the player.

Darko Gubor, the club secretary for Partizan told nogomet.com "It is not true that Ljajic went to England without permission, we have been in contact with Manchester United for some time now and Ljajic was with the international team in Britain at this moment so it was handy for him to go on trial now. We want to co-operate with Manchester United and this is only the first step. I repeat Ljajic went to Manchester with Partizan's permission and all I can say regarding his potential move to United is that he is still a very young player who is at the beginning of his career."

Ljajic, who has impressed in a right-wing role, will spend a few days with the United youth set-up after helping Serbia hammer England 4-1 in the Under-19 European Championship qualifiers in Newry on Monday night and also defeating Northern Ireland 3-1 in the competition.....Back To Home Page

Sergio Asenjo

I have heard the question asked many times by Manchester United: "Who is going to replace Edwin Van der Sar ?".

Good question too. Tomas Kusczakn doesn't seem to inspire a lot of confidence in many United fans and Ben Foster still needs more time at the top level is another opinion.

So it will come as no surprise that Manchester United are closing in on Real Valladolid goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo. AS says United are outright favourites for Asenjo and could sign the youngster as early as January.

United have had scouts watch Asenjo in games against Athletic Bilbao, Malaga and Valencia this season.....Back To Home Page

Real Madrid And Carlos Tevez - Here We Go Again

Real Madrid have now decided it is time to go after Carlos Tevez now with some limp, lame excuse that Manchester United are dithering over the deal. These so called Spanish giants are pathetic !!!

They have no ethics, no morals and they are really tedious in the way they conduct their business. Not unlike their newspapers actually, they are not averse to scraping around in the dustbins for any scraps of rubbish they can print.

United have expressed their intention to take up their option to sign the 24-year-old for £32million, but delays have left the deal in doubt. Now Real are monitoring the situation and will make their move if the English champions fail to sign Tevez before January 30, claims Madrid-based newspaper Marca, good old Marca, one story in 50 might, just might, approach reality !

Argy bargy: Carlos Tevez is fouled while on international duty for Argentina

The former West Ham striker is owned by an off-shore company and advised
by controversial Iranian agent Kia Joorabchian. Bernabeu coach Bernd Schuster wants to add attacking players after losing Robinho to Manchester City on the last transfer deadline day and also missing out on main target Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. Sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has been charged with finding a world class striker and Real could be ready to do battle with United again after the Old Trafford club won a dirty summer tug-of-war over Portugal star Ronaldo.

The Spanish champions could be encouraged by Tevez's comments that adapting to the English game has robbed him of the kind of flair he used to show when playing in South America.

‘I’m not as dangerous, I’m not as effective in the penalty area anymore. 'That is something I have lost, and I have to get that back. I used to score better goals, great goals. But something strange has happened. I think it has to do with the fact that the person up front (in England) has to do a lot more for the team than just score goals. They have to play more for the team and I think I have sacrificed myself recently with regards to that aspect.’.....Back To Home Page

Another Rooney Double Drives England To A Fourth Win From Four In World Cup Qualifier

Another double from Manchester United's Wayne Rooney fired England to a 3-1 win over Belarus as Fabio Capello's squad made it four wins out of four on the road to South Africa 2010.

Steven Gerrard's 11th-minute long-range strike had given the visitors a perfect start before Capello's men were pegged back by Pavel Sitko's deserved equaliser. But two superbly-taken strikes by Rooney settled the contest after the break and England, 4-1 winners in Croatia last month, will enjoy their winter break from competitive internationals in the knowledge that they are firmly in command of group six.

Rooney, who also hit the net twice in the 5-1 win over Kazakhstan on Saturday, has now scored five goals in his last three international outings, helping England to their best-ever start to a World Cup qualifying campaign. From the outset, Rooney was at the centre of England's best work. After having complained bitterly that he had been impeded as he stretched to reach Theo Walcott's dangerous third-minute cross, the Manchester United forward was soon clipping the ball over a defender's head before teeing up Gerrard to open the scoring.

Cutting in from the left, the Liverpool midfielder's shot was placed rather than driven, more like a pass, and it slipped past the left-hand glove of Yury Zhaunou on its way to the bottom corner of the net. It was exactly the start required by both Gerrard, who had admitted before the match that his place in Capello's starting XI was on the line, and England, but the initiative was quickly surrendered. Dmitry Molosh, who had tested David James with an early freekick, caused greater problems with another long range strike that the England goalkeeper needed two attempts to gather. Belarus's impressive left-back then set up Sitko for an edge-of-the-area drive that James deflected away.

The home side's pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute after a move that began with Zhaunou rolling the ball out of his own area. With the 22nd pass of the move, Vitayly Kutuzov played Ihar Stasevich into the box in the inside right channel. Wayne Bridge dived into an all-or-nothing challenge and the midfielder was able to cut inside and chip the ball towards the back post, where Sitko had glided away from his marker Walcott to nod past James.

The hosts deserved their equaliser but it was England who finished the opening half stronger. Heskey spurned a good chance when he directed his near-post header from an inviting Lampard corner wide and there was another example of Walcott's sometimes suspect decision making. Having broken clear of the Belarus back four, the Arsenal winger opted to shoot from a tight angle when a further touch into the box or an attempt to find Rooney in the middle might have served England's cause better.

The sense that the momentum had swung back to the visitors was confirmed five minutes after the break, when Heskey got round the back of the Belarus defence wide on the left. Pulling away from Molosh at the near post, Rooney finished off his hard-working forward partner's low cross with a deft sidefoot finish across Zhaunou.

Walcott's subdued performance saw him replaced with Shaun Wright-Phillips while Heskey made way for Peter Crouch for the final 20 minutes. But it was to be the players who started who wrapped up the victory with quarter of an hour left. Running on to Bridge's pass, Gerrard played a first-time ball into the box for Rooney, who deftly sidestepped a challenge before clipping the ball past Zhaunou. A reassuring night for Gerrard should have been capped by a second goal but after going round Zhaunou with three minutes left the Liverpool midfielder clipped what should have been a routine finish against the post.....Back To Home Page>

Should Manchester Board Up The Windows Or Will Scottish Fans Behave This Time ?

You're only as good as your last game !! So when Celtic fans 'invade' Manchester for the Champions League game against Manchester United in 2 weeks what can be expected from them ? Rangers fans are the last Scottish visitors and they left a few memories in the minds of the Manchester residents !!

Only Celtic fans with tickets are being encouraged to travel for next Tuesday's Champions League trip to Manchester United. It will be the first time an SPL side played in Manchester since Rangers were beaten in May's UEFA Cup final. Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police are desperate to avoid a repeat of the ugly scenes involving a minority of supporters following the game. Council leader Sir Richard Leese, Chief Supt Gerry Donnellan and Manchester United chief executive David Gill issued a joint statement appealing to fans on Celtic's official website.

"Manchester is looking forward to welcoming Celtic fans visiting the city for Tuesday October 21's UEFA Champions League tie with Manchester United. We're a city that's passionate about football with a proud reputation for hospitality. In return, we are sure that Celtic fans will want to uphold the great reputation of the club and its travelling supporters. Along with Celtic, we are urging supporters who do not have tickets not to travel to the city. Ticketless supporters will not be able to get into the game and facilities will not be provided for fans to watch the match elsewhere. We promise to show the greatest respect to visiting Celtic fans and are sure that they will respond in kind by helping keep our streets litter-free and abiding by local bye-laws. These laws obviously include a ban covering on-street drinking and this will be enforced."

"We have welcomed Celtic supporters to Manchester on many previous occasions with great success. We are sure next week will enjoy the same great experience. We hope you will all enjoy the match and visiting Manchester."

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "Celtic supporters have a tremendous reputation and have become renowned across Europe for the positive manner in which they travel and support the club. This was again in evidence just a few weeks ago when our supporters travelled to Villarreal in numbers and despite the result once again made friends and enjoyed a great sporting occasion. We are delighted that Celtic Football Club and Manchester United FC also enjoy such a fantastic relationship. We have met on a number of occasions previously in both competitive and friendly matches, with thousands of our supporters travelling to the city to honour such great footballing names as Bobby Charlton, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs. We are sure our fans will travel to Manchester once again with the aim of supporting the club positively as they enjoy another great meeting between two of Europe's great clubs. We would like to thank the city of Manchester in advance for hosting our club and our supporters next week."......Back To Home Page

Manchester United Legend Joins Foyle Wanderers

FORMER Northern Ireland and Manchester United legend Norman Whiteside is to join Foyle Wanderers Football Club in 2009.

The big striker has agreed terms and will join the Wanderers as guest speaker at their 30th anniversary dinner to be held in the Everglades Hotel in April next year. The Tyrone Club, who reformed in 1979, have been an ever present in North West football since and are delighted to have Norman back, who, on retiring at the young age of 26, began a long academic slog that took him to university.

Wanderers are keen the function will be as much a reunion as an anniversary when players and members alike, both past and present will get the chance to renew old acquaintances at what should be a great evening....Back To Home Page>

Park Ji-Sung Scores As South Korea Rout UAE

South Korea had a 4-1 win over the United Arab Emirates to take a share of top spot in Group B of the World Cup Qualifiers ahead of the later match between North Korea and Iran. Manchester United Star Park Ji-sung scored for South Korea.

South Korea's 4-1 win over the United Arab Emirates enabled them to take a share of top spot in Group B. With two automatic spots at the 2010 tournament in South Africa up for grabs in each of the five-team groups, the UAE is all but out of contention following three straight losses - two at home. Competition is tight in Group B, with South Korea joining Saudi Arabia and North Korea on four points.

Lee Keun-ho ran on to a through pass from Lee Young-pyo to fire past Majed Naser in the UAE goal from inside the area after 20 minutes. Park doubled the lead five minutes later, shooting fiercely into the top left corner after skipping past a defender on the edge of the penalty box. UAE pulled a goal back in the second half but Lee sealed the win with his second with 10 minutes remaining and Kwak Tae-hwi headed a late fourth.....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Waiting On The Outcome Of AIG Meeting

Manchester United are waiting on the outcome of a meeting this week of US Treasury officials where they will discuss the financial rescue of the Reds' shirts sponsors AIG - the under-fire American insurance giant.

No doubt the Anti-Glazer brigade will all be saying "I told you so" as if they could have forecast the current global financial crisis. Not that it's relevant because they tend to moan about anything and everything United do these days !! But they still stick around and make sure they are part of all the glory that comes to the club, Hmmmmmmmm.

Insiders on Wall Street are saying that it could begin moves to cancel the £14m-a-year agreement with United. However, United have already banked this season's instalment and are confident that another global Blue Chip company would be keen on replacing AIG on the shirts if the rug is whipped from under the current deal.....Back To Home Page

Robinson's Weak Attempt To Secure Zuiverloon's Allegiance

West Brom defender Paul Robinson has warned teammate Gianni Zuiverloon over interest from Manchester United. He almost makes it sound like his life will end if he joins United.

Fergie is said to be keen on the 21-year-old, but Mowbray told Midlands newspaper the Express & Star: "I hope he realises he is a young player and we have given him an opportunity to come and play in the Premier League. We have one or two players that other clubs ask me about, but selling is not the plan. The plan is to try to build a team, not to bring them in and sell them off quickly. What is the point of bringing a player in and then selling him in a year?"

Captain Robinson warned Zuiverloon that a move to a bigger club might not be beneficial at this stage of his career.

"He is 22 now and he has got a great future ahead of him – there is no doubt in my mind. I’m just hoping that the big clubs stay away and don’t take him away from us. You see a lot of young lads now go away from clubs like ours and they’re not playing. I don’t want to see the young lads do that any more until they know they can go to a big club and play week in, week out."

He actually neglected to mention that they will get paid probably twice what they will at West Brom and then they will have plenty of opportunities to go out on loan and ply their trade at a smaller club to build up their playing abilities and confidence. I think that's a much better deal then putting all your eggs in West Broms basket !! No offence to WBA by the way....Back To Home Page

Douglas Costa: Some Videos Of Manchester United Target Douglas Costa

I found these videos of Gremio youngster Douglas Costa
who has been linked quite strongly with Manchester United
this week. Take a look and enjoy !

Jamie Carragher: "I Love Sir Alex Ferguson" !!

This did make me laugh if I'm honest. A Scouser showing his undying love for Manchester United manager Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson. It came from Tribal Football so it's reality is in doubt but what the hell, it's funny.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has produced a stunner - I love Sir Alex ! Asked about his heroes, Carragher told the Sunday Times: “I don’t have heroes outside football and my family. If I had to pick a non-Liverpool or non-Everton person . . . to be honest I just love them managers. Alex Ferguson’s brilliant. I know it’s mad because he’s the Man Utd manager but if you asked who I’d like to spend two hours with, have a meal with and talk about football, it would have to be him. I love the way he tells everyone to f*** off.”...Back To Home Page

Cristiano Ronaldo Or £70m ?

If at first Real Madrid don’t succeed, they will try try and try again. That is the motto of this European footballing "giant", who, very tediously are continuing with their never ending chase for the best player in the world !! Sir Alex Ferguson did manage to hold on to his prized asset last season and all summer , but maybe the Manchester United manager may have to accept defeat next year if this latest report is to be believed.

The Independant report that Real Madrid are still sniffing around Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite talk of credit crunches and financial crisis, the Spanish club are set to lodge a £70 million bid for the player, who is clearly not against a move to the Bernabeu, having displayed a distinct lack of loyalty to United in the past few months.

Asked if he thought the possibility of signing Ronaldo still existed, Schuster said:

“Yes, I think so. I believe next year it will be a bit more difficult for his club to keep hold of him. There is hope that next year he will be with us.”

The German coach was asked if Real Madrid would again be willing to pay up to €90m (£70m) for the services of the Portugal international, as was suggested last summer, and he said:

“If you want him, then there is no other option. They are not going to let you have him for anything less. The club knows that and this year was willing to pay a very high price. Perhaps next year the price will be a bit less, but I think you have to be prepared to spend this sort of money. We have to do everything possible because it would be worth all the effort to have this player.”

Having Cristiano Ronaldo in your side will make the difference between trailing Chelsea in the Premier League and winning back-to-back titles. Do Manchester United fans expect this to be the number seven’s last season at Old Trafford, or do you think that Fergie has more tricks up his sleeve to ensure that the boy wonder remains with the champions for longer? ...Back To Home Page

Dudley Council Set To Honour Manchester United Legend Duncan Edwards

A commuter route in the Black Country is set to be named after Manchester United legend Duncan Edwards.

Edwards died on 21st February 1958 just 15 days after the Munich Air Disaster, having battled against fatal head injuries. Seven of his team mates also perished in the infamous crash.

His home town of Dudley has a statue of Edwards, who was 21 when he died, but the council is considering renaming the southern bypass Duncan Edwards Way. Dudley mayor Ray Burston said Edwards had a lasting impact on the town. Councillors are set to give the road name plans the go-ahead at a meeting this week....Back To Home Page

Rooney Bags Two As England Run Out 5-1 Winners Over Kazakhstan

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates as Kazakhstan's Alexandr Kuchma reacts with teammate Yuriy Logvinenko after scoring an own goal during their 2010 World Cup qualifying soccer match at Wembley Stadium October 11, 2008.

Wayne Rooney struck twice as England went through a stiff test before beating Kazakhstan 5-1 in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Saturday. A goalless first 52 minutes prompted restlessness from the crowd but England ultimately ran riot with a late rally.

Stand-in captain Rio Ferdinand broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute and an own goal by Alexandr Kuchma (62), two from Wayne Rooney (76 and 86) and a last-minute strike by substitute Jermain Defoe gave Fabio Capello's side their third successive win in the qualifying campaign.

It was the first time for England to score five goals in a World Cup match since Sven Goran Eriksson's side dismantled Germany on route to the 2002 World Cup finals. There was an added bonus when Group 6 rivals Ukraine and Croatia battled out a goalless draw.

Kazakhstan have now lost three games in a row following last month's defeats by Croatia and Ukraine. However, it was not a comfortable night for Capello and his side as the score line suggested. A spirited display from the visitors saw England jeered off at half-time before Capello introduced Shaun Wright-Phillips for Barry in a bid to inject some more dynamism.

Wright-Phillips had a shot turned behind for a corner and from the resulting set-piece, Ferdinand climbed highest to nod into the net.

England doubled their advantage as Kuchma headed a Frank Lampard free kick into his own net but sloppy play from Ashley Cole gifted Zhambyl Kukeyev a reply in the 68th minutes, prompting boos from the stands. Capello went to Cole's defense after the match and pleaded with fans to be more patient in future.

"I didn't like the booing, especially as it was targeted at one player, it is always possible to make a mistake and after an error has been made we need to support the player, not the opposite. I ask the crowd, when we have problems you have to help us - booing is no good for anybody." he said.

I personally wont hold my breath waiting for England fans to be fair though !!

England had to wait until 14 minutes from time to make sure of the win, with Rooney heading Brown's right-wing cross past Alexandr Mokin.

David Beckham was given his 106th cap, level with Sir Bobby Charlton, when he replaced Theo Walcott on 79 minutes, receiving the loudest ovation of the night. The former England captain proved his value as his free-kick allowed Rooney to slot in his second of the match. There was still time for a brief glimpse of Defoe, on for Rooney, collected Emile Heskey's pass and fired into fired into the far corner to add gloss to the score line....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Chief Executive On The 2018 World Cup Board

The Football Association has confirmed Manchester United chief executive David Gill and Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney will both be on Lord Triesman's England 2018 World Cup Limited executive board.

With world governing body FIFA expected to announce the timetable and bidding process to host the 2018 World Cup this month, the FA are fine-tuning the structure of their dedicated board. As voices from within football, Gill and Mawhinney have been earmarked as Triesman's deputy chairmen on the board, with Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe the Government representative...Back To Home Page

Gianni Zuiverloon Anybody ?

Speaking on the West Brom website Chris Brunt has been heaping praise on their new Dutch arrival Gianni Zuiverloon. The Dutchman is interesting Manchester United and Brunt told his club's website:

"Gianni's a top player. The gaffer has done really well to get him to West Brom. He looks more than capable in the Premier League and hopefully he can keep playing like that because he's been a big player for us so far. If he can keep playing like that all season, we've got a top player on our hands. It's a credit to him that he's kept some of the best left-wingers in the Premier League quiet. He works hard in training and he's shown in every game he's played since he's been here what a good player he is. If he keeps playing like that, £3.2million will look like a bargain for him."

ANOTHER Manchester United target I know. At this rate we will have a squad of 236 players and a wage bill twice the size of the Icelandic national debt. Well, probably not that big given recent events but you get my drift....Back To Home Page

Chelsea Considering Suing Manchester United For The Obi Mikel Transfer Fee

Chelsea may take legal action against Manchester United over the fee they paid for John Obi Mikel.

The Sunday Times says Chelsea are considering suing United for the £12 million they received in payment for Obi Mikel after issuing a £16 million High Court writ yesterday against Lyn Oslo and Morgan Andersen, their former chief executive.

Chelsea accept that the Norwegian club are in no position to return the Nigeria midfield player’s full transfer value and are likely to accept a much lower settlement out of court, but that would not stop them pursuing United for the remainder of the transfer fee. The Blues are wary of reopening the wounds of a bitter transfer dispute 3½ years ago, when Mikel disappeared amid allegations of kidnapping, intimidation and fraud, but feel obliged to pursue it on a matter of principle.

I've heard some outrageous things in my time but this verges on the bizarre. Chelsea wanted to sign Mikel as did Manchester United. United stepped in and paid £12.5m for him and that was that, deal done. Then Chelsea began stamping their feet saying United had cheated them out of a deal already made so United said "OK, have him..........for £16m" to which Chelsea agreed. Everyone had been paid, job done. So how can United owe Chelsea £16m ? ...Back To Home Page

Wigan Chairman Whelan Knows Man Utd Coming For Valencia

Manchester United are planning an £11 million bid for Wigan Athletic winger Luis Antonio Valencia in January. The Daily Star Sunday says Latics chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that the Ecuador international is on Manchester United's radar – because they have sent spies to watch him a few times.

And knowing Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have liked what they have seen, the sports retail tycoon is bracing himself for a bid. Even though he says he will do everything he can to keep Valencia at the JJB, Whelan admits the lure of potential silverware will be strong.

“I know Man United have been watching him, if you’re a professional footballer you want to win things, I understand that. That’s football. We’ve got some fantastic young players here and we’re going to get some clubs chasing them. The goal from Valencia against Man City was stunning.” ...Back To Home Page

Manchester United Watch Douglas Costa

Manchester United are serious about their pursuit of Gremio attacking midfielder Douglas Costa.

The News of the Word says Manchester United are deadly serious about capturing 18-year-old attacking midfielder Costa, who is also on the hitlist of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

And after signing a new contract with his club Gremio, Costa’s fee would be around £20million.

United are assembling a strong Brazilian contingent and Costa would be joining compatriots Anderson, Rodrigo Possebon and the Da Silva twins, Rafael and Fabio. Apparently, this week, Jaap Stam was seen in and around the Gremio stadium and has been watching Costa closely. Of course, Stam is now working as a scout for United in South America, or so the rumours would have us believe. It seems rather odd United have shown interest in Costa and Stam turns up to watch him at the same time.

I have no idea who Costa is, but if I get any details I shall of course pass them on because I am nice like that.....Back To Home Page

Bernd Schuster Is At It Again !

The Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has opened up old wounds again, or else he is just taunting Manchester United by reopening the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga. Schuster has revealed his hope that Ronaldo will be a Madrid player next season following his club's failure to land the Portugal international during a summer tug-of-war with Ronaldo in the middle.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson successfully persuaded the winger that his future remained in England despite Ronaldo himself responding to the public courtship of Madrid by admitting he was keen to move to Spain. Ferguson has already spoken of his belief the Spanish giants will renew their interest in the former Sporting Lisbon starlet next summer.

However, Schuster has not only confirmed his side's interest, but claims it is likely that Ronaldo will finally become a Madrid player before the next season gets underway.

"I think that next year it is going to be a little more complicated for his club to retain him," he said. There is hope that next year he could be with us. You need to do everything possible because this player is worth it. Since the start I thought it was possible to sign him although difficult - possible because the player really showed an interest. His class, his position on the right wing and in other areas of the pitch, his work in attack, he would have been an important signing."

Surely Schuster realises that no matter how big Real Madrid consider themselves, Ronaldo is NOT for sale until Fergie says so !! Back To Home Page>

Rio Derides The Boo Boys

England's stand-in captain, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, believes the supporters that booed Ashley Cole at Wembley on Saturday should feel 'ashamed' by their actions. I agree with him too. Just a single mistake from Cashley Cole and they were on him like a pack of dogs !! What is wrong with these people ??

Cole was victim of a chorus of boos from sections of the home fans after his error allowed the visitors to pull a goal back in the Group 6 World Cup qualifier. Although I am no fan of the Chelsea full-back I don't think he deserved this and I don't think it served any purpose but the England fans obviously think differently. Zhambyl Kukeyev pounced on his error and scored on 68 minutes, before England regained their focus and made sure of the three points in the latter stages.

Ferdinand, who skippered the side in the absence of John Terry and opened the scoring, was disappointed by the verbal criticism directed at Cole, and hopes that it will not happen again in the future. He told Sky Sports: "It leaves a sour taste in your mouth, but I would like to think the majority of fans were the ones applauding him and trying to boost his confidence. I am sure the people who booed him will probably go home and, on reflection, maybe feel a little bit ashamed of themselves and hopefully won't do it again."

Frank Lampard defended him, obviously, being team mates: "It is a negative because, if I am honest, at the moment I think Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the world." Dream on Frank, what about Evra ?

Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe, who came off the bench to score England's fifth, also leapt to the defence of Cole: "I was very surprised. Ashley for me is one of the best full-backs in the world. He has been so consistent for a number of years. It was a little bit harsh."

This is the England fans for you though !! Back To Home Page

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney Not Happy With His 47 Caps For England

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is disappointed to only have 46 caps for England.

The Manchester United star is actually earning cap number 47 as I write this, at half time during the Kazakhstan game. In his defence he has had more than his fair share of suspensions and injuries which have held him back slightly. But at the age of just 22 even 47 is a good total.

Rooney told The Mirror: "I am quite disappointed with my caps total, I have missed games through suspension and injury when, if all had gone well, I might have had 60. I definitely feel I should have more than my current total."

I'm positive he'll go on to make 100 !! .....Back To Home Page

Manchester United Winger Cleverley Is After A Loan Move

Manchester United winger Tom Cleverley
hopes to make a loan move away this season.

In his blog for manutd.com, Cleverley said: "On a
personal level, my confidence is high and I want
to carry on producing good performances for the
reserves. Hopefully my chance will come in the
first team in the Carling Cup and maybe I’ll go on
a loan spell somewhere to keep progressing in my
career."

Loan moves are good for players at this stage of
their careers, they get much needed experience and
I say, if it is good enough for David Beckham it's
good enough for others too. Beckham spent quite
some time on loan at Preston North End....Back To Home Page

Jaap Stam Signs For Manchester United !!

Jaap Stam has reportedly made a
sensational return to Manchester
United Football Club.

The former Dutch international defender
had a well-publicised bust-up with Sir
Alex Ferguson, after he criticised the
Scot in his autobiography ‘Head-to-Head’.

Ferguson has since revealed he regrets
letting the former PSV Eindhoven star
leave the club, but the Daily Mail claims
the retired Stam is now back at United
as a scout.

The 36-year-old was spotted in Brazil
watching some youngsters United have
expressed an interest in, and the Daily
Mail claims he was there on behalf of
the European champions.

Would you believe it ? It's just a pity the
argument was not settled when Stam was
at United because he was certainly one of
the best defenders we ever had...Back To Home Page

Darren Fletcher Captains Scotland Against Norway For World cup Qualifier

Manchester United fans will be keeping an eye out for Darren Fletcher and Scotland as the World Cup qualifiers are played today. This is the fourth time he has captained his country and remember, the other three were during that remarkable run of games when they all but qualified for Euro 2008 beating some big names on the way !!

Fletcher can draw on some of the experience he has gained playing with some big names at Manchester United. However, the 24-year-old is also determined to make his own mark as he attempts to take the Scots another step closer to South Africa.

Fletcher told Sky Sports: "There are a number of experienced players at our club and in the international team as well - but especially at the club because you are with them day in day out. We've got a lot of experienced players who have won a lot of things and you learn different things from different types of characters. But I'll be my own man and I'll enjoy it on Saturday. I'll go out there and give it my best and get the team up for the game and try to lead by example. If anything goes wrong on the pitch, sometimes you have to take responsibility and maybe change something. It's hard sometimes, the manager can obviously change things but, as a captain, if you see something going wrong then, on the pitch, you have to take that responsibility."

Being captain does bring some pressure with it but Fletcher is used to pressure having played at Manchester United for a number of years now.

"Maybe people do expect more but it's not a problem to me, it will give me a challenge to raise my game and answer those calls. It's something I look forward to. Playing for Manchester United, sometimes these expectations do come but you have to deal with that every week at Manchester United and it's no different with Scotland. The Scotland fans expect a lot from us and rightly so because we have been progressing over the last couple of years and we're looking to get to the next stage, which is qualifying for a major competition. The fans, the squad, the manager all want that to happen."

Scotland collected three points from their first two Group 9 games after following up a defeat to Macedonia with a victory over Iceland, and Fletcher is targeting three points against Norway.

"They are all massive games, they are all must-wins, if we don't win the game, the group is not over and there is still a lot to play for. But we want to win every game we play in and it's no different on Saturday against Norway. We will have a full Hampden and all the boys are thinking about one thing: winning the match.".....Back To Home Page

Jack Sampson Being Pursued By Both City And United

Manchester United and Manchester City are leading the chase for Bolton starlet Jack Sampson, according to a Sky Sports report. The 15-year-old striker - who stands over 6ft - is one of the brightest prospects in English football and a host of clubs are battling to land him.

Bolton are obviously keen to keep their home-grown star, but it now seems Sampson is set to depart The Reebok Stadium. Sampson is not due to leave school until next summer, but his future is set to be decided over the next few weeks. City have been leading the chase for Sampson and have been monitoring him for more than a year, although they are not the only top-flight club keen to secure his services.

Manchester United have also entered the chase and are ready to offer Sampson the chance of a move to Old Trafford and are hopeful of beating their city rivals to the England youth international. Tottenham and Newcastle are also attempting to land Sampson, who will soon decide on where he will begin his professional career....Back To Home Page

Neville And Neville To Play For England Again ?

Phil Neville is hopeful that both he and his brother Gary will win their way back into the England squad. Everton skipper Phil and Manchester United defender Gary have yet to be called on by Fabio Capello since the Italian's appointment as Steve McClaren's successor last December.

United's Gary Neville has only recently returned from a long-term injury which kept him on the sidelines for over a year, while Phil has been overlooked by Capello. Neville jnr is not worrying about the situation and remains confident he and his brother can play their way into Capello's plans.

Speaking in the Sun newspaper he said: "I'm not unduly panicking because under Sven I was out of the squad for eight or nine months after the World Cup in Japan. It's down to me to convince the new manager I'm worthy of a place in the squad. And I expect Gary to be back in for sure because he is the best right-back in England. But back in or not, I will be supporting England. I'm very patriotic and love my country - if we ever won a major competition it would be absolutely crazy.".....Back To Home Page

Jonny Evans Doubtful For Northern Ireland's World Cup Qualifier

Jonny Evans is doubtful for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying game against Slovenia on Saturday.
The Manchester United defender is suffering from a virus and did not travel with the squad on Wednesday.

Evans may yet join up with the rest of the panel and manager Nigel Worthington is monitoring his situation.Goalkeeper Maik Taylor has a bout of flu and has not trained with the squad but did travel to Slovenia and is confident that he will be fit to play.

"Maik has had the flu for a few days now but should be ok," said the Northern Ireland manager."I spoke to Jonny on Wednesday morning and he still doesn't feel great but I'm hoping he will fly out and join us before Saturday's game. In an ideal world, we would like him to be out with us on Wednesday night but we will have to see how he feels."

Evans' absence would be a huge blow to Northern Ireland as he has earned rave reviews for his recent performances in an international shirt, most particularly against the Czech Republic last month.....Back To Home Page

Slim Hope For West Ham In The Carlos Tevez Affair

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has offered hope to West Ham's appeal against a tribunal decision ordering compensation to Sheffield United. Sheffield United were relegated in 2006/07 and a tribunal ruled West Ham broke Premier League rules to sign Carlos Tevez, now with Manchester United who had a key role in keeping them up.

It all stemmed around the fact that Kia Joorabchiamclaimed to 'own' Tevez and West Ham were 'renting' him, a system the FA don't want any part of and have decided it was unlawful for this to have happened. Now the CAS is to hold a preliminary hearing today, 10th Oct 2008 to decide if there is any case to be heard at all.

West Ham have already appointed an arbitrator and submitted a 12-page legal document to CAS which argues that they haven't had the chance of appeal. West Ham are desperate to avoid such a large payout as they face now, believed to be around £30m given the current financial climate and the fact their Icelandic owners are on the point of bankruptcy anyway.

West Ham are saying they are not affected by the Icelandic bank situation and are dressing matters up as business as normal, despite admitting players must be sold before they can buy, they are saying manager Gianfranco Zola always intended to trim the squad.

These are difficult times for football clubs in general and West Ham certainly don't want to have pay out what could be up to £30m for something that happened two years ago....Back To Home Page

Van der Sar Insists After Norway Game "It Really Is All Over"

Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has reiterated that his decision to come out of international retirement is a 'one-off'. The Manchester United player had called an end to representing his nation following their quarter-final exit at Euro 2008.

However, with Holland suffering a major crisis with injuries to both their first and second keeper, Van der Sar answered manager Bert van Marwijk's call for help.

At the age of 37 Van der Sar, who has 128 caps to his name, is now poised to represent The Netherlands in their back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Norway.

He said on Uefa.com: "It was hard to say no. I have been part of this team for a long time. I have always had a sense of responsibility. I do not only think about my own interest, but always have an eye on the team's interest. I was surprised. I had not expected to be back, though I did not want to desert the team. But that does not mean I will do the same again next time. Bert said it would be a one-off. Two matches, and that's it. After Norway it really is over."

Well, until they have another crisis I think. He's too kind for his own good I think. If you make a decision it's much better to stick to it. Having said that, showing allegiance to your country like he has is a good thing.....Back To Home Page

AIG Still On The Brink Of Collapse But Glazers Insist All Is Well

Manchester United's American owners insist the club will not be affected by the credit crunch. The financial meltdown currently affecting the global economy has already begun to infiltrate the football world, with clubs feeling the pinch after years of over-spending. Billionaire chiefs such as Chelsea's Roman Abramovich and Manchester City's Abu Dhabi United Group can handle the cash catastrophe, but there were fears that United may struggle.

The club remains £660million in debt following the Glazers' 2005 takeover, but continue to generate enormous revenue around the world. A refinancing package in 2006 has helped the club to manage their debt and a spokesman for the Glazer family has played down concerns regarding the club's financial health.

Growth

"The credit crunch is not having a negative bearing on United," they said. "We continue to benefit from the sell-out of Old Trafford and the growth in commercial operations. We refinanced back in 2006 and that structure provides long-term stability. The debt continues to be comfortably serviced by the club's strong growth in cash flow."

United's shirt sponsors, AIG, have been hit by the credit crunch in the States, with their future remaining unclear. In fact, having received a loan of $85 Billion recently, they were granted a further $38 Billion only yesterday to keep them afloat. However, United insist the £14million-a-year deal with the American Insurance Group represents only a small percentage of their revenue stream.

Manchester United remain confident that they could strike a lucrative deal elsewhere should the AIG contract fall through, while they have recently struck a commercial deal with Saudi Telecom and extended their link with Budweiser...Back To Home Page.

Coach Giggs ?

Bryan Robson believes Ryan Giggs would be ideally suited to a coaching role at Manchester United. Giggs is now 34, having been at Old Trafford for 18 years and his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson may offer Giggs a one-year extension in the New Year but Robson expects him to have a future at the club even after he hangs up his boots. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is currently working as a coach with the reserves and Robson has backed Giggs to follow the Norwegian's lead.

Robbo said: "It wouldn't surprise me if he was offered a coaching job there, he's done a couple of training badges and Sir Alex is encouraging that sort of system at the moment at United."

Determined

"Ryan is a determined character so it wouldn't surprise me if they did offer him a role somewhere along the line as coach. He's definitely got the personal qualities to do the job and he's Manchester United through and through. With his record at United and the way he grew up with the club, he'll have no problems with doing that job."

Giggs has been used sparingly this season but Robson has been impressed by his performances and does not think his playing career is drawing to a close just yet.

"Ryan deserves a new contract the way he has started this season. He's only played a few games but when he has played he's been really sharp and bright about his game. When I have been in to see them at training he's been looking really good so it doesn't really surprise me that United are talking about offering him a new deal."

Back To Home Page

So It's Between Chel$ki, The Bindippers And United Now ?

The Arse are up against it this year. According
to history in fact, us Manchester United fans
can write them off completely now. Which
sounds good to me but is it true ?

Well these stats suggest that Arsene Wenger might as
well raise the white flag now:

In each of the three seasons that Arsenal won the
Premier League, and in their near miss last year, they
were in the top two after seven games.

In two of their title winning seasons, as well as last year,
Arsenal went unbeaten through the first twelve games.

The last time Arsenal lost more than one of their first eight
games - 2005/06 - they finished fourth, 24 points off the
champions Chelsea.

Just one of the teams Arsenal have faced this season were
in the top half last year, compared to four of Chelsea, Man
United and Liverpool’s first seven opponents.

Using the previous play-off winners Derby in place of Hull
and last year’s 18th-placed side Reading in place of West
Brom, Arsenal took nineteen points from the equivalent
seven fixtures last season, compared to thirteen this year.

Arsenal started last season in blistering form and it wasn’t
until rain-sodden February that the cracks emerged in their
title challenge. With the fixture list giving them a helping
hand, everything was in place for another explosive start
this year but after losing at home to Hull last week and
escaping the Stadium of Light with a lucky point last week-
end, the Gunners could end the week as low as sixth, with
Manchester United poised to overtake with their game in
hand.

So are Arsenal out of the running already or are they just
doing things the hard way this season ?