Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[chickenzip]

Originally Posted by Castrol

i dont think owen will leave newcastle, he has some paying back to do.

he is one of my most fav england player...though he is a former kop...i realli hope he could join Manu and like u said, do some payback...

[Theme1]

Where the big four will look to spend;Football;Window watch
Oliver Kay, Matt Hughes

* MANCHESTER UNITED

What they want

Owen Hargreaves and perhaps two or three others (Oliver Kay writes). Hargreaves has been the priority since last summer and the spineless nature of their defeat by AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final has only increased Sir Alex Ferguson's desire to sign the tough-tackling midfield player, with talks resuming with Bayern Munich this week. Ideally, Ferguson also wants a top-class centre forward, a young full back or two and a left winger who can eventually replace Ryan Giggs.

What they need

To strengthen the weak (or weakening) links in their squad. Most obviously a destructive midfield player in the Hargreaves mould and a centre forward to ease the goalscoring burden on Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Ferguson, though, is equally aware that time may soon start catching up on Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Giggs. Neville's contribution over the past two seasons has been hampered by injury, which may be one reason why rumours persist of a bid for Micah Richards, of Manchester City.

Targets

Whether realistic or not, Dimitar Berbatov is attracting covetous glances after an impressive season with Tottenham Hotspur, putting him ahead of Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Ajax) and Michael Owen on Ferguson's wanted list. Nani, Ronaldo's successor at Sporting Lisbon, is a contender for the left-wing berth. Gareth Bale, Southampton's young left back, is a target, but not a priority.

Budget

Only the Glazers can answer that. The Americans allow for a net annual transfer budget of Pounds 25 million, but Ferguson has not got close to that over the past two summers, never mind seeing the extra Pounds 25 million reserved for a "superstar" signing. After a season that may prove to be the most successful in the club's history in financial terms, will they give Ferguson Pounds 50 million-plus or will they look only to reduce their interest payments?

Departures

Only months after signing a new long-term contract, Louis Saha's relationship with Ferguson is suffering, with the France forward's mental (as much as physical) fragility infuriating the manager in recent weeks. Gabriel Heinze or Mikael Silvestre may also be allowed to leave. Youngsters such as Phil Bardsley and Chris Eagles may be sold with a view to creating opportunities for even younger players, such as Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart and Darron Gibson.

[qbdp]

Originally Posted by Castrol

i dont think owen will leave newcastle, he has some paying back to do.

In modern football, it's very difficult to find loyal footballers and possibly players with gratitude. It's the medals, glamour and especially fat pay-checks that they prefer. Any teams that can offer these have a chance of signing them.

I think if Owen can prove his injuries are behind him then he is definitely a player worth having at Old Trafford, if the price is right.

[qbdp]

Eto'o is top Fergie target
Last updated at 07:34am on 9th May 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson has identified Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o as Manchester United’s No 1 summer transfer target.

The United boss has said he hopes to make three major signings to strengthen the new Premier League champions and Sportsmail understands the first steps have already been taken to sign Cameroon striker Eto’o, 26, for around £27million.

Pini Zahavi, the Israeli super agent whose son Alex is a youth team striker at Barcelona, is being enlisted to try to complete the deal, while Eto’o’s friendship with Rio Ferdinand — who interestingly is a client of Zahavi’s — is also thought to be a factor in United’s favour.

Only this week Ferguson talked of adding pace to his attack — and few are quicker than Eto’o.

"When you’re building a team you need to think about balance," said Ferguson as he talked of his plans for a season he hopes will end with that elusive second European Cup.

"Speed is important to us. At the moment that’s what we’re looking at. Whether we can get more speed."

Eto’o has been unsettled at the Nou Camp since a fall-out with manager Frank Rijkaard and team-mate Ronaldinho in February.

The three-times African Player of the Year had just returned after missing four months with a knee injury when Rijkaard accused him publicly of refusing to play as a substitute against Santander.

Furious Eto’o said: "Telling a news conference I didn’t want to play is the behaviour of a bad person."

Adding that he had not had time to warm up, he said: "I have always thought about the group first. That is what hurt me most."

When Ronaldinho suggested Eto’o was inconsiderate to team-mates, the Cameroon striker said: "If a team-mate says that you must think of the team, it’s up to him to think of the team."

Competition for a striker who has scored 10 goals in his last 14 appearances for Barcelona is sure to be strong. Chelsea have also expressed an interest — as have AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal.

According to sources, Eto’o has already indicated that a move to Old Trafford would appeal to him.

If Ferguson is successful, he will have spent most of his £50m summer transfer budget on two players, with Bayern Munich likely to want £20m for their England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The Germans desperately need funds for a major overhaul of their faltering squad and supremo Franz Beckenbauer said: "We have to build a new team. It will come at a high price and we have to find ways of paying it."

[CibLover]

Mourinho apologises to his countryman.
================================================== ======

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has contacted Ronaldo to say sorry for claiming he was ill-educated and lacking maturity.

Ronaldo revealed: “Mourinho has apologised to me and now I have no problem with him.

“I am pleased that this has happened. As far as I am concerned the whole thing is now in the past.”

[chickenzip]

Terry to lead guard of honour for United

Chelsea captain John Terry is ready to give Manchester United a guard of honour as champions even though he knows it will be hard to stomach.

The Blues were shown similar respect when they won the title and Terry knows it was a difficult thing to do for some of United's players.

After Chelsea's failure to beat Arsenal on Sunday, United will arrive at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as champions and Terry is ready to return the compliment.

He declared: 'The manager has said already they will get the guard of honour which they did to us at Old Trafford.



Sir Alex Ferguson - the master of the master

When Chelsea won the EPL title in 2004, SAF famously ordered his players to give Chelsea the guard of honours, and I believe this was not done without reason.

I strongly believe it was yet another master stroke from the master to remind his players the "losing & humilating" feelings they were going to get.

I'm sure that had instilled a great sense of determination into the players to try to wrestle the title back to Old Trafford.

By Chelsea returning the "favour" this year, you can assure yet another furiously fight for title between the blues and the devils next season.

[Castrol]

Originally Posted by qbdp

In modern football, it's very difficult to find loyal footballers and possibly players with gratitude. It's the medals, glamour and especially fat pay-checks that they prefer. Any teams that can offer these have a chance of signing them.

quite true, like ronaldo who left inter milan for real madrid right after inter nursed his broken knee to recovery after a long lay off.

[epsilon]

£9m Owen tempts Reds
Wed, May 09 2007 11:49

Newcastle could be ready to offload Michael Owen to Manchester United, settling for half the fee that was paid for him.
Owen is believed to be a target for Sir Alex Ferguson this summer, who could take advantage of a clause in the player's contract that will make him one of the summer's best bargains at £9m.

Newcastle are still in dispute over who pays Owen's wages following his World Cup injury, which has brought to light that the 27-year-old is on £110,000-a-week.

Former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, set to take over at St James's Park this summer, is not keen on wage disparity among his squad and appears ready to sanction Owen's departure.

Ferguson admitted he spoke to Big Sam last week and the name of Owen could have cropped up in their conversation as the Premiership champions target a frontman capable of delivering 20 goals.

Ferguson has already explored the possibility of signing the player widely regarded to be his first choice - Dimitar Berbatov but, having agreed a deal of up to £18.6m for Michael Carrick last year, has been told that Tottenham Hotspur will price the Bulgarian international out the market.

Owen would be a more than capable stop-gap and has already proved to be a better strike partner to Wayne Rooney than either Ruud van Nistelrooy or Louis Saha because he is always looking to make the run in behind.

The clause in his Newcastle contract means that he will be able to leave the north-east for much less than the £17m paid for him two years ago.

[epsilon]

United in for 'new Kaka'
Wed, May 09 2007 15:37

Man Utd have contacted Flamengo over teenage midfield star Renato Augusto - dubbed 'the new Kaka' - according to reports in Brazil.
Flamengo chairman Kleber Leite has confirmed to Globo that United have made a 'proposal' for the 19-year-old - currently the hottest property in Rio.

Renato Augusto plays with an old head on young shoulders, linking the midfield with attack and showing classic Brazilian technique.

"He will become the new Kaka in Europe, for whoever signs him," said Renato's Flamengo coach, Nery Franco, who blooded him in the first-team as a 17-year-old.

But the Copacabana kid is in no rush to leave Rio for Europe and says he has a lot to learn before he can justify comparisons to AC Milan's star player.

"For now I want to stay here. I have still a lot of work to do to be compared with Kaka," he said.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also closely monitoring him and are set to enter the bidding once Flamengo indicate that they are ready to sell.

But Renato is still uncapped by the national team, which would hinder a work permit application to play in the Premiership - leaving United to get creative with their proposal - which could involve Portuguese partner club Sporting.

[Theme1]

Sporting Lisbon starlet Nani wants to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps and join Manchester United.

Nani, who has been likened to United star Ronaldo, will snub interest from clubs across Europe in order to achieve his dream move to Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson is an admirer of the 20-year-old and is thought to be ready to trigger a £17.5million clause in Nani's contract.

Nani came through the same youth system as Ronaldo at Sporting and wants to join his friend in the Premiership.

The Portuguese youngster is determined to make the move to United and has snubbed the opportunity to sign for Atletico Madrid.

"I'll only leave Portugal to play for a club like United," Nani told the Daily Mirror.

"The Premiership is spectacular and to be the next Cristiano would be a dream."

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by epsilon

£9m Owen tempts Reds
Newcastle could be ready to offload Michael Owen to Manchester United, settling for half the fee that was paid for him.
Owen is believed to be a target for Sir Alex Ferguson this summer, who could take advantage of a clause in the player's contract that will make him one of the summer's best bargains at £9m.

Will Owen have the balls to wear United's Red after serving the Kop?
This is interesting.

[chickenzip]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

Will Owen have the balls to wear United's Red after serving the Kop?
This is interesting.

well...the kops sold him to Real first...and rejected him again before Newcastle bought him over...he should not feel any pressure to play for ManU.

[epsilon]

Chelsea v United: Player ratings
Stuart Mathieson
10/ 5/2007

Kuszczak: Was in the wars a few times but stood up strongly apart from almost blowing it with late blunder 6

Lee: The Tameside youngster made a steady Premiership start and Chelsea could never expose him as a potential weak link 6

O'Shea: Been all over the place during the run-in and was again unflustered at centre back 6

Brown: Got his head on everything in the penalty area to deny the Londoners 8

Heinze: Threw himself into the fray as usual paying little attention to possible Cup Final injury threat 6

Eagles: Didn't really get change out of Bridge but showed his tenacity 6

Fletcher: Workrate couldn't be faulted as ever but he was unable to provide the defence-splitting flair 6

Solskjaer: The Norwegian didn't really make much of an impact 5

Richardson: Didn't make much of a midfield impact but improved at left back 5

Dong: Tough ask against Terry and Essien and it was a struggle but he never gave in 6

Smith: Once again it was his never-say-die endeavour that stood out more than anything else 6

Subs:

Carrick (sub Heinze 65) Quiet cameo 5

Rooney (sub Dong 73) Nothing to get teeth into

Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Scholes not used

Chelsea: Cudicini, Makelele, Essien, Mikel (J Cole 45), Bridge, Diarra (Morais 88), Ferreira, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Terry, Sinclair (Sahar 54)

Bookings:

Chelsea: Mikel (21), Diarra (51), Essien (56)

United: Heinze (21), Lee (45), Brown (46)

Referee: Graham Poll - Made a meal of some things 6

Attendance: 41,794

[epsilon]

Eagles flying high

Chris Eagles admits he never wanted Wednesday night to end, after the 21-year-old made his first league start for United in the Reds' 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

His selection in Sir Alex's starting XI ended a six-year wait in which the midfielder has been knocking on the first-team door for some time.

"I've been waiting for this since I became a professional at 17," Eagles said. "To make my full 90-minute debut at Stamford Bridge and play well was unbelievable.

"The lads have been brilliant. Sometimes it can be hard for a young player coming into a senior team, particularly in these circumstances when they've got an FA Cup final coming up. But they've been brilliant – the whole day's been brilliant – and I never wanted it to end.

"You learn stuff off people like Scholesy, Giggsy, Ronaldo and Rooney every day in training. And you learn from playing against the likes of Joe Cole and John Terry. The whole day's been special."

Eagles admits the experience was enhanced by the appearance of Joe Cole on the pitch at half-time. London-born Eagles joined Manchester United as a 13-year-old but has fond memories of watching Cole as a teenager.

"I've always looked up to Cole, ever since I was a youngster," Eagles revealed. "We both used to play for London Schools. I was nine when he was 15 or 16 and I used to watch him. He was a good player then.

"I've always admired him so when he came on it was another proud moment for me because he's always been one of my idols."

The pair exchanged shirts after the game and Eagles said he hopes Cole "will save mine, like I'll save his".

Eagles drew praise from the United manager for his part in Wednesday's draw. Sir Alex said the 21-year-old was one of the team's best performers and emphasised his impressive work-rate.

"I think Chris has shown he's got the temperament to play. He does work very hard at his game and he's one of the lads who goes out and practises in the afternoons. You get the rewards of that and there are great dividends. The dividend for Chris Eagles tonight is that I wouldn't be afraid to play him any time."

[epsilon]

Big guns back for Sunday

Sir Alex Ferguson may have rested a raft of players for the midweek dead rubber against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but he will name a full strength team to face West Ham on Sunday.

The Reds are looking to celebrate before lifting the Premiership trophy with victory over the Hammers, but more than that Sir Alex does not want to give an unfair advantage to any team in the relegation fight by fielding a weakened team.

"We have to respect the position of the other teams at the bottom," he says. "Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job at Wigan, as has Neil Warnock at Sheffield United. So I cannot be putting a team on the pitch that disrespects those teams.

"We also have our own reputation to think about, so although I am a great friend of Alan Curbishley, he understands the position I am in and knows I will be playing my strongest team on Sunday."

Against Chelsea the United manager made eight changes to the side that beat Manchester City 1-0, handing a first league starts to Kieran Lee and Chris Eagles, and a club debut to Dong Fangzhuo.

Sir Alex looks set to recall a host of regular first-team players for the match against the Hammers, who are in a three-way battle with Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic to avoid relegation.

Curbishley’s men need either a point on Sunday, or the Blades to win or draw against Wigan at Bramall Lane to guarantee their survival. But it may come down to goal difference if Wigan win and the Hammers are defeated, which would put all three clubs level on 38 points.