Manchester United Forum

[Ch3tah_39]

who is link wit man utd now???
dun tell me again, man utd not playing players...

[StormTrooper]

Originally posted by stipe
not a flaming thread... but i honestly do think that gary neville speaks too much for his own good... i feel that he has the tendency to give unwarranted interviews that sometimes has contrary effects to what is originally intended...

i feel that united players should only have one captain voicing their view and i tend to side with keano.

agree......sometimes, neville still talks so loud after a poor performance........really not paiseh at all =p

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by stipe
not a flaming thread... but i honestly do think that gary neville speaks too much for his own good... i feel that he has the tendency to give unwarranted interviews that sometimes has contrary effects to what is originally intended...

i feel that united players should only have one captain voicing their view and i tend to side with keano.

:laugh:
Gary Neville always dig into scousers :D

[RuMmYtUb]

Jan 3 - Manchester United winger Christiano Ronaldo has been sent home to Portugal for a three-week winter break. Ronaldo, at £12million was United's most expensive signing last summer and the club's biggest investment since the £30m deal for defender Rio Ferdinand 18 months ago.

But the 18-year-old former Sporting Lisbon player has found the Premiership an exacting environment and United manager Alex Ferguson decided to send him away until mid-January.


Ferguson has always said he would rest Ronaldo, but his decision to effectively grant him leave will surprise United supporters who saw him contribute one of his most effective performances in the Boxing Day victory over Everton at Old Trafford.


Ferguson said: "Young Ronaldo has gone home to Portugal for a while. It was always my plan to rest him. I think he has been excellent for us this season, but we must be careful with him. He will come back rejuvenated and I am sure he will have a part to play for the rest of the season."


The fact United feel they can release Ronaldo says everything about their form. Also, Ferguson is about to welcome back key personnel from injury. Defender Wes Brown will be on the bench for tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Aston Villa and striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to figure for the reserves shortly.


United have not reached the FA Cup final since 1999 and Ferguson declared: "Maybe it's time to change things."


Our wonderkid Cristiano Ronaldo (http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=43477&seg=EPL&teamid=)

[StormTrooper]

glad ronaldo is well taken care of. he still has many years ahead of him.

[NanDesKa]

Originally posted by StormTrooper
glad ronaldo is well taken care of. he still has many years ahead of him. lets hope nothing happens to him. ;)

[guoquanyap]

gd to send him him....he mus be very homesick for a 18yr old.....

cant wait for him to come back and see him action......:D

[guoquanyap]

hmmm...who will be our new signing....i will like to see robben be the one......;)

[RVN]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
gd to send him him....he mus be very homesick for a 18yr old.....

cant wait for him to come back and see him action......:D

Grrr, with Fletcher not performing too well on the right plus he is goona be suspended anyway after the villa and bolton match, and Ole won't be back until around mid Jan, who is going to play on the right :confused:

Maybe Kleberson or Bellion. :rolleyes:

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by RVN


Grrr, with Fletcher not performing too well on the right plus he is goona be suspended anyway after the villa and bolton match, and Ole won't be back until around mid Jan, who is going to play on the right :confused:

Maybe Kleberson or Bellion. :rolleyes:

I believe worst come to worst Kleberson lor..

[StormTrooper]

Originally posted by RVN


Grrr, with Fletcher not performing too well on the right plus he is goona be suspended anyway after the villa and bolton match, and Ole won't be back until around mid Jan, who is going to play on the right :confused:

Maybe Kleberson or Bellion. :rolleyes:

giggs on the right and fortune on the left :D

[RVN]

Originally posted by StormTrooper


giggs on the right and fortune on the left :D

Fortune have to play in defence lah becos O'Shea is still injured with his hamstring, Giggs should stick on the left where he is more effective.

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by RVN


Fortune have to play in defence lah becos O'Shea is still injured with his hamstring, Giggs should stick on the left where he is more effective.

yup.. Giggs always plays on the left one.. so he shld stick with it..then Fortune can take up DL lor..i tink the right can use Phil Neville rite? :confused:

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by orca_sea


yup.. Giggs always plays on the left one.. so he shld stick with it..then Fortune can take up DL lor..i tink the right can use Phil Neville rite? :confused:

I think P.neville really is gd at holding midfield...
but if our squad needs he can play at right back.

[RVN]

Originally posted by RuMmYtUb


I think P.neville really is gd at holding midfield...
but if our squad needs he can play at right back.

at the moment no need his brother Gary is playing in that position.

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by RuMmYtUb


I think P.neville really is gd at holding midfield...
but if our squad needs he can play at right back.

Yup..whereas Kleberson can play in the centre

[RVN]

http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1177920.jpg

Manchester United look firm-favourites to sign Arjen Robben - after the PSV Eindhoven forward visited the English champions' Carrington training complex on Friday.
Robben took advantage of the winter break in Holland to fly to England and have talks with United, with a view to joining the Premiership club.

The player's father recently insisted that there had been no concrete offer from United, but it appears that Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped up the chase for the 19-year-old.

Ferguson has hinted that another striker is his main transfer priority, although Robben would not be available for UEFA Champions League games having played in the competition for his Dutch club.

PSV have already confirmed that a top European club are in for their young star, who was the Dutch Young Player of the Year last season.

Meanwhile, Red Devils starlet Cristiano Ronaldo has been allowed to fly back to Portugal for a holiday.

"We were always going to give him a holiday," said Ferguson.

"It was just a matter of deciding when."'

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1117626,00.html

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by RVN
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1177920.jpg

Manchester United look firm-favourites to sign Arjen Robben - after the PSV Eindhoven forward visited the English champions' Carrington training complex on Friday.
Robben took advantage of the winter break in Holland to fly to England and have talks with United, with a view to joining the Premiership club.

The player's father recently insisted that there had been no concrete offer from United, but it appears that Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped up the chase for the 19-year-old.

Ferguson has hinted that another striker is his main transfer priority, although Robben would not be available for UEFA Champions League games having played in the competition for his Dutch club.

PSV have already confirmed that a top European club are in for their young star, who was the Dutch Young Player of the Year last season.

Meanwhile, Red Devils starlet Cristiano Ronaldo has been allowed to fly back to Portugal for a holiday.

"We were always going to give him a holiday," said Ferguson.

"It was just a matter of deciding when."'

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1117626,00.html

:D :D :D :D

[RVN]

TIM Howard WILL be available to Manchester United for the rest of the season after FIFA shuffled its World Cup qualifying dates.

The Reds had initially feared they would be without the American keeper, described as the Reds' "player of the year" by both manager Sir Alex Ferguson and defender Gary Neville, for as many as seven matches.

He was due to jet off across the Atlantic for matches on January 17 and 21, February 18 and March 31 - until FIFA changed the qualifying procedure, meaning that the USA now don't begin its qualifying process until June.

The original plan would have meant Howard missing a league game against Wolves, and possibly those against Leeds, Arsenal and Charlton, as well as any third round FA Cup replay against Aston Villa, and FA Cup fourth and fifth round games, should the Reds progress.

He is expected to play for the US when they meet Holland in a friendly on February 18, but that match slots into the international calendar and will not be as disruptive as it takes place in Amsterdam.

The good news about Howard was tempered slightly by the loss of Eric Djemba-Djemba, now out of the United reckoning until March.

He has been called up for the Cameroon's Olympic Games qualifiers and for the African Nations Cup, which keeps him away from Old Trafford until the end of February

"We have not really had any use out of him for some time, apart from him being on the bench for the Everton game, with his mother being ill and call-ups for the Olympic Games and the African Nations Cup," said Fergie.

"We are just forgetting about him until March."

Another face absent from United has been Cristiano Ronaldo, currently enjoying an 18-day break in his native Portugal.

"We have given him a little three week winter break and has gone back to Portugal," says Fergie."He has done fantastically well, and that's why we have given him a break."

Ronaldo signed off with a dazzling display against Everton on Boxing Day, and Fergie says that may not have been a coincidence.

He will return to train for the Premiership game at Wolves on January 17 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will also be getting close to the United reckoning again.

He is pencilled in for the reserve game against Birmingham on January 14.

[kengbeng]

Originally posted by RVN
TIM Howard WILL be available to Manchester United for the rest of the season after FIFA shuffled its World Cup qualifying dates.

*snip*
Good news. Tim is indeed our best buy this summer. Our goal mouth has never looked safer since the days of the Great Dane.

[guoquanyap]

quick sign him!! anyone can confirm when is the bolton match? thursday morning or tuesday morning?

[guoquanyap]

Jan 4 - When Arjen Robben completes his £5 million move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven this summer, it will complete an extraordinary year for the teenager.

The 19-year-old striker suffered a cancer scare last year. Doctors feared Robben had testicular cancer and removed a tumour, which turned out to be benign.

Robben thought he would have to give up football but is now on the verge of following Ruud van Nistelrooy from PSV to Old Trafford. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Robben's father Hans is keen on a move to United.

"What would be the point of signing for Real? He would arrive in a squad full of big names and big stars, where the president swaps his top names every summer. Every year he brings in more and more big-name players. That does not appeal to us," said Hans.

Arjen comes from a close family in the north of Holland and has one sister who is an international gymnast.

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=43484&seg=EPL&teamid=

[guoquanyap]

"What would be the point of signing for Real? He would arrive in a squad full of big names and big stars, where the president swaps his top names every summer. Every year he brings in more and more big-name players. That does not appeal to us," said Hans.

:laugh: :laugh:

[guoquanyap]

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=43483&seg=EPL&teamid=

[guoquanyap]

really excited abt robben joining....quick sign him!!

[ccloh]

he can't play in this season CL rite ???

well new year and 1st match of the yr against aston villa in FA cup. hope we can start the new yr with a winning note !!!

ALL THE WAY RED DEVILS:bounce:

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
Jan 4 - When Arjen Robben completes his £5 million move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven this summer, it will complete an extraordinary year for the teenager.

The 19-year-old striker suffered a cancer scare last year. Doctors feared Robben had testicular cancer and removed a tumour, which turned out to be benign.

Robben thought he would have to give up football but is now on the verge of following Ruud van Nistelrooy from PSV to Old Trafford. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Robben's father Hans is keen on a move to United.

"What would be the point of signing for Real? He would arrive in a squad full of big names and big stars, where the president swaps his top names every summer. Every year he brings in more and more big-name players. That does not appeal to us," said Hans.

Arjen comes from a close family in the north of Holland and has one sister who is an international gymnast.

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=43484&seg=EPL&teamid=

Wahaha, 5m is a steal for a wonderkid !! :D :bounce:

[cracker]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
Jan 4 - When Arjen Robben completes his £5 million move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven this summer, it will complete an extraordinary year for the teenager.

The 19-year-old striker suffered a cancer scare last year. Doctors feared Robben had testicular cancer and removed a tumour, which turned out to be benign.

Robben thought he would have to give up football but is now on the verge of following Ruud van Nistelrooy from PSV to Old Trafford. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Robben's father Hans is keen on a move to United.

"What would be the point of signing for Real? He would arrive in a squad full of big names and big stars, where the president swaps his top names every summer. Every year he brings in more and more big-name players. That does not appeal to us," said Hans.

Arjen comes from a close family in the north of Holland and has one sister who is an international gymnast.

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=43484&seg=EPL&teamid=




Hope he has fully recovered from his health problem to ensure perfect control of the "ball".

[cracker]

Btw,,,Barthez had made a grand re-entrance to French football ...

".....Barthez returns to in triumphant style

Jean-Paul Couret

PARIS, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez celebrated his Olympique Marseille return by saving twice and scoring once as his team beat RC Strasbourg 4-3 on penalties in their French Cup first round tie on Saturday. ...."

quoted from Soccernet ...




Knew he can always be an great outfield player !:D :D

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by cracker





Hope he has fully recovered from his health problem to ensure perfect control of the "ball".

:alien:

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by cracker
Btw,,,Barthez had made a grand re-entrance to French football ...

".....Barthez returns to in triumphant style

Jean-Paul Couret

PARIS, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez celebrated his Olympique Marseille return by saving twice and scoring once as his team beat RC Strasbourg 4-3 on penalties in their French Cup first round tie on Saturday. ...."

quoted from Soccernet ...




Knew he can always be an great outfield player !:D :D

[spykid]

signing robben would be great! thou he doesn't look like a 19 yr old to me :D

i hope we dun get saha... 10mil, inconsistent and unproven... get alan smith lah... chelsea's gudjonsson would be good too(hope chelsea sells him, this guy has great talent)...

robben, smith or gudjonsson and another defender such as lucio, mexes, hofland and we'll be on our way to winning trophies... :D :D

[RVN]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
Jan 4 - When Arjen Robben completes his £5 million move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven this summer, it will complete an extraordinary year for the teenager.

The 19-year-old striker suffered a cancer scare last year. Doctors feared Robben had testicular cancer and removed a tumour, which turned out to be benign.

Robben thought he would have to give up football but is now on the verge of following Ruud van Nistelrooy from PSV to Old Trafford. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Robben's father Hans is keen on a move to United.

"What would be the point of signing for Real? He would arrive in a squad full of big names and big stars, where the president swaps his top names every summer. Every year he brings in more and more big-name players. That does not appeal to us," said Hans.

Arjen comes from a close family in the north of Holland and has one sister who is an international gymnast.

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=43484&seg=EPL&teamid=


Well said Mrs Robben! :D

I reckon any teenager going to Real is effectively committing professional suicide these days. All they seem to want are established superstars for 2 or 3 years, then they'll go and get some more.

Compare that to United, where many of the first team squad have been there for about 10 years, and the only players coming in are youngsters who will develop and learn the Manchester United way of playing football. :)

[kengbeng]

Originally posted by RVN
Well said Mrs Robben! :D

You mean Mr Robben Snr? :laugh:

[RVN]

Originally posted by kengbeng

You mean Mr Robben Snr? :laugh:

Yeah, I meant his dad. :D

sorry for the s in Mrs, should be Mr. ;)

[StormTrooper]

Originally posted by spykid
signing robben would be great! thou he doesn't look like a 19 yr old to me :D

i hope we dun get saha... 10mil, inconsistent and unproven... get alan smith lah... chelsea's gudjonsson would be good too(hope chelsea sells him, this guy has great talent)...

robben, smith or gudjonsson and another defender such as lucio, mexes, hofland and we'll be on our way to winning trophies... :D :D

dude, we ARE always on our way to winning trophies =p

[NanDesKa]

barthez loan or sale?

[ccloh]

Originally posted by NanDesKa
barthez loan or sale? loan i belive

[guoquanyap]

scholes to the resuce again.....*pwew* into the 4th round......all the way!!! :D

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by NanDesKa
barthez loan or sale?

loan.....;)

[RVN]

Howard was brilliant, make some cruical saves. ;)

[NanDesKa]

Originally posted by guoquanyap


loan.....;) orh..
never hear fifa approved.

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by NanDesKa
orh..
never hear fifa approved.

transfer window open liao.....:alien:

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by NanDesKa
barthez loan or sale?

Anyway might as well sell him to Marseille since Marseille like him so much..

[RuMmYtUb]

If Robben moves over, PSV is like our feeder club...

we got Stam, RvN and now Robben (if possible).

:D :D :D

[ccloh]

u can't deny dutch clubs produce fine individuals. GO DUTCH :D

[RVN]

Originally posted by RuMmYtUb
If Robben moves over, PSV is like our feeder club...

we got Stam, RvN and now Robben (if possible).

:D :D :D

heee, our Dutch feeder club.:laugh:

[RVN]

Arjen Robben's father, Hans, who also acts as his agent has claimed that the PSV Eindhoven ace came away from his trip to Manchester United with a positive impression.
Reports have suggested that The Red Devils will swoop for the forward during January and the fire was fuelled when Robben travelled over to England for talks.

Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson admitted on Saturday that he was hoping to conclude a deal with PSV, and the signs are that he may well land his man.

However, despite being impressed with United, Hans Robben told the Dutch media that his son is more than likely to stay at the Philips Stadion until the summer.

"We have taken a look around and have spoken with manager Alex Ferguson," Hans Robben told Omroep Brabant. "We have a good feeling about it.

"We had permission to take a look at the club. On Friday and Saturday we did that. Manger Alex Ferguson showed us the stadium and the training accommodation. Furthermore we had dinner with him.

"Before we went to Manchester, we had two questions in mind. We would like to know the environment of the club and how many matches Robben could play.

Following talks with Ferguson this could be 40 matches. Both questions has been answered very positively.

"It will be PSV or Manchester United. We are thinking about that now.

"He will finish this season at PSV. If you start somewhere you must then finish it."

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1117755,00.html

[NanDesKa]

wah sian.
then better reach agreement now..
coz word is oredi out.
later all the big clubs start bidding for him then we have to fork out unnecessary cash again. :alien:

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by RVN


heee, our Dutch feeder club.:laugh:

haha quite true hor...wah if Ajax iz our feeder club instead then more hiong man :o

[ccloh]

Originally posted by NanDesKa
wah sian.
then better reach agreement now..
coz word is oredi out.
later all the big clubs start bidding for him then we have to fork out unnecessary cash again. :alien:

can always sign and the transfer goes through in the summer. can;t think of any other clubs want to fight with utd for signings except real madrid. most probably real madrid is going for henry in the summer :D

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by ccloh


can always sign and the transfer goes through in the summer. can;t think of any other clubs want to fight with utd for signings except real madrid. most probably real madrid is going for henry in the summer :D

Henry + Ronaldo + Raul.

:eek: Damn frightening.

[RVN]

Manchester United have snapped up young Finnish duo Jami Puustinen and Andeele Martins.
Sir Alex Ferguson's scouts flew over to Finland on a scouting spree and were impressed by the 16-year olds. Sir Alex then offered them a trial at Carrington and United's youth staff and Sir Alex were very impressed by the duo.

United have already signed a great Finnish prospect this season,
Jami Puustinen, a 16-year old striker from Finnish outfit Espoo.

http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s237/st42241.htm

[Alienz]

All New Transfer News And Views: 5-01-2004

The transfer window has finally opened and Barclaycard Premiership clubs are on the lookout for new talent, so 4thegame brings you the latest news, rumour and hearsay from the transfer market.

A VIERI HAPPY NEW YEAR?
Who? - Christian Vieri
Where is he? - Internazionale
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

For some time Italian striker Christian Vieri has been linked with a move to England, but it has always been Chelsea who have been the favourite destination. But now it seems like Vieri could be signing for rivals Manchester United, who are trying to keep this move as close to their chest as possible, hiding behind the Louis Saha/Mark Viduka speculation. Chelsea tried to sign Vieri last summer, but were turned down and ending up signing Hernan Crespo from Inter instead. That transfer infuriated the Italian striker, who said that the Nerazzuri were shooting themselves in the foot selling their best players. He is still unhappy at the San Siro and the seemingly imminent arrival of Adriano from Parma may be enough to convince the Italian giants to part with their talisman, despite the recent claims from president Massimo Moratti that: "Several clubs are interested in signing Vieri but we have our own objectives here and are looking forward rather than back. I hope Vieri is not imagining a future without us. He can team up with Adriano because all great footballers can play together. Then it is up to the coach to find the right system out on the pitch." Vieri would be cup-tied for the Champions League, so signing him would go against Sir Alex Ferguson's insistence that he would only buy players who are eligible for that competition, but having him would mean that Ruud van Nistelrooy could be rested more in the Barclaycard Premiership. Watch this space...

[tranze]

Originally posted by Alienz
All New Transfer News And Views: 5-01-2004

The transfer window has finally opened and Barclaycard Premiership clubs are on the lookout for new talent, so 4thegame brings you the latest news, rumour and hearsay from the transfer market.

A VIERI HAPPY NEW YEAR?
Who? - Christian Vieri
Where is he? - Internazionale
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

For some time Italian striker Christian Vieri has been linked with a move to England, but it has always been Chelsea who have been the favourite destination. But now it seems like Vieri could be signing for rivals Manchester United, who are trying to keep this move as close to their chest as possible, hiding behind the Louis Saha/Mark Viduka speculation. Chelsea tried to sign Vieri last summer, but were turned down and ending up signing Hernan Crespo from Inter instead. That transfer infuriated the Italian striker, who said that the Nerazzuri were shooting themselves in the foot selling their best players. He is still unhappy at the San Siro and the seemingly imminent arrival of Adriano from Parma may be enough to convince the Italian giants to part with their talisman, despite the recent claims from president Massimo Moratti that: "Several clubs are interested in signing Vieri but we have our own objectives here and are looking forward rather than back. I hope Vieri is not imagining a future without us. He can team up with Adriano because all great footballers can play together. Then it is up to the coach to find the right system out on the pitch." Vieri would be cup-tied for the Champions League, so signing him would go against Sir Alex Ferguson's insistence that he would only buy players who are eligible for that competition, but having him would mean that Ruud van Nistelrooy could be rested more in the Barclaycard Premiership. Watch this space...

http://www.4thegame.com//features/feature/144616/

[tranze]

i hope Vieri signs
but reasonable price lah

[RuMmYtUb]

The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup:

Man City or Leicester v Tottenham
Swansea v Preston or Reading
Northampton or Rotherham v Man Utd
Kidderminster or Wolves v West Ham
Arsenal v Middlesbrough
Coventry v Accrington Stanley or Colchester
Ipswich v Sunderland
Luton v Tranmere or Bolton
Liverpool v Newcastle
Burnley v Gillingham
Nottm Forest v Sheff Utd
Portsmouth v Barnsley or Scunthorpe
Everton v Fulham
Telford v Millwall
Southend or Scarborough v Watford or Chelsea
Birmingham v Wimbledon or Stoke


Ties to be played January 24/25.

Shiok man, SAF can field 2nd stringers !! :D

[Ch3tah_39]

Vieri abit old liao horz.. but sign him will be quite useful as well:)

[guoquanyap]

finally meet weaker team man...everytime arsenal meet weaker team we always kana those tricky ties......hope boro s=kick them out....:evil:

[stipe]

Looks like Alan Smith has the right qualities for Fergie

Leeds Unietd striker Alan Smith became embroiled in a tunnel bust-up at halftime of his team's 4-1 defeat by Arsenal yesterday.
Smith told Edu 'shut your mouth' after the Arsenal midfielder complained to referee Rob Styles about the Leeds player's rough-house tactics.

As the players entered the tunnel for the break, Brazilian Edu approached Styles and held up three fingers, indicating that Smith had gone over the top THREE times.

The Leeds player saw the gesture and yelled at Edu, accusing the Arsenal player of trying to get him sent off.

Smith (http://www.tribalfootball.com/january/englishnews5050104.html)

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by stipe
Looks like Alan Smith has the right qualities for Fergie

Leeds Unietd striker Alan Smith became embroiled in a tunnel bust-up at halftime of his team's 4-1 defeat by Arsenal yesterday.
Smith told Edu 'shut your mouth' after the Arsenal midfielder complained to referee Rob Styles about the Leeds player's rough-house tactics.

As the players entered the tunnel for the break, Brazilian Edu approached Styles and held up three fingers, indicating that Smith had gone over the top THREE times.

The Leeds player saw the gesture and yelled at Edu, accusing the Arsenal player of trying to get him sent off.

Smith (http://www.tribalfootball.com/january/englishnews5050104.html)

ya **** that edu....trying to get fellow professional sent-off.....shame on him......

[guoquanyap]

bolton match no live?

[RuMmYtUb]

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is ready to hand new signing Javi Moreno a debut against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Javi Moreno: Bolton-bound (Photography/GettyImages)

The Wanderers boss was impressed with the way the Spanish striker went about his first training session with the squad today after joining on loan from Atletico Madrid.


Allardyce said: 'Javi finished the medical and joined in with us. His fitness is very good. He has always been involved in the squad in Spain and been used on a few occasions.

'We expect his international clearance in the next day or so and then he can join the squad against Manchester United.

'We are very excited about that. Hopefully he can display the same type of scoring power that he first showed at Alaves.

'I am just delighted we have got one player in as the transfer window has just opened. It's a major achievement. Now we can move on to the next target.'

The arrival of Moreno raises question marks about the future of Mario Jardel, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Former Golden Boot winner Jardel has failed to adapt to English football since arriving in the summer from Sporting Lisbon.

Allardyce said: 'He's disappointed at not getting a start in the Premiership but you have to look at every player and make judgmental decisions as manager.

'Unfortunately when he's come off the bench and had the chances he hasn't been able to convert them. That has slightly hit his confidence as well.'

Meanwhile Allardyce says he expects Nigerian captain Jay-Jay Okocha to leave on Friday, January 16 for the African Nations Cup.

That would leave him clear to face Blackburn on Saturday and possibly Tranmere in an FA Cup replay next Tuesday.

Allardyce said: 'I think Jay-Jay will be okay for a bit yet. Hopefully we can win more matches before he departs.'

Javi Moreno (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=287647&cc=4716)

[ccloh]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
finally meet weaker team man...everytime arsenal meet weaker team we always kana those tricky ties......hope boro s=kick them out....:evil:

in cup competition, there is no weaker teams. we have seen lot of example of top flight teams been kick out by lower division teams in cup competition, that is why they are called giant-killer.

i would say it is a easier tier relative to the rest of the epl teams

[RVN]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/graphics/2004/01/06/sfnfer060104.jpgArjen Robben: made a trip to Manchester last week

Sir Alex Ferguson has been accused of underhand transfer tactics in Manchester United's pursuit of the PSV Eindhoven's winger Arjen Robben, but the Dutch club admitted last night that they had finally opened official talks with the Premiership champions over the £5 million-rated teenager.

The PSV chairman, Harry van Raaij, told The Daily Telegraph that Ferguson's approach to the 19-year-old Holland international shared many similarities with his plotting to bring other former PSV players, such as Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy, to Old Trafford in recent years.

Although Van Raaij has acknowledged that United indicated to PSV a few months ago that they were interested in signing Robben, he has expressed his disquiet at the player's visit to Manchester last week, accompanied by his girlfriend and his parents.

Since the details of that trip emerged in the last few days, United have made contact with PSV to begin negotiations for the player but face a tough month of haggling. PSV regard Robben, voted Holland's young player of the year, as comparable with Van Nistelrooy.

Van Raaij said: "I have had good relations with United over Van Nistelrooy and Stam but bad relations with Ferguson. I recognise exactly the same actions that he has taken when he approached Stam and Van Nistelrooy. It's his way of doing business, but it's not my way.

"United approached us some months ago and told us that they had an interest in Arjen Robben - I was told that. Then I heard today that Arjen was in Manchester last week and I didn't know about that. There was absolutely no contact from any delegate of United and we did not know about the visit.

"We are unhappy that we didn't know one of our players was visiting another club, especially Manchester United with whom we have had an excellent relationship in the past. We have had some dealings with United over Stam and Van Nistelrooy and therefore I wasn't happy to be told this news by the Dutch press.

"In the meantime, I have spoken to United. They were a little bit embarrassed and said that the initiative was taken by the parents of Robben. That's what they told me, anyway."

Ferguson has been in trouble before for his transfer dealings, most notably when the Sunderland chairman, Bob Murray, accused United of behaviour that was "shabby, despicable, disrespectful, arrogant and unprofessional" when they began moves to sign the striker David Bellion.

The club also clashed with Paris St-Germain's president, Francis Graille, over last season's abortive attempt to sign the Brazilian Ronaldinho and French side Rennes complained of illegal approaches to Julien Escude in the summer of 2002. In his controversial autobiography, Stam admitted he had been "tapped up" by Ferguson.

Van Raaij was called by the United chief executive, David Gill, yesterday and expects further contact from the club this week but is adamant that Robben, who has a 3.5-year contract with PSV, will not be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.

The PSV president also said his club would be interested in taking Robben back on loan from United next season but admitted that the Dutch champions were resigned to losing the player who they signed from Groningen for £2.4 million in 2001.

Van Raaij said: "Arjen is an excellent player and very young, too. In the time he has been with us, he has become one of the great players in Holland. The guy has the potential to be a great player in the future but he also has great character and mentality. In that respect you can compare him with Van Nistelrooy.

"We can't keep these players in the Dutch league because we just can't pay the salaries of England or Spain. It's part of the business we are in. It's the same if United wanted a player from Wolverhampton Wanderers, he would always go."

The deal is being negotiated by Hans Robben, the player's father and also his agent, who claimed on Dutch radio over the weekend Ferguson had told his son he would be given "at least 40 games a season" - which would suggest that United see Robben as Ryan Giggs's long-term replacement.



PSV slam Fergie over Robben visit (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=D&xml=%2Fsport%2F2004%2F01%2F06%2Fsfnfer06.xml)

[StormTrooper]

fergie also a bit too much sometimes, but he brings good players to united so what the heck. =p

[RVN]

dun want it to turn into another ronaldinho saga, PSV want us to double the 5m amount. :(

[orca_sea]

Aiya i believe the 5 million iz to test water onli..if kanna accepted then itz a real bargain lor.. but eventually i believe Fergie will get watz he realli wan :D :cool:

[StormTrooper]

Originally posted by RVN
dun want it to turn into another ronaldinho saga, PSV want us to double the 5m amount. :(

if he is as good as ruud, i don't see why he's not worth 10m

[RVN]

Originally posted by orca_sea
Aiya i believe the 5 million iz to test water onli..if kanna accepted then itz a real bargain lor.. but eventually i believe Fergie will get watz he realli wan :D :cool:

Hope so, talks are ongoing, with both stam and ruud the business was concluded before the end of the english season, and I expect the same here. =p

[NanDesKa]

sorry, i still think man utd shud sign heskey. ;)

[RVN]

The Football Association today confirmed Rio Ferdinand has until January 19 to appeal against his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.

The Manchester United defender's suspension will now begin on Tuesday, January 20, if he chooses not to appeal against the ban imposed after he failed to attend a random test at the club's Carrington training ground on September 23.

A three-man disciplinary panel banned the England star for eight months following a hearing on December 18 and 19, and the original date for the ban to begin was January 12.

However, the 14-day period in which Ferdinand can appeal began only yesterday when United received the written clarification and explanation of the verdict they had requested.

A statement on the FA website read: "The independent commission has confirmed that the 14-day period for an appeal regarding their decision in the Rio Ferdinand disciplinary hearing will terminate on Monday 19 January.

"The commission has also stated that the suspension originally ordered to commence on Monday 12 January is therefore due to commence on Tuesday 20 January."

[RVN]

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has accused Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson of being 'desperate' and slammed the Premiership champions for pursuing his star striker Louis Saha.
The French forward has been the subject of sustained interest from Old Trafford, with many reports claiming a number of bids have been tabled by United since the January transfer window opened.

However, Al Fayed has echoed manager Chris Coleman's claims that there is no prospect of the former Newcastle United hit-man leaving this month.

"I am fed up with Sir Alex Ferguson trying to disrupt my club and constantly trying to unsettle my players," stormed Al Fayed.

"Ever since Fulham beat Manchester United at Old Trafford so convincingly, he has been showing signs of increasing desperation.

"Obviously, he needs a top quality striker urgently but he can't have mine.

"I have a clear message to Sir Alex and anyone else who is interested: 'Read my lips - Louis Saha is not for sale'."

The comments are sure to provoke ire at United, who are seeking to strengthen their attacking options and had considered Saha as an ideal target as he is eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League.


what a tosser Al Fayed is. :mad:

[Spock]

HAHAHA All Fayed,the league table doesn't take account who beats who lor..:laugh: I dun mind man u get beaten by fulham every season and win the league at the end.

[guoquanyap]

look like robben wont come soon and wont come cheap......

[guoquanyap]

tml bolton no live telecast leh.....

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
tml bolton no live telecast leh.....

yup sian leh like tat :( btw can smone cfm if the new Bolton guy Javi Moreno will b playing? heard tat he's gd...

[reload2003]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
tml bolton no live telecast leh.....

oRh...

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
look like robben wont come soon and wont come cheap......

that was always the case where teams wanna dig more $$ outta Man Utd.. :(

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by orca_sea


yup sian leh like tat :( btw can smone cfm if the new Bolton guy Javi Moreno will b playing? heard tat he's gd...

Nv see the thread that i posted ?
Javi Moreno may debut against us, but it's still down to the manager.

[RVN]

Originally posted by Spock
HAHAHA All Fayed,the league table doesn't take account who beats who lor..:laugh: I dun mind man u get beaten by fulham every season and win the league at the end.

ferguson has never come out and said that he is interested in Saha, thats just the media hype. Though I wouldn't imagine Al Fayed has the sense to understand that. :mad:

Didn't madrid and chelski use the media to unsettle and get their players too. :mad:

Like every club Fulham want to shaft United for as much money as they can. :mad:

[RVN]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39694000/gif/_39694125_jan7_bolt_manu.gif

Javi Moreno is expected to make his debut for Bolton should he receive international clearance in time.

Mario Jardel (hamstring) and long-term injury victim Florent Laville (knee) are the only players unavailable to manager Sam Allardyce.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand looks set to feature in the derby game because of a flu virus.

Phil Neville is expected back from an ankle complaint, while Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy should also start.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Thome, Charlton, Gardner, Campo, Giannakopoulos, Frandsen, Okocha, Nolan, Ba, Djorkaeff, Davies, Moreno, Poole, Pedersen, Barness.

Man Utd (from): Howard, Carroll, G Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Brown, O'Shea, Fortune, Forlan, Fletcher, P Neville, Butt, Keane, Kleberson, Scholes, Giggs, van Nistelrooy, Bellion.

[Ronaldo7]

another man utd fan reporting in :)

[runistel]

Originally posted by orca_sea


yup sian leh like tat :( btw can smone cfm if the new Bolton guy Javi Moreno will b playing? heard tat he's gd...

I dun tink Javi Moreno is a danger la...if he is tat gd why go on loan to Bolton????

[ccloh]

let hope utd get the 3pts. and RVN just needed another 3 more goals within the next 10 matches will break alan shearer record as the fastest man to reach 100 goals in epl history :D

[Kiwi8]

Originally posted by ccloh
let hope utd get the 3pts. and RVN just needed another 3 more goals within the next 10 matches will break alan shearer record as the fastest man to reach 100 goals in epl history :D

Wow... RVN power sia.... he's practically a goal machine! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[StormTrooper]

Originally posted by Ronaldo7
another man utd fan reporting in :)

welcome ;)

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by ccloh
let hope utd get the 3pts. and RVN just needed another 3 more goals within the next 10 matches will break alan shearer record as the fastest man to reach 100 goals in epl history :D

that will be great.....if ruud can get a hattrick tonday against bolton, that will be excellent!! :D abit hard though.....

[hush66]

Originally posted by ccloh
let hope utd get the 3pts. and RVN just needed another 3 more goals within the next 10 matches will break alan shearer record as the fastest man to reach 100 goals in epl history :D

3 goals within 10 matches? No problem for Ruud! :cool:

[reload2003]

Originally posted by hush66


3 goals within 10 matches? No problem for Ruud! :cool:

h0pE s0...

[hush66]

Chelsea lost, Arsenal drew, Man U won, and Ruud scored 1! :D

[Ronaldo7]

FT: Bolton 1 Man Utd 2

KEY MOMENTS
24 mins: Scholes gives the visitors the lead after some fine build-up play
39 mins: Van Nistelrooy doubles Man Utd's lead by heading home from close range
89 mins: Djorkaeff gives Bolton hope with a late goal


Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Fletcher, Keane, Phil Neville, Giggs, Scholes, van Nistelrooy. Subs: Butt, Carroll, Kleberson, Forlan, Fortune.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire)

[RVN]

Yeah, we go 3 points clear of arse and 7 ahead of chelski. :bounce:

[RVN]

Saha 'appalled' by Fulham bid refusal

http://www.soccernet.com/images/ah/saha1226_pc.jpg


LOUIS SAHA has been left heartbroken by Fulham’s refusal to sell him to Manchester United.

Saha believes the opportunity to join the reigning Premiership champions was the chance of a lifetime. Now he fears it has gone for ever.

Fulham have turned down an £8million offer. They have also further muddied the waters between the two clubs by attacking United boss Alex Ferguson for daring to try to buy the French striker.

This has left Old Trafford chiefs furious with the Londoners.

But they are not as upset as Saha, who felt Fulham should have let him go after 3½ years of loyal service.

He said: “I had the chance of joining one of the world’s greatest clubs. It was the chance of a lifetime.

“You can be sure that United will not be bidding for me again in six months.

“They will have found another striker in the meantime.

“I really do not understand the position of chairman Mohamed Fayed.

“I thought I would have been given the right to leave for services rendered. After all, I have given a lot to Fulham.”

Saha, 25, joined Fulham in the summer of 2000 for £2.1million from French side Metz. He has since scored 62 goals in 140 games.

Understandably, that has brought him to the attention of United, who are looking for another top-drawer striker to support Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The problem Fulham must face now is the potential damage the transfer turmoil may have done to their No 1 player.

If Saha starts to sulk, they may rue missing out on the chance to cash in.

It could leave the Cottagers’ hierarchy having to think again.

Before that, though, they may have to placate United, who are furious with Fulham for describing them as bullies.

United want to know the reason for this attack, claiming Fulham have been willingly involved in negotiations with them.

Far from slamming the phone down at the first suggestion of their star striker leaving, they are understood to have been talking with the Old Trafford club for at least a fortnight.

United feel their rivals are simply trying to jack up the price while attempting to look good in front of their own fans.

Indeed, an Old Trafford source has told SunSport that United believe both Fulham manager Chris Coleman and chairman Fayed are simply doing their best to save face.

The source said: “This attack on the club is ridiculous.

“We have been negotiating with Fulham for a while over Saha.

“If they do not like the club’s offer, then fine. Alex Ferguson can easily go somewhere else.

“But they should not be attacking the club or the manager when they have done nothing wrong. They have just tried to buy a player.”

Coleman’s amazing outburst came on Tuesday.

He rapped: “People are trying to bully us into selling one of our players. I don’t like bullies and I don’t like being bullied. That is why we are so determined to hang on to Louis Saha.”

Fayed backed his manager, declaring: “I am fed up with Sir Alex Ferguson trying to disrupt my club and continually trying to unsettle my players.

“Ever since Fulham beat United convincingly at Old Trafford in October, he has been showing signs of increasing desperation. Obviously, he requires a top-class striker urgently. But he can’t have mine.”

United still have plenty of other options to choose from. Leeds hitmen Mark Viduka and Alan Smith are both on their shopping-list, along with Inter Milan’s Christian Vieri.

The controversy over Saha comes in a week when United were also targeted by the nonsensical rantings of motor-mouth PSV Eindhoven president Harry van Raaij.

Every time United try to buy a PSV player — they have previously signed Jaap Stam and Van Nistelrooy — Van Raaij hits out, only to later do business.

This time, he was supposedly fuming about their star winger Arjen Robben’s visit to United’s Carrington training ground.

Yet the player’s visit was sanctioned by PSV themselves.

The only misunderstanding was between the club and the player’s father, who arranged the date of the visit without informing PSV.

United currently cannot wait to have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in action.

The Norwegian forward, 31 next month, is just days away from a return after a four-month lay-off following knee surgery.

But Solskjaer is also thinking about a career beyond playing and wants to revive the fortunes of his home nation.

His agent, Jim Solbakken, revealed: “Solskjaer wants to try himself as a manager when his career is over. He was about to start a coaching course when he was injured in the autumn.

“I hope he can have a coaching role in the national team when he retires. Ole Gunnar would love that.”

Solskjaer is keen to make his full United return at Wolves on January 17.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2004010526,00.html

[ccloh]

3-pt in the bag, 1 down for RVN 2 more to go within the next 9 matches to be crown the fastest striker to hit 100-goal mark in epl history

[RVN]

Originally posted by ccloh
let hope utd get the 3pts. and RVN just needed another 3 more goals within the next 10 matches will break alan shearer record as the fastest man to reach 100 goals in epl history :D

got 1 tonight, hope he gets another 2 on sunday against the geordie and make it 100 goals.

Come on United. :bounce:

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by RVN


got 1 tonight, hope he gets another 2 on sunday against the geordie and make it 100 goals.

Come on United. :bounce:

Hattrick against the Magpies !

[Spock]

yay arsenal maintain their unbeaten run and get another draw.Keep up the good work!!:D

[RuMmYtUb]

Fulham have turned down an £8m bid from Manchester United for his services.

The Frenchman is baffled at the west London club's decision to snub the Old Trafford club's latest offer and now fears that he has missed out on his dream move.

While Fulham are raging at United's 'bullying' tactics to pressure them into selling Saha, the player himself is raging at the club for blocking his move.

"On Tuesday morning, my club confirmed they don't want to let me leave. I am really disgusted, almost downcast," he told L'Equipe.

"A transfer to Manchester, it was a good deal for everyone. They proposed £8 million! It was very good for Fulham.

"All the same I am not Ronaldo! And I had the opportunity to join one of the greatest clubs in the world. It was the chance of my life.

"Of course Manchester won't contact me again in six months, they will have signed another forward by then!

"I really can't understand the position of chairman Al Fayed. I thought I could leave for what I have done. I have given a lot to Fulham."

His manager Chris Coleman has spoken out about United's tactics in trying to unsettle Saha - which have clearly worked.

"You get that feeling that we are being bullied into selling one of our players," said Coleman.

"I don't like bullies and I don't like being bullied, that is why we are determined to hang on to Louis Saha.

"When someone asks you if a player is available and you say 'no' and they make a bid and you say 'no' and they keep coming back, and it is in the newspapers and they come back again, that's disappointing.

"He has two and a half years left on his contract, so if he says 'I'm leaving' he can't just get up and walk out. Will he put in a request? I hope not."

Coleman's outburst follows Al Fayed's accusation that Ferguson was trying to 'unsettle' Saha - who has said that he would be interested in a move to United if Fulham allowed him to leave.

"I am fed up with Sir Alex Ferguson trying to disrupt my club and constantly try to unsettle my players," said al Fayed.

"I have a clear message to Sir Alex and anyone else who is interested: 'Read my lips, Saha is not for sale'."

This comes in the same week as PSV chairman Harry van Raaij accused Ferguson of approaching Arjen Robben without permission from the club. Ferguson has also been accused in the past of breaking the rules to sign Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Louis Saha (http://www.football365.com/All_News/Premiership_News/story_96091.shtml)

[NanDesKa]

saha.. haha...BAWHAHAHAHAHHA

[RVN]

http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1188385.jpg

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the contributions of Tim Howard and Rio Ferdinand as Manchester United stretched their lead at the top of the table courtesy of a 2-1 success at Bolton.
American goalkeeper Howard was in sensational form at The Reebok Stadium as he produced an array of stunning saves to thwart Bolton.

England international Ferdinand was also a towering figure at the heart of defence and has clearly thrived since the furore surrounding his failed drugs test.

United boss Ferguson was delighted with the duo's performances and admits his side had to weather a late storm from the hosts after Gary Neville's own goal.

"We expected that from them as their home form has been outstanding and they really make you work," said Ferguson.

"In the first half, we handled them perfectly and deserved to go in 2-0 up but they went for it in the second half.

"I thought Rio was absolutely magnificent and our goalkeeper just gets better and better.

"These games away from home, when the atmosphere's intense and it's a local derby, really bring them (overseas players) on.

"It's amazing. He (Ferdinand) was tiring a little bit towards the end but he was great.

"The team has given their all and shown great spirit and really battled to get the result."

With Arsenal being held at Everton and Chelsea losing to Liverpool, The Red Devils stretched their advantage at the summit to three points and Ferguson was satisfied to claim a firmer grip in the title race.

"It's been a good night's work for us," he added. "You can't dispute that, at this time of year, the games are more important.

"We have done our job and I'm delighted to hear the other results.":laugh: =p

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,53-1118288,00.html

[Ronaldo7]

yeah ;)

Next Match : Man Utd vs Newcastle , 12am MON [ESPN]

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by Ronaldo7
yeah ;)

Next Match : Man Utd vs Newcastle , 12am MON [ESPN]

I sense a Ruud-awakening.. :D

[RVN]

UNITED'S ability to storm back from a potentially crushing blow accounted another Premiership victim at the Reebok.

Bolton went the same way as Aston Villa, Manchester City, Spurs, Everton and Middlesbrough in the league since Chelsea pronounced themselves title contenders with victory over the Reds in November at Stamford Bridge.

While the extravagantly assembled Londoners lost again last night the Reds were efficiently shovelling more coal into their roaring fire and getting up an unstoppable championship head of steam.

You don't mess with United in the mood they've been in since that comeuppance on the Kings Road.

The Chelsea match was the last Premiership fixture Paul Scholes didn't figure in. The 29-year-old midfielder was in the last days of his rehabilitation following his groin op when United lost in London.

He was sidelined with his hernia complaint when the Reds lost at Southampton in August. He was suffering badly from the injury on the eve of surgery and United were already in a trough and heading for defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford in October when he finally came on as sub.

Pattern

A pattern is emerging here.

United without Scholes are a more vulnerable side than the Reds with their midfield maestro.

Against Bolton he proved just how valuable he is to the champions' season.

In conjunction with Ryan Giggs, who is slipping into a run of form and exclusively being United's assist man in recent matches, Scholes punished Bolton.

The platform for those two to kill off the Wanderers was provided by the Tony Coton-inspired Tim Howard and Rio Ferdinand, who shook off the debilitating after effects of the flu in the same way he's triumphed over the wearying off-field worries over his missed drugs saga.

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=77492.html

[ccloh]

Originally posted by Ronaldo7
yeah ;)

Next Match : Man Utd vs Newcastle , 12am MON [ESPN]


alan shearer will definitely scores one against utd but in the end who will emerge the winner will be different story

[RVN]

Originally posted by ccloh



alan shearer will definitely scores one against utd but in the end who will emerge the winner will be different story

Hope he doesn't even though shearer does have a habit of scoring against us, hopefully the likes of Ruud and Scholes will score again and beat the magpies.

[RVN]

Sir Alex Ferguson has intimated that he may shuffle his pack yet again when Newcastle travel to take on his Manchester United side on Sunday.

Ferguson is ready to switch his squad around following the 2-1 win over Bolton on Wednesday as United look for their seventh successive Premiership win and their ninth in a row in all competitions.

"We have a good squad of players who we can utilise and I will probably make one or two changes on Sunday," said Ferguson.

"We have just got to do our best in every game."

A month ago United were third in the table five points behind Arsenal and four behind Chelsea.

Their 100% run since losing at Stamford Bridge has seen them open a three-point gap at the top with Chelsea in third place and seven points adrift, and Ferguson reckons things will get better for his side.

"The most important thing is they are starting to gel together as a team we have got young players like Darren Fletcher and we have Kleberson coming in," he added. "It takes time, but they are getting better.

"Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy are doing it all at the right time now and Ryan Giggs has had a hand in the four goals we have scored in the last two games and is really starting to look the part.

"The team is getting better all the time and hopefully we can start putting some good performances in from now until the end of the season."

http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,750183,00.html

Hopefully not too much, Fletcher suspended though, maybe klebs will take his place. Keane might be rested. Butt might take his place. ;)

[Haku]

Celtic youngster Liam Miller is on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United, it is understood.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international midfielder has impressed Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson after breaking into the first team at Parkhead this season.

An announcement is to be made in the near future but the news will come as a big disappointment to Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, who was just celebrating the imminent arrival of Stephen Pearson.

The Northern Irishman had been in talks with the Cork-born youngster and his agent about his future.

But the discussions have dragged on and that has become a concern to O'Neill with the player's current contract due to expire in the summer.

Miller has been compared to Manchester United skipper Roy Keane for his energetic running and goals from midfield this season.

The youngster has already scored five times this season, one of which was a stunning strike against Anderlecht in November, but he was left on the bench for Saturday's Old Firm victory over Rangers.

O'Neill has been cautious with Miller due to his injury record in previous seasons.

But his rise to prominence continued when he was named in the Republic squad for the home friendly with Canada on November 18.

Miller first attracted the attention of Celtic when playing for his local side in Ovens, County Cork, and moved in Scotland in 1997.

A regular in Brian Kerr's underage squads, Celtic rated him highly and sent him on loan to Danish side Aarhus in 2001 for experience.

By then he was a regular in the Under-21 side which he eventually went on to captain, while he also forced his way into the Celtic first team this season and became a huge favourite with the fans.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=287883&cc=4716

building for the future.. good move by SAF

[Feador]

yeah ronaldo should be starting against newcastle this weekend

[RuMmYtUb]

that miller will warm our bench or be in the reserves ?

[ccloh]

roy keane tips him to be his successor. hmm getting more interesting as too many midfielders already.

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by ccloh
roy keane tips him to be his successor. hmm getting more interesting as too many midfielders already.

hMMM wah like that so many DMC...
opps i mean defensive midfielders (centre)

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by ccloh
roy keane tips him to be his successor. hmm getting more interesting as too many midfielders already.

hMMM wah like that so many DMC...
opps i mean defensive midfielders (centre)

[chrisl]

can some1 please tell me...what happen to Ole? He injured or what? how come never see him play these days?

[Spock]

Originally posted by chrisl
can some1 please tell me...what happen to Ole? He injured or what? how come never see him play these days?

Injured loh,coming back in a few weeks time

[NanDesKa]

great.
fergie building another team to last united for arnd another decade.

[RVN]

Originally posted by Feador
yeah ronaldo should be starting against newcastle this weekend

No, he is still rested, but he be back for the Wolves game next week.

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by Feador
yeah ronaldo should be starting against newcastle this weekend

he still at his hometown.....rested ready to take the epl by storm for the second half of the season.....:D

[guoquanyap]

http://www.footballchannel.com/imx/article/small/lmiller2.jpg

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44002&seg=EPL&teamid=

[Ch3tah_39]

man utd signed ani new player??:confused:

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by Ch3tah_39
man utd signed ani new player??:confused:
at this moment, no......

[RVN]

Originally posted by guoquanyap

at this moment, no......

Likes of Dong and Miller are thought to be joining us soon. Robben and either Saha or Viduka also.

[Ch3tah_39]

Originally posted by RVN


Likes of Dong and Miller are thought to be joining us soon. Robben and either Saha or Viduka also.

saha looks like will not be coming liao lorz... wat abt vieri?? ani gd news??

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by RVN


Likes of Dong and Miller are thought to be joining us soon. Robben and either Saha or Viduka also.

onli dong and miller most likely to come over, the rest look unlikely......

[RuMmYtUb]

When will be the transfer market close ?
end of jan isit ? can anyone tell me ?

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by RuMmYtUb
When will be the transfer market close ?
end of jan isit ? can anyone tell me ?

ya end of jan.....

[RuMmYtUb]

http://www.footballchannel.com/imx/article/small/lsaha3.jpg

Jan 9 - Manchester United remain determined to sign Louis Saha and will test Fulham's resolve with an improved offer.

Sources close to the French striker insisted yesterday that he was still desperate to move to Old Trafford after his outburst earlier this week.


But it will require the kind of bid Fulham would struggle to resist - given how angry they are over what they consider United's underhand tactics in trying to lure Saha.


Fulham manager Chris Coleman accused Sir Alex Ferguson of trying to 'bully' him into selling the 25-year-old and the London club also believe United were behind Saha's demand for a transfer during a heated meeting with Fulham officials on Tuesday.


Saha insisted on knowing why an £8m offer from United had not been accepted during the showdown.


The striker made his feelings known in the French newspaper L'Equipe, when he said: "My directors confirmed to me on Tuesday that they were not willing to let me leave. I am totally disgusted and virtually destroyed by the news."


Coleman and Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed insist they want to keep Saha, but Old Trafford officials believe an offer which exceeds Fulham's valuation of the player may persuade them to sell.


It's not even Fergie who's desperate... (http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44008&seg=EPL&teamid=)

[guoquanyap]

very hard for saha to come as he dun hav a get-out clause....somemore chris coleman and fulham chairman so defied.....men w big big ego.....

[guoquanyap]

Jan 9 - New Manchester United signing Liam Miller was prised away from Celtic because they could not compete with the wages on offer at Old Trafford.

Miller, 22, who has been described as the new Roy Keane because he also hails from Cork and is a strong-running midfielder, signed a pre-contract agreement with United yesterday.

The Irish youngster's £800-a-week deal runs out in the summer and although Celtic are believed to have offered him around £12,000 a week, United will pay him nearer £20,000 a week.

Miller's Celtic team-mate Henrik Larsson is in no doubt that United have signed a top player. He said: "Liam is one of the best young talents that I've ever seen. He's a tremendous young player.

Meanwhile, a Celtic spokesman said: "We made an extremely generous offer to Liam Miller."

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44054&seg=EPL&teamid=

hmmm...hav we sign him? let's wait for more confirmation....it will be great if we sign him

[ccloh]

can see the new keano coming out in 3-5 yrs times :D

[beckz11]

craziness..
y upgrade in a department we need not
already got youngster in kleberson n djemba...

[RVN]

Fulham striker Louis Saha has told a French newspaper that he is not on speaking terms with boss Chris Coleman - and is quoted as saying he will do "everything possible" to leave the club.

The French striker was "appalled" by Fulham's refusal to sell him to Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson tabled an £8million bid for his services.

Saha reportedly told Friday's edition of L'Equipe: "I know he (Coleman) did not like what I said - he told me. We have not talked to each other since Wednesday."

Saha, who has been one of the success stories of this season's Premiership with 12 goals, was a largely anonymous figure as Fulham slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

And the former Metz forward suggested the simmering dispute is to blame.

He said: "Against Middlesbrough I performed one of the worst matches of my career, maybe this was no accident."

Though stopping short of suggesting he will give less than 100% for Fulham, Saha remains convinced he is justified in wanting to leave.

He said: "I will not do anything stupid out of respect for my team-mates, who I really like, but I will do everything possible to leave. An offer like the Manchester one, even Coleman would not turn it down."

[RVN]

Manchester United have finalised a pre-contract agreement for Celtic midfielder Liam Miller.

Cork-born Miller, who will join United on July 1 on a long-term contract, is thrilled at the prospect.

Miller, 22, said: "As a young boy I only ever supported two clubs, Glasgow Celtic and Manchester United. I am honoured to have played for Celtic for six years and now I look forward to joining Manchester United.

"It's very exciting and is going to be a challenge to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We recognised the potential of Liam, he has had a great season at Celtic. He is very much part of our progressive thinking of developing a young team over the next few years."

United chief executive David Gill said: "I am pleased to have Liam joining us, it focuses our continued commitment to bring in young players for the future."

Miller joined Celtic in June 1998 aged 16 and this season has played in all but one of Celtic's 19 SPL games scoring three goals.

He also played in all the club's Champion League matches, scoring three times.



Our midfield is going to be overloaded liao. :rolleyes:

[guoquanyap]

got a talented guy on a free transfer....:D but hav to wait until nx season then can see him in action......

[kengbeng]

Anyone knows what position in midfield does Miller play? Could he be the long term successor to Keano? Might spell the end of Butt's career at MU since we also have Djemba^2 doing understudy to Keano.

Interesting to note that Miller comes from Cork and supports Celtic, like Keano.

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by kengbeng
Anyone knows what position in midfield does Miller play? Could he be the long term successor to Keano? Might spell the end of Butt's career at MU since we also have Djemba^2 doing understudy.

Interesting to note that Miller comes from Cork and supports Celtic, like Keano.

miller is someone keano specify he wan to sign....defiently groom to be successor of keano....whereas for butt....imo he will be regular for the nx few season where keano will really hav to either retire or use when needed......

miller and djemba will slowly and steady draft into the team in the nx few season....

[kengbeng]

Originally posted by guoquanyap


miller is someone keano specify he wan to sign....defiently groom to be successor of keano....whereas for butt....imo he will be regular for the nx few season where keano will really hav to either retire or use when needed......

miller and djemba will slowly and steady draft into the team in the nx few season....
While I agree with you somewhat, I'm not sure how Butt will still cope with being second fiddle to even the likes of Phil Neville. I'm pretty sure he wants to play regularly at his age.

Keane will be preserved for the big games I suppose, with Phil and Butt being able deputies. I feel that Djemba^2 needs to play more games (he is a great prospect) and if Miller is to be groomed, he has to have frequent match experience too. So what does that leave Butt?

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by kengbeng

While I agree with you somewhat, I'm not sure how Butt will still cope with being second fiddle to even the likes of Phil Neville. I'm pretty sure he wants to play regularly at his age.

Keane will be preserved for the big games I suppose, with Phil and Butt being able deputies. I feel that Djemba^2 needs to play more games (he is a great prospect) and if Miller is to be groomed, he has to have frequent match experience too. So what does that leave Butt?

Haiz tink Boro would wan to renew their interest on him n Forlan again..:(

[kengbeng]

Fergie and Scholes scoop December awards

Manchester United duo Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes have scooped the Barclaycard Manager and Player of the Month awards for December.

The double award rounds off an impressive month that saw United beat Aston Villa (4-0), Manchester City (3-1), Tottenham (2-1), Everton (3-2) and Middlesbrough (1-0).

The champions' five-match unbeaten run came about largely thanks to some eye-catching performances and two goals from Scholes.

It marks the 14th time that Ferguson has won the managers' accolade during his career, but only the second time Scholes has won the award.

Barclaycard sponsorship director Nic Gault said: "Manchester United have made a habit of ending seasons strongly and their current form suggests they have started early.

"After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson has taken his side on a five match unbeaten run that has sent out a clear message to the other title contenders: we're not going to give the title up easily.

"After an injury lay-off, Paul Scholes has quickly regained the type of form that has made him such an important player for United and England. Although it's only January, he must be an early contender for Player of the Year."

The decision on who gets the awards is made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by kengbeng
Fergie and Scholes scoop December awards

Manchester United duo Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes have scooped the Barclaycard Manager and Player of the Month awards for December.

The double award rounds off an impressive month that saw United beat Aston Villa (4-0), Manchester City (3-1), Tottenham (2-1), Everton (3-2) and Middlesbrough (1-0).

The champions' five-match unbeaten run came about largely thanks to some eye-catching performances and two goals from Scholes.

It marks the 14th time that Ferguson has won the managers' accolade during his career, but only the second time Scholes has won the award.

Barclaycard sponsorship director Nic Gault said: "Manchester United have made a habit of ending seasons strongly and their current form suggests they have started early.

"After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson has taken his side on a five match unbeaten run that has sent out a clear message to the other title contenders: we're not going to give the title up easily.

"After an injury lay-off, Paul Scholes has quickly regained the type of form that has made him such an important player for United and England. Although it's only January, he must be an early contender for Player of the Year."

The decision on who gets the awards is made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

Ya man.. keep up the gd work Scholes! Hope tiz sun matchup u will score again!! :D

[ccloh]

it is a pity scholes didn't win the player of the yr last season. i think he deserved more than anyone else.

[RuMmYtUb]

Fulham striker Louis Saha has told a French newspaper that he is not on speaking terms with boss Chris Coleman - and is quoted as saying he will do 'everything possible' to leave the club.

Louis Saha: Transfer wrangle (PhilCole/GettyImages)

The French striker was 'appalled' by Fulham's refusal to sell him to Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson tabled an £8million bid for his services.


Saha reportedly told Friday's edition of L'Equipe: 'I know he (Coleman) did not like what I said - he told me. We have not talked to each other since Wednesday.'

Saha, who has been one of the success stories of this season's Premiership with 12 goals, was a largely anonymous figure as Fulham slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

And the former Metz forward suggested the simmering dispute is to blame. He said: 'Against Middlesbrough I performed one of the worst matches of my career, maybe this was no accident.'

Though stopping short of suggesting he will give less than 100 per cent for Fulham, Saha remains convinced he is justified in wanting to leave.

He said: 'I will not do anything stupid out of respect for my team-mates, who I really like, but I will do everything possible to leave. An offer like the Manchester one, even Coleman would not turn it down.'

Saha 'not speaking' to Coleman (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=287949&cc=4716)

[RuMmYtUb]

http://www.footballchannel.com/imx/article/small/awenger2.jpg

Jan 9 - Arsene Wenger refused to acknowledge that Manchester United had been given a psychological edge in the title race because they collected three points at Bolton while Arsenal had to settle for one at Everton.

"I feel overall we are in a great position. We have played 11 games away and nine at home while Manchester United and Chelsea have played 10 at home and 10 away," he said. Wenger has already tagged the game against Middlesbrough as the

most crucial of the clashes with Middlesbrough.


"It is the most important," said Wenger, who makes no secret that the Premiership title is his priority every season. He also views it as the perfect chance for his players to erase the memory of their less-than-emphatic performance at Everton.


"We were frustrated after the game. And the best way to put things right is in the next game. It is a good opportunity for us. These players I have here want to do it. I sense that," he said.


Gael Clichy is set for a further opportunity to enhance his reputation as one of the most exciting young players to emerge at Arsenal this season.


The 18-year-old French defender will come in for Ashley Cole against Middlesbrough at Highbury if, as expected, the England full-back fails to recover from a shoulder injury picked up against Everton in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.


Cole is rated as a "big doubt" for the Premiership clash against a team Arsenal will face at least four times in the next 18 days. Wenger went as far as to withdraw Clichy, who impressively filled in for Cole while he served a recent three-match ban, from his usual strenuous training session with the reserve squad.


"I want to make sure he is fit because he might be needed," said Wenger, who could also be without Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure, who suffered a bruised foot in the Everton game, as well as Dennis Bergkamp and Sylvain Wiltord. Lauren will come in if Toure drops out of contention


Wenger : Utd don't have the edge.. (http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44057&seg=EPL&teamid=)

If it's so.... who else has the edge den ? obviously u're nervous MR WHINER ... :laugh: :laugh:

[Ronaldo7]

Consistency the key says Ferguson
Reuters
Saturday January 10, 2004 1:51 AM


(Adds Robson quotes)

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Alex Ferguson said on Friday that consistency was the key to Manchester United opening up a three-point gap at the top of the premier league.

United have won their last six league games, while title rivals Arsenal have drawn four times in their last seven matches and Chelsea have taken seven points from a possible 18.

"In periods of games recently we have done very well," the United manager told reporters.

"Hopefully by March and April we'll be at full throttle. But the most important thing that we are doing well at the moment is keeping a consistency.

"The players are playing with great determination, particularly in their defending."

United winning streak will be tested at Old Trafford on Sunday by a Newcastle United side that has won its last two games.

The sides shared 16 goals in their two games last season and Ferguson is expecting another open contest.

"Both clubs share the same philosophy of attacking football," he said. "They are exciting games and normally you expect a real attacking game when the two teams meet."

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson said his players would take heart from Fulham's victory in Manchester in October.

"Fulham won there earlier this season and that has got to give us a bit of hope because their 3-1 win came just four days after we had beaten them 3-2 in London which was a quite remarkable exchange of results," Robson told reporters in Newcastle.

"Last season we managed to score three times at Old Trafford (in a 5-3 defeat) and never looked like winning so we'll have to defend much better.

"There should be goals in the match because there are lots of good attacking players on either side but on the other hand you cannot rule out the possibility that it could be a tense, tight affair which could finish 0-0. If that did happen I would not be disappointed.

"It will be a good performance if we can get anything at all from the game. But we won't be afraid. We'll be bold and adventurous but will defend deep whenever we have to.

"Jonathan Woodgate is on form but Ruud van Nistelrooy will provide him with a very good test because he's a sensational player who can score good individual or team goals."

Manchester United have no fresh injury worries, but will be without suspended midfielder Darren Fletcher.

[RVN]

Originally posted by kengbeng

While I agree with you somewhat, I'm not sure how Butt will still cope with being second fiddle to even the likes of Phil Neville. I'm pretty sure he wants to play regularly at his age.

Keane will be preserved for the big games I suppose, with Phil and Butt being able deputies. I feel that Djemba^2 needs to play more games (he is a great prospect) and if Miller is to be groomed, he has to have frequent match experience too. So what does that leave Butt?

Djemba won't be playing for the moment hes in African Nation Cup until March, Butt chances does look limited when Miller join us at the end of the season although he wants to stay and win his place back, its looks bleak. :(

[RVN]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39721000/jpg/_39721117_manu_203.jpg

Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes have won the Barclaycard manager and player of the month awards for December.
United went on a five-match winning run last month with victories over Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham, Everton and Middlesbrough.

England midfielder Scholes made an impressive comeback from injury with two goals to help United claim top spot ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea.

It is the 14th time that Ferguson has won the manager of the month award.

The decision was made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and supporters.

Barclaycard sponsorship director Nic Gault of the Barclaycard awards panel said: "Manchester United have made a habit of ending seasons strongly and their current form suggests they have started early.

"After defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson has taken his side on a five match unbeaten run that has sent out a clear message to the other title contenders that they are not going to give the title up easily.

"After an injury lay-off, Paul Scholes has quickly regained the type of form that has made him such an important player for United and England.

"Although it's only January, he must be an early contender for player of the year."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3383009.stm

[RVN]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39694000/gif/_39694873_mutd_new_150.gif

Manchester United will be forced into making at least one change as Darren Fletcher is suspended.

Kleberson or Nicky Butt could replace him, but if Sir Alex Ferguson chooses to change the formation, Diego Forlan could earn a place up front instead.

Newcastle have announced an unchanged squad for the third match in a row.

Only Craig Bellamy (knee), Lee Bowyer (hip), Shola Ameobi (fractured cheekbone) and Steve Caldwell (thigh) remain on the sidelines.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man Utd (from): Howard, Carroll, G Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Brown, O'Shea, Fortune, Forlan, P Neville, Butt, Keane, Kleberson, Giggs, Scholes, Van Nistelrooy, Bellion.

Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Hughes, Bernard, Griffin, Woodgate, Bramble, O'Brien, Speed, Robert, Jenas, Solano, Viana, Ambrose, Shearer, Dyer, LuaLua, Chopra.

[RVN]

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is aiming to knock Alan Shearer off his perch at Old Trafford tomorrow.

The United striker needs a brace to beat Newcastle hitman Shearer's record as the player to score the quickest 100 goals since the Premiership began.

Shearer took 137 games to reach his ton with Blackburn in all competitions between August 1992 and August 1995.

Van Nistelrooy currently has 98 goals from 126 games since his debut in August 2001.

United boss Alex Ferguson said: "That is a nice incentive for Ruud this weekend and I would certainly not bet against him reaching the 100 mark.

"It would be nice if he did it on Sunday because this is a very big game for us.

"We've had great strikers like Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona and Brian McClair. But when it comes to statistics, one player stands out.

"I think we have gone beyond surprise and amazement with Ruud.

[RuMmYtUb]

Jan 9 - Manchester United will have to pay around £12million to convince Fulham to sell Louis Saha.

Alex Ferguson has made the French striker his top target and is close to getting him after a week of bitter wrangling. Fulham have been desperately trying to hold on to their leading goalscorer and are thought to have turned down a bid of nearly £10m from United.


The London club have accused the champions of using underhand tactics to unsettle Saha. But if United are guilty of leaking stories and approaching the player through intermediaries, it is beginning to work - even though Chris Coleman insisted today he had not given up hope of keeping the player.


Saha has made it clear he wants to move to Old Trafford. The player's outbursts this week have had a damaging effect on the team and have changed the thinking of some within the club.


The striker said this week he was "disgusted and dejected" that Fulham were blocking his chance to join United. Saha played poorly in the 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough and revealed today he had not spoken to his manager since that match.


He said: "Coleman told me he did not like what I said. We've not talked to each other since Wednesday. Against Middlesbrough I performed one of the worst matches of my career, maybe this was no accident.


"I will not do anything stupid out of respect for my team-mates, who I really like, but I will do everything possible to leave. An offer like the Manchester one, even Coleman would not turn it down."


There are some people at Fulham who believe they should sell soon and use the money to sign a replacement in this month's transfer window.


Coleman, though, said today: "I don't expect it to be easy between now and the end of the month but Louis is not for sale. If Louis is not playing well he will be out of the team but that does not mean he is being sold. When Ferguson sets his sights on someone he usually gets him but this is a test for me, the club and the chairman."


Coleman also accused Saha's agent Ranko Stojic of using bullying tactics in the saga.


The manager said: "I know I'm supposed to have said this week that Ferguson was a bully but I meant Saha's agent. I had discussions with him on Tuesday and he tried to tell me one of my players will be leaving because it suits him."


Saha for 12 m !!!!! (http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44113&seg=EPL&teamid=)

Gonna get ripped off again.. :mad: :mad:

[RVN]

Originally posted by RuMmYtUb
Gonna get ripped off again.. :mad: :mad:

No we won't. Fergie has dropped his interest and won't be bidding for Saha anymore.


FERGUSON: NO NEW BID FOR SAHA (http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1118661,00.html)

[RVN]

There was a reassuring message from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday. With a sparkle in his eye, the 62-year-old manager spoke at length about the United of the future, a team that has taken further shape with the acquisition of Liam Miller, the young Irish midfield player, from Celtic.

The day will come, Ferguson acknowledged, when Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers have to make way for younger men. “You always hope that influential figures like Keane and Scholes will go on for ever, but the reality is that it doesn’t happen,” he said. “You can’t go on for ever and, when that day comes, I want to make sure there are people ready to take their place. The signing of Liam Miller is another step towards that.”

It is the continuation of a policy that Ferguson began to implement the moment he decided, two years ago almost to the day, to put his retirement plans on hold. Aware that the long-term health of his team was not as it should have been, he set about the rejuvenation of his squad, many of whom, having reached their peak at the same time, were in danger of growing old together.

It is something that happened, to varying extents, to the Tottenham Hotspur team of the early 1960s, to the United side that emerged later that decade and to the Liverpool empire that, having dominated English football throughout the 1970s and 1980s, finally began to crumble as many of their star players reached the wrong side of 30.

Ferguson has no intention of allowing the same thing to happen to the club that has largely ruled the past decade. “If you look at the present team, the defending part is fine, because age doesn’t come into it as much as with other positions,” he said.

“There’s no reason why Roy Keane (32), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (30), Ryan Giggs (30), Paul Scholes (29) and Nicky Butt (28) cannot play until their mid-30s, but it would be wrong to wait until then to start building a team to replace them. That’s why we have bought young lads like Howard, Kleberson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Djemba Djemba and David Bellion.”

Miller, a 22-year-old who will arrive on a free transfer when his contract at Celtic expires in the summer, fits the bill — “he’s got a marvellous engine and he scores goals from midfield”, Ferguson said — but he is not the only one. United are also well advanced in their bid to recruit Arjen Robben, the young Holland forward from PSV Eindhoven, while their academy is overflowing with the best young talents imported from all over Europe, as well as Africa and the United States.

“We’re trying to secure a new team for the future and to integrate it into the present team over the next three or four years,” Ferguson said. “Having got them here now, we can allow them to develop at the club and understand the club, learn to adapt to the pressures and demands that come with playing for this club. Then, hopefully, when the time comes for them — and I’m not saying that will be 2005 or whenever — that transition will be a smooth one.”

[wes]

Originally posted by RVN


No we won't. Fergie has dropped his interest and won't be bidding for Saha anymore.


FERGUSON: NO NEW BID FOR SAHA (http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1118661,00.html)

dats rite...i rather man utd wait till july den buy another quality player..
solskjaer will be back soon oso..

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by wes


dats rite...i rather man utd wait till july den buy another quality player..
solskjaer will be back soon oso..

Yea i wanna see someone world class or thereabouts

[RuMmYtUb]

Anyone got a nice RvN's desktop screensaver can share with me ?
Thanks.. :D

[RuMmYtUb]

Jan 11 - It's not quite Beckham-mania but Ruud van Nistelrooy is now beginning to understand the pressures under which his former club-mate operated.

When Van Nistelrooy marries long-term girlfriend Leontien Slaats in July, the ceremony will take place in a small village church rather than a large Irish castle. And no thrones are expected to be involved.


Nevertheless, having replaced Beckham as United's most prominent star, Van Nistelrooy is aware that special precautions may be necessary for the celebration.


"Our wedding will take place in Heesch and Geffen, the villages where we come from. I realise it is naive to think people will not try anything to get close to the wedding," said Van Nistelrooy.


"That's why I will have a security company that day - to make sure the whole wedding can take place without hiccups and people disturbing us. I only want people in the church who Leontien and I have invited. And all my guests must be able to walk out of the church without being squashed by total strangers."


Van Nistelrooy has had an extraordinary career at Old Trafford since joining United for £19 million in 2001. His 126 appearances for the club have brought 98 goals and he has equalled Denis Law's club record of 28 goals in European competition. Such success means his fame, both at home in Holland and internationally, is approaching that of David Beckham, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.


"Sometimes there are funny moments unexpectedly generated by fame. I was back in Holland one time and stood in the driveway of my house in Heesch, when some guy on rollerblades came by," said Van Nistelrooy.


"The second he recognised me, he lost his balance and crashed straight on the tarmac. He must have really hurt his face and he was almost hyperventilating because he saw me.


"But he managed to get up and all he said was: 'Can I have your autograph, please, Ruud?' He didn t have a single piece of paper on him, but wanted the autograph on his bare belly, where he had just landed!"


"A couple of years ago I turned up at a carnival with a massive Afro wig and big sunglasses. I thought nobody would recognise me but one fan recognised my Mercedes and saw me get out of the car with my wig and sunglasses on. Pierre van Hooijdonk (the former Nottingham Forest striker, now at Fenerbahce) always puts a mask on at carnival. He never gets recognised."


Nothing, though, can compare to the adulation United receive in Asia.


"My first big trip abroad with United was to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The people there worship United 20 times as much as they do here. I saw golden sculptures of Beckham there; I saw images of myself projected and enlarged on buildings everywhere in Bangkok," he said.


"It was scary. When we landed, they had to bring everything to a standstill because there were tens of thousands on the tarmac and even the airport staff stopped doing their job.


"And the Asian fans don't change when they come to Europe. Last year I was in Barcelona airport, waiting for a flight. I was sitting with Leontien. Next to me was one spare seat in the lounge.


"All of a sudden 60 Indonesian people sprinted all the way up to me. One by one they had to have their picture taken in the spare seat next to me. I could not do anything but sit there and smile for every picture.


"Sometimes people grab me and pretend they know me. Complete strangers come up and say: 'Hey, Ruud, good to see you man.' When I look really surprised, they sometimes realise what they are doing and say: 'Oh sorry, you don t actually know me. But I know you.'"


But Van Nistelrooy claims he rarely gets cross with fans.


"You know why I understand? Because once I was one of them and I did the same things. I was a massive fan of Marco van Basten and Jesper Olsen. In the summer I used to go on holiday with my parents in the north of Holland, in a place called Drenthe.


"We were on a campsite there and the Ajax team were next door to us in a big hotel, which they used as a base for their pre-season training camp. Together with friends I often went to watch their star players.


"Just like all the other kids I used to sprint up to Van Basten after a training session or a match for his autograph. I still have my own heroes. If I saw Muhammad Ali tomorrow on the street I would run up to him.


"To me that man is an absolute idol. I worship him as one of the biggest sportsmen ever known. I suppose that is why some people freeze when they see me ... whether they are kids or grown-up men."

Sure he's loving every minute of it.. (http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44114&seg=EPL&teamid=)

[leslielai]

aiya just pay 12 million and get the deal done asap lah.

the thing about Fulham is that they do not need the money and its simply another case of a club wanting to rip United off. they will be desperate for another striker should they let Saha go :laugh:

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by leslielai
aiya just pay 12 million and get the deal done asap lah.

the thing about Fulham is that they do not need the money and its simply another case of a club wanting to rip United off. they will be desperate for another striker should they let Saha go :laugh:

Now they want 15m. :crazy:
like ronaldinho saga... pui

[leslielai]

:mad: :mad:

[RVN]

Originally posted by leslielai
aiya just pay 12 million and get the deal done asap lah.

the thing about Fulham is that they do not need the money and its simply another case of a club wanting to rip United off. they will be desperate for another striker should they let Saha go :laugh:

what for, get ripped off by other clubs, no way, beside Coleman is still insisting Saha stay and blocked his move, what to do, Fergie will look for other targets. ;)

[RVN]

The Football Association are to investigate Tim Howard's £2.3million move to Manchester United.

Documents which reportedly show evidence of a payment to an agent and breaches of FA rules have been passed to the governing body by The Sunday Times.

The FA's compliance unit, which investigates football transfers, is to look at the deal, which saw Howard arrive at Old Trafford from Metrostars last July.

David Davies, the FA's executive director, said: "Various documents are now in our possession.

"They will be studied very carefully and any breach of the rules and regulations that they show will then be discussed as a matter of urgency."


what else are the FA gonna do to sabotage us? :mad: :mad: :mad:

[ccloh]

Originally posted by RVN
The Football Association are to investigate Tim Howard's £2.3million move to Manchester United.

Documents which reportedly show evidence of a payment to an agent and breaches of FA rules have been passed to the governing body by The Sunday Times.

The FA's compliance unit, which investigates football transfers, is to look at the deal, which saw Howard arrive at Old Trafford from Metrostars last July.

David Davies, the FA's executive director, said: "Various documents are now in our possession.

"They will be studied very carefully and any breach of the rules and regulations that they show will then be discussed as a matter of urgency."


what else are the FA gonna do to sabotage us? :mad: :mad: :mad:

never heard any copmplains abt the transfer especially from his us club. why on earth the FA wants to probe into it. gives me an impression that this FA is like FAS. forever S.U.C.K

[RVN]

Just another load of anti united clap trap in the press, even if it were true - which I doubt so - its not the first deal and will not be the last. Teams all over the country do it all the time. Its been proved time and time again. How bloody despicable of the Sunday Times to do such a thing! F.U.C.K them and the FA. :mad:

[orca_sea]

Originally posted by RVN
Just another load of anti united clap trap in the press, even if it were true - which I doubt so - its not the first deal and will not be the last. Teams all over the country do it all the time. Its been proved time and time again. How bloody despicable of the Sunday Times to do such a thing! F.U.C.K them and the FA. :mad:

Ya lor.. i tink itz nt fair at all ..Rio's punishment n tiz probe make mi tink that the FA seems to purposely want to mk Man U the scrapgoat for all wrong stuffs...bloody hell!!! curse u all FA asshole!!! :mad: :mad:

[Ch3tah_39]

wtf fook is wrong wit the FA...:mad:

[RVN]

Originally posted by Ch3tah_39
wtf fook is wrong wit the FA...:mad:

They are a bunch of complete morons. Again the FA put stuff in the press, so we are again guilty before we are proved not so. Haven't they again broke rules themselves? :mad: :mad: :mad:

[beckz11]

wa if guilty what wil happen ?

[RVN]

Originally posted by beckz11
wa if guilty what wil happen ?

Manchester United have claimed that they were within FIFA Regulations, so there shouldn't be a problem. we are innocent. :mad:

From The FA's website.

However, having received the documentation, the FA are now duty-bound to launch a full investigation into not just the Howard deal, but also those of Harry Kewell's move from Leeds to Liverpool and Ivan Campo's arrival at Bolton from Real Madrid, details of which have also been forwarded to Soho Square.

Anyone expecting a speedy resolution to the case will be disappointed though. A similar investigation involving Bosko Balaban's £6million move from Dinamo Zagreb to Aston Villa in August 2001 has been in process for 18 months and there is still no sign of an end.

[kengbeng]

Originally posted by RVN


Manchester United have claimed that they were within FIFA Regulations, so there shouldn't be a problem. we are innocent. :mad:

From The FA's website.

However, having received the documentation, the FA are now duty-bound to launch a full investigation into not just the Howard deal, but also those of Harry Kewell's move from Leeds to Liverpool and Ivan Campo's arrival at Bolton from Real Madrid, details of which have also been forwarded to Soho Square.

Anyone expecting a speedy resolution to the case will be disappointed though. A similar investigation involving Bosko Balaban's £6million move from Dinamo Zagreb to Aston Villa in August 2001 has been in process for 18 months and there is still no sign of an end.
If there is any transfer that is suspicious, it has to be the scousers' purchase of Kewell for a ridiculously low price.

[guoquanyap]

they got nothing better to do huh.....:sarcastic :sarcastic

[RVN]

I don understand why our goal was disallowed??? the replay didnt show any real pushing but we were lucky shearer didn't had a penalty or else we could have lost, it was a crap performances to be honest. :(

yeah..we urgently need another striker
Forlan and Bellion ain't up to it. Maybe the return of Ronaldo and Solskjaer next week will help.

[ccloh]

0-0 draw not a very welcoming result but still manage to lead the top by 1-pt. i suppose the april game away to arsenal will be the title decider if both teams continue to win from now till then.

[RVN]

http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1189113.jpg

Sir Alex Ferguson was cursing referee Paul Durkin after Manchester United's winning streak was brought to a halt by Newcastle United.
Durkin upset the Red Devils boss for ruling out Mikael Silvestre's second half goal after the French defender tussled with Andy O'Brien.

Newcastle were also denied a first half penalty by Durkin with Ferguson feeling the official got both major decisions in the evenly-fought encounter wrong.

Ferguson disagreed with Durkin's post-match assessment of the Silvestre incident but conceded the visitors should have been awarded a spot kick for Tim Howard's foul on Alan Shearer.

"I have seen the goal again and I don't agree with him (Durkin)," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"I think it was a perfectly good goal and I also felt that it was a penalty kick. Both teams had hard decisions given against them."

Ferguson was reasonably satisfied with his team's display in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, particularly with the improvement in the second half.

"Either side could have won it," he added. "We had the better chances and better spells but they put a lot in to the game and pressed the ball everywhere.

"In the first half, I thought we were a bit lackadaisical and seemed to accept that we could just turn it on whenever we wanted but football's not like that.

"In the second half, we speeded up our play and created opportunities."

Ryan Giggs was forced off at half time with a back injury and Ferguson admitted the Welshman is unlikely to play against Wolves next weekened.

He continued: "Ryan's pulled a muscle in his lower back and I imagine he won't play next Saturday."

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,53-1118789,00.html

[RVN]

That penalty claim wouldn't have happen in the first place if Gary Neville was being more alert, wtf was he trying to do back-pass to Howard and it was a poor pass too when Shearer was closing in. Silvestre disallowed goal was a joke though, as for durkin the fat ******* disallow our goal to make up for not giving a pen to shearer and then goes on to admit he made a mistake with the pen but not with our disallowed goal. silvestre didn't do anything wrong, shearer does that everytime he gets the ball in the penalty box. :mad:

[spykid]

well, even if the penalty is given, there's no 100% guarantee that shearer will score from it... he has miss some in his career... and besides, howard's a decent gk when it comes to saving spot-kicks... so let's just forget the whole thing and move on... but i have to point out that silvestre's goal was a perfectly 'legal' goal, to be honest... :D :D

[RVN]

Probably after this match, we're really going to miss Rio with how he has played as of late. I am not convinced about Brown, hope he proves me wrong. Fergie has to buy a defender, no matter what he thinks, and another striker for sure to partner Ruud, hope for a proflic one too. Saha or Defoe, dun want that fat dukes viduka though.

Next game against wolves, Rio last game for us before his suspension starts on Jan 20. :( Giggsy is probably out after suffering a back muscle problem, but the likes of Ronaldo, Fletcher and Solskjaer should all returned if he come through the reserve game on wednesday against birmingham unscathed. :)

[RuMmYtUb]

Lousy 0-0 draw... threw away our 3pt lead...:(

[ccloh]

Originally posted by RuMmYtUb
Lousy 0-0 draw... threw away our 3pt lead...:(

well can't really say lousy, newcastle is not a push-over side. they came in 3rd last season remember and they were doing good in the 1st half of the season when injuiries caused them to slip.

2 very bad decision by the ref but if the ref got those 2 decision correct, the match still end up as 1-1 draw. fair result to both team.

to me, drop of pt, can only blame ownself. can someone tell me what on earth gary neville, a senior experienced player and england regular doing a backpass when he can wop the ball up field to clear it. it is not the first time he did some stupid backpass and make those stupid mistakes. time for me to out of utd already.

[RVN]

Originally posted by ccloh


well can't really say lousy, newcastle is not a push-over side. they came in 3rd last season remember and they were doing good in the 1st half of the season when injuiries caused them to slip.

2 very bad decision by the ref but if the ref got those 2 decision correct, the match still end up as 1-1 draw. fair result to both team.

to me, drop of pt, can only blame ownself. can someone tell me what on earth gary neville, a senior experienced player and england regular doing a backpass when he can wop the ball up field to clear it. it is not the first time he did some stupid backpass and make those stupid mistakes. time for me to out of utd already.

Exactly, wtf was he trying to do, 2 own goals before and now this stupid back-pass, he blur is it didn't see shearer was closing in on Howard yet still chose to play the ball to him in the end causing all this penalty fure, he better stop doing all this silly mistake or else dropped him. :mad:

after last night, We need more depth and quality striker in our squad, after all seeing the likes of Fortune, Forlan and Bellion on the bench, not exactly likely to do anything!! :(

Bring back Ronaldo and Solskjaer back to the squad and maybe a new striker will be better. ;)

[Ronaldo7]

Club acts in 'plot' against Ferguson

Daniel Taylor
Monday January 12, 2004
The Guardian

Manchester United are investigating claims that the club's majority shareholders, John Magnier and JP McManus, are trying to undermine Sir Alex Ferguson because of an ongoing legal dispute between the United manager and Magnier.
The club already suspect the Irish businessmen were behind damaging newspaper stories about Ferguson recently, and now they are studying allegations that people were "planted" at the club's annual general meeting, apparently to ask questions that would make life difficult for the manager.

Shareholders United, a pressure group of the club's shareholders, last night passed a "dossier of evidence" to the club's chief executive David Gill. He holds the group in high esteem and the matter is given further credence because the allegations stem from an investigation involving Michael Crick, one of its committee members. Crick is well known at Old Trafford as a skilled investigator and the author of award-winning books, not least his biography of Ferguson, The Boss, The Many Sides of Alex Ferguson.

Magnier is currently in the midst of an acrimonious legal battle with the United manager about the stud rights of the former racehorse Rock of Gibraltar, a dispute that is scheduled to finish in a Dublin court later this year.

In the meantime, Magnier and McManus have allegedly hired a private firm of investigators to investigate United's manager and, according to Shareholders United, several people at the November AGM had been planted to ask questions of Ferguson on the behest of his former racing companions. Ferguson chose not to attend the meeting, having been criticised by shareholders the previous year.

"Michael's investigative talents are second to none and he is a meticulous researcher," said Oliver Houston, the group's spokesman. "Our evidence is now with David Gill and it's clearly a matter of concern for him."

Gill is certainly in an invidious and extremely tricky situation, running a business where the most important employee is suing the two millionaires whose company, Cubic Expression, have a 24.24% stake in the club.

Last month Ferguson claimed a tabloid newspaper story about an internal split at Old Trafford over the length of his proposed new contract had "come out of Ireland," an allegation rumoured to have had the sympathy of his directors.

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by ccloh


well can't really say lousy, newcastle is not a push-over side. they came in 3rd last season remember and they were doing good in the 1st half of the season when injuiries caused them to slip.

2 very bad decision by the ref but if the ref got those 2 decision correct, the match still end up as 1-1 draw. fair result to both team.

to me, drop of pt, can only blame ownself. can someone tell me what on earth gary neville, a senior experienced player and england regular doing a backpass when he can wop the ball up field to clear it. it is not the first time he did some stupid backpass and make those stupid mistakes. time for me to out of utd already.

Cos it's GARY NEVILLE.. :mad:

[RVN]

Ryan Giggs looks certain to miss Manchester United's match at Wolves after picking up a back injury during Sunday's draw with Newcastle.

The Wales star was replaced at half-time of Sunday's goalless stalemate and manager Sir Alex Ferguson later confirmed: "Ryan injured a muscle in his back and that will rule him out for the trip to Wolves on Saturday, but he should be back for the FA Cup tie the following week."

United will play the winner of this week's third-round replay between Rotherham and Northampton Town on Sunday week.

Sunday's draw saw United regain the outright lead at the top of the Premiership although they are now just one point clear of closest rivals Arsenal, after the Gunners' 4-1 defeat of Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Remarkably the 0-0 stalemate was only the second draw of United's Premiership campaign, the other coming in the home game with Arsenal in September.

That said, United defender Mikael Silvestre's 65th-minute effort was harshly disallowed after referee Paul Durkin adjudged the Frenchman had impeded a Newcastle defender while in the first half, Alan Shearer's appeals for a penalty were waved away by Durkin, who afterwards cleared the matter up by saying he wasn't 100% certain a foul had been committed by United keeper Tim Howard.

Every credit though to the match official, who opted to explain his decisions in front of the Sky television cameras, rather than leave players, managers, fans and viewers in the dark.

http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,752755,00.html

[RVN]

Sir Alex Ferguson’s emphasis on United’s future continues this Tuesday night as the club’s next crop of youngsters take on Blue rivals City at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup.

Ferguson has bestowed great importance on home-grown talent throughout his 17-year tenure – the current first team is founded on such a philosophy – and the United boss is already making moves to create a team of the future.

The captures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kleberson and newly-signed Liam Miller, the graduation of the likes of John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher and the emergence of players such as Chris Eagles, Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley point to Ferguson sowing the seeds for a United of the future.

The manager indicates as much: “That group, and one or two young players that are coming through the youth system at the moment, is a safeguard of the future. We’re trying to build a new team that can integrate with the experienced players we have at the moment.”

Continuing the defence of the FA Youth Cup crown against City, having beaten Rushden & Diamonds in the previous round, Ferguson will witness another piece of the jigsaw fitting into place.

"It's the great beauty of this club, we give young players a chance. Matt Busby started that, that's where we are now, and I can't see that changing."
Sir Alex Ferguson
Audio: Fergie on Youth Development

”The Youth team we have got at the moment has a great deal of potential about it,” says Sir Alex. “Some of the young players are beginning to break through. Chris Eagles has been with the first team this year, as have Eddie Johnson and Phil Bardsley; all three were in last year’s Youth Cup-winning team.

”That’s the great beauty of this club - we give young players a chance. If they get to the level we expect them to get, they’re there.”

On Tuesday, Brian McClair’s latest crop of players - defenders Floribert N’Galula, Paul McShane and Jonathan Spector, midfielder Chris Eagles and forward Jami Puustinen already impressing in the youth ranks - have another opportunity to present a case to be part of Ferguson’s revolution.

With the added spice of playing Manchester City, who have been widely tipped to win the Youth Cup this season, Sir Alex is expecting a big crowd at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

”It should be an exciting game and I’m hoping for a big crowd,” enthused Sir Alex. “I’m sure they’ll bring a few fans! I expect a big crowd for that one because it’s a great plan for the young players.”

The tradition of youth development, of course, is not one instigated by Ferguson. As Sir Alex points out, he is merely continuing a philosophy deep-rooted in United history.

”It’s one thing this club has always done, we put great importance on producing our own young players. Matt Busby started that, that’s where we are now, and I can’t see that changing.”

http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=51273&itype=466&icategoryid=120

[guoquanyap]

we up the tempo in the second-half but newcastle hang on well.....credit to them for battling so hard for every ball....abit dissappointed w the 0-0 draw though.....

[ccloh]

read from soccernet, apparently ole's comeback has been delayed. what a bad news. :(

[RuMmYtUb]

Jan 13 - Sir Alex Ferguson has never shied away from a battle during his Old Trafford reign. He invariably gets his way but, he now faces a formidable opponent.

Ferguson has not lost many battles - private or public - during his illustrious career at Old Trafford. But in taking one of the richest and most powerful men in Ireland to court over the ownership of a racehorse, the Manchester United manager would appear to have engaged a formidable and resourceful opponent in battle.


Over the past 16 years, Ferguson has gone toe to toe with players, chairmen, managers and members of the media with a relish and conviction that tends to separate the uniquely successful from the merely capable.


But outside the closed world of football, such abrasive and aggressive tactics do not always work and it would appear that his dispute with major United shareholder John Magnier is about to get very dirty indeed.


As Ferguson emerged from a difficult weekend that saw his team maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership courtesy of a goalless home draw with Newcastle, it was his relationship with his agent son Jason that dominated the United agenda.


Twenty-four hours on - as United continued to digest evidence that Jason is still involved with many of his father's major transfers - it emerged that the manager's relationship with former associate Magnier continues to threaten the stability of the country's biggest football club.


Ever since Ferguson chose to drag Magnier through the courts over disputed stud rights to the champion race-horse Rock Of Gibraltar, it has been thought the Irishman would do his best to test the impregnability of his former friend's position at Old Trafford. Now those who tread the corridors of power at the club suspect war has broken out.


As FootballChannel revealed in November, Magnier and his friend and business partner at Cubic Expression Ltd, JP McManus, have employed private investigators to look into Ferguson's personal and business background in an attempt to support their case in the courts.


Worryingly for United, these endeavours may now have spread to Ferguson's practices at Old Trafford. Given that Cubic Expression own almost a quarter of shares at the club, concern has been felt at board-room level.


As a publicly quoted company, United are understandably concerned about anything that may threaten their credibility with the City.


But the episode that has so alarmed shareholders and, it would seem, the plc board, came at the club's annual meeting in November. Board members were asked a series of provocative questions by individuals now suspected to have been present on behalf of Magnier.


Respected United commentator and journalist Michael Crick, who wrote a recent biography of Ferguson, is convinced of these individuals' connections and has posted an article suggesting as much on the website of the United Shareholders group.


More significantly, however, Cubic Expression last night refused to comment on such suggestions. United sources have not dismissed the connection, either.


Indeed, at a meeting of shareholders and fans prior to Sunday's game, chief executive David Gill appeared to endorse the view when he told supporters he was aware of the issue and would take it up directly with Magnier.


As is his way, Ferguson has refused to be perturbed by the situation. Although he in many ways set the hare running by pointing a finger at Ireland before Christmas, he has subsequently kept his distance.


In the background, though, lurks the thorny and as yet unresolved issue of his new contract. Publicly, United and their boss continue to insist all is well and the document that will keep the Scot at the club beyond his 65th birthday will be signed.


That is becoming a repetitive but unfulfilled promise. With Coolmore known to have reservations about Ferguson's continued employment, it is understandable that fans are becoming anxious.


As ever, those who join the throng at Old Trafford every match- day continue to support their manager.


On the field he remains as untouchable as ever. But by taking on a man as powerful as Magnier, has Ferguson become involved in a dirtier fixture than anything the Premiership has ever witnessed?


Fergie job threat increases (http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44223&seg=EPL&teamid=)

[RVN]

This saga is going to get worse imo.It is not good for the club and all parties involved. :mad: :(

[RVN]

Fergie rues Nicky exit
By NEIL CUSTIS

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39615000/jpg/_39615075_butt203.jpg

NICKY BUTT’S transfer request means another one of Alex Ferguson’s Babes is flying the nest.

Fergie’s Fledglings, as they were known, have already stamped themselves as Old Trafford legends.

David Beckham, Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville were the homegrown heroes who made Manchester United great again.

But following hot on the heels of Beckham’s summer departure to Real Madrid, Butt now wants to try his luck elsewhere.

Boss Fergie admitted to SunSport yesterday: “Nicky Butt has asked to leave, it is a very sad situation.

“Nicky has given Manchester United great service but he wants to play first-team football.”

It seems like only yesterday that none other than Pele was picking out Butt as one of the world’s great players after his performances in the 2002 World Cup.

The world sat up and took notice of a quiet, understated player who just efficiently went about his job for club and country.

Now just 18 months on and the tough-tackling midfield presence of Butt is leaving Old Trafford.

Out of the team and in danger of losing his place in the England squad, the Manchester-born lad who never wanted to play for any other club than United has made the toughest decision of his life.

Yesterday he officially had a transfer request accepted by the club. Ferguson showed that reputations count for nothing when Beckham left for Madrid.

Now another of the class of 92 sees no future at Old Trafford.

Unlike Beckham, Ferguson wanted to keep Butt as part of his squad.

Out of loyalty to Butt, a player who never caused him any problems and never let him down, Ferguson regretfully decided to accept his transfer request so he can find the first-team football he needs.

Now Spurs, Everton and Birmingham are set for a battle to land the midfielder’s signature for a fee of around £5million.

Butt’s departure will end a lifelong love affair with his local club, who he signed for on trainee forms back in July 1991.

His senior debut came against Oldham in November 1992 and Butt has made 372 appearances for the club scoring 26 goals. Only Giggs (571 appearances), Gary Neville (419), Roy Keane (417) and Scholes (394), in the present squad have made more.

And he has a cupboard of medals that will remain the envy of any player outside Old Trafford.

Butt’s personal highlight will undoubtedly have come in 1999 when, with Keane and Scholes suspended, he played in the centre of midfield alongside Beckham in the dramatic 2-1 European Cup final win over Bayern Munich.

The departures of Becks and Butt plus the signing of a new breed of young players shows times are changing at Old Trafford.

Gradually a new side will evolve as the years tick by for a group of players that has dominated English football for a decade.

Ferguson admitted: “We have Roy Keane who is 32, Ole Solskjaer, 31, Ryan Giggs, 30, Paul Scholes, 29, and Nicky Butt, 29.

“These lads have years left but I don’t see why I should wait until they are in their mid-30s and then try to build a team.”

These are the players Ferguson sees as being the core of the United squad for the next decade:

Tim Howard, 23, Rio Ferdinand, 25, Kleberson, 24, Wes Brown, 24, David Bellion, 21, Eric Djemba-Djemba, 22, John O’Shea, 22, Kieran Richardson, 19, Darren Fletcher, 19, Danny Pugh, 21, and Liam Miller, 19.

Arjen Robben, 19, will be joining them from PSV Eindhoven.

For now, Butt’s time with the club is over, a player who never let the Reds down and will not be forgotten by the faithful fans.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2004020323,00.html

wish well for the future, sad to see him go, but Miller and Robben will be joining in the summer. ;)

[harryyeo]

the fact is, butt could leave for all i care... though he did score some important goals and helped damage opponents play, i found him a rather expensive reserve player who i feel would not be able to compete at a even higher level...

people like the newcomers Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson are better than him and Phil Neville can easily replace him anytime.

maybe i am just prejudiced against his name...=p

[RVN]

Manchester United have completed the signing of teenage Chinese striker Dong Fangzhou from Dalian Shide.
But because the youngster does not qualify for a UK work permit, he will begin his United career next season at Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp.

United will pay £500,000 for the 18-year-old - which could rise to £3.5m depending on appearances.

If Dong is a success, United would benefit from an explosion of interest in the world's most populous country.

But he faces several hurdles before he becomes an Old Trafford regular.

He could either apply for a Belgian passport - which would allow him to play in England - or have played in 75% of China's international matches during the next two years to qualify for a
work permit.

Under the terms of the deal, United are reported to be sending two or three coaches to work with Dalian Shide's development squad.

Dong, who was also linked with Real Madrid and Inter Milan, emerged as the cream of a crop of youngsters sent by China's top clubs to England for trials in August.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3378641.stm

[RVN]

MANCHESTER UNITED will make an improved offer for Louis Saha.

Saha’s agent Branko Stoic says Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson still wants the Fulham striker, despite having an £8million bid turned down last week.

Stoic, from Serbia Montenegro, said on Belgrade TV station RTV BK Telecom last night: “Sir Alex Ferguson did not give up on Louis Saha.

“To be honest, negotiations are very hard. A new bid is coming. superior to the previous one and I believe the transfer will go ahead during this week.”

Fulham manager Chris Coleman has slammed United and Stoic over the move for 15-goal Saha.

But Stoic hit back: “He is a manager for the first time and does not know what he is speaking about.

“Manchester United showed interest in Saha two months ago and all Britain knows it.

“Manchester United is an opportunity you do not want to miss.

“It is just a question of price — will Saha stay for six months or leave in the next couple of days? Fulham asked for £12m and that is too high.

“I brought him to London 3½-years ago for £2m. Fulham can make a profit of £8m.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2004020164,00.html

[ccloh]

use butt to swap for saha ????

[RVN]

Ask any Manchester United supporter which two of Sir Alex Ferguson's golden generation should be the first to be shown the door at the start of last season, and it is unlikely many would have forwarded David Beckham and Nicky Butt's names.
Beckham, although not fully fit, had captained England to the quarter finals of the World Cup while Butt's performances had been so impressive in the Far East that Pele, no less, had stated the midfielder was the best player in the tournament.

Of course, Ferguson calls the shots at Old Trafford - as he is fully entitled to do after a string of successes with the club, but some United fans will feel more than a tinge of sadness when Butt leaves.

He was the first member of the famous youth team to make his mark, Ryan Giggs aside, looping a speculative high ball into the air for Mark Hughes to volley a last-minute equaliser against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in 1994.

A tremendously hard working player, Butt has grown in stature and been able to dominate the midfield on occasions, tackling sharply and passing accurately with minimum fuss.

However, he has never been able to add a cutting edge to his game in the attacking third, preferring to mature into an exceptional holding midfielder.

The problem is that United have a number of these players - Roy Keane is perhaps still one of the world's best at that role, and Butt had been expected to succeed him when injuries finally took their toll on the Irishman.

Now Ferguson is arguing that Phil Neville, Kleberson and Darren Fletcher are also restricting Butt's involvement in the first team.

Neville has been converted from an adequate full back into an outstanding harrying midfielder, and there is some concern with Butt that his team-mate could also dislodge him in Sven Goran Eriksson's first choice XI.

Kleberson and Fletcher remain unproven, however. The Brazilian looks anything but a Samba star on occasions, but must be allowed time to settle in his new surroundings. Fletcher has fantastic potential, and gave his best performance in a United shirt during the win at Bolton Wanderers, but, again, he is far from the finished article.

So it represents something of a risk to sell Butt to a Premiership rival - there will be no shortage of interest as Middlesbrough, Tottenham and Birmingham City are all confirmed admirers.

A number of continental clubs, remembering the World Cup, will also be keen on the 28-year-old's services, but the player is almost certain to favour a move within England.

The question is which manager will be fortunate enough to pick up a proven Premiership performer, probably at a bargain price. If Louis Saha is being talked about as a £12 million arrival for United, it does beg the question how a first-choice member of the England team, at a peak age, is worth only £5 million, even in a deflated market.

United's loss will be somebody else's gain. The pressure will then be on Kleberson and Fletcher, in particular, to repay Ferguson's faith in their ability by improving and showing their worth in The Premiership.

[NanDesKa]

fergie's going on to another team liaoz..
juz like how he used to shed those stars of the past to bring in his first classs of fledglings

[RVN]

Ya lor, we got too many up-coming stars into the team, Butt got no choice but to leave.

personnel-wise we do have the cover for him - keane, phil neville, fortune, kleberson, djemba djemba, fletcher and ultimately miller will all be after one of those two defensive midfield spots. however it is not possible to replace his experience and committment to our cause. Only Keane and Phil can do that.

Lets hope the likes of Fletcher, Klebs and Eric can shown their commitment to our team too.

[stam]

Originally posted by RVN
Fergie rues Nicky exit
By NEIL CUSTIS

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39615000/jpg/_39615075_butt203.jpg

NICKY BUTT’S transfer request means another one of Alex Ferguson’s Babes is flying the nest.

Fergie’s Fledglings, as they were known, have already stamped themselves as Old Trafford legends.

David Beckham, Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville were the homegrown heroes who made Manchester United great again.

But following hot on the heels of Beckham’s summer departure to Real Madrid, Butt now wants to try his luck elsewhere.

Boss Fergie admitted to SunSport yesterday: “Nicky Butt has asked to leave, it is a very sad situation.

“Nicky has given Manchester United great service but he wants to play first-team football.”

It seems like only yesterday that none other than Pele was picking out Butt as one of the world’s great players after his performances in the 2002 World Cup.

The world sat up and took notice of a quiet, understated player who just efficiently went about his job for club and country.

Now just 18 months on and the tough-tackling midfield presence of Butt is leaving Old Trafford.

Out of the team and in danger of losing his place in the England squad, the Manchester-born lad who never wanted to play for any other club than United has made the toughest decision of his life.

Yesterday he officially had a transfer request accepted by the club. Ferguson showed that reputations count for nothing when Beckham left for Madrid.

Now another of the class of 92 sees no future at Old Trafford.

Unlike Beckham, Ferguson wanted to keep Butt as part of his squad.

Out of loyalty to Butt, a player who never caused him any problems and never let him down, Ferguson regretfully decided to accept his transfer request so he can find the first-team football he needs.

Now Spurs, Everton and Birmingham are set for a battle to land the midfielder’s signature for a fee of around £5million.

Butt’s departure will end a lifelong love affair with his local club, who he signed for on trainee forms back in July 1991.

His senior debut came against Oldham in November 1992 and Butt has made 372 appearances for the club scoring 26 goals. Only Giggs (571 appearances), Gary Neville (419), Roy Keane (417) and Scholes (394), in the present squad have made more.

And he has a cupboard of medals that will remain the envy of any player outside Old Trafford.

Butt’s personal highlight will undoubtedly have come in 1999 when, with Keane and Scholes suspended, he played in the centre of midfield alongside Beckham in the dramatic 2-1 European Cup final win over Bayern Munich.

The departures of Becks and Butt plus the signing of a new breed of young players shows times are changing at Old Trafford.

Gradually a new side will evolve as the years tick by for a group of players that has dominated English football for a decade.

Ferguson admitted: “We have Roy Keane who is 32, Ole Solskjaer, 31, Ryan Giggs, 30, Paul Scholes, 29, and Nicky Butt, 29.

“These lads have years left but I don’t see why I should wait until they are in their mid-30s and then try to build a team.”

These are the players Ferguson sees as being the core of the United squad for the next decade:

Tim Howard, 23, Rio Ferdinand, 25, Kleberson, 24, Wes Brown, 24, David Bellion, 21, Eric Djemba-Djemba, 22, John O’Shea, 22, Kieran Richardson, 19, Darren Fletcher, 19, Danny Pugh, 21, and Liam Miller, 19.

Arjen Robben, 19, will be joining them from PSV Eindhoven.

For now, Butt’s time with the club is over, a player who never let the Reds down and will not be forgotten by the faithful fans.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2004020323,00.html

wish well for the future, sad to see him go, but Miller and Robben will be joining in the summer. ;)

confirm Arjen Robben coming?? abit silly, core of the United squad nv include ronaldo!??! :mad:

[RVN]

Originally posted by stam


confirm Arjen Robben coming?? abit silly, core of the United squad nv include ronaldo!??! :mad:

Not yet, although hopefully it be sealed soon and yes Ronaldo should also included in the list too.

Sun article sucks anyway. :mad:

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by NanDesKa
fergie's going on to another team liaoz..
juz like how he used to shed those stars of the past to bring in his first classs of fledglings

[Ronaldo7]

Next Match: Wolves vs Man Utd , SAT 825pm ESPN

[NanDesKa]

i fear a thrashing on the cards.

[RVN]

I hope so, we need to get back to winning ways and goalscoring ways after the newcastle game, and we couldn't really ask for a better fixture to do it in. It was such a poor display at OT just scraping 1-0 win earlier in the season we got to do better this round.

we need to look at the way chelsea and arsenal have hammered them and look to do the same. :)

[NanDesKa]

1-0 games bring us a long way. :laugh: :laugh:

[RVN]

Manchester United will hand £1 million teenager Lee Martin his first major public appearance in tonight's FA Youth Cup fourth-round derby clash with Man City.

The 16-year-old midfielder was snapped up from Wimbledon for an initial £200,000 last month.

He has impressed during his first few weeks with the Red Devils and will be part of Brian McClair's side, who are looking to defend the trophy they won for a record ninth time last May.

Man U have also confirmed that 18-year-old Chinese striker Dong Fangzhou is the latest addition to their squad.

The club will make an initial £500,000 downpayment for the youngster, which could rise to £3.5 million if he eventually proves to be a success.

However, Dong will be forced to begin his Man U career on loan to Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp as he does not yet qualify for a UK work permit. Should he prove good enough for the Premiership, he is likely to apply for a Belgian passport, which would allow him to play in England.

http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/content_objectid=13812582_method=full_siteid=50081_headline=-Superkid%2Dgets%2Dhis%2Dfirst%2Dairing-name_page.html

[NanDesKa]

Originally posted by RVN
Manchester United will hand £1 million teenager Lee Martin his first major public appearance in tonight's FA Youth Cup fourth-round derby clash with Man City.

The 16-year-old midfielder was snapped up from Wimbledon for an initial £200,000 last month.

He has impressed during his first few weeks with the Red Devils and will be part of Brian McClair's side, who are looking to defend the trophy they won for a record ninth time last May.

Man U have also confirmed that 18-year-old Chinese striker Dong Fangzhou is the latest addition to their squad.

The club will make an initial £500,000 downpayment for the youngster, which could rise to £3.5 million if he eventually proves to be a success.

However, Dong will be forced to begin his Man U career on loan to Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp as he does not yet qualify for a UK work permit. Should he prove good enough for the Premiership, he is likely to apply for a Belgian passport, which would allow him to play in England.

http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/content_objectid=13812582_method=full_siteid=50081_headline=-Superkid%2Dgets%2Dhis%2Dfirst%2Dairing-name_page.html

[guoquanyap]

very sad that butt will be going....one of my favorite unsung hero.....:( hard to see him in another shirt.....

[RVN]

Good luck to him for the future, he want to gets into Euro 2004 squad with england so he need first-team football, can't blame him for wanting to leave but we still have loads of midfielder in the squad.

Our midfield in 2004/05

Cristiano Ronaldo
Eric Djemba-Djemba
Fletcher
Fortune
Giggs
Keane
Kleberson
Miller
Phil Neville
Paul Scholes


Maybe Robben might join too, thats a lot of midfielders, and there still youngster like Richardson, Martin and Eagles waiting to get into the first team also.

[guoquanyap]

Originally posted by RVN
Manchester United will hand £1 million teenager Lee Martin his first major public appearance in tonight's FA Youth Cup fourth-round derby clash with Man City.

The 16-year-old midfielder was snapped up from Wimbledon for an initial £200,000 last month.

He has impressed during his first few weeks with the Red Devils and will be part of Brian McClair's side, who are looking to defend the trophy they won for a record ninth time last May.

url]http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/content_objectid=13812582_method=full_siteid=50081_headline=-Superkid%2Dgets%2Dhis%2Dfirst%2Dairing-name_page.html[/url]

we lost 3-1 to man city....lee martin oso got played......:(

[NanDesKa]

lost? zzz

[Alienz]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
very sad that butt will be going....one of my favorite unsung hero.....:( hard to see him in another shirt.....
Yeah agree :(

[Alienz]

United Youth Advance With Cup Victory Over City

In a game that was a cracking advert for Youth football, the Red Devils progressed to the next round of the Cup with a 2-0 win over arch-rivals Manchester City. Roman Calliste and Craig Flanagan got the goals for United. Lee Martin put in a blinding performance and potentially looks a great player.

Manchester United’s youth team are through to the fifth round of the F.A Youth Cup following a 2-0 victory over bitter rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Roman Calliste put the hosts ahead in the first-half, with Craig Flanagan doubling the advantage for United in the second-half. It was a pleasing performance from the youngsters, in a game where manager Brian McClair announced the result was everything.

New signing Lee Martin played a blinder, and it would seem United did good business in purchasing him from Wimbledon for £200,000, who are currently struggling financially. This fee may rise to £1,000,000 depending on Martin’s success as a Red Devils, and judging by his display this evening the fee will rise! It will be exciting watching Martin progress through the ranks, and hopefully if he is not rushed through progression, he will become an excellent player.

This match was a cracking advert for Youth football, with both sides boosted by the clear passion from the crowd, after all this was a derby! United have beaten one of the teams fancied to win this competition, and will now advance to the next round with every confidence that they can emulate the success of last year and win the F.A Youth Cup.

Full Time – Manchester United Youth 2-0 Manchester City Youth

[Alienz]

The Bridge to Manchester United!

Rumours suggest that Chelsea's defender Wayne Bridge could son be shipping of up the M1 to Manchester United in a bid to improve their title challenge and pull away from Arsenal.

According to various media sources, Chelsea's Wayne Bridge could soon be shipping of to Manchester United in a bid to improve the club's on pitch fortunes and help the club with their current defensive problems.

They will have to make a high bid, though as Chelsea aren't currently strapped for cash!

Do you think he's coming :confused:

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by Alienz
The Bridge to Manchester United!

Rumours suggest that Chelsea's defender Wayne Bridge could son be shipping of up the M1 to Manchester United in a bid to improve their title challenge and pull away from Arsenal.

According to various media sources, Chelsea's Wayne Bridge could soon be shipping of to Manchester United in a bid to improve the club's on pitch fortunes and help the club with their current defensive problems.

They will have to make a high bid, though as Chelsea aren't currently strapped for cash!

Do you think he's coming :confused:

2 words.

CRAP SH!T

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by RVN
Good luck to him for the future, he want to gets into Euro 2004 squad with england so he need first-team football, can't blame him for wanting to leave but we still have loads of midfielder in the squad.

Our midfield in 2004/05

Cristiano Ronaldo
Eric Djemba-Djemba
Fletcher
Fortune
Giggs
Keane
Kleberson
Miller
Phil Neville
Paul Scholes


Maybe Robben might join too, thats a lot of midfielders, and there still youngster like Richardson, Martin and Eagles waiting to get into the first team also.

Eagles is one to look out for in the future...
yandao and has a nice touch :D

[RuMmYtUb]

Manchester United are preparing to make an improved bid for unsettled Fulham striker Louis Saha, according to his agent.

Louis Saha: Transfer target (PhilCole/GettyImages)

Fulham have already rejected an £8million bid and manager Chris Coleman, along with chairman Mohamed Fayed, have insisted that the French striker will not leave the Cottagers.


But the 26-year-old's agent Branko Stoic told Belgrade television station RTVBK: 'Negotiations are very hard. A new bid is coming, superior to the previous one.'

'Sir Alex Ferguson did not give up on Louis Saha. I believe the transfer will go ahead during this week.'

Stoic added: 'It is just a question of price - will Saha stay for six months or leave in the next couple of days? Fulham asked for £12m and that is too high.

'I brought him to London for £2m. Fulham can make a profit of £8m.'

Coleman has already blamed Stoic for disparaging remarks that appeared in the French press attributed to Saha and has accused United of 'bullying' tactics.

But Stoic hit back saying: 'He is a manager for the first time and doesn't know what he is speaking about.'

Improved bid for Saha (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=288345&cc=4716)

[guoquanyap]

woot~~ saha coming dunno true or not plus abit expensive imo.....

[SebastianKae]

The Future Manutd

Cristiano Ronaldo
Eric Djemba-Djemba
Fletcher
Fortune
Kleberson
Miller
Martin
Howard
C.Eagles
P.Bardsley
Roche

Add on people

[SebastianKae]

Who You like to See in The future

Robben
Torres
Chopra
Teves

[RVN]

Manchester United will face Northampton in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

Northampton beat Rotherham 2-1 on Tuesday night to book a bumper tie against United. The match will be played at Sixfields Stadium on 24/25 January.

Goals from Richard Walker and Martin Smith cancelled out Hurst's early strike for Rotherham to seal the win in the Third Round replay at Rotherham's Millmoor stadium.

Northampton are currently 18th in Division Three, 84 places below United in the Football League.

http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=51440&itype=466&icategoryid=120

[RVN]

FA Youth Cup: Fourth Round
Manchester United 2
Manchester City 0
Old Trafford

United battled the pouring Manchester rain to continue their defence of the FA Youth Cup crown with an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Brian McClair's young charges beat a strong City side, the team widely tipped to win this season's competition, to book a place in the fifth round of the competition - a step closer to a tenth Youth Cup title.

16-year-old Lee Martin, recently signed from Wimbledon, and Youth Team captain Paul McShane were outstanding for United.

However, it was City who started the stronger of the two teams. Blues forward Stephen Ireland had the first real opportunity of the match, pouncing on a lapse in concentration in the United defence, but his shot drifted harmlessly over Tom Heaton's goal.

Lee Martin, who comes to Old Trafford held in high regard, signalled his intent in the opening exchanges, bursting through the City defence almost nicking the ball away from the last defender Nedum Onuoha, but the powerful centre-half muscled the Reds midfielder off the ball.

United poured forward with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake latching on to a long ball forward from goalkeeper Tom Heaton. The United striker cut inside and forced a save from Kasper Schmeichel in the City goal.

Lee Martin impressed for United early on with plenty of running and good passing. It was his incisive ball forward that found Blake on the right side of the penalty area. Blake chipped the ball over the advancing Schmeichel for Ramon Calliste to tap home on 21 minutes.

Martin had a reasonable shout for a penalty four minutes later when he did brilliantly to keep the ball in play on the byline, and went down under Onuoha's challenge. The referee waved play on.

City weren't without chances of their own. Ian Bennett twice went close from long-range, while a Karl Bermingham header forced a fine save from Heaton.

United nearly extended the lead seconds later - Adam Eckersley hit the bar with a curling free kick 20 yards from goal.

The City fans behind the United goal thought their team had an equaliser, when another Bermingham header had to be cleared off the line by Mark Howard.

Reds captain Paul McShane was called into action a minute before half-time when he superbly blocked the lively Bermingham's shot on goal.

City started the second half as they began the first, with plenty of possession and arguably looking the stronger of the two sides. But, as with the first half, United slowly edged their way back in to game.

Lee Martin continued to impress after the break with surging runs forward. Unfortunately for the 5,547-strong crowd, the impressive 16-year-old was forced off with cramp after 75 minutes - an indication perhaps of just how energetic his performance was in midfeld for the Reds.

Reds substitute Callum Flanagan sealed the win with a little over ten minutes remaining when he ran through on goal and capitalised on a mix-up between Nathan D'Laryea and Kasper Schmeichel to nod past the City keeper and send United through.

Att: 5,547

Teams

United: Heaton; Howard, Hogg, N'Galula, McShane, R Jones (Spector 46), Picken, Martin (Marsh 75), Ebanks-Blake, Calliste (Flanagan 69), Eckersley.
Subs not used: Lee T, Port.

City: Schmeichel, Warrender, Collins, D'Laryea, Onuoha, Bennett, Laird (Reilly 63), D'Laryea, Bermingham (Etuhu 90), Ireland, Logan (Miller 67).
Subs not used: Matthewson, Miller, Richards.

http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=51395&itype=466&icategoryid=120

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by SebastianKae
Who You like to See in The future

Robben
Torres
Chopra
Teves

Chopra yikes...

Pls Arjen Robben, better still van der Vaart :D

[Alienz]

LMA throws weight behind Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has been offered the support of the LMA over the apparent campaign to undermine his position at Manchester United.
There have been claims that leaked stories - the most recent about a link between Ferguson's son Jason and the transfer of goalkeeper Tim Howard - and planted questions at United's recent AGM were all part of a campaign to discredit the Scot.

It has been reported that Irish racing millionaire John Magnier, United's major shareholder who is locked in a bitter legal dispute with Ferguson over stud fees for racehorse Rock of Gibraltar, is behind the campaign.

Meanwhile, LMA chief executive John Barnwell said: "Clearly someone is trying to stir something up.

"This is one of the problems that can arise with a plc. Private companies do not sit comfortably with football clubs as people have a lot of different agendas.

"They have dragged up the old chestnut about connections with his son but we have a very clear code of conduct and managers have a duty to inform the club about any dealings with agents.

"If Sir Alex asks us for any help we shall be only too happy to give it.''

Ferguson believes he is entitled to half the stud fees of Rock of Gibraltar, worth up to £50m, and in the autumn issued legal proceedings against Magnier, who owns 24% of the club with business partner J P McManus.

The row is swiftly becoming a serious issue for United, with their most high-profile employee locking horns with their biggest shareholder.

United's biggest fear is that the brand will suffer from the adverse publicity and if that begins to happen then the board will surely step in.

The ruse to plant questions at the AGM in November was uncovered by author Michael Crick, who was called in by the group Shareholders United who suspected something was up.

He discovered six people, including two actresses, had been set up to ask embarrassing questions and who had each only obtained small shareholdings a few days before.

[RVN]

Manchester United insist midfielder Nicky Butt will not leave the club as part of a swap deal.
The 28-year-old has put in a transfer request in a bid to find regular first-team football, with Middlesbrough reportedly favourites to sign him.

Speculation had been mounting that Butt would move, with Boro defender Gareth Southgate heading to Old Trafford.

But United are now believed to want to sell the player to raise funds to sign Fulham striker Louis Saha.

Butt has been at United for 11 years but now looks destined for a move elsewhere, with Boro facing competition from Tottenham, Newcastle, Everton and Birmingham.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3391517.stm

[guoquanyap]

haiz....saha coming or not leh....really feel angry for fergie...kana spy by ppl and they purposely make life for him.....

hopefully the board will be behind him.....

[guoquanyap]

Manchester United's scheduled reserve team match tonight has been postponed following an accident involving two of the club's youth team players.

The players - as yet unnamed by the club - were involved in the accident early this afternoon.

A United statement read: 'Manchester United's reserve-team game against Birmingham this evening has been cancelled due to two United youth team players being involved in a serious road traffic accident on Carrington Lane early this afternoon. More information will follow.'

The accident, which happened near the club's training ground, comes five months after the death of United's Jimmy Davis in a car accident.

The 21-year-old United striker, on loan to First Division Watford, died on the M40 last August - prompting the Nationwide League club's season-opener at home to Coventry to be postponed.

There was a period of silence before the Community Shield match between United and Arsenal, with both teams wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.

whoever they are....hopefully they will be okie.....

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by guoquanyap
haiz....saha coming or not leh....really feel angry for fergie...kana spy by ppl and they purposely make life for him.....

hopefully the board will be behind him.....

Hope SAF dun bid too much out of desperation for Saha, though he's useful but i dun think he worth more than 12m

[ccloh]

fulham put a 18m price tag on saha. crazy man.

[RVN]

18m, **** right off. :mad:

Jan 15 - Chelsea made a late entry into the race for Louis Saha's signature yesterday - but the player remains intent on a move to Manchester United.

The Stamford Bridge club attempted to hijack United's efforts to tie up a £9.8 million deal for the French striker following news that Hernan Crespo's injury will keep him out for at least six weeks.

But United remain favourites to sign Saha and will endeavour to iron out details of incentive payments based on appearances and goals to take the fee beyond £11m.

http://www.footballchannel.com/article.asp?articleid=44423&seg=EPL&teamid=

[Yellowfin]

If Chelsea willing to pay 18 million pound for Saha, then let Chelsea buy him.

Somtime money cannot buy a player heart if the player only want to play in certain club.

[RVN]

This is getting ridiculous Make Fulham a £10 million at most take it or leave it offer and if they don't except by the end of the weekend, concentrate on getting someone else in and forget about him, there aren't many available and non-cup tied players
We must buy a striker,whether it's only Defoe, Viduka, Kezman or Saha,we must buy!!

[RuMmYtUb]

absurd... 18million for not an international starter is throwing money away !!!

[NanDesKa]

viduka up for sale!
leeds putting all their star players up for sale.
bring in viduka and smith. :crazy:

[ccloh]

Originally posted by Yellowfin
If Chelsea willing to pay 18 million pound for Saha, then let Chelsea buy him.

Somtime money cannot buy a player heart if the player only want to play in certain club.

chelski got the $$$ to throw and spolit the market let them do it and at the end of the day winning the title is another story. no pt for utd to spend that kind of $$$ on saha even though we need another striker urgently.

[Ronaldo7]

Originally posted by ccloh


chelski got the $$$ to throw and spolit the market let them do it and at the end of the day winning the title is another story. no pt for utd to spend that kind of $$$ on saha even though we need another striker urgently.

[guoquanyap]

18million....craZy......:mad:

[RVN]

Just on sky sports, Saha said he is disgusted at Fulham for blocking his move and the 18m price tag on him but said he only want to join us and not end up like ronaldinho. ;)

http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1188961.jpg

Fulham striker Louis Saha has delivered an ultimatum to the Londoners over his on-off move to Manchester United.
As reports continue to indicate that Chelsea have joined the hunt for the Frenchman, the 25-year-old's mind seems set on a dream switch to Old Trafford.

Having denied making comments to The Mail on Wednesday, which had claimed he was only a medical away from sealing the transfer, Saha has spoken to the press in his homeland.

"Fulham aren't playing it straight," he told Le Parisien.

"As soon as I meet anyone from the club, the conversations stop. One day it's 'yes', the next it's 'no'.

"They're treating me like a product.

"I don't want to end up like Ronaldinho, who didn't go to Manchester United over money.

"It's a financial problem. The club says they prefer to sell me in six months but now I've had enough.

"Either I go at the end of the month or at the end of my contract in 2006. If Fulham like me that much, they'll have to look after me until the end.

"And, in the end, I'll leave for nothing."

Saha seems to be suggesting it is now or never for Fulham if they want to pick up a sizeable sum for his talents. Some reports claim the capital club want as much as £18 million for the ex-Metz attacker.

"At the bottom of it all, I believe in myself," he added.

"Bluffing looks pretty but you can't do it too much.

"I know Manchester United don't want to upset Fulham but my directors are also businessmen.

"When a large sum of money is put on the table, you have to know when to stop playing around or your find yourself with nothing but a frustrated and angry player."

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/Article.asp?id=181480

[guoquanyap]

that the way man....go and fullfill ur dream....

[guoquanyap]

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has hailed want-away team-mate Nicky Butt as 'one of the best midfielders in England'.

Butt had a transfer request granted by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson this week after finding his path to the first team blocked by the summer arrivals of Kleberson and Cristiano Ronaldo, plus the emergence of Darren Fletcher from the Old Trafford youth ranks.

A host of Premiership sides, including Newcastle, Birmingham and Tottenham have already been linked with the 28-year-old England international, who is looking to safeguard his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for this summer's European Championships.

And Keane believes that whoever wins the chase for Butt's services will be acquiring an extremely talented player.

'I still regard Nicky as one of the best midfielders in England,' Keane told MUTV.

'Apart from being a very good player, he is also excellent in the dressing room, which is so important.

'I am sure there will be plenty of clubs interested in him and hopefully he will get the right move.'

Butt has started just 11 games for United so far this season and just once in the Premiership since the beginning of November.

Keane can understand why Butt feels like he does but advised his fellow midfielder not to quit unless the deal was absolutely right.

'Unless the right club comes in for him, I don't think he will leave,' he said.

'I understand where he is coming from. Nicky is 28 now and he needs to be playing, especially with the European Championships coming up.

'I don't think this is a knee-jerk reaction, he has probably been thinking about it for a while because he has not played many games this season.

'He has been a great servant to Manchester United and if he doesn't get the move he is looking for, I'm sure he will be happy to keeping plugging away here.'

[guoquanyap]

why dun wan to get defoe leh? at 8-10 million...i believe westham surely sell wan ma.....really puzzled me....

[hush66]

Anyone here been to an Old Trafford game? I'm heading down to Europe next month, and would definitely be making my way to Manchester and to Old Trafford. Would most likely take the tour of Old Trafford. I think the chance of buying a ticket at the gates and getting to see a home game would be near impossible, right? :(

If that's the case, I would have to settle for watching the game at some pub where the Man U supporters gather. Anyone been there know of a good and cheap one (not the Red Cafe)?

[stipe]

hush66, good for you! i do not know of any pubs though. but do take some pics and post in this forum when you're back!

2 more weeks to end of transfer window.... do you think fergie will buy anyone?

[ccloh]

Originally posted by hush66
Anyone here been to an Old Trafford game? I'm heading down to Europe next month, and would definitely be making my way to Manchester and to Old Trafford. Would most likely take the tour of Old Trafford. I think the chance of buying a ticket at the gates and getting to see a home game would be near impossible, right? :(

If that's the case, I would have to settle for watching the game at some pub where the Man U supporters gather. Anyone been there know of a good and cheap one (not the Red Cafe)?

getting a ticket especially at old trafford the last min ??? be prepared to pay a high price for it. majority of the ticket were snatched up by season ticket holder in the beginning of the season leaving behind seats like VIP seats and those lousy view type.

[Ch3tah_39]

looks like man utd again will not hav any big signing liao.:(

[RVN]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39737000/jpg/_39737533_ronaldo270.jpg
Cristiano Ronaldo, 18
Darren Fletcher, 19
David Bellion, 21
Liam Miller, 22
John O'Shea, 22
Eric Djemba-Djemba, 22
Tim Howard, 24

Not all revolutions end with the overthrow of the old leader.

Sir Alex Ferguson is at it again, quietly easing through the latest part of a rebuilding process that has been underway for years and shows no sign of ending.

Nicky Butt can console himself that he is not the first or the last championship-winning international to be moved out in Ferguson's insatiable search for honours.

It has happened to David Beckham, Juan Veron, Dwight Yorke, Jaap Stam, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis.

At Ferguson's Manchester United, the only real constant apart from the manager himself is never-ending change.

No-one should be surprised that a former trade union ship steward in the Govan shipyards is such a believer in revolution, but most firebrands tend to cool with age.

Not the 62-year-old Ferguson. All his transfer dealings of the past six months are part of his continuing grand plan for the future.

The first generation of fledglings - Scholes, Butt, the Nevilles - are approaching their 30s. Roy Keane is even older.

All are still playing well, but Ferguson has acted all the same. Last week Liam Miller became the fifth player aged 22 or under to join United since the summer.

19-year-old Darren Fletcher and 22-year-old John O'Shea were already on the books; Tim Howard and Kleberson are both a mere 24.

Arsene Wenger follows a similarly youth-orientated recruitment policy, but only Ferguson has been reforming his club so relentlessly and so ruthlessly for so long.

Marc Overmars, Emmanuel Petit and Nicolas Anelka all left Highbury at the peak of their powers, but that had more to do with the players' own volition than the manager's desire to freshen things up.

The ultimate test of a manager is not just to win a league title, but to do so again and again. Wenger is close to that accolade, but Ferguson achieved it years ago.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39737000/jpg/_39737347_fergie_thought203.jpgFerguson: Forever thinking of ways to improve his team

When great footballing dynasties crumble and fall, it is because the key men are not replaced in time or that the new signings are not up to the old standards.

Liverpool's run of success in the 1970s and '80s came to an end when Kenny Dalglish allowed his team to age and then bought poorly to replace the fading stars. David Speedie and Jimmy Carter were nobody's idea of a long-term solution.

Ferguson, by contrast, has been in charge at Old Trafford for nearly 18 years, yet his team - top of the table and into the knock-out phase of the Champions League - is arguably as strong now as it has ever been.

Twice there have been periods when he seemed to have lost his touch - once at the start of the 1995-6 season, when United were empty-handed from the previous campaign and found themselves 3-0 down to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, and again after the first 15 games of last season.

On the first occasion United, reinvigorated by the new generation of Beckham, Scholes and the rest, ended the season with the Double.

On the second - with Arsenal leading the league and raking in the plaudits and United being written off by some critics - Ferguson dragged his side back into the title race and eventually secured the Premiership for an eighth time.

Not all of his latest batch of signings will pay off. They never do. Remember Eric Nevland and Jordi Cruyff?

Yet only a reckless man would bet against this most recent revolution resulting in further silverware for the man whose appetite for change makes Fidel Castro look like a kitten.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3395923.stm

[RVN]

Originally posted by Ch3tah_39
looks like man utd again will not hav any big signing liao.:(

we'll see, there still 2 weeks left to go, I feel there might still be a striker coming in.

[SebastianKae]

striker or defender
striker or defender
anyone anyone*

*cross fingers*
not saha, not saha, not saha, not saha.

[RuMmYtUb]

Originally posted by SebastianKae
striker or defender
striker or defender
anyone anyone*

*cross fingers*
not saha, not saha, not saha, not saha.

Striker or defender YES !!

[leslielai]

Originally posted by SebastianKae
striker or defender
striker or defender
anyone anyone*

*cross fingers*
not saha, not saha, not saha, not saha.

you have a better candidate? :rolleyes:

[ccloh]

if no more signing of extra striker, all i hope is RVN stay in-form and injury free till end of the season and other strikers like ole, forlan and bellion can score goals in impt. occassion well no need for them to score a lot or keep scoring.

as for defender, hope gary neville doesn;t make any stupid mistake will be good enough

[RVN]

REFRESHED Cristiano Ronaldo could be thrown to the Wolves tomorrow following his 16-day break back home in Portugal.

The 18-year-old has been back in training at Carrington this week and is an option for manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Molineux.

Fergie gave his Portuguese whiz kid a breather after Christmas to stave off possible burn out for his £12m winger.

Ronaldo won the man-of-the-match plaudits against Everton on Boxing Day in the 3-2 Old Trafford win but the Reds' boss had already told the youngster he'd have a three-week break from matches.

The player, who admitted he had been suffering from homesickness, was sent home to Portugal for a holiday with his family after five months in England with United since his August move from Sporting Lisbon.

He has missed United's last four matches against Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Bolton and Newcastle.

But Ronaldo is now back and could face Wolves tomorrow lunchtime if Ryan Giggs hasn't recovered from the back spasm problem he suffered against Newcastle last Sunday.

The Welshman was withdrawn at half-time against the Geordies and Fergie immediately announced that he probably wouldn't make the Wolves match.

However, Giggs has improved and may still be available for selection.

Darren Fletcher will also return to the United squad having missed the Newcastle match because of suspension following his sending off at Middlesbrough at the end of 2003.

Fletcher faces a battle with Kleberson for the vacant spot in the right side of the United midfield.

Wolves will have United old boys Paul Ince and Denis Irwin in their squad, but are missing striker Nathan Blake.

The Reds are heavy odd son favourites to win, but they struggled to beat David Jones' side 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season and will take nothing for granted against a side fighting hard for its Premiership life.

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=78406.html

[SebastianKae]

Originally posted by leslielai


you have a better candidate? :rolleyes:

u dont have one?!?!?!:rolleyes:

haha, okok, we shd be one united.

[stipe]

the only transfer news linked to manu is the saha issue.

not a hint about kompany

not a hint about puyol

not a hint about southgate

not a hint about robben

not a hint about defoe

not a hint about angel

not a hint about kezman

sigh.... 13 more days to go...