Manchester United Forum

[RuMmYtUb]

Giggs and Howard agree two-year extensions with United
Mon May 16, 2005 11:10 AM BST

LONDON, May 16 (Reuters) - Winger Ryan Giggs and American goalkeeper Tim Howard have agreed two-year extensions to their contracts at Manchester United.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard of a further two years to their current contracts," the Premier League club said in a statement on Monday.

"This will keep Ryan and Tim at the club until June 2008 and June 2009 respectively."

Welshman Giggs, 31, has played for United only after joining the club as a 13-year-old. Howard, 26, joined United from the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in July 2003.

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

Thank goodness they didn't try to drag out signing like Rio...

At least some good news :)

[blackevil_2000]

guys...i think we have to no choice but to accept the fact this american asshole bot the club...let's just see what happen next b4 we hate him or love him....

i believe he would not buy a club just to destory it.....well lets see lor...

i agreed hope so la

[Kakashi82]

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/comments/view.html?story_id=158800

Breakaway fans set to launch FC United
Stuart Brennan

A GROUP of Manchester United supporters is to press ahead with the creation of a breakaway club, initially called "FC United".

The fans, bitterly opposed to Malcolm Glazer's takeover of United, are planning to hold a public meeting in Manchester this week.

One of the orgsanisers says: "This will determine support, allow people to put forward their names for roles in the club, and provide an opportunity to discuss ideas which people may like to consider.

"Following this initial meeting, a further meeting will be held in early June at which fans can elect candidates standing for roles in the club.

"At this stage, all those not renewing season tickets at Old Trafford and who support FC United are asked to consider donating half the savings to a trust which will be set to facilitate the funding of the club."

Supporters first came up with the idea in February, when Glazer's latest buyout bid for United began, and have been in contact with AFC Wimbledon, who inspired the idea.

AFC Wimbledon was set up by supporters in 2002 after the FA approved the relocation of the original club to Milton Keynes - and after two promotions, and with a crowd averaging over 2,800, they are two divisions away from the Football League.

The supporters behind FC United were further encouraged by the FA Cup third round replay trip to Conference club Exeter City, run by a supporters' trust, and who refused to hike ticket prices for the visit of the Reds in January.

The fans are considering an application to join the North West Counties League, and have already made enquiries about sharing the Willows with Salford City Reds RL team.

The plan has split opinion among United fans, with some believing the "breakaway" faction should stay and fight for the club, by helping with boycotts and commercial sabotage. Others just think it is "pie in the sky".

But Supporters Direct, an umbrella organisation for 127 supporters trusts in England, says it is not as silly as it might sound.

Its deputy manager David Boyle says: "There will be a lot of people who will boycott United and it's not just over Glazer. He might just be the last straw."

Boyle says there are dozens clubs which are owned by the supporters, with Real Madrid the most famous, and he predicts that within 10 years half of the Football League clubs will be owned by fans - with Stockport County the latest to be so.

[yulee]

Anybody joining?

[Raul7]

Cantona rails against Glazer takeover
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has slammed those who have smoothed the way for Malcolm Glazer's imminent takeover amid fears for the future of the Old Trafford club.

Cantona added his fierce affection for the Red Devils, whom he played for between 1992 and 1997, is claiming the club are heading in the wrong direction by focusing solely on finances.

Cantona told The Sun: 'I feel far less close to United today.

'I love this club for what it is and for what it has given me.

'But I fear that economics will now become the real priority.

'United have existed for more than a century. It has always been with a philosophy, an identity and a very solid youth system.

'Now there is an American who doesn't know the game arriving like this.

'I am with the United fans.'

He continued: 'I am angry and disappointed with the people who have let this person take control.

'This is a turning point in the history of the club but it is not in the right direction.

'We are getting away from the idea that I have of football.

'For me, Manchester United were the perfect example of it.

'Now they are anything but.'

[o0KelviN0o]

LONDON (AFX) - US tycoon Malcolm Glazer has seized control of Manchester United PLC after this morning buying more shares in the British football club.

Sources familiar with the matter told AFX News that Glazer's Red Football Ltd takeover vehicle had this morning mopped up sufficient shares to take it over the 75 pct threshold needed to take the football club private.

A formal announcement will be made to the London Stock Exchange later today.

The 76-year-old multi-millionaire, who owns NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, laid claim to 74.81 pct of Man United's shares by the close of trading on Friday.

He is understood to have bought more shares this morning at 300 pence - with some 3 mln shares having so far switched hands - under the terms of an unconditional offer that has not been recommended by the company's board.

The offer values Man Utd at 790.3 mln stg and represents a 13.2 pct premium to its closing price of 265 pence on May 11 -- the latest business day before Glazer's offer was made.

http://www.londonstockexchange.com/LSECWS/IFSPages/MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id=141216&source=NEWS

[o0KelviN0o]

Source: Ghana Web Soccer News Of Sunday 15th May 2005

American billionaire Malcom Glazer is expected to seek to win Manchester United fans over by making a major blow against rivals Chelsea in the summer Market.

Glazer knows Chelsea are locked in talks with Olympique Lyon midfielder ace Mickael Essien and would love to bring the Ghanaian to Old Trafford to show supporters he is serious about bringing success to the club.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been tracking Essien for much of the season and know's he'd favor a move to Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge, but until Glazer's takeover, Fergie didn't have the funds to match Chelsea in the bidding for the Afrikan.

Lyon are asking £18m for Essien and Glazer is ready to back Fergie's ambition to bring a youngster, many see as Roy Keane's potential successor, to United over the summer?

http://manutd2.lwcsoftware.co.uk/cf/index.cfm?fuseaction=showthread&read=46157&fid=9

[Ronaldo_7]

At least some good news :)
yeah... giggsy future is with us

[1920_me]

i hope glazer doesnt hit the 90% mark..atleast then some of the fans might have a little control over the club

[United_Treble]

will man utd change their home kit next season?

[Raul7]

LONDON (AFX) - US tycoon Malcolm Glazer has seized control of Manchester United PLC after this morning buying more shares in the British football club.

Sources familiar with the matter told AFX News that Glazer's Red Football Ltd takeover vehicle had this morning mopped up sufficient shares to take it over the 75 pct threshold needed to take the football club private.

A formal announcement will be made to the London Stock Exchange later today.

The 76-year-old multi-millionaire, who owns NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, laid claim to 74.81 pct of Man United's shares by the close of trading on Friday.

He is understood to have bought more shares this morning at 300 pence - with some 3 mln shares having so far switched hands - under the terms of an unconditional offer that has not been recommended by the company's board.

The offer values Man Utd at 790.3 mln stg and represents a 13.2 pct premium to its closing price of 265 pence on May 11 -- the latest business day before Glazer's offer was made.

http://www.londonstockexchange.com/LSECWS/IFSPages/MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id=141216&source=NEWS

somebody better go finished him off.... :s27:

[o0KelviN0o]

http://img175.echo.cx/img175/6383/528286189gc.jpg

[RuMmYtUb]

will man utd change their home kit next season?

Nope.. same kit as this season

[Ronaldo_7]

Nope.. same kit as this season
home kit stay.. away i nt very sure le.. heard something abt changing to blue?

[mediacorpforever]

Will Glazer be making official statment to the press in the coming days? Esp abt his "fantastic" plan on how to repay his debts and making United even more profitable?

[Raul7]

Glazer consults Man Utd boss Ferguson about Beckham return
tribalfootball.com - May 16, 2005

Malcolm Glazer wants to bring Real Madrid ace David Beckham back to Manchester United.

The People says the American tycoon will give manager Sir Alex Ferguson the final say, but its understood the Glazer camp is keen for the England skipper to join the new Old Trafford regime.

And the idea might be tempting for Becks, who is trying to raise his own personal profile in the United States.

Glazer, of course, will be desperate to promote United in his own American market.

And he knows Beckham is the ONLY footballer to warrant a mention in the US media.

Privately, Fergie has told friends that there are no hard feelings between him and Beckham - despite the saga of the flying boot and the player's departure for Spain. Indeed, Beckham has recently paid tribute to Fergie's role in his career.

Beckham has opened up a soccer academy in London, going into partnership with American entertainment giants AEG.

And they are thought to have plans to expand into America.

[mediacorpforever]

i hope glazer doesnt hit the 90% mark..atleast then some of the fans might have a little control over the club
Ok....i'm a little bit confused now. Isn't 75% enough to delist United from the stock exchange, and officially buy over United? U mean there's still hope if he wouldn't make it to 90% mark? :s11:

[1920_me]

erm..if he reach 75%..i think he can de-list man utd from public listing...he reaach 90% can buy over the whole club

[mediacorpforever]

erm..if he reach 75%..i think he can de-list man utd from public listing...he reaach 90% can buy over the whole club
Wat if he can't reach 90%? Will the debts he owed be transferred to United? Will he still call the shots? :s11:

[RVN]

Wat if he can't reach 90%? Will the debts he owed be transferred to United? Will he still call the shots? :s11:

he can already transfer his debts to us at 75%. :s27:

He called the shot now, since he is now our major shareholder. :o

[travmufc]

yah. 75% debts are transferred over.

at 90% he has the right to force the rest of the shareholders to sell to him. thats why ppl scared of this also and sell to him now.

[RuMmYtUb]

home kit stay.. away i nt very sure le.. heard something abt changing to blue?

Haha think so.. but aiya this one not important.. cos Glazer still the limelight.. :s7:

[Ronaldo7]

i won't be buying anymore united kits as long as glazer is here :s27:

[1920_me]

refer to pasar malam then..LoL

[Ronaldo7]

refer to pasar malam then..LoL

not worth to buy chiong one leh :s22:

[blackevil_2000]

so after all glazer came to take over manUtd cuz can lure David Beckham back here n make use of him to break into the US market...Y not Real Madrid?u think he got $$

[mediacorpforever]

Latest news, fresh from the oven

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333596&cc=5739

[MatrixFanatic]

Latest news, fresh from the oven

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333596&cc=5739

Hope it's real and not some mind games. :o

[croc1977]

Glazer consults Man Utd boss Ferguson about Beckham return
tribalfootball.com - May 16, 2005

Malcolm Glazer wants to bring Real Madrid ace David Beckham back to Manchester United.

The People says the American tycoon will give manager Sir Alex Ferguson the final say, but its understood the Glazer camp is keen for the England skipper to join the new Old Trafford regime.

And the idea might be tempting for Becks, who is trying to raise his own personal profile in the United States.

Glazer, of course, will be desperate to promote United in his own American market.

And he knows Beckham is the ONLY footballer to warrant a mention in the US media.

Privately, Fergie has told friends that there are no hard feelings between him and Beckham - despite the saga of the flying boot and the player's departure for Spain. Indeed, Beckham has recently paid tribute to Fergie's role in his career.

Beckham has opened up a soccer academy in London, going into partnership with American entertainment giants AEG.

And they are thought to have plans to expand into America.
if glazer does that....and buy essien....i will forgive him....cos we do really need becks freekicks,corners and crosses...

essien to replace keano....future...
just hope he is not jamba jamba is digust....

[Ronaldo_7]

Glazer consults Man Utd boss Ferguson about Beckham return
tribalfootball.com - May 16, 2005

Malcolm Glazer wants to bring Real Madrid ace David Beckham back to Manchester United.

The People says the American tycoon will give manager Sir Alex Ferguson the final say, but its understood the Glazer camp is keen for the England skipper to join the new Old Trafford regime.

And the idea might be tempting for Becks, who is trying to raise his own personal profile in the United States.

Glazer, of course, will be desperate to promote United in his own American market.

And he knows Beckham is the ONLY footballer to warrant a mention in the US media.

Privately, Fergie has told friends that there are no hard feelings between him and Beckham - despite the saga of the flying boot and the player's departure for Spain. Indeed, Beckham has recently paid tribute to Fergie's role in his career.

Beckham has opened up a soccer academy in London, going into partnership with American entertainment giants AEG.

And they are thought to have plans to expand into America.
a reunion between Becks and SAF ?

[Ronaldo_7]

Hope it's real and not some mind games. :o
yeah... hope that its nt some stupid mind games again...

[ceLsius]

Doesn't look like Becks will go back to MU leh, cos' who wants shoes thrown into his face? :s13:

[vivre]

Yeah. Giggs and Howard sign 2 year deals..........
Source - Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333567&cc=3436)

[RVN]

Glazer to tread carefully

Malcolm Glazer will cancel Manchester United's Stock Exchange listing next month - but it may be a few weeks yet before the American makes an impact at Old Trafford.

Glazer splashed out another £7m on Monday to take his stake in the Red Devils to 75.70%, crashing through the crucial 75% barrier which allows him to take the club back into private hands.

Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner is still some way short of the 90% mark would force a compulsory purchase of the remaining shares, he has effectively secured complete control two days before his Offer Document is due to be distributed.

The speed with which the 76-year-old tycoon has moved has staggered most observers, yet, despite borrowing £540m to complete the deal and pushing forward a business plan United chief executive David Gill has consistently described as "aggressive", it appears he is not in such a rush to start making changes.

While it has already been established that son Joel will take charge of the Glazer family interest in United, for now they are happy to allow Gill to carry on his normal day-to-day duties, including confirmation that Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard have secured two-year extensions to their current contracts.

Mindful of the widespread opposition to their involvement among United supporters, the Glazers have decided to adopt a 'softly-softly' approach according to one source and will wait for the dust to settle on the deal before turning their presence into a visual one.

Aside from the vast share purchase, it already appears as though one of their major aims will be realised with Sir Alex Ferguson set to stay on as manager.

The Glazers feel the continued presence of Ferguson and Gill will bring a sense of continuity despite the change of ownership, as well as easing the fears of less militant Red Devils supporters.

It will also give him a chance to assess the best way of implementing his plans for trebling the profits of what has long been viewed as the business model for any successful football operation.

Doubts persist over whether Glazer will achieve the 90% stake which would avoid a requirement to hold potentially troublesome annual meetings, although he may yet get hold of the 2% stake currently held through Shareholders United.

Vociferous opponents of Glazer's involvement, SU have still to decide the best way to continue their campaign.

Debate is raging over whether they should keep hold of their shares and try to stop Glazer reaching the 90% mark, or accept Glazer's cash, deposit the money in high-interest accounts and continue their protests from the outside.

The call has already gone out for a blanket boycott of all United merchandise and sponsors' products, and for fans not to renew season tickets and cancel subscriptions to the club's in-house television channel MUTV.

Ironically, the effectiveness of SU's campaigning may have helped Glazer achieve his aim so quickly.

The efforts to launch an investment trust in conjunction with Japanese bank Nomura succeeded only in backing John Magnier and JP McManus into a corner once it was decided they had no interest in owning United outright.

If SU had achieved their ultimate aim of purchasing a blocking stake, the Irish racing duo would have had nowhere to offload their investment, so when Glazer came in with his 300p per share, cash up front offer on Wednesday night, they needed little convincing to accept.

Not that the major fans' groups will have too much sympathy with Magnier and McManus, who they claim have 'betrayed' the club after netting a substantial profit, believed to be around £80m.

[Raul7]

a reunion between Becks and SAF ?

maybe???....... :s11: :s13:

[Raul7]

Kieran Richardson has reiterated his desire to forge a career at Manchester United after helping West Brom stay in The Premiership.

The midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan at The Hawthorns in order to accrue first team experience.

He responded to the challenge by scoring three goals, including one in the final day win over Portsmouth, in 12 appearances for The Baggies.

But Richardson will return to Old Trafford determined to prove to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson that he warrants a more prominent role with the FA Cup finalists.

Though West Brom want to take the 20-year-old on loan for next season, Richardson would prefer to fight for his place with The Red Devils.

Richardson will meet with Ferguson and his number two Carlos Queiroz on Tuesday for discussions regarding next season.

"I've got a meeting with Sir Alex tomorrow to see what is going on for next season and plan out my future there, with Carlos as well, and it should go well," Richardson told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously I'm a Manchester United player and I'm contracted to them. It's going to be hard leaving Albion but Man Utd are a massive club and I want to be there to play for them and win titles with them."

Richardson's form during his stint at The Hawthorns has seen him placed on standby for England's tour to the United States later this month.

He has praised Baggies boss Bryan Robson for helping to transform his game into one worthy of international recognition.

"Bryan Robson has been great," he added. "He took a massive gamble bringing me here. I hadn't got a lot of experience and he has been superb for me.

"He has helped me a lot in training and with his advice. He is a great man and has done wonders for me and the club.

"I owe him a lot. The gamble has paid off and now I'm on standby for the England squad. It just shows how well I have been playing recently for West Brom."

[Ruudboi]

Hmm.. mebbe Richardson will make the grade into the first team this time.... would like him to bulk up a bit more though

[yulee]

Glazer may refloat United in three years
Nils Pratley and Daniel Taylor Guardian
Tuesday May 17, 2005

Malcolm Glazer could return Manchester United to the stock market via a flotation within three years, according to City banking sources. The American, who yesterday achieved the 75% level of ownership he needs to take United private, is understood already to have pencilled in a refinancing of the deal within the next two or three years.

His options include a partial flotation, in which his stake in the club would be diluted and fans might get a chance to buy shares, and a fund-raising to bring in new investors. Glazer's aim would be to pay off, or pay down, the £275m he raised by issuing preference shares to three New York-based hedge funds.

But there were reports yesterday that Glazer's debt could spiral to £894m within five years of the deal being compeleted with rolling interest of up to 18% a year on these hedge fund loans.

These funds provided the pivotal element in Glazer's funding of his £790m pur chase. The preference shares carry an effective interest rate of 12% to 13%, although the payments can be deferred.

But, as the most expensive part of his funding, Glazer is likely to try to pay off the New York funds as quickly as possible. To maximise his profit and attract new investors, he will need to demonstrate that United's operating profits can be lifted above the £58.3m the club achieved last year.

It appears his priority is to increase revenues from sponsorship, merchandising and match-day income. The rises in ticket prices already announced by United will go ahead. Glazer's precise level of ownership is now 75.7%. He is likely to order his stockbrokers to stop buying shares in the market and instead wait to see how many remaining investors accept his 300p-a-share terms.

Manchester United attempted to lighten the mood at Old Trafford yesterday when the club announced that Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard had both signed two-year contract extensions.

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That's his business plan? Buy over the club. delist from the stock exchange and saddle the club with massive debts in the process; only to refloat it again in 3 years time to try and reduce the debt burden?! :eek:

[ISS]

Well, Glazer is a business man, not a soccer fan. Unlike's Chelsea's boos, Glazer is borrowing massively to take over ManU, which is something rather bad for the club.

[yulee]

Glazer should ensure that Gill is his first signing at Old Trafford
By Matt Dickinson May 17, 2005

SEVERAL days into Malcolm Glazer’s takeover and still no word from Palm Beach, Florida, about his intentions. But Old Trafford has not been rebranded as the Nike MetroDome, Roy Keane has not been asked to play quarterback and Joel Glazer has not insisted on lining up alongside Wayne Rooney. Not yet, at least.

Instead there is a growing expectation that David Gill will stay on as chief executive and that Sir Alex Ferguson will continue as manager, which must be confusing the balaclava-clad members of the Manchester Education Committee (MEC) as they plot how to disrupt the FA Cup Final on Saturday and set fire to Glazer (effigy or otherwise).

The story goes that 30 of them turned up at Rio Ferdinand’s house last week as an angry mob and ended up asking the centre half for his autograph. With hardline militants such as that to contend with, no wonder Glazer is so confident that he can double the price of the tickets, pies and prawn sandwiches and get away with it.

The latest call to arms has been the instruction to march on Cardiff wearing funereal black. How long before the bright sparks realise that the point will be lost on Glazer, and everyone else, given that the players will be wearing their black change strip?

So hysterical have been some of the protests that you sense there will be disappointment if Gill and Ferguson do stay. It will cloud the picture for those who want to portray Glazer as the rapacious devil and Roman Abramovich as a white knight, even though the Russian billionaire is not running a charity. Chelsea will put up their season-ticket prices by 7 per cent on average this summer. One group of fans has been informed that the price has tripled to almost £6,000 a seat.

They are the sort of sums that will have Glazer salivating, but while United supporters are legitimately concerned that Glazer has nothing to give to English football (apart from a lesson in fleecing punters) but intends to take plenty out, the possibility of Gill surviving is the best indication yet that the new owner may have a better understanding of his freshly- acquired business than many credit him with.

Gill is a United fan, and not in the same way that Peter Kenyon, originally a Manchester City supporter from Stalybridge and now the Chelsea chief executive, claimed to be during his tenure at Old Trafford. He is also one of the Barclays Premiership’s most able administrators, which is why Glazer should be pleading with him to stay at a time when the club requires stability.

His continued involvement would appease the staff, who, in the absence of Roy Gardner, the anonymous chairman of the plc board, were grateful for Gill’s address to them on Friday. He reminded them that the club had been a listed company for only 14 of its 127-year existence and that the institution had known greater leaps into the unknown than this.

Retaining Gill would allay the doubts of other clubs who have read that Glazer somehow intends to rip up the FA Premier League’s collective bargaining agreement. Gill has been a strong supporter of the collective deal. It should also appease supporters and, given that they are the paying customers, even a man with Glazer’s refusal to engage in public relations will need to win them over sooner or later, although he may as well give up (as we all should) with the MEC.

This is the group that stated that “any board member who may be coveting a place in the management structure of a Glazer regime is advised immediately to abandon such hopes. Collaborators will be treated as such.” Anyone who thinks that it would be best for United for Gill to resign needs their balaclava removing and their head examining.

# Steve Gibson, the Middlesbrough chairman, believes that Sven-Göran Eriksson “says too much too often”. For spouting such nonsense, he should be forced to sit in every press conference from the England head coach between now and the 2006 World Cup finals. He will be begging for mercy within weeks.

Is the Cole ‘tapping-up’ case really a crime?

THE FA Premier League commission meets today to discuss the Ashley Cole “tapping-up” saga. It will be asked by the player to believe that he was amazed when a private meeting was “invaded” by Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, and José Mourinho, the manager. It will be asked to accept Chelsea’s version that they had no intention of luring the Arsenal full back but simply popped along out of courtesy.

Whoever the commission decides to believe — probably neither — the likely punishment of small fines all round will reflect that this is one of football’s least serious crimes. Even Arsenal thought twice about putting Chelsea in the dock and would probably not have done but for incessant newspaper stories.

No crown for Liverpool

IT WILL be an extraordinary achievement for Rafael Benítez’s Liverpool team if they beat AC Milan in Istanbul next week, but there should be a ban on calling them “kings of Europe”. Thirty points behind Arsenal last season, they have finished 37 points adrift of Chelsea, the champions this time.

Should they win, the term “Champions League” will never have looked more nonsensical.

[Ruudboi]

Good article regarding the situation regarding United's adminstrators... Dun think Glazer will be so stupid as to rip up the entire management structure, esp as he knows nuts about epl...
As for the more militant supporters, methinks they should take a step back and analyse the whole situation first.... dun think their actions are doing United any good...

[RVN]

i hate the fact that glazer's taken over man utd now.. but at the same time i dont think he would be doing so investing so much money unless he really has a concrete idea of clearing the debt and making a profit...i mean some tv deal in the us..or there was some talk of matches on subscription broadband in the us or some major merchandising deal...the fact of the matter is that if he has invested so much its very unlikely that he'll let the club go down the drain...well atleast i hope so...

[MatrixFanatic]

Now Gayzer 76 right? He ma ti how? :eek:

[kahmun7]

Nigerian FA intervene in Mikel row


John Obi Mikel's agent has been summoned to appear before Nigerian soccer officials to explain his version of the teenager's move to Manchester United.
United confirmed they had signed the 18-year-old from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo almost three weeks ago, since when Mikel has been taken to London by his agent John ****tu and gone on TV to claim he did not want to join the Old Trafford outfit but was placed under intolerable pressure by Red Devils officials.


The claim has been furiously denied by the United camp, with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz hinting Mikel's mind had been changed for him after the deal had been done.

****tu denies any wrong doing and claims a 7,000 euro (£4,600) payment handed on to the player's father was to sort out a 'family emergency' rather than to persuade the player to sign a management contract with him, as has been alleged in some quarters.

But the Nigerian Football Association chairman Ibrahim Galadima is anxious to receive a more precise explanation from ****tu and has ordered him to attend a face-to-face meeting.

'I am very concerned about the controversy surrounding this young player,' Galadima told BBC Sport Online.

'We are going to formally ask his agent, who got his licence through our association, to appear before us and explain this very disturbing situation.

'We do not want our young players to be put in situations that will ruin their careers.'


SOURCE : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333612&cc=4716


hmmm... I hope they really manage to do something and forced Mikel to join Man Utd...
I bet Chelsea must have paid them a big amount to void the contract with Man Utd... those bas.tard... har har.. realised that they censored the bas.tards name it's S.H.I.T.TU

[usjag_18]

Hey guys,

I'm back... Anyway, about Glazer's takeover, I am sad and mad @ the same time. But too bad we really cannot do much... Unless someone richer than him or Abramovich can takeover the club & not intending to delist it.

However, guys, cheer up a little bit. If Man Utd almost gone down b4 (they did almost going to the verge of bankrupt b4 becoming one of the top clubs in England), and if they can fight back, I dun see why they cannot do it again. We wun be Leeds Utd or Fiorentina as long as our players fight back 4 the sake of the clubs. And seriously, by boycotting the sponsors, I only find those local supporters are getting Man Utd into trouble. FIrstly, this will not help us @ all becos these sponsors are really one of those who can help us in making our financial stablise one or another. Another is even though Glazer takeover us, as long as he got wat he wanna sooner, we can let him go sooner... Only we hope he can sell the club to someone who are rich & smart & love the club as much as the supporters are.

[usjag_18]

Nigerian FA intervene in Mikel row


John Obi Mikel's agent has been summoned to appear before Nigerian soccer officials to explain his version of the teenager's move to Manchester United.
United confirmed they had signed the 18-year-old from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo almost three weeks ago, since when Mikel has been taken to London by his agent John ****tu and gone on TV to claim he did not want to join the Old Trafford outfit but was placed under intolerable pressure by Red Devils officials.


The claim has been furiously denied by the United camp, with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz hinting Mikel's mind had been changed for him after the deal had been done.

****tu denies any wrong doing and claims a 7,000 euro (£4,600) payment handed on to the player's father was to sort out a 'family emergency' rather than to persuade the player to sign a management contract with him, as has been alleged in some quarters.

But the Nigerian Football Association chairman Ibrahim Galadima is anxious to receive a more precise explanation from ****tu and has ordered him to attend a face-to-face meeting.

'I am very concerned about the controversy surrounding this young player,' Galadima told BBC Sport Online.

'We are going to formally ask his agent, who got his licence through our association, to appear before us and explain this very disturbing situation.

'We do not want our young players to be put in situations that will ruin their careers.'


SOURCE : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333612&cc=4716


hmmm... I hope they really manage to do something and forced Mikel to join Man Utd...
I bet Chelsea must have paid them a big amount to void the contract with Man Utd... those bas.tard... har har.. realised that they censored the bas.tards name it's S.H.I.T.TU


I think the kid is really a silly kid. He doesn't know what will happen to him if he's going to Chelsea. His life there will be worse than the life he's going to face as Chelsea will buy players non-stop and he will get no chance for himself. Whereas Man Utd is having older players who are faded out sooner or later and he will get his chance to play first-team matches. *sigh* I just hope that if Fifa & Nigeria FA & England FA can solved this bl00dy problem ASAP with Man Utd & Chelsea. No matter wat, just hope they can settle it one or another way.

[Yellowfin]

I think the kid is really a silly kid. He doesn't know what will happen to him if he's going to Chelsea. His life there will be worse than the life he's going to face as Chelsea will buy players non-stop and he will get no chance for himself. Whereas Man Utd is having older players who are faded out sooner or later and he will get his chance to play first-team matches. *sigh* I just hope that if Fifa & Nigeria FA & England FA can solved this bl00dy problem ASAP with Man Utd & Chelsea. No matter wat, just hope they can settle it one or another way.

I pity the kid, such a young chap and experience all those pressure. Behind the scence, none of us will know what had happened to him after he went missing and appear in London.

By the way, why he go to London, is it certain club want him to be near them.

[kahmun7]

I pity the kid, such a young chap and experience all those pressure. Behind the scence, none of us will know what had happened to him after he went missing and appear in London.

By the way, why he go to London, is it certain club want him to be near them.
It is very clear, Mourinho is definitely upset losing out on signing him... so somewhere along, he must have invited the kid over to London, maybe just the agent ... sit down... offer more money.. more than he can turn down.. more than Man Utd is offering... after all, that is what they have... and who can turn down money??? so the agent or the kid, seeing the money on the table... have to figure out a way to void the deal with Man Utd... and all those ranting about Man Utd pressuring them to sign is all bullcrap if you ask me...

[AhHuat]

chelsea did it again.

god damn it...

[Ronaldo_7]

Nigerian FA intervene in Mikel row


John Obi Mikel's agent has been summoned to appear before Nigerian soccer officials to explain his version of the teenager's move to Manchester United.
United confirmed they had signed the 18-year-old from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo almost three weeks ago, since when Mikel has been taken to London by his agent John ****tu and gone on TV to claim he did not want to join the Old Trafford outfit but was placed under intolerable pressure by Red Devils officials.


The claim has been furiously denied by the United camp, with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz hinting Mikel's mind had been changed for him after the deal had been done.

****tu denies any wrong doing and claims a 7,000 euro (£4,600) payment handed on to the player's father was to sort out a 'family emergency' rather than to persuade the player to sign a management contract with him, as has been alleged in some quarters.

But the Nigerian Football Association chairman Ibrahim Galadima is anxious to receive a more precise explanation from ****tu and has ordered him to attend a face-to-face meeting.

'I am very concerned about the controversy surrounding this young player,' Galadima told BBC Sport Online.

'We are going to formally ask his agent, who got his licence through our association, to appear before us and explain this very disturbing situation.

'We do not want our young players to be put in situations that will ruin their careers.'


SOURCE : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333612&cc=4716


hmmm... I hope they really manage to do something and forced Mikel to join Man Utd...
I bet Chelsea must have paid them a big amount to void the contract with Man Utd... those bas.tard... har har.. realised that they censored the bas.tards name it's S.H.I.T.TU
this is another example of a detestable agent.. why are the players' agents so ****ed up one sia!! knn sibei dulanz.. they always make decisions for the players.. nw the player say what under great pressure.. maciam we take gun and hold him at gun point to sign contract... sux!

[usjag_18]

this is another example of a detestable agent.. why are the players' agents so ****ed up one sia!! knn sibei dulanz.. they always make decisions for the players.. nw the player say what under great pressure.. maciam we take gun and hold him at gun point to sign contract... sux!
No one can denied the fact that they need more & more $$$, it just happen to all of us. If it's 2-3 wks ago, maybe everyone will just say, "Sell Mikel to Chelsea since they got nothing but $$$, and sell them in a large amt of money."

But the problem now is Chelsea is trying to play dirty, so that they dun have to pay for Mikel & yet can get teh player. So now is more like a PRIDE thingy. If we cannot have the title, then we MUST get this player!!! If they trying to use $$$ to get him a few wks ago when this whole thing started, shld be able to get this player using $$$, now they are trying to use dirty tricks, then let's go the same way towards them!

[usjag_18]

i won't be buying anymore united kits as long as glazer is here :s27:


Seriously, it's not worth it. Becos if Man Utd supporters boycott any of the sponsors and dun get the kits, it will only making Man Utd into deeper trouble. Maybe by the time when Glazer got what he wanna, we can still at least survive it sooner. Just get rid of him asap.

As long as he dun delist Man Utd. Still can survive.

[usjag_18]

Giggs and Howard agree two-year extensions with United
Mon May 16, 2005 11:10 AM BST

LONDON, May 16 (Reuters) - Winger Ryan Giggs and American goalkeeper Tim Howard have agreed two-year extensions to their contracts at Manchester United.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard of a further two years to their current contracts," the Premier League club said in a statement on Monday.

"This will keep Ryan and Tim at the club until June 2008 and June 2009 respectively."

Welshman Giggs, 31, has played for United only after joining the club as a 13-year-old. Howard, 26, joined United from the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in July 2003.

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

Thank goodness they didn't try to drag out signing like Rio...


*************************************************************************

It's confirmed in Man Utd official webby.

Check here (http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=176066&itype=466&icategoryid=123)

I guess Man Utd got at least a few more nice and happy news.


Edit:- Oh, one more thing, R.Carroll is just one lucky S.O.B, I hope he will leave & Sr Alex Ferguson can just keep Ricardo as 2nd choice or get another GK, i dun care, just wanna 2 see him (Carroll) to leave. He wanna MORE but he can't even prove himself. At least, I m seeing Lopez & Howard are fighting for their future, even though Lopez doesn't wanna to play 2nd or 3rd fiddling in Man Utd and wanna to leave, but at least, he didn't dare to request for something. Can't believe Carroll still dare to ask Sr Alex Ferguson to find a replacement if he's signing. He's really not playing the way he played earlier on. If he's trying to play mind-game during Sunday, I think he's really suck at it. It's totally sucky lor. By playing this knda of trick to get what U wanna, aint a good player should do.

[flep1]

I dont understand the part of debt tranfering to the club.

He borrow money to buy ManU. He is in debt and transfer all debt to ManU. He effectively dont need to come out any money and gain control of ManU. Can anyone enlighten me?

Malcolm Glazer has secured a 75% share in Manchester United, enabling him to take charge of the club, the Reuters news agency has reported.

Reuters quotes a source close to the matter saying that the billionaire US sports tycoon has now purchased the additional shares he needed.

Reaching the 75% figure will enable Mr Glazer to take Manchester United private and delist its shares.

Man Utd fans have promised to continue to oppose his takeover of the club.

"We're through 75%," the source said Reuters.

Although no formal announcement was made that Mr Glazer has gone over the 75% figure, a large block of 1.2 million shares changed hands within 90 minutes of the stock exchange opening in London.

If Mr Glazer was the buyer this would be enough to take him over the 75% mark. At that level of shareholding, as well as delisting, he would be able to transfer a large amount of debt onto the club's books.

'Pandemonium'

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has played down suggestions that Mr Glazer may now try to break out of a collective TV deal to start raising more cash at Man Utd.

Mr Scudamore said it would be "almost impossible" for Mr Glazer to achieve.

Meanwhile United fans angry at the takeover have threatened to stage more protests at Saturday's FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Shareholders United vice-chairman Oliver Houston told the Observer there was "an appetite for creating pure pandemonium".

Arrests

"Two people running on the pitch caused problems when Liverpool played Chelsea recently, so imagine what will happen if there are hundreds of people on the pitch in Cardiff," he said.

Demonstrations at the club's game at Southampton on Sunday were not on the scale expected, but some fans displayed banners.

There were three arrests and one black banner read "you were my life, goodbye Manchester United football club, RIP".

Anti-Glazer chants were also heard at the game, which was overshadowed by the home team's relegation from the Premiership.

More soon.
Story from BBC NEWS: :s27: :eek:

[el_leumas]

I dont understand the part of debt tranfering to the club.

He borrow money to buy ManU. He is in debt and transfer all debt to ManU. He effectively dont need to come out any money and gain control of ManU. Can anyone enlighten me?
u need to have the cash to buy over 75% Man U, so u can bring it to private, and then mortgage Man U assets for cash

[kahmun7]

I dont understand the part of debt tranfering to the club.

He borrow money to buy ManU. He is in debt and transfer all debt to ManU. He effectively dont need to come out any money and gain control of ManU. Can anyone enlighten me?
er... when you buy a property thru a loan, if you can't pay up.. the bank will confiscate the property right? go figure... If such case happens.. what will the bank do to recover the money that they lost? sell the players, sell the facilities... u name it...

[usjag_18]

er... when you buy a property thru a loan, if you can't pay up.. the bank will confiscate the property right? go figure... If such case happens.. what will the bank do to recover the money that they lost? sell the players, sell the facilities... u name it...
U name it, they have it... More worst things will happen than all these.

[MatrixFanatic]

Name Your Price Fergie
Alex Ferguson has been told to name his price to stay at Manchester United. Malcolm Glazer yesterday seized control of over 75 per cent of United shares, enabling him to make the club his private company. But the US tycoon wants boss Fergie on his side to appease angry fans. He is ready to double Ferguson's current deal to £8million-a-year AND scrap the manager's rolling contract with a four-year deal - that matches anything Roman Abramovich is giving to Jose Mourinho.
Neil Custis, The Sun

[MatrixFanatic]

We know how to handle Arsenal - Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson has issued an early FA Cup final warning to Arsenal: 'We are not afraid of you'.

Despite their weekend defeat at Birmingham and the loss of star striker Thierry Henry to a Achilles injury, the Gunners head into Saturday's Millennium Stadium showdown as slight favourites to beat a Manchester United side distinctly out of sorts during the final two months of the campaign.

The recent 7-0 hammering of Everton was a reminder of their undoubted prowess and even without Henry, Arsene Wenger's men boast plenty of attacking options.

What they do not have though is any recent form against United.

Dating back to the Red Devils' FA Cup semi-final triumph at Villa Park 13 months ago, the Old Trafford outfit have emerged victorious on the last four competitive meetings between the teams.

And while Ferguson acknowledges Arsenal will be as hungry as his own side after Chelsea's romp to the title, United's recent record will allow them to approach the eagerly-awaited confrontation with no sense of trepidation.

'One thing's for sure, we are certainly not afraid of them,' he told the official Manchester United magazine.

'A lot of teams, particularly some of the weaker teams in the league, tend to be frightened of Arsenal's pace.

'But that is not an issue for us. We have enough pace in our team and we know how to handle them.

'Any game against Arsenal nowadays is going to have extra tension, but the cup final itself has always been a fantastic experience for us over the years and you can't help but think it is a great opportunity to bring silverware to the club.'

After the numerous recent bitter clashes between the sides, culminating in the face-to-face row between respective skippers Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane prior to the most recent meeting at Highbury, there are fears the game could boil over as the loser is destined to finish the campaign empty-handed.

All eyes will be on referee Rob Styles, who produced six yellow cards in a less-than bruising encounter between Manchester City and Middlesbrough at the weekend.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333635&cc=4716

[Ronaldo_7]

No one can denied the fact that they need more & more $$$, it just happen to all of us. If it's 2-3 wks ago, maybe everyone will just say, "Sell Mikel to Chelsea since they got nothing but $$$, and sell them in a large amt of money."

But the problem now is Chelsea is trying to play dirty, so that they dun have to pay for Mikel & yet can get teh player. So now is more like a PRIDE thingy. If we cannot have the title, then we MUST get this player!!! If they trying to use $$$ to get him a few wks ago when this whole thing started, shld be able to get this player using $$$, now they are trying to use dirty tricks, then let's go the same way towards them!
ya... now no longer money issue liao.. getting out of hand liaoz!~!

[yulee]

The Manchester United takeover reflects a deeper corporate malaise
Jonathan Michie Guardian
Tuesday May 17, 2005

'What will the board do to avoid a takeover?" Sir Roy Gardner was asked at his first Manchester United annual general meeting in 2001. "There's no need," came the reply. "Manchester United is a well-run plc, so there would be no point in a takeover."

Such thinking - that only badly run companies will be under threat of takeover - underlies current competition law. But it is quite wrong, and competition law correspondingly inadequate. The truth is that corporate raiders often go after successful companies. Sir Roy is about to lose his job as chairman of Manchester United at the hands of one such raider, Malcolm Glazer.

A successful company can be bought by someone with no interest in the organisation, who doesn't have the money to buy it and therefore saddles the company with the borrowing made to buy it. Glazer is likely to replace the independent non-executive directors with his sons. The company will be forced to extract extra profit from customers, suppliers and anyone else that can be squeezed to pay the debts.

What sort of way is this to run an economy - and what public interest is served by allowing such a takeover? The Monopolies and Mergers Commission blocked BSkyB's attempted takeover of United, which would have been far less damaging to the club and the industry. Yet the Competition Commission, for whom the issue of public interest has been further downgraded, has said nothing.

The threat of hostile takeovers has long been a problem for the UK economy. It pressures directors into making dividend payouts, even at the expense of cutting investment in research and development. Otherwise the share price may fall, increasing the danger of a hostile takeover.

This short-termism remains a chronic British weakness. Britain has for years invested less per worker than most of the other leading industrialised countries. We therefore have a weaker capital stock. The government has tried to boost corporate spending on R&D through tax credits, but the response has been feeble. The latest "value added scorecard" from the department of trade and industry reports continued high dividend payouts alongside depressingly low investment in R&D.

Hopefully, the Glazer takeover will increase pressure on the government to tackle such threats; takeovers should not be permitted unless they can be demonstrated to be in the public interest.

But the Glazer takeover also represents a threat to football. It flies in the face of recent progress, from the government's 1997 Football Task Force to the launch of the Independent Football Commission (to deal with complaints from fans) and Supporters Direct (to promote supporters' trusts). Now the FA's Burns review is considering how the game's structures can be reformed. And at Manchester United, the supporters' trust Shareholders United has more than 30,000 members holding around 2% of the shares.

The lesson is that the FA and the leagues - Premier League, Football League and Conference - should be working towards supporter and community involvement in and ownership of clubs. These are the constituencies on which the long-term success of clubs depends. What about a League rule requiring a 30% stake in each club to be made available to the supporters' trust? What about the League or FA holding a golden share in each club, to prevent the sacking of independent directors without good cause?

The FA and the leagues have introduced rules so that only "fit and proper" persons can become directors of football clubs. Glazer was described by a US judge as a "snake in sheep's clothing". He is seeking to profit from this takeover through the use of debts that he will pass on to the club. He could hardly be thought a "fit and proper" person to run a Premiership club. But neither the FA nor the Premier League has taken any action to prevent this takeover or back the supporters' campaign to keep the club independent.

No doubt Leeds United fans will be lobbying the monetary policy committee to double interest rates so Glazer can't afford the payments, pushing Manchester United into administration. A large number of Manchester United fans would agree. If the only way of saving the club is to bankrupt the company, that would be a price well worth paying.

I started supporting United when I met my wife-to-be 18 years ago; she had been a season ticket holder in the 1970s when the club were playing in the second division. They were great days, she says - certainly better than the prospect of supporting Glazer & Sons.

So boycott the club's sponsors so they abandon the deals. Don't buy the merchandise. Hit the company's profits so the debt repayments can't be made. Then we supporters can pick up the pieces, take a controlling stake in the club and put the plc era behind us. Perhaps that will only come about through a financial meltdown. And that could result in another spell of second division football. Bring it on.

·Professor Jonathan Michie's inaugural lecture as director of Birmingham Business School is on Thursday

[mobo]

Now Gayzer 76 right? He ma ti how? :eek:

then his daddy's boys take over lor... i expect them to fukup the whole show after daddy dies... seen too many silver spoon white horses totally bankrupt the family business through sheer incompetence after the head of the family dies.... any rational person who has seen such things happen in real life can see it coming...

the way the secetive Glazer family runs their business, it is all in the family, meaning that it is only successful so long as the boss is alive... he die then everyone HK liao..

Joel Glazer by all accounts looks nothing like Murdoch's or Li Ka-Shings's sons (who are generally capable at least)... seem that it is Joel who was the one who convinced Daddy to buy him Man Utd to play Boss with....

[yulee]

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/gallery/2005/03/30/gallery2.jpg

[mobo]

Glazer may refloat United in three years
, is understood already to have pencilled in a refinancing of the deal within the next two or three years.

nb... what type of businessman is he?? interest rates have been at recoard lows and he is gambling that they will drop further in 2-3 year's time??? You re-finance only to take advantage of rates which have fallen significantly below the one you are currently servicing (plus processing fees/charges)... his loans are with US financial institutions like JP Morgan Chase and the Fed will only be raising interest rates over the next few years.

2-3 years? He may be in a hospice by then, trying to run the show for the next 10 years in a senile semi-coma state from a hospital bed while Joel fuksup the whole show trying to act as Junior Boss....

[RuMmYtUb]

I've resigned to this Glazer take over ****... i hope something gd happens..

mayb he'll get a windfall or something, then we'll have as much cash flow to match that russian *******..

There'll be a silver lining in the dark clouds..

[1920_me]

no point mulling over glazer...lets enjoy what we have till it exists

[OKK77]

I've resigned to this Glazer take over ****... i hope something gd happens..

mayb he'll get a windfall or something, then we'll have as much as flow to match that russian *******..

There'll be a silver lining in the dark clouds..

rummy, seems like you'll have to bear with fergie for a few more years. (-;

[RuMmYtUb]

rummy, seems like you'll have to bear with fergie for a few more years. (-;

:s13:
Ya sianz.. i'd welcome the idea of a new manager cos i believe the team needs freshen up and new tactics..

[usjag_18]

nb... what type of businessman is he?? interest rates have been at recoard lows and he is gambling that they will drop further in 2-3 year's time??? You re-finance only to take advantage of rates which have fallen significantly below the one you are currently servicing (plus processing fees/charges)... his loans are with US financial institutions like JP Morgan Chase and the Fed will only be raising interest rates over the next few years.

2-3 years? He may be in a hospice by then, trying to run the show for the next 10 years in a senile semi-coma state from a hospital bed while Joel fuksup the whole show trying to act as Junior Boss....
Guys, relax lah. The problem now is not kept mulling over this matter. It's just making all of us feeling even worse. Let's just sit back and see what will happen. The things are already not in our hands to decide what can we do liao. It's not as if we got billionaires as our father. If not, at least we will be able to do soemthing. Since we can't do anything for the club. The very least thing we can do is help to clear the debts (if there are) and let Glazer go as fast as possible and also cheer up for our team. So that he wun be getting Man Utd into more trouble. By boycotting like what so many have sad and I said it so many times liao, it's really pointless. It will only get us into BIGGER troubles.

[usjag_18]

:s13:
Ya sianz.. i'd welcome the idea of a new manager cos i believe the team needs freshen up and new tactics..

The chances of having new manager is not big. And from what I read from different forums for different Man Utd supporters. Most of the local supporters rather to have Sr Alex Ferguson than someone else. Whereas overseas supporters will like to have someone new to be manager. Anyway, no matter what is it, I dun think changing a manager will change anything right now. Players are in low morale themselves. Even the manager(s) are good @ motivating also useless. They are currently caring of their futures more than their games. Damn sh.it.ty. But that's not a fact, we can denied it.

[usjag_18]

no point mulling over glazer...lets enjoy what we have till it exists
Correct, totally agree. Just making us feeeling more miserable. No worries, it will exists forever in our hearts no matter what happened.

[Ruudboi]

Erm something to cheer United supporters up.. It's a little slow - for those who have not seen /do not know it...


May 16, 2005
Reserves Take Title

Article by Neil Madzia on May 16, 2005 12:45 AM

FA Premier Reserve League Title Play-Off. Charlton Reserves 2-4 Manchester United Reserves, The Valley, Thursday 12th May 2005

Not the best of weeks really.

John Obi Mikel going to London with a bunch of agents from Chelsea. Fergie and Carlos plumbing new depths of ineptitude in a tactical mess of a performance against The Blues in the final home game of the season. The Glazer dealings plunging the finances of the club into complete chaos.

If ever United fans needed something to cling to, it's now. That salvation lies with a group of highly gifted young players, who represent a bright future on the pitch for the club. They play football the right way - attacking for 90 minutes. They run rings around the opposition with slick passing and movement. And they score a ****load of goals.

The latest side to get outplayed and embarrassed was Charlton Athletic in the FA Premier Reserve League Play-Off, a game to decide who would be national reserve champions. Despite being a showpiece final, this was an away game for the United youngsters, against a Charlton side who cheated by having 3 first-team players in their line-up. Although they were recovering from illness/injury/being ****e, it's pathetic really - Jerome Thomas, Mark Fish and Shaun Bartlett should be ashamed of themselves, and hilariously looked out of their depth against a bunch of teenagers.

It didn't all go United's way from the start, though - Reserves goal-machine David Bellion was on the end of a cynical challenge from annoying chav ******* Barry Fuller just 5 minutes in, and looked in considerable pain when he suffered a suspected broken ankle. The young Frenchman must be absolutely gutted - after averaging a goal a game for the Reserves in the last 7 or 8 matches and scoring an absolute screamer against Manchester City in the Manchester Senior Cup Final. Bellion isn't half as bad as so many United fans seem to think, but he must surely move to a smaller club to further his career.

Academy star Frazier Campbell came on to replace the French striker, soon looking as lively and tricky as ever when running at the Charlton defence. With Lee Martin and Chris Eagles on the flanks, the home side took a battering in the first half, struggling in particular against the Road-Runner athlete Martin - who literally runs all day, and has so much technical ability to go with it that you'd bet your house on him breaking into the 1st Team within two or three years.

David Jones and David Fox dominated the early midfield exchanges, and United's pressure was rewarded after just 14 minutes. Now for the player who has excited people at the club more than anybody this season - Italian teenager Giuseppe Rossi. It was a sharp break from The Reds, with Eagles threading a through ball to reach Rossi 25 yards out, who had showed impressive intelligence and good pace to run in behind the defence at just the right moment. Reaching the edge of the box, he twisted and turned past a defender before curling a perfect finish with his left foot into the far corner. Awesome.

It was a great first half from United, with the entire team playing great high tempo football. A delight to watch, but they must improve on their defending if the likes of Gerard Piqué and Paul McShane want to move higher up the pecking order at Old Trafford. Tom Heaton, one of the very best young goalkeepers around, had to rescue The Reds at crucial moments with one or two vital saves to keep them ahead in the match.

Charlton fans would've been disappointed at their team's first half showing, being outplayed by a vastly superior team and rarely retaining possession for more than four or five passes. They must've been seriously pissed off just five minutes into the second half, when goalkeeper Darren Randolph completely misjudged a powerful David Jones free-kick, curled in from outside the area. It brought some justification to the scoreline, with 2-0 reflecting the away side's dominance.

But even young United players know how to shoot themselves in the foot on a regular basis - a Charlton goal coming barely 60 seconds later to bring it back to 2-1. Headless chicken Lloyd Sam burst into the area, but was going nowhere with two defenders still to beat. Cue David Fox to stick out a foot and give the diminutive player the chance to win a penalty - gleefully accepted with a scandalous dive to con Premiership referee Steve Bennett into awarding a spot-kick. Tom Heaton made a brilliant full-stretch save to deny Adam Gross from the first effort, only for an idiotic piece of refereeing to deny the young goalkeeper - Frazier Campbell had been spotted treading a couple of centimetres over the line, and was penalised for encroachment. Just to rub it in, Lloyd Sam scored with a crap effort, the ball actually bouncing a couple of times before dribbling over the line, with Heaton sent the wrong way.

With Rossi in the team, though, anything is possible. The little genius scored his second of the game four minutes after the Charlton goal, cutting inside from the right flank to smash a powerful finish past Randolph for United's third. Similar to his first half opener, this time he again outfoxed a defender with his quick feet before unleashing a great finish into the far corner with his left foot. Rossi is an exceptional talent, and is more creative than Rooney when played behind a main striker - his close control and passing skills are quite stunning for a teenager, and he will flourish if given a chance alongside Van Nistelrooy, Saha, Solskjaer or even Rooney himself.

The home side had more of a foothold in the second half, and forced Heaton into making some important saves to preserve the two goal lead. Lloyd Sam's unpredictability caused major problems for United's defenders, and Heaton had to be alert when the stupidly-named Stacy Long tried his/her luck with a long range effort which was turned over the bar. Charlton missed a couple of very good chances during the second half, and were made to pay for their poor finishing with 20 minutes still to play. It was Rossi yet again, after tormenting the home defence all evening, to secure a stunning hat-trick. United's best player found space at the far post to meet a wonderful cross from David Fox, heading it strongly towards Randolph, who made a smart save - only for Rossi to snap up the rebound and make it 4-1.

Glynn Snodin's southern division title winners battled back to offer their fans some consolation, and scored a second goal 10 minutes from time. Lloyd Sam wriggled past 2 defenders after Eagles had failed to clear a corner kick, crossing for James Walker to bundle it in from a yard out. But even at 4-2, the home side never looked like forcing a draw in the closing stages, and that was how it stayed to give The Reds an excellent victory.

It was United's fourth trophy out of five at reserve level - only missing out on the Manchester Senior Cup when a tired second half showing saw them go from 2-1 up to losing 3-2 in the final 20 minutes. In Thursday's game at The Valley, their passing was crisp and incisive, the movement of Martin and Eagles destroyed the home defence on several occasions, and Rossi showed again why he is one of Europe's finest young players. He has a magic touch on the ball, and will go on to embarrass many more teams with his superb dribbling and lethal finishing. He's bloody brilliant!

Star Performers: Rossi and Heaton - The Italian wonderkid scored some breathtaking goals to win the match, but Heaton's brilliant performance in goal was just as important - he made two or three fantastic saves to keep The Reds ahead.

Charlton: Randolph, Wilson, Gross, Fuller, Ricketts, Fish, Sam, Long, Bartlett (John 46), Walker, Thomas (Weston 71).
Subs (not used): Ashton, Royce, Phillips.

Goals: Sam 51, Walker, 78
Booked: Fuller, Thomas, Gross

Manchester United: Heaton, Picken, Tierney, Piqué, McShane, Fox, Eagles, Jones, Bellion (Campbell 7), Rossi, Martin.
Subs (not used): Ngalula, Crockett, Bardsley, Jones.

Goals: Rossi 14, 55, 72. Jones, 50.
Booked: Piqué

http://www.unitedrant.co.uk/archives/2005/05/reserves_take_t.html

Note: Arsenal's overhyped reserves did not win their league - the Charlton team won it.

Have a look at the bright future ahead!!
http://s14.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2TCA6IT8QC2HW0FBGCWLO7YPD1

[blackevil_2000]

aiya nice nice manUtd win 2003 title nvr in debt then?
roman come takeover chelsea then
this crazy guy come takeover manU
sigh

[usjag_18]

aiya nice nice manUtd win 2003 title nvr in debt then?
roman come takeover chelsea then
this crazy guy come takeover manU
sigh
huh? blackevil, wat are u toking? doesn't make sense, can explain clearer?

[ceLsius]

The chances of having new manager is not big. And from what I read from different forums for different Man Utd supporters. Most of the local supporters rather to have Sr Alex Ferguson than someone else. Whereas overseas supporters will like to have someone new to be manager. Anyway, no matter what is it, I dun think changing a manager will change anything right now. Players are in low morale themselves. Even the manager(s) are good @ motivating also useless. They are currently caring of their futures more than their games. Damn sh.it.ty. But that's not a fact, we can denied it.

I think Mourinho gotta' share a couple of team motivating tactics with SAF. Dunno why, on screen doesn't show that SAF does really have good rapport with his players, unlike Chelsea team.

[usjag_18]

I think Mourinho gotta' share a couple of team motivating tactics with SAF. Dunno why, on screen doesn't show that SAF does really have good rapport with his players, unlike Chelsea team.


Lolx... :s13:
Hard to motivate players the way Mourinho did when U are as old as Sr Alex Ferguson and also born in a country like England, it's totally even harder. As the older U are, the more respect U are asking from others. If U dun respect the oldies, U are like making a sin.

[Raul7]

Man Utd watch as Real Madrid begin Figo talks
tribalfootball.com - May 17, 2005

Real Madrid will begin talks with winger Luis Figo next week about an early release from his contract.

The Portuguese has a year left on his Real deal, but won't be offered new terms and instead president Florentino Perez will seek to negotiate a pay-out for the final 12 months of his contract.

Figo has received mega offers from Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and also Qatar, but will insist on staying in Europe for another year at least after announcing his return from international retirement.

The winger, 32, has hopes of moving to Manchester United in the summer and playing for Portugal at next year's World Cup in Germany.

[yulee]

Rio Ferdinand has dismissed fears that Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United will affect the team in the FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.

"It has not been difficult for the players to focus at all," said the 26-year-old defender.

"This is a massive game for us, it's a one-off cup final we have to win to put some more silverware into the cabinet.

"That is our aim and nothing that happens off the pitch is going to get in the way of it."

The England international is looking forward to appearing in his first FA Cup final after sitting out last year's win over Millwall because of an eight-month ban for failing to attend a drugs test.

Ferdinand also played little part in the post-match celebrations but does not feel victory in this year's final is imperative as a means of paying back the fans for his absence.

Instead, he feels all the United squad should view their date in Cardiff as a chance to make up for a poor season.

"It was a weird feeling. It was the first FA Cup final I had ever been to in any capacity and I was looking around with mixed emotions," he added.

"I don't think it is just a repayment from my point of few, all the players think the same way.

"We have let ourselves down in the league a little bit this season and we want to give the fans something to smile about."

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4556003.stm

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

Can't blame them if the players can't concentrate on their game

[yulee]

Ferguson should tell fans to calm down and get real
Lawrence Donegan The Guardian
Wednesday May 18, 2005

Anyone seeking a wry, detached perspective on the hysteria accompanying Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United should take a look at a piece that appeared yesterday by the Indianapolis Star's columnist, Mike Lopresti.

"The Brits haven't said this many bad things about an American since Patrick Henry [a leader of the Boston Tea Party]," Lopresti wrote, adding that, "The fear apparently is that this Yankee baron and his family will turn Manchester United into Disneyland; that they are soccer interlopers and, even worse, Americans. And if we can't be trusted with Iraq how can we be trusted with the world's most famous soccer club?"

Article continues
The man from the Star makes a terrific point, though he loses a little credibility by then suggesting that, when it comes to football, we are all "nuts" on this side of the Atlantic and that the Manchester United fans wailing over the alleged death of their club are the nuttiest of all. Still, I can see why he might think this given some of the more outlandish mutterings from United supporters.

Much has been made of the flaws in Glazer's business plan, but amid all the bile aimed at him you are left with the feeling that his biggest crime is not that he is a ruthless profit maximiser, but that he is an American. The fact is you don't need to be Karl, or even Harpo, Marx to know a capitalist is a capitalist is a capitalist. American, British - they are all the same. So let's leave Glazer's nationality out of it.

Even at the more respectable end of the United supporters' community, there seems to have been a collective loss of common sense. Flooding the market with forged tickets; boycotting games; ruining the FA Cup; forming another club which will one day rise from the depths of the Manchester Sunday pub leagues to replace United at the apex of English football - this is not the manifesto of a group of people who are thinking straight. But nor is it, as Lopresti suggests, the manifesto of the insane.

With the notable exception of the NFL's Green Bay Packers, which is owned by the local community, the bonds between professional sports clubs in the United States and those who follow them are about as emotionally meaningful as the relationship between Tesco and its loyalty card members. Over there, franchises - that's team, to you and I - are moved from city to city on a corporate whim and the names of grounds are changed at the stroke of a marketing department pen.

Some day, alas, it will be the same in this country. But for now there remains a deep attachment between club and supporter, as the reaction of United fans over the past few days attests. Unlike the vast majority of US sports fans, their feelings for their team extend beyond the quality of hot dogs on sale. For this they should be congratulated. However, the Manchester Education Committee and others of that ilk need to calm down. Indeed, someone needs to tell them to calm down and reassure them about the club's future.

There are only two people in a position to provide such leadership. The first is Malcolm Glazer, though given his Trappist approach it is hard to imagine him stepping up to the microphone this side of the fourth millennium. In any case, nothing he could say would appease those who evidently hate him. Which leaves Sir Alex Ferguson.

Almost a week has passed since Glazer bought his controlling stake in United and, apart from a bland paragraph published in the Scotsman newspaper, the most significant figure in the club's recent history has said absolutely nothing on the subject. It's not as if Sir Alex hasn't had the opportunity. Last Friday, when he was due to hold his weekly press conference, he sent along his assistant Carlos Queiroz. His television interview after Sunday's game at Southampton was restricted to "hard luck, Harry" comments.

Sir Alex will have another chance to speak up today, when he is due to appear before the press to discuss the FA Cup final. To say nothing would be a dereliction of his duty, surely - not least because he has it within his power to make sure the final passes off without pitch invasions and suchlike.

Of course, he may have good reasons for remaining silent, though it's hard to imagine what he thinks he has to lose. His job? Hardly. Malcolm Glazer may be an American, but that doesn't mean he is a fool - which is where the man from the Indianapolis Star should have rested his case.

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

SAF bought over by Malcom Glazer now? :s11:

[1920_me]

juz reading tv revenue reports...this year we are awful

"Chelsea (£50.8million), Arsenal (£48.7m) and Liverpool (£47.4m) all earned more than United (£44.4m) who have paid the price for a poor season in the Champions League and finishing third in the Premiership for the second year running.

United will still outperform their rivals in terms of income from gate receipts, other matchday income and merchandise but it is the first time since the launch of the Premiership that the club has not finished in the top two in the TV and prize money earnings league.

American tycoon Glazer, who has now assumed full control of United, will be concerned to see that the club earned £6million less than Chelsea and perhaps more importantly almost £13million less (25 per cent down) than in the 2003/2004 season. "

[Ronaldo_7]

I think Mourinho gotta' share a couple of team motivating tactics with SAF. Dunno why, on screen doesn't show that SAF does really have good rapport with his players, unlike Chelsea team.
hmmm true lor... Mourinho is on super good terms with his players.. that helps him alot...

[Ronaldo_7]

The winger, 32, has hopes of moving to Manchester United in the summer and playing for Portugal at next year's World Cup in Germany.
eh.. i thought the last World Cup is his last liao?

[Raul7]

eh.. i thought the last World Cup is his last liao?

hahah, cos the article put he has hope.....but i thought he retired from international liao ?

[Ronaldo7]

he just came back from his retirement from int.football recently nia :s22:

[MatrixFanatic]

One helluva a Cup final
Ruud van Nistelrooy has warned his Manchester United team-mates they will blow their chance of FA Cup glory if they go out to settle old scores with arch rivals Arsenal. van Nistelrooy believes the side who go looking for revenge at the Millennium Stadium will ultimately end up empty-handed, while the side who focus on football will emerge triumphant. "United against Arsenal is the best final you could imagine," said van Nistelrooy. "It's the one everyone wanted. There's a big rivalry between us and it's going to be one hell of a match. There is history between the two clubs and there have been problems between us in the past. And it's hard not to pay attention to that because everybody is speaking about it. But we need to concentrate on playing a good game. That's the most important thing."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

Prem chief to meet Glazer
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore intends to meet Malcolm Glazer’s advisors following the £790million Manchester United takeover. Glazer has total control at United after piling up a 76.16 per cent stake. Scudamore said: “Glazer’s bought a Rolls-Royce and you don’t buy a Rolls and want to turn it into a stock car. What we will be doing is look to establish where the club is heading.”
Staff reporter, The Sun

Rio the bait for Ramos
Manchester United may have to sell Rio Ferdinand if they want to sign Spanish sensation Sergio Ramos. The 19-year-old Sevilla defender is high on Sir Alex Ferguson's shopping list but United have been told Ramos will cost £20m. Fergie is reported to have around that amount to spend in the summer and, as a new goalkeeper is a high priority, may decide to cash in on Ferdinand, who has yet to agree a new deal. United scouts have watched Ramos, who can play right-back or centre-half, but were hoping to swoop for around £5m. Seville president Jose Maria del Nido said: "Ferguson wants him and we are aware of that but that is the price we have set and for a 19-year-old it's cheap."
Pete Jenson, Daily Star

Benitez could beat United in race for Milito
Rafa Benitez is closing in on Manchester United transfer target Gabi Milito. Liverpool boss Benitez has sounded out Real Zaragoza about their 24-year-old Argentine defender and is confident of signing him if an agreement can be reached on a fee. Barcelona are also showing great interest with Zaragoza wanting at last £6million. Milito would have joined Real Madrid three years ago but for a knee problem which has since cleared up. United have been monitoring his progress and hope the presence of fellow-countryman Gabriel Heinze at Old Trafford might prove decisive.
Staff reporter, Daily Mail

http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=176737&itype=466&icategoryid=365

[chengsun]

if u all can read chinese

新主承擔年息1億5千萬
紅魔球迷心驚膽跳
updated:2005-05-18 17:19:57 MYT

（倫敦訊）美國77歲億萬富豪格拉澤舉債5億4000萬英鎊（馬幣37億5700令吉）買下曼聯，惹來曼聯球迷的不滿與憤怒，擔心將曼聯推向深淵，若是熟知格拉澤的背景，就不會對曼聯球迷的心情感到出奇 。

格拉澤經過長達7個月的收購戰，控制逾75%的股權，不過每年要還4600萬美元（馬幣1億7480萬令吉）利息，每天支付12萬美元（馬幣45萬5900令吉），更令人心驚膽跳。

格拉澤的姐夫莫里斯‧克洛維茨回答︰“那是因為，格拉澤根本不是人，他是個畜生。”

60年經商，他成功地從一個只有200美元的窮孩子變成了一個身家10億美元的超級富翁，但聚斂財富的同時卻失盡了人心。

爭百萬美元遺產與姐姐反目

格拉澤發達的一生中經歷三個階段，首次是為了爭奪100萬美元遺產，與姐姐反目成仇。

在他15歲的時候，格拉澤的父親就去世，撐起父親的鐘表配件生意，5年之後，有了少許流動資金後，就開始投資房地產。直到1980年他母親漢娜去世的時候，52歲的他，是一個小富翁，不過漢娜留下100萬美元的遺產，並與姐姐為了爭奪遺產，而反目成仇，迄今官司已經打了24年多，歷經了6位法官，卻還沒有審理完畢。

1984年身家只有1億美元

格拉澤在1980年代開始四處出擊，他由早期的房地產商變成了一個股市投機商，1984年時他的身家只有1億美元，他開始通過買賣股票漁利。

1990年代，後保債券的名聲在美國跌倒了冰點，格拉澤認為情況不可能更加糟糕了，投資1億6000萬美元於後保債券，隨著美國經濟復甦，他攫取了一大桶金。

格拉澤的第3次發達是收購坦帕灣，盤剝納稅人，格拉澤以1億9200萬美元的價格成功收購了NFL的坦帕灣海盜隊，當然大部分還是靠融資。

而且他不只欲建新體育場的諾言，新球場的冠名權也只以1000萬美元的低價賣給了一家自己的酒店集團；過後由於球場的訓練基地由於缺乏維護，格拉澤在基地被迫關閉後以2280萬美元的價格收購了這塊地方，據估計此舉又侵吞了坦帕市納稅人1200萬美元的利益。

格雷澤還每個賽季都提高一次球票的價格，球場的餐館、停車場、球衣、紀念品，一切能夠剝削球迷的地方都被他提高了價格。

最讓格拉澤炫耀的是，坦帕灣海盜在2003年贏得了全美矚目的超級碗決賽。不過那也是格拉澤入主海盜10年的唯一榮譽，不過很多奪冠功臣都被迫離隊，連球隊總經理也被迫辭職。

現在輪到了曼聯，且看格拉澤如何經營曼聯，就讓大家拭目以待。



星洲日報／體育‧2005/05/18

[MatrixFanatic]

翻体中文我不会读！

Double injury blow for Man United
Manchester United have suffered a double defensive injury blow ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final.

Gabriel Heinze is almost certain to miss out after failing to recover from his ankle ligament injury, while Sir Alex Ferguson also revealed Gary Neville is a major doubt with a groin strain.

The loss of Heinze is a major blow, even if it had been anticipated by the United boss as soon as the forceful Argentinian full-back picked up the injury against Newcastle three weeks ago.

The likely absence of Neville robs the Red Devils defence of some valuable experience, although it could be good news for the England international's brother Phil who could step into the right-back role.

'Gaby doesn't want to be ruled out at the moment but I do not see him playing,' said Ferguson.

'Gary is a concern because he is not training. We have got medical people working on him and we will give him every chance but it is not looking good.

'It is very disappointing because they are both experienced players. I particularly feel for Gaby.

'He has been fantastic for us this season, he's a real winner and he deserves to play but I do feel it's beyond him.'

Heinze's absence is likely to see France international Mikael Silvestre start at left-back, with Wes Brown partnering Rio Ferdinand in the heart of United's defence as they look to win the trophy for a record 12th time and inflict their fourth defeat of the season on Arsene Wenger's men.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333711&cc=4716

[chengsun]

too bad... learn then

[RuMmYtUb]

van Bommel signed for Barca... knn :s27:

[MatrixFanatic]

van Bommel signed for Barca... knn :s27:

Don't think that Bommel will want to play for Manutd anyway. Most dutch players love Barca for some reason. But the least Fergie should've done is to attempt to sign him. :o

[RuMmYtUb]

Don't think that Bommel will want to play for Manutd anyway. Most dutch players love Barca for some reason. But the least Fergie should've done is to attempt to sign him. :o

Ya lar at least should try to mah..
It's becoming a tradition, dutch players have gd success in the Catalans club

[AhHuat]

van Bommel signed for Barca... knn :s27:
butty.....expected liao...
all good players like to ply their trade with la liga...

[Raul7]

butty.....expected liao...
all good players like to ply their trade with la liga...

ya, i also expected he sign for barca.....haiz...

[blackevil_2000]

we shld be angry with barca
they had been snatching alot of good player from us liao leh
manU can get psv's park
he is fast leh

[nakitas]

van Bommel signed for Barca... knn :s27:

Oh gosh, we miss out on yet another gd player... Tis time it's free somemore...

[Kakashi82]

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/s/159/159142_mikel_saga_takes_new_twist.html

Mikel saga takes new twist

THE Premier League are to investigate claims that Jon Obi Mikel has been "intimidated and coerced" into turning his back on Manchester United, according to The Guardian.

Daniel Fletcher, an agent who holds Mikel's registration, has written to the Premier League and the Football Association to register a complaint, and suggests that the young Nigerian still has the desire to play for United.

Fletcher said: "My information is that the player still expresses a firm desire to join Manchester United.

"It is clear the player is seemingly being intimidated and coerced into acting against his wishes."

United confirmed they had signed the 18-year-old from Lyn Oslo in Norway three weeks ago, but the youngster has since gone to London with another agent, John ****tu, and claimed he did not want to join the Old Trafford outfit.

[o0KelviN0o]

van Bommel signed for Barca... knn :s27:

i think this agreement was kinda long ago liao

[mediacorpforever]

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/s/159/159142_mikel_saga_takes_new_twist.html

Mikel saga takes new twist

THE Premier League are to investigate claims that Jon Obi Mikel has been "intimidated and coerced" into turning his back on Manchester United, according to The Guardian.

Daniel Fletcher, an agent who holds Mikel's registration, has written to the Premier League and the Football Association to register a complaint, and suggests that the young Nigerian still has the desire to play for United.

Fletcher said: "My information is that the player still expresses a firm desire to join Manchester United.

"It is clear the player is seemingly being intimidated and coerced into acting against his wishes."

United confirmed they had signed the 18-year-old from Lyn Oslo in Norway three weeks ago, but the youngster has since gone to London with another agent, John ****tu, and claimed he did not want to join the Old Trafford outfit.
If after all these, and we get him, he turns into a flop for United, then i bang wall liao. Dunno if he's worth the time and effort on him.

[mediacorpforever]

This may sound crazy, but i realise that United plays better when Ronaldo's not in the team.

[Ruudboi]

This may sound crazy, but i realise that United plays better when Ronaldo's not in the team.

You have a point, mate... Sometimes Ronaldo does tend to hog the ball, allowing the opposition to sit back and organise the defence... I think it is quite noticeable that teams generally allow United to advance into their half, just short of their penalty box.

Thus the need is for United's midfield is to make that vital final pass/cross, which is unfortunately lacking this season - therefore the lack of goals. Ronaldo, like the rest of the midfield, needs to improve on delivering the killer ball.

Another point - United really does not threaten when it comes to corners... Again, we lack an excellent crosser (tho i dun really want beckham back)... The fact that we do not have a tall midfield and our defenders do not score much (unlike eg. Terry, King) leads to the lack of output :s27:

[wawawa]

i agree. he does not make that 'crucial pass'
can notice when manu attacks, the opposition defence has already all camp liao

[chengsun]

we shld be angry with barca
they had been snatching alot of good player from us liao leh
manU can get psv's park
he is fast leh
we shld be angry with ourselves, if we are so good, y those players dun wanna come?

[croc1977]

i believe fergie could buy a asian players soon....
mayb 1 of korean players in psv....park is good...
why i say that??
glazzer want to break asian and american market.
howard sign new contract yesterday why? american connection. use him as a icon to americans...
i believe man u will not buy a keeper...but use howard next season
i believe the korean duo from psv will be next....why? asian market...

earn and suck more $$

but these 2 players i don't mind fergie buy cos there r proven at the highest level....
ASK MILLan...
1 can play left back the other left midfild....
can throw fortrue cookie out....

[RuMmYtUb]

This may sound crazy, but i realise that United plays better when Ronaldo's not in the team.

Not always the case..

Utd plays well when Ronaldo is on form, best is with Rooney as well.

[MatrixFanatic]

i believe fergie could buy a asian players soon....
mayb 1 of korean players in psv....park is good...
why i say that??
glazzer want to break asian and american market.
howard sign new contract yesterday why? american connection. use him as a icon to americans...
i believe man u will not buy a keeper...but use howard next season
i believe the korean duo from psv will be next....why? asian market...

earn and suck more $$

but these 2 players i don't mind fergie buy cos there r proven at the highest level....
ASK MILLan...
1 can play left back the other left midfild....
can throw fortrue cookie out....

Fortune must keep cos he's versatile. Anyway, he just signed a new contract right? If he doesn't play, he doesn't complain, unlike Phil Neville. He's a loyal squad player. :s12:

[AhHuat]

no doubt abt park ji sung.....and his fren at psv...dunno wat name...

their work rate and attitude is superb

[RVN]

wtf hope it isn't the case. :s27: :o

Meanwhile, reports in the Spanish media have claimed that Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo wants to move to the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo has been in talks about improving the terms of his contract at Old Trafford but there is interest from Real, who perceive the youngster as a natural replacement for his compatriot Figo.
Luxemburgo has already expressed his admiration for the tricky wide man and rumours in Spain claim he would be willing to join the club

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=277267&CPID=23&CLID=1&lid=&title=Figo+claims+axe+is+unfair&channel=Premiership

[AhHuat]

ronaldo still young....he is not that "loyal" as it seems to me....

[Raul7]

no doubt abt park ji sung.....and his fren at psv...dunno wat name...

their work rate and attitude is superb

you mean the left winger Young-pyo Lee? that time saw him played against Milan, he played tricks on them :s13: and his work rate also power.... =:p

[Raul7]

ronaldo still young....he is not that "loyal" as it seems to me....

omg, scally figo coming to man u then c.ronaldo went to real....

[o0KelviN0o]

omg, scally figo coming to man u then c.ronaldo went to real....

old man for youngster!??!!? :eek:

[o0KelviN0o]

you mean the left winger Young-pyo Lee? that time saw him played against Milan, he played tricks on them :s13: and his work rate also power.... =:p

asians in euro teams usually work extra hard

[o0KelviN0o]

ronaldo still young....he is not that "loyal" as it seems to me....

young mah...

but I dun think he'll leave Man U :)

[nakitas]

young mah...

but I dun think he'll leave Man U :)

Sometimes not say tat he wanna leave but t situation leaves him wif no choice... U'll nver know if there r better deals out there or if he still can tahan Fergie's nonsense...

[o0KelviN0o]

Sometimes not say tat he wanna leave but t situation leaves him wif no choice... U'll nver know if there r better deals out there or if he still can tahan Fergie's nonsense...

I dun remember Fergie giving him any serious stick like Beckz

[Raul7]

old man for youngster!??!!? :eek:

hahaahaha.......... :s13: scally only =:p

[Raul7]

asians in euro teams usually work extra hard

ya man..... :)

[o0KelviN0o]

ya man..... :)

maybe they shd get SG players... KNN... wanna go W.C, no oversea based players

[Ronaldo_7]

Don't think that Bommel will want to play for Manutd anyway. Most dutch players love Barca for some reason. But the least Fergie should've done is to attempt to sign him. :o
yeah... shld have tried to get him...

[Ronaldo_7]

This may sound crazy, but i realise that United plays better when Ronaldo's not in the team.
hmm... sometimes bah.. i think Man Utd won a few games because of him too...

[Ronaldo_7]

wtf hope it isn't the case. :s27: :o

Meanwhile, reports in the Spanish media have claimed that Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo wants to move to the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo has been in talks about improving the terms of his contract at Old Trafford but there is interest from Real, who perceive the youngster as a natural replacement for his compatriot Figo.
Luxemburgo has already expressed his admiration for the tricky wide man and rumours in Spain claim he would be willing to join the club

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=277267&CPID=23&CLID=1&lid=&title=Figo+claims+axe+is+unfair&channel=Premiership
i thought he already signed a new contract liao? which raise his salary 4 times? :s11:

[Ronaldo7]

nope . he is still under negotiation .

bring on arsenal this sat :evil:

[RuMmYtUb]

nope . he is still under negotiation .

bring on arsenal this sat :evil:

Vieira said they deserved to win the cup :s13:

[mediacorpforever]

Mind games started

Taken from teamtalk

Arsene Wenger has reacted to claims of subterfuge from Sir Alex Ferguson by reiterating that Thierry Henry is not fit to play in the FA Cup final.

Manchester United boss Ferguson insists his squad will prepare to face Henry in Saturday's match at The Millennium Stadium, despite Wenger claiming earlier in the week that the Frenchman was no longer part of his plans.

Arsenal stress that Henry has suffered a recurrence of an old Achilles injury, but Ferguson is sceptical of their claims he has no chance of appearing in Cardiff.

"We are not liars," said Wenger.

"He [Ferguson] can prepare his team to face us with Henry but I can assure everyone he is not going to play.

"I am sure Ferguson will try and pick the strongest team he can, just as I will try to pick the strongest team I can. But I can say for sure Henry will not play."

Wenger was replying to claims on Wednesday from Ferguson, when the Scot admitted he was finding it hard to take Arsenal at their word.

French frontman Henry has played only 45 minutes in the past five weeks, as a second-half substitute in last week's 7-0 victory over Everton.

A groin injury kept him out of action for four weeks, before Arsenal reported that the 27-year-old had sustained an aggravation of his Achilles problem against the Toffees which would keep him sidelined this weekend.

Ferguson is wary of possible mind games ahead of the match which offers both clubs their final chance of finishing the season with a trophy.

"We're preparing for Henry to play," he said.

"But if I'm wrong, I'll hold my hands up and say 'Don't be so distrustful in future, Alex'.

"We will plan right to the very last minute and we think he'll be in their team. Our preparation has been centred around what Arsenal's team is likely to be and what it can be.

"And the one thing we do have is the pace to handle Henry. He is quick, there's no question about that, but our defenders are very quick, too."

[MatrixFanatic]

Alex: Henry isn't crocked
Alex Ferguson believes Thierry Henry will be fit to play in the FA Cup final. Arsenal have said their star striker is out with an Achilles injury. But Manchester United boss Fergie reckons it is all gamesmanship. He said: “I am preparing for him playing — call it Scottish caution. If I am wrong, I will have to hold my hands up and be more trusting in future. Our preparation has been centred around what the team is likely to be and what it can be. If Henry does play we can handle his pace. We are the one team who can do that with Rio Ferdinand and Mikael Silvestre at the back.”
Neil Custis, The Sun

Wenger blast: I'm no liar
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger re-ignited their bitter war of words last night just 48 hours before the FA Cup final showdown between Manchester United and Arsena. United boss Fergie accused Wenger of lying over the injury the Arsenal boss claimed has ruled his star striker Thierry Henry out of Saturday's grudge match in Cardiff. Wenger immediately hit back, insisting he was not a liar and warning the United boss he will be made to look a fool when Henry is not named in Arsenal's starting line-up. Wenger said: "We are not liars. He can prepare his team to face us with Henry but I can assure everyone he is not going to play. I am sure Ferguson will try and pick the strongest team he can, just as I will try to pick the strongest team I can. But I can say for sure Henry will not play."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

[mediacorpforever]

Maybe SAF dun wanna be fooled by Wenger, like wat Mourino did to Riarkard by lying to the media that Robben won't play against Barce.

[Ronaldo7]

start of the mind games liao :o

[RVN]

Lux quizzed on Ronaldo

Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has been cross-examined about the possibility of signing Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spanish daily As claimed this week that the Portuguese prodigy wants to move to Real in the summer, even though he has already looked forward to winning trophies at Old Trafford next term.
Luxemburgo is a known admirer of the former Sporting starlet but did not want to be drawn on the subject of trying to sign the United man.
"Look, I do not like to speak of acquisitions," he told As. "There is going to be much speculation now.
"I do not speak like this [that Ronaldo is going to be one of the best players in the world]. You are very clever, but I am also. Then everything that is spoken [by you, is written]. I read the newspapers every day and many names are given.
"Good players are spoken about, some we are going to sign, others not. It's normal. Cristiano Ronaldo is a very strong youngster, he plays more on the wing but he would be able to play a little more as a forward.
"He is a great player as are other ones that we have spoken about, like Joaquin. People tell me you do not like the wide players but it's not true. What happens is that Joaquin has scored only four or five goals this season and he has a lot of quality.
"Yes, I read yesterday [that Ronaldo wants to come to Real Madrid]. He is a great player but the contracting part is a thing that is spoken about internally. One must always be careful. I know how these things function. Already you will see 50 players will leave for Madrid next season.
"You are serious journalists, well informed. You look here and there but we cannot say anything. You are very intelligent, very clever. You ask a question around this and, if this door is closed, you try it on the other hand!"
Although refusing to fall for any tricks of the trade, Luxemburgo has admitted that he rates Ronaldo and the stories regarding a desire to play in the Spanish capital will worry some United supporters.
Yet the 20-year-old indicated this week that he wants to continue to compete for trophies in England.
"I'm optimistic and I hope to win many, many titles here," said Ronaldo ahead of the FA Cup final date with Arsenal on Saturday. "If we stay focused, I am confident that will happen.
"I think we can challenge for both titles next season - The Premiership and the Champions League.

"It is obvious that there is a lot of expectation surrounding this club, so when things don't go so well, many people are disappointed.

"But, in my opinion, next season we will improve and we can win both trophies."

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=277501&CPID=23&CLID=1&lid=&title=Lux+quizzed+on+Ronaldo&channel=Premiership

[blackevil_2000]

aiya realli dun want to see manUtd losing a good player but at the same time i want figo to be here

[RVN]

Keane: Reds need to strengthen

ROY Keane has admitted United need to strengthen their squad next season in order to be competitive.

Despite his immediate focus falling firmly on Saturday's FA Cup showdown with Arsenal, Keane admits the Reds have been below standard this season.

The skipper knows scoring goals is the problem and has hinted there could be some new faces arriving in the summer.

He said: “We would always judge ourselves on the Premiership and the Champions League but the FA Cup is very important, especially to Manchester United. We will be going all out to win it.

“Next season we have to score more. It was surprising this year we didn’t score as many as we would like.

“Hopefully we will try and improve the squad. The best squad always wins the league and maybe we have been just a bit short on that side of it.

"We are focused on Saturday and will let the manager take care of who he wants to bring in in the summer."

Keane has no doubt about the talent of the current squad, but he does question their team play.

“One or two of the young players have so much to learn. It always takes players a year or two to settle in. The likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are learning the game. They are very much individual players but they have a lot to learn regarding team play.

“But they are outstanding players and that is something we are working on every day. We have the potential to come back.”

If Keane and Ryan Giggs finish in Cardiff with FA Cup winners’ medals they will add to their collections from 1994,’96,’99 and 2003 and become the first players for more than a 100 years to achieve five successes in the final.

No player did that in the 20th Century and Keane and Giggs would join Jimmy Forrest (Blackburn), Arthur Kinnaird (Wanderers and Old Etonians) and Charles Wollaston (Wanderers), who did it in the 19th century.

“Strangely I remember the two finals I have lost more than the others,” said Keane, who lost with Forest in 1991 and with United against Everton in 1995.

“So hopefully I won’t be remembering Saturday too much!”

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/s/159/159350_keane_reds_need_to_strengthen.html

[RVN]

aiya realli dun want to see manUtd losing a good player but at the same time i want figo to be here

Not with getting rid off a 20-year old who has a bright future ahead of him for someone in his mid-30s and closer to retirement, it be a crazy deal if we do that. :s22:

Although I get the feeling Ronaldo will jump at the chance of a move to Real. :o

[1920_me]

i have this really bad feeling too..that ronaldo will leave united if real comes in with a offer

[RuMmYtUb]

Ronaldo did mention he might leave Utd someday... but he said he's currently happy @ OT.

So who knows what might happen, moreover there ain't no club loyalty anymore.

Gone were the days of Batistuta staying @ Fiorentina through thick and thin :(

[orca_sea]

Ronaldo did mention he might leave Utd someday... but he said he's currently happy @ OT.

So who knows what might happen, moreover there ain't no club loyalty anymore.

Gone were the days of Batistuta staying @ Fiorentina through thick and thin :(

I agree totally .. tatz y Batistuta iz one of mi most respected player..

[RVN]

Giggs reveals Ferguson will stay on until 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson intends to stay at Old Trafford until at least 2008, whoever the owner is. That was the message from his longest serving player, Ryan Giggs, yesterday as Manchester United prepared for tomorrow's FA Cup final against Arsenal.

Giggs this week signed a new contract tying him to United for another three years. He signed after the Malcolm Glazer takeover and he said Ferguson had told him he would remain Giggs' boss for the duration.

"When he was encouraging me to sign the contract he indicated to me that he'll be here for that period of time," said Giggs. "He said he wants to stick around for a number of reasons, to see the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher turn into world-class players, to win more trophies, and to go out on a high."

In public, Ferguson has not been drawn on his future since the American tycoon bought the club, beyond indicating he will not be making any rash gestures, like walking out. This does not surprise Giggs who said Ferguson remained as hungry for success now as on Giggs' 14th birthday, in November 1987, when Ferguson knocked on his mother's door and asked if the teenager would like to sign United schoolboy forms.

"What sets him apart is his hunger to improve, both for himself and his team," said Giggs. "All the players see that in the gaffer. That's why he keeps on going. That, and his will to win."

Giggs' suggestion that Ferguson wanted to remain to see this team develop was given credence by Ferguson. "There's no question we're building another team to win the title," he said. "We've signed Ronaldo and we've signed Rooney. We've got Fletcher coming through who has been fantastic for us. He's going to be a great player for us. And you have young players like Brown and O'Shea.

"Defensively, the ages of the players are actually young. Look at the ages of the teams that win the European Cup and the average age is normally around 29. Normally. Milan have defenders who are 38, 35 and 34. Of our defenders, Rio is 26, Wes Brown is 25, Gary Neville is 30, Silvestre's 28, Heinze's 26, O'Shea is 22, Phil Neville is 29. God, they are bloody young and yet defensively they have done very well. So that is the foundation."

Ferguson, who will tomorrow become the first man to steer his team to seven finals (a record previously shared with Frank Watt, Newcastle United's secretary-manager from 1895-1930), added: "The next part we are trying to address is the midfield area. We are not going to keep Roy Keane forever and Paul Scholes is 30, although Scholesy can play on for a bit yet. Ryan Giggs is 31 but he can play for two or three years yet. Fletcher is young and we've youth up front. Alan Smith is 24, Ronaldo is 20, Rooney is 19. Those two are going to be fantastic players."

Giggs added: "The players aren't looking at this as being the end of an era. We have got so much quality within the squad. It's just that inconsistency we need to address. This is different to 1995, because the young lads coming in then [Beckham, Scholes, Butt and the Nevilles] were a bit of an unknown quantity. This time we know what the players here can do, the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo, players who can only get better."

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/man_united/story.jsp?story=639766

[Raul7]

New Man Utd owners keen on Real Madrid striker Owen
tribalfootball.com - May 20, 2005

New Manchester United supremo Joel Glazer is set to discuss the signing of Real Madrid striker Michael Owen with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Times says Joel, son of billionaire Malcolm Glazer, will meet with Ferguson after Saturday's FA Cup final to discuss the squad's strengths and weaknesses and possible transfer targets.

Glazer Jr is a big fan of Owen and will put his name to Ferguson as one to bring to Old Trafford. Ferguson is insistent that the Glazers do not interfere with football matters and Joel will be careful not to appear trying to force anything on the United manager.

If Ferguson gives his approval, United are expected to make a formal approach to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for permission to speak with Owen.

[Raul7]

Manchester United could look to Serie A again this summer for young talent, according to reports in Italy.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been buoyed by the success of Giuseppe Rossi in the Old Trafford reserves and could be tempted to look to the continent again when planning any additions to his squad this summer.

Messina midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino has attracted interest from United scouts and is said to be featuring on a list of possible targets.

The 22-year-old joined the Sicilian side on loan from Roma last summer but Messina seem set to obtain full ownership of the player.

Although there has been no contact yet between United, who are focusing on the FA Cup final with Arsenal, and Messina, D'Agostino could emerge as an option when Ferguson thinks over his transfer plans.

A creative influence, who prefers to operate behind two strikers, the Palermo-born youngster is something of a free kick expert. He has represented Italy at various levels up to the Under-21 side.

[RVN]

Get me Owen

By NEIL CUSTIS

MANCHESTER UNITED have targeted Michael Owen as their major summer signing.

Boss Alex Ferguson sees the Real Madrid striker as the answer to United’s problems up front after their worst goals tally in 15 years.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2005230241,00.html

the sun headine also said Madrid chasing Ruud and we could do an exchange for Owen. :s22:

[zenvey]

Ronaldo did mention he might leave Utd someday... but he said he's currently happy @ OT.

So who knows what might happen, moreover there ain't no club loyalty anymore.

Gone were the days of Batistuta staying @ Fiorentina through thick and thin :(
there is still club loyalty. i'll give u an example, Ryan Giggs.

[chengsun]

we cant compare players nowadays to players 10, 20 years back. time changes, ppl change, no bosman ruling back then, wages was not so in issue then , and most importantly, agents then not as blood sucker as agents now

[Raul7]

Get me Owen

By NEIL CUSTIS

MANCHESTER UNITED have targeted Michael Owen as their major summer signing.

Boss Alex Ferguson sees the Real Madrid striker as the answer to United’s problems up front after their worst goals tally in 15 years.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2005230241,00.html

the sun headine also said Madrid chasing Ruud and we could do an exchange for Owen. :s22:

omg....i feel not worth it man....

[Raul7]

we cant compare players nowadays to players 10, 20 years back. time changes, ppl change, no bosman ruling back then, wages was not so in issue then , and most importantly, agents then not as blood sucker as agents now

ya, i also agree with chengsun

[RVN]

Manchester United risk losing Cristiano Ronaldo unless his contract wrangle is resolved quickly. (Sun)

:o

[kahmun7]

omg....i feel not worth it man....

have no fear.. it's the sun again...
although will really wonder if Owen a Red will play for United... :s8:
then we have a pairing of 2 liverpudlians...

[yulee]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson intends to lead the club for at least another three years.

Winger Ryan Giggs, who recently signed a new contract keeping him at the club until June 2008, revealed Ferguson wants to stay for the same duration.

"When he was encouraging me to sign he indicated that he'll be here for at least that period of time," Giggs said.

"He wants to see the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher become world-class players."

Ferguson begins a one-year rolling contract this summer having been in charge at Old Trafford for 18 years.

His desire to continue in the job, despite the takeover by Malcolm Glazer, stems from a belief he can restore recent glories to the club.

"The manager said he wants to stick around for a number of reasons," Giggs said.

"He also wants to win more trophies and make sure that when he does eventually go, he goes out on a high."

Giggs is United's longest-serving player, having been signed as a 14-year-old schoolboy by Ferguson in November 1987.

"What sets him apart is his hunger to improve, both for himself and his team," Giggs added.

"All the players see that in the gaffer. That's why he keeps on going. That, and his will to win."

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4564795.stm

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

Something good coming out of the Malcom Glazer take-over?

[spykid]

yeah good good if figo and owen really comes... but of cos not at the expense of ronaldo and ruud... but if we really sign owen, think one of our strikers have to go... saha could be the one... and smithy must stay...

[usjag_18]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson intends to lead the club for at least another three years.

Winger Ryan Giggs, who recently signed a new contract keeping him at the club until June 2008, revealed Ferguson wants to stay for the same duration.

"When he was encouraging me to sign he indicated that he'll be here for at least that period of time," Giggs said.

"He wants to see the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher become world-class players."

Ferguson begins a one-year rolling contract this summer having been in charge at Old Trafford for 18 years.

His desire to continue in the job, despite the takeover by Malcolm Glazer, stems from a belief he can restore recent glories to the club.

"The manager said he wants to stick around for a number of reasons," Giggs said.

"He also wants to win more trophies and make sure that when he does eventually go, he goes out on a high."

Giggs is United's longest-serving player, having been signed as a 14-year-old schoolboy by Ferguson in November 1987.

"What sets him apart is his hunger to improve, both for himself and his team," Giggs added.

"All the players see that in the gaffer. That's why he keeps on going. That, and his will to win."

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4564795.stm

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

Something good coming out of the Malcom Glazer take-over?

Lolx... definitely not a good news to see Sr Alex Ferguson going to stay on for another 3yrs. But if R.Giggs staying, maybe yes, if he's able to motivate the youngsters like, C.Ronaldo, D.Fletcher, or even K.Richardson.

Of cos I respect Sr Alex Ferguson, but still, I will hope to see him stay on 4 another 1-2yrs time is good enuff, then let someone takeover. I rather to see some younger manager take over. At least 15yrs younger than him and got different history from him.

Cheers'
O'

[usjag_18]

we cant compare players nowadays to players 10, 20 years back. time changes, ppl change, no bosman ruling back then, wages was not so in issue then , and most importantly, agents then not as blood sucker as agents now


RUUD VAN NISTELROOY 4 MICHAEL OWEN???

CRISTANO RONALDO 4 LUIS FIGO???


TELL REAL MADRID, READ MY LIP, NO WAY!!!! Ask them to go away man! Very sianz to listen to these nonsense! It's either they let Figo off on free transfer and stop putting their minds on our players! They are totally wasting those talents on their BENCH!!! Bl00dy H3ll man!!! :mad:

How much does Figo worth and how much does Owen worth to let us let go off our two precious players? Damn it... One already old liao. Another one is just playing on their bench!

[Yellowfin]

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY 4 MICHAEL OWEN???

CRISTANO RONALDO 4 LUIS FIGO???


TELL REAL MADRID, READ MY LIP, NO WAY!!!! Ask them to go away man! Very sianz to listen to these nonsense! It's either they let Figo off on free transfer and stop putting their minds on our players! They are totally wasting those talents on their BENCH!!! Bl00dy H3ll man!!! :mad:

How much does Figo worth and how much does Owen worth to let us let go off our two precious players? Damn it... One already old liao. Another one is just playing on their bench!


This news is to make people buy the newspaper. Ignore it.

[kahmun7]

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY 4 MICHAEL OWEN???

CRISTANO RONALDO 4 LUIS FIGO???


TELL REAL MADRID, READ MY LIP, NO WAY!!!! Ask them to go away man! Very sianz to listen to these nonsense! It's either they let Figo off on free transfer and stop putting their minds on our players! They are totally wasting those talents on their BENCH!!! Bl00dy H3ll man!!! :mad:

How much does Figo worth and how much does Owen worth to let us let go off our two precious players? Damn it... One already old liao. Another one is just playing on their bench!
har har... relax sis usjag, though Sir Fergie's decisions had non been all too wise recently, but he must be bloody out of his mind to accept this deal... no way in hell he's going to exchange a 19 year old wonderkid for an aging winger... it's just things those reporters are making up to sell storys..

[Ronaldo7]

get owen , sell saha :s34:

but a striker should not be our priority for next season and we only got about 20m to use . players like kleberson & bellion should be sold to generate some cash as well :s8:

[kahmun7]

get owen , sell saha :s34:

but a striker should not be our priority for next season and we only got about 20m to use . players like kleberson & bellion should be sold to generate some cash as well :s8:
sell saha...
kleberson and bellion, should really keep them.. Bellion is doin gvery well for our Reserves... although a lot of you might argue reserves are very different from first team.. but still I think he and Kleberson still can improve and bring to the first team. Saha... too injury prone.. too inconsistent... better sell while he is still worth something...

[Xtr3me3]

ur head lah, they want owen to play with ruud upfront...go read the british papers at man u website...figo will probably be on a free transfer. man u are also targetting the spanish teenange sensation sergio ramos....

[kahmun7]

ur head lah, they want owen to play with ruud upfront...go read the british papers at man u website...figo will probably be on a free transfer. man u are also targetting the spanish teenange sensation sergio ramos....
er.. why Owen and Ruud? I thought Rooney is doing quite well...

[mobo]

New Man Utd owners keen on Real Madrid striker Owen
tribalfootball.com - May 20, 2005

New Manchester United supremo Joel Glazer is set to discuss the signing of Real Madrid striker Michael Owen with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Times says Joel, son of billionaire Malcolm Glazer, will meet with Ferguson after Saturday's FA Cup final to discuss the squad's strengths and weaknesses and possible transfer targets.

Glazer Jr is a big fan of Owen and will put his name to Ferguson as one to bring to Old Trafford. Ferguson is insistent that the Glazers do not interfere with football matters and Joel will be careful not to appear trying to force anything on the United manager.

If Ferguson gives his approval, United are expected to make a formal approach to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for permission to speak with Owen.

HK liao... another Florentino Perez in the making... Bossman want, bossman will get... manager has little say... Joel want to play Championship Manager 2005 with Lao Peh's (borrowed) cash and assemble his own dream team. If he can land Freddy Adu I dont mind though... :D

[kahmun7]

Mikel - 'I was forced into United deal'


John Obi Mikel has claimed he was 'forced' to sign for Manchester United and repeated his wish to join Chelsea instead.
United and Mikel's Norwegian club Lyn Oslo insist the transfer to Old Trafford was completed amicably by all parties on April 29.


The clubs have named Chelsea and agents John ****tu and Rune Hauge in a joint complaint to FIFA over the ensuing transfer wrangle, and United lodged a formal complaint with the Premier League.

Chelsea have repeatedly denied making any contact with either Mikel or ****tu but if FIFA decide to launch an official probe as United will demand, the London outfit, currently on tour in Korea, will be left facing yet more damaging questions about their conduct.

Only earlier this week the Premier League concluded their two-day hearing into the alleged 'tapping-up' of Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole by Chelsea.

Asked if he wanted to play for United, Mikel told BBC's Newsnight programme: 'No, because I don't want to.'

Asked why he signed for the club, he added: 'I don't know, something happened, you know? I don't want to play for them.'

When pushed on why he signed for United, Mikel said: 'I never wanted to play for United. I was forced to.'

And when quizzed on who forced him, he said: 'Some people.'

Mikel attitude to Chelsea was very different and when asked if he wanted to play for the London club he said: 'Yeah, because I love Chelsea and I am going to be happy when I am there. They (Chelsea) know.'


SOURCE : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333837&cc=4716




THIS IS UTTER BULLCRAP...
I don't give a dang.. He has signed the contract... He is a Man Utd player... he dont want to play for Man Utd, FINE.. sit on the bench and ROT!!! Chelsea wants him? come buy him... FROM US.... fuq all this money faced agents and players... :s27:

And if he really goes to Chelsea, I hope he rots with the likes of Scott Parker, Glen Johnson and Wayne Bridge... and when you are done rotting you are going to come out with ppl asking Mikel who???

[RVN]

Mikel can f*ck off then and kiss Roman ass then, signed a contract now say don't want to play for us anymore and say we forced him to sign, what utter cr@p,anyway, lets demands full compensation from chelsea then, we already paid Lyn the money and its legal we should get our money back. :s27:

[kahmun7]

I hope we sell him to Chelsea.. AT A HIGHER PRICE... don't be pressured into selling him... If Chelsea don't offer us enough.. I'd rather he sit on our bench and rot.. just write off whatever we paid for him... when contract period is over he can leave as a nobody... fug him up, fug up his career and teach them all a lesson, do not mess with us...

Chelsea can go and rot in hell too.. I hope they savour their Premiership title.. cos they ain't gonna win it again, not in another 50 years at least.. and so far as Champs League title is concerned.. they will have better luck wishing for hell to freeze over!... I hope they never ever win a Champs League title!!! EVER!

[Ronaldo_7]

omg....i feel not worth it man....
Ruud for Owen? definitely nt worth.. though Owen has a gd scoring rate at RM.. imo he canot compare to RVN.. and Ronaldo for Figo? another no deal... hoping that it will nt materialise into anything

[Ronaldo_7]

Mikel - 'I was forced into United deal'


John Obi Mikel has claimed he was 'forced' to sign for Manchester United and repeated his wish to join Chelsea instead.
United and Mikel's Norwegian club Lyn Oslo insist the transfer to Old Trafford was completed amicably by all parties on April 29.


The clubs have named Chelsea and agents John ****tu and Rune Hauge in a joint complaint to FIFA over the ensuing transfer wrangle, and United lodged a formal complaint with the Premier League.

Chelsea have repeatedly denied making any contact with either Mikel or ****tu but if FIFA decide to launch an official probe as United will demand, the London outfit, currently on tour in Korea, will be left facing yet more damaging questions about their conduct.

Only earlier this week the Premier League concluded their two-day hearing into the alleged 'tapping-up' of Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole by Chelsea.

Asked if he wanted to play for United, Mikel told BBC's Newsnight programme: 'No, because I don't want to.'

Asked why he signed for the club, he added: 'I don't know, something happened, you know? I don't want to play for them.'

When pushed on why he signed for United, Mikel said: 'I never wanted to play for United. I was forced to.'

And when quizzed on who forced him, he said: 'Some people.'

Mikel attitude to Chelsea was very different and when asked if he wanted to play for the London club he said: 'Yeah, because I love Chelsea and I am going to be happy when I am there. They (Chelsea) know.'


SOURCE : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333837&cc=4716




THIS IS UTTER BULLCRAP...
I don't give a dang.. He has signed the contract... He is a Man Utd player... he dont want to play for Man Utd, FINE.. sit on the bench and ROT!!! Chelsea wants him? come buy him... FROM US.... fuq all this money faced agents and players... :s27:

And if he really goes to Chelsea, I hope he rots with the likes of Scott Parker, Glen Johnson and Wayne Bridge... and when you are done rotting you are going to come out with ppl asking Mikel who???

he is hell of a ******* man.. what kind of **** player is he? sign with one club and say want to play for another club? well he this kind of player can **** off for all i care.. even if u are the best in the world.. u gt this kind of attitude.. no clubs will want u... some more this guy is youngster... think he so damn pro huh..
:s27:

[nakitas]

he is hell of a ******* man.. what kind of **** player is he? sign with one club and say want to play for another club? well he this kind of player can **** off for all i care.. even if u are the best in the world.. u gt this kind of attitude.. no clubs will want u... some more this guy is youngster... think he so damn pro huh..
:s27:

Tis boi had a serious attittude problem? He think he's some kinda superstar or wat shiit??? Wanna play for whoever he likes ah? He's still stuck wif his teenage thinking lor... Childish... Rotting tis type of rubbish in t reserves will b t best... Waste his best few yrs in t reserves...

[Ronaldo_7]

Tis boi had a serious attittude problem? He think he's some kinda superstar or wat shiit??? Wanna play for whoever he likes ah? He's still stuck wif his teenage thinking lor... Childish... Rotting tis type of rubbish in t reserves will b t best... Waste his best few yrs in t reserves...
ya la... he think he some world class player or what... can afford to be choosy... dun want play siam far far la.. totally sux! :s27:

[Ronaldo7]

eh guys , don't blame this young & innocent player lah . there's alot of stuffs behind this transfer and his strange reaction recently :s22: go read up the thread in redcafe about him to know more about the story

[yulee]

United's new owner inherits more than he bargained for
By Ashling O’Connor
May 20, 2005

JUST as Malcolm Glazer prepares to wring more money from Manchester United, the consumer regulator has stepped in with a timely reminder that the loyalty of their fans has been exploited. The Barclays Premiership club yesterday lost an appeal against a £1.652 million fine issued by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for its involvement in a cartel aimed at fixing the price of replica football kits in 2000 and 2001.

United, however, did receive a £152,000 reduction to £1.5 million, which is payable immediately if they decide not to reappeal. The OFT’s price-fixing investigation related to United and England shirts. The club were accused of entering into an agreement with Umbro, the kit manufacturer, to set the price of certain top-selling adult and junior replica shirts, including the 2001 centenary shirt.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), hearing the case, upheld most of the OFT’s findings but also reduced fines for JJB Sports and Umbro from £8.373 million to £6.3 million and from £6.641 million to £5.3 million respectively. Allsports’ fine was increased from £1.35 million to £1.42 million for providing misleading evidence.

The price of replica football kits has been a concern to the OFT since 1999. At the start of Euro 2000, before the investigation, the organisation found it “very difficult” to buy an England shirt for less than £39.99. By Euro 2004, they were widely available for £25.

Sir John Vickers, the OFT chairman, said: “Anti-competitive agreements to fix the prices of replica kit exploited the loyalty of fans. The CAT has confirmed that such serious breaches of competition law call for penalties with serious deterrence.”

Last year, United sold 2.5 million shirts under a long-term merchandising deal with Nike. The agreement guarantees the club income of about £23 million a season for the next 12 years. Yesterday’s ruling does not curb United’s ability to raise the prices of its shirts, but it will deter any collusion with manufacturers or other clubs.

If Glazer were to hike prices in the club shop, United shirts would simply stand out as more expensive than those of their rivals. United fans hostile to the £790 million takeover by the US billionaire and his sons have already vowed to boycott merchandise in an effort to wreck their business plan.

The long-term success of the highly-leveraged takeover depends on the Glazers’ ability to increase significantly commercial income both in the UK and overseas.

The family is borrowing £540 million to fund the acquisition, of which £265 million will initially be secured against club assets. Many observers have questioned how the Glazers intend to squeeze more money out of United, a club in competitive decline whose position as the Premiership’s glamour team has been usurped by Chelsea.

Greg Dyke, a former United director, said: “I think most of us who have looked at it think he can’t conceivably fund that bid.” The Glazers’ advisers are expected to post a formal offer document today that should provide more detail to their business plan.

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

Serves him right!

[chengsun]

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY 4 MICHAEL OWEN???

CRISTANO RONALDO 4 LUIS FIGO???


TELL REAL MADRID, READ MY LIP, NO WAY!!!! Ask them to go away man! Very sianz to listen to these nonsense! It's either they let Figo off on free transfer and stop putting their minds on our players! They are totally wasting those talents on their BENCH!!! Bl00dy H3ll man!!! :mad:

How much does Figo worth and how much does Owen worth to let us let go off our two precious players? Damn it... One already old liao. Another one is just playing on their bench!
usjag jie jie, y u quoted my passage while u saying this huh?

[usjag_18]

usjag jie jie, y u quoted my passage while u saying this huh?

Lolx... :s13: paiseh paiseh... I see wrongly...
Wah, chengsun, U also younger than me arh? Wah, I am old lady liao lah.... Everyone calling me jiejie over here. Raul7, Ronaldo_7, AhHuat & U... All younger than me sia... wahahaa...


Mikel - 'I was forced into United deal'


John Obi Mikel has claimed he was 'forced' to sign for Manchester United and repeated his wish to join Chelsea instead.
United and Mikel's Norwegian club Lyn Oslo insist the transfer to Old Trafford was completed amicably by all parties on April 29.


The clubs have named Chelsea and agents John ****tu and Rune Hauge in a joint complaint to FIFA over the ensuing transfer wrangle, and United lodged a formal complaint with the Premier League.

Chelsea have repeatedly denied making any contact with either Mikel or ****tu but if FIFA decide to launch an official probe as United will demand, the London outfit, currently on tour in Korea, will be left facing yet more damaging questions about their conduct.

Only earlier this week the Premier League concluded their two-day hearing into the alleged 'tapping-up' of Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole by Chelsea.

Asked if he wanted to play for United, Mikel told BBC's Newsnight programme: 'No, because I don't want to.'

Asked why he signed for the club, he added: 'I don't know, something happened, you know? I don't want to play for them.'

When pushed on why he signed for United, Mikel said: 'I never wanted to play for United. I was forced to.'

And when quizzed on who forced him, he said: 'Some people.'

Mikel attitude to Chelsea was very different and when asked if he wanted to play for the London club he said: 'Yeah, because I love Chelsea and I am going to be happy when I am there. They (Chelsea) know.'


SOURCE : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333837&cc=4716




THIS IS UTTER BULLCRAP...
I don't give a dang.. He has signed the contract... He is a Man Utd player... he dont want to play for Man Utd, FINE.. sit on the bench and ROT!!! Chelsea wants him? come buy him... FROM US.... fuq all this money faced agents and players... :s27:

And if he really goes to Chelsea, I hope he rots with the likes of Scott Parker, Glen Johnson and Wayne Bridge... and when you are done rotting you are going to come out with ppl asking Mikel who???


B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T!!! I think he's old enuff to make his own decisions like what C.Ronaldo & W.Rooney... No one can forced him to do anything he dun wanna. Even if he really being forced, then why his family still take $$$ from Man Utd. And why bother signing & come to Man Utd's campus? Rubbish man....

Anyway, if he dun wanna to play for Man Utd, he thinks he can play for Chelsea immediately? Dun think so easy lah. I think Chelsea will kept buying players until they song. Chelsea is now acting like Real Madrid, just thinking tat $$$ can solved everything. It's not going to be so easy lor. However, if he's playing for Man Utd, he still got chances to replace R.Keane one of these days. Never mind lor, if he dun wanna to play, we also dun sell him, let him rot lor... Why waste his youth @ the bench @ Chelsea? Siao one leh...:mad:

[chengsun]

hehe, me 26 tis yr, older than u

[jackohy]

Mikel can f*ck off then and kiss Roman ass then, signed a contract now say don't want to play for us anymore and say we forced him to sign, what utter cr@p,anyway, lets demands full compensation from chelsea then, we already paid Lyn the money and its legal we should get our money back. :s27:


Read also dam dulan ... juz bcos Chelsea won EPL ...he say he love chelsea ... i hope Roman kanna caught for laundering counterfeit money and chelsea goes into debts and had to sell off all their players.

Then the stupid Mikel released and deport back to his country with no $$$$ and beg on the streets.

Mikel = BIGGEST GLORY HUNTER OF THE CENTURY


arghhhhh ....really pissed me off with his stupid explaination and immature thinking .... arghhhh

[mediacorpforever]

Me looking forward to the cup final tomorrow. Hope United can win. I doubt it will be a disappointing match. It could be the best ever FA Cup final in recent times! Tell me lar, when was the last time United meet Arsenal in a competetive game been boring?

[usjag_18]

hehe, me 26 tis yr, older than u

Lolx..... :s13:
Still call me jiejie... I am 3 yrs younger than U leh... hahaha... Den shld call U Korkor liao sia....


Me looking forward to the cup final tomorrow. Hope United can win. I doubt it will be a disappointing match. It could be the best ever FA Cup final in recent times! Tell me lar, when was the last time United meet Arsenal in a competetive game been boring?

Of course, Arsenal vs Manchester United, never been disappointing since the 90s.... Always fighting like H3LL... Like no tomorrow... =:p

Anyway, what time is the match tmr?

[RuMmYtUb]

i 21 nia :o

also must call usjag_18 jie jie :s34:

[usjag_18]

United fans calls for Gill to quit


Manchester United fans have called for the resignation of chief executive David Gill within a 10-point action plan aimed at wrecking Malcolm Glazer's ownership plans.

Glazer's formal offer document is now not expected to be released until the beginning of next week after a couple of minor delays but with a stake in excess of 76%, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner effectively controls the club anyway.

Having twice condemned Glazer's business plan as 'aggressive', Gill has already indicated he thinks it is unworkable, yet it appears he could stay on and try to execute it anyway after the American's camp insisted they wanted United's current management team to stay in place.

But the supporters who backed Gill's initial stance feel such a situation is implausible and have demanded he steps down from his £900,000-a-year post with immediate effect.

'We call on David Gill, the board of Manchester United plc and the board of Manchester United Football Club to lead by example and resign in protest at the takeover,' said a statement issued by the 'Not4Sale' coalition.

'We request that they do this at the earliest possible opportunity, as we do not see how they can continue to execute a business plan that they themselves describe as 'aggressive' and 'damaging'.'

Among their many proposals are a continuation of the boycott on club merchandise and sponsors' products and the cancellation of MUTV subscriptions.

Various means of challenging Glazer's buy-out were also outlined, with a major rally now planned for the Apollo Theatre in Manchester on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30.

However, it was decided to limit protests surrounding tomorrow's FA Cup final to a renewed call for supporters attending the game to wear black, ironically the colour kit Ferguson's men are due to wear.

This will please Ferguson and opposite number Arsene Wenger, although the Arsenal boss was confident his side could deal with the impact of any protests, even if it included the match being stopped.

'Ideally we wish it doesn't happen but if we have to wait a while then we will,' he said.

'I don't think it would disturb our concentration although it may disturb theirs.

'I can understand their supporters' concerns. They feel as though the control of the club has gone out of their hands. But that is part of the risk you take when a club floats on the Stock Exchange.'

The view is not one shared by United's major supporters groups, who, after packing out a small Methodist Church in central Manchester last night, are confident of significant numbers turning out to lodge their disapproval of Glazer's involvement at the Apollo rally.

'Manchester United Football Club is an historic sporting institution made up of its players, administrators and, most importantly, its fans,' explained Mark Longden, spokesman for the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association

'Its historic struggles, flair, achievements, failure, tragedy and renewal have been and remain an inspiration to many and a focus of hundreds of thousands of peoples' lives.

'Its legacy resides and remains with its supporters past and present, without whom it simply would not exist, and this cannot be bought and sold as a commodity under any circumstances.

'We refuse to recognise the new owners of Manchester United plc as adequate, credible or positive custodians of Manchester United Football Club.

'Manchester United has been transformed from a football club free of debt to one in which its very future has been jeopardised to the tune of a £500million debt burden in a matter of days.

'This has been done without any consultation, input or say given to its lifeblood, its fans.

'However, this risky business plan is also vulnerable and we intend to use all our powers to reclaim the club.'

Ten-point plan for fans:

1 Wear black at the FA Cup final
2 Hold public rally
3 Use customer power to boycott merchandise, sponsors' products and cancel MUTV subscriptions
4 Boycott matches
5 Use shareholder power
6 Call on David Gill and remainder of United board to resign
7 Make Glazer and his backers aware of anger
8 Write in protest to Premier League, Football Association and MPs
9 Challenge the media
10 Join a supporters' group.

*************************************************************************


boycott matches sucks....

[usjag_18]

i 21 nia :o

also must call usjag_18 jie jie :s34:


:sad: sia.... Old lady here.... hehehe.... =:p

[Raul7]

:sad: sia.... Old lady here.... hehehe.... =:p

hahahaha...... :s13: =:p

[RuMmYtUb]

United fans calls for Gill to quit

Ten-point plan for fans:

1 Wear black at the FA Cup final


*************************************************************************


I no black kit, i tmr wearing Red kit :D

[usjag_18]

I no black kit, i tmr wearing Red kit :D
I am taking out all my jerseys tmr... From red to blue, from blue to black, from black to the long sleeves... aiya, lack of white nia...

[travmufc]

I am taking out all my jerseys tmr... From red to blue, from blue to black, from black to the long sleeves... aiya, lack of white nia...

i have 1 and only 1 united kit. and its white. :o

[usjag_18]

i have 1 and only 1 united kit. and its white. :o
Lolx.... I used to have more, but lost them when moving house... Aiya.. :sad: sia..
lolx... White is good.. but dun like it when we are playing important matches.. It's look like surrender...

[RVN]

Look like another unresloved contract dispute like Rio? Again I hate all those bloody agent always threathening our club to give in to their demands. :s27:



Ronaldo warning for United

Cristiano Ronaldo has fired a warning to Manchester United to sort out his contract wrangle sooner rather than later.
The Portugal international is looking for a pay rise at Old Trafford but The Red Devils have not yet met his demands.
The 20-year-old's situation is growing increasingly strained and his agent has warned United that other clubs are interested in him.
Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo's admiration for the flamboyant wing-man is well known, and the Spanish side would be waiting should Ronaldo become disenchanted at United.
Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has threatened that his client could consider his future at the club if his contract wrangle is not sorted out quickly.
"He wants everything to be agreed without further delays," Mendes told The Sun.
"There are lots of clubs interested."

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=277918&CPID=8&CLID=1&lid=&title=Ronaldo+warning+for+United&channel=Premiership

[wadeva_lah]

geez, quit my 900k pounds a year job to 'lead by example'? i cant see anybody in the world doing that.

[Ronaldo_7]

Lolx... :s13: paiseh paiseh... I see wrongly...
Wah, chengsun, U also younger than me arh? Wah, I am old lady liao lah.... Everyone calling me jiejie over here. Raul7, Ronaldo_7, AhHuat & U... All younger than me sia... wahahaa...

eh i see my nick... haha ~ :D

[Ronaldo_7]

Lolx..... :s13:
Still call me jiejie... I am 3 yrs younger than U leh... hahaha... Den shld call U Korkor liao sia....




Of course, Arsenal vs Manchester United, never been disappointing since the 90s.... Always fighting like H3LL... Like no tomorrow... =:p

Anyway, what time is the match tmr?
10pm ~ Channel 24 i think...

[Ronaldo_7]

I am taking out all my jerseys tmr... From red to blue, from blue to black, from black to the long sleeves... aiya, lack of white nia...
i have one red and one black.. red one long ago de.. Cantona was still with us that time...

[Ronaldo_7]

Look like another unresloved contract dispute like Rio? Again I hate all those bloody agent always threathening our club to give in to their demands. :s27:



Ronaldo warning for United

Cristiano Ronaldo has fired a warning to Manchester United to sort out his contract wrangle sooner rather than later.
The Portugal international is looking for a pay rise at Old Trafford but The Red Devils have not yet met his demands.
The 20-year-old's situation is growing increasingly strained and his agent has warned United that other clubs are interested in him.
Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo's admiration for the flamboyant wing-man is well known, and the Spanish side would be waiting should Ronaldo become disenchanted at United.
Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has threatened that his client could consider his future at the club if his contract wrangle is not sorted out quickly.
"He wants everything to be agreed without further delays," Mendes told The Sun.
"There are lots of clubs interested."

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=277918&CPID=8&CLID=1&lid=&title=Ronaldo+warning+for+United&channel=Premiership
haiz the players' agents really suck big time... :s27:

[cracker]

All the best to the Red Devils tonite....will be watching the game in Malacca hence no "live " report from me...

[nakitas]

:sad: sia.... Old lady here.... hehehe.... =:p

Call u jie jie doesnt mean u old lah... Senior is a gd word to b used... Big sister big mah... :s13:

BTW, i same age as u... :D

[Ronaldo7]

All the best to the Red Devils tonite....will be watching the game in Malacca hence no "live " report from me...

enjoy your trip and hope for an united victory :evil:

[Raul7]

eh i see my nick... haha ~ :D

hahahaa...me too... :s13:

[Raul7]

i have one red and one black.. red one long ago de.. Cantona was still with us that time...

hahaha,i got umbro red,vodafone red and my last jersey for Utd...the Centenary kit.... :o

[RuMmYtUb]

Wah so quiet... tonight big match man..

Me wearing Man Utd jersey now.. hehe :D

[usjag_18]

haiz the players' agents really suck big time... :s27:


They always sucks one lah!!! Since the new era of millenium, every single agents are my targets to :s27: bl00dy idiotic people who only see $-sign and not soccer game. :mad:
They are the ones who spoilt the game!!!

[usjag_18]

Call u jie jie doesnt mean u old lah... Senior is a gd word to b used... Big sister big mah... :s13:

BTW, i same age as u... :D


Hahaha... Really? Whcih mth? I am born in Feb 1982.

Anyway, all the best to MAn Utd tonite!!! Hope the players will be playing well tonite.

[usjag_18]

Giggs can enter elite group of scorers


Ryan Giggs will enter United's top ten all-time goalscorers if he scores against Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Giggs, who has scored 131 goals for the club, is currently the club's 11th highest scorer and will overtake Tommy Taylor in the rankings if he scores at the Millennium Stadium.

Yorkshire-born Taylor, powerful in the air and a lethal finisher, joined United in 1953 and reached 131 goals in just five years with the club before his tragic and untimely death in the Munich air disaster, in 1958.


TOP TEN ALL-TIME UNITED GOALSCORERS

Bobby Charlton - 247 goals
Denis Law - 236
Jack Rowley - 208
George Best - 178
Dennis Viollet - 178
Joe Spence - 168
Mark Hughes - 162
Stan Pearson - 148
David Herd - 144
Tommy Taylor - 131



Paul Scholes (127 goals), and Ruud van Nistelrooy (125) are also close to adding their names to the club's elite list of goalscorers.

But Giggs appears the likeliest current player to break the top ten. The 31-year-old is also the club's third highest appearance maker, turning out 620 times for the Reds. Only Bobby Charlton (753 appearances) and Bill Foulkes (682) have appeared more often.

Giggs returns to Cardiff, his city of birth, chasing another record; he and Roy Keane could become the first players in 114 years to win five FA Cup winners medals.

The pair were involved in the 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004 cup victories. The record of five winners' medals is held jointly by three players. Blackburn's Jimmy Forrest was the last player to achieve the feat.

Forrest earned his fifth FA Cup medal when Rovers beat Notts County 3-1 in 1891, equalling the record set by Arthur Kinnaird (Wanderers and Old Etonians) and Charles Wollaston (Wanderers).

Report by Ben Hibbs.


Source (http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsId=177258&itype=466&icategoryid=120)


**************************************************************************

I will be glad to see Giggs, Scholes & v.Nistelrooy names on top of the list. But in the future, I will also like to see Giuseppe Rossi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney names will be on the list too. In fact,

[Raul7]

Giggs can enter elite group of scorers


Ryan Giggs will enter United's top ten all-time goalscorers if he scores against Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Giggs, who has scored 131 goals for the club, is currently the club's 11th highest scorer and will overtake Tommy Taylor in the rankings if he scores at the Millennium Stadium.

Yorkshire-born Taylor, powerful in the air and a lethal finisher, joined United in 1953 and reached 131 goals in just five years with the club before his tragic and untimely death in the Munich air disaster, in 1958.


TOP TEN ALL-TIME UNITED GOALSCORERS

Bobby Charlton - 247 goals
Denis Law - 236
Jack Rowley - 208
George Best - 178
Dennis Viollet - 178
Joe Spence - 168
Mark Hughes - 162
Stan Pearson - 148
David Herd - 144
Tommy Taylor - 131



Paul Scholes (127 goals), and Ruud van Nistelrooy (125) are also close to adding their names to the club's elite list of goalscorers.

But Giggs appears the likeliest current player to break the top ten. The 31-year-old is also the club's third highest appearance maker, turning out 620 times for the Reds. Only Bobby Charlton (753 appearances) and Bill Foulkes (682) have appeared more often.

Giggs returns to Cardiff, his city of birth, chasing another record; he and Roy Keane could become the first players in 114 years to win five FA Cup winners medals.

The pair were involved in the 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004 cup victories. The record of five winners' medals is held jointly by three players. Blackburn's Jimmy Forrest was the last player to achieve the feat.

Forrest earned his fifth FA Cup medal when Rovers beat Notts County 3-1 in 1891, equalling the record set by Arthur Kinnaird (Wanderers and Old Etonians) and Charles Wollaston (Wanderers).

Report by Ben Hibbs.


Source (http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsId=177258&itype=466&icategoryid=120)

i will never forget that goal he scored against arsenal.....images still flashing in my mind....run past 4-5 arsenal players from midfield..... :s31: and finally whacked past david seaman....

[usjag_18]

i will never forget that goal he scored against arsenal.....images still flashing in my mind....run past 4-5 arsenal players from midfield..... :s31: and finally whacked past david seaman....
Hey Raul bro, that's CLASSIC... :s13: No one can do it like he does man. It's a wonder goal, tt's why it's the No.1 on top of FA Cup classic goal.

[Raul7]

Hey Raul bro, that's CLASSIC... :s13: No one can do it like he does man. It's a wonder goal, tt's why it's the No.1 on top of FA Cup classic goal.

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....giggsy!!!!!!!!! next time got chance i upload his signature here provided i buy digital cam :o :s13:

[Ronaldo7]

Manchester United (from): Carroll, Howard, G Neville, P Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre, O'Shea, Fletcher, Fortune, Ronaldo, Kleberson, Keane, Scholes, Giggs, Miller, Van Nistelrooy, Smith, Rooney, Saha.

our squad according to bbc and gary neville is set to start

this is my lineup :evil:

carroll

g.neville ferdinand brown silvestre

ronaldo keane scholes giggs

rooney ruud

[nakitas]

Hahaha... Really? Whcih mth? I am born in Feb 1982.

Anyway, all the best to MAn Utd tonite!!! Hope the players will be playing well tonite.

Oops, i Aug 1981... Not same yr... Lol... :D

[nakitas]

our squad according to bbc and gary neville is set to start

this is my lineup :evil:

carroll

g.neville ferdinand brown silvestre

ronaldo keane scholes giggs

rooney ruud

Sigh~ Life w/o Heinze... He's so vital...

[RuMmYtUb]

Sigh~ Life w/o Heinze... He's so vital...

Yea that sucks, Heinze is damn solid.. knn.

Btw everything suggests an ARSEnal win?

Newspapers, internet report mostly favouring the gunners to knick it... can our team let the critics eat their words?

I hope they could, and they must..:evil:

[AhHuat]

Yea that sucks, Heinze is damn solid.. knn.

Btw everything suggests an ARSEnal win?

Newspapers, internet report mostly favouring the gunners to knick it... can our team let the critics eat their words?

I hope they could, and they must..:evil:
butty.....can manutd win? :o

[RuMmYtUb]

butty.....can manutd win? :o

There's only one Man Utd

hehe :D

[AhHuat]

There's only one Man Utd

hehe :D
yeah i hopes manutds can wins toos :o

[Rume]

Good luck to our fav club :)

[chengsun]

y nowdays O shea seldom plays?

[RVN]

y nowdays O shea seldom plays?

Because he is now a squad player lol.

[Kakashi82]

y nowdays O shea seldom plays?

cos got Heinze.

[Ronaldo7]

UPDATE AT 1245: Mike Ingham, Radio 5 Live chief football correspondent
The strong word going around the stadium at the moment is that Tim Howard is going to start in goal instead of Roy Carroll, which would be a surprise, and also that Darren Fletcher is going to play in midfield.

It also looks like Arsenal are going to change their formation and play Dennis Bergkamp as a surprise lone striker, with five in midfield.

http://newswww.bbc.net.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4565691.stm



:s22:

[MatrixFanatic]

Feel so sad for Carroll... two years in a row he missed out on the place after playing the last few matches. Muahahahhaa. :s13:

[Ronaldo7]

Feel so sad for Carroll... two years in a row he missed out on the place after playing the last few matches. Muahahahhaa. :s13:

he came on for the last few mins last season :s13:

[spykid]

huh fletcher going to start?
i was hoping it'll be a giggs keane scholes and ronaldo midfield...
unless if fergie decides to go head to head with arsenal with 5 midfielders and either ruud or rooney upfront...

[mediacorpforever]

Feel so sad for Carroll... two years in a row he missed out on the place after playing the last few matches. Muahahahhaa. :s13:
He can go eat s***, rot in reserve better, knn :s27:

[RVN]

Ruud and Rooney should be playing upfront.

[spykid]

i'm beginning to worry with all the chopping and changing in the united line-up... and i seriously hope fergie knows what he's doing... i have faith in him though

[RVN]

Confirmed line-up

Carroll
Brown Rio Silvestre O'Shea
Fletcher Keane Scholes Ronaldo
Rooney Ruud

[cutieboy86]

hope man u will win... how cum giggs not playin sia

[tsetze]

ya lo no giggs,got carroll, and ronaldo play high high up sia

[ColdFusion]

will there be a penalty in the match? LOL
i believe sure have!!

[kahmun7]

will there be a penalty in the match? LOL
i believe sure have!!
the more important q is, will there be any sending offs, and from which team will it be... :(.. hope not from Man Utd...

[ColdFusion]

shiet. ! didnt bet that!!

[croc1977]

stupod caroll..!!!i don't understand why fergie still play him..!!!

[huhster]

what is SAF doing
not playing Giggs in the starting line-up

[croc1977]

what is SAF doing
not playing Giggs in the starting line-up
players just sign contract not playing...
players which is leaving soon played...

[Seals]

rio goal..not counted meh???

[croc1977]

rio goal..not counted meh???
this linesman got wear specs one...

[usjag_18]

this linesman got wear specs one...
Commentators from ESPN said that he was offside even b4 Rooney hit the ball.. So it was an offside. Damn it... It doesn't really matters. What matters is Rio finally did what he shld be doing and it's an OFFSIDE!!!

[usjag_18]

i'm beginning to worry with all the chopping and changing in the united line-up... and i seriously hope fergie knows what he's doing... i have faith in him though

I guess he noes what he is doing. But I am still pi55ed off with R.Carroll... 2 consecutive wks, he ran out from the box and cannot even control himself well. Like wat I said b4, he's a v.damn lucky person! He better pray hard that his luck doesn't goes out today, otherwise, I will definitely scold him over here until he get sick!!!


Anyway, did U guys notice how empty is Millenium Stadium? I find tat a lot of empty seats on the right-hand side on Man Utd's side. :s8:

Hope local supporters are not so childish. Boycott the games doesn';t change the fact that we are under the control of Glazer. Btw, there are so many USA flags around, I was wondering are those from Man Utd supporters :s8: or those Gunners' supporters.

[croc1977]

I guess he noes what he is doing. But I am still pi55ed off with R.Carroll... 2 consecutive wks, he ran out from the box and cannot even control himself well. Like wat I said b4, he's a v.damn lucky person! He better pray hard that his luck doesn't goes out today, otherwise, I will definitely scold him over here until he get sick!!!


Anyway, did U guys notice how empty is Millenium Stadium? I find tat a lot of empty seats on the right-hand side on Man Utd's side. :s8:

Hope local supporters are not so childish. Boycott the games doesn';t change the fact that we are under the control of Glazer. Btw, there are so many USA flags around, I was wondering are those from Man Utd supporters :s8: or those Gunners' supporters.
gunners..
man u side fans most wear black leh...

[c1b_2e2]

anynoe noes the score now?

[croc1977]

anynoe noes the score now?
0-0 draw...

[c1b_2e2]

thanks hope man utd win this one

[croc1977]

thanks hope man utd win this one
i really hope...so...

[LKY156]

Arsenal seems well contained by Utd.
I think this Man U team is quite well shaped and organised.
Utd has a great chance.

[croc1977]

Arsenal seems well contained by Utd.
I think this Man U team is quite well shaped and organised.
Utd has a great chance.
man u got so many free kicks but cannot goal...really no becks no free kick specialist...

gunners only have 1-2 shot towards caroll...and we got so much chance...if we kanna 1 mistake bye...especially left 8 mins...

[blackevil_2000]

alot of thing very hard to sae we may play well all the time but if they heng heng bang in 1 goal then died died liao so jus wish that we can score a goal fast!!!!!!

[croc1977]

full time...extra time soon...

[usjag_18]

Both teams played well... Reyes is acting like he got a bullet man...

[usjag_18]

Twice we should get Penalty kicks!!! Bloody hell

[croc1977]

RVN should get SHOT...he miss 3 gd chance.....!!!

sell him and get owen!!! :s27:

[blackevil_2000]

wish that manUtd can seal the win soon

[lennardseah]

Bring On Smith. Kin Kin

[croc1977]

penaly kick....next...
man u lose this...they better sell RVN....
so many chances....3...

[OKK77]

Reyes was sent off at the very last second. Wow.

[blackevil_2000]

how long does this match take to end?

[chengsun]

RVN should get SHOT...he miss 3 gd chance.....!!!

sell him and get owen!!! :s27:
say until like u very good at it, owen surely will help like tat
come on lah, wonder who wanna play for u if u ever be a football manager

[usjag_18]

Whoa, we might lose this one. R.Carroll is always lousy when it comes to penalty kicks. Damn it man, can't believe it.

[chengsun]

OK we din win the cup

[lennardseah]

The Dick Who Missed Should Be Shot

[Kyubi]

wah ... the match had so many chance to score .. y lehmann keep saving :(

[ISS]

Its ok. ManU lost but they held their pride. Everyone who watched the match knew how much Arsenal depended on luck and the keeper to keep their alive......