MANCHESTER UNITED BLOG

City miss the chance to get on top on the Premiership

2012-01-01T17:37:00.001Z

Manchester City has wasted the chance to plus three points and to go first in the premier league.

In the 93th minute, the Sunderland's Korean player Ji has net the goal to give his team a golden three points against The Citizen. The goal apparently was in off-side according to Tv.

Now, The Citizen and The Red Devils are both at the top of the Premier League 11/12. These two teams have 45 points.

Yesterday, United get loss in the last day of 2011 against Blackburn Rovers for 2-3. The goals netted for United was by Berbatov in the 52th and 62th minute.

UNITED 2 - 1 FC BARCELONA: Friendly match

2011-07-31T04:48:00.000+01:00

The Red Devils had won 2 - 1 against FC Barcelona on July 30 in Washington D.C.

It was a good show though it was a friendly match. Barcelona's rising star Thiago had an absolutely brilliant game and stole the show with his goal, but United did a better job of finishing their chances despite a lack of possession.

The first goal of the game and only goal of the first half was scored by Nani on a counter-attack. Played through by Danny Welbeck, who hit a fantastic through ball, Nani barely stayed onside before taking off towards the goal and finishing a one-on-one opportunity.

Thiago's equalizer came in the second half off of an absolutely fantastic strike. Dribbling towards goal, Thiago took a shot from 25 yards out when United's defenders failed to close him down. The ball curled towards the side netting, making for an absolutely unstoppable shot for David De Gea.

United answered quickly, though, as substitute Michael Owen scored the winner, once again giving United a goal on the counter by running onto a through ball. Owen would have another chance to score shortly afterward, but badly missed an empty net, partially thanks to a bad cross by Gabriel Obertan.

Manchester United will play the Community Shield against Manchester City next week before kicking off their Premier League campaign a week later.

Source: SBNation.com

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Man Utd’s Future Safe With Sir Alex

2011-06-13T14:53:00.000+01:00

Under the circumstances, Sir Alex Ferguson could certainly be forgiven for calling it a day at Old Trafford, picking up his golf clubs and his gardening tools and enjoying a well earned retirement. After 25 years, the United boss has seen and done it all in the game and the retirement of Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, along with the imminent end of Ryan Giggs, marks the end of an era for Sir Alex.

Many critics have claimed the current stars wearing Man Utd shirts are not as good as previous generations and it could certainly be argued that much like over at Stamford Bridge, Ferguson has been trying to squeeze the last few drops of ability and success from his side before a major rebuilding job takes place. Having lost the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez in recent years, United have lost much of their flair and starpower that saw them lift the Champions League trophy in 2008.

After seeing his side torn apart by Barcelona at Wembley last month and with major reinforcements needed if they are to retain their grip on the Premiership trophy, nobody would have blamed Sir Alex had he decided the time was right to pass the torch to his successor and give him the task of building the next great United side. However, even at 70, Ferguson has the drive and motivation to begin the rebuilding job to lay the foundations for the next 10 years of Manchester United success.

Following last years shrewd capture of the excellent Chris Smalling, United are close to sealing a deal for his long-term central defensive partner in Phil Jones. It’s a duo which may well be paired together in England football shirts for many years to come and will be a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea – who looked the part in last night’s 1-1 draw with England in the under 21 tournament – is set to come in and at 20 years ago, could be destined to be Old Trafford’s number 1 for many years to come. With Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez both with many, many years ahead of them and other young stars such as the Rafael twins and Danny Welbeck also in the squad, United have more than enough potential to form the basis of their side for many years to come.

Ashley Young is also hotly tipped to join from Aston Villa, not only adding another of England’s hottest young talents to the squad, but also much creativity and flair to the midfield area. While to compete with Barcelona United do undoubtedly require some genuine, proven quality along the lines of Luka Modric or Wesley Sneijder, Ferguson is quite rightly addressing the issue which has led to the recent downfall of Chelsea by building for the future while also putting a winning team on the park.

Written by Eddie Smith, a sports blogger who writes about football shirts.

Sir Alex Ferguson Sets Sights On Another Title

2011-06-07T14:05:00.002+01:00

Just over a week since the Champions League final and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is already looking forward to the new season, issuing a chilling warning to his Premier League rivals that the Red Devils are gunning by more titles.

United achieved a record breaking 19 league titles to make them the most successful team in English football history, despite claims that the current squad is a poor reflection of previous generations. While many would dwell on such a remarkable success, Ferguson is already looking ahead to the new campaign as he guns for title number 20.

It’s clear there is a rebuilding job needed at Old Trafford to see of the latest bulk spending from Manchester City and Chelsea. The new Manchester United home shirt was released this week and it is likely a number of new stars will be gracing it for the 2011/12 season.

Ferguson will have to do without two of his most experienced and talented players as both Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes have announced their retirement, with many other stars including Dimitar Berbatov and Darron Gibson tipped to move on, but new faces will arrive.

Spanish keeper David de Gea is widely rumoured to be joining in a £17m deal from Atletico Madrid, while Ashley Young and Luka Modric remain firmly on the United boss radar. It is not yet out of the question that a major star such as Wesley Sneijder will arrive in what would be a significant boost to sales of Manchester United shirts.

The veteran gaffer stated the latest Premier League title was “particularly special” as it took them ahead of Liverpool in the record books but he is not going to rest on his laurels as he wants more trophies next season.

Ferguson said: “Hopefully we’ll be better next season. The only thing you can do at this club is win – that’s all that matters.

“We have to carry on, there’s nothing else you can do. We have a responsibility and expectation to live up to and that carries on next season.”

Written by Eddie Smith, a sports blogger who writes about kids football shirts.

Dimitar Berbatov strikes Golden boot

2011-05-28T23:11:00.001+01:00

Dimitar berbatov with his prize.

After holding the Premier League trophy aloft, Dimitar Berbatov has now got his hands on a personal trophy for his efforts during the title-winning campaign.

The Bulgarian’s 20 goals were enough to share top spot in the scorers’ chart with City’s former Red Carlos Tevez and pick up the Golden Boot award from Barclays.

In a season where the classy striker hit three hat-tricks, including an incredible five-goal show against Blackburn, the prize is certainly well merited.

“On a personal level I’m delighted to win this award,” he told ManUtd.com. “To finish as the joint-top scorer in the best league in the world is a huge honour and something I’ll always be very proud of. I love scoring goals and providing entertainment for the fans – I hope I’ve done that this season.

“Most importantly, though, I feel happy knowing that my goals helped the team win the league. We made history this season by winning the title for the 19th time and it was a great feeling to be involved in that achievement. Individual awards are fine, but they mean nothing if you don’t win trophies as well.

“I want to thank the United fans for their support and, of course, my team-mates, who make it very easy for me to enjoy my time here and score goals.”

Source: manutd.com

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Sir Alex Ferguson says that United can beat FC Barcelona

2011-05-10T22:17:00.000+01:00

Alex Ferguson has said that Manchester United have What it takes to beat Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on next May 28.

The Scotch man is convinced that United can add European glory to a likely Premier League league title.

Now, I am going to add my thoughts:

I think this time United can beat Barcelona for two reasons, first, We play in England and that's all the motivation that we need and second these year United is playing much better than in 2009.

I hope that United can lift both trophies, Premier league and Champions league at the end of the seasons. We are the best team in around the world and we have the best coach forever.

What do you think? Could United win both trophies?

Have your say!

Thanks for reading!

United Ready For Barcelona Game

2011-05-09T13:58:00.000+01:00

Manchester United all but secured the Barclays Premier League title on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea which put them six points ahead of their closest challengers with just two games to go. Although United still need a point to officially secure the title, they can now start turning their attention to the prospect of a mouthwatering final with the Spanish Champions on May 28th.

The general consensus among the football media is that Barcelona are unstoppable and that United are very much second favourites for the Wembley showdown. The opinion is that this is not as strong a Manchester United side in recent years and as a result Barcelona will be too strong for them.

On a player by player basis, I would agree with the first half of that statement. Wayne Rooney aside, United do not have a truly world class player in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo or Carlos Tevez. However, as a collective unit, this is arguably one of the most dogged and determined United sides of recent times.

Sure, away from home United have been nothing more than ordinary this season and have leaked goals at an alarming rate. But as has always been a trait in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, when they have needed to get the job done, they have got it done. Last weeks defeat at Arsenal was disappointing but owed as much to a strong performance from Arsene Wenger’s men than it did to poor play from United. However as they have done in responding to defeats by Manchester City and others this season, United bounced back with a victory when it mattered to all but clinch the Premiership title.

That new additions are required in the summer is without question, but there is enough about this group of players - who have scored in every home match this season and are unbeaten at Old Trafford - to win the trophy at Wembley later this month.

United are capable of organising their defensive line in a way that Barcelona do not regularly encounter and with the pace on the break of Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Luis Antonio Valencia, they have more than enough to cause Pep Guardiola’s men problems. Ferguson will still hope to get Darren Fletcher back into his side to face the Catalans but with the pressure off in the remaining games with Blackburn and Blackpool, he has time and freedom to tinker with his side to find a winning formula.

Written by Eddie Smith, a sports blogger who writes about classic football shirts.

Can Manchester United Defeat Barcelona?

2011-05-05T13:49:00.000+01:00

Manchester United cruised into the 2011 Champions League Final last night after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Schalke 04 in the second leg of the semi final to setup a mouthwatering clash with Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson was criticised by many prior to the match when the team lineups were announced as the United boss opted to rest a number of top stars including Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, ahead of Sunday’s vital clash with Chelsea. However it was a very comfortable night for those stars in Man Utd shirts and in truth, Schalke never looked likely to cause United any problems. As Champions League semi finals go, this was about as easy as they are going to come.

The problem United now have is that on one hand, eyes and minds are already turning to a revenge mission at Wembley on May 28th as they look to avenge their 2009 defeat to a team hailed as the greatest of all time. However, for the players and manager, this must be forgotten about as there is still a considerable amount of work to be done in the race to regain the Premiership title.

Defeat at home to Chelsea on Sunday would hand Carlos Ancelotti’s men an almost unthinkable chance at the title as the Blues would go top of the table with just two games to play. Having already lost the reverse fixture 2-1 at Stamford Bridge back in March, United will be well aware of the threat posed, despite a home and away victory over Chelsea in the Champions League quarter finals.

Many critics have suggested that this Manchester United team is a poor reflection of previous versions and many doubt the ability of Sir Alex’s side to go to the full distance. However, I expect them to beat Chelsea on Sunday and in doing so all but regain the title they lost to the Blues on the final day of the 2009/10 season. I also expect them to beat FC Barcelona in the Final at Wembley later this month.

As poor as United have been at times in the Premiership this season, they have been emphatic in Europe. Schalke were absolutely blown away, Chelsea were dispatched without difficulty and wins in Turkey, Valencia and Ibrox in the group stages underlined both the quality and depth of the United squad. Barcelona may pose a different threat entirely but as Arsenal and Real Madrid have recently showed, they are not unbeatable.

As good a side as Barcelona are, they struggle to break down the type of well organised defence they are not accustomed to playing in the attack minded La Liga. Arsenal went to the Nou Camp and until the ridiculous sending off of Robin van Persie, Barcelona had created relatively little. Similarly, Madrid shut them out in the Copa del Rey and were reasonably comfortable until Pepe’s red card opened the space and the floodgates.

While this United side may not be as flamboyant as previous generations, they are well organised and a strong defensive unit. Barcelona will find it difficult to break United down and with the pace and flair going forward of the likes of Nani and Luis Antonio Valencia, they can expose the defensive weaknesses of the Catalans.

It will be a difficult task and they will certainly have to ride their luck, but Manchester United CAN beat Barcelona.

Written by Eddie Smith, a sports blogger who writes about La Liga.

Barcelona v United for a Champions rematch

2011-05-03T15:07:00.000+01:00

Manchester United and Barcelona both got a lead for 2-0 in the first game in semi-finals for the champions league. And could will be a rematch of the 2009 champions league final, but this time in Wembley Stadium later this month.

Both teams have a chance to win a fourth European title, but this will require to negotiate the second-leg semi-finals in the UCL.

Manchester United is certainly confident that Schalke’s longest run in the competition will end at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney is not set to play on Sunday's premier league match against Chelsea, which is just three points behind United with three matches to go.

"I will make some changes on Wednesday without question, I will bring Paul Scholes back in, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen. We'll need to do that but I will probably keep my experienced players at the back. We have a big week ahead. two massive games, so we will regroup and freshen it up," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

Source: National Post

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Manchester United are not maximising Anderson attacking's strengths

2011-04-19T21:05:00.001+01:00

Anderson

Carlos Alberto -The Brazilian legend- has told Sir Alex Ferguson to let Anderson play a free role in Manchester United team, so that he can fulfil his early promise and become "The best player in around the world"

He used to be compared to fellow Gremio Ronaldinho, for his skill with the ball and the ability to create and score goals.

"Anderson is a very good player, but I knew him when he played in Brazil and, in my opinion, he is playing in a different way to the way he played back there. He is not playing in his real position. In Brazil, we would like to see him play with freedom on the field because he creates chances and he scores.” said Carlos Alberto, according to Manchester evening news.

In Brazil, he is compared with Ronaldinho because he is a very skilled player, but over here, he seems to be playing more defensively and this is not the best way for him to play. Carlos Alberto hopes AF change their ideas and give him a free role. And then, he can start to show just how good he is.

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Source: Goal.com

Luis Nani into the PFA Team of the year

2011-04-19T02:57:00.000+01:00

Luis Nani

Luis Nani has had his most productive season since arriving to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon.

"I'm very proud to be named in the PFA Team of the Year," said the portuguese star.

"Being part of this great club brings great responsibility and great achievements." added Nani.

You can follow him at his official Twitter account at: @luisnani

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Anderson back to play on Saturday

2011-04-01T20:50:00.000+01:00

Brazilian player 'Anderson'

Anderson is set to return for the clash against West Ham United this Saturday, but AF still have some doubts for the right-back position.

The Brazilian midfielder has not played for seven games because of a knee problem, but he's got great chances for playing on Saturday because Paul Scholes is suspended and Darren Fletcher is out with a virus. Ji-Sung Park who was unused for win against Bolton, is also available.

Nemanja Vidic will be the captain and Chris Smailing will be at the centre alongside with Vida. Rio Ferdinand is back to training but not likely to be available until the home game with Fulham.

In their last visit to Upton Park, The Reds losing 4-0 for the Carling Cup; but Sir Alex is expecting another tricky game in East London and hopes his players can produce the goods this time.

"You always expect a hard game when you're away from home at this stage of the season no matter where you go," said Sir Alex on the pre-match press conference.

These game is also important for West Ham who is at the bottom of the league fighting for relegation. United are at the top of the league trying to win it. So it would be an interesting encounter. Hopefully We can get (and must) the result we need.

So, What do you think about this tricky game in Upton Park? Could United get the Three points for the Premierleague trophy? Have your say!

Thanks for reading and enjoy this game as I will do!

Eric Cantona Exclusive Interview

2011-03-16T03:46:00.000Z

Hi, everybody!

I hope you're all fine. Today, I want to share with all of you a GREAT video that I saw on YouTube about Eric Cantona. It is an exclusive interview on ESPN. Don't miss it and view it now!!

Thanks for reading & watching!

Brought to you by Pablo Grippo, a pasionate United fan.

Festive fixture guide

2010-12-26T16:30:00.000Z

I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year and wishing United victories in the following four games...

Sunderland, Old Trafford, Sunday 26 December, 15:00

At the Stadium of Light in October, a determined defensive showing earned United a point – and left Steve Bruce ruing his luck against his former boss. For this Boxing Day return, three points will be on the post-Christmas wish list of every Red, but defence could be the order of the day again, particularly if Bruce rolls up in M16 with the same attacking gameplan that he took to Stamford Bridge.

Birmingham City, St Andrews, Tuesday 28 December, 20:00

Alex McLeish’s men are going steadily about their business this season – with the odd standout result, not least the 1-0 home win that compounded the champions’ misery a week on from the Sunderland debacle. Too many draws have, however, left the Carling Cup semi-finalists worryingly close to the danger zone – a situation McLeish will no doubt be keen to change (for the better) against his one-time boss.

West Bromwich Albion, The Hawthorns, Saturday 1 January, 12:45

Thrashed at home by Stoke, runaway winners at Goodison… West Brom are not only proving the surprise package of this season, but have made it totally impossible to predict their results. After their OT comeback, however, one thing is certain: the Reds won’t be taking the top-flight new boys lightly. And after two, potentially priceless, points dropped in that home clash, making amends is likely to be high on the agenda…

Stoke City, Old Trafford, Tuesday 4 January, 20:00

For a side that didn’t get a point on the board until the fourth game of the campaign, the Potters’ season has picked up very nicely. Home form remains the bulwark underpinning Stoke’s mid-table berth - it took a Chicharito goal just four minutes from time to eke out three points for United at the Britannia.

Source: RedView

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Chelsea game postponed

2010-12-20T21:43:00.001Z

United game at Chelsea has been postponed due to the heavy snow in London last Saturday. According to The Police and the local authority, the game has been postponed.

And finally, United have confirmed that all tickets will remain valid for the new date once it is arranged.

Written by Paul, a crazy United fan who blog about this fantastic club.

See you the next post my readers, bye bye!!

The game against The Blues is coming!

2010-12-17T23:51:00.001Z

Sir Alex Ferguson, the boss of United.

Sir Alex Ferguson is in positive mood ahead of Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge, despite not winning on Chelsea's manor since 2002.

Another striking statistic is that United's last league defeat was at the hands of the Blues, then at Old Trafford, towards the end of last season. But the Reds' unbeaten start to 2010/11 includes Monday night's victory over Arsenal, the perfect platform surely for a crack at Carlo Ancelotti's men.

“It’s a big one for us,” the boss said on Friday morning. “They’re a tough team to beat on their own ground, their home record tells you that.

"Meanwhile, our results down there have been poor over the last eight years. We’ve managed a few draws, but we’ve lost a few too.

"Our record just prior to those eight years was fantastic – in fact, Stamford Bridge was the place where we probably had our best away form."

United are set to be without John O'Shea for the match - the Irishman has a calf problem - while Paul Scholes has been ruled out until the New Year with a niggling groin injury. Otherwise, Sir Alex says he is "going into the game with a strong, confident squad. You want to go there in good form and we are in good form."

Source: RedView

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QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS: NANI

2010-11-19T16:11:00.001Z

United's midfielder Luis Nani.

The Reds winger - 24 this week - gives us an insight into his life off the pitch...

What’s your favourite TV programme?

In England, it’s The X Factor. In Portugal, I like our soaps. They’re not like the English soaps, like Coronation Street and Eastenders. They’re more like comedies.

What do you miss most about home?

My mum and my family.

Can you cook?

Yes, I like Portuguese food. My favourite dish is feijoada (stew of beans with beef and pork). I have a machine in my house that does everything! It’s from Portugal, it’s called a Bimby. If you want to make feijoada, they say put this ingredient in, then half an hour later put this in... and it does it for you. It’s nice.

What was the last book you read?

I've got Giggsy’s book (My Life, My Story) and I’ve been reading that.

Who’s your best friend at United?

I have lots of friends… the ones who speak Portuguese are all close, but I get on with the English-speaking lads too; Fletch, O’Shea and the younger lads especially. Rio is like one of the young lads - he likes to have a laugh.

If United got to the Champions League final and you only had one ticket to give away, who would get it?

[Laughs] Only one?! My mum.

Source: RedView

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Scholes: Wolves could hurt us

2010-11-05T20:32:00.001Z

Paul Scholes is expecting Wolves to attack United at Old Trafford on Saturday, just as they did in last week's Carling Cup encounter.

The Reds beat Mick McCarthy’s side 3-2 but had to work hard for the victory against an extremely resilient outfit. Although Scholes did not feature in that match, he is fully aware of the threat that Wolves pose and is anticipating an equally positive approach from the visitors.

“I know they haven’t had the best of starts this season but they’ve got players who can hurt you,” Scholes said.

“They showed they are capable of scoring goals at Old Trafford, they managed two, and I’m sure they’ll have a go on Saturday as well.”

The 35-year-old Reds midfielder also shrugged off suggestions that Wolves are an overly aggressive side, claiming that teams simply employ different styles of play.

“There are some teams that might not play the most attractive football but you have to find a way of winning games,” Scholes added.

“Their managers want to get the best out of them and find the best way of winning games and they do it their own way. It’s up to us to be able to play against that and find a way of winning.”

Source: RedView

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Wayne Rooney to miss the derby

2010-10-29T22:25:00.001+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased with the strength of his squad, despite injury set-backs for Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves.

Rooney, who signed a five-year contract after an intense few days of speculation at Old Trafford last week, is currently recovering from an ankle injury and has been told to rest. He suffered the injury in training on 18 October, so a three-week absence would have meant he was back in the days leading up to United's visit to Manchester City on Wednesday 10 November, but he has effectively been ruled out of that game now.

"Wayne's away at the moment, so there's no recovery," said the boss. "He did his remedial work before he went away, but thereafter we're happy that he's resting." Asked if the three-weeks prognosis still applied, Sir Alex added: "I think it may be longer."

Nevertheless, the form of Javier Hernandez has been a huge bonus in Rooney’s absence, and Sir Alex feels his squad is looking strong. “The only injuries to report are the ones we know about. Ryan [Giggs] should start training on Monday, I think he’s progressed quite well now. Michael Owen unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury in training. That’s disappointing for him and he’ll be out for four or five weeks. “Owen Hargreaves is still recovering from a long-term injury. I can’t see [him playing in the next few weeks]. He was making very good progress when he first came back, but it seems to have stalled a little bit and he is back with the physios now. But they’re the only injuries we have at the moment and we have quite a strong squad at the moment. We hope it stays that way.”

Source: manutd.com

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Wayne Rooney will be out for 3 weeks

2010-10-22T18:29:00.000+01:00

Wayne Rooney was for signing a new five-year deal, but an ankle injury has tempered out and keep him out for three weeks. Rooney has been hampered by serious lesions on one of his legs against Bayern Munich in the last term.

But with his future now seemingly resolved, Sir Alex has confirmed that his talisman will be out until the middle of next month.

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Wayne Rooney intent on leaving United

2010-10-20T23:11:00.000+01:00

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's concerns over the club's squad strength are behind his decision to dramatically seek an Old Trafford exit.

The 24-year-old, whose deal expires in the summer of 2012, revealed he had spoken to chief executive David Gill.

A statement from Rooney read: "He did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad."

The England star added that he was "surprised" by some of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's comments.

On Tuesday Ferguson admitted he was "shocked" and "disappointed" to hear that the former Everton player intended to leave.

However in a strongly worded statement released only hours before United's Old Trafford Champions League clash against Bursaspor Rooney countered: "I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say [Tuesday] and surprised by some of it.

"I have never had anything but complete respect for the club. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

"For me it's all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18."

Rooney has been linked with a number of clubs, including wealthy local rivals Manchester City, but he insisted that a concern over United's ability to attract the world's top players was at the heart of his decision to seek a move.

Source: BBC Sport

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Rooney's Future In Doubt As Man Utd Drop More Points

2010-10-19T14:39:00.004+01:00

Over the weekend many would have thought that the biggest news story surrounding Man Utd would be the 2-2 draw at home to West Brom on Saturday, which saw Man Utd again lose a two goal lead to get their fifth draw of the league season. However the biggest story of the weekend was the news than Wayne Rooney is refusing to sign a new contract with the club and could leave as early as January.

Wayne Rooney has been in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons over the past couple of months with his form appearing to suffer for it. His performances in Man Utd shirts have been a shadow of what we have come to expect. The club have left him out of important matches appearing to want to protect the player but it appears as if there has been more to it with rumours that Rooneys relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson has deteriorated, possibly beyond repair.

The stories surrounding Rooneys refusal to sign a new contract are varied with some stating that the club simple won't meet his wage demands with others seeming to point directly to his relationship with his manager.

Unsurprisingly there will be a number of clubs interested in signing Rooney with Chelsea, Man City, Barcelona and Real Madrid all clubs linked with possible moves. Man City are thought to be the early favourites being able to meet the transfer fee and salary demands. Whether he will be seen in the new Man Utd shirt next season remains to be seen.

The speculation surrounding Rooney is the last thing Man Utd need. The club are not too far behind in the league at the moment but need to start wining games if they are to realistically compete for the title this season and with their top striker possibly looking towards the exit door it doesn't exactly inspire the other players in the team who looked to Rooney last year to drive the team forward.

There are sure to be a number of developments over the coming weeks with this story but if it proves to be true, and Rooney is heading for the exit door, then this will intensify the need for Man Utd to invest considerably in their squad. Man Utd already look weak in some positions and depend on players that are coming to the end of their careers. These players need to be replaced with top quality players and if Rooney goes, potentially relatively cheaply, it will be near on impossible to replace everyone with players of a similar standard.

Written by Colin Hill, a sports writer who blogs about football shirts.

Rooney's Future In Doubt As Man Utd Drop More Points

2010-10-19T14:39:00.002+01:00

Written by Colin Hill, a sports writer who blogs about football shirts.

Sir Alex wary of West Brom Albion

2010-10-15T21:49:00.001+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson says United must be on top form to avoid an upset against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

The boss has warned his players not to underestimate Roberto Di Matteo's men, following their strong start to life back in the top flight.

“I think they had a bad game losing 6-0 to Chelsea right away but since then their form has been very good,” said Sir Alex.

“They have drawn with Sunderland at home, beaten Birmingham in the local derby and then they went to Arsenal and won 3-2.

“That is good form and they’re playing attractive football so we expect a tough game. We have got to recognise their performance at the Emirates, three goals against Arsenal tells you something. We just need to make sure we perform properly.”

Although away wins in the league are still proving elusive, United have maximum points at Old Trafford. The Reds are also unbeaten anywhere this season, and have only once come close to losing in the manager's view.

“It’s only the Sunderland game where I feel we were probably a little bit lucky to get a point," admitted Sir Alex. "Sunderland played very well and I think we had a bit of an off day, but that can happen in the context of going through a season. We know our position at the moment [five points behind Chelsea], we just have to get on with it."

Owen Hargreaves wait continues

Owen Hargreaves will not line up against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, contrary to reports in the media earlier this week. Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the midfielder has picked up a calf injury and is not available for selection.

“Owen’s not ready. He’s injured,” Sir Alex said. “He got a calf injury and has missed training for the last few days.”

The news contradicts reports from across the Atlantic that suggested Hargreaves was set to make his first senior start since September 2008. Dr Richard Steadman, who has overseen part of Hargreaves’ rehabilitation, was quoted this week as saying: “Owen should play some part on Saturday.”

But Sir Alex insists the statement is “not accurate”.

“I pick the team and I have been doing that for a while,” he said. “We’re having some difficulties with the doctor [Steadman] in Colorado. It’s not fair to the player, to the fans and to ourselves to say the player is going to be playing. It’s ridiculous.

“It’s a small interference that has caused a bit of confusion. Owen’s not available for West Brom.”

One player who could take to the pitch is Ryan Giggs. The Welshman missed United’s games against Valencia and Sunderland after picking up a hamstring injury in the Reds’ draw at Bolton in late September, but Sir Alex says he’s now ready to re-enter the fray.

“Giggsy’s been out for a couple of weeks but he’s fit again.”

Source: Red View & manutd.com

Thanks for reading!

Striker Crisis Threatens To Derail United Bid

2010-10-13T12:32:00.001+01:00

They say confidence is everything in football - never has that been truer than in the case of Wayne Rooney. A player who at one point last season was unstoppable, turned in another abject performance last night during England's dismal 0-0 draw with Montenegro, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson with a major dilemma ahead of Saturday's crucial Premier League match with West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

Rooney's recent performances for England have been dreadful and his performances in a Man Utd shirt haven't been much better. It represents a major decision for the United boss just what to do with his star player. Rooney clearly isn't operating at full fitness and his mental state cannot be much better in the wake of recent press allegations regarding his personal life.

In an ideal world, I believe Ferguson would like to take Rooney out the splotlight for an extended period, allowing him to regain his fitness and passion for football. The problem he has though is that by the time Rooney comes back, United's title bid could be all but over. Already five points behind Chelsea, United have no margin for error and finding the right combination up front in Rooney's absence has proved problematic.

Dimitar Berbatov is a certain starter and has been in fine form this season but the reality is, goalscoring is not his game and while he will chip in, he cannot be expected to score the goals necessary for a title winning team. Javier Hernandez has shown glimpses of real talent and has scored some great goals, but he is still young and learning and for every good game he has played so far he has also played one bad one.

Similarly, Kiko Macheda is in need of a regular run of games to find the form and consistency required to play in a team like Manchester United, but can United risk giving him this time when they are already behind Chelsea? A few weeks ago, it had looked like Michael Owen could be the man to solve the crisis, after he followed up a double at Scunthorpe with the equaliser at Bolton. There were even calls for him to be added to the England Euro 2012 qualifiying squad, but when handed his first start he was promptly hooked at half time.

All this points to the importance of Wayne Rooney to United and the likelihood that he will start against West Brom on Saturday. Whether or not he can recapture his form his open to debate and I would lean to the thinking that it could be some time before he does, but the facts are Manchester United will not win the Premiership title this season without Wayne Rooney, so Ferguson will just have to hope his man can rediscover his magic touch - and quickly!

Written by Colin Hill, a sports blogger who writes about new football kits.