Manchester United News

Robin van Persie facing no FA punishment after allegedly elbowing Yohan Cabaye

2012-10-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

Robin van Persie will not be charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after referee Howard Webb informed the governing body that the Manchester United forward’s clash with Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye on Sunday does not warrant further action.

Van Persie appeared to be facing a charge, which could have led to a three-match suspension, after television footage highlighted Cabaye being hit by the Dutch forward’s left arm during United’s 3-0 victory on Tyneside.

But after reviewing the incident earlier today, match referee Webb told the FA that Van Persie’s challenge was not violent conduct and therefore not worthy of a red card.

Van Persie, who had already been booked by Webb prior to the second-half incident with Cabaye, was substituted moments after the clash by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Confirmation that the £22m forward will not face disciplinary action will be welcomed by United, with the player now free to play against his former club, Arsenal, at Old Trafford next month.

Similarly, Liverpool forward Luis Suarez will not face FA action after calls by Stoke manager Tony Pulis for the Uruguayan to be charged with diving during Sunday’s 0-0 draw between the two clubs at Anfield.

The FA does not currently take retrospective action against players accused of simulation and, with the match referee choosing not to take action during the game, no further action will be taken against Suarez.

Rio Ferdinand to fight FA charge over Ashley Cole ‘choc ice’ tweet

2012-08-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has denied a Football Association charge of improper conduct following comments he made on Twitter at the end of the John Terry trial.

Fighting his corner: United defender Rio Ferdinand denies any wrongdoing with regard to the fuss surrounding his comments on Twitter

In the aftermath of last month’s trial, when Terry was acquitted of racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, the United defender responded to a tweet that characterised Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who was a defence witness, as a “choc ice”.

The term is commonly understood to mean black on the outside, white on the inside, and was a reference to Cole’s testimony in court, in which he said he never heard Terry make a racist remark to Ferdinand during the match in question at Loftus Road in October.

Ferdinand was charged on Monday and had until 4pm yesterday to respond to the FA.

Meanwhile, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has strenuously denied suggestions he will make any financial gain from the controversial share sale plans of the Glazer family.

Ferguson says claims that he has publicly praised United’s ownership because he can reap economic rewards from their scheme is “an insult”.

Although £150 million will be raised, it has emerged only half will be used to help pay off a £437 million club debt.

Ferguson said in a statement: “In regards to suggestions that I have praised the Glazer Family because I stand to financially benefit from the proposed IPO [Initial Public Offering], there is not a single grain of truth in this allegation.

“I do not receive any payments, directly or indirectly, from the IPO.

“My decisions and beliefs are not based around what is best for my personal financial gain. That is an accusation that insults me. If that was the case, I would have left Old Trafford a long time ago.

“I am speaking out because I do not want a situation to develop whereby the media and other parties create a rift, however small, between myself and any Manchester United fan.”

London 2012 Olympics: Ryan Giggs to captain Team GB football side

2012-07-11T04:50:00.003-07:00

Ryan Giggs says the “massive honour” of leading out Great Britain’s Olympic football team as captain will be the crowning moment of his glittering career.

Rare: Ryan Giggs will lead out Team GB in a friendly against Brazil

The Manchester United midfielder’s domestic record is unrivalled in modern times, but he has never appeared at a major international tournament with Wales, a point that still rankles.

“Being captain ranks very high in my career,” he said. “You are being involved in the Olympics and as a 38 year-old you don’t expect to be involved in a tournament like this on home turf.

“It has always been a disappointment never getting to a major tournament with Wales and that will always remain. It has always been a massive disappointment in my career.

“I have not played in tournament football and I am getting a chance and I am thankful for that and really looking forward to it.”

He said he hoped to bring his “winning mentality” to the side, who face their first match against Senegal on July 26, before the official opening ceremony.

Pearce said the appointment was “one of the easiest of my life”. He is also “pretty confident” Daniel Sturridge, who was diagnosed with viral meningitis last week, will recover in time for the Games.

The Chelsea forward was taken for tests at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington after notifying Stamford Bridge doctors he was feeling unwell. He will not join the Team GB squad for their preparation in Spain but doctors will assess his condition when the rest of the side move into the athletes’ village.

Sir Alex Ferguson accuses Paul Pogba of showing no respect to Manchester United as he leaves for Juventus

2012-07-06T06:32:00.004-07:00

Paul Pogba has completed a move to Juventus with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisting he was relieved to see the back of the Frenchman.

On the move: Paul Pogba has joined Italian side Juventus

Pogba fell out with Manchester United during new contract talks last season and refused to sign a new deal, deciding to move to Italy rather than continue his education at Old Trafford.

That move was finalised on Tuesday and Ferguson could not resist firing a parting shot at the midfielder who claimed he had become frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities under him.

“Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware,” Ferguson told MUTV. “It’s a bit disappointing because I don’t think he showed us any respect at all. To be honest, if they carry on that way, I’m quite happy that he’s away, from me, anyway.”

Despite Ferguson’s displeasure at the way Pogba and his advisers acted, his departure is a blow for the Scot, who had expected him to go on to become a key member of the first team squad for years.

The 19 year-old made his first-team debut as a substitute against Stoke in January and Ferguson had hoped his greater involvement in the senior side would persuade him to stay at the club, although he leaves having made a total of just seven appearances.

The former Le Havre prospect, who only moved to England in 2009, has signed a deal that will earn him around £20,000-a-week at Juventus.

Pogba is the second highly-rated young player to leave the club this year after the prodigiously talented but controversial Ravel Morrison was allowed to join West Ham in January.

The future of a third, Ezekiel Fryers, is unclear.

He has also been offered a new contract but has yet to inform United of his decision.

"We haven't heard anything from Zeki Fryers," added Ferguson.

"I don't know what's happening there but he's not been in touch with the club. His agent hasn't been in touch with the club and I can only assume he'll be back for training."

Manchester United's $100 million flotation may reduce Glazer debt slightly - but it won't boost transfer kitty

2012-07-05T02:59:00.001-07:00

Page one of Manchester United’s $100 million prospectus confronts potential investors with a stark warning. "Investing in our Class A ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk," it reads.

Money matters: A proposed $1 billion float in Singapore was pulled

Further down it goes on to say: "These challenges and risks include, among other things, competition for key players and other personnel, increases in operating costs, such as player salaries and transfer costs, and our ability to manage our growth efficiently.

"For example, net of profit on disposal of players' registrations, we realised a loss from continuing operations in two out of the last three fiscal years... although we are currently profitable and growing… there can be no assurance that we will continue to be profitable or grow our profitability at the same rate in the future or at all."

Football fans know there is no guarantee of success in any season, but their stake is principally an emotional one. For the hard-nosed speculators who want security of income and investment those warnings will bring to mind Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous phrase: "Football, eh? Bloody hell."

What United have asked investors to do today, at a time of fevered uncertainty for all markets, is to plunge their cash into an industry - with its reliance on consumer spending and the additional threat of dropping out of the Champions or Premier League - that risks being more volatile than almost any other.

There are signs that the club's advisers are highly confident of a positive response from the markets. A basket of banks have underwritten the $100 million offering, meaning that if investors are not sufficiently excited to take up all the shares then they will be on the hook for every one that goes unsold.

The sale of shares - through the New York Stock Exchange favoured of the club's American owners rather than the more obvious choice of London - will therefore effectively guarantee United $100 million in fresh money. This will be used to reduce the club's debts.

Against those £423.28 million ($662.8 million) debts, mostly related to the Glazer family's 2005 takeover of the club, the amount United are seeking to raise is modest. Perhaps this reflects how the banks might have got cold feet the last time a share issue was considered. A proposed $1 billion float in Singapore was pulled amid "market turmoil".

In return for the cash, the Glazers will be handing over a proportion of their ownership stake, but they will not cede control. Under the resulting share structure the "B" shares the Glazers will hold will carry 10 times the voting rights over the "A" shares that are being sold to the market, and will never have less than 67 per cent control over shareholder meetings.

Indeed, although United will become a leaner business, paying off up to 15 per cent of their outstanding debt, the new ownership format will not make a transformative difference to the club in anything but its ability to pay down debt.

Currently, United are paying about £46.5 million a year in net interest; my rough calculations suggest the share issue will reduce that bill by up to £7 million a year in the future, although it may not even be that much.

United have already conducted what they call an "aggressive deleveraging" programme which, between July 2010 and July 2011, brought down their debts by almost £225 million. Freeing up more cash to repay debts will reduce how much interest has to be paid in future as well, providing a compound benefit that will be familiar to anyone who has overpaid their mortgage.

But, in the same way as it is unlikely to improve United’s transfer-market muscle, it is difficult to see what benefit there is to the investors in the shorter term. As United note, the debts they already hold place certain obligations on the club: "The indenture governing our senior secured [loan] notes and our revolving credit facility limit our ability, among other things, to: pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our shares."

If anyone had any doubt about what that means, United’s prospectus spells it out later: "We do not currently intend to pay cash dividends on our Class A ordinary shares in the foreseeable future."

There is lot of fluffy stuff in the prospectus about how United have 659 million "followers", a figure extrapolated from an internet survey of 53,287 respondents that was paid for by United. The club's Facebook popularity is also stressed, comparing their 26 million "connections" with New York Yankees' 5.8 million.

Certainly there is no disputing their introductory claim: "We are one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth."

United should be applauded for using that brand to try and reduce their biggest business risk - the debt that hampers their ability to function as a normal dividend-paying business. But when they have been told so often how sustainable that debt is, perhaps fans should also consider why the Glazers have chosen to do so now.

Manchester United still the world's richest football club

2012-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Manchester United still the world's richest football club

Manchester United remain the world's most valuable football club, according to Forbes magazine.

The study estimates the Premier League champions are worth £1.4bn, which puts them top of the list for the eighth year in a row.

Real Madrid are ranked second, valued at £1.17bn, while Barcelona are third with an estimated value of £816m.

Tottenham Hotspur are just outside the top 10 in 11th place, with Manchester City up to 13th in the list."Manchester United's global fan base of 330m helps make them the most valuable team in any sport," said Forbes.com.Bayern Munich and Arsenal make up the top five in the rankings, with Chelsea and Liverpool ranked seventh and eighth respectively.

Forbes also revealed Manchester United are worth more than both Major League Baseball's New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, while the club's run to last year's Champions League final, where they lost to Barcelona, commanded a £50m payout from Uefa.

The research added: "The top teams on the pitch are going to continue to get richer. This year's Champions League payout will be higher than 2011 for the 32 tournament teams.
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Manchester United monitor Jack Butland with a view to possible summer move for Birmingham keeper

2012-04-10T22:09:00.003-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a summer move for Birmingham City’s £3 million-rated goalkeeper, Jack Butland.

In the frame: United are interested in the promising young goalkeeper Jack Butland

Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, sent his goalkeeping coach, Eric Steele, to make a personal check on Butland in Cheltenham’s 1-0 defeat at Rotherham on Monday.

Butland, who made his debut for the England Under-21s last year, is on his second loan spell with League Two Cheltenham and has also been regularly watched by Arsenal this season.

The 19-year-old has represented England at every level up to the under-21s but is still yet to make a first-team appearance for Birmingham.

Chris Hughton, the Birmingham manager, is expecting serious interest in the summer and the club are prepared to sell Butland if they receive a suitable offer.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson furious as midfielder Paul Pogba rejects offer in favour of Juventus

2012-03-06T20:48:00.001-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be furious with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and his representatives after the French teenager rejected a contract offer in favour a £1 million-a-year deal at Juventus.

End of the road: Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is now training with the reserves

Pogba, 18, had been regarded as the most promising youngster within Manchester United's youth set-up, with many observers comparing him to a young Patrick Vieira.

But despite persistent attempts to persuade the star of last season’s FA Youth Cup winning team to commit to a new contract at Old Trafford, Pogba has now agreed to move to Juventus, with agent Mino Raiola helping secure a lucrative deal.

Ferguson had claimed earlier this season that Pogba was receiving bad advice and had warned the player not to allow greed to influence his decision over his future.

With Juventus, AC Milan, Arsenal and Manchester City all being made aware of Pogba’s failure to commit himself to United, Ferguson enlisted the help of senior players Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra in an effort to persuade Pogba to extend his stay at the club.

But those attempts have now failed and United are only set to receive a small amount of compensation, approximately £300,000, from Juventus this summer.

With negotiations stalling last month, Pogba was surprisingly left out of the United team for the Europa League clash with Ajax after Ferguson had admitted he was ready to select the youngster, who has made four senior appearances for the club this season.

Pogba is now understood to be training with the reserves at United after making it clear that he will be leaving the club.

United overcame stern resistance from Le Havre to sign Pogba in October 2009, with the French outfit threatening to report the Old Trafford club to Fifa for poaching before ultimately standing aside.

But with the player out of contract at the end of this season, United have been powerless to thwart Juventus’s move.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his tactics were wrong in the first half against Tottenham

2012-03-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson admits his side were lucky to come away with a 3-1 victory and feels he may have got his tactics wrong at White Hart Lane.

Close watch: Sir Alex Ferguson at White Hart Lane

Despite his frank admission, the Manchester United manager still feels his side will hold their nerve as they look to overtake Manchester Cityand defend their Premier League title.

United were lucky to be leading 1-0 at half-time after Tottenham Hotspur wasted several good opportunities and had David de Gea to thank for making two superb saves.

Ferguson is well aware that United need to show a big improvement if they are to keep the pressure on City and was grateful that the luck went his way in north London.

Ferguson said: “We carried a bit of luck today. It’s an entirely unbelievable result. I would say that’s our hardest away game of the season.

“In fairness, the first half, we were never at the races. Maybe we got our tactics wrong. What we tried to do was come back off them and sit back a little bit and draw them onto us and then play on the counter-attack. But it didn’t work.

“Second half, we pushed up more on them, challenged their back four better, and it did make a difference.”

Ferguson had special praise for De Gea, who defied his critics to show again why Ferguson paid so much money to bring him to Old Trafford last summer with a superb save to deny Jake Livermore.

Ferguson added: “Fantastic save, absolutely brilliant, and that’s the kind of save that the boy’s capable of making. He did it last week at Norwich, made two or three great saves then. He’s done it again.”

With 11 games left, Ferguson is convinced his side have enough experience to reduce the two-point gap on Manchester City and keep their nerve at a critical stage of the season.

“Teams will drop points, but the important thing is not to drop as many as your opponents. We’ve got experience, we won’t get nervous, we’re enjoying it, and the battling performance we gave today against a very good team tells you that we’re up for it.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson plans to bulk up David de Gea to help him adjust

2012-03-01T22:12:00.001-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Manchester United are attempting to accelerate David de Gea’s adjustment to English football by increasing the goalkeeper’s weight by at least a stone.

Weighty issue: Sir Alex Ferguson wants keeper David de Gea to put on a stone

De Gea, an £18.3 million signing from Atletico Madrid last summer, has endured a difficult first season as Edwin van der Sar’s anointed successor at Old Trafford.

The 21 year-old’s slender frame and unconvincing attempts to collect high balls into the penalty area has led to opponents targeting the youngster with physical tactics at set-pieces.

De Gea has already been placed on a tailored strengthening programme similar to that adopted by Mexican forward Javier Hernandez last season, which has been devised by United’s senior fitness coach, Tony Strudwick.

But after calling for the goalkeeper to be offered better protection by referees earlier this season, citing the “physical abuse” on De Gea by West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the campaign, Ferguson has now conceded that De Gea must bulk up to succeed in the Premier League.

“The boy has got talent,” Ferguson said. “He’s lightning quick, but he has just found it difficult to adjust to some parts of the game here.

“It’s a matter of developing his frame and he’s doing a lot of work in the gym. If we can get maybe a stone on him without losing any of his flexibility or speed it would be a great boost to him.”

With Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard returning to light training this week following an ankle ligament sustained in training four weeks ago, De Gea’s recent return to form is likely to benefit from added competition provided by Lindegaard within the next fortnight.

But while Lindegaard’s return to the training pitch is a positive development for United, Ferguson is likely to be without defender Chris Smalling for Sunday’s clash against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Smalling was unable to train on Thursday after suffering a sickening clash of heads with Holland forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar while playing for England on Wednesday evening.

The 22 year-old was carried off and taken to hospital as a result of the collision and Ferguson is expected to confirm today the full extent of Smalling’s injury.

Wayne Rooney, who missed the England game and United’s last two fixtures against Norwich and Ajax with a throat infection, has trained this week and is set to be in the squad for the Spurs game.

And Michael Owen, sidelined since last November with a thigh injury, trained for the first time on Thursday after being given the all-clear to begin his attempt at a comeback.

Meanwhile, the Rayo Vallecano right-back Tito, 26, has claimed that United’s European scout, Martin Ferguson, watched him in action against Real Madrid last Sunday.

Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley are out of England squad to face Holland

2012-02-27T02:13:00.005-08:00

Stuart Pearce’s preparations for his first match in charge of England have been dealt a further blow with the news that both Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley will miss the match against Holland at Wembley on Wednesday.

Out of action: Wayne Rooney will miss England's game

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry could also be absent following a back spasm suffered against Porto on Wednesday in their Europa League match.

Manchester United pair Rooney and Cleverley missed yesterday’s 2-1 win over Norwich, Rooney with a throat infection and Cleverley with a recurrence of ankle trouble.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Wayne has still not recovered from a throat infection. Hopefully we’ll get him ready for Sunday, when we have a big game at Tottenham.”

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is already out with an ankle injury suffered in the 0-0 draw against Wigan Athletic.

In consequence.United forward Danny Welbeck could make first start for England after previously making three substitute appearances.

Javier Hernandez goal spares Manchester United Europa League exit to Ajax at Old Trafford

2012-02-23T22:49:00.001-08:00

Pea shoooter: Javier Hernandez opens the scoring for United who scrape through to the Europa League last 16

Different competition, same old story. Two months after tumbling out of the Champions League, Manchester United’s European failings almost led to another exit as Ajax took them to the brink of Europa League elimination at Old Trafford.

Coasting with a 3-0 aggregate lead inside six minutes, United were forced to hang on in the dying stages after an Ajax fightback had taken the Dutch champions to within a goal of qualification.

Having been European masters not so long ago, with three Champions League finals in four seasons, United are now enduring their growing pains in Uefa’s second tier.

Ultimately, last week’s 2-0 victory in Amsterdam took United through, but the prospect of an all-Manchester final in Bucharest in May now appears reliant on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team remembering how to win in Europe.

For all of Sir Alex Ferguson’s pre-match insistence in his programme notes that United would not be treating the Europa League with ‘disdain’ and buying into its cruel billing as the ‘losers’ Cup,’ there was an inescapable sense that Old Trafford was tasting a wholly different experience to the Champions League.

The pressure was off, Edwin van der Sar was welcomed in the directors’ box as a returning hero and Ferguson’s young team – whose average age totalled 23.8 years – were able to play with the carefree abandon that marked their early season performances.

It all felt too comfortable but Ferguson, happy to use this competition as a priceless source of European experience for his emerging stars, will be the first to accept that learning in the backwaters can only take a player so far.

A last 16 tie against Bilbao at the raucous Estadio San Mamés on Mar 15 will raise the bar, but nobody at United will be kidding themselves that it will be a challenge comparable to recent excursions to the San Siro, Stade Velodrome or Allianz Arena.

Still, United’s victory in the Amsterdam ArenA had been earned by their ability to take advantage of Ajax’s lack of attacking threat, so they had created their own comfort zone.

And their breathing space was increased within six minutes of the second-leg when Javier Hernández claimed his fourth goal in four games to put United 3-0 ahead on aggregate.

The goal had been sparked by Ji-sung Park intercepting a loose ball in midfield and laying the ball off to Dimitar Berbatov, whose pass found Hernández 30 yards from goal.

Having turned Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld, Hernández broke into the penalty area before beating goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer from 12 yards.

With the energetic Tom Cleverley injected pace and creativity to United’s midfield, Ajax were forced to repel heavy pressure before gaining a foothold in the game.

And the Dutch champions were rewarded for their persistence on 37 minutes when forward Aras Ozbiliz made it 1-1 on the night with a left-foot strike from 20 yards following a mis-clearance by Phil Jones.

Cleverley went close to restoring United’s lead three minutes before half-time, however, when his long range shot was palmed away by Vermeer.

With Ajax starting brightly in the second-half, driven on by captain Jan Vertonghen and the adventurous full-back Ricardo van Rhijn, the lack of experience within the United ranks began to tell.

Park, captain in the absence of Patrice Evra, was a man alone as he attempted to stem the flow of Ajax attacks while his younger, less defensively-minded colleagues, left the Korean to protect the back four on his own.

The alarm bells were beginning to ring and, with Davd de Gea forced to tip Siem de Jong’s header over the crossbar on 57 minutes, Ferguson chose to act, by withdrawing Cleverley and Ashley Young in favour of Paul Scholes and Jonny Evans.

The switch enabled Jones to bolster midfield alongside Scholes and tighten a screw which had been loosened by the wanderings of Cleverley and Young.

As promising as he may be, Cleverley’s game still lacks the defensive discipline required to excel at the top level and Ajax highlighted his deficiencies in front of the watching England caretaker-manager, Stuart Pearce.

When Alderweireld headed Ozbiliz’s free-kick past De Gea from six yards on 86 minutes, Ajax were one goal from the last 16.

United held out, but they will have to raise their game to make it much further.

Striker Wayne Rooney will miss Thursday's Europa League second leg tie with Ajax due to a throat infection.

2012-02-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

Rooney turned up for Wednesday's training session with the club, but was sent home due to the illness.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he was resting the 26-year-old in the hope he will be available for Sunday's Premier League game at Norwich.

Tom Cleverley is expected to be fit to play 90 minutes after recovering from an ankle injury.

"He has a really bad throat. There were traces of it in Amsterdam and we gave him some medication but it got worse," Ferguson said of Rooney.

"He has been in bed over the weekend and came in today for the first time and we are trying hard to get him right for Sunday."

United go into the game defending a two-goal goal lead over the Amsterdam club from the first leg.

But Ferguson, who watched his side blow a two-goal advantage against Basel at Old Trafford in their doomed Champions League campaign, has refused to take anything for granted.

He said: "The experience we had against Basel, where we were 2-0 up at half-time, that's in our memories.

"I don't think we'll be casual or careless about what we're trying to achieve tomorrow but it's a good lead. You can't dispute that."

Manchester United accept apologies made by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish

2012-02-12T16:49:00.002-08:00

Manchester United have accepted the apologies of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish over their actions at yesterday's Barclays Premier League game at Old Trafford.

Apologies: Manchester United released a statement shortly after Liverpool's to acknowledge the apologies

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez "a disgrace" and said he should never play for Liverpool again after he refused to shake hands with United defender Patrice Evra prior to the match, having racially abused the Frenchman at Anfield in October.

The Uruguayan today apologised for his actions, as did Dalglish who batted away questions about Suarez's conduct during a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Dalglish and Reds managing director Ian Ayre both said today they had been misled by Suarez, who had indicated to them he would shake Evra's hand.

United issued a statement today under the heading "Reds accept rivals' apology" which read: "Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday's game.

"Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football.

"That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."

Ryan Giggs signs Manchester United contract extension

2012-02-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension, taking the 38-year-old's Manchester United career into a 22nd year.

The one-club midfielder is the only player to have scored in every season since the Premier League's creation in 1992.

Giggs's glittering career

Giggs has made a club record 898 appearances, scoring 162 goals
He has won 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions Leagues, one Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a Fifa Club World Cup.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ryan is a marvellous player.

"In every training session and match he is the example for others to follow."

Former Wales international Giggs made his United debut in March 1991 and has won 24 trophies during a glittering club career, including 12 Premier League titles.

He also holds the Manchester United record for the most competitive appearances for the Red Devils with 898, and has scored three goals in 22 appearances so far this season.

Giggs said: "When I signed my first contract, I never thought I'd be able to play at United for 22 years.

"But I feel good and I know I can still contribute to keeping the team pushing for honours.

Did you know?

Giggs will turn 39 during the 2012-13 Premier League season. Teddy Sheringham remains the oldest outfield player in the division's history when he scored for West Ham against Portsmouth in 2006 at the age of 40 years and 266 days

"Winning the club's 19th title was a great feeling but this club is all about what we do next and I'm really pleased I can be part of that."

Ferguson added: "In many ways, he epitomises all my teams here at United.

"He has constantly re-invented himself, adapted to the changing nature of the game and retained that desire and hunger for success.

"The young players in the dressing room have a great chance to learn from a player who will continue to break records that anyone in the game will find hard to beat."

Manchester United great Sir Bobby Charlton recovers after being taken ill at Laureus World Sports Awards

2012-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was today recovering from surgery after being taken ill during the Laureus Sports Awards.

True great: Alex Ferguson accepts the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Academy member Bobby Charlton

The 74 year-old World Cup-winner had been due to receive an award but left London after starting to feel unwell on Sunday and needed a minor operation, understood to be to remove a gallstone.

A statement from Laureus read: "Sir Bobby Charlton was unable to receive the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in person at the Laureus World Sports Awards in London this evening.

"Sir Bobby felt unwell on Sunday and returned to Manchester earlier today for minor surgery."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson added: "Sir Bobby is fine, but it was felt he should go back to Manchester. He is very annoyed not to be here to receive this Award.

"I'll be taking the statuette back to Old Trafford for him.

"He loves the work he does for Laureus and I know how delighted he is to have received this tribute."

Ferguson added: "It was already a very emotional night for Bobby. This is the 54th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, when we lost eight of our young players. Through that time, Bobby has kept his fantastic humility, and that makes him very special to me.

"Manchester United is Bobby's life. He came to the club as a 15-year-old boy and he's been with us ever since - he is one of our ambassadors now. In my own 25 years at the club, Bobby has supported every step I've taken.

"At the beginning, they were very small steps. Later, they became big steps.

"But without his support, I don't know where I'd have been."

CHELSEA 3 - 3 MANCHESTER UNITED

2012-02-05T13:07:00.001-08:00

Spot on: Wayne Rooney fires home the first of his two penalties for United in the draw against

Never write Manchester United off. Never stand off them. Chelsea were leading 3-0, coasting towards a famous victory when they eased up, allowing the champions to stage one of their epic comebacks. United, and the outstanding Wayne Rooney in particular, never give up.

A more intelligent team than Chelsea would have killed the game off. A less resilient team than United would have folded. Even though they did not win, and are two points behind leaders Manchester City,

United’s reputation as the comeback kings under Sir Alex Ferguson is enhanced. Stamford Bridge 2012 will be added to the list, thanks to Rooney.

The memory remains strong of Steve Bruce in the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1992-93, of Eric Cantona in the 3-2 against Manchester City in 1993-94 and David Beckham putting Tottenham to the sword 5-3 in 2001-02.

There was Rooney in the 4-2 over Everton in 2006/07 and Federico Macheda against Aston Villa in 08-09. No one, of course, will forget Barcelona 99.

When Chelsea were three goals clear, there was a temptation to feel that this was a turning-point, a watershed at the Bridge, the signature performance for Andre Villas-Boas. Chelsea were playing with more youth, largely free of the old guard.

No John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard or Didier Drogba? No problem? By full-time, they realised how much they missed the injured Terry in particular.

Chelsea fans sang Terry’s name, chorusing "there’s only one England captain" and, sadly, booed Rio Ferdinand, the brother of Anton.

Their chants pockmarked an otherwise compelling game. Yet the early sparring gave little indication of the drama to come. Chelsea settled quickly in their 4-2-3-1 formation, Michael Essien and Raul Meireles holding with Juan Mata unleashed in his preferred position behind Fernando Torres. David Luiz, all blue tights and Joan Baez hair, partnered Gary Cahill.

United were 4-4-2 with Rooney dropping off Danny Welbeck, and Antonio Valencia and the returning Ashley Young looking to get behind Chelsea’s full-backs.

Yet Branislav Ivanovic and Jose Bosingwa held firm. Mistakes still littered the first half. De Gea finished the game magnificently but he started with a weird clearing punch, almost a back-hand slap like Basil Fawlty reprimanding Manuel.

A game of assorted controversies saw Cahill catch Welbeck just outside the box. Howard Webb waved play on and Ferguson went into meltdown, berating Darren Cann, the World Cup final linesman.

Still the mistakes continued. Jonny Evans hesitated and Torres shot wide. Luiz gave ball away. Chelsea raised their game, raising their fans’ hopes by attacking more persistently and breaking through 10 minutes before half-time.

Essien had already been imposing himself on midfield and now he found Mata, whose response was majestic.

A disguised pass down the inside-right channel released Sturridge, who cut in towards goal. De Gea decided to block with his feet, the ball struck Evans and bounced in.

De Gea largely impressed for the rest of the game, immediately making a fine save from Sturridge. When Chelsea came calling 24 seconds after the break, De Gea stood no chance.

Torres lifted a magnificent cross in from the right and with Evans and Ferdinand dawdling, Mata cracked a marvellous left-footed volley into the roof of the net.

United’s defence was creaking like a barn door in a storm. Suggestions that Evra’s form has been in slow decline since the World Cup were lent additional credence here; whether the Luis Suarez incident has affected him only Evra will know but he looks vulnerable to quick-witted wingers.

Five minutes later, Chelsea’s third came from the right. Mata swept across a free-kick and there was Luiz heading firmly goalwards, the ball going in off Ferdinand.

Ferguson promptly removed Young, and sent on Hernandez, meaning Welbeck had to push wide where he worked with typically tireless endeavour. And so it began. United rallied. Evra, chasing Ryan Giggs’ ball, was fouled by Sturridge, a naïve challenge, gifting Rooney a penalty. He absolutely thundered the ball past Petr Cech. Game on.

Second sub on. Scholes charged on in the 63rd minute, replacing Rafael and immediately bringing his passing mastery to the occasion. Welbeck went right, Valencia dropped to left-back and Giggs went left.

Chelsea were confused, their confidence draining, their defence dropping deeper. A wonderful passing move saw the ball glide between Scholes, Rooney, Giggs, Rooney and Welbeck before Rooney demanded a low save from Cech.

Within six minutes, United took a stride closer to Chelsea, albeit contentiously. Welbeck trailed his leg, actually catching Ivanovic and went down.

Howard Webb was tricked into awarding a penalty when Welbeck’s response had simply echoed Adam Johnson’s gamesmanship for City a day earlier. However many doubts clung to the decision, Rooney’s response was undeniable, the ball placed expertly past Cech.

Strangely, Villas-Boas hooked Sturridge, who trudged to the bench without a handshake or any eye-contact with his manager. The surprise was that Malouda remained in the fray.

There was little surprise in seeing United continuing to pour forward, almost invited on by a now nervy Chelsea. The hosts did break out at times, and an Essien drive was punched over by De Gea, but the rising tide was flecked with red. Cahill impressed by throwing himself in the way of a Welbeck shot and then heading clear.

But Chelsea’s central defence was badly caught out with six minutes remaining. Valencia found Giggs, whose cross from the left was headed home by Hernandez, exploiting poor marking by David Luiz.

United were level but were still grateful to De Gea, their oft-criticised keeper, for an unbelievably athletic save at the death. Mata’s free-kick appeared destined for the top corner until De Gea somehow tipped it away.

United’s fight-back certainly deserved a point.

Manchester United's Anders Lindegaard faces six-week lay-off

2012-02-03T08:27:00.001-08:00

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard could be out for six weeks with an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old Dane has ligament damage and manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he would miss "at least four weeks, maybe five or six".

David de Gea is likely to be named in goal against Chelsea on Sunday.

De Gea, who has been suffering from illness, and Lindegaard missed Tuesday's 2-0 win over Stoke, when 21-year-old Ben Amos deputised.

The trip to Tottenham in the Premier League on 4 March is the earliest United expect Lindegaard to return to action.

He has started eight of the defending champions' 23 Premier League games this season and has provided competition for Spaniard De Gea, who has struggled to adapt to the English game in the wake of his £18.9m move from Atletico Madrid last June.

Pole Tomasz Kuszczak, whose contract expires in the summer, has found himself out of favour at Old Trafford and has been frustrated in hisattempts to secure a loan move away from Old Trafford.

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea could be forced back into the firing line for Stoke City test

2012-01-31T10:51:00.000-08:00

David De Gea may be forced to face Stoke’s aerial bombardment after Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard suffered an injury scare in training.

Sinking feeling: David De Gea has been criticised for recent goals conceded against Liverpool and Blackburn Photo: REUTERS

Lindegaard turned his ankle in the final practice before Tuesday night’s meeting at Old Trafford and is considered highly unlikely to play.

United will give the Dane every chance to recover in time, but it opens up the possibility of De Gea having to instantly exorcise the demons from the FA Cup defeat at Anfield. Lindergaard has replaced De Gea in the last three Premier League fixtures following a series of high profile errors by the young Spaniard.

De Gea’s return for last weekend’s trip to Merseyside couldn’t have gone much worse, as he was blamed by many United fans for both Liverpool

goals. His lack of stature, vulnerability from set-pieces and uncertainty in a crowded penalty box was cruelly exposed with Liverpool’s first goal.

Despite receiving the support of team-mates, he is sure to be suffering a crisis of confidence and Stoke City might be considered the side he’d be least suited to facing at the moment.

De Gea has not featured in a league game for United since their home defeat to Blackburn Rovers on December 31. On that occasion he was considered at fault for Grant Hanley’s winner in the 3-2 defeat.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson knows what’s in store for either of his goalkeepers against Tony Pulis’ side. “You know what Tony Pulis’s team will be like, they are the same all the time,” Ferguson said. “They will be 100 per cent committed and they always get stuck in. You have to cope with that. To be honest, I always enjoy it too.

“It was like when we used to play Wimbledon. No one used to look forward to playing against them but my team started to as it was a physical challenge and in terms of taking the ball, and playing football.

“Stoke are a different team altogether but they still have the same qualities of never giving in.”

Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley and Anderson are all moving closer to full fitness, but Nani may be out for a while with a foot injury. Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones are struggling with ankle problems, but Rio Ferdinand has returned to training after a back spasm.

Stoke fear a backlash from United, with the defeat at Anfield meaning their only chance of silverware this season is now the Premier League. Defender Robert Huth said: “It’s not ideal they lost - they will probably turn up now and be on fire against us. That’s what we have to expect.

“Whenever they seem to lose a game, in the next one they perform almost like the old United. I think they will come out all guns blazing. It will obviously have been a frustrating result, losing against Liverpool. It’s just the league for them now, so I’m sure they’ll be up for it.”

Huth said Stoke would take heart from Blackburn’s performance at Old Trafford last month when Rovers stunned United with a 3-2 win. He added: “Blackburn showed that it can be done.”

Matthew Etherington is a doubt after suffering a groin injury in the weekend’s FA Cup win over Derby. Mamady Sidibe is a long-term absentee with a knee problem.

Man Utd's Mame Biram Diouf signs for Hannover 96

2012-01-30T05:01:00.000-08:00

Page last updated at 16:02 GMT, Saturday, 28 January 2012

Diouf played just eight times for Manchester United

Manchester United forward Mame Biram Diouf has signed for German side Hannover 96 on a two-year deal.

Diouf, who will train with his new side on Monday, played just eight times for United, and spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

The 24-year-old joined United from Norwegian side Molde in 2009 for £3.5m but has reportedly been sold for £1.5m.

Hannover coach Mirko Slomka said: "I am happy that with Mame Diouf we have another alternative up front."

He added: "We need to bring him in fast so he can help us in the Bundesliga and the Europa League.

"We have to focus on integrating him quickly."

Diouf, who took over the number 32 shirt vacated by Carlos Tevez when he arrived at Old Trafford, made his five Premier League appearances for the club, all from the bench, in the 2009-10 season, scoring one goal.

The Senegal international played 19 games for Blackburn last season, scoring six times.

He also made three League Cup appearances for United this season after returning to Old Trafford in the summer.

Man Utd's Patrice Evra will play if fit at Anfield - Phelan

2012-01-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

Evra was shown a yellow card after clashing with Suarez at Anfield in October

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan insists that Patrice Evra will not be spared playing against Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup clash.

"If he is fit, he is considered to play like any other player," said Phelan.
It is the first time the two rivals have met since Evra levelled racism allegations at Luis Suarez, who ended up being handed an eight-match ban.
Suarez will still be suspended this weekend, a fact that is only likely to heighten the tension at Anfield.
But, especially bearing in mind their injury problem, United will not countenance the idea of leaving out Evra for Saturday lunchtime's Cup fourth round tie.
"It wouldn't be a consideration," said Phelan. "Patrice Evra is a football player who plays for Manchester United.

Man United's last five results

22 Jan: v Arsenal (A) Won 2-1
14 Jan: v Bolton (H) Won 3-0
8 Jan: v Man City (A) Won 3-2
4 Jan: v Newcastle (A) Lost 3-0
31 Dec: v Blackburn (H) Lost 3-2

"If he is fit, he is considered to play like any other player.
"What has happened has happened. What has been said has been said.
"You are talking about a football match now and I think it will be a very good FA Cup tie."
Earlier this season, Sir Alex Ferguson left Wayne Rooney out of his starting line-up to face Liverpool due to the adverse reaction the striker receives in his home city and, last season, the United boss did not even take the England frontman to former club Everton.
Already without Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic going into Sunday's 2-1 win at Arsenal, United lost Phil Jones with torn ankle ligaments, Nani left the stadium wearing a protective boot and Rooney, Evra and Michael Carrick also suffered knocks.
Rooney limped out of the stadium, Carrick tweaked a hamstring and Evra suffered a blow to the head, while Nani reportedly spent the train journey back to Manchester with his injured limb raised and his foot still protected.
But, although admitting that United are stretched by injuries as they bid to overhaul Manchester City in the title race, three points behind the Premier League leaders, Phelan remains defiant.

His character's very good in and around the place

Mike Phelan on Phil Jones

"We're not in the greatest state that we could possibly be in," said the United number two.
"However, we can call on all our experience and resources we have at this football club and we'll have to do that in the coming weeks."
Despite now facing a fixture list swelled by FA Cup and Europa League matches, the United assistant manager is optimistic that the versatile Jones can return to the side sooner rather than later, because of his sheer determination.
"He's that type of lad," Phelan told BBC Radio Manchester. "His character's very good in and around the place.
"He's disappointed that, over the last few weeks, he seems to have limped around the football field quite a bit, but he manages to recover, so we're optimistic he can do the same again."

Sir Alex Ferguson urges Manchester United fans to protect FA Cup tickets against Liverpool at Anfield

2012-01-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a letter to the 5,319 Manchester United supporters travelling to Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool, urging them to put their emphasis on ‘positive, witty and loud’ backing in the ‘tense’ atmosphere at Anfield.

Hostile: Manchester United captain Patrice Evra said that he was racially abused by Liverpool's Luis Suarez during last October's Premier League clash on Merseyside

Although concerns are rising over the bitter rivalry between the two sets of supporters, Ferguson’s letter largely centres on the need for the Manchester United fans to avoid a potential reduction of their ticket allocation for future fixtures at Liverpool.

The fourth-round tie will be the first meeting between the two clubs, however, since allegations by United captain Patrice Evra that he was racially abused by Liverpool’s Luis Suarez during last October’s Premier League clash on Merseyside.

Although Ferguson’s letter does not refer to the Evra-Suarez controversy, which resulted in the Liverpool forward being suspended for eight games by the Football Association, hostility between English football’s greatest rivals has intensified in the wake of the investigation.

But with United being given an increased ticket allocation for the FA Cup tie due to FA regulations, Ferguson, who sent a similar letter to fans prior to last October’s fixture, has called on his club’s supporters to ensure future allocations are not cut by adhering to ground regulations and focusing purely on backing United this weekend.

Ferguson said in the letter; “I wrote to fans attending the away match in October urging them to co-operate with stewards and officials at Liverpool so we can make a strong case for restoring our allocation for future United games at Anfield.

“The fans did almost everything asked of them that day and as a result, we have a much improved allocation for this important FA Cup tie.
“Please do everything you can to continue that good work and protecting next season’s allocation by going to the seat that you’ve bought, not blocking aisles and gangways, respecting the stewards and following the ground regulations.
“FA Cup ties are tense affairs at the best of times. Add in the fact that Manchester United against Liverpool is the biggest game around and it becomes even more so.
“Your support is vital to the team and down the years that has been especially true at Anfield. But please put the emphasis on getting us into the next round and giving the sort of support you are famous for - positive, witty and loud.”
Calls for the two clubs to lower the temperature between Anfield and Old Trafford by staging a high-profile joint press conference, or issuing a statement calling for calm, are not expected to come to fruition, however.
Meetings between administrative staff from the two clubs took place last week to discuss ticketing, security and wider issues surrounding the game.
And it is understood that there is no mood within either club to generate further, unnecessary publicity around the game by arranging a joint public initiative ahead of the game.
Neither Ferguson nor Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish are expected to discuss this weekend’s game publicly until they hold their respective pre-match press conferences later this week.

It's Gunner be close: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says no chance of repeat performance against Arsenal

2012-01-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

QUIETLY CONFIDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson claims there is "no chance" of the spectacular August showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal being repeated when the two sides meet again at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United emerged triumphant on that stunning afternoon, romping to an 8-2 win that condemned Arsenal to their biggest defeat in 114 years.

It was part of a blistering start to the campaign that also saw the Premier League champions score three times against both Tottenham and Chelsea and put five past Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Performances have become rather more restrained since as injuries and setbacks made their mark, which is why Ferguson is anticipating a return to the tense battles of the past when United square up to Arsene Wenger's side this weekend.

"It won't be as open as the last time. There is no chance of that," said Ferguson.

"There won't be a lot between the two teams. They have only lost six goals at home this season so we are well aware it is going to be a hard game.

"I just hope we can get the result we want and need."

United may well need an away win because by kick-off they will be six points adrift of Manchester City if the Blues emerge triumphant from their top-of-the-table encounter with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

It is the reverse of fixtures that ended with a combined Manchester victory of 13-3 over north London, although Ferguson has not entertained the idea that Arsenal will be motivated by thoughts of getting even.

"I have never used revenge as part of my motivation," he said.

"It rankles but you have to forget it. I am sure Arsene did that. That is what I would have done anyway."

Midfield boost: Tom Cleverley closing on comeback for Manchester United

2012-01-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Tom Cleverley

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is closing on a return after revealing good news over his ankle injury.

The midfielder originally sustained the injury against Bolton in September but his last appearance came against Everton in October.

Paul Scholes' return from retirement has eased pressure in the Reds engine room, but Cleverley is hoping to be available from the end of the month.

He tweeted: "Had a great week running outside and my foot feeling very good. Shouldn't be long now!"

Dimitar Berbatov caught in tug-of-war

2012-01-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov is at the centre of a battle between Russia and Germany.

The £30.75m striker is wanted by CSKA Moscow, Anzhi Makhachkala, Bayern Munich and one of his former clubs, Bayer Leverkusen.

And the 30-year-old’s future was cast in further doubt last night when he was pictured on a connecting flight to Frankfurt. Berbatov is out of contract at the end of the season and free to negotiate with prospective clubs.

Last month, Sir Alex Ferguson indicated he was ready to activate a clause in the former Tottenham striker’s deal, which gives United the option of a one-year extension.

But the photograph that emerged last night has once again placed question marks over his future.

Berbatov has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. Despite scoring six goals in three games over Christmas, he was left out of the starting line-ups for United’s wins against City and Bolton, with Rooney and Welbeck now Fergie’s first-choice pairing.