ANTI Manchester United

Wayne Rooney set to receive new five-year deal from Manchester United worth £35 million - report

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:46:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney is close to agreeing to a new contract worth £35 million that will keep the star striker withManchester United until 2015.

Rooney’s new salary of £130,000-a-week would make him the highest paid player in United history, and both sides are keen to get the deal done before the new Premier League season begins, according to The Mirror.

United chief executive David Gill will talk with the England international and his agents when he returns from holiday in Barbados, with an announcement to come before the Red Devils’ league opener against Newcastle United on August 16.

Real Madrid have been interested in making a big move for Rooney so United decided to lock up their star striker with a lucrative new deal, which will pay him £6.76 million a year.

The 24-year-old has two years remaining on his current, £90,000-a-week deal and has a image rights deal that earns him an additional £760,000 a month from United.

Rooney enjoyed a spectacular season last year, scored 26 Premier League goals as United fell just short of champions Chelsea in their big to win a record fourth consecutive league title
.

Winner Wayne: Rooney celebrates £30k a-week pay rise at Manchester United and court victory

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:43:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney's World Cup woes seemed a distant memory yesterday after he won a
multi-million pound court battle and learned of an imminent £130,000-a-week contract offer by Manchester United.

The England striker, a forlorn figure during a dismal World Cup campaign for himself and his country, expressed his delight after his former agents’ £8.3million claim for lost earnings, later modified to £4.3m, was thrown out by a judge at Manchester County Court.

More good news followed for the 24-year-old after it emerged United are ready to open
talks on a five-year deal, complete with a £30,000-a-week pay rise.

Jumping for joy: Wayne Rooney enjoyed a double boost after his miserable World Cup

United vowed to quash interest in Rooney from Real Madrid by discussing new terms with him after the World Cup, and chief executive David Gill hopes to reach an agreement with his agent Paul Stretford before the season starts.

Stretford was in court to hear Judge Brendan Hegarty QC dismiss sports management firm Proactive’s claim.

The claim was based on commission they felt they were due from multi-million pound
deals involving Rooney, and was launched after founder member Stretford left amid
acrimony, and took the firm’s star client with him, in 2008.

But the judge ruled the eight-year contract Rooney signed with them, after establishing himself in Everton’s team at just 17, amounted to a restraint of trade.

Even after reducing their initial figure, based on future as well as past earnings, to £4.3m, Proactive still lost out and walked away with just £5,000.

All smiles: Paul Stretford (right) leaves Manchester Civil Justice Centre

Rooney said: ‘Coleen and I have always been happy to pay all commissions due to the people who were owed them, but these sums were a joke, and we felt they were just an attempt to exploit us.

‘Fortunately, the judge has knocked back their massively over-inflated claims and we are happy to pay the very small sum awarded. Going to court was the last thing I wanted to do.

‘I was shocked that a company which represents some of Britain’s biggest entertainers was going down this road, which meant that private financial and commercial matters were made public. But you always have to fight for what’s right in life.’

Judge Hegarty rejected an application to appeal from the firm’s lawyers, who may take the matter to the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Rooney will not suffer a World Cup hangover, but admits the striker may regret not making the most of his opportunity.

Back to the day job: Sir Alex Ferguson shares a joke with Nani

‘I don’t expect a hangover,’ said Ferguson. ‘I think there’ll still be a bit of disappointment in the lad. I think all the players coming back from the World Cup who
didn’t do well, who didn’t reach their expectations, may I say, will feel that they’ve missed something. That’s because the World Cup’s only once every four years — that’s the horrible part.

‘We have several players who have come back very disappointed. We’ve Patrice Evra,
for instance, Wayne Rooney, of course, and Nemanja Vidic.’

Goodbye Fifa WC Africa 2010 &&... see you in the year 2014 @ Brazil

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:41:00 +0000

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the 20th FIFA World Cup, an international football tournament that is expected to take place between June and July 2014 in Brazil.

This will be the second time the country has hosted the competition, the first being the 1950 FIFA World Cup. Brazil will become the fifth country to have hosted the FIFA World Cup twice, after Mexico, Italy, France and Germany. It will be the first World Cup to be held in South America since the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, and the first time two consecutive World Cups are staged in the Southern Hemisphere.

World Cup 2010: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Of The Tournament

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:09:00 +0000

The Good

The African Vibe

Africa was handed a golden opportunity to convey, as a continent, its passion and dedication to the game, and without their fervent support, World Cup 2010 would have been a damp squib.

Instead, the unequivocal backing of the hosts behind their national team, Vuvuzelas and all, endeared the Bafana Bafana to the watching billions and made an honorary South Africa fan out of all of us.

Ghana represented Africa in the quarter-finals, becoming only the third nation do so after Cameroon and Senegal, and but for a cruel twist of fate could have been the inaugural semi-finalists. Their graciousness in defeat, and indeed the swashbuckling style that steered them so well, was a prolonging memory of this, a multi-cultural and overwhelmingly peaceful event.

Viva Espana

While the repeated 1-0 scorelines may offer a different story, Spain’s footballing philosophy ultimately ousted the negative, stifling tactics that threatened to undermine the tournament.

Despite struggling in front of goal, La Furia Roja had a completed passes total of close to 3,500 at the tournament end, almost 1,000 more than the Oranje, and during South Africa 2010 they finally merged beautiful build-up with European efficiency, creating a force that proved worthy of the greatest title the game can offer.

Xavi, Iniesta, and instrumentally David Villa were the integral cogs in this incessant Spanish machine, and now a golden generation finally glitters.

The Underdog

Before every World Cup begins, the potential winners are selected and the whipping boys disregarded, but for a number a lesser lights, South Africa will be a tournament to savour.

New Zealand, the rank outsiders, managed to exit the tournament unbeaten, while Slovakia exceeded a nation’s expectations by narrowly losing out to the eventual finalists, the Netherlands.

Elsewhere, North Korea’s goal against Brazil made their efforts worthwhile, while Mexico and Uruguay confounded the odds (and history) to progress, with the latter reminiscing from the memories of their forefathers by finishing in fourth place. All in all, many underdogs had their day in South Africa.

The Bad

The Jabulani

There is simply no defending FIFA’s decision to sanction the use of a ball that took the players weeks to comprehend, and that drastically reduced the amount of long-range goals in this tournament.

Goal.com, with the assistance of former Dutch striker Clive Wijnhard, recently carried out a number of experiments on the much-maligned Adidas creation (see the video here), and the steady decline of the fundamental equipment of the sport from spherical consistency to unpredictable ba-lunacy has left players and goalkeepers alike cursing its use.

Big-name Flops

The World Cup is supposed to be the breeding ground of greats, where club football form aligns itself with the international stage, and the opportunity for infamy is born.

Unfortunately, World Cup 2010 saw more Flops than Tops, with those that have excelled at club level failing to transmit their domestic form into that of the national team dynamic.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi were among those who arrived with top billing but were overshadowed by effervescent youngsters and understated nearly men, and in the end, produced an unexpected final foursome.

Refereeing

Goal.com’s review of controversial decisions can give you a concise deconstruction of some of the major errors that have blighted this tournament, and have opened the door for numerous debates as to the future of the games’ officiating.

But the petty, unjust red cards combined with ridiculous offside calls and a generally below-par display from the refereeing teams that FIFA had championed has led the governing body into a curious re-assessment of its assignment of its representatives, and consideration of the implementation of video evidence.

2010 could be remembered as the year when technology became no longer an option, but a necessity.

The Ugly

Oranje's World Cup Final Tactics

The showpiece event that bookends football’s biggest tournament is rarely a free-flowing spectacle, but observers had hoped that two European underachievers could come together to create a final for the ages.

However, the Oranje came to the realisation early in the contest that they could not compete with Spain on their terms, and so descended into an attempt to suffocate their superior opponents rather than play them at their own game.

As a result, the likes of Van Bommel and De Jong were administered to subdue and dispel the threat of the Barcelona-based quartet that led the line for La Furia Roja. As a result, the yellow cards accumulated, and ultimately, the Netherlands sacrificed a modern brand of total football in favour of a more universal, contemptuous approach.

Cheating

Despite numerous attempts to eradicate its stench from the sport, cheating managed to seep its way into the tournament and undermine what was in the main a well-behaved and courteous display by all competing players.

Kader Keita’s blatant attempt to ensure Kaka was dismissed was a particular lowlight, as was Joan Capdevila versus Portugal. However, Luis Suarez’s blatant handball in the quarter-final match versus Uruguay, as instinctive as it was, took a shine from the South American’s sensational run to fourth place.

Unfortunately, the Ajax man’s celebration after his Hand of God impersonation will prove to be a lasting memory that eclipses FIFA’s fair play mantra, and one that left Africa with a feeling of dissatisfaction for the remainder of the tournament.

The Vuvuzela Debate

The commentary that accompanied the South African tradition was infinitely more tiresome than the event itself, and glossed over the pride that followers of Bafana Bafana attempted to display from their unique brand of expression.

Whilst the noise was a new experience to European travellers, the overreaction to their use at games was as much to do with the tepid nature of the opening fixtures as the disturbance they caused to the match atmosphere.

In the end, the uninitiated feared a global epidemic, while Africa simply wanted to showcase their heritage to the watching world.

Andres Iniesta Congratulates Paul The Octopus On Spanish Popularity

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:06:00 +0000

Andres Iniesta has joked about the popularity of Paul the 'Psychic' Octopus after helping Spain overcome the Netherlands in the World Cup final.

The midfielder's extra-time winner for Spain sunk a sorrowful Dutch team who had their chances to win the match. The Barcelona star struck with a fine volley deep in the additional half hour to crown Spain world champions for the first time.

It's unknown whether British-born Paul knew that the winner would not come in the regulation 90 minutes, but if he did he certainly kept quiet about it. Nevertheless, the Octopus corrected his previous European Championship final mistake by predicting Spain to win this time around to complete an eight out of eight record for the World Cup.

After the game, Iniesta commented on Foxsports: "The Octopus will be very popular in Spain."

Paul predicted the only losses of the tournament for both Holland and Germany.

We all hope Paul will still be fed properly now the World Cup is over and wonder if he is any good at club football...

Foster message for United fans

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:31:00 +0000

Ben Foster

Ben Foster has urged Manchester United's supporters to quell their protests against the Glazer family's ownership and instead show their backing for the club.

Goalkeeper Foster this week secured a £6million move from United to Birmingham, and the 27-year-old's remarks are likely to stir up anger in the supporters he is leaving behind at Old Trafford.

The Red Knights group of wealthy United supporters have recently promised to attempt to oust the Glazers from the club, which is carrying debts in excess of £700million.

Led by leading investment banker and former United director Jim O'Neill, the Red Knights have been inching towards lodging a formal bid for the Old Trafford outfit, which had been anticipated prior to the World Cup's opening game on June 11.

However Foster believes the club is functioning well and suggests fans could make a greater contribution by diverting their energies.

He said: "There's maybe too much made of it by the supporters. They are obviously passionate about Manchester United, but sometimes they need to focus on supporting the club a bit more than getting carried away with the technicalities of who's in charge.

"Personally, I think the Glazers have always put money in to Manchester United to buy players when needed. Having said that, I don't think the manager needs to buy too many players there anyway. They have a lot of good youngsters coming through the ranks."

You can't blame Cesc Fabregas for wanting to leave a club as dismally unambitious as Arsene Wenger's Arsenal

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:23:00 +0000

I don't blame Cesc Fabregas for wanting to leave Arsenal. I’ve tried to find it in my heart to hate him for his treachery but I can’t. The guy’s given us seven years of his career on a persistent promise from his manager, Arsene Wenger, that he’d be spearheading a world-beating squad of brilliant youngsters.

But that promise has not been fulfilled. Arsenal went backwards this season, not forwards. We got humiliated in all the big games, by Chelsea, Manchester United and, most unedifyingly, by Barcelona. Yet still Wenger stubbornly refused to get his chequebook out and do anything about it.

I suspect something died inside Fabregas in January, when Arsenal were still in the race for the Premier League and Champions League, and the fans were screaming for more firepower to give us the best chance possible. Wenger bought just one player, 35-year-old Sol Campbell. This despite the Arsenal board insisting he had significant funds to spend.

I met Fabregas at a charity fashion show soon after the transfer window had ended and he couldn’t hide his disappointment at the lack of big signings.

The dream has died: Cesc Fabregas looks set to depart Arsenal - and Piers can't blame him" class="blkBorder" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: black; border-right-color: black; border-bottom-color: black; border-left-color: black; ">

The dream has died: Cesc Fabregas looks set to depart Arsenal - and Piers can't blame him

When Barcelona came knocking again last week, just after signing one of the world’s great strikers, David Villa, to play alongside the sublime Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the dazzling Leo Messi, it can’t have taken young Cesc very long to do the maths.

He wants to win things. And let’s be brutally honest here, he’s not going to win anything at Arsenal as long as the current defeatist mentality continues to exist at the club. I’m astonished how many Gooners seem content to just put up with what’s happening at the Emirates. ‘We’re playing great football,’ they blindly insist to me.

Which is true, apart from when we play any really good team — and then we get thrashed off the park. ‘We can’t afford to buy any top players,’ they recite, parrot fashion. A statement which is poppycock given the huge revenues pouring in from the new stadium.

‘Wenger knows what he’s doing,’ they nod, sagely. To which I’ve begun to reply: ‘DOES he?’

PIERS MORGAN: Redknapp has made being British and a manager cool again

I’ll admit that I’m not a good loser. I’m so competitive that when Amanda Holden once asked me to sponsor her in the

Z London Marathon and said Simon Cowell had offered £1,000, I immediately stumped up £1,001.

And I hate Arsenal not winning anything. Hate it, hate it, hate it.

I wouldn’t mind if I genuinely believed we had the potential to do so but I don’t. All I’m seeing is other clubs getting stronger as we get weaker. And if, or should I say when, Fabregas leaves, it will mean that Wenger’s youth experiment has failed.

You can’t bang on about grooming rookies to conquer the world, then let the best one (and our captain) go before you’re anywhere near the summit.

I continue to believe Wenger’s a brilliant man — intelligent, charming, sophisticated and loyal. But sadly, I’ve stopped believing in his strategy for improving Arsenal’s ability to win trophies. And the impending departure of Fabregas merely serves to cement that view.

Thanks for the ride, Cesc, I’m just very, very sorry that our dismal lack of ambition forced you to quit.

Now the FA need a man like Dein

I’ve known Gary Lineker a long time (we have sons in the same school) and I like and respect the man. But I think he’s wrong about this Lord Triesman business.

The right man for the job: Dein

You can’t have a Football Association chairman accusing other countries of bribery and corruption, on the record or off it. Nor one behaving like a dumb, lovestruck teenager with a 37-year-old gold-digger.

Not when you’re trying to garner international support for your World Cup bid and when you’ve stripped John Terry of the England captaincy for matters related to alleged carnal misconduct.

The randy old goat behaved like the classic old fool of old fools and was right to step down.

But I don’t think it will make much difference to our chances of winning the bid. I imagine the most common reaction of anyone south of Dover to the scandal was ‘Lord who?’

More pertinently, I never thought Triesman was any good to start with.

What the FA need at the helm is someone like David Dein, a football man to his shinpads and a highly skilful negotiator.

Arsenal haven’t been the same since he was forced out of the club. But our loss could, and should, be the FA’s gain.

Avram Grant claims that resigning from debt-ridden, relegated Portsmouth was ‘one of the most difficult decisions of my career’. To which I say: ‘Tosh.’

Sir Alex Ferguson says his Manchester United squad’s good enough and he won’t be buying big in the transfer market this summer.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s heading to the Bernabeu, where he’ll take a good, long look at the already fantastic Real Madrid squad, then spend money like a Goldman Sachs banker at Royal Ascot.

Proven winner: Mourinho

And that’s why he’ll carry on winning trophies at United’s expense and why United should have retired Sir Alex and brought Mourinho to Old Trafford.

He understands the truth of the maxim ‘speculate to accumulate’ and wouldn’t put up with the ghastly Glazers’ penny-pinching.

Typical, isn’t it? I take a week off writing this column and England win the cricket Twenty20 World Cup. What a game, though. By the end, the Australians looked like we’d shot every kangaroo, dingo and Crocodile Dundee lookalike that exists on the planet.

Paul Collingwood’s men were magnificent, there’s no other word for it. For which he and coach Andy Flower must take huge credit. But one man was unquestionably more magnificent than others.

Kevin Pietersen’s been through a tough old year. He missed most of the Ashes campaign through an achilles injury, struggled in his comeback tour to South Africa and began to attract the kind of sniping criticism we Brits so adore when our sporting heroes take a dip in form.

Daddy of the all: Pietersen

Every time I defended him in this column, insisting he was the best batsman England have had in decades, emails would pour in mocking me and abusing Pietersen. Now my inbox has gone rather quiet.

KP averaged 83 in the series against Bangladesh, 59 in the Indian Premier League (he headed the batting figures) and 62 in the World Cup, scoring 248 runs at a strike rate of 137. And he’s been

batting with a power, freedom and creative genius that has surely confirmed him as the world’s most dangerous player.

What I love about this guy is that he never once moaned to me about the critics or his temporary loss of form. He just worked harder in the nets and let his bat do the talking.

Pietersen became a father for the first time two weeks ago. Which is appropriate because, as the battered, bruised Aussies will discover Down Under this winter, he’s The Daddy.

Have your say

Dear Clever Clogs, I kept your predictions for the 2009-10 football season (Mail on Sunday of 9.8.09). All you got right was that Robbie Keane would leave Spurs, Newcastle would be promoted and Burnley and Hull would go down. My wife could have told you that and she thinks Wayne Rooney is ‘a good kicker’.

These are the worst of your list: Manchester United will fail to finish in the top two. WRONG!

Torres will be top scorer in the Premier League. WRONG!

Wolves will be relegated. WRONG!

Portsmouth will be absolutely fine. JUST A BIT WRONG!

Roy Keane will quit Ipswich. WRONG!

And finally, Liverpool will win the Premier League. MILES OUT!!

Stick to Britain’s Got Talent, mate!

BRIAN NORMAN

Piers says: ‘Not great, I admit. But you forgot 'Bolton will bore the bojangles out of everyone”. I was right about that.’

Do you think Beckham will be awarded his umpteenth cap for travelling to Africa as England coach? It was my belief you needed ‘written’ qualifications for that job, not be a one-footed, one-paced, no-heading-ability player.

TERRY JONES

Piers says: ‘I think Beckham’s going as a multi-lingual translator.’

Could you buy Sam Allardyce a couple of new shirts, that actually fit him?

A D IMRIE

Piers says: ‘I think he bursts them. He’s not called Big Sam for nothing.’

Manchester United's Michael Owen feels strange not going to the World Cup

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:20:00 +0000

Red Devils striker a part of last three squads

Michael Owen admits it feels strange to not be a part ofEngland's World Cup campaign.

The Manchester United striker, who burst onto the scene with one of the goal’s of the tournament against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France, will not be a part of this summer's tournament after a hamstring injury in March ruled him out.

The 30-year-old, once a key member of the England squad before injuries blighted his career, has not been selected by manager Fabio Capello to play for the Three Lions since the game against France in 2008, with many speculating his international career may be over.

Owen appears not to have given up hope, and has stated that he still felt very much a part of the international set-up.

Owen said: "Not being in South Africa will be strange.

"I've been involved in our last five major tournaments and, even if I haven't played internationally for the last year or two, I still feel a part of it, I'm still mates with the lads.”

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward, who has scored 40 goals in 89 appearances for England, also stated how he would like to get into coaching one day, despite still being focused on his fitness and continuing his playing career under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

"I've started doing my coaching badges now so I'm on a rung of the ladder which would indicate I'm half thinking about it," he added.

"As you get older you start thinking about how and why managers do things.
"I find it all really, really interesting. That's why I started doing my coaching badges.

Manchester United ready to offer £20m for Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart - report

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:16:00 +0000

Despite a positive season with Real Madrid under Manuel Pellegrini, Rafael van der Vaart could yet leave La Liga for the Premier League if the latest reports are to be believed.

Van der Vaart was strongly linked with an exit last summer but eventually remained with los Blancos, and a string of strong performances have raised his market value again.

AS now believes that Manchester United are willing to stump up €23 million (£20m) for the Dutchman, who is highly rated by manager Sir Alex Ferguson. It is not the first time that the former Hamburg midfielder has been linked with the Premier League, as Arsenal, Liverpool,Chelsea and Manchester City have all been credited with an interest in the past.

There is little chance of the figure being greatly reduced as van der Vaart is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2013 and it is believed that he is still eager to remain at the club.

However, with no trophies to show for the €250m (£217m) spending spree last summer, Florentino Perez is reportedly ready to splash the cash in the market again this year, starting with Inter coach Jose Mourinho.

A new coach and more expensive signings are therefore likely to put van der Vaart's place in los Merengues' squad in jeopardy.

Atletico Madrid ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for Ajax star Luis Suarez

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:22:00 +0000

Europa League winners Atletico Madrid are considering making a move for Uruguayan international Luis Suarez, according to a report in AS.

The Rojiblancos are in the market for attacking reinforcements due to the possible departure of Sergio Aguero in the summer, and Atletico supposedly see the current Ajax hitman as the perfect replacement.

The tricky attacker has developed into a star player for the Amsterdam side since joining them from Groningen in the summer of 2007. Suarez has made 97 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax so far, scoring 74 goals in the process.

It remains to be seen though whether Atletico are willing to meet Ajax’s hefty demands. The Godenzonen have reportedly set a £30 million asking price for the 23-year-old striker.

Suarez was previously linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal reported to be keeping tabs on him, but no club has yet to make an official offer for the young attacker.

FERGUSON- GLAZERS ARE GREAT OWNER

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:14:00 +0000

Ferguson- Glazers are great owners

Sir Alex Ferguson has again defended Manchester United owners the Glazer family for their constant support despite much criticism.
"They've been great owners," he said. "They have supported me every way I've asked them.
"There's no other reason to think they haven't supported me. If you look at any time I've wanted a player they've provided the money; if you look at what we've done this season - and people don't recognise this - we've spent over £20million on young players.
"We've bought Chris Smalling, Mame Diouf and Javier Hernandez.
"People don't realise how we're structured and how we see our future of the club. We've always based it on a nucleus and foundation of young players developing in the club."
The demand for instant success, though, and the "greed" of foreign owners makes Ferguson believe a salary cap will not be introduced in football any time soon.
"I don't think so," he said. "This has been talked about for many, many years. There must be concern about the level of salaries in the game.
"But, football is worldwide game and there's a lot of greed, particularly with the types of owners that come into the game - Russians, Americans, Middle-East owners.
"Salary caps will not come into their domain in the sense of the wealth they have and what they can do with that wealth.
"They can attract the best players through that wealth and I just don't see that salary caps come into their area of thinking."
What do you think? Have your say.

Jose Mourinho set to offer Steven Gerrard a £25m Liverpool escape route... once he takes the reins at Real Madrid

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:09:00 +0000

Fed up: Steven Gerrard's relationship with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is said to have deteriorated

Real Madrid are working on a deal that would give Steven Gerrard a route out of Liverpool.

The Anfield hierarchy fear that their captain's frustration with life under boss Rafa Benitez will see him leave if the right offer comes in.

Jose Mourinho is ready to take advantage by sanctioning a £25million move when he takes over at the Bernabeu next week.

Gerrard is on a short list of two to add energy and creativity to a midfield that hardly bore comparison to that of La Liga champions Barcelona this season.

Reports in Spain say the other player in their sights is Roma captain Daniele de Rossi, but the Italy international would cost in excess of £40m and has previously been reluctant to leave his hometown team.

Mourinho, who is set to quit Inter Milan for Madrid after Saturday's Champions League final against Bayern Munich, would also like to team up again with Frank Lampard.

However, doing a deal with Chelsea is fraught with difficulty and Blues chairman Bruce Buck has reiterated this week that the England man is not for sale.

Gerrard is the target most vulnerable to approach and the 29-year-old remains frustrated that he has not won a League title.

Manchester City made their own tentative interest but realise Gerrard will not go to Eastlands despite not having to uproot his family.

Making way: Lassana (left) or Mahamadou Diarra (right) could leave the Bernabeu to free up space for Gerrard's arrival... once Jose Mourinho takes charge

Even if Mourinho's move to the Bernabeu does collapse, he would be interested in taking Gerrard to Inter.

But the self-styled 'Special One' looks a shoo-in for the Bernabeu hot seat and reports in Spain say he is close to agreeing fine details of a three-year contract worth £170,000 a week.

Inter Milan have conceded they will lose their boss, despite offering him £200,000 a week, a difference of £4.5m more over the three years of his Spain stay.

To make way for Gerrard, Madrid could offload Manchester City target Fernando Gago or either Mahamadou or Lassa Diarra, who have both been linked to Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Madrid newspaper Marca claims that Real were offered Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona, despite the Catalans publicly declaring their Sweden striker would stay at the Nou Camp. Madrid are said to have swiftly declined.

World Cup 2010 - Ferguson: England too tired

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:07:00 +0000

England's bid for glory at the World Cup will be hurt by the exhaustion of their players after a long season of fast-paced Premier League football, according to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

"The intensity of the English game is so great that it makes it more difficult for those players to perform well in the World Cup," Ferguson said while promoting Manchester United's four-game North American summer tour.

"You have to say the number of games, particularly at our level, is exhausting.

"Every game Manchester United play is a Cup final. We have to win, and teams playing against us are motivated to play against Manchester United."

Ferguson said his players competing in the World Cup will be in urgent need of the 28 days of rest they are given before returning to training with United for next season.

"They must have that or they won't feature next year, they'll just collapse. Exhaustion will get them, which makes it difficult for English players to perform well in the World Cup," he added.

United's leading striker Wayne Rooney, who carries the weight of the nation's expectations every time he pulls on an England shirt, struggled with injury towards the end of the season but Ferguson said he would be fit for the finals.

"If he wasn't (fit), there would probably be headlines all over the papers," he said. "I'm sure he'll be all right. I'm sure he's OK."

Asked who would win the tournament in South Africa which starts on June 11 Ferguson went with the form books.

"My general view is that Brazil are very strong favourites with Spain following them," Ferguson said. "I think that France will do better than people think. They are underdogs, which is not normal for them, and Italy will probably get to the semi-finals."

Foster a big LOSS

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:02:00 +0000

Gary Bailey believes the Reds may regret selling Ben Foster in the long run. Foster joined United from Stoke City in summer 2005 and had to bide his time for a prolonged shot at the Reds' No1 jersey. When he was finally given his chance at the start of the season, while Edwin Van der Sar nursed a broken hand, the 27-year-old seemed unable to handle the pressure, making a number of costly high-profile mistakes. Despite Foster spending two years on loan at Watford earlier in his United career, Bailey - who made more than 300 appearances in goal for the Reds between 1978-1987 - believes United should loan out Foster again instead of looking to cash in by selling him to Birmingham, with a move set to go through for £6m. "I rate him he is a very good goalkeeper," Bailey said, who also kept goal for England. "I think he has been unlucky. The problem with United is you can't work your way up for a number of years like you could when I was there. I learned my trade while playing for United, these days you don't. Experience "You have to learn somewhere else and you arrive at United as the finished product and, what's more, you have to be the finished product with a certain amount of experience. "Outfield players can learn a little easily - the Federico Macheda's of this world are still stuck in the reserves because to be a starter you have to have experience. But as a goalkeeper, managers are looking for people who have played at the highest level. Therefore the only way you can see Foster staying at United is if he goes on loan and then comes back. "A loan would work best, because I would hate, from United's point of view, to lose him and then for him to become England's next No1 and United will look back and say: `Why did we let him go?' "I think you should treat him like Joe Hart has been treated - let him go out on loan at someone in the Premier League, gain enough experience and come back and say: `I am the complete deal now. I am ready to take over.' Bailey admits Foster has not been helped by the consistent displays of first choice shot-stopper Van der Sar who was recently rewarded with another one-year deal. "Ed has been brilliant," he enthused. "He has been the find of the last few years for United. He is so calm in defence and you have to feel sorry for Foster, who a year ago was England's first choice and Edwin comes back and poor Ben has disappeared into the background. "That is the tough part of being a goalkeeper. There is no coming off the bench and making an impact so for Ben it has been tough but I think Edwin is one of the best goalkeepers in the world today and that is a hell of a compliment to say that about someone who is nearly 40. "It's been a bit hit-and-miss for United. In previous seasons, if Wayne Rooney wasn't playing well Cristiano Ronaldo was frightening the living daylights out of teams and if he wasn't playing well then Carlos Tevez would be chasing and hounding and between the three of them they were absolutely unbelievable. "Unfortunately, Dimitar Berbatov didn't quite come to the party. He has got the ability but he didn't quite gel and I think that is the problem. We didn't have someone alongside Wayne with that calibre so hopefully this summer break Fergie can sort that out." While United may have relied too much on Rooney towards the end of the season Bailey insists the same cannot be said of England. "Other England players can hurt the opposition," he pointed out. "You have Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard who are both different class and you have Peter Crouch who is an impact player, Aaron Lennon is another and Ashley Cole down the left is superb. "I think it is a wonderful England team but the only question mark is the goalkeeper and who is going to be given that vote of confidence. I don't think the goalkeeper will have that much to do but I think that the team are as good as any and really it is about building belief and if they get a good opening result they can go all the way. "You still need luck and you need all the players to perform but England have as good a squad as I have seen for a long time."

Interest rate rises at Old Trafford as Manchester United fans fear Sir Alex Ferguson will have no money to spend in the summer

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:59:00 +0000

Massive debts: United supporters are furious with the current owners

Manchester United are facing a huge rise in their interest rate as debts continue to spiral at Old Trafford.

It is being reported that the Reds could face £75million extra debt on top of the £716m arrears Red Football Ltd, the Glazers' holding company for Manchester United, registered at the start of the year.

The interest rate on United's loan of £220m will increase from 14.25 per cent to 16.25 per cent, leading to fears that the under-fire Glazers will be forced to pay off the loan rather than allow Sir Alex Ferguson funds to inject into the squad in the summer.

Duncan Drasdo, Head of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, is furious with the latest reports.

'That is the problem with the Glazers,' he told the Sun newspaper. 'They have wasted every single penny supporters have paid for tickets over the entire five years of their ownership. Every single penny of our money which we paid to our club.'

United we stand: Fans vent their frustrations at the Glazer family on the final day of the campaign

A City source added: 'The pressure is growing on the Glazers to sort their debts out as soon as they can before they go too high.

'They will have to find this money from somewhere and I imagine it will come from the club.'

Barca-Roo-na

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:53:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney is Barcelona's latest transfer target - with political wrangling at the Catalan club suggesting that an £80 million move for the Manchester United striker is on the cards.

The Daily Express claim that Rooney will be used as the pawn to help Sandro Rosell win the club presidency, just as Cristiano Ronaldoplayed a part in the Real Madrid elections last year.

It's a tough one to swallow - why would United sell their only true world-class player? - but Barca believe the chance to play alongside fellow uberstar Lionel Messi might tempt Rooney into making a move as Barcelona desperately attempt to win back their Champions League crown.

Most of the back pages lead with confirmation that Cesc Fabregas is to leave Arsenal forBarcelona, despite the fairly obvious sticking point that nothing of the sort has yet been confirmed.

Though everybody agrees that he is on his way - except the Daily Star, who believe Wenger will try to block the move - nobody seems to agree on how much Barca will have to pay. The Sun reckons it'll be a bargain basement £30m; the Daily Mirror and Express believe £40m; while the Daily Mail trump the lot by declaring that he won't leave for less than £50m - or possibly £40m plus Yaya Toure.

Jose Mourinho will make Carlos Tevez his first target if and when he takes over at Real Madrid, according to the Daily Star. The Manchester City striker would cost around £45m, but Mourino is a huge fan of Tevez's committed approach to the game.

Should Mourinho join Real in the long-anticipated deal, it could clear the way for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to move to Italy as manager of Internazionale. Benitez's potential move to Juventus fell through over a combination of compensation and dithering, but the Daily Mail reports that Benitez will meet Inter chiefs in Madrid before the Champions League final to discuss a possible move.

Chelsea's frustrated midfielder Deco is set to return to his Brazilian homeland, with the champions ready to release him on a free transfer to Fluminense. The 32-year-old Portugal international was born in Brazil, with The Sun claiming that "personal and family reasons" are at the heart of his decision to quit the Premier League.

Manchester United might also be seeing the back of a Brazilian midfielder. Benfica want to bring 22-year-oldAnderson to Portugal despite his long-term injury, clearing the way for United to put together a player-plus-cash offer for their top summer target, winger Angel Di Maria.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is readying a £22m move for French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, according to The Sun, with the player ready to leave Bordeaux following the departure of manager Laurent Blanc for the French national job.

When Sol Campbell ended up leaving Notts County after roughly 17 minutes last season it seemed like a sad, spluttering end to a great career.

How things have changed. The veteran defender looked good at Arsenal when manager Arsene Wenger drafted him in mid-way through the season during an injury crisis, and now The Sun reports that Celtic want to sign the free agent - despite the fact that a new deal at the Emirates is likely to be offered to Campbell.

Campbell isn't the only ageing star who could be heading north of the border: the Daily Mirror reports that Jimmy Bullard is in talks to join Celtic, with cash-strapped Hull having little choice but to offload their record signing lest his hefty wages bankrupt the club.

Bolton are reported to be winning the race to sign former Portsmouth loan star Aruna Dindane, according to The Sun, despite the player stating openly last week that he would prefer a move to Panathinaikos that would secure Champions League football.

Everton manager David Moyes is hoping to sign Manchester City winger Martin Petrov - so long as a wage deal can be agreed, according to The Sun. With City likely to splash the cash this summer the 31-year-old Petrov knows he won't be likely to win a starting spot - but his £45,000-a-week wages will stretch the Toffees.

Moyes is also reportedly keen on Ajax centre-back Jan Vertonghen, according to the Daily Mirror, with a £9m deal having been offered. But Ajax want £2m more and, with Liverpool interested as well, a bidding war could commence.

Avram Grant has yet to sign on the dotted line at West Ham, but the Hammers are already talking about Kevin-Prince Boateng joining him on the move up to London.

The Sun claims that the man who single-handedly wrecked Germany's hopes at the World Cup (if you believe the German press, that is) will cost £3m. Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey is also a reported target for West Ham after a decent loan spell with Fulham.

Eurosport

Carlo Ancelotti's blueprint for success gives Chelsea fans a reason to smile

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:33:00 +0000

Filed away in the library of Italian football’s national training centre in Coverciano is an academic essay written by Carlo Ancelotti.

It was submitted when Ancelotti was studying for his full coaching qualification in 1997, and it is entitled Il futuro del calcio. Piu dinamicita.

The future of football. More dynamism.

Roman Abramovich is unlikely to have read it, but should he ever take a slight diversion on his next visit to Florence, he would probably find it most satisfying.

I did it my way: Ancelotti sings to the fans during Chelsea¿s victory parade yesterday

He would like Ancelotti’s line about how players must have ‘great human qualities’; of how he wants to make a ‘small contribution’ to the ‘most beautiful game in the world’.

Abramovich may say it merely confirms what he already knows. That in Ancelotti he finally has a manager who believes in giving the audience, and more importantly the owner, what they want.

Who believes — as a double and the 103 goals his Chelsea team scored en route to winning this season’s Barclays Premier League title demonstrate — in attractive, attacking football.

Ancelotti made it clear after Saturday’s FA Cup victory that he would like to stay at Chelsea for 10 years.

The Italian has two more years on his contract and, while he made no suggestion that talks were imminent, he said: ‘I’m happy to sign a new contract. Stability is important and if we can work together for a long time it’s better.

‘It’s also important for the manager, because it’s not easy if you’re changing club every year. After this first season, if they asked me how long I want to stay here I would say maybe 10 years.

History maker: Ancelotti guided Chelsea to their first ever Double

'That wouldn’t be bad, especially if every season is like this season.’

In 1997, Ancelotti was the 37-year-old manager learning his trade in charge of a Parma side boasting little more than a young Gianluigi Buffon in goal. Having guided Reggiana into Serie A the previous season, he noted how the natural instinct of coaches concerned with keeping their jobs was to defend.

‘The desire to have results immediately and therefore the consequent fear of being sacked has driven managers to look hard for this particular aspect,’ writes Ancelotti in his thesis.

Double Deliverers

‘Many managers have devoted a great deal of their time to finding a solution that will be most efficient to interrupting and inhibiting the capacity of the opposition attack.

'It is difficult to find teams who, independently of having a good man-to-man or zone, do not have a good organised defence.

‘I believe that the future evolution of the game will be to improve attacking solutions, with more time dedicated to tactics but at the same time keeping a balance between defence and attack.

‘Therefore the objective for the future will be to play football that is evermore dynamic and I believe that this concept of dynamism will improve over time because the quick flow of the game, its unpredictability and variety of plays are all important weapons in the development of football.’

Educated in football at AC Milan and a member of the great side who won the European Cup in 1989 and 1990, Ancelotti really began to express himself when he then became manager at the San Siro, achieving Champions League glory in 2003 and 2007.

In particular, through the genius of Kaka. But long before then, Ancelotti knew what he wanted to deliver.

‘There is always a high demand from the public for a product that is ever more spectacular and enjoyable and that gives value for money,’ he writes.

‘Today, though, we see a high number of matches that are not enthralling or exciting.

Glory boys: The Blues have excelled under Ancelotti

'The public are looking for excitement and this excitement is developed by swift solutions, offering a variety of attacks, with the ultimate aim of arriving at our target: the goal!

‘During the last few years, and especially in Italy, a lot of time has been dedicated to tactics in the game. If in the defensive phase the concept of dynamism is given to pressing and offside, in the offensive phase it is given over to movement off the ball and the speed of thought of passing.

‘To give efficiency to the game it is indispensable that movement off the ball and passing are perfectly synchronized.

'Therefore, the concepts of space and time are important for a manager in the tactics of any attacking game.

‘If, between the person who passes the ball and the person who receives it, there is no synchronisation then this concept of dynamism will be missing.’

The big one: Ancelotti with the Premier League trophy

Ancelotti’s respect for the paying fans is central to his philosophy. ‘First you have to win,’ he said last Sunday.

‘But how you win is then important.’

In Coverciano, Ancelotti communicates his vision in a stirring conclusion.

‘It is my conviction that football will have to go along the road of attack to give the spectators the excitement they are losing as a consequence of achieving results at any cost,’ he writes.

‘Managers must, above all, be given by their clubs as calm as possible a working environment. That way they can achieve their football beliefs without any excessive restrictions.

‘It is important, therefore, to devote as much time as possible to training because this will improve the quality of the team, bearing in mind that football is a team game and the No 1 role of any manager is to get his 11 players to move with as much synchronicity as possible.

European conquerer: Ancelotti hopes to replicate the Champions League success he had with AC Milan at Chelsea

‘If football is to develop it is not just through players but also through men who have great human qualities such as a spirit of sacrifice, desire for improvement and altruism.

‘If these qualities are available, we will reach our objective more easily and can say we’ve given our small contribution to football, so that it can continue to be the most beautiful game in the world.’

If Ancelotti’s stated aims in 1997 have come to fruition, his priority now is reinforcing his squad.

‘We will speak together and take a decision on players for next season, no problem,’ he said.

Those signings will have to buy into Ancelotti’s craving for beautiful teamwork, to be enjoyed by billionaire owners and paying spectators alike.

Top 50 managerial quotes of all time

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:24:00 +0000

Jose Mourinho and Ian Holloway take their teams into battle in cup finals on Saturday.
Mourinho goes for glory in the Champions League with Inter Milan, while Blackpool boss Holloway will take them into the Premier League with victory in the play-off final.
But despite the huge rewards on offer, the two managers will command much of the attention thanks to their ability to reel off unforgettable quotes.
Love him or hate him, Mourinho has become a cult figure on these shores for his words, while Holloway is one of the funniest managers around.
In tribute to the pair, Sportsmail’s latest List is the best football manager quotes ever.
We’ve kept it to those who were working in Britain at the time and make no apologies for certain individuals appearing more than once.
We hope you enjoy our latest countdown and, as always, tell us your favourite quote.
50 John Rudge (Port Vale) on his long spell
‘I’ve been at Port Vale for 16 years. Even the Great Train Robbers didn’t get that long a sentence. Here you are manager, coach, chief scout, chief cook and bottle washer, but I’ve loved every minute of it.’

Long-serving boss: John Rudge
49 Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) on the Premier League title race in 2003
‘It’s squeaky-bum time.''

The master: Sir Alex Ferguson saw his United side claim a thrilling title in 2003
48 Iain Munro (Hamilton) in 1995
‘I’d hang myself but we can’t afford the rope.’
47 Joe Kinnear (Wimbledon) and his inspired answerphone message
‘I’m out at the moment, but should you be the chairman of Barcelona, AC Milan or Real Madrid, I’ll get straight back to you. The rest can wait.’

Crazy: Joe Kinnear in his Wimbledon days
46 Harry Redknapp (West Ham) on Ron Atkinson
‘The only relaxed boss is Big Ron. He had me drinking pink champagne – before the match.’

Two of the great characters: Ron Atkinson and Harry Redknapp
45 John McClelland (St Johnstone)
‘I was on a drip in a hospital bed and this player came in to see me. I thought he was was enquiring about my health. He never even asked how I was. All he was interested in was how he stood regarding the contract. He’d even bought his agent in.’
44 Howard Wilkinson (Leeds) on the top job
‘There’s only two types of manager. Those who’ve been sacked and those who will be sacked in then future.’

The toughest of jobs: Howard Wilkinson pictured in 1993 when managing Leeds
43 Ron Atkinson (Coventry) on Gordon Strachan
‘There’s nobody fitter at his age – except maybe Raquel Welch.’

Praise indeed: Ron Atkinson and Gordon Strachan
42 Jack Charlton (Republic of Ireland) on Paul McGrath
‘Paul is one of the all-time greats, someone to compare to Bobby Moore. He has always been a very intimidating player. I used to tell him: “Just look your opponent in the face, smile at them, and you’ll frighten them to death.”’

When Irish eyes are smiling: Jack Charlton with Paul McGrath during training at the 1994 World Cup
41 Kevin Keegan (Newcastle) on signing Rob Lee
‘I told him Newcastle was nearer to London than Middlesbrough, and he believed me.’

Famous days: Keegan bewitched football as Newcastle boss in the 1990s
The best of

Man United Transfer Rumours Into Overdrive

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:10:00 +0000

With the football season over for all Premier League clubs, thoughts have turned to which players arrive and leave. As usual, Man United have been linked with a move for many players, most of which will never happen.

It’s believed that Man United and Arsenal are set to battle it out for Everton’s central defender and midfielder Phil Jagielka. Arsenal may bid for him but at 28-years old, Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to go for the defender. We already know that 20-year old Chris Smalling will be joining us in the summer from Fulham; will Sir Alex go for another centre-back? I don’t think so.

The News Of The World think that United believe they have found the perfect replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar- Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda. The 25-year old has said:

"Naturally I should be staying at Marseille next season but you never know," he told a press conference.

"I've not had any contact with any club but all I know my dream is to play in the Premier League."

It’s not the first time we’ve heard that United have found Van Der Sar’s replacement recently. Not only have United been linked with Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon but it has been announced that United will be taking 24-year old Algerian keeper Rais Mbolhi on a trial. Ben Foster is likely to be on his way out, so a new keeper may not be such a surprise.

The News Of The World seem to know a lot about United’s transfer plans, according to them Ajax’s Luis Suarez will be playing alongside Wayne Rooney next season at Old Trafford. United is reportedly setting up a £20 million bid for the 23-year old.
Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to bring in a striker after relying too much on Rooney last season, and he would by a pretty good signing.

Next up on the list is 27-year old AC Milan striker Marco Borriello. Back in the summer of 2009 it was said that Man United won’t sign players over the age of 26. If that’s true then that rules out a £16 million move for Borriello.

Real Madrid defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra was bought for £20 million by Real from Portsmouth. He’s had a disappointing season in Spain after the Spanish outfit have failed to win anything after spending over £200 million. He could make a return back to the Premier League, with United apparently preparing a bid of £20 million for the former Chelsea and Arsenal star.

According to The Times United and Chelsea will go head-to-head for highly rated Everton youngster Jack Rodwell. This isn’t the first time that United have been linked with the midfielder, Everton aren’t likely to let him leave cheaply.

Other names linked with a move to Old Trafford are Aston Villa’s James Milner, Benfica’s Angel di Maria, Marseille winger Ben Arfa

To be able to buy players, you need money. How much money do United have to spend? It changes from day to day. One thing I can say for sure is that not many of these players will be coming to Old Trafford, if any.

More players will be linked with United, these are only some of todays but I wouldn’t expect too much to happen over the summer.

Manchester United see Steve Mandanda as ideal replacement for goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar - report

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 May 2010 15:02:00 +0000

According to the News of the World, Manchester Unitedhave identified their long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar in the form of Marseille 'keeper Steve Mandanda.

United have been admirers of France number one Hugo Lloris, who plys his trade at Lyon, for some time but have also been monitoring the progress of his international understudy Mandanda.

Mandanda's contract at Marseille has three years left to run, yet it is speculated that a bid of around £10 million would be enough to tempt the newly crowned French champions to part ways with their inspirational shot-stopper.

Mandanda added fuel to the fire recently, as he told reporters that his future is far from certain.

"Naturally I should be staying at Marseille next season but you never know," he told a press conference.

"I've not had any contact with any club but all I know my dream is to play in the Premier League."

United are certainly in the market for another gloveman. Ben Foster looks set to leave for Birmingham City in a £4 million deal this summer, while Van der Sar is expected to call time on his playing career in the near future.

The Netherlands international, who also played for Fulham and Juventus, has been at Old Trafford since 2005 and has made more than 150 league starts for the Red Devils.

Manchester United and Arsenal set to fight for Everton defender Phil Jagielka

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:59:00 +0000

Manchester United and Arsenal will compete to signEverton centre-back Phil Jagielka in the summer.

Gunner boss Arsene Wenger believes that the 28 -year-old would do well in a central defense partnership with Thomas Vermaelen and provide some experience for the young team.

Sir Alex Ferguson is also interested in acquiring the former England international, who can also play full-back and midfield, to boost United’s strength for next season.

Jagielka missed much of the season after suffering a severe knee injury last April and despite returning to the Toffees late in the season the defender could not find his way into Fabio Capello’s provisional England squad.

United and Arsenal could start the bidding for Jagielka at £15million but Everton manager David Moyes will not let the defender go easily.

International Football - Berbatov to quit Bulgaria

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:17:00 +0000

Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has retired from international football.

"It was a difficult decision but sometimes we have to take difficult decisions," the 29-year-oldManchester United striker said.

Berbatov, who has been captain of his national side for the last three years, is the team's record goal scorer with 48 in his 74 international appearances, but has come under fire for his recent displays for his national team.

"It wasn't a decision I took lightly and I have reconsidered several times," he added.

"Everything has a beginning and an end and that is today (Thursday)."

The striker has also been heavily criticised atManchester United for his two lacklustre seasons at Old Trafford following a £30.75 million transfer from Tottenham, and is strongly rumoured to move on during the summer transfer window

The King's royal seal for Berbatov

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:05:00 +0000

Dimitar Berbatov

Manchester United legend Denis Law has jumped to the defence of under-fire Dimitar Berbatov - refusing to write off the £30m hitman.

Old Trafford's greatest ever striker insists the Bulgarian can still turn his United career around, despite two disappointing seasons.

Sir Alex Ferguson is mulling over whether to cut his losses on the record £30.75m signing, who has netted just 26 goals since arriving from Tottenham in 2008.

With the United boss set to splash the cash this summer - with Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzemaat the top of his wanted list - it remains to be seen if Berbatov has a future at the club.

But Law still believes the languid 29-year-old has the talent to prove his critics wrong.

"He's always had that laid back style, even when he was at Tottenham and that's what the fans admired him," he said. "But now he gets criticised for it.

"He had a very successful two years at Spurs where he looked a very exciting player. Everyone talks about the money he cost. I remember a manager saying to me - no matter how much you pay for a player, if he's better than what you've got then he's a good buy.

"I don't want to knock him. He hasn't come up to the standard he set at Spurs, but when he was there he looked an extremely good player."

Law was nicknamed The King by United fans after scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances. Berbatov has come nowhere near to reaching that standard, but Law revealed he suffered his own difficulties when playing in Italy with Torino before being signed by Sir Matt Busby in 1962.

"You can put it down to culture or the city," he said. "The difference for foreign players is it's not easy with the language and the culture.

"I had the same problem when I went to Italy. Fortunately the food was lovely and I liked the Italian accent.

"But it was lonely at night. During training and playing it was great, but in the evening you're in a foreign country with no family."

"Matt Busby always said if you're happy off the field you'll be happy on it."

Law hopes Berbatov doesn't turn out to be like another big-money flop, Juan Sebastien Veron.

"He looked an excellent player with Argentina and in Italy, but when he came to United he didn't do it," said the legendary Scotland striker. "He was a commanding player, yet when he came to United he wasn't."

Meanwhile, United have been linked with AC Milan forward Marco Borriello. The 27-year-old has scored 14 goals for the Rossoneri this term.

Champions League - Power Rankings: Barca hover

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 May 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Barcelona are well placed to snatch the Power Rankings crown from under Manchester United's noses.

United top the rankings again this week after their 4-0 thumping of Stoke kept Barca, who beat Sevilla 3-2, at arm's length.

But with United's season now over and the potential for more points gone, victory for Barca against Real Valladolid on the final day of the Spanish season will see them take our prestigious title.

Barca are the only team now capable of catching United, whose prolonged interest in the Champions League has seen them finish above Chelsea, who stay in seventh despite securing the Premier League title in emphatic style with an 8-0 win over Wigan.

Jose Mourinho's Internazionale remain in fourth, but even a win on the final day of the Serie A season and victory in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich will not be enough to overhaul the top two.

EUROPEAN POWER RANKINGS

1. (1) Manchester United - 22.18

2. (2) Barcelona - 22.14

3. (3) Real Madrid - 21.59

4. (4) Internazionale - 20.68

5. (5) Bordeaux - 20.28

6. (6) Benfica - 20.07

7. (7) Chelsea - 20.07

8. (8) Porto - 19.58

9. (9) PSV Eindhoven - 18.82

10. (10) Bayern - 18.43

11. (11) Arsenal - 18.37

12. (12) Fiorentina -17.60

13. (15) Shakhtar - 17.27

14. (13) Ajax - 17.25

15. (16) Anderlecht - 17.06

16. (19) Roma - 16.91

17. (18) Twente - 16.88

18. (17) Sevilla - 16.86

19. (20) Fenerbahce - 16.85

20. (14) Salzburg - 16.80

33. (33) Liverpool - 14.50

35. (35) Fulham - 14.05

36. (37) Everton - 14.03

HOW IT WORKS

Scores are based on points per game in domestic league, Champions League and Europa games.

Domestic points per game are multiplied by the league coefficient - either 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 - with teams in stronger leagues getting more credit.

League coefficients:

5 - England, Italy, Spain.

4.5 - Germany, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Russia.

4 - Belgium, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, Scotland, Romania.

3.5 - Cyprus, Switzerland, Israel, Denmark, Austria.

Champions League victories are counted as three points for a win. They are all multiplied by a coefficient of 5. Matches in the group stage and beyond are counted.

Europa League victories are counted as three points for a win. They are all multiplied by a coefficient of 4. Matches in the group stage and beyond are counted.

All teams relegated from Champions League to Europa League have had their formulas adjusted to reflect the amount they have gained or lost in Europe since then.

Example: Manchester United

85 points from 38 Premier League games = 2.24 points per game

Multiplied by league coefficient of 5 - 2.24 x 5 = 11.18

22 points from 10 Champions League game = 2.20 points per game.

Multiplied by Champions League coefficient of five - 2.20 x 5 = 11.00

Total score = 11.18 + 11.00 = 22.18

Eurosport

Rooney injured in Untied win

mark.parakette@live.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:13:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney sparked a World Cup scare when he limped out of Manchester United's 4-0 win over Stoke at Old Trafford.

Rooney appeared to have suffered a recurrence of the groin problem he first sustained at Blackburn last month.

It had no effect on the outcome though, as Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs scored before the break and a Danny Higginbotham own goal and Park Ji-sung's diving header doubled their advantage at the end.