Man Utd Sphere

Champions League squad released

2009-09-03T22:57:00.002+08:00

This season we build our hope upon these players to march into the Champions League final again. United have released a list of Champions League squad members.

The 25-man squad:

1.Van der Sar, 2.Neville, 3.Evra, 4.Hargreaves, 5.Ferdinand, 6.Brown, 7.Owen, 9.Berbatov, 10.Rooney, 11.Giggs, 12.Foster, 13.Park, 15.Vidic, 16.Carrick, 17.Nani, 18.Scholes, 20.Fabio, 21.Rafael, 22.O’Shea, 24.Fletcher, 25.Valencia, 26.Obertan, 27.Macheda, 28.Gibson, 29.Kuszczak.

Berbatov's confession

2009-09-02T22:50:00.003+08:00

"We have so much talent at United. They do stuff that I honestly cannot do and don't even try because I would look like a fool. You see people doing it and ask them about it. You learn from each other. To develop, you have to."

"What can you say about Wayne? He has been here for so many years, playing top football. It is amazing he is only 23. When he reaches around 28 he will be even better. We see in training, and you can see in games, the unbelievable passion he has got."

"We are going for everything there is to win. We have a good squad. I don't need to introduce anybody. Everybody knows what Manchester United's players are capable of and we are ready to go again."

This is what Berbatov confessed. You know the fact. So you have to work harder on the field, please.

Match Highlight: United vs Arsenal

2009-08-31T23:02:00.002+08:00

Picture of the day: We respect each other

2009-08-29T13:23:00.002+08:00

Champions League draw - Is it a good draw?

2009-08-28T22:10:00.003+08:00

We will be facing Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg. I worry about few matches, though we avoid big names like Barca, Inter and Bayern Munich. The away match against Besiktas and CSKA Moscow would be tough. Playing in Russia is not easy, particularly in December.

Besiktas home ground is not a welcoming venue for visitors. Also, I have no full confidence United could win in Germany as well. Perhaps a draw. So United must beat all opponents at home. The Theatre of Dreams is our hope.

Preview: Man Utd vs Arsenal

2009-08-28T21:11:00.004+08:00

It's only the 4th game of the season for United. We need to face the first Big Four clash this season. What can we expect from this match?

Ferdinand and Van der Sar will not play in this match. Still, defensive problem remains the issue. Though there is news that Fabregas will not play, Arsenal have plenty of firepower this season. Even defenders like Gallas and Vermaelen are on the score sheet. The partnership between Vidic and Evans is not as solid as Vidic-Ferdinand pair. So the tough figure like Darren Fletcher is needed in this big match.

Well, I feel like the United-Arsenal match is not as tight as those matches in Roy Keane's era. There were always clashes between Keane and Vieira and incidents happened every time both team played. There is no Keane and Vieira in both teams. Even Ronaldo, the super diver has flied to Spain. So, what we can see now are skills from players of teams. Fergie speaks the same words.

I remember the match in 2003 where van Nistelrooy-Vieira incident climbed to climax. That is one of the classic United-Arsenal match I would never forget. Anyway, I give full support to United to beat Arsenal. WE CAN MAKE IT!!!

Time to prove yourself, Anderson

2009-08-26T21:42:00.002+08:00

Anderson expected to be featured in the match against Chelsea in the Community Shield but he didn't make it. He only made one appearance so far this season, being part of the team humiliated by Burnley. There are rumours he will leave the club after getting frustrated with lack of first team chances.

But he has made it clear that he wants to stay to fight for a place in first team squad. He told the Daily Mail:

"I believed that I would play in the Community Shield but that is forgotten now. I thought that, without Cristiano Ronaldo around, I could play more and that has been my challenge from pre-season onwards. But the coach decides the teams and to discuss this with him is foolish because he is the chief. I do not want to leave United. No. Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded a bigger effort from me and I accept that. Because to get into this United team is very complicated and difficult for any player."

It's good you know that, Anderson. When United signed you a couple of years back, I had no idea who the kid is. But soon I was impressed by his prolific skill on Youtube. It was something he made when he played for Gremio and Porto. My friend told me: "Hey, this guy plays better than Ronaldinho!" So please don't let us down, Anderson.

Vidic will not leave United

2009-08-25T23:07:00.006+08:00

After much speculation that Nemanja Vidic will leave United, the player finally has voiced out his decision to stay at the club. There are rumours this summer the player is a target of Barcelona and is going to leave United.

Vidic showed in the match against Wigan last Saturday. And he has dismissed all the talks about his departure. United fans will be happy to see the defender continues partnership with Rio Ferdinand to build up a solid defence for the team.

This is what he told the papers:

"I've never said anything about Barcelona or Real Madrid or Milan – or any club. I never speak about my future so I don't know why someone else does. I showed at Wigan on the pitch how happy I am at this club. Any fan of United only has to see how I played to know how committed I am. I spoke with my agent about this and what he said. I know about all the rumours about me but I don't want it to have an impact on the club. It's not a good time for my club to be hearing those rumours."

Rooney's best goal in his gallery

2009-08-25T22:07:00.003+08:00

Among the 101 goals Rooney has scored so far, I would say the goal against Newcastle in 2005 is the best goal he has scored. The amazing volley left Shay Given helpless and I would rate this goal with 9 out of 10.

Rooney's 100th United goal + Owen's first United goal

2009-08-25T20:15:00.010+08:00

An ordinary league game for football fans, but a historic moment for all United fans. Wayne Rooney reached his century in the match against Wigan. Now he has 101 goals in 242 appearances. This is only his 6th season at United. I am sure he can be the legend in United's history, like what Thierry Henry did at Highbury.

Well, we are waiting to see his 200th goal in his United career. Please promise us, Rooney! Listen to what he said in the post-match interview.

Meanwhile, another great striker achieved something in this match. Michael Owen finally scored his first goal of the season, wearing red jersey. Hey, not for Liverpool please! This time is for United. So I think critics should stop at the moment. Please let him find his form back. Give him some time.

This is the highlights of all the goals scored in this match:

We still can win without CR

2009-08-18T21:34:00.005+08:00

The new season finally kicks start. Forget about the defeat last week in the Community Shield. First we play Birmingham at home. No worries. It's ok Cristiano Ronaldo in the first eleven line-up. Fergie placed new hope upon new guy Antonio Valencia (remember, he is not transferred from Valencia). Huhu~

Well, United played quite well but failed to make use of the chances created. Finally, Rooney saved the situation to score for United. The only goal of the match. A good sign to show that he is capable to lead the frontline without relying on Ronaldo.

And Owen came into play in the second half. He missed a good chance where he couldn't pass Joe Hart. That's a one-on-one situation. Huh! You have to work harder, Michael. Else, you have to sit at home and watch England playing in the World Cup next summer.

We still manage to win the opening game even we don't have Ronaldo. Forget about the past. We have a strong team to beat any team. Believe it.

United reach Malaysia

2009-07-17T09:23:00.002+08:00

Finally I have chance to see United LIVE! Wow!

Today I take half day leave to attend United training session in Bukit Jalil. This is wonderful. Jersey, camera and poster... all are ready. Hope can get my stars' signature. Get ready! Yeah!

Michael Owen's brochure

2009-07-08T21:00:00.003+08:00

Just like you are looking for a job when your contract expires, football star such as Michael Owen did the same in an effort to look for new employer. Daily Mail has unveiled his 32-page dossier which was distributed by his agent to football clubs across Europe. You can read it here.

Foster stays at Old Trafford

2009-07-08T20:41:00.002+08:00

Ben Foster has signed a four-year contract with United. This means the young goalkeeper will remain at Old Trafford until 2013. He is the hot candidate to replace Edwin Van der Sar who is going to retire after 2009/10 season.

Ben is famous for saving Jamie O'Hara's penalty in the Carling Cup final against Tottenham earlier this year. "I'm really happy to commit my future to the club. The team spirit here is fantastic and working alongside Edwin and Tomasz [Kuszczak] has been a great influence on my career," he said.

Meanwhile, Fergie was delighted with the contract extension. "We are delighted that Ben has signed a new four-year deal. Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin van der Sar."

We are going to have another youngster

2009-07-07T21:45:00.002+08:00

Yes. Another young player set to join United. This is what we hope to see. We need more young blood. Gabriel Obertan, though I'm not really aware of his performance and even did not watch him playing, is going to sign with United.

"There is a very strong likelihood that the deal will go ahead. Manchester United want to sign him and, for our part, we would be delighted to see Gabriel playing for such a prestigious club. We will make the official announcement when the time is right." revealed Bordeaux's president Jean-Louis Triaud.

Now we have Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and the coming Obertan. We need more top players joining our club. Next season would be another battlefield in Europe, with Real Madrid keep building its million dollar squad, as well as the invincible Barcelona. Move on, Fergie!

You've made a right decision, Michael

2009-07-05T22:20:00.005+08:00

Congratulation Michael! The day has come. Though now you are not the predator as you were in Liverpool those days, I'm sure you can do better than that here. Fergie is always a better guy compared to Benitez (he didn't bring you back when you left Real Madrid). You'll have no regret to play under the old man, as long as you don't make him angry (just kidding Fergie!).

We hope to see you to be:

1. able to win a call from Fabio Capello.

2. score against Liverpool head to head.

3. revive England hope to win World Cup in South Africa with establishing partnership with Wayne Rooney, and

4. last but not least, extend your contract at Old Trafford, thus getting higher pay.

"Manchester United, you automatically think winners, you think trophies, you think the stadium, the massive fan base, but until you sign you don't really let yourself get carried away. There's so many top players here, obviously it's a very exciting time for me. Right throughout the squad they are obviously a fantastic team with fantastic players, that's why they've all won so much throughout their careers, and hopefully I can jump on the bandwagon, score a few goals, and help us to further success."

Welcome Michael!

United is set to sign Owen

2009-07-03T21:31:00.004+08:00

I can only say this is a shock move. Fergie wants to reinforce attacking by signing Michael Owen from relegated Newcastle. Is this a wise decision?

After losing Karim Benzema to Real Madrid, together with Franck Ribery's preference over the Galacticos, United have few options for striker role despite having no problem to spend. Surprisingly, Fergie turn the spotlight to the former Liverpool and Real Madrid sriker. Fergie apparently gambles on the injury-prone striker, with hope tosee him stay injury-free and return to the form that made him a top striker in Europe back to 2001.

Joining United would be a chance for Owen to regain confidence as well as to return to Fabio Capello's England squad. He needs to prove his one-on-one ability to revive his career. Personally I like Owen much because of his goal scoring ability, and the quality of goals he scored. His hat-trick show in Munich was one of the best I would say.

Since Owen is joining on a free transfer, we should look forward for more big signings. At the same time, we should give Owen a chance to shine. Perhaps Fabio Capello would be happy to see him plays alongside Wayne Rooney. After all, I would like to see Owen in the team next season despite negative words from many people.

One in one out

2009-07-01T21:08:00.004+08:00

United finally completed the first signing of this summer as Wigan's Antonio Valencia finally signed a four-year deal with a fee reportedly to be around £16 million. Despite facing competition from Real Madrid, United were the winner to grab the Ecuadorian winger after losing their World Player of the Year to Real Madrid.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here. Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."

Welcome Antonio!

On the other hand, United have confirmed that Real Madrid have formally completed Ronaldo's move by paying £80 million in lump sum. What a huge profit! Perhaps we should make another Ronaldo to break the record in future. Despite being a controversial figure in United, Ronaldo was hailed by Fergie as one of the greatest player in United history.

"Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world. His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over. Everyone here wishes him well in his future career."

Goodbye Cristiano!

Rooney: It's showtime

2009-06-29T21:24:00.006+08:00

Two key players are going to leave. But we still have Rooney. I believe that Rooney is capable to step up and prove himself, as what he believes too. For the past couple of seasons, he was outshone by Ronaldo as he played out of position in a wide role to help accomodate Ronaldo's role.

This is what he told the paper:

"We've lost two key players and obviously I hope we can get a few players in. Between them Cristiano and Carlos scored a lot of goals for us last season and the season before, but I would like to think I'm capable of filling that gap. I've said before that, if I can play in my right position, I'm capable of doing that.

I want to play in the position where I feel I'm best. A lot of people think I'm best as a centre forward. To play in a Champions League final and to play week in, week out for Manchester United is a privilege and it's something I'm very lucky to be doing, but I don't think playing on the wing I can express myself as much as I like to."

Yes. Believe in yourself and you can make it, Mr. Rooney.

More images of United's new home kits

2009-06-27T09:33:00.012+08:00

Here are just few more images of United's new home kit for 2009/10 season. You can view them on the official site too.

Pele likes United

2009-06-27T02:00:00.004+08:00

No worries. We are going to lose Cristiano Ronaldo, but we are not going to lose the support of United fans around the world. At least we have the great Pele showing his support to our team. He admits he used to support Liverpool but switch to United then.

"I have always liked English teams. In the 1970s ad 80s I was a Liverpool fan. I don't know why especially, perhaps because they were the top team back then. In the last 10 or 15 years I have enjoyed following Manchester United the most. They play the game the right way and, in Brazil, Manchester United are far and away the most popular team. The Premier League is the most exciting league to watch in the world, there's no doubt about that at all."

We need defender too

2009-06-26T22:20:00.008+08:00

United are recently linked with plenty of names after the announcement of the sale of Ronaldo. All the big names like David Villa, Samuel Eto'o, Karim Benzema and Antonio Valencia are in the purchase list. But it seems Fergie forget to build up the defence. We rely heavily on the service of Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra.

If one of them are injured or suspended, we can't really find a good replacement for them. Jonny Evans is still lacking stability. John O'Shea is a good replacement, but it's impossible for him to play in all positions at the defence line. Perhaps we should spend money on at least two defenders, one centre back and one left back. Last season there are occasions where our defence malfunctioned due to growing fatigue. We definitely don't want to see the scene Fernando Torres outperforms Nemanja Vidic next season.

Next target - Sergio Aguero...???

2009-06-24T22:17:00.009+08:00

With the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, United have big money in pocket this summer. Reports claim that United have new target in the front line, Sergio Aguero. Will Tevez help in this transfer?

But Atletico Madrid are not willing to lose this striker. Club president, Enrique Cerezo insists they are not going to sell the star player. Though the striker carries a price tag of around £50 million, United will have difficulties in signing the Argentine with the competition from Chelsea and Inter Milan. I personally feel that the price is too high for this player, though he has proved his scoring ability in La Liga. Perhaps keeping Tevez in the team is a better option than signing another Argentine with high price. But nothing can save the situation since Tevez has announced leaving the club.

There would be another story if the price tag changes to £35 million. As United need a great striker to partner with Wayne Rooney, Aguero would be the right person if the price is of that range. Let's wait and see what happens the next few weeks.

Manchester United's new 2009/10 home kit revealed

2009-06-23T22:20:00.013+08:00

United has announced pre-order for new home kit for 2009/10 season today. The official launch will be on 1st July.

This is the last time United have the AIG logo on the shirt. From the image there is a black V-shape stripe featured on the shirt's chest, as well as a black round-neck collar. Except the V-shape stripe, there is not much difference with the previous kit they have been wearing for two seasons. The white shorts have a thick red stripe running down the outside.

A quote from a release issued on behalf of Nike:

"The new Manchester United home kit has been designed by Nike to recognise the clubs glorious history at Old Trafford in the ground’s centenary year and features several design cues that pay homage to the side that first played at the Theatre of Dreams,"

Pre-order is available at the official site. I am excited to see it available in Malaysia.

This is the way of doing business

2009-06-22T23:29:00.003+08:00

After announcing the record breaking transfer bid of £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo last week, Real Madrid quickly put a buy-out clause of almost £170 millionin his contract. Wow! Which club would have the money to spend on him? Many think that this would be a waste of money. And the sum can be spent on many players, which would be more than enough to build another 'Galacticos'.

I would say that Real Madrid is not only a football club. It's a trading centre too. They spend on a superstar with a dollar, and will be able to generate a double return. So let's guess which team could spend that money. Barcelona? No. They have Lionel Messi who is comparable with, even better than Cristiano Ronaldo. Inter Milan? Don't think this diver could survive in Italy. Okay. Stop thinking that. Because all depend on his form in the coming 4 to 5 years. Am I right?