Tevez price is right for United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claims a fee has already been agreed to sign striker Carlos Tevez on a permanent deal.

The Argentina international finally signed for the Red Devils in a two-year loan deal in August after protracted legal wrangling over his transfer from West Ham.

Tevez, 23, has made an instant impact at Old Trafford with five goals in 17 appearances and Ferguson believes he has done more than enough to show he will be a sound investment.

"There is no question about his long-term future here," Ferguson told Setanta.

"David Gill (the club's chief executive) has spoken to his agent and told him we are very happy with him.

"The fee is in place. I won't tell you what it is but it is still cheap.

"I want to make this happen. He has impressed everyone with his appetite for the game.

"He'll get me 15 goals this season and what's more, they'll be important goals."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2920458,00.html

Queiroz admits: Bolton intimidated Man Utd

Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz admits Bolton Wanderers simply didn't allow their stars to play during yesterday's defeat at the Reebok stadium.

Queiroz said: "We tried to play football but it is difficult when you face intimidation football. That is how Bolton played and it was difficult.

"Without protection from the referee we couldn't play our usual game.

"After a poor first half we improved in the second half.

"We were more calm and cooler and played better football. I think we deserved at least not to lose after the second half performance.

"But this is football, if you only play for 45 minutes it is difficult to win."
Returning to the referee's display, Queiroz felt Clattenberg talked too much in the match,

"The referee tried to teach the rules and stopped the game for too long at times.

"Instead of making decisions he talked, and the referee is there to make decisions not to teach the game."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=66590

Fergie: Ref wasn't strong enough

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he told referee Mark Clattenburg "what I thought" of him before being dismissed at Bolton.

Ferguson was ordered from the Reebok Stadium dug-out by Clattenburg midway through his United side's 1-0 defeat on Saturday, and was forced to watch the second half from the stands as his side fell to Nicolas Anelka's early effort.

The Red Devils chief was furious at Clattenburg's failure to clamp down on what he felt were over-aggressive tactics from the relegation-threatened hosts, who recorded their first home win over United since December 1978.

And he waited for the official - whom he hailed as one of the best in the Premier League only a month ago - by the tunnel at the interval to offer a piece of his mind.

"I told the referee what I thought - some referees don't like that. They don't like the truth," said Ferguson.

"But I just told him how bad he was in the first half.

"I know Bolton are battling for their lives at the bottom but they were a bit aggressive and we were looking for some protection from the referee.

"The first half was just a shambles. It was foul after foul after foul. I felt they were over-physical and there were two or three really dodgy tackles. You hope the referee is strong enough to handle it. But he wasn't."

Ferguson was particularly annoyed at the treatment meted out to full-back Patrice Evra, who was on the wrong end of a series of firm challenges even if he was fortunate to escape being booked himself for a late tackle on Kevin Davies.

"I don't know whether they targeted him but the poor lad seemed to be involved in everything. There were some terrible tackles on him."

However, opposite number Gary Megson, who was presiding over his first win in six matches as Bolton manager, refused to make any apology for his team's committed performance.

"We were third from bottom of the table," he said. "I asked my team to be aggressive.

"The worst tackle was by a centre-forward (Davies), who is not a particularly good tackler.

"We have to compete. That is the idea. You won't get me criticising my team for that. You would only get complaints if they don't.

"The referee saw nothing untoward. He didn't send anyone off."

Ferguson was honest enough to admit his side did not deserve to win.

Given their lack of clear opportunities, Carlos Tevez wasting the best one, it is debatable whether United even deserved a point as they slumped to their first defeat since mid-August and fell three points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who also have a game in hand.

Although the visitors were without Cristiano Ronaldo with a thigh strain, it was the absence of Nemanja Vidic with a back problem that caused United more problems given it was a mistake by the Serbian's replacement, Gerard Pique, which gifted Anelka his 11th-minute winner.

"It looked like Gerard jumped too soon," said Ferguson.

"We do not like losing but sometimes you have to take defeats, it is part of the game.

"We have players of great quality and I am sure we will bounce back."

While Ferguson headed back down the M61 licking his wounds, Megson was finally able to celebrate, not just the victory but the sight of his team climbing out of the relegation zone.

"It was a terrific performance in terms of work-rate, desire and drive," said Megson.

"We have an awful lot going for us and I have no qualms is saying we will get out of this position."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2919754,00.html

Hargreaves blasts ref justice

OWEN Hargreaves echoed Sir Alex Ferguson's comments in criticising referee Mark Clattenburg.

The Manchester United manager was sent to the stands for remonstrating with the official during the champions' shock 1-0 defeat a Bolton.

And England international Hargreaves agreed - suggesting Clattenburg failed to keep control of a bad-tempered affair.

Patrice Evra seemed to come off worse - being the subject of several crunching tackles, from Kevin Davies in particular.

And Hargreaves said: "There were definitely a few challenges that were borderline, especially the one from Kevin Davies.

"I don't mind physical. That is why there is a referee out there - but he struggled to keep the game under control."

Source : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1025852_hargreaves_blasts_ref_justice?rss=yes

Match Review : Bolton 1-0 Man Utd

Gary Megson claimed his first win in charge of Bolton with the unlikely scalp of Manchester United, thanks to Nicolas Anelka's early strike.

Anelka slotted home Ivan Campo's free-kick after 11 minutes.

And an out-of-sorts United were left frustrated as Jussi Jaaskelainen kept out Owen Hargreaves' free-kick and Carlos Tevez sliced a shot wide.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was sent to the stands after the break following a half-time rant at the referee.

Ferguson, whose side now trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by three points, was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg for a tunnel outburst at a succession of minor decisions that had gone against his team.

Although Manchester United's trip was less than 20 miles down the road from Old Trafford, the gap between the two sides in the Premier League could not be much bigger.

United experienced their only previous league defeat this season back in August - against Manchester City - whereas that same month marked Bolton's only win in the Premier League - 3-0 against Reading.

Having already notched up four draws and a loss, Megson's side have clearly become harder to beat but few would have expected them to take an early lead.

Megson reaped the rewards of Anelka's return from a recent hamstring injury when the Frenchman took advantage of United defender Gerard Pique's mistake to slot home.

Campo's chipped free-kick set up the goal with Pique mis-timing his leap leaving Anelka unmarked with the ball in front of goal.

While Bolton looked lively and dangerous on the break, the visitors made a lacklustre start - perhaps missing the touch of winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested after playing in two Euro 2008 qualifiers over the past week.

United's chances at the other end were few in the first half with Hargreaves screwing a 20-yard effort wide, and Tevez just failing to get on the end of Rio Ferdinand's long ball.

Their frustrations were deepened by an ongoing battle between Bolton striker Kevin Davies and United defender Patrice Evra - which resulted in an angry Ferguson being sent to the stands after the break.

Davies was lucky to get away with just one booking after two heavy-handed late challenges and a nasty clash of heads with the Frenchman.
But the referee's decision brought Ferguson to the touchline to express his disgust.

However the tactical substitution of Pique for Anderson just before the half hour mark seemed to reinvigorate Ferguson's side and moments later, keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen did well to keep out Owen Hargreaves' dipping free-kick with a flying save.

United kept turning the screw and Carlos Tevez should have done better when he sliced Evra's cross wide from just a yard out 70 minutes in.
Although the visitors continued to pile forward, United could find no equaliser.

And when Hargreaves clipped the roof of the net with an injury-time free-kick, Ferguson had to settle for the sight of his side losing at Bolton for the first time since December 1978.

Meanwhile Megson was able to breath a sigh of relief as defeats for Birmingham, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Wigan helped Bolton climb from second from bottomin the table to 15th on 11 points.

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7099689.stm

Match Preview : Bolton vs Man Utd

Reebok StadiumSaturday,

24 November

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka is fit again after a hamstring injury and should return to the starting line-up.

El-Hadji Diouf is also set to return after completing a one-match ban.
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is still out with an ankle injury, while Gary Neville continues his recovery after a succession of injury problems.
Defender Nemanja Vidic is United's only worry. The Serbian picked up a knock against Poland, so Wes Brown may partner Rio Ferdinand at the back.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, McCann, Michalik, A O'Brien, Meite, Gardner, Cid, Campo, Guthrie, Nolan, Speed, Alonso, Diouf, Davies, Anelka, Al Habsi, Samuel, Teymourian, Braaten, Giannakopoulos.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Simpson, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Saha, Tevez.

Bolton manager Gary Megson:"In my view, we are improving. We made a case for winning every game played whilst I've been here.

"But we haven't won so we've got to find a way of turning draws into wins, regardless of the opposition.

"We've also been doing a lot of work during the international break in terms of watching players."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:"He [Wayne Rooney] is doing some running. Somebody said that they saw him training on Tuesday. That's some eye sight!

"He started some light running on Thursday and did some good running on Friday.

"He won't play at Bolton or against Sporting Lisbon, but I would think he'll be available for Fulham."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

The 109th league meeting of these two Greater Manchester rivals could see United at the top of the table and Bolton still below the safety line at the final whistle.

No club has won more Premier League matches this season than Manchester United (nine), and no club has won fewer than Bolton (one).

Bolton have drawn four and lost one of five games since the appointment of Gary Megson, and are chasing a first win under the new manager against the tightest defence in the Premier League.

Manchester United are unbeaten in 10 league outings; Wanderers are pursuing a first win in 10.

The Trotters have conceded more Premier League goals to Manchester United than to any other club (40).

Bolton are making a ninth attempt to clinch a first ever home Premier League victory over Manchester United. They've not taken maximum points off the Red Devils in front of the home faithful since a 3-0 top flight triumph on 22 December 1978. A brace from Frank Worthington and an Alan Gowling goal decided the issue 29 years ago.

CLUB FORM
BOLTON WANDERERS

Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 15thLowest could fall: 20th

1. One of only two clubs with just one Premier League victory; the other is Derby. Also, one of three clubs with just one home Premier League victory so far this season. The others are Middlesbrough and Derby. Reading are the only club to have left the Reebok without any points.
2. Not won in eight; drawn three and lost five league and cup games since beating Rabotnicki Kometa 1-0 in the Uefa Cup first round second leg at the Reebok on 4 October.
3. Drawn five of the last seven Premier League fixtures, including the last three against Aston Villa (h), West Ham (a) and Middlesbrough (h); it is the longest current sequence of draws in the highest league.
4. Won one of 19 Premier League outings; winless in nine, having picked up five points out of 27.
5. Eight points from the first 13 games equals their worst ever start to a Premier League season in 1995-96. That was their first taste of football in this league, which saw them finish bottom and suffer immediate relegation.
6. Averaging 0.62 points per game, having dropped 31 of the 39 available. Only Derby exceed that; 33 points dropped. Eight points were dropped from winning positions; losing to Fulham and Portsmouth - both away, and drawing, home to Aston Villa.
7. Yet to beat a top half club. Drawn two and lost four of their six fixtures against clubs currently in the top 10.
8. Won one of the last seven Premier League fixtures against north-west clubs; 1-3, away to Wigan on 7 April.
9. Need to score one goal to total 200 in home Premier League games all-time.
10. This match precedes Thursday's Uefa Cup Group F tie, home to Aris Salonica, and a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, 2 December.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1stLowest could fall: 2nd

1. Undefeated in nine; won eight and drawn one in all competitions, since the 0-2 home defeat by Coventry in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September; their only loss in 15 outings.

2. Dropped only two points from a last possible 30, since their only league defeat this term; 1-0, away to Manchester City on 19 August.

3. Kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League so far this season - more than any other club; seven of those have been in the last 10 matches.
4. Opened the scoring in an unrivalled 10 Premier League matches this season.
5. Heading the Premier League's "Last Six Current Form" table with 16 points out of 18.
6. Completed 53 league games since a loss by more than a single goal; 3-0, away to Chelsea on 29 April 2006.
7. Meanest defence in the Premier League with six goals conceded from 13 outings, at one every 195 minutes (three hours 15 minutes) on average. Liverpool have also let in just six, but from 12 matches, at one every 180 minutes (three hours).
8. Yet to lose to a lower half club; won five and drawn one of their six fixtures against clubs in the bottom 10.
9. Unbeaten in four league games on the road (three wins, one draw), and already returned from Everton, Birmingham and Aston Villa with maximum points.
10. This match precedes Tuesday's Champions League Group F tie, home to Sporting.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

BOLTON WANDERERS

Nicolas ANELKA is Bolton's leading scorer with seven goals, including six of the clubs 11 in the Premier League.
Kevin DAVIES is a hat-trick shy of 100 club career goals (Chesterfield, Southampton, Blackburn, Millwall and Bolton).
Jussi JAASKALAINEN is the only player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Bolton's Premier League matches this season.
Gary SPEED, the only player to have netted in every Premier League season, is a double shy of 100 career league goals (Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton).
If selected:-
SPEED will be extending his record breaking number of Premier League appearances to 533.
DAVIES will be making his 150th league appearance for Bolton.
Kevin NOLAN will be making his 300th club career appearance - all for Bolton.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Wayne ROONEY, who's currently injured, has scored five Premier League goals against Bolton - all five were netted last season.
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer this season with 10 goals, and leading Premier League marksman with six.
Ryan GIGGS is one short of 100 career league goals.
Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.
When he returns from injury and next plays from the outset, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

HEAD TO HEAD

Wayne Rooney celebrated his 21st birthday earlier in the week, by completing a hat-trick in last season's 0-4 triumph over Bolton in this identical fixture last season.
United scored eight goals against the Trotters last term.
Although they are yet to defeat the Red Devils on home territory, Bolton have recorded two Premier League victories at Old Trafford: 1-2, on 20 October 2001 and 0-1, on 11 September 2002.
Home and awayLeague (inc PL): Bolton 40 wins, Man United 44, Draws 24Prem: Bolton 2 wins, Man United 10, Draws 4
at Bolton onlyLeague (inc PL): Bolton 24 wins, Man United 16, Draws 14Prem: Bolton 0 wins, Man United 5, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Manchester United28 October 2006 - Ref: Rob StylesMan United scorers: Rooney 10, 16, Ronaldo 82, Rooney 89

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7099689.stm

Training Pic. Before Game with Bolton

Eight Reds braced for big night

As many as eight United players could be involved when the Euro 2008 campaign draws to a close on Wednesday night.

Owen Hargreaves has recovered from tendonitis and could pip Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to a midfield place if England coach Steve McClaren decides to play a 4-5-1 system. Wes Brown is also in the squad to face Croatia at Wembley but Rio Ferdinand is suspended. McClaren has invited the injured Wayne Rooney to Wembley to cheer on his England team mates who need just a draw to qualify for Euro 2008.

Two United players could be on opposite sides in Belgrade. Nemanja Vidic's Serbia need to beat Tomasz Kuszczak's Poland, who have already qualified, to keep their campaign alive. Serbia will then face Kazakhstan on Saturday in a rearranged game and if the result is still crucial, but it remains unclear whether Vidic will be allowed to play in the match as it would mean missing United’s away fixture at Bolton.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani could both play for Portugal when they take on Finland, seeking the point they need to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

The Netherlands and France have both already qualified but Edwin van der Sar is set to play again for the Dutch away at Belarus while Patrice Evra may be given an opportunity for France over the border in Ukraine.

In Group F, Northern Ireland have an outside chance of going through. They must win in Spain, without the suspended United defender Jonny Evans, and hope that Latvia win in Sweden.

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=509142

Tevez off in Argentina loss

Carlos Tevez was sent off in Argentina's World Cup qualifying defeat to Colombia on Tuesday night.

Having earlier come close to opening the scoring with a volley, the United striker was dismissed after just 24 minutes for an off-the-ball scuffle with defender Ruben Bustos.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi gave the Argentines an unlikely lead 10 minutes later, but second-half strikes from Bustos and Dairo Moreno gave the hosts a 2-1 victory.

Despite their first defeat of the qualifying campaign, however, Argentina still top the CONMEBOL table with nine points from four games, one point ahead of Colombia.

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=509396

Batistuta: Man Utd's Tevez convincing Argies about Premiership
Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta believes Manchester United ace Carlos Tevez can be a trailblazer for the Premiership attracting Argentina's best young talent.

Man Utd's Tevez: I'm cooked
Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez admits his latest trip to South America for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers has left him worn out.

Man Utd get serious about Sporting Lisbon's Veloso

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is pondering a £10 million bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

Ferguson, taking the advice of his assistant Carlos Queiroz, has identified Veloso as the next potential star to emerge from the Sporting youth ranks that also produced Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, says the Guardian.

Veloso, who has broken into the Portuguese national side at 21, has been the outstanding player in La Liga this season and it is a measure of United's interest that Ferguson's brother Martin, the club's chief scout, has been a virtual ever-present recently at the Estadio Jose Alvalade XI. United have been represented at six of Veloso's last seven matches.

Ferguson has been slowly modifying his line-up to a 4-2-3-1 system and he has received glowing reports about Veloso's ability to break up opposition attacks. One scouting report from last season details how Veloso outshone Patrick Vieira when Sporting beat Internazionale in the Champions League.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=66034

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Hutton can be superstar

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Rangers fullback Alan Hutton can become a future "superstar".

Hutton is being linked with a move to United and Ferguson, reflecting on Scotland's defeat to Italy on the weekend, admits he's a big fan of the 22 year-old.

"Hutton was exceptional," said Ferguson in The Daily Telegraph. "He has come from nowhere and looks as though he will become a superstar once he gets that little extra bit of experience."

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=66032

Youth inspires Giggs

Ryan Giggs says he feels invigorated by the promising young talent around him at Old Trafford.

The influx of Anderson, Nani, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez this season has added strength and depth to an already ultra-talented squad. Paired with the experience of United's longstanding servants like Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson believes this is the best squad during his 21 years at Old Trafford.

Giggs is certainly excited by the current set-up and says the youthful exuberance within the squad has given him a new lease of life.

"When you come into training and you’re up against young, quality players it’s a test every day," he told ManUtd.com. "That only helps to bring your game on. There’s so much enthusiasm amongst the lads and it’s a great place to be at the moment.

"The new lads have all bedded in really well and very quickly, bringing something new to the team already this season. Nani with his spectacular goals and celebrations, while Anderson has shown what a top player he is with some fantastic performances.

"We knew all about Owen’s [Hargreaves] qualities and he’s produced those every time he’s played and Carlos [Tevez] has brought that extra dimension to our attacking play.

"They’ve also added something different to the dressing room which is great. There is certainly a lot more Spanish and Portuguese being spoken! They’re all very enthusiastic and the team spirit is as good as ever."

Source : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=509106

Ferguson dealing in Man Utd foursome

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to deal in four of his defensive stars.



The Mirror says Wes Brown, out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to sign a three-year contract worth £50,000-a-week in the next few days. He has been right-back this season in place of the injured Gary Neville and can talk to other clubs from January 1 unless United move fast.

Left-back Patrice Evra will renegotiate the deal that brought him to United almost two years, while John O'Shea was offered an improved contract.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will agree a 12-month extension until the end of next season.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65880

Ronaldo backs Queiroz as next Man Utd manager

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo is backing assistant manager Carlos Queiroz to eventually succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

"I have a great relationship with Carlos and I know all the squad like him," said Ronaldo.

"Sir Alex has been at the club for 21 years. It will be very hard to replace him on many levels."

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65861

Rooney is on course for shock comeback

Wayne Rooney is set to return to training just 11 days after damaging his ankle.

The England striker was initially ruled out for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury in a freak training-ground accident prior to United's Premier League win over Blackburn.

However, it is thought that Rooney could now return for Manchester United's Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon next Tuesday.

Ferguson has problems up front anyway, with Carlos Tevez not due back to training until Friday after completing Argentina's World Cup qualifier in Colombia.

In addition, while Louis Saha was able to start in Rooney's absence in the win over Blackburn, his fitness is so fragile Ferguson will not want to be over-reliant on the Frenchman.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=495133&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Ronaldo worthy of Ballon d'Or

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo would be a worthy Ballon d'Or winner.



"Someday I would like to be voted the best in the world, but it is not an obsession," said Ronaldo. "That's not what drives me.

"During the past few months I have heard it mentioned. For me, that nomination would be a dream come true. But I don't think about it when I get up every day for training.

"Whatever has to happen will happen naturally. If Manchester United are doing well, I will do well. The greater the success of United, the greater the success of each of their players.

"More than any individual title is the feeling my work is appreciated. If, one day, one of these awards is destined for me, it will be welcome and I will be there to receive it."

Ferguson says Ronaldo would be a worthy winner. "The season Ronaldo had was unbelievable stuff," said Fergie.

"Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best all won the European Footballer of the Year award, which was unique coming from one club.

"If any of our lads achieved that, it would be fantastic for us as a football club. Ronaldo is a match-winner, like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez."

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65858

Hargreaves tops fan poll

Owen Hargreaves may have been limited to half a dozen appearances since his summer arrival from Bayern Munich, but he has already made a huge impression on Reds supporters.



In a Fanzone poll, we asked ManUtd.com readers which summer signing had impressed you most, and Hargreaves came out on top, although Carlos Tevez wasn't far behind.

Tendonitis in his knee has sidelined the 26-year-old for much of the season, but his effervescence and excellent distribution have been a breath of fresh air in the midfield engine room.

He polled 37 per cent of the overall votes in our poll. Tevez, who has also settled remarkably well and has already established an impressive partnership with Wayne Rooney, finished in second place with 32 per cent of the votes.

Anderson and Nani, Sir Alex Ferguson's other summer purchases, have both played more football than they would have expected this term. But both players have proved instantly capable of playing in the United first team as well showing plenty of potential to improve even further.

Nani provides a viable alternative to Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo on either flank, while 19-year-old Anderson has - perhaps surprisingly - given his boss a selection problem in central midfield with performances that belie his age.

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=508863

Evra is season's star

Forget Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrice Evra has been United's outstanding performer so far this season, according to MUTV pundit Paddy Crerand.

The Reds legend and former European Cup winner insists Evra has been “absolutely fantastic” this term, particularly because of his instinct to attack down the left flank.

Many United fans would agree, and on current form it could be reasonably argued that the Frenchman is the best left-back Premiership.

"I would say without question he’s been the man of the season so far, he’s been absolutely outstanding," Crerand told MUTV. "I don’t think anybody can have an argument about that. But if they do, I’ll argue with them!

"He’s got all the qualities, particularly at Old Trafford because United are invariably the attacking team. He plays up and down that left side and has been fantastic doing it.”

Having arrived almost two years ago for a reported fee around £5.5million, Evra has proved an excellent capture and already seen off the competition of Gabriel Heinze. It may have taken him time to bed in to the English style of play, but the patience, Crerand feels, has paid off.

"He’s another one who, like Nemanja Vidic, needed a little bit of time to settle,” he added.

“I think there’s more pressure at this club on players than there is at any other club because you’ve got a worldwide audience staring at you and they expect you to go on the pitch and be a star straightaway.

“But it takes time. You have to get to know the players you’re playing with and they have to get to know you.

"I believe Patrice is a very popular person with the rest of the squad, but I think being a good player helps to make you popular, and he’s been exactly that for us this season.”

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=508860&page=2

Deco fears Barcelona's dream could be ended by resurgent United

Barcelona's Deco has picked out Manchester United as one of the main threats on the road to the Champions League final.

"United are strong," he told Champions magazine of the UEFA Champions League."They have improved since last season with their new signings."

He also named Milan and Real Madrid as rivals of Barcelona. "Milan are always the same. They seem dead in the water, seem to be playing badly but in the final stages they become too strong. And Real Madrid signed pretty wisely in the summer."

Deco, 29, added: "I am curious about Arsenal, to see if they can keep going until the end of the season. And we have to see what is to be of Chelsea."

The midfielder, who won his first Champions League title in Jose Mourinho's Porto side in 2004 said: "Mourinho makes his players better. I have only good things to say about him. Let's wait and see at the end of the season how much Chelsea miss him."

Deco says he is committed to Barca despite summer speculation about his future. "They told me that I was part of the project and they didn't want me to leave. I had to take their word, didn't I?

"However, the time of every player at any club always comes to an end. Always. i have a contract until 2010 and my intention is to stay here. But, if the club is not satisfied with me, we will go our separate ways. that is normal, it is part of football."

Fighting for a place in the attack are Messi, Eto'o, Thierry Henry and two pearls from the club's academy Giovani Dos Santos and Spaniard Bojan Krkic, who has Serbian roots.

He added: "We have some new players this year, but the structure of the team hasn't changed. We will all suffer a lot of pressure throughout the season, and Rijkaard will suffer from it above all - the coach is always in the spotlight. The group of players is bigger, and the main difficulty will be keeping everybody calm and satisfied."

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=494953&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

Reds fans in SOS to Whitehall

A Manchester United fans' group has written to Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe demanding intervention to halt the spiralling cost of Premier League tickets.

Sutcliffe, a United fan, hit the headlines last month, and irked Sir Alex Ferguson when he condemned the cost of admission to Old Trafford and claimed many lifelong fans were being priced out.

Ferguson responded by telling Sutcliffe to go and watch FC United, the Unibond League outfit set up by disgruntled Reds fans in protest both at Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover and increasing prices.

It was also pointed out to Sutcliffe by the United boss that London duo Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs who charge substantially more than his own.

However, the Manchester United Supporters Trust the group formerly known as Shareholders United, have sent an open letter, pleading with Sutcliffe to intervene.

"We believe the time has come for the Government to intervene over ticket prices," said MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo.

"Club owners have been given ample time to put their own house in order and bring prices under control and yet price increases have actually accelerated to unprecedented levels.

"This has created hardship for many long-term supporters (as well as potential new fans) who have given loyalty to their club for so many years only to be rewarded with an ultimatum to pay up or be replaced by someone else who can.

"We understand that the Government sees intervention as the last resort but we believe that the case for such intervention is now overwhelming.

Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1024851_reds_fans_in_sos_to_whitehall?rss=yes

Kaka: Man Utd's Ronaldo best in Europe

AC Milan midfielder Kaka has declared Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo as currently the No1 player in Europe.

The Brazilian is hot favourite to win the European Footballer of the Year award, which is handed out by magazine France Football next month.
But Kaka has paid a glowing tribute to Ronaldo.

"He is the best, not only for his technical ability, but also for what he has done with Portugal," said Kaka to Italian media on Sunday.

As for the future, the 25-year-old dreams of captaining Brazil when his country host the 2014 World Cup.

"In 2014, I will still be playing and it would be a marvellous experience to be captain of our national team," he said.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65573

Vidic could miss Man Utd fixture

Nemanja Vidic could miss Manchester United's game at Bolton on Saturday.

Vidic is part of the Serbia squad whose Euro 2008 qualifier against Kazakhstan has been rescheduled for the day of United's trip to the Reebok Stadium.

The group A match was due to be played last Saturday but had to be cancelled because of heavy snow in Belgrade.

However, if Serbia fail to beat group leaders Poland, or Portugal take a point from Finland on Wednesday, the Kazakhstan tie will be meaningless.

That would raise the possibility of Vidic being freed by his country to rejoin the United squad for their Premier League encounter with Gary Megson's Bolton.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be loathe to lose the 26-year-old defender, who has played in all but one of the club's league games this season.

After Saturday's postponement Uefa attempted to stage the qualifier on Sunday but with 14cm of snow still lying on the Partizan Stadium pitch, those plans also fell through.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7101231.stm

Man Utd in swap talks for Barcelona star Eto'o

Manchester United are in sensational swap talks with Barcelona over fiery Cameroon ace Samuel Eto'o.

The People says agents are working behind the scenes to see if a deal can be struck to move the Cameroon hit-man to Old Trafford in exchange for Louis Saha and £5 million.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been on the look-out for another striker for some time and has grown increasingly frustrated with Saha's constant injury problems.

The Frenchman will not play unless he feels 100 per cent fit and, while his ability is undoubted, his willingness to put his body on the line when needed is questionable.

Eto'o, meanwhile, has himself been plagued by injury this season and has not featured for Barca since tearing a tendon in his right thigh.

However, he is on target to return just before Christmas and would be ready to go by the time any deal could be sanctioned in January.

The striker will be on African Cup of Nations duty and would disappear for the back end of January and early February. But, long term, that would not bother Fergie.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65648

Man Utd's Hargreaves returns to England squad

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been recalled to the England squad.

Also winning a place is Tottenham striker Darren Bent, who comes into the squad after Michael Owen was ruled out by a thigh strain suffered in the friendly victory over Austria on Friday.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65567

Man Utd's Simpson working closely with Neville

Manchester United fullback Danny Simpson has revealed he's working closely with skipper Gary Neville in training.

He told the People: "He's teaching me all sorts of stuff ... how to study the weaknesses of different players and try to force them into areas where they do less damage.

If you can't learn from somebody like Gary, then you might as well not bother.

His dedication is second to none - he's the ultimate team player."

With Neville due back next month and We Brown ahead of him, Simpson knows he must play the waiting game.

He said: "Rio Ferdinand told me not to get carried away, to enjoy my taste of the big time but to keep a level head.

And that's what I'm going to do."

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65615

I can make it at United - Pique

Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is hoping to repay the faith shown in him by Sir Alex Ferguson and establish himself at Old Trafford.

Pique was sent out on loan to Real Zaragoza last season and attracted interest from both them and Atletico Madrid in the summer.

But after making six first-team appearances so far this season the 20-year-old now feels he is ready to make an impression on United's defence of their Barclays Premier League crown.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "Zaragoza tried to sign me in the summer but I knew what the answer would be.

"Since the first day I arrived, Sir Alex has showed me he has a lot of confidence in me and I'm trying to do my best to show him I can be part of this team. I can be a United player.

"He talks to you a lot - not only about football, but about everything in life''.

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2888093,00.html

O'Shea set for new United deal

Manchester United star John O'Shea has revealed he is close to signing a new deal at Old Trafford.

The Republic of Ireland international says he is in advanced talks over extending his stay with the champions.

The 26-year-old insists he is happy to stay as he been assured he is important to Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

"The manager feels I am part of his plans, so we will wait and see," O'Shea told the Sunday Mirror.

"I have this season and the next on my current contract, but I am very close to signing a new deal that will keep me at United into my 30s.

"It is something I want to do. I want to stay here, everything is good and this is where I want to be.

"I have never looked to go elsewhere."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2889397,00.html

Cristiano: Praise is positive

Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed Sir Alex's comments on the strength of United's squad.

In his United Review programme notes for Blackburn's visit to Old Trafford, the United boss said he believed the current crop of players could be his best yet.

"It's always good to hear praise from our manager, who, over the years, has coached several United teams," Ronaldo said. "If he says that then it's good for us, especially the new players. It's very positive.

"Ronaldo's form has been central to United's unbeaten streak in the league, which now stretches back to mid-August. Indeed, the Portugal international has found the net 10 times already this season. And yet, some critics claim he's failed to ignite matches in the way he so often did during the 2006/07 campaign.

That kind of criticism doesn't bother Ronaldo. He insists he's playing well and only wants to continue his good form.

"I have scored some goals and played well," he said. "I always work to be the best, with the aim of improving every year on the weaker parts of my game. I’ve been in good form and now I’ve got to make sure I maintain this consistency."

Source : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=507786

My Invincibles - Fergie hails 'best ever' United to turn the heat on Wenger

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his Manchester United all-stars are the best squad he has had as they moved three points clear of Arsenal yesterday.

Arsene Wenger's team are at Reading tonight but Ferguson is in pole position and purring with excitement about his team, who beat Blackburn 2-0.

The Manchester United manager, who has been at Old Trafford for 21 years, said: "I believe this is the strongest squad I've ever had.

"I prefer to see a pool of players emerge and develop into something special, which is what is happening at Old Trafford this season. We have the young players led by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and they have now been joined by the likes of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson."

Ronaldo's two goals came in as many minutes in the first half but the talking point of the afternoon was the sending off of Rovers midfielder David Dunn.

Dunn was cautioned for pulling Tevez's shirt in the first half and then dismissed after taking Louis Saha's legs soon after half-time.

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes said: "We're disappointed. We were more than in the game but lost David to a challenge that was mistimed more than anything. It wasn't violent or poor play. The game suffered because of that decision."

Ferguson acknowledged that Dunn had been rather unlucky and Blackburn can also feel aggrieved after Ronaldo appeared to shove Ryan Nelsen into the advertising hoardings late in the game.

Ron tops Rovers poll

Cristiano Ronaldo's quick-fire brace against Blackburn has earned the winger the Man of the Match award, as voted by ManUtd.com users.

More than 6500 fans had their say in an online poll after United ended Rovers' unbeaten streak on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.

Mark Hughes' men hadn't lost away from home in the league since the last time they came to Old Trafford, back in March.

But two goals in as many minutes – the first a powerful header, the second a simple tap-in after good work down the left by Carlos Tevez – sunk the visitors and left Sir Alex marvelling at his side's killer instinct.Ronaldo didn't light up the stage as he has done on so many other occasions, but his two goals undoubtedly turned the game and he garnered an impressive 53 per cent of the vote.

Ryan Giggs, who turned back the clock with a stunning display of wing wizardry, provided the sternest competition (18%), while Patrice Evra (13%), Owen Hargreaves (11%) and Carlos Tevez (5%) rounded out the voting.

Man Utd's Saha delighted with start

Manchester United striker Louis Saha is delighted with the early weeks of his latest comeback from injury.

"It has been such a long time since I was in the starting line-up and it felt good to be in there," Saha told L'Equipe after Sunday's victory over Blackburn Rovers. "I was in the starting XI against Roma, but that day I was not at my best.

"I took advantage of the Wayne Rooney injury, but that is why a whole squad is useful.

"It went smoothly against Blackburn. I won't complain about failing to score because the most important thing is the team won."

Ferguson hails 'strongest' squad

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw Manchester United beat Blackburn 2-0 to head the Premier League and claimed the squad is his strongest in 21 years at the club.

Ferguson said: "We've got young players led by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and more in the likes of Carlos Tevez and Nani and Anderson.

"In fact, it is difficult to know when to stop when talking about our important players.

"But this team has to win something. They have a great chance of doing so."

Ronaldo scored twice in United's victory over Blackburn, which moved Ferguson's squad three points clear in the top flight, although second-placed Arsenal visit Reading on Monday night.


The goals took him to double figures already for the season, and saw him get the highest mark from users of BBC Sport's player rater for the match.

But Ferguson also singled out for praise the old man of the squad, Ryan Giggs.

Ferguson added: "He is 34 at the end of the month but I feel he can go on for a few years yet.

"He has been a wonderful servant for this club and he was our best player."

However, Ferguson's opposite number Mark Hughes was not so happy after seeing his side beaten on Sunday.

The Blackburn manager was unable to hide his frustration at referee Chris Foy's dismissal of David Dunn, who picked up a second booking early in the second half.

"He was a little bit quick with the card," Hughes told BBC Sport.

"There should have been a little bit of leeway but after that it was very hard for us. We feel a little bit hard done by."

Ferguson agreed with Hughes that Dunn's red card might have been harsh.

Dunn's second booking was for a trip on Louis Saha and was possibly deserved but Hughes was unhappy with Foy's previous decision to give the Blackburn midfielder a yellow card for a challenge on Tevez.

"It was never a booking - why didn't the assistant help the referee in that situation?" questioned Hughes.

Blackburn were already losing by two goals when Dunn was dismissed and Hughes argued that his side's numerical disadvantage gave them no hope of rescuing the game.

"Little things went away from us and we didn't quite get the run of the ball," he added. "We didn't have a chance to show the team we are."

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7089910.stm

Man Utd' Ronaldo delighted with double

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted with his brace in yesterday's 2-0 defeat of Blackburn Rovers.

He said: "If I keep scoring two goals every game then it's fantastic, it doesn't matter about the hat-trick. I score goals to help my team not for personal glory.

The most important thing is getting the three points and going back to the top of the table.

"The first goal was a fantastic leap and the second goal killed the game. After that we improved our play and deserved to win. We are in good form."

Source :

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64642

Match Review: Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn

Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's double.

Christopher Samba came very close to giving Blackburn the lead when his rising shot crashed against the bar.

But Ronaldo's header and a side-footed finish, in the space of two first-half minutes, put United in total control.

And any hope Blackburn had of salvaging a point disappeared when David Dunn was sent off for picking up a second yellow card early in the second half.

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