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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 boss Ferguson: Rooney injury big blow

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wayne Rooney's ankle injury is a huge blow to their title push.

The in-form forward, who has scored eight goals in his last seven games for the Red Devils, injured his ankle during a game of 'head tennis' at United's Carrington training ground.

Rooney will therefore be unavailable for England's friendly with Austria next week and the potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21.

"I think Rooney was the man who could take England to the European championships," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.

"It was an absolute freak accident.

"He was playing a game of head tennis and he caught his foot on the stanchion that holds up the net. It's a sickening blow, but we hope he'll be back in four weeks.

"He's been in red-hot form recently, but that's football. He'll miss our games against Blackburn and Bolton - and it's obviously a big loss for England too."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64400

We must shed 'nearly men' tag in Europe this year, demands Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players that they face being known as 'nearly men' if they cannot win him a second Champions League title.

United face Dynamo Kiev at Old Trafford in Group F tonight knowing another win would send them into the knockout stage with two games to spare.


And manager Ferguson has challenged his players to realise their potential and lift the trophy for the first time since 1999.

Ferguson said: "We've had disappointments on the Champions League trail but this season we are capable of going all the way.

"The players clearly want to do well in the Champions League and if you are one of the best you naturally look to spell it out with cups and medals, otherwise you are in danger of ending your career as a nearly man.

"And I don't think a single Manchester United player wants that."
Gary Neville will miss the game after injuring his calf in training.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=492118&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

Fergie can go on and on

SIR Alex Ferguson celebrates 21 years in charge of Manchester United this week and shows no sign of slowing down.

At 65, most people settle into retirement and look forward to a quiet life but Ferguson remains at the top of his profession and has every intention of staying there.

In the last few days alone, the iron-willed Scot has shown his footballing fire and passion, so evident in two trophy-laden decades at Old Trafford, burn as brightly as ever.

In the aftermath of Saturday's heavyweight clash at Arsenal, he launched an immediate offensive at referee Howard Webb and was clearly angry his side had conceded a late equaliser.

Details of Ferguson's team-talks have seeped out over the years and it would certainly be no surprise if the infamous hairdryer came out in the Emirates Stadium's away dressing room.

United may be champions and again playing some outstanding football but still he is not satisfied.There have been nine Premier League titles, five FA Cups and a Champions League win but no let-up.

Relentless It is this single-minded focus and relentless determination to succeed, combined with an ability to command respect and cajole the best from players, that has made him such a formidable manager.

He has never shied from difficult decisions and seldom been afraid to remove players he has seen as disruptive, no matter how much controversy those decisions have caused.

Paul McGrath, Paul Ince, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy are just a few of the huge stars who have fallen foul of Ferguson and they may not be the last.

Ferguson has let little get in his way in his pursuit of glory and, after turning around a hugely-underachieving side and maintaining a place at the top for so long, few can argue with his methods.

There have been times when his superiority has faced a challenge, but each time he has risen to it and, arguably, come back stronger.

Blackburn briefly deposed United in the mid-1990s, the Arsenal of Arsene Wenger have been recurring rivals and most recently Chelsea have taken charge.

Yet Ferguson never gives in and United's achievement in holding off the filthy-rich Blues to win the Premier League last season perhaps ranks as one of his greatest.

It is a remarkable tale of longevity and, with United challenging for more honours, there are more chapters to be written yet.

A relative lack of European silverware is perhaps the only imbalance on Ferguson's record.

One European Cup Winners' Cup and one fortuitous Champions League win compares unfavourably with some of the continent's other managerial greats.

It is something he is determined to put right, as evidenced by a number of near misses, and even if he does, he seems unlikely to stop there.

Source : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1022835_fergie_can_go_on_and_on?rss=yes

Man Utd boss Ferguson hails supersub Saha impact

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the performance of Louis Saha off the bench for yesterday's 2-2 draw at Arsenal.

Saha helped create Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in the draw and Ferguson told MUTV: "I had the strongest bench that we've had all season, that's encouraging for us.

"The lads who have been playing all this time have been fantastic and we are very proud of them. But we can now alternate our teams a little bit better."

John O'Shea, Michael Carrick and Saha all came on in the second half against Arsenal, and the latter caught the eye when United scored what looked to be the winning goal.

"Louis Saha made a marvellous contribution when he came on," praised Sir Alex.

"He made a great pass for the goal to Evra who squared it for Ronaldo. At that point, I thought we were home and dry."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=63402

Sir Alex: We threw it away

Sir Alex Ferguson was fuming after United's failure to keep the lead cost them dear in a dramatic draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The boss believes his team threw away a great chance to beat their rivals, and pointed to the first of two Arsenal equalisers as the source of his irritation.

"We threw it away, we were in a winning position twice," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"The goal that angered me most was the goal we gave away after half-time. To lose a goal from taking a throw-in at their corner flag was criminal.

"The goal in question, scored by Cesc Fabregas, came only three minutes after Wayne Rooney had given United the lead - albeit with the half-time interval inbetween.

"It was a marvellous time for us to score, just before half-time. We should have been buoyed by that and we did start the second half well with good possession. Then we gave the goal away and for the next five to ten minutes after that they got at us.

"United weathered that early second-half storm and the score remained at 1-1 for the next half-hour. Sir Alex was then as surprised as anyone when the Reds broke through again.

"I couldn’t see either team scoring a second goal. To then score our second when we did and give it away in injury time is hard to take, really hard to take. Arsenal got out of jail.

"The result doesn’t tell you anything as both teams are going to be challenging. But the draw's good for Chelsea and Liverpool and there are a lot of twists and turns to come."

Source : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=504131

Ferguson critical of referee Webb

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson accused referee Howard Webb of favouring Arsenal in United's 2-2 draw.

The Gunners twice came from behind to salvage a draw at home on Saturday.

"I think Howard Webb has a great chance to be the top referee but today was a big game for him and, at times, he favoured Arsenal," Ferguson told MUTV.

"Their second goal came from him not giving a free-kick for a foul on Louis Saha on the far side. It should've been a foul for us."

However, Ferguson stated it was hard for referees not to be influenced by hostile home crowds.

I am pleased that in two big games we had to run after the score and we did that both times

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"It is very difficult for the referee," he added. "On our bench, we were getting terrible abuse from people two or three feet away from us.

"There is a lack of security. It is absolutely disgraceful the abuse you and your staff take. All sorts of things are being shouted and screamed at you and there is an absolute danger here."

However, a spokesperson for the Gunners said: "Stadium security is of the highest importance and we feel there is ample stewarding around the dugout area.

"However, the club does recognise that some exchanges which takes place can be of an aggressive nature, and there was an incident this afternoon where one supporter was ejected.

"There is also CCTV which monitors the area which our stadium management crew review in detail after games, and if necessary the club will take further action."

Ferguson had thought his side had done enough to win the match when Cristiano Ronaldo put them 2-1 up with eight minutes left.

But William Gallas, whose own goal had given United a first-half lead before a Cesc Fabregas goal, volleyed an injury-time equaliser for the Gunners.

"Our character was tested twice," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "Just before half-time and with eight minutes to go.

"Overall though, I believe it was a fair result. We played with the handbrake on in the first half, though, and we lacked our usual flowing game."

It was the second time in successive league matches that Arsenal had drawn against top opposition, having finished 1-1 at Liverpool last Sunday.

And Wenger was frustrated not to have taken at least four points from the two games.

"That is a disappointment," he added. "But on the other hand I am pleased that in two big games we had to run after the score and we did that both times.

"We are still in charge of the title race because we are top with a game in hand.

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7073616.stm

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Don't write-off Chelsea, Liverpool

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson won't rule out Liverpool and Chelsea making a title challenge this season.

Ahead of tomorrow's big match at Arsenal, Ferguson said: "At the moment, I think it's looking between Arsenal and ourselves at the top, but you know football changes. "When you come to January and it really does start, then you expect to see Liverpool and Chelsea."

And it's been revealed Ferguson always expected an improved Arsenal this season.

In a rare moment of intimacy with journalists on United's pre-season tour of Asia, Ferguson raised an eyebrow when he was asked whether Arsenal might struggle after losing Henry to Barcelona.

"They lost him in December," Ferguson said in a curt assessment of the France forward's final months as an Arsenal player.

"His time had gone and I think Arsene (Wenger) knew that. I think they will be more consistent. They need more goals, but they've got [Emmanuel] Adebayor and they've got [Robin] Van Persie back, so they're not too bad, are they?"

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=63209

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Fergie slams Sutcliffe after attack on ticket prices
Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Gerry Sutcliffe's controversial outburst over Manchester United's season-ticket prices - and jokingly suggested the Red Devils-supporting sports minister might be better off going to watch rebel club FC United.

Fergie tips Jose to snub England return

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he does not expect Jose Mourinho to ever return to England following his shock Chelsea exit.

Ferguson has been in touch with the self-proclaimed Special One "a couple of times" since he left Chelsea and believes he will end up working on the continent.

"I don't know if he will come back into the English game, I'm not sure of that," Ferguson told the League Managers Association website.

"I think Jose will end up at a top team in Spain or Italy, I'm almost certain of that.

"There certainly is no-one on the radar at the moment obviously, he's taking a break and I think he's aiming to come back fresh.

"I don't think there's any problem about him coming back into management, I think it's where he comes back in and I don't think anyone has any clues to that at this moment in time."

Ferguson warned that managers cannot be out of the game too long because they will become forgotten - although he conceded that will not happen to Mourinho.

"I was reading an article the other day where a club was talking to Brian Little and Brian has done great work in his management career at Darlington, Aston Villa, Leicester etc," said Ferguson.

"He's been around quite a few clubs, Brian, but he's been out of the game for about three years now and you get forgotten about.

"It is ridiculous, but being out of the game that long is a handicap because with his qualities and his CV, Brian Little could quite easily manage 80% of the clubs in England."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2840824,00.html

Man Utd boss Ferguson excited by Arsenal showdown

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is excited about their looming clash at Arsenal.

"It's still an open race but Arsenal have had a great start and they're the ones we are chasing at the moment," Ferguson told the Daily Star.

"I know challenging for a title is a new experience for a lot of their players, but some of them have been there before and the manager has, and that is a big help.

"People said the same about us last year, but we led the league for three-quarters of the season, so I don't think it's a handicap."

He added: "Everything is coming together, as I thought it would, and in good time to take on Arsenal in what could be a key match in our title defence.
"The main thing is I know we will chase them with great fervour and determination."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=62898

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Boss: Our best display so far

Sir Alex Ferguson believes United's forwards have really hit form after the Reds scored four goals for the second game running.

Speaking after United demolished Aston Villa 4-1 in their "best performance of the season", the boss acknowledged it had taken a while for his forward line to click into gear.

"I think there's been a disappointment that we haven't scored more goals," said Sir Alex. "That's a big surprise considering the players we have but Tevez and Anderson missed pre-season so it took them a while to get the fitness needed at this level.

Rooney missed the first four games of the season and Ronaldo was suspended, so it's understandable."Sir Alex believes the goal-shy start to the campaign is well and truly behind United.

"We are delighted, the performance in particular was absolutely superb and I think it's probably our best of the season," he said.Villa were reduced to nine men when midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and goalkeeper Scott Carson were sent off.

Sir Alex backed both decisions by referee Rob Styles but denied they were decisive moments in the game.

"I don’t think the red cards made a difference to the scoreline but they did give us an easier task. Reo-Coker was unlucky, but he committed two bookable offences as they were both late tackles.

You can't afford to do that in the modern game."As for Carson being sent off (for bringing down Tevez), there is a lot of sympathy in that situation but the letter of the law says he has to go."

Credit : http://www.manutd.com/

Scout : Sir Alex Ferguson Interests for Dos Santos, Raul Garcia and Iniesta

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched La Liga match, Barca's 3-0 thumping of Atletico Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson made a personal check on Barcelona superkid Giovani dos Santos and Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia.

Ferguson sees Dos Santos as an ideal solution for the left-side of his midfield, but will face competition from Chelsea.

And Ferguson likes Raul's versatility and is aware of the youngster's smooth transition into Atletico's midfield since his summer arrival.

Moreover, Manchester United is interested in Barcelona's sparkling midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Man Utd boss Ferguson welcomes back Neville

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to field skipper Gary Neville in reserve-team action this week.

Ferguson told the Daily Star: "We are hoping to use Gary against Liverpool reserves this week. That's the plan.

"He is getting better and he is improving all the time.

"He's over his last injury and he has been training now for over two weeks and he is at a good level. Because he has been out for so long, he needs games now and hopefully he can start on Thursday.

"It will be a good introduction for him game-wise."

Fergie delighted with Tevez and Nani

CARLOS Tevez earned the plaudits of Sir Alex Ferguson after setting Manchester United on the way to victory against Wigan.

The Argentine collected his second goal of the season as the champions rediscovered their touch in front of goal.

Tevez' strike - the first of four second half goals for United - showed great composure as he beat two defenders and then rounded the goalkeeper - and Ferguson believes that is just glimpse of what the former West Ham man can bring to Old Trafford.

"We needed a spark - and Carlos provided it," he said.

"There were challenges coming in from all angles. But he kept his nerve - which was the right thing to do."

Furthermore, Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the performances of summer signing Nani so far this season.

"The long-term view with Nani was that he would come in for Giggs now and again," said Ferguson.

"But he has played quite a few times. I think there is tremendous potential in the boy.

"From what we have seen of him so far there are some thing that you pick up after you have bought a player and that is he is quicker than I thought. He is very, very quick.