Friday 24 June 2011

Oldham boss Dickov coy over interest for Man Utd keeper Amos

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Oldham Athletic boss Paul Dickov is coy over their interest in Manchester Unitedgoalkeeper Ben Amos.
Amos is being linked with a loan return to Boundary Park.
“Talks are progressing and hopefully we will have one in by the end of the week, or if not then early next week before we start training,” Dickov told the Oldham Chronicle.
The Athletic boss wouldn’t be drawn on the identity of his targeted stopper.

Man Utd defender Ferdinand welcomes Young signing

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United defenderRio Ferdinand has welcomed the signing of Ashley Young.
Young completed his move to Old Trafford yesterday.
After teasing his England teammate about his head gear, Ferdinand tweeted: "Another top, hungry and young player joins the ranks."
Young follows the arrival of Phil Jones earlier this month fromBlackburn Rovers.

Man Utd boss Ferguson has no plans to sell Nani

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has no interest in selling Nani this summer.
The Portugal winger was tipped to be moved on after United's deal forAston Villa winger Ashley Young.
But the Daily Mail says though the 24-year-old ended last season on the bench, he remains part of Ferguson’s plans.
The United boss is convinced his squad needs more strength in depth and has no intention of moving players on just because new signings have arrived.

Success of Man Utd signing Young leaves his ex-Watford coach in tears

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



New Manchester Unitedsigning Ashley Young has had one of his former coaches in tears over the success he's enjoyed since almost being rejected by Watford.
The Hornets were ready to let the 16-year-old hopeful go because they reckoned he did not have the build for the rough and tumble of football.
But youth development officer Chris Cummins persuaded the club's hierarchy to keep faith with the lad.
He told The Sun: "Ashley came to Watford as a lad of eight and worked his way through the system.
"His attitude was first class. He never missed a training session and from a very early age you could see how bright he was as a footballer.
"When he got to 16 there was a school of thought at Watford that he wasn't strong enough.
"As a result he wasn't offered a scholarship but he stayed on as a non-contract boy, training twice a week at night after school. I really felt there was something there.
"He listened, took the knocks and proved people wrong. He has proved his character and his ability and I couldn't be more pleased for him."
Cummins, who has an England shirt signed by Young, said: "As a youth coach you always want to produce your first million-pound player.
"I admit I've shed the odd tear when I see how well Ashley's done for himself and his family.
"Ashley's kept his feet on the ground but I still have to buy the coffee when we meet up before England games at their hotel. He's still a bit tight!"

Berbatov faces being squeezed out in new Man Utd rebuilding plans

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson is expected to sell Dimitar Berbatov this summer.
The Daily Express says Ferguson, who turns 70 this year, is determined to slash the age of his squad and the big-money signings of two home-grown talents in Ashley Young and Phi Jones suggests a shift in policy during a summer of change.
The rebuilding exercise, the biggest since a host of senior stars left to make way for David Beckham and the rest of the golden generation in 1995, casts doubts over the futures of a number of players.
The casualties will include Wes Brown, while Dimitar Berbatov’s future appears increasingly bleak following Young’s arrival.
Bulgarian striker Berbatov is in danger of being relegated further down the pecking order and his omission from Ferguson’s plans against Barcelona could spell the end of his Old Trafford career.

Man Utd winger Valencia dismisses Real Madrid rumours

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Antonio Valencia insists he's fully committed toManchester United.
Valencia has been linked withReal Madrid and Juventus.
But he said: "There are rumours about other clubs but I have no news about that.
"I am focused on the Copa America and performing with Ecuador.
"I have recovered from the injury problems of last season."

Man Utd signing Young: Speaking with Sir Alex left me buzzing

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



New Manchester Unitedsigning Ashley Young admits he was buzzing when first speak with Sir Alex Fergusonabout leaving Aston Villa.
Young completed his move to United yesterday.
He said: "You get a buzz inside. You get a great feeling that one of the greatest managers in the world wants to sign you and one of the greatest clubs in the world wants to buy you.
"I am excited. It's surreal but I'm delighted to be here and I just want to get on with the job.
"As soon as I got the call I wanted to get things sorted, get the papers signed and get back into training.
"I remember when I got my first England call I thought it was a wind-up.
"I knew this one wasn't. But there's a lot of banter in the game. You can tell from the expression on my face I'm excited but I just want to get my head down now and get on with it."

Man Utd signing Young: Speaking with Sir Alex left me buzzing

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



New Manchester Unitedsigning Ashley Young admits he was buzzing when first speak with Sir Alex Fergusonabout leaving Aston Villa.
Young completed his move to United yesterday.
He said: "You get a buzz inside. You get a great feeling that one of the greatest managers in the world wants to sign you and one of the greatest clubs in the world wants to buy you.
"I am excited. It's surreal but I'm delighted to be here and I just want to get on with the job.
"As soon as I got the call I wanted to get things sorted, get the papers signed and get back into training.
"I remember when I got my first England call I thought it was a wind-up.
"I knew this one wasn't. But there's a lot of banter in the game. You can tell from the expression on my face I'm excited but I just want to get my head down now and get on with it."

West Brom step up bid for Man Utd keeper Kuszczak

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester Unitedgoalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is wanted byWest Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies see the Pole as a direct replacement for Scott Carson, who is in advanced talks with Bursaspor.
Kuszczak, 29, has told he can leave United this summer and a move back to West Brom - the club he left for Old Trafford in 2007 - is on the cards.
Albion boss Roy Hodgson is in the market for more than one goalkeeper, with Dean Kiely having hung up his gloves.

Man Utd secure first option on Chilean whizkid Angelo Henriquez

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United have an option on Chilean whizkid Angelo Henriquez.
The 18 year-old attacker spent time with United last season and 6cero.com says they now have first refusal on the youngster.
Henriquez is tied to Universidad de Chile, and United can exercise an option to sign the 18-year-old striker - dubbed a blend of Alexis Sanchez and Ivan Zamorano - anytime between now and 2014.
The fee agreed between the two clubs is for around £3.5million.

Man Utd icon Irwin: Young will be really good for us

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United hero Denis Irwin has welcomed their capture of Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
The club announced on Thursday it had reached agreement withAston Villa to secure the services of the 25-year-old and Irwin is predicting a bright future for the England international.
“I think it’s a great signing and I expect him to be a really good player for us,” the Treble winner toldManUtd.com. “He’s got good ability and is a real threat from set-pieces, which is something we’ve been missing in the last couple of years.
“He can play anywhere behind the front man and his delivery into the box is fantastic. He’s got a real eye for goal too and, given the opportunity, I think he’ll chip in with a few goals next season.”
Young is United’s second signing of the summer following the capture of defender Phil Jones from Blackburn earlier this month. And Irwin wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more new faces before the transfer window closes.
“The fact we’ve lost Nev, Scholesy and Edwin, and Owen Hargreaves has also left, meant we needed to bring some players in because you need a big squad to be able to challenge for the top prizes. Phil and Ashley are really good acquisitions and I’m sure both will do well.
“I think there will be a lot of money spent in the next couple of months by a lot of teams and I wouldn't be surprised to see us bring in a couple more players."

Canada return likely for released Man Utd midfielder Hargreaves

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Released Manchester Unitedmidfielder Owen Hargreaves has offers from his native Canada to continue his career.
The Daily Mail says MLS sideToronto FC want to offer Hargreaves a chance to resurrect his career.
The former England midfielder is a free agent after being released byManchester United following two years blighted by injury to his knees and tendinitis.
Vancouver Whitecaps have also shown interest in the 30-year-old. Toronto are coached by former Dutch midfielder Aron Winter - and ex-Ipswich striker Paul Mariner is director of football.

Man Utd signing Young: I know I must fight for start. I want to win title No20

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



New Manchester Unitedsigning Ashley Young knows he's no longer guaranteed a starting place.
Young completed his move fromAston Villa yesterday.
He said: "To come to a club like this, you are always going to have challenges. There is great competition for places.
"It’s always nice to know that if you are in the team there is someone snapping away at your heels. I just want to get myself in the team. It will be a challenge but I am up to it.
"To play with such great players and have the chance to be part of a team that wins the 20th title would be amazing. The prospect of playing for one of the truly great clubs was one that I always looked at as a child and now that I am here I have to take the opportunity with both hands.
"You get a buzz inside. You get a great feeling that one of the greatest managers in the world wants to sign you and one of the greatest clubs in the world wants to buy you. They have been a fantastic team for a long time."

Young confident he has mentality to cut it at Man Utd

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Ashley Young feels he has the mentality to cut it atManchester United.
Young certainly sounds like a player with the same winning mentality Ferguson has demanded from his players in a quarter of a century at the club.
The United new-boy said: "They have been a fantastic team for a long time. They produce great players and are always in there fighting for leagues and cups.
"They have that winning mentality and as a player I have always wanted to be the best I can and to have challenges.
"To come to a club like this you are always going to have challenges. I want to win titles and leagues and hopefully I can be part of that this time.
"It's different when players you are used to playing against are suddenly your team-mates.
"But I just want to train with them and learn from them."

Man Utd boss Ferguson now ready to turn to Sneijder - or Nasri, Modric

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson's spending won't end with Ashley Young and Phil Jones this summer.
The Daily Star says if Fergie gets his wish, Wesley Sneijder will be joining them next term.
The Inter Milan star would be the icing on a very expensive cake for Fergie should he manage to lure him to Old Trafford.
At 27, Holland World Cup star Sneijder is the finished article and one of the best in his position in the world – the closest Fergie will find in terms of replacing Paul Scholes.
Sneijder would cost United another £30m, taking the club’s spending over the £70m mark.
Alternative targets include Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric and Arsnel's Samir Nasri, who also wouldn’t come cheap, but one of these three will be at Old Trafford come the start of the season.

Villarreal ace Rossi admits he fancies Man Utd return

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi would welcome a return to former clubManchester United.
The Italian striker, 24, says he is ready to quit the Yellow Submarine — but only for a move to one of the world's three biggest teams.
Barcelona are leading the chase for the £30million-rated hitman, who smashed 32 goals in La Liga last season.
Rossi said: "I think it's a dream for all soccer players to play for the biggest clubs whether it's Manchester United, Barca or Real Madrid.
"Those are the best clubs in the world, so I'm no different. Therefore, I want to keep working hard and see what can come out of it."
 

Delph sorry to see Villa sell Young to Man Utd

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Fabian Delph is disappointed seeing his Aston Villa captain Ashley Young sold toManchester United.
Villa have doubled the £9 million they paid to sign the winger from Watford in January 2007, while Young is reported to have doubled his wages with a £130,000-per-week pay packet.
“It happens all the time, it’s football, people come and go and you’ve just got to deal with it and just keep going,” Delph, who described the England star as a “big brother” to him, told the Birmingham Mail.
“I don’t think he could be replaced, to be honest with you. His all-round work ethic was absolutely unbelievable.
“He must have run twice as much as most people on the pitch.
“With his goals and assists it will be very hard to replace him, but if we can get somebody here half as good as him then he would still be a great player.
“You get a lot of players, who are not selfish, but do more of their work in the attacking half of the pitch whereas Youngy is up and down, when he’s on the right-hand side especially, working hard for the boys.
“The lads appreciate that from a winger who has flair but still wants to graft.”

Ex-Watford boss Bothroyd: Young is Nani, Park, Valencia IN ONE

24.06.11 | tribalfootball.com



Former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd has no doubts Ashley Young will be a big success atManchester United.
Boothroyd, manager of Watford from March 2005, when he took Young and his team-mates into the Premier League, reckons United have bought themselves a hybrid of Nani and Ji-Sung Park, a versatile player who can play on the wing or upfront, and will end up being Ryan Giggs’ long-term successor.
He told the Mirror: “Sir Alex will have done his homework and won’t be taking a player he didn’t think could add to them.
“Ashley has the work-ethic Park has got and I think he has got some of the quality and unpredictability to beat a player and create like Nani and Luis Antonio Valencia have got.
“He is sort of a mixture or hybrid of them - plus he is British which makes a big difference.
“He has done very well since he left Watford, he has had a little taste of European football, he has had a little taste of international football and now he is going to go on the biggest stage of all.
“It is a real competitive environment he is going into but it is one I am sure he will relish and will do really well in.
“The most important thing you have to do at United after you have won is win again.
“That will suit Ashley as he likes to win games and is a winner.”

Thursday 23 June 2011

Ashley Young set sights on helping Manchester United win a record 20th league after signing from Aston Villa

Ashley Young has set his sights on helping Manchester United win a record 20th league championship after signing a five-year, £120,000-a-week contract to complete his £16 million transfer to Old Trafford. 





Raring to go: Ashley Young has already got his eye on a Premier League trophy Photo: PA 

The Premier League champions had agreed a fee with Aston Villa and personal terms with the player before he departed on holiday to Las Vegas earlier this month and a club statement on Wednesday afternoon confirmed Young had passed a medical held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hospital on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old England international will join up with his new team-mates when United return to pre-season training on July 4 and admitted that he could not wait to begin his first campaign at “one of the greatest clubs in the world” as he attempts to make history under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.
“It is surreal, but I am delighted to be here,” Young told MUTV. “I am going to miss Villa, the fans, the manager and the staff, but to have the chance to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one that I could not turn down.
“To come here and play with such great players and have the chance to be part of a team that hopefully wins the 20th title would be amazing. The prospect of playing for one of the truly great clubs was one that I always looked at as a child and now that I am here I have to take the opportunity with both hands.
“You do get a buzz inside [when told United have made a bid]. You get a great feeling that one of the greatest managers in the world wants to sign you and one of the greatest clubs in the world wants to buy you. For me, as soon as I got the call, I wanted to get things sorted, get the papers signed and get in to training.
“United have that winning mentality and for myself as a player I have always wanted to be the best I can be. To come to a club like this you are always going to have challenges. I want to win titles and hopefully I can be part of that this time.”
Young becomes Ferguson’s second signing of the summer — alongside the former Blackburn defender Phil Jones, purchased for £16.5 million — and can be expected to be joined at Old Trafford by David De Gea, the Atletico Madrid and Spain Under-21 goalkeeper. The 20 year-old will cost around £18.3 million.
With Ferguson also keen to add a midfielder to compensate for the loss of Paul Scholes — Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Samir Nasri are all thought to be under consideration — this is likely to be the Scot’s most thorough overhaul of his playing resources for 15 years.
The 69 year-old wishes to rejuvenate his ageing side, with one of his stalwarts, Rio Ferdinand, quick to recognise the characteristics Ferguson seems to have prioritised in welcoming Young to Old Trafford. Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: “Welcoming Ashley Young to Manchester United. Another top, hungry and young player joins the ranks.”
Young’s move to Old Trafford completes a stellar rise for the Stevenage-born forward. He was rejected from Watford’s youth academy as a teenager but eventually managed to earn a contract at the club, making his debut in 2003.
He impressed in the opening six months of the club’s solitary season in the Premier League before moving to Aston Villa for £9.75 million in January 2007.
“Ashley has made a terrific contribution and everyone at the club wishes him the best,” said Alex McLeish, the new Villa manager. 

Ashley Young: profile

Telegraph Sport charts Ashley Young's career to date, from Watford to Manchester United...



Moving on: Ashley Young has joined Man Utd on a five-year deal Photo: PA

2:47PM BST 23 Jun 2011 
1985: July 9 - Born in Stevenage.
2000: Joins Watford as a youth player.
2002: Offered professional terms at Vicarage Road.
2003: Sept 13 - Makes Watford debut, scoring as second-half substitute against Millwall. Young also scored in his next game against Derby, again as a replacement.
2005: Aug 9 - Scores first brace for Watford against Plymouth in the second game of the season after failing to find the net in the 2004/05 season.
2006: Jan 1 - Handed first senior red card against Luton.
Feb - Called up to England Under-21 Football League squad by boss Peter Taylor.
May 6 - Scores in the Championship play-off semi-final against Crystal Palace, before playing 90 minutes in the 3-0 final victory over Leeds.
Sept - Called up to full England Under-21 squad, scoring in his first appearance against Switzerland.
Oct 2 - Scores first Premier League goals, hitting the target twice in Watford's 3-3 draw with Fulham.
2007: Jan 18 - Given permission to speak to Aston Villa about a possible transfer after the clubs agree a fee of which could rise to £9.65 million. West Ham had earlier had a similar offer accepted but Young turned down the move.
Jan 20 - Young agrees to move to Villa Park.
Jan 31 - Scores against Newcastle on Villa debut.
June - Part of the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship in Holland, scores twice in a dramatic penalty shootout as England eventually lose 13-12 to the hosts in the semi-finals.
Aug 31 - Included in England squad for matches against Russia and Israel.
Nov 16 - Makes his England debut as a half-time replacement in a friendly against Austria.
2008: May - Is the only player outfield player outside the 'Big Four' to be selected in the Premier League team of the year.
Dec 7 - Scores two goals in Villa's 3-2 win over Everton and is hailed as "world class" and a "genius" by manager Martin O'Neill. Wins the player of the month award to make him the first player to win three in a year.
2009: April - Named PFA Young Player of the Year.
July 26 - Says he wants to remain at Villa despite attracting attention from the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea.
Aug 12 - Makes his first England start in the 2-2 draw with Holland in Amsterdam.
2010: May 11 - Fails to make Fabio Capello's preliminary squad for the World Cup in South Africa.
Oct 12 - Makes first competitive start for England in 0-0 draw with Montenegro at Wembley.
Oct 22 - Tells Aston Villa he will not sign a new deal before the summer.
2011: May 13 - Says he wants to win trophies as speculation continues to link him with a move away from Villa Park.
June 23 - Signs five-year deal with Manchester United after the Old Trafford club agreed an undisclosed fee with Villa.

Manchester United sign England winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa on five-year contract

Manchester United have completed the £16 million signing of England winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa.


Red Devil: England winger Ashley Young has swapped Villa for United Photo: AFP 
The 25 year-old has agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s second signing of the summer.
United had agreed a fee with Villa and personal terms with the player before he departed on holiday earlier this month and the club confirmed this afternoon that Young had passed a medical held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hospital yesterday.
Young will link up with his new team-mates when United return to pre-season training early next month and can expect to be joined by Phil Jones, a £16.5m capture from Blackburn, and David De Gea, the Spanish U21 international goalkeeper who is widely expected to join United when the international transfer window opens on July 1.
The three players form part of Ferguson’s most thorough overhaul of his playing resources since the summer of 1995, when a host of senior players departed to make way for Paul Scholes, David Beckham and the rest of the Fergie’s Fledglings generation.
The Scot is also hopeful of adding a central midfielder, with Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Samir Nasri thought to be among his priorities.
Young’s move to Old Trafford completes a stellar rise for the Stevenage-born forward. Young was rejected from Watford’s youth academy as a teenager but eventually managed to earn a contract at the club, making his debut in 2003.
He impressed in the opening six months of the club’s solitary season in the Premier League before moving to Aston Villa for £9.75m in Jan 2007.
Under the guidance of Martin O’Neill, Young emerged as one of Villa’s key creative forces, scoring 30 goals in 157 appearances across his four years at Villa Park, as well as securing a regular England place.