Saturday 6 August 2011

Man Utd boss Ferguson not bothered by international week disruption

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson isn't upset with the timing of international week.
Ferguson says he's unconcerned about the effect of internationals taking place on Wednesday, just three days before the start of the Premier League season.
He said: "They have been doing it for two or three years now so why should it be any different this year. I've no issue with it, some players may need a game during the week.
"We may have two or three players that actually need 90 minutes.
"England have done their very best under the circumstances to reduce the playing time for players - there's no replays in the Cup or the semi-final of the Cup, it goes to penalty kicks, the European clubs don't come into the League Cup until the later stages.
"We are trying to condense the English game as best we can to help players because you can't keep on playing the number of games and it not having an adverse effect.
"But with more and more internationals something has got to give and that's a big issue."

Man Utd legend Scholes delighted to score in testimonial

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was delighted to score in his testimonial last night against the New York Cosmos.
Scholes, 36, who hung up his boots in May after scoring 150 goals in 676 appearances, was given a fitting send off by a bumper Old Trafford crowd of nearly 75,000.
He played 75 minutes against a team bossed by United legend Eric Cantona before going off to a huge ovation as United won 6-0.
And the midfielder was his usual understated self at the end, saying: "It was brilliant to get the goal. I just hope I've given the fans a few decent memories over the years."
Scholes, who is set to earn more than £1.5million from the night, now takes up a job on United's coaching staff.

Man Utd winger Nani does not regard Man City as nearest challenger

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United winger Nani doesn't regardManchester City as their nearest title challengers.
City's edge in the transfer market makes them favourites to upset United's bid for a 20th Premier League title.
But Nani told The Sun: "City won't be our only rival. They have reinforced but the competition is very open and it is impossible to discard the other big clubs.
"The Premier League is much improved. The quality is better and each league match is almost like a cup final.
"We must maintain a high level from the very first day. Year by year it gets more difficult to clinch the title - but this is our objective.
"Of our own signings, David de Gea is a keeper with a big future. We're all helping him integrate and I think he is going to be a star.
"Jones and Young are not rookies in this competition and their work for United will be enormous.
"But we are a compact block, we're not so interested in individual actions - only victories."

Bayern Munich target Nani only thinking of Man Utd future

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Nani insists he is only thinking of a future withManchester United.
Bayern Munich are rumoured to be plotting a £30 million raid for Nani.
But he told The Sun: "I prefer to forget the rumours about other clubs being interested in me.
"I don't want to say too much but, if they are true, it's because I have been working well.
"But, sincerely, I am focused only on United.
"I speak with Mr Ferguson a lot - many times - and he is always very clear. He explains what he wants from me and I do everything to try and fulfil the mission.
"I want to do much better than last season.
"Competition is good, it inspires you. If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game."

Man Utd wing ace Nani: Man City are gone if Tevez goes

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United star winger Nani is convincedManchester City will struggle should they sell Carlos Tevezthis month.
Nani, 24, was a team-mate of Tevez at Old Trafford.
He told The Sun: "I played with Carlos and he is an important player for any club.
"I don't know if he will stay at City but, if he does go, it will be a big problem for Mancini because of the way that he plays and his experience.
"The Community Shield is the first official title of the season and we want to win. And facing City makes the match more exciting.
"It's also our first derby of the season, so to lift the trophy would raise our morale and inflict pain on our rivals."

Man Utd legend Scholes thanks fans for attending testimonial

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United legend Paul Scholes thanked fans for attending his testimonial last night.
Scholes may famously shun the limelight but he took to the microphone on the pitch at the final whistle to thank the sell-out crowd and those who had helped him in his illustrious career.
"Over the last 16-17 years, the fans have always been great to me," he said. "I just hope I can give them some memories.
"I want to say 'thank you' to quite a few people - the manager, coaching staff, everybody involved with the club have been great to me over the years and I can't say how grateful I am for that.
"To the players - I've been privileged to play with so many good players at this club, it's been a great pleasure. To my family, who mean the world to me and also the people who organised tonight as I know how much hard work has gone into this. And, finally, to Eric and his New York Cosmos for being able to put a team together. Also I'd like to thank Nicky Butt and Gary Neville, it was great playing with them over the years.
"I just want to say 'thank you' to everyone. The goal was nice, that's what I say it's about memories. I just hope I've given the fans some decent memories. It was a really nice goal and I was pleased with it."

Man City coach Kidd: How Man Utd snapped up Scholes

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester City coach Brian Kidd has revealed how he managed to sign Paul Scholes for Manchester United.
Scholes signed off on his United career with last night’s testimonial against New York Cosmos.
Kidd told manutd.com: "When I was working at the FA in the late 1980s, I put on a course at Middleton sports centre and they kindly said I could run a five-a-side tournament, which was terrific for the local kids. Up popped Scholesy with his pals from Cardinal Langley. They had a team in it and that was the first time I saw him.
"Out of the five of them, three of the lads came to the centre of excellence: Scholesy, Dean Kirby and Paul O’Keefe. Scholesy was no size, but the ability he had was unbelievable. His awareness and his touch… what a technician, even at that tender age.
"When Sir Alex invited me back to do the local development scene at United, I was over the moon to be given the chance. I had a look through and Scholesy’s name was nowhere to be seen, so when I made enquiries I found out he was at Oldham Athletic. To be fair to Latics, they had a terrific, vibrant youth setup at the time, with really good kids there.
"We made contact through the proper channels, to see if Paul would consider coming down and having a look at what we had to offer at Manchester United."

Man Utd boss Ferguson rates Spurs, Liverpool as contenders

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson expects the race for the Premier League title to be even more competitive this season.
Ferguson believes that Liverpool andTottenham will join the top four to battle it out in what he describes as "the best product in football".
He said: "To win the league in England is very difficult and it doesn't matter how you get the points, you just have to get them. You'll need 84 points to win the league next season - definitely.
"There will be increased competition in the league - I expect Liverpool to be better and added to the top four you have got Tottenham, although they have not done any buying this summer which is surprising, so you expect it's going to be a really tough league.
"You are looking at a top six fighting for a top four and that can only add to the excitement of the Premier League, which I think is the best product in the game now.
"In Germany next season all the season tickets are taken up in every ground and that will create a fantastic atmosphere in German grounds, but United, LiverpoolArsenal andChelsea have full houses every week and I still think we are the best product."

Man Utd winger Nani has no problem battling Young, Valencia for place

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United winger Nani has no problem fighting for his first team place.
Ashley Young has arrived fromAston Villa this summer, while AntonioValencia has just penned a new contract.
Nani told The Sun: "Valencia and Young? They are excellent players but they are not a problem for me.
"It is a long season and United have many players. And the better the competence of the players, then the higher our quality and level of play will be.
"So my objective this season is to win titles - and especially the Champions League. It won't be easy but I believe this year there will be more desire than ever to do this after our defeat by Barcelona.
"Nobody doubts that Barcelona were just champions last season.
"But they could fail at any time and, if they do, it could be different and we could beat them. To do so, we must play to perfection and avoid errors.
"OK, we only beat them in a friendly last week but the result still gives us extra momentum going into the season."

Venables convinced Man Utd, Man City will go for throat in Community Shield

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Former Tottenham boss Terry Venables believes tomorrow's Community Shield will be unlike no other.
El Tel is convinced Manchester Unitedand Manchester City will both go for the throat in the 'friendly' clash.
He wrote in The Sun: "It might only be the Community Shield but expect there to be little love for thy neighbour when the red and blue halves of Manchester renew hostilities at Wembley tomorrow.
"Both United and City will be giving their utmost to triumph in the traditional curtain-raiser, that has been viewed for most of its 103-year history as nothing more than a pre-season kickabout between the winners of the league title and the FA Cup.
"Seldom will this showpiece be more keenly-contested. Seldom will it be viewed by the players and fans as so important."

Man Utd boss Ferguson believes Man City spending not over

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson doesn't believe Manchester City have closed their chequebook.
Fergie admits City will be buoyed by May's FA Cup triumph - and another summer spending spree.
He said: "I thought they may have spent more - and they may still sign more players.
"We get this almost every year as clubs around us buy.
"But it's good for us, it keeps complacency away."

Man Utd boss Ferguson tells Man City rival Mancini: Winning brings you influence

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson believesRoberto Mancini needs to start winning things to see his influence grow at Manchester City.
Mancini suggested recently that he wants to have influence over everything at City in the same way Ferguson does at Old Trafford.
But speaking ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash against City at Wembley, Manchester United manager Ferguson suggested the Italian may have to wait a while.
Ferguson said: "Time does that for you and success, too. It depends on the type of club you have. At United I have been fortunate. They know the most important person at the club is the manager."

Man City boss Mancini impressed by Man Utd summer signings

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester City bossRoberto Mancini is impressed by the signings made byManchester United this summer.
United have swooped for winger Ashley Young (Aston Villa), defender Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers) and goalkeeper David De Gea (Atletico Madrid).
"United were already a good team and they have bought good players," said Mancini.
"Young is a good forward and works for the team, Jones is young but is talented and De Gea is a fantastic goalkeeper. They will be stronger this time."

Man Utd legend Scholes convinced academy talent will maintain local tradition

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United legend Paul Scholes insists there's youngsters in the academy good enough to replace him.
The future still looks bright for United with several youth-teamers ready to progress into the squad this term.
"This club and manager have always treated youth as a major part of it," he told MUTV. "We got our chance when we were young. If you're good enough, he'll definitely give you a chance.
"We've got a great youth team who went on to win the Youth Cup so, this year, you'll see four or five break through."

Man Utd striker Chicharito could start season against Arsenal

06.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United do not expect Javier Hernandez to be ready until the end of August.
The Daily Star says while on tour of the USA, he was sick during a team meal, having been struck on the head in an earlier training session. He was rushed to hospital in New York and had MRI scans before being told he could not fly with the rest of the squad to Washington.
Hernandez was driven the 300-mile trip instead before being given the all clear to return home last Saturday following United’s 2-1 win over Barcelona.
United presumed Hernandez would be sidelined for two weeks at the most but have been forced to take extra caution with him after it emerged he has suffered from severe headaches and sickness before.
United’s medical staff have carried out more tests on Hernandez in England and bossSir Alex Ferguson has revealed he won’t be back in action until the end of this month.
Fergie said: “Hernandez is out for two to three weeks, as we are playing it safe with his concussion.
“He should be back by the end of August.”
Chicharito's first game of the season could be against Arsenal on August 28.

Friday 5 August 2011

Man Utd striker Berbatov to enter PSG talks next week

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is set to enter talks with PSG next week.
United boss Sir Alex Fergusonadmitted on Wednesday night Berbatov could be sold to PSG while inMarseille.
Le Parisien says Berba will hold talks with the new-money Ligue 1 side next week and that his wage demands won't be a problem.
PSG hope to strike terms for around £20 million with United.

Newcastle midfielder Barton rethinks Man Utd, Arsenal ambitions

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United are being linked with Newcastle Unitedmidfielder Joey Barton.
The Daily Mail says, however, Barton may be reluctant to move to Old Trafford as he won't be guaranteed regular first team football.
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is also interested in Newcastle's Barton but although he is a free transfer he is also looking for wages of near £70,000.
Manchester UnitedArsenal,Tottenham and Manchester City are all interested in Barton but the 28-year-old is keen to play regular football.

Man City striker Aguero unlikely to make Man Utd Community Shield clash

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester City record signing Sergio Aguero is struggling to make Sunday's Community Shield date withManchester United.
The Argentine striker signed forManchester City for £35million but is suffering from foot blisters and has been unable to train.
And according to The Sun, the formerAtletico Madrid frontman will have to settle for a place on the bench.
His international team-mateCarlos Tevez, who is still seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium, remains on holiday until Monday.

Pearson confident Hull can win promotion thanks to Man Utd influence

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Hull City boss Nigel Pearson is confident of their promotion chances thanks to the influence ofManchester United.
When Robbie Brady, 19, joined Hull on a season-long loan deal three weeks ago, he became the FIFTH capture from the League Champions in nine months.
The others are Corry Evans, James Chester, Cameron Stewart and Joe Dudgeon. City kick off the new campaign at home to Blackpooltonight.
And Pearson declared: "We aim to be in the battle to go up.
"We know we have got quality in the squad but in this division you cannot afford too many bad days.
"It is probably the toughest one to get out of going up."

Ferguson insists Man Utd will treat Community Shield as friendly

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson insists Sunday's Community Shield is just a practice game, despite the opposition being Manchester City.
He said he would resist getting "emotional" about the match even though the last time the clubs met at Wembley was in April when City triumphed in the FA Cup semi-final.
Ferguson told a news conference at United's training ground: "I have always viewed the Community Shield as a stepping stone to the first game of the season.
"It's very easy to get emotional about this type of game but I don't think we will be changing our policy.
"There may be two or three players who need the game on Sunday."

Rooney says Man Utd have simple season target: Win EVERYTHING

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United strikerWayne Rooney admits they have a simple target this season - win the lot!
Rooney is confident they can successfully defend their title this coming campaign.
“When you talk about goals for the season at Manchester United, it is pretty simple," said the England star to the Mirror.
“We want to win the league. And the ­Champions League. And both the cups. When you’re at a club like Man United, you pretty much know what the goals are. Honestly, it’s pretty simple.
“Obviously, ­sometimes you fall short of that, but at Man United you’ve got to keep striving for it, and we all know that.”

Man Utd legend Scholes will throw himself into new coaching role

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says he'll give his best in his new coaching role.
It is something that has become an increasingly interesting option for a player who made his last competitive appearance for United in last season's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
"A couple of years ago I felt like my career was never going to end, so you don't think about what to do in the future in the same way as I have done over the past six months," said Scholes.
"Football is the only thing I know a little bit about so I am going to give the coaching a go.
"If it doesn't work or I am not very good at it I won't carry on doing it."

Fit-again Man Utd midfielder Fletcher now training at full tilt

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Darren Fletcher is back in full training atManchester United.
The Sun says Fletcher trained flat out for the first time in nearly six months.
The Scotland skipper missed the final two months of last season with a mystery stomach virus that hung around in the summer.
He experienced a dramatic loss of weight and a lack of energy.
Doctors admitted they were baffled by the illness, with Fletcher describing it as a 'scary' experience.

Man Utd boss Ferguson threatens Inter plans for Casemiro

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United are threatening Inter Milan's deal for Sao Paulo midfielder Casemiro.
Corriere dello Sport says Inter see Casemiro as a potential replacement for United target Wesley Sneijder.
However, United could now rumble their hopes and also sign Casemiro.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Fulham rival Newcastle for unsettled Man Utd winger Obertain

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Gabriel Obertan is ready to leave Manchester United.
The Daily Mail says Alan Pardew is considering a move for Manchester United winger Obertan.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, signed for £3million from Bordeaux in 2009, has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford and is keen for a fresh start.
He asked to leave United in January and came close to a move to Belgian side Anderlecht.
However, Pardew rates the winger who was recommended by France coach Laurent Blanc and believes he can help Newcastle in a number of roles. Fulham are also interested.

Man Utd legend Cantona recalls being snubbed by Sheffield Wednesday

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United legend Eric Cantona still recalls the time Sheffield Wednesday allowed him to slip through their hands.
Cantona took a circuitous route to Old Trafford, via a one-week trial at Sheffield Wednesday and two half seasons at Leeds, during which time he helped them win the League Championship and scored a hat-trick in the Charity Shield.
That November, he left for United, proving the catalyst for an era of dominance that is still continuing.
"I thought I had come to sign for Sheffield Wednesday," he recalled to the Daily Mail.
"We had played a friendly game in midweek, won 4-3 and I scored three goals. I didn’t think that was too bad, but after a week they said I needed another week on trial. I said no and I left.
"Howard Wilkinson came and asked me to play for Leeds. I had a great time there. They had not won the title for years.
"It shows how things change. If you have played for France and you come to England now, you will be welcomed like a hero."

West Brom keeper Foster: Ex-Man Utd pal Hargreaves could be £15M player for us

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



West Bromwich Albiongoalkeeper Ben Foster is backing their move for formerManchester United teammate Owen Hargreaves.
He has nothing but sympathy for injury-plagued Hargreaves, who Foster also saw at his best at Old Trafford.
Foster told the WBA website: "If we can sign Owen Hargreaves, and he would stay fit and play every Premier League game next season, then you've got a £15million player on your hands for nothing.
"It's as simple as that. He's an amazing player. He's got so much ability. What's happened to him over the last few years has been such a cruel thing to happen.
"I did my cruciate the same time he picked up his first injury. I spent a lot of time with him in rehab and getting back to fitness. He never really seemed to find answers to what was wrong with his knee.
"I've heard he's in pretty good nick at the moment and he's looking to find a club. If you can get a fit Owen Hargreaves he's a valuable, valuable asset to you.
"In the one full season he had at United he was amazing. Off the back of that he was one of England's shining lights at the World Cup.
"He's a great player, and not only that, he's a great lad around the place as well.
"He's happy and cheerful - a good egg to have about."

Ferguson: Scholes will go down as Man Utd great

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Paul Scholes ahead of tonight's testimonial against Eric Cantona's New York Cosmos.
Ferguson says Scholes will go down as one the club's greatest.
He said: "To my mind he will go down as one of the greatest players of all time for Manchester United.
"I was with Fabien Barthez on Wednesday having a chat and he said 'pass my regards on to Scholesy, he's the best player I ever played with'.
"You see [Barcelona's] Xavi talking about Scholes, and he's in a better position than most of us to talk about midfield players, saying he's the best player he has every played against."
Ferguson joked that notoriously publicity-shy Scholes would not enjoy being in the spotlight.
He added: "He might not turn up - if an interview is involved he won't, he will be quite happy with his slippers on!
"He will endure it - if he has to do an interview or something with the fans at the end of the game he will get through it somehow, but he will not be looking forward to it."

Man Utd legend Crerand: Sneijder would be ideal addition

05.08.11 | tribalfootball.com



Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand would like to see them land Inter Milan starWesley Sneijder.
Crerand feels Sneijder would be the ideal final addition for this summer's transfer market.
“There’s all this talk about United buying Wesley Sneijder and Samir Nasri. I think that would put the icing on the cake if they could buy a top quality midfield player," he toldtalkSPORT.
“That’s not to take anything away from the squad of players they’ve got, they’re a tremendous squad.
“I’ve never been so sure of United winning a title [than I am now]. Two young kids that have come to the front, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, are great finds.”