Man Utd veteran Giggs: Neville will be England success

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is happy for former teammate Gary Neville over his appointment to the England coaching staff.

The 37-year-old's tactical acumen and passion was widely praised during his spell on television, but he has no experience of coaching at club, yet alone international level.

"I'm sure he'll be a success with England," Giggs said. "He's obviously done well on the TV with his views and his outlook on football and he's got fresh ideas.

"He's played at the top himself, he's got so many positives and so many things he can bring to the table. I think management will be the next step for him. He knows what the modern day footballer wants and needs, which is important.

"No matter what he would have done he would have been a success because he's that sort of person. He's a force of nature. He's driven, very ambitious and he's very good at what he does.

"I did my coaching badges with him and he was very alert. He's very switched on and intelligent. And together with that he's been there and done it."

Giggs can't see Man Utd pal Scholes ending England exile

Wed, 05/16/2012

Ryan Giggs doesn't believe Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes will end his England exile.

Giggs thinks Scholes, who extended his contract at United until next summer, is unlikely to want to play for England again, but claims he will go on to star at the tournament if Hodgson manages to change his mind.

"I wouldn't hold your breath (about Scholes going to Euro 2012) but if he does decide to play andRoy Hodgson does decide to try and bring him out of retirement he'd be a great addition to the squad," said Giggs, who was speaking at the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards in London.

"In any team in any tournament he would shine.

"He and Xavi are the same sort of players. They just control the tempo of great teams. To do that you need to be a special player and that's what he does."

Man Utd legend Giggs proud to be named Premier League greatest

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs is proud to have been named the Premier League's greatest over the last 20 years.

Giggs was delighted to pick up his individual award and is targeting a return to the top of the league after missing out on a 13th medal on goal difference to neighbours Manchester City.

"Obviously I'm really proud - if you just see the players who have been nominated to come out to is something to be proud of," he said.

"Its tough to just lose out in the manner that we did but City won the league and congratulations to them, whoever wins the league deserves it. We just have to go away now and come back tougher to compete next year."

Levein says Fletcher upbeat over Man Utd comeback

Wed, 05/16/2012

Scotland coach Craig Levein says Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher remains positive about a full recovery from his bowel complaint.

Fletcher’s career for both club and country is still up in the air. The Manchester United midfielder hoped to travel to America — even to watch — but will stay at home to continue his recovery from ulcerative colitis.

Levein added: “I spoke to him a couple of days ago. He hoped he would be well enough to travel but he was a little bit uncertain about it. So I said that if he was unsure, the best thing for him was to stay.

“The reason behind it was that I see him as a really important part of the group.

“He has a great influence on other people and it’s always great if he’s there.

“But what I didn’t want to do was to take him out of his rehabilitation and across the other side of the world, whatever the complications might have been with that.

“But I desperately want him back. You can never say anything in football with a degree of certainty but I believe if he had been fit for Manchester United this year, he might have made the difference between them not winning and winning the title.

“That’s how highly I regard him.

“I don’t get involved in any of the details of his rehab but he’s always a very positive boy. It’s my intention to have him back to try and qualify for Brazil. I don’t really like speaking about his illness, that’s not for me to talk about.

“It’s not my position to speak publicly about it. I don’t feel comfortable about that, because I don’t know with any degree of certainty exactly what the situation is.

“I can tell you that I’d love to have him in the group, even if he’s not fit to play. I want him back and the lads do as well.”

Man Utd veteran Giggs happy Scholes playing on next season

Wed, 05/16/2012

Ryan Giggs is happy Paul Scholes is playing on for Manchester United next season.

With Scholes now guaranteed to be at Old Trafford for at least another season, Giggs is confident that the midfielder can play a big part in helping the club wrest the Premier League title fromManchester City's grasp.

"It's massively important that we can keep that sort of quality at the club," Giggs said.

"I think actually it's probably been the best he's ever played since he's come back. He just doesn't give the ball away, he controls the tempo of games.

"In training and in games you find yourself laughing because he makes it look so easy.

"He's easily the best player I've played because he makes it looks so easy."

US President Barack Obama slaughters LA Galaxy ace David Beckham at White House

Wed, 05/16/2012

LA Galaxy star David Beckham was proud to meet US President Barack Obama yesterday.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was with the Galaxy squad which visited the White House to celebrate last season's MLS Cup triumph.

The president singled out Beckham for extra ribbing, introducing the 37-year-old Englishman as “a young up-and-comer on the team” before cracking a string of jokes about Beckham's age compared to his younger teammates, his well-known status as a domesticated father and even his line of fashionable underwear.

“It was funny. Embarrassing, but funny,” noted Beckham with a grin as he spoke to members of the media in the White House’s China Room after the presidential audience. “[Obama] made a few comments, actually, about me today: the underwear, being a dad to some of the kids, and also my facial hair. He’s very charismatic, he’s a huge character and it’s a huge honor for us to meet him today.”

Real Madrid boss Mourinho: Ronaldo deserves second Ballon d'Or

Wed, 05/16/2012

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a second Ballon d'Or for his efforts this season.

Ronaldo already has one Ballon d'Or thanks to his time with Manchester United.

Mourinho told Portuguese TV station SIC: "Cristiano has to win the Ballon d'Or, not because he has been the top goalscorer, he was that already last season, but because his goals have delivered a title.

"Messi scored 50 goals that weren't worth anything, in the same way that Cristiano scored 42 last season that didn't stand for anything.

"He hasn't been able to win the Pichichi and I believe he should be compensated with the Ballon d'Or."

Ferguson back at Man Utd on Monday plotting Man City downfall

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was back behind his desk on Monday after losing the title to Manchester City.

While the blue half of the Lancashire city have been celebrating, the red half have been planning how to stop Roberto Mancini's men from dominating the English top flight for years to come.

United chief David Gill said that a number of transfer targets had already been shortlisted and the United chief executive reckons Ferguson is keen to bounce back immediately by securing their 20th title next term.

"He didn't sleep much on Sunday night. None of us did. He was in the office at 7.30 on Monday morning already thinking about next season," Gill said at the Premier League 20 Seasons awards in London.

"We have to get on with it now. We can't look back and feel sorry for ourselves. We have started planning for next year. We will come back fresh and I am always confident with this manager."

Man Utd captain Evra: Where would Man City be if Kompany had been injured?

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United skipper Patrice Evra says Manchester City won the title thanks to good luck.

Evra has fanned the flames by suggesting City were lucky.

He said: "It was just the last 30 seconds that made City champions. I always say when someone is champions they deserve it, but we gave the title to City.

"City played their best football and we didn’t always play our best, but we still finished on the same points. It makes you think if we play our best football consistently next season we are going to win the league by many points.

"I don’t like to make excuses but we suffered so many injuries. We lost Nemanja Vidic. Imagine if Vincent Kompany had been missing all the season for City?"

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has defended his club after they were pipped to the title by neighbours Manchester City. Indeed, Charlton fanned the flames yesterday as he reflected on United’s near miss. He said: "This club, without question, is the best in the world. "I don’t think for a moment we have anything to worry about with regard to City. City doesn’t interest me very much. To have won 19 championships is unbelievable. City are just thinking about that."

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he's out of England's Euros squad.

The Daily Mail says Ferdinand's international career appears to be over after Roy Hodgson told him he will not be in England’s Euro 2012 squad, pointing to Chelsea captain John Terry being among the 23 players he names at 1pm.

When asked if he had been left out at a Manchester United testimonial match on Tuesday, Ferdinand said: "Yes, it’s true."

Man Utd legend Charlton: I don't care about Man City

Wed, 05/16/2012


Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has defended his club after they were pipped to the title by neighbours Manchester City.

Indeed, Charlton fanned the flames yesterday as he reflected on United’s near miss.

He said: "This club, without question, is the best in the world.

"I don’t think for a moment we have anything to worry about with regard to City. City doesn’t interest me very much. To have won 19 championships is unbelievable. City are just thinking about that."

Man Utd hero Sheringham backing QPR striker Zamora for England squad

Wed, 05/16/2012

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham says England should select QPR striker Bobby Zamora for the Euros.

Sheringham believes Zamora’s playing style offers much to England going into the tournament and is confident his ex-West Ham team-mate can help lead England’s attack.

"When you play in a major competition it’s like playing away from home," said Sheringham.

"It’s the same for most sides of course, but that is the feel you get of the game – you are not playing a home game.

"So if you’re picking strikers you’ve got to have people who can hold the ball up in the opposition half and for me the best player that can do that is Bobby Zamora.

"I know he has not had the best end of the seasons but he does an Emile Heskey-type job for England - and he can score goals as well.

"He is good in the air and he is very capable playing in an England team and would be good alongsideWayne Rooney in the latter stages. Roy Hodgson would know how to get the best out of him too."

Man City chief Vieira not tempted by Man Utd's Scholes to end retirement

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester City chief Patrick Vieira isn't envious of Paul Scholes over his comeback forManchester United.

In a season when Scholes came out of retirement for Manchester United at 36 and Thierry Henry briefly rejoined Arsenal at 34, Vieira might have yearned to play in City's history-making win over QPRon Sunday.

But he said: "It was time for me to retire, but it was a real pleasure (watching them).

"I have been with the players and I know them quite well. I know how much they wanted it.

"There was a lot of pressure on their shoulders.

"There were so many negative aspects around the team but the attitude was to win the game and win the title.

"I am really pleased and really proud of them."

Man Utd skipper Evra: Difficult to take trophyless season

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United finishing the season without a trophy is hard to take, says skipper Patrice Evra.

But Evra says it just makes them hungrier for next term.

He insisted: “It is not easy to finish the season without a trophy. That is fact.

“But we gave everything and to be fair we were winning the league until 30 seconds from the end of the season.

“To finish without a trophy is not usual. We are hungry to win something next year.

“After the game I was really down, but I just want to get back training and get the title back.”

Shinji Kagawa confirms meeting with Man Utd boss Ferguson

Wed, 05/16/2012


Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa has confirmed talks with Manchester United.

United appear to be heading the queue for the midfielder's signature after he exchanged "good words" with manager Sir Alex Ferguson during a two-hour meeting.

"It was good that I was able to meet him in person and talk," Kagawa told reporters on his return to Japan to prepare for the international friendly against Azerbaijan.

"I want to think hard before making my decision. I want a team where I can take on challenges."

Arsenal's Wilshere: I'd love to play with Man Utd legend Scholes

Wed, 05/16/2012

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere hopes Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes is named in today's England squad.

Wilshere also feels Roy Hodgson would do well to try to entice Paul Scholes out of international retirement to be part of the squad for Poland and Ukraine.

"I would love to play with Scholes," he told talkSPORT. "When I was growing up, he was one of the best midfielders in the country, and he still is.

"I'm sure the young players would all look up to him so it would be a good move if he did come out of retirement."

South Korean legend Ahn urges Man Utd's Park to make K-League move

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung is being urged to end his career at home in the K-League.

Fellow South Korean icon Jung-Hwan Ahn says the K-League would receive a huge fillip from Park's arrival.

"I expect he will help us," said Ahn. "The fans have always supported him after all."

Twente sending Gladstony back to Man Utd

Wed, 05/16/2012

FC Twente are cutting loose on-loan Manchester United midfielder Gladstony.

The Brazilian arrived this season from Desportivo Brasil, via United, but struggled to make an impact after delays over his registration.

A move to Royal Antwerp next season has been mooted for the attacking midfielder.

Udinese invite offers for Man Utd target Mehdi Benatia

Wed, 05/16/2012

Udinese are inviting offers for defender Mehdi Benatia.

The Morocco international has spoken of an ambition to play for Manchester United, where he has been watched by chief scout Martin Ferguson this season.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Udinese are prepared to cash in on the highly-rated Benatia this summer.

Benatia said earlier this season: "To be linked with Manchester United is a dream come true.

"They are the biggest club in the world, and to have an opportunity to play at Old Trafford would be amazing, believe me.

Man City, Man Utd in touch with Radja Nainggolan camp

Wed, 05/16/2012

Manchester City and Manchester United are in touch with Radja Nainggolan's camp.

City and United representatives have informed the Cagliari midfielder that he will be watched when he turns out for Belgium against England in a pre-Euros friendly.

Nainggolan, says TMW, is interesting both Manchester giants, which are aware that Cagliari are now prepared to sell.

Cagliari are hoping for an auction, with Juventus also chasing the player, whose father is Indonesian.

Man Utd players want Giggs ahead of Guardiola, Mourinho as Fergie successor

Wed, 05/16/2012

Ryan Giggs is being discussed at Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's eventual successor.

The Mirror says the players do not believe that his replacement will be a Pep Guardiola,Jose Mourinho, Martin O’Neill or David Moyes.

The strong belief, and desire, at the club is that the appointment should be internal.

And the players’ expectation is that Giggs will take charge in the summer of either 2013 or 2014.

It is also their expectation that Giggs will be assisted by Paul Scholes and Gary Neville as part of the first team set-up. Neville has just joined England's coaching staff, while Scholes worked with the United reserves before making his comeback last season.

Man Utd watch as Man City refuse to meet Hazard demands

15 May 2012





Manchester United are still in the frame for Lille star Eden Hazard.

The Daily Mail says Hazard is ready to choose between the red and blue halves of Manchester this week.

Speaking after receiving the award as France's Footballer of the Year on Monday night, Hazard said: "To Manchester, I can reveal that a decision will be made on my destiny within days."

The 21-year-old was given a tour of exclusive North West properties by Manchester City the day after he watched them beat United on April 30.

City and Hazard's agent are still miles apart on the matter of wages, with figures in excess of £200,000 a week being asked for.

Man Utd appreciate swift apology from Man City over Tevez actions

15 May 2012




Manchester United have accepted an apology from Manchester City over a controversial ‘RIP Fergie’ placard held up by Carlos Tevez during their title celebrations.


City reacted quickly on Monday night to express "sincerest apologies" while Tevez also spoke of his regret.


United chief executive David Gill told Sky Sports News: "I think it's right. The club acted pretty quickly.


"I think it was rather silly, frankly, in terms of what it said, but City acted with commendable speed.


"We move on and concentrate on other issues."


The Football Association are looking into the matter after chairman David Bernstein was asked about the incident by MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.


Bernstein said: "It looked to me rather silly, more than anything else - an impetuous, silly thing to do. It certainly wasn't very sensible.


"I think it was a very excitable moment, emotions were running very high.


"As I understand it, and I stand to be corrected, I think someone passed this thing to Tevez who just sort of put it in the air, so I don't think it's the most serious thing I've ever come across.


"But I don't know all the facts and I would leave it to the people (at the FA) who will look at it professionally."

Man Utd boss Ferguson delighted with Scholes impact on return

15 May 2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with Paul Scholes' campaign.

Ferguson has confirmed Scholes has penned a new 12-month deal for next season.

"I am delighted," said Ferguson. "He knew he had made a mistake. He now realises if he plays 25 or 30 games next season, they will be of real quality.

"I think this will be Paul's last season. We know him very well. We have had him since he was a kid. We know how to use him."

Man Utd striker Rooney: Everton draw wrecked our title chance

15 May 2012

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney knows the Everton draw wrecked their title chances.

Rooney has no doubt where it all went wrong for the Red Devils as they tossed away an eight-point lead with just six games remaining.

"The biggest disappointment was the Everton game," he said. "To be 4-2 up, with 10 minutes to go and to lose that lead is disappointing. But there are a lot of young players in the team. That is only going to benefit them. They will learn from that."

That view was shared by central defender Rio Ferdinand.

"(Sunday) was a crazy day of emotions," he said. "I thought we had almost bagged it but then the impossible happened.

"We have to dust ourselves down and make sure we are in the right frame of mind. We have experienced players in the squad. We all have to learn and be stronger. You have to be together during the good times and the bad."

Man City to hand Mancini stunning £20M contract

15 May 2012






Manchester City are set to hand manager Roberto Mancini a new deal worth £20 million.

The Daily Express says Mancini will be offered a new £20million four-year contract as his reward for ending Manchester City’s 44-year wait for the Premier League title.

Mancini has been given the green light by City’s Abu Dhabi backers to strengthen his squad further in a bid to retain the title and land the Champions League.

Mancini’s top targets are Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, Napoli’s Edinson Cavani and Lille playmaker Eden Hazard. But first he will sign a £5m-a-season deal to put himself alongsideSir Alex Ferguson as the Premier League’s best-paid manager.