Man City already celebrating getting one over Man Utd for new season

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester City have already got one overManchester United for the new season.

City will again be ‘at home’ at Wembley for the FA Community Shield on 7 August against United.

Blues’ fans will again be housed in the West End of the stadium, as was the case in the FA Cup semi-final clash with the Reds and the FA Cup Final against Stoke.

City will receive 28,000 tickets for the 2011/12 curtain-raiser and will be playing in the Community Shield for the first time, though the Blues did take part in the Charity Shield – its predecessor - on seven occasions in the past, the last being against Burnley in 1973.

Leicester offer to released Man Utd midfielder Hargreaves

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Leicester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has invited released Manchester Unitedmidfielder Owen Hargreaves to train with them.

Eriksson last night broke the club's 10-year-old transfer record by bringing in Reading centre-back Matt Mills for £5.2million - beating Prem side Wolvesin a bidding war.

And Hargreaves, 30, could be next, along with £5m striker Nicky Maynard from Bristol City if Sven has his way.

Ex-England midfielder Hargreaves - dogged by injury in recent years - was released byManchester United at the end of last season and posted training videos on internet site YouTube to prove his fitness.

Eriksson said: "I saw his videos, if he wants to come here I will open the door."

Asked if the spending is over for the summer, Eriksson added: "Not yet!"

Sunderland signing Brown admits Man Utd frustrations

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Former Manchester Uniteddefender Wes Brown is delighted with his move toSunderland.

Brown, 31, managed barely 30 of his 361 appearances for United in the last three Barclays Premier League campaigns with injuries having taken their toll.

That is a statistic he is determined to address after agreeing to move to Wearside.

Asked about his ambitions, he toldSAFC TV: "Last season, I was fine, I just didn't get into the team, so it was a little bit frustrating. But that's football and you move on.

"I am just delighted to be here now to help Sunderland push forward.

"Personally, it would be good to be playing every week, trying to help the team win and playing well.

"Club-wise, everyone will be looking to push the club forward and start challenging for those European places - and who knows beyond there?

"That's what teams always aim for at the beginning of the season, and we will be no different.

"But obviously, the squad will be a lot stronger."

Brown admitted that the hunger to be involved week in, week out made his decision to leave United reasonably straightforward, but with several options having been presented to him, Bruce was a major factor.

He said: "He's been great over the last few weeks when I have been talking to him.

"Straight away, I said it would be great if I could join and we could get it all sorted, and we have done and I am here.

"When I was younger, I used to watch Steve and I have known him a little bit as well, so it was fine."

Bruce, who launched his joint bid for the United trio as Jordan Henderson headed forLiverpool, was thrilled to have signed the defender.

He said: "We are delighted to welcome a player of Wes' ability, experience and character to the club.

"He has been a fantastic professional for Manchester United through the years and not only will he strengthen our defensive options, he will also bring with him a winning mentality and level of maturity which can only be positive for the players around him."

Fiorentina keeper Pierluigi Gollini excited moving to Manchester United

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Fiorentina youth goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini is excited to be moving toManchester United.

Gollini told Calcionews24 he will move to Manchester in early August.

He is currently recovering from a broken leg ahead of reportedly linking up with the United academy.

"I was not expecting the call from the Red Devils," he explains. "I'm very happy. I want to get into United's first team - it is a dream of mine."

Agent insists no Man Utd offer for Inter Milan star Sneijder

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

The agent of Wesley Sneijderhas played down talk of theInter Milan star moving toManchester United.

United are chasing the Holland international this summer.

"There's always rumours," says Soren Lerby. "We're accustomed to them but, take it from me, there is currently nothing concrete happening. Everyone is still scanning and exploring the market. It is too early for the big clubs to take action. At this stage, I can only say he still has a contract until 2015 with Inter.

"That is the situation and not otherwise."

He added it's "not so strange" that the top English clubs are linked with Sneijder.

Leicester boss Eriksson on Man Utd crock Hargreaves: He can still be fantastic

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Leicester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is eager to speak with releasedManchester United about a move to the Championship club.

Eriksson, who gave Hargreaves his England debut in 2001, has been impressed by the midfielder in the clips and is ready to add him to his Leicester revolution.

"I saw his videos and if he wants to come here I will open the door and stand and wait for him in the door," said Eriksson.

"He's been very unlucky in recent years but if he's close to what he was he is a fantastic football player.

"I haven't spoken to him for a while, maybe I should.

"It's difficult to know what he wants to do when he's been away for a long time."

Former Man Utd defender O’Shea delighted with Sunderland move

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Former Manchester Uniteddefender John O'Shea is delighted with his move toSunderland.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international travelled to Wearside for a medical and wasted little time in becoming Steve Bruce's eighth summer signing.

O'Shea said: "Once I'd heard reports about the club and the people here, the ambitions and what the manager was all about, it was the only place I was going to come to."

Manager Steve Bruce, also a former United player, added: "John has been a solid, consistent part of Manchester United's squad for well over a decade, which goes to show the fantastic pedigree of player we have signed.

"He is a wonderful professional both on and off the field and his wealth of experience and versatility will be great attributes for us.

"I'm delighted with the players we have been able to secure ahead of the new season."

Bayern Munich keeper Neuer: Never any Man Utd offer

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

New Bayern Munichgoalkeeper Manuel Neuer insists no offer fromManchester United was ever tabled.

Neuer left Schalke for Bayern earlier this summer.

Despite reportedly being given a rocky reception by some of his new club's fans in pre-season, he toldEurosport.de: "Interest fromManchester United?

"There was no offer. But it was never an issue. The Bundesliga is a very attractive league and I have made the right decision with Bayern Munich."

Pachuca coach Flores: Man Utd now following best Mexican young talent

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Pachuca coach Efrain Flores has revealedManchester United are tracking the best of Mexico's young players.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been convinced about the strength of Mexican football after the success of former Chivas striker Javier Hernandez.

"In Chicharito's case, they observed him not for a month but months and they now have a full understanding of the Under-17s and Under-20s," Flores told Universal. "They agree with me that the U-17 generation is very good.

"Manchester United and Ferguson know a lot about Mexican soccer. They are dedicated to scouting to know what they want, not only in Mexico but in Latin America."

Schalke striker Huntelaar rejects Man Utd rumours

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has dismissed talk of interest fromManchester United.

The Dutch ace has been linked with United this week.

"I want to stay at Schalke and have a good season," he told Bild.

"I can rule out going to another big club."

Real Madrid want to sell Spurs, Man Utd target Diarra in coming days

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid are eager to sell Lassana Diarra.

AS says Real want to sell France midfielder Diarra within the next five days.

Diarra wants a return to England and favours Manchester United.

The former Chelsea, Portsmouth and Arsenal star has also been linked with Tottenham.

Bursaspor in player partnership talks with Man Utd

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Bursaspor are in talks withManchester United about a partnership agreement.

Milliyet says Bursaspor are looking into striking up a co-operation agreement with United with more details to follow over the next few days.

The Turkish side enjoyed good relations with the Reds when the teams met in last season's Champions League and, after talks in England, they appear open to taking fringe players from Old Trafford on loan.

United loaned winger Bebe to Istanbul rivals Besiktas last month.

I couldn’t say no to Man Utd – ex-Celtic midfielder Miller

08.07.11 | Andrew Slevison

Former Celtic midfielder Liam Miller finds it hard to believe that he still cops stick from the clubs supporters for leaving back in 2004.

The 30-year old, who recently signed a deal with A-League club Perth Glory, departed Parkhead to joinManchester United when he was 23 and for some reason he still gets it from the Hoops faithful.

On the eve of a return bout withCeltic in Perth, Miller has spoken out about his decision to leave for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

"I hope I don't get stick from the Celtic fans,” he said.

"People are entitled to their opinion, that's just the way football is. But I am surprised that I still get a bit of stick.

"Celtic fans always tell me I should have stayed, but I don't have a crystal ball. You can't say no to Manchester United and I didn't.

"It was a great opportunity and while it didn't work out the way I hoped, I have no regrets about leaving Celtic when I did.

"I'm glad I went to United. I've played with some really big clubs since then and I've been delighted at how my career has gone.

"It's pointless thinking of what might have been. It was United and it was impossible to say No."

During his time at Old Trafford, Miller had a loan spell with Leeds United before moving on to Sunderland, QPR and Hibernian prior to joining the Glory.

Everton striker Saha: Moyes tougher than Man Utd boss Ferguson

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Louis Saha says Everton boss David Moyes is tougher thanManchester United'sSir Alex Ferguson when it comes to preseason training.

Saha reckons boss Moyes cracks the whip on his pre-season players worse than any other Premier boss.

He added: “Pre-season here is harder than anywhere else I have been.

"But it is not just about having the level where you are ready to play, it is about having the level where you can fight for the team.”

Man Utd offer remains on Arsenal table for Nasri

08.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United's £20 million offer for Arsenalmidfielder Samir Nasri remains on the table.

The Telegraph says while Arsenalstressed that they had not received a formal offer from United for Nasri, discussions two weeks ago betweenManchester United chief executive David Gill and senior figures at Arsenalresulted in Gill lodging a verbal bid for the 24 year-old France midfielder.

United's offer remains on the table asArsenal have yet to indicate whether they would be prepared to accept the bid, demand a bigger fee or simply state that Nasri is not for sale.

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Nasri views United as his preferred destination should he be allowed to leave Arsenal. And despite interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, United believe that both clubs have greater priorities and are unlikely to mount serious opposition.

Napoli make offer for Man City, Man Utd target Sanchez

07.07.11 | Andrew Slevison

Another club have reportedly made enquiries about in-demand Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez.

The 22-year old Chilean is being tracked by the likes ofManchester City, Manchester United,Barcelona and Inter Milan but Italian outfit Napoli have now made an offer according to the Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo.

"Nothing is impossible,” Pozzo said.

"(Napoli president) Aurelio (De Laurentiis) has pleasantly surprised me because he wants to achieve big things and wants to win the scudetto.

"He has made an interesting financial offer for Sanchez. The deal would be complicated.

"We will have to wait until the Copa America is over and then consider how many pretenders there are and how many clubs are really interested in Sanchez.

"We need to understand who the real suitors of this champion player are. We have spoken to two clubs but nothing serious has come out of it.

"Napoli are interested and De Laurentiis has made an important offer. But in order for the deal to be completed, the three parties have to be in agreement.

"Hence, we will wait until the end of the Copa America."

Man Utd’s O’Shea to have Sunderland medical

07.07.11 | Andrew Slevison

Manchester United defender John O’Shea will undergo a medical with Sunderland, indicating that a move is about to occur.

The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with the Black Cats for much of the summer and it now seems certain he will join the club when he passes his medical.

O’Shea will follow in the footsteps of Red Devils teammate Wes Brown, who passed his medical last night and is expected to be officially unveiled at the Stadium of Light today.

It has so far been a busy summer for Sunderland who have secured the services of Sebastian Larsson, Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner and Keiren Westwood.

Man Utd announce Ajose sale to Peterborough

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United have confirmed the sale of striker Nicky Ajose to Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Darren Ferguson's side and has flown out to Portugal to join his new team-mates for pre-season training.

Ajose signed professional forms at Old Trafford in the summer of 2009 having been associated with the club's youth setup for a number of years. After honing his skills for the U18s, he made the step up to Reserve football and his impressive form at the start of last season prompted the award of a first team squad number.

He scored 13 goals in 32 games during a successful loan spell with League Two runners-up Bury last season helping to fire his home-town club to promotion.

Man Utd legend Neville: Scholes retired too soon

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United legend Gary Neville feels Paul Scholes could have played on next season.

Scholes hung up his boots after the Champions League final.

Neville told the Manchester Evening News: "He’s gone too early for me because, as a fan, I would like to see him play every single game. He mesmerises me with the way he plays football. So simple and yet so brilliant.

“But for him it is the right time. He is someone who doesn’t like fuss. He is set in his ways and when he makes a decision he will stick to it.

“He didn’t like sitting on the bench but he felt it was the right time for him to retire and that is the most important thing.

“He has got such incredible high standards, and he is tough on himself.

“I’m not sure what is coaching role is going to be but I’m sure he will grow into it and surprise a lot of people.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson tells Wolves, Spurs to forget about Evans

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has ruled out selling Jonny Evans.

The Belfast Telegraph saysWolves, Sunderland, and Tottenhamhave all been told to forget about Evans.

The arrival of Phil Jones had seemingly cast doubt on the Ulsterman's Reds future, but United managerSir Alex Ferguson is keen to keep hold of the 23-year-old.

He regards Evans as a long-term defensive pillar of his first team.

Chicharito: I owe Man Utd boss Ferguson so much

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Javier Hernandez has paid tribute to Manchester Unitedmanager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The faith in the Mexican shown by Ferguson is just reward for the effort put in by the 23-year-old, who was a virtual unknown when he signed for United 15 months ago.

"I only have words of thanks for Sir Alex because he has given me a lot of opportunities to play for this club, so I owe him a lot," said Hernandez.

"I am improving how I play. I am trying to be quicker with the ball, with more technique and concentration, because it is very difficult to keep the ball in this league.

"Of course, I have a lot of improving to do and I will work hard every day to achieve that."

Sunderland boss Bruce: Man Utd pair Brown, O’Shea almost over line

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is upbeat over their move forManchester United trio John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Darron Gibson.

Defenders O'Shea and Brown are close to joining Sunderland, admits Bruce.

"Yes, it looks good, we are very close," the Black Cats manager told ESPN. "Wes is travelling up for talks and we hope to also speak with O'Shea.

"I would say we are inches away."

Man City on brink of trumping Man Utd with £150,000-a-week Nasri offer

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester City are set to trump Manchester United forArsenal star Samir Nasri.

The Sun says City were last night on the brink of completing the £20million transfer of Arsenal's Nasri.

The French midfielder is close to agreeing a £150,000-a-week deal as City step up their summer spending spree.

The move would be a massive blow toManchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who had hoped to sign Nasri himself.

Man Utd defender Ferdinand sorry West Ham now in Championship

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United defenderRio Ferdinand was disappointed seeingWest Ham United relegated.

Ferdinand spent seven years in total at Upton Park before completing a then record £18million move to Leeds - another club he hopes will return to the top flight in 2012.

"West Ham was the team I grew up in as a kid and to see them relegated out of the Premier League was disappointing," he told MUTV.

"It was always nice to go back and play against them and see old faces and old friends but this is football and things change, things happen.

"My other old team Leeds are in the Championship now as well so times change. I just hope they come back up again next season."

Man City celebrate beating Man Utd, Chelsea for Nasri

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester City directors are convinced they've landedArsenal star Samir Nasri.

The Daily Mail says City believe they have captured Arsenalplaymaker Nasri for £19million.

The deal is close to completion and will represent a significant victory for City with both Manchester United andChelsea also keen on landing the Frenchman.

After the signing of Gael Clichy for £7m earlier this week, the Nasri move represents another serious loss for Arsenal to one of their Barclays Premier League rivals.

Gasperini hints Inter to sell Man Utd target Sneijder

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Inter Milan boss Gian Piero Gasperini has hinted they're ready to sell midfielderWesley Sneijder.

The Sun says Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson is a firm admirer of Sneijder's talents and was linked with a £29million bid for the playmaker last year.

Gasperini has hinted he could be prepared to offload the 27-year-old in a bid to raise funds for new recruits.

And the Inter boss cited the example of Zlatan Ibrahimovic — who was sold to Barcelona for £39m in 2009 and includedSamuel Eto'o as part of the deal — as an example of how they have improved after selling a big-name player.

Gasperini said: "There is every intention on the club's part to come out of the transfer window stronger — not less so.

"But two years ago, Ibrahimovic left and the team was reinforced.

"All the players I have know how to play in many different roles. Last year, Sneijder also played in different positions."

Man Utd ready to upgrade Park contract

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Ji-sung Park is set to be handed a new contract byManchester United.

The Sun says he is in line for a new deal at United.

The South Korean midfielder arrived at Old Trafford in a £4million move fromPSV in 2005.

But Park, 30, is considering one last move before he retires.

Alex Ferguson wants to keep Park and a one-year extension to his deal that expires in 2012 - with the possibility of a further year - is in the offing.

Dad reveals Fiorentina starlet Federico Bernardeschi rejected Man Utd offer

06.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Fiorentina starlet Federico Bernardeschi has rejected an offer fromManchester United.

The 17 year-old was a top target for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, butIl Tirreno says he has rejected the English champs to remain withFiorentina.

Dad Alberto revealed: "I preferred he stay at Fiorentina.

"During his time there he has always been treated very well and it would not be right to leave."