Saturday, 3 March 2012

Man Utd face competition from Arsenal, Spurs for Torino star Alen Stevanovic

Sat, 03/03/2012

Premier League clubs are circling Serie B Torino for Alen Stevanovic.

The Sun says Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea have joined the hunt for Serbian ace Stevanovic, 21.

Manchester United were the first to show an interest in the midfielder after his club said they were willing to sell.

Ferdinand puts Euros on backburner: Man Utd must win title

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is putting his Euro ambitions on the backburner.

Ferdinand's priority is to win the Premier League title.

"I want to win the League again and I believe we will," Ferdinand told The Sun. "Then I will think about the Euros once the season's finished and United are hopefully lifting the trophy.

"We are in a good position and have the experience of knowing what it's like to be the team on top. We've been there and know what it takes to win.

"It's going to be a long 12-game run-in but it will be exciting. We've only played well sporadically. We would love to hit a rich vein of form and blow teams away.

"But a late 2-1 win like at Norwich can be psychologically better than a 3-0. It showed that we know it's never ever over.

"When I heard Spurs lost 5-2 to Arsenal after they'd been 2-0 up it was a surprise considering the way they had been playing. You wouldn't have been shocked five years ago but there's a big difference now with the team Harry's put together.

"We have to make the most of that and try to do the same as Arsenal but they'll be determined to make sure that doesn't happen."

Man Utd defender Ferdinand happy to have played for Ferguson and Tottenham's Redknapp

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he's been fortunate with his club managers.

Ferdinand enjoys playing for Sir Alex Ferguson at United - and also has only good things to say aboutTottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who he played for at West Ham United.

"I've been so lucky to have them guide me in my career," he admitted in The Sun. "They aren't at all similar but both their methods work so well.

"Harry is more the type who puts an arm round your shoulder and tells you you're brilliant. He works out what makes you tick.

"He also gets the best out of players that other managers wouldn't have touched.

"Paolo Di Canio was a difficult character to deal with at West Ham but Harry treated him in a different way to other players, letting him get away with a few things because he felt that was how to get the best out of him. Sir Alex isn't like that. You are all treated the same at United.

"And our gaffer makes players who've been there 10 or 15 years, and who you might think would get bored were they at other clubs, still have the same desire."

Man Utd defender Ferdinand backing Tottenham's Redknapp for England

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is backing Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp for the England job.

Ferdinand played for Redknapp at West Ham United.

"If I was the geezer in the suit upstairs making the decision, I would go and get Harry, without a doubt," said Ferdinand in The Sun.

"Of the possible England managers out there I don't see anyone beating the door down as hard as him. Obviously Spurs will have something to say about it and no disrespect to them, but Harry would make a great England manager."

He added: "You feel at ease playing for him. I played football at West Ham like I was playing with my mates in the playground or on my estate.

"I was free to go and try things on the pitch. My mates and people from other teams would ask how I didn't feel under pressure or get nervous — but that's the atmosphere Harry created.

"I'm sure all the other young players felt the same. As a man-manager he's brilliant. I couldn't fault him."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Tottenham's Redknapp has temperament for England job

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Tottenham counterpart Harry Redknapp has the temperament to manage England.

Ferguson believes Redknapp would be a great England manager, not least because he keeps his cool.

He said: "He never seems to be in a panic. He seems to be calm, never in a tizzy, unlike myself!"

Man Utd boss Ferguson rates Tottenham trip toughest in football

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson regards their trip to Tottenham on Sunday the toughest in football.

Ferguson has great respect for Spurs.

He said: "Tottenham is always an interesting game with the history of both clubs and it's a very important game for us.

"You would certainly say that building up to a game that could turn out to be the decider againstManchester City later in the season, Tottenham is our hardest away game."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Man City clash will be title decider

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits the derby with Manchester City will decide the title's destination.

The two teams come together on April 30.

Fergie said: "It does look that way. If we have all our squad back and showing consistent form, you cannot see us dropping a lot of points — and same with City, so it does point to that game.

"It is going to be a massive game either way."

Morison insists Norwich won't dwell on Man Utd defeat

Sat, 03/03/2012

Norwich City striker Steve Morison says they won't allow their last-minute defeat toManchester United will get them down.

The Wales international says late winners is what they're all about.

He said: "That's what we have prided ourselves on, the times we have scored late winners and equalisers.

"It is something the manager prides himself on that we never say die. We've managed to do it and then obviously United did it against us.

"Mentality is a massive thing in our dressing room at Norwich. You can be playing the best players in the world but if you work harder than them, sometimes you get your rewards."

Man Utd's Carrick delighted De Gea now proving his class

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United teammates are delighted with the ever-improving David De Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper was outstanding in victory at Norwich City last week.

Michael Carrick told ManUtd.com: "David has been really good. His performance at Chelsea springs to mind - what a save that was from the free-kick [by Juan Mata]. If we'd lost that game, it could really have knocked the stuffing out of us.

"He’s made some huge saves at crucial times and that’s what great goalkeepers do. They make the big saves when they're needed and that’s what David has done. He’s stepped up and has been terrific."

Man Utd boss Ferguson admits Chicharito struggling for Spurs trip

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has concerns Javier Hernandez won't be ready for their trip to Tottenham.

The Mexican striker played in the USA this week against Colombia.

"Chicharito's match in Miami kicked off at 1am our time on Thursday morning so we'll have to see what he's like when he gets back," Ferguson told MUTV. "He's got another day [to recover] on Saturday which is good news but he will still have played four games in 10 days so it's quite a task for the lad.

Man Utd boss Ferguson delighted Owen back in training

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with Michael Owen's return to full-scale training.

Owen is back in training and hoping to make an impact as the season reaches its critical phase.

"Michael has had very good preparation," Ferguson told MUTV. "He's done a lot of work with the physios and is ready to join us. It's good news. I hope he has a bit of luck. He needs that as he's not had a lot."

Man Utd boss Ferguson hails superb Carrick form

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the form since the New Year of midfielder Michael Carrick.

The midfielder has been excellent for the Reds this term and could even be a contender for the club's Player of the Year award.

"I think Michael and [Paul] Scholes are a good partnership," stated the manager. "Michael's form for quite a while has been absolutely superb. He always does well in the second half of the season. I know he disagrees with me on this but I feel the second half of the season sees him at his best and he's doing well so it's pleasing.

"He's not one of the guys who seeks publicity a lot. He's a quiet lad and goes about his life in a similar way to [Ryan Giggs] and Scholes. That doesn't mean to say he's not recognised by us. We get players like that - Denis Irwin was much the same.

"I think it's quite refreshing in the modern game to have players who can rely on their ability rather than wanting to project themselves. He has a different personality, a quiet personality and that can be misleading in the way that people think he has to be encouraged all the time. That's not the case. He's just quiet."

Man Utd midfielder Carrick pleased with praise from Ferguson

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is delighted with the recognition from managerSir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson has heaped praise on Carrick for his form in recent games.

"It is obviously nice when the manager speaks well of you," he admitted. "I have been here a long time now. I suppose I am starting to get classed as one of the more experienced ones now. Because of that, you have to set an example to the lads coming through.

"You have to keep the traditions of the club going. That is what I try to do. It is the manager's belief that we try to carry on."

Oldham swoop for Man Utd defender Reece Brown

Sat, 03/03/2012

Oldham Athletic have snapped up Manchester United defender Reece Brown on-loan.

Brown is looking forward to getting some games under his belt after joining Oldham Athletic on a month-long loan deal.

"I've had previous loan spells at Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers and they are all part of the learning curve," Brown told Oldham's official website.

"This has been a frustrating season so far as I've only played six matches because of hamstring and hernia injuries.

"It will be a privilege to play for Oldham. I want to help the team and learn from playing first-team football against players who are bigger and quicker."

Man Utd boss Ferguson yet to discuss next season about Scholes

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to discuss next season with Paul Scholes.

Ferguson will be happy if Scholes, who will be 38 in November, plays on for at least another season.

“It’s not something I’ve discussed with him but on the evidence of what we’ve seen at the moment I don’t see why he shouldn’t. When I said to him last season, ‘You’ll give me 25 to 30 games’, that wasn’t enough for him in his opinion. But he may look at it differently now.”

Man City ace Silva admits Man Utd title experience gives them edge

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester City star David Silva admits Manchester United's title winning experience gives them an edge.

Silva admits that City’s task is made all the more difficult by the seasoned experience of their rivals.

“There is definitely a difference when you are fighting for a title against clubs like United orReal Madrid or Barcelona,” Silva told the Telegraph. “They are so used to winning, it means that you have to have a different frame of mind when you challenge them because that’s the only way to overcome them.

“You know that, the minute that you make a mistake, they will kill the game or take advantage of any slip. So you do feel different when you play against them or are in a title race with them.

“But winning big trophies gives you self-confidence and belief that you can do it again. It teaches you not to be afraid and to have faith that you can win. That is what happened with Spain after winning Euro 2008.

“City, as a club, is getting that mentality now. Winning the FA Cup last year has made everyone think, ‘Actually, we can win things.’

“So now, we are saying, ‘Let’s go and win it,’ because we proved to ourselves that we could do this last year.”

Schmeichel would love to return to Man Utd in 'working' role

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel wants to return to Old Trafford.

He admits he would love to return to Old Trafford in some capacity.

“Nothing gives you the same buzz as playing, but I would love to come back to do work forManchester United,” said 48-year-old Schmeichel to the Manchester Evening News.

“It would be an honour to come back and be part of this fantastic football club.

“I've been away for quite a few years, but even when I was a kid I was following this club, it's always been a big passion for me, and my dream came true playing for the club.

“This football club is special. This football club means something to people.”

Tottenham striker Defoe: Man Utd still the benchmark

Sat, 03/03/2012

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says Manchester United remain the Premier League benchmark.

United are at Spurs tomorrow.

"Maybe they've come to Spurs in the past confident of getting three points but now a lot has changed," he told the London Evening Standard. "They look at our squad, it's a strong squad, and I'm sure they know it will be a hard game and that they're looking at it and thinking it will be difficult.

"But United are still the benchmark. You look at the manager they have, the young players who have come through this season and the experienced players who are still there.

"I've been told that they have a winning mentality throughout the club, all the way from the first team through the age-group sides.

"They've done it over the years; they know how to win titles and cups, so it will be a tough game for us. We haven't beaten them for a long time and even though I wasn't at Spurs, I remember the game [in September 2001] in which we were 3-0 up at half-time but they came back to win 5-3.

"You look at their game at Chelsea recently: 3-0 down but drew 3-3.

"During the seasons where they have won the League, they always seem to have scored late equalisers or late winners."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Scholes told me 'I've made big mistake'

Sat, 03/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson felt Paul Scholes was always a chance to return from retirement.

Scholes clearly made the right call in coming out of retirement as he was excellent again in the win atNorwich.

"I think Paul knew right away when he went to coach with the Reserves," said Ferguson. "He came to me and said: 'I think I made a mistake' and the evidence you're seeing now tells you he was right. His form has been fantastic."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Modric just like Scholes

Sat, 03/03/2012


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits its easy to compare Tottenham star Luka Modricwith Paul Scholes.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been totally vindicated in his determination to hang onto the talented midfielder.

"They are both intelligent footballers and both influence their teams," Ferguson said. "Scholesy influences the Manchester United team as Modric does at Tottenham so it's a reasonable comparison.

"I don't think they're identical players, they are different types. But, nonetheless, they have the same qualities in terms of controlling the game and their passing consistency is good. One thing people often under-estimate with Modric is his stamina."

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Man Utd, Liverpool watching Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain

Tue, 02/28/2012

Manchester United and Liverpool will be watching Iker Muniain for Spain this week.

The Athletic Bilbao midfielder is aware he is being watched by bigger clubs and is delighted to have won his first call to the senior Spain squad.

Munain, who counts United goalkeeper David De Gea among his best friends in football, said: "I know many playing for Athletic have played for Spain. It shows I'm doing well and also increases the profile of the club."

Agent says Man Utd, Man City target Gaitan "wants to win things"

Tue, 02/28/2012

Nicolas Gaitan's agent admits the Benfica star wants to win trophies above all else.

Manchester United and Manchester City are both chasing the Argentine international.

"Gaitán is a winner, wants to win every game. He wants to be a champion," said Jose Ibarren.

Man Utd, Tottenham target Ganso warned over "bad attitude"

Tue, 02/28/2012

Giovanni has taken aim at Santos teammate Paulo Henrique Ganso.

Ganso has been linked with Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United, but Giovanni has questioned his attitude.

"I fear for his future," says Giovanni, "because of his attitude, but also because of the attitude of the people with him. If he is not careful, he will finish in the Spanish Segunda División."

But for the moment, Europe's biggest haven't been put off chasing the 22 year-old's signature.

Man Utd, Man City tracking Bayern Munich playmaker Toni Kroos

Tue, 02/28/2012

Bayern Munich playmaker Toni Kroos is interesting Manchester City.

The People says City boss Roberto Mancini has made a personal check on Bayern Munich playmaker Kroos as he plans his next big-money bid.

Also under consideration is Bayern teammate Arjen Robben.

Manchester United are also tracking Kroos, 22, as a potential successor for Paul Scholes.

Man Utd chief scout Ferguson checks on Real Madrid pair Khedira, Ozil

Tue, 02/28/2012


Manchester United chief scout Martin Ferguson took in Rayo Vallecano's defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.

Ferguson was at Vallecas to see former United star Cristiano Ronaldo score a wonder goal, which proved the matchwinner.

On show for Rayo was winger Lass, while Real midfield pair Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil both started the 1-0 win.

De Gea wins approval from Man Utd legends Scholes, Giggs

Tue, 02/28/2012

Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes heaped praise on David De Gea after his performance in victory at Norwich City.

The pair believe De Gea is now providing United with a solid foundation.

“David has been in good form over the last four or five weeks and credit to him,” said Giggs who made his 900th United appearance at Norwich.

“He is a young keeper and is constantly improving. He works hard on the training pitch and so he deserves everything he gets. He is great to have around the place.

“I was really pleased for him at Norwich. That performance doesn’t surprise me because he is a talent.

“There is pressure being a United player full stop and then there is extra pressure when you have a price tag like David has.

“It is an added pressure but the form he is showing is great for him and us. He has coped well with it all.”

Scholes added his tribute to the Spaniard.

“David de Gea was great at Norwich. He has made some really great saves,” said the midfielder.

“He came out and took some good crosses and held onto everything as well. When you have a keeper playing like that it gives the back four and all the team a lot of confidence.”

Man Utd see Porto star James Rodriguez as Gaitan alternative

Tue, 02/28/2012

Manchester United are watching Porto winger James Rodriguez.

The Colombia international is under consideration at United as an alternative to Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan.

Rodriguez is regarded highly across the continent and almost signed for Inter Milan in January.

The midfielder has been with Porto since 2010 and his contract carries a buyout clause of €40 million.

Man Utd joined by Barcelona, Man City in Javi Martinez interest

Tue, 02/28/2012

Manchester United and Manchester City face more competition for Athletic Bilbao midfield star Javi Martinez.

Sport says Barcelona are also keen on the versatile midfielder.

United will have the chance to look at the player at close quarters when he lines up against them in the Europa League last 16.

But now reports suggest City and Barcelona have joined the race for his signature.

Why so many in Mexico are excited about Man Utd push for Alan Pulido

Tue, 02/28/2012

Rather than stonewall the interest, everyone connected with Tigres are thrilled with Manchester United’s approach for young striker Alan Pulido.

Tigres see United's move for Pulido as recognition for the results their youth system are now producing.

Still only 20 and boasting barely a full season of first team football under his belt, Pulido is already part of Mexico coach Luis Fernando Tena's World Cup squad and helped Tigres win last season's title.

Tigres spokesman Miguel Angel Garza, confirming United's approach, summed up the feeling around the club: "We are happy because there is interest in our players from such an institution.

"In the past year and a half we have received interest for certain players, but the reality is that no formal offer has been fielded for Alan."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is leaning on the same scouting network that identifiedJavier Hernandez to run the rule over Pulido ahead of a potential summer bid.

It's understood United chose to make their interest public after it emerged that San Luis were looking closely at Pulido. Tigres' Mexican rivals were considering a move for the striker at the end of last season, which set the alarm bells ringing all the way to Old Trafford in Manchester.

Now that United have shown their hand, both Tigres and Pulido can focus on his football knowing if he impresses, a money-spinning deal with the Premier League giants will happen.

It's not only at Tigres where they're happy for Pulido. At hometown club Ciudad Victoria, those who grew up playing with and against Pulido remember him fondly .

José Roberto Meza, who played with Pulido at high school, said, "It's great, we take great pride at the news, it's causing great excitement.

"I think it shows that the Ciudad Victoria produces good quality players."

Another former teammate Benito Juárez also said: "I've known him since High School. He's never changed. He's a nice person, talented.

"Alan is a very strong player, is tall and is good, fast, has similar qualities to those of Chicharito, he could do well there."

Like Alan, Pulido's older brother, Armando, also learned his football in Ciudad Victoria's junior leagues. Armando is also a striker and an idol of Club Tijuana fans, where he moved after coming through the youth system at Tigres.

Tigres captain Lucas Lobos, the Argentine striker, is close to both Pulido brothers and has taken Alan under his wing since he broke into the first team last season.

Asked about United's interest, Lobos said he was happy for Pulido, but urged the youngster to keep his feet on the ground.

"I'm glad for him, we know they are rumors, you have to stay calm, nothing is certain," said the 31 year-old centre-forward.

"But he must be happy that there are such rumours, there is no doubt that he can succeed there because he is an excellent player, is a talented guy and has always excelled in our team."

Pulido has stated he'd love for Lobos to be his agent in the future, such is their relationship.

The veteran forward added: "I know him and know he's calm, it is his desire to play here too, he is aware of what is happening and what his experience is today. The good thing I see is that he isn't letting this go to his head."

And Tigres coach Tuca Feretti also appreciates Pulido's commitment.

"Alan is a very serious and focused young man. He knows where he wants to go and what is needed to get there.

"Manchester United is just interest at the moment, there's been no offer. When that happens, then we consider everything."

The last word should be left to Pulido, who doesn't feel intimidated by the expectations at United created by Chicharito.

"Every player has their qualities, Chicharito is a very intelligent forward who moves very well, looking for spaces. I am not such an out-and-out centre-forward, I come back more, but I have no less or more than him," says Pulido.

"Let’s see what happens ..."

I had two goals at half-time for Man Utd but Fergie still grilled me – Tottenham’s Saha

Tue, 02/28/2012

Tottenham striker Louis Saha has revealed that he once scored two goals for Manchester Unitedbefore half-time but still got the Sir Alex Ferguson ‘hairdryer’ treatment.

During his spell at Old Trafford a few years back, Saha scored two of the three goals by the break as United were well on top of Everton and although the Frenchman was feeling good about himself, Ferguson made it clear that he was not happy.

“When I headed towards the changing room, I was feeling proud,” Saha told The Sun ahead of the Spurs v United clash this Saturday.

“As soon as I sat down I was woken up in a violent way – Sir Alex Ferguson rendered me deaf.

"He was going mad and I quickly understood why. He was unhappy because we came in with only a three-goal lead when we should’ve wrapped the game up.

“He was furious about my missed chances and reminded me that this is the very top level. I woke up even more sharply when 45 minutes later Everton had come back to 3-3.

“Only a Ruud van Nistelrooy stoppage-time winner helped me escape the nightmare.”