Man Utd to compete in Future Cup

Fri, 03/30/2012

Manchester United will be in Holland to take part in the Aegon Future Cup over the Easter period.

Paul McGuinness is taking a young squad to Amsterdam for the event, which is for players who were born in 1995.

"We're looking forward to it," McGuinness told the official Ajax website. "We expect it to be a really good experience for our players.

"We know Ajax well and their tradition so I'm sure the tournament will be very well run. I visited the training ground and it's a fantastic facility so I'm sure the boys will be excited to play there against high-quality opposition.

"We feel we have some good, young players coming through the ranks. It's very important to retain our culture. Young players are still the lifeblood of the club."

Man Utd winger Nani admits struggling for consistency

Fri, 03/30/2012

Manchester United winger Nani admits he's struggled for consistency this season.

Nani's campaign has been plagued by injury problems.

“It has been difficult to get the consistency,” Nani admits. “I am getting there but I need more minutes. I will work hard to come back because we need every player. All the players that have been injured – to have them back for the squad is great for the manager. There are so many top players in the squad and if you’ve got plenty to pick from it can only do us good for the run-in for the rest of the season.”

Welbeck: Don't underestimate Man Utd hunger

Fri, 03/30/2012

Danny Welbeck says the winning mentality inside the Manchester United locker room is driving them this season.

United are three points clear at the top of the table.

“I don’t think anybody understands how hungry we are for this title,” says the striker. “We’re lucky to be in this position but it is hard work and we want to fulfil our dreams, win the title and keep winning and keep winning. There’s nothing going to stop us.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson expects difficult Blackburn challenge

Fri, 03/30/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects a massive test at Blackburn Rovers.

Ferguson knows to expect a real battle at Ewood Park, which hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Reds over the years.

"The game at Blackburn is always a difficult type of game," he said. "It has a local derby feeling about it and is always a bit feisty. Last season, we came back from a goal down to win the league but we expect a difficult game. That's the way all the matches will be but hopefully we can navigate them."

Ex-Man City boss Reid: Man Utd veterans shouldn't be dominating

Fri, 03/30/2012

Former Manchester City boss Peter Reid believes Manchester United were there for the taking this season.

Despite the qualities of veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, Reid feels their presence in the United squad at the ages of 37 and 38 respectively should give City cause to rue a missed chance.

The former England midfielder, who managed City from 1990-93, said: "With great respect to the players - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes being a massive influence, I think it was a great chance forManchester City.

"They are brilliant players, but at that age I am not sure this is the best league."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Three point lead only small advantage

Fri, 03/30/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't regard their three point lead over Manchester Cityas any great advantage.

Whilst the United boss is in confident mood, he admits that their advantage is only slight overRoberto Mancini's men.

"We all know that football can turn around and bite you," he said.

"That's why we make the point about experience. We have a small advantage, not a great advantage, and one that can change in a single game."

Ex-Man City boss Reid fears title will go to Man Utd

Fri, 03/30/2012

Former Manchester City boss Peter Reid fears for his old club in their battle with Manchester United.

With a derby at the Etihad Stadium to come next month, City's fate still rests in their own hands but Reid believes Sir Alex Ferguson's champions have again timed their run perfectly.

Reid, speaking at the Soccerex forum in Manchester, said: "I don't think Manchester United have been brilliant, they have dug results out - but that is Manchester United.

"The manager, whatever you say about the manager, has been there and done it.

"I thought City were going to win it in December, I thought everything was there, but now I have changed my mind.

"I'm surmising Manchester United are going to win it, but I think it was a great chance forManchester City."

Tottenham chairman Levy pulls back from pursuit of Real Madrid coach Mourinho

Fri, 03/30/2012

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has concerns over pursuing a deal for Real Madrid coachJose Mourinho.

The Daily Express says Mourinho would be the dream choice to replace England-boundHarry Redknapp for many Tottenham fans, but Levy would balk at trying to meet the £11million-a-year salary he is paid at Real Madrid.

There is also a fear Mourinho would use Spurs as a stepping-stone to try to get theManchester United job once Sir Alex Ferguson retires. If and when Tottenham replace Redknapp, they want to make a long-term appointment.

English interest confirmed for Man Utd, Liverpool target Gaston Ramirez

Fri, 03/30/2012

Bologna winger Gaston Ramirez is attracting Premier League interest.

Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the Uruguay international.

Pablo Betancourt told calciomercato.com: "Are Napoli interested in my client? You need to ask the clubs.

"I can tell you with certainty that there are negotiations ongoing in Buenos Aires with a major English side which is ready to buy both the 70 per cent owned by Bologna and the 30% of Penarol.

"There are other clubs interested, like Juventus, but the only concrete offer comes from England and I will soon bring it to Bologna.

"Will Ramirez leave next summer? Given the amount of clubs interested, I would say yes. "

Man Utd, Spurs alerted as Huntelaar delays Schalke contract talks

 03/26/2012

Manchester United and Tottenham have been alerted to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar delaying new contract talks at Schalke.

The Dutchman's current contract still has over a year to run on it, but his prolific goalscoring record with 40 goals in 38 matches in all competitions this season has attracted plenty of interest.

"There will be time to gather my thoughts after the season," he said. "Before then, I want to focus on scoring goals and not let myself be distracted at the European Championships."

Man Utd ace Valencia: We can't let Tevez's Man City take title

 03/26/2012

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia would hate to surrender the title to Carlos Tevez'sManchester City.

Valencia is convinced United will win their 20th title. But he cannot stand the thought of Tevez spoiling the party.

He told The Sun: "If Carlos plays against us, I'm sure he'll be motivated. He's an excellent player, able to change a match in an instant. What he did against Chelsea was no surprise.

"But for Tevez to score the winner? I hope it doesn't happen.

"And for us to fail and lose the title will bring pain for months. But I'm confident in my team."

PREMIER LEAGUE: Man Utd go three clear on top with narrow win over Fulham

03/26/2012

Manchester United have gone three points clear at the Premier League table courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford tonight.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s made it seven wins in a row, and 11 matches unbeaten, by dominating proceedings for large periods of the contest but were thwarted by Cottagers keeper Mark Schwarzer who had a brilliant game with the gloves.

It was a scrappy first half for the most part but United finally edged ahead late in the term whenWayne Rooney slotted his 21st goal of the Premier League campaign. A floating ball fromAshley Young was directed to the back post from the left with Fulham’s Brede Hangeland missing his header before the ball deflected off John Arne Riise and into the path of Jonny Evans who screwed it back for Rooney to fire home.

Schwarzer held an early header from Ryan Giggs before Fulham’s first chance came in the 24th minute when Clint Dempsey’s curler forced an acrobatic save from David de Gea who had to dive full length to his left.

Just after the half-hour mark, Patrice Evra attempted a very agile overhead shot which had Schwarzer scrambling before the Australian came up with a brilliant save early in the second half when AntonioValencia hammered a bouncing ball goalward from inside the area.

The 53rd minute saw Ashley Young force another top save from Schwarzer with a curling effort from range before the Fulham gloveman continued to keep his side in the match with a couple of brilliant blocks with 15 minutes remaining. First off he denied Young’s cracking volley before following up with a low block from the England winger’s second attempt prior to Hangeland denying Giggs’ effort from the third follow-up in a great escape for the visitors.

In the 89th minute, Fulham had a big call for a late penalty when Michael Carrick clattered into the back of Danny Murphy but referee Michael Oliver waved away the protests as the reigning champions rolled along to keep their noses in front of crosstown rivals Manchester City.

Man Utd, Tottenham target Huntelaar to put off Schalke talks

03/26/2012

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar says he will not think about a new contract until after this summer’s European Championships.

The 28-year old Dutchman, who has scored 40 goals in all club competitions this season, has attracted the interest of Manchester United and Tottenham in recent times but his German club is desperate to keep him.

It is believed that Schalke will offer Huntelaar a lucrative two-year contract extension but he insists he will wait until after Euro2012 before considering his club future.

"There will be time to gather my thoughts after the season," Huntelaar told Bild.

"Before then, I want to focus on scoring goals and not let myself be distracted at the European Championships."

Benfica want revenge on taunting Chelsea star Drogba

03/27/2012 

Benfica are still fuming over a video of Chelsea star Didier Drogba mocking their Champions League draw.

Drog was caught apparently quaking with fear when the Champions League quarter-final draw was made.

And that footage has infuriated the two-time European champions ahead of tonight's first-leg clash at the Stadium of Light.

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus said: "Any response to Drogba we will give on the field. Who knows what he was thinking, maybe he was joking.

"But we eliminated Manchester United this season and Sporting Lisbon put out Manchester City — that should indicate the strengths of Portuguese football."

Man Utd maintain Internacional contact for Leandro Damiao

03/27/2012

Manchester United are maintaining contact with Internacional for star striker Leandro Damiao.

Both United and Juventus are chasing the Brazil international centre-forward.

Tuttosport says United are definitely in the hunt for Internacional striker Damiao, with €28million the figure being mentioned.

Man Utd striker Berbatov aware of Juventus interest

3/27/2012

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is courting interest from Italy.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Berba will leave in the summer.

Datasport says Berbatov has told friends he has had contact with two Italian clubs. Juventus are forwarded as one of the Serie A sides interested in signing the Reds striker.

Giggs: Important Man Utd back on top of table

03/27/2012

 

Ryan Giggs is delighted Manchester United are again top of the table after victory over Fulham.

Giggs is delighted that the Reds have overtaken Manchester City and is relishing being involved in yet another title scrap.

"Our form has been really good," he told MUTV. "It's probably another reason why it was a bit frustrating tonight as we've been playing really well.

"It was a massive effort but we knew we had to do it. City were there to be caught. We had some tough games but we've got through them and, now we can see the finishing line, hopefully we can finish the job off. As a footballer, you want to enjoy these times and you want to be involved in title chases and games like tonight. I'm sure there will be more twists and turns to come."