Why Man Utd, Barcelona and all of Europe are excited about this Nigeria U20 generation

13.09.2011

The transfer scramble is on.

The nation may have felt let down, but early elimination from this summer's U20 World Cuphas not put off Europe's biggest clubs from swooping on Nigeria's best of a generation.

While eliminated at the quarterfinal stage by France, the 12 goals Nigeria scored in their group was a sure sign of the individual talent under coach John Obuh's charge.

The jewel from an outstanding group is striker Ahmed Musa, currently of newly promoted VVV Venlo in Holland.

The summer market shut last month with Musa still a VVV player - and happy with the development. Though courted by Tottenham last season, which was confirmed by VVV officials, the Nigerian feels he can progress at a better rate with another season in Holland.

"At VVV I can develop further in the coming season," said Musa. "Other foreign talents, like Tijani Babangida and Keisuke Honda, have come through this club and then made a big transfer away. I'm happy with VVV."

Having learned his trade in Nigeria with the Aminchi Football Academy, Musa was snapped up by VVV after setting a Nigerian Premier League scoring record with Kano Pillars as a 17 year-old. His exploits attracted the interest of bigger clubs, includingManchester United and Barcelona, but he chose the then Dutch Second Division outfit.

"It's true (about Barcelona and Manchester United), but I knew I wasn't ready to go directly to a top club," explained Musa.

Ajax were also keen after being tipped off about the Nigerian starlet by Babangida.

"He called me asking if I could help with finding a good club," revealed the NigerianWorld Cup veteran. "I had conversations with people at Ajax and then I looked to get back in touch with Ahmed through his agent.

"Later I heard he was going to Venlo. Really a shame, because I think that Ahmed would have fitted in well with Ajax."

It was against Ajax earlier this season that Musa truly made his mark - scoring a brace and being named best afield in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Should this be his breakout season in Europe, Musa won't be alone in getting a big move among his Nigerian teammates.

Almost half the U20 squad were tipped to change clubs following the World Cup.

Terna Suswan, a stylish holding midfielder, has signed with Vitoria Setubal after trialling for two months with the Portuguese club.

Nigeria's captain, Ramon Azeez, signed for Almeria in Spain on transfer deadline day. The defensive midfielder was courted by Manchester United last year after a dazzling U17 World Championships. At Almeria, Azeez was joined by countryman Stanley Okoro, who penned a two-year deal with the Segunda Liga club - but then was sold to Albania's KS Skenderbeu Korce for their Champions League qualifying run.

Almeria saw off stiff competition from Valencia in the final days of the market to land Azeez.

Also in Spain, Nigeria U20 defender Aliyu Mohammed has signed with Villarreal. The left-back was cut by Obuh from his World Cup squad over concerns his club ambitions were affecting his on-field form.

Given the buzz around Obuh's graduates - and the excitement Fengor Ogude (Valerenga) and Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv) created in India against Argentina - Nigeria coach Samson Siasia appears to have on his hands a golden generation leading into the 2014 World Cup.

Man Utd leave Ferdinand at home for Benfica trip

13.09.2011

Manchester United defenderRio Ferdinand is out of their Champions League clash atBenfica.

Ferdinand was not in the 19-man squad that flew to Portugal this morning, meaning United were without their first-choice central defensive pairing as Nemanja Vidic is currently missing with a calf problem.

It is not thought Ferdinand has suffered a fresh injury. However, after making his first appearance in a month during the 5-0 romp at the Reebok, and with Chelsea due at Old Trafford on Sunday,Sir Alex Ferguson is not wanting to take any chances with the 32-year-old, whose fitness record has been patchy over the past few years.

Man Utd legend Van Nistelrooy excited by Malaga future

13.09.2011

Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is convinced of great things ahead for Malaga.

Malaga secured their first victory of the season over Granada last night.

Van Nistelrooy declared: "I am looking forward to it, here is possibilities to get maximum results. We have a good coach, good players and a well organized club. I wanted to be part of this and I'm here.

"The question to ask is where will be Malaga in about 10 years. I see highly educated people in key positions at the club, we will grow and improve year after year. There is a great future."

Man Utd midfielder Carrick: Rooney set up for his best ever season

13.09.2011

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick feels Wayne Rooney is setting himself up for his best ever season.

His hat-trick at Bolton on Saturday was his second in successive games, taking his overall tally to eight goals in four matches.

"This is probably Wayne's best season so far and I am expecting big things from him," said Carrick.

"He has done well in the past but he is getting more mature. He is handling things well and going from strength to strength.

"Sometimes he plays well but because he hasn't scored, people don't think he has played well. They just judge him on his goals.

"To score and perform the way he has is brilliant."

Real Madrid star Ronaldo fancies following Russian money trail

13.09.2011

Real Madrid starCristiano Ronaldo will not rule out following the money to Russia.

Ronaldo has watched with interest the cash being thrown around Europe by Russia's big spending clubs.

"Why not?" shrugged the formerManchester United star.

"I know that the championship of Russia is getting stronger. No, by no means do I reject the idea of playing one day in this country. In football, you never know what can happen in the future.

"So if one day I am found in Russia, do not be surprised."

Chelsea striker Drogba will not make Man Utd blockbuster

13.09.2011

Chelsea striker Didier Drogbawon't be fit for Sunday's blockbuster againstManchester United.

The Guardian says Chelsea are resigned to being Didier Drogba for Sunday's daunting trip to the champions, Manchester United, as the Ivory Coast forward continues his recovery after suffering concussion during his team's victory over Norwich City last month.

The 33-year-old was ruled out of international duty during the recent break and has since resumed only light training. Indeed, the club's approach to his recovery continues to be cautious given the severity of the clash.

"Everything was OK with the scan," said Villas-Boas. "He did some damage to his teeth when he fell to the ground, so we have given him two days off. He will be [fit again] around the United, Fulham, Swansea games … hopefully United."

Yet it is understood that, privately, the Londoners are unwilling to risk the forward in Sunday's trip to Old Trafford and would prefer to see evidence that he is completely over the after-effects of his fall before they thrust him back into first-team contention.

Man Utd defender Jones: Chicharito just an amazing talent

13.09.2011

Manchester United defender Phil Jones admitsJavier Hernandez is an "unbelievable talent".

Jones concedes he’d rather be playing with Javier Hernandez than against the Mexican, who proved he is back to his best with a splendid double at The Reebok in his first start of the new campaign.

"He is an unbelievable talent," the defender told MUTV. "Everybody knows what he is capable of and it is not a one-off as he does it week in, week out. We see it in training as well. He is a great player and a terrific player to have in your side.

"I play against him in training and sometimes he is un-defendable. He is so sharp in and around the box. Defenders find it hard to pick him up and he pops up with goals like he did on Saturday."

Man Utd boss Ferguson confirms old-hands recalled for Benfica trip

13.09.2011

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has confirmed his old hands will return for their Champions League opener at Benfica.

Much praise has been reserved for the youngsters in the United side this season but Sir Alex says that more experienced players will be involved at the Estadio da Luz. His hand will be forced anyway by the loss of Tom Cleverley, who was injured in the first half of Saturday's 5-0 win at Bolton and replaced by Michael Carrick.

“My team in Lisbon might be different on an issue of experience," Sir Alex said. "We’ve also got Darren Fletcher back fit. He’s looking good and did well with Scotland last week. I think we’ll need to have more experience in the game.

“The important thing is to qualify. Benfica away from home is the kind of the game you have to respect.”

Carrick happy to be back in Man Utd action

13.09.2011

Michael Carrick was happy to be back in action for Manchester United in victory at Bolton Wanderers.

The Geordie stepped in to replace the injured Tom Cleverley.

"It is not so much a case of being worried about getting back in, more that I just want to play," said the former Tottenham midfielder.

"I have to be patient. I have not been left out in the cold in any way and I know I am going to get games.

"It is frustrating but I look at the bigger picture.

"It hasn't just been me who has had to wait. Others are facing the same situation.

"But now the Champions League has started again more players will be needed."

Man Utd striker Diouf scores twice as 37yo Pearce turns out for Fulham

13.09.2011

Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf struck twice in their 2-1 reserves win over Fulham.

The former Molde attacker now has five goals at this level this term and his finishing prowess proved to be the difference between the two teams at a blustery Moss Lane.

Diouf struck with a looping header and late finish from close range.

Featuring at the back for Fulham was 37 year-old Ian Pearce, formerly of Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United.

From phenomenal Phil Jones to unstoppable Rooney and Chicharito, Manchester United are clicking early like never before

There was no shortage of outstanding performances by Sir Alex Ferguson's men as they responded once again to Manchester City's victory with another glut of goals

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COMMENT
By Greg Stobart at the Reebok Stadium

It was their second teatime kick-off in two games, but once again Manchester United served up champagne football to prove a point to noisy neighbours Manchester City.If City have raised the bar in the first four games of the Premier League season, United have put a rocket under it and sent it into orbit.

As if to prove that the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal was not a freak result, they put Bolton to the sword on Saturday with another scintillating attacking display of verve, energy and, above all else, quality.
It almost defies logic that despite so many changes to the squad over the summer, United are playing their best football since the 2007-08 season. The likes of Ashley Young, David de Gea and Phil Jones are new arrivals while Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have been promoted following spells on loan last term.
This young team should be in its early stages of evolution, the players should be learning about each others' games and gelling gradually. Instead, they are off to an absolute flyer having won four out of four league matches - which leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's side top of the table with a goal difference of +15 having scored 18 goals.

It took United 15 games to reach the same goal difference tally last season but they have started the new campaign in top form, playing sumptuous football in the final third with wonderful quick passing.
Their form so far has been embodied by Wayne Rooney, who became just the fourth player in the Premier League era to score back-to-back hat-tricks as he resumed his partnership with Javier Hernandez in the United attack.
The Mexican was handed his first start of the season at the Reebok Stadium following a head injury and picked up where he left off last season by scoring two classic striker's goals.The first came just three minutes into the game as he evaded Bolton defenders with brilliant movement before turning home Nani's cross with a deft finish at the near post. It made Bolton defender Gary Cahill look slow and cumbersome but the credit should go to Hernandez for his incredible instinct in the penalty box.
In celebration, he formed a 'C' with his hand for Chicharito, the Little Pea. He was a revelation in the second half of last season as he continually popped up with vital goals: this season such performances will be an expectation.
But Hernandez has shown already in a United shirt not only that he can cope with pressure, but he thrives under it, regularly scoring important goals.
His understanding with Rooney was one of the key factors in the Red Devils' form towards the end of last season and the England striker has come to embody this confident United side. Dropping into space between Bolton's defence and midfield, Rooney seemed to pick up the ball at will and connect the visitors' attacks with his clever movement and incisive passing.
This season has already been a massive triumph for Ferguson's squad-building abilities. United have incredible depth to their squad and are playing with such pace and purpose that you wonder how the Scot has been able to remodel his team in such a short space of time after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in May.
For one, he seems to have incorporated many aspects of the Spanish giants' play into United's, not least their speed on the break and the one and two-touch passing in the final third.
Another feature that Ferguson appears to have imported to Old Trafford is the marauding full-backs who stretch the pitch and create an extra man in attack.
Against Bolton, Phil Jones was asked to fill in at right-back and the 19-year-old furthered his case as one of the most promising players of his generation. Having already shown his ability at centre-back following his £16 million summer move from Blackburn, Jones was absolutely phenomenal.
He created the second goal – scored by Rooney in the 20^th minute – with a brilliant cross of which David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud. Five minutes later, the England under-21 international went on a storming, skilful run past three Bolton players, ending with a shot that Jussi Jaaskelainen could only parry for Rooney to tuck into the corner of the net.
His reading of the game, his pace, his power and ability on the ball make him a certainty to be a United and England regular for many years to come.
United are renowned for being slow, pragmatic starters in the Premier League, able to get results before Christmas but never hitting top form until the New Year. So it's fair to ask, what's changed?
Perhaps the humbling defeat to Barcelona – their second in three years – caused a sea change in the thinking around Old Trafford.
More likely, however, is that Ferguson has always created sides that respond to the circumstances. With Manchester City blowing teams away with their new brand of attacking football, it is in United's instincts to react and re-establish the status quo.
City cruised past Wigan with a 3-0 victory on Saturday afternoon, United responded by going two better as they dispatched Bolton. It is a theme that is already developing this season and it will be quite remarkable if both teams can maintain this level of performance over the whole campaign.
Chelsea will provide the sternest test of the season so far when they visit Old Trafford next Sunday, but for now we should simply toast United's stunning displays.

United boost as scan shows Cleverley did not break foot and could return in three weeks

Tom Cleverley could return to action in three weeks after X-rays revealed that the Manchester United midfielder did not break his foot when he was fouled by Bolton striker Kevin Davies.

United are still angry at Davies over the challenge that left Cleverley on crutches with a protective boot on his left foot, although it has emerged that he phoned the 22-year-old on Saturday night to apologise.

The initial indications were that Cleverley, who has been a revelation for United so far this season, had suffered a break and could be ruled out for up to two months.

But further tests showed that he has sprained his ligament and tendon, and will be missing for three to four weeks.

Crunch: Tom Cleverley (right) is tackled by Bolton's Kevin Davies

Although Davies escaped a booking for the tackle, he was shown a yellow card by referee Andre Marriner for another foul on Patrice Evra shortly afterwards with both incidents prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to rush to the side of the pitch in anger.

Ferguson was sent off at Old Trafford in 2007 for complaining about Davies’s treatment of Evra, who accused the Bolton striker of having a vendetta against him, and Davies did little to calm the ill feeling in the build-up to Saturday’s game by warning that he was going to give United defender Phil Jones ‘a going over’.

Ferguson was unhappy with the challenge on Cleverley, saying: ‘It’s unfortunate but we expected it. It was a bad tackle.’

However, Davies’s wife Emma defended her husband in the face of criticism from United fans on her Twitter account, saying: ‘He would never hurt anyone on purpose… these people don’t know him. He was shaken when I told him about cleverly.’

Injury: Patrice Evra (right) is a doubt for United's Champions League clash

And Bolton manager Owen Coyle responded to questions about the incident by making a pointed reference to Stuart Holden who has not played since suffering a serious knee injury in a challenge with United’s Jonny Evans at Old Trafford in March.

‘I cannot recall the challenge,’ said Coyle. ‘But the nature of the league … I hope he is not injured because he is an outstanding young player, but we know from our injuries – like Stuart Holden last season – you don’t want anyone injured.’

The incident cast a shadow over a 5-0 win for United that saw Wayne Rooney become only the fourth player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in Premier League history.

It came almost a year to the day that Ferguson dropped Rooney for the trip to Everton amid sex allegations against the England striker.

Evra said: ‘Last season he had some problems but now he’s back. Everyone thinks if they have a problem, the first thing they want to do is play football and enjoy themselves. This is what he’s done. He wants to be the best player in the world.’

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Charlton: Rooney has another ten years at Man Utd

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton believes Wayne Rooney will be a leader at Old Trafford for the next ten years.

Charlton never believed that the England striker would quit Old Trafford during his troubled times ­ 12 months ago.

He revealed, too, that he always has a few words of wisdom for his striker successor and Rooney is ­always eager to listen.

“I can always remember our youth coaches going on about this young kid at ­Everton years ago,” said Sir Bobby.

“When your staff go on about someone like that you never forget it. I was just glad when we got him. And I wasn’t worried last season. I’m just glad he is playing for us and nobody else.

“Wayne has the potential to be a great player at United for another decade.”a

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney 'delighted' with hat-trick against Bolton as Chicharito calls his attacking partner 'world class'

The pair helped maintain Manchester United's winning streak, with a double from Hernandez and three from Rooney who believes his pre-season workout was essential.

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Wayne Rooney was delighted with his hat-trick as Manchester United continued their impressive start to the season with a 5-0 over Bolton on Saturday.

Rooney bagged his second hat-trick of the season while Javier Hernandez scored a double as the pair helped their team to a fourth successive Premier League win of the campaign.The England striker belives that the partnership will continue to blossom throughout the season.
“I’m obviously delighted to score a hat-trick, and first start with Chicharito [this season] and to both score is great,” Rooney told ESPN.
“We always know Bolton’s a difficult place to go, and we got the early goal and kicked on from there really, [we] controlled the game and could have scored more really.
The 25-year-old also mentioned how important his pre-season training workout was in relation to his current form.
He added: “I had a long time to rest and got a good pre-season under my belt. Thankfully I’ve done that, and stayed clear of injuries and obviously it’s helped me for the start of the season.”
With another impressive win for Manchester City on Saturday, Rooney believes his side should concentrate on their own form, rather than that of their rivals.
“We have to concentrate on ourselves [not Manchester City]," Rooney said. "It was a difficult game for us today, and we needed to focus on ourselves and make sure we got the win, and thankfully the win was easier than we thought, but we still had to work hard for it.”
Chicharito, like Rooney, could have scored a hat-trick, but felt the most important thing was another United victory.
“Yeah of course [I could have scored a hat-trick] but as I always say the most important thing is the result," he said. "We got three points off a very difficult visit to Bolton, and we’re delighted."
On Rooney's blistering form, Hernandez said: “Every player can play with Wayne Rooney. We know Wazza is a world class player, and he can do everything.”

Manchester United 19 is history...

Manchester United

 

19 is history...