Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

Owen: This is the one

Michael Owen praised United’s strength in depth after collecting his first Barclays Premier League winner’s medal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Despite starring in the league with Liverpool in the late 90s, Owen never won the competition with the Merseysiders, nor with Newcastle during his spell at St James’ Park before his arrival in Manchester.

Owen may not have been central to United’s success this season but he did make 11 league appearances and score twice (including against Blackpool on the final day) as the Reds marched towards a record 19th title.

“As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them,” he told MUTV, smiling. “I won a lot of trophies with Liverpool but to win the Premier League is the pinnacle of anyone’s career. I’m very proud today.

“I’ve not played as much as I did last year but we all have to play our part to win the league and it’s been enjoyable, nonetheless. I’m really pleased and proud to have played with a great crop of lads and obviously the manager’s second to none.”

Owen went on to highlight the importance of United’s entire squad, which manager Sir Alex Ferguson utilised to its fullest potential throughout the season. An incredible 21 players qualified for medals (10 appearances or more), although Owen was at pains to point out that even more players had played their part in their success.

“It’s a great team in my eyes,” he said. “Throughout the year you’d look at the team and think ‘he’s essential’ and then he’d dip out of form or somebody else would come back from injury or come into form… the amount of goals that have been spread around the team is fantastic.

“Everyone’s played a part, even the lads who have only played a couple of games, the likes of Wes Brown and Gary Neville, for instance. They’re all great members of the squad – we live with these guys day in and day out and they’re even more important than people would think.”

[mr_missile]

FERGIE CONFIRMS DE GEA DEAL

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United will sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea this summer.

The Red Devils have been scouring Europe to find a replacement for veteran shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar, who will retire after Saturday's UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona.

Talented Spanish youngster De Gea has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and has won Ferguson's vote ahead of other reported targets such as Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg and Schalke's Manuel Neuer.

It is understood aa deal between the Red Devils and Atletico is in place, with a fee to be in the region of 21million euros (£18.3million) with additional add-ons.

And Ferguson feels that the 20-year-old is the ideal man to fill the giant void which will be left by the exit of veteran Dutchman Van der Sar this summer.

The Scot told Sky Sports News: "We've been working on it for quite a while, we identified him a while back as one we should go for.

"He's a young goalkeeper, very quick, with good composure and presence.

"He's an outstanding replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

"We were looking for someone with the same types of qualities. One great quality Edwin always had was his composure and organisational ability.

"David De Gea is very similar that way."

[bonkudear]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

FERGIE CONFIRMS DE GEA DEAL

This is great news! De Gea is a fantastic young goalkeeper, destined to be Spain's No.1 in the near future.

He is one of the 3 new signings expected as announced by Fergie. 2 more signings to follow and I hope they will be Ashley Young and Wesley Sneijer.

If these signings are complete, United will be THE team to beat come next season and the season after next and next.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by bonkudear

This is great news! De Gea is a fantastic young goalkeeper, destined to be Spain's No.1 in the near future.

De Gea's
- an amazing shotstopper
- great commander of his box
- good at communicating with his defence
- very confident of his ability!!

he has a similar style of goalkeeping to VDS and even similar in build and stature (tall and imposing in between the posts). hopefully he's as good as VDS if not better!

he's definitely a good catch in every sense of the word!

[VirtualGuy]

this Saturday's Champion League Final against Barcelona,feel that if can contain or limit Messi,the chance will be increase,since Wembley should be consider as home ground.

[mr_missile]

FERGUSON ADMITS TO 2009 MISTAKES

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that mistakes may have been made before the 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, but that they have been rectified ahead of the 2011 final against the same opposition on Saturday.

United lost 2-0 in Rome two years ago as they looked to become the first team to defend the European Cup in the Champions League era, but Ferguson insisted revenge is not on the agenda.

"We were disappointed we lost the game but it isn't a matter of revenge it is about our own personal pride," he said.

"We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. I think we maybe made one or two mistakes last time but not this time."

The Red Devils wrapped up a record 19th domestic title against Blackburn on May 14 and Ferguson revealed that time has been used to prepare for this weekend's final.

"We did most of the work before the Blackpool game and winning the league the previous week helped us that way. The players they have to trust themselves and trust each other because I trust them," he added.

Captain Nemanja Vidic said it was an honour to lead United into the final in his first season as full-time skipper, but that the preparations have been the same as those for any other game.

"Obviously I'm very honoured to be the captain at such a big club and to lead the team to big games, but if you finish the season without the trophy you're not satisfied.

"We can focus now on this big game coming on Saturday and we are doing the usual stuff, but it is more about being ready mentally and physically."

Ferguson had praise for opposite number Pep Guardiola ahead of the game and saluted the swift impact he has made since taking the Nou Camp hotseat.

The former Barca midfielder was the youngest coach to win the Champions League when his side beat United in the 2009 final in Rome, completing a league, cup and European treble in his first season.

They have gone from strength to strength since and Ferguson said: "For a young coach, he's changed the way they play and brought a maturity to the team.

"From beating us in Rome to the present day, you can see that maturity. He's changed the way they press the ball, for a young coach he's done fantastically well and has a good presence.

"He played for Barcelona, which helps, and with the history of Dutch coaches there, he's made a big step forward for Spanish coaches."

Looking ahead to the test presented on Saturday, he added: "There could be a lot of excitement, there'll be a lot of good football.

"We recognise the quality of our opponents, it's unwise to go into a game not preparing for how your opponents play, their strengths and weaknesses.

"But we always focus on what we can do ourselves and we hope to attack, we have players who can do that."

Ferguson is backing his side's European experience to come to the fore and said: "All the teams have different qualities, this team has unity and our record in Europe this year is good.

"We're used to playing in Europe, we have that experience and we're pleased with what we've achieved this year in Europe.

"You look at (Wayne) Rooney, he's more mature now than he was in 2009, and others too. The experience of (Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic) is vital."

[mr_missile]

is De Gea signing or won't he? the transfer saga continues as the player himself has issued a statement saying that he has not agreed a deal to join united.

however, his club is of the view that he will join united as reported below:

ATLETICO EXPECT DE GEA TO JOIN UNITED

Atletico Madrid are resigned to goalkeeper David de Gea joining Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed earlier this week that a deal for the 20-year-old to join the Old Trafford outfit had virtually been completed.

Speculation the transfer could be announced on Monday was quickly quashed by De Gea, who was adamant there would be no decision on his future until after the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark next month.

However, any hopes Atletico fans may have harboured about holding onto their prized asset have been played down.

"My feeling is that he will go to United," Atletico chief executive Gil Marin told Radio Marca.

"We made him an offer for six years to multiply his salary, but we have heard nothing.

"With De Gea and his mother, it seems they will not accept."

[alex18122003]

Wayne: Chicha can win it for us

Wayne Rooney has backed Javier Hernandez to score the winner in Saturday's Champions League final.

Rooney, speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com, hailed the Mexican's 20-goal debut season at Old Trafford as “incredible” and isn't ruling out another magical moment when United and Barcelona go head-to-head at Wembley.

“I don't think anybody expected this sort of season from him,” Rooney said. “But since he's joined he's worked hard and cemented his place in the side. He’s playing week in and week out and he’s scoring a lot of goals.

“It’s quite incredible and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up scoring the winning goal in the final to top it all off.”

Rooney and Hernandez developed a formidable partnership this term, particularly during the second half of the season. And it's a pairing that looks poised to bear even more fruit, as Wayne reveals they often spend time together after training, honing their attacking skills.

“Chicha's a nice lad and he works very hard in training," he says. "We often stay out a bit longer and do a bit of finishing work together in order to try and improve. He’s always smiling and he wants to do well. He’s got a great future ahead of him.”

Should United boss Sir Alex Ferguson pick Hernandez in his starting XI – remember, nothing's been confirmed yet, although the boss has hinted he will – Rooney says he'd relish the opportunity to play in the hole behind the Mexican.

“The position I’ve been playing of late has been working well for the team, just behind Chicharito. If I can play there in the final then I feel I could influence the game in the way I’d like to.”

Deploying Rooney in that fashion would also require the no.10 to drop deeper when Barcelona have possession, something that tends to happen quite a lot when the Spanish champions play. But that's something Wayne says he's more than happy to do.

“If I do play in that role then I’ll have a job to do, helping out defending when we don’t have the ball. But that’s not a problem for me – I've done it many times before and I certainly feel fit enough to get up and down the pitch all day.”

In Barcelona, United come up against formidable opponents. The Catalan side were the architects of the Reds' defeat in the 2009 Champions League final and are now widely regarded as the best football team in the world. And yet Rooney remains confident about United's chances at Wembley.

“We know Barcelona are a brilliant attacking team, but as with all attacking teams if you attack them as well then there are going to be spaces to exploit. I’m sure we’ll create opportunities.

“We’ve watched the video back of the Rome final and seen clips where we’ve done well and created chances. We certainly took both positives and negatives out of that game – we’ve tried to work on those negatives and put them right.

“We weren’t at our best in that game but we still created chances and had opportunities to score. We know that if we play well at Wembley then we’ll do the same this time.”

Possession is key to Barcelona's success. The Spanish side keep the ball superbly and probe patiently for openings. It's an approach that's undone many sides this season, although Rooney says United are familiar with the tactic.

“It’s like that when we play Arsenal,” he said. “Arsenal like to keep the ball a lot. In those instances it’s about how you close the spaces down.

“If Barcelona have 70 per cent possession and most if it’s in their own half then that’s not going to worry us at all. In the last few years when we’ve played Arsenal they’ve probably ended games with more possession than us but we’ve won almost every match. In these situations it’s about creating chances and taking them, which is what we’re looking at doing.”

And when it comes to taking chances, there are few better at the moment than Chicharito. Perhaps Wayne's hunch will prove correct...

[Ilovesex]

So who will win tonight?

[niteowl]

Originally Posted by Ilovesex

So who will win tonight?

U say leh

Really a lesson on 'chasing the shadows'

[asiancigar]

We were out played and out matched by a much better team.

SAF has admitted that Barca is the best in Europe and it was clearly witnessed last night...... we were defending for 93mins (accept for the goal), we did not even have a corner kick, Valencia could not make one of his lightning runs because he was busy defending, Giggs was made to look like he was 37 years old, Carrick was trying to cope with 3 Barca players all the time, Evra was kept very quiet, Chicha hardly had 4 touches on the ball the whole night, Rooney was running around playing full back, right back, left back, central mid-field, winger and eventual goal scorer........... i suspect if VDS was injured, Rooney might have put on the GK jersey too.

We looked really desperate when Scoles was put into the mix.

CONGRATULATIONS BARCA.....worthy Champions!!!

ps. let's just be contented that we have our 19th EPL.....

[machoman]

Originally Posted by asiancigar

We were out played and out matched by a much better team.

SAF has admitted that Barca is the best in Europe and it was clearly witnessed last night...... we were defending for 93mins (accept for the goal), we did not even have a corner kick, Valencia could not make one of his lightning runs because he was busy defending, Giggs was made to look like he was 37 years old, Carrick was trying to cope with 3 Barca players all the time, Evra was kept very quiet, Chicha hardly had 4 touches on the ball the whole night, Rooney was running around playing full back, right back, left back, central mid-field, winger and eventual goal scorer........... i suspect if VDS was injured, Rooney might have put on the GK jersey too.

We looked really desperate when Scoles was put into the mix.

CONGRATULATIONS BARCA.....worthy Champions!!!

ps. let's just be contented that we have our 19th EPL.....

Yup, the better team won in CL.

Let's celebrate our 19th EPL title>

[mr_missile]

PAUL SCHOLES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect.

There had been speculation about Scholes' future in the past few weeks and it had looked increasingly likely the 36-year-old would end his stellar career at the end of the campaign.

And Scholes confirmed that view on Tuesday morning.

He said: "This was not a decision I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing."

It was hardly a surprise Scholes, who will join the coaching staff at Old Trafford from next season, should choose a low-key way to confirm his future intentions and the former England star even joked about it in his announcement.

"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do," he said.

"To have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"To have been part of the team that helped the club reach a record 19th title is a great privilege.

"I would like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career, I would also like to thank all the coaches and players that I have worked with over the years.

"But most of all I would like to thank Sir Alex (Ferguson) for being such a great manager.

"From the day I joined the club his door has always been open and I know this team will go on to win many more trophies under his leadership."

Scholes' role within the United coaching set-up has still to be outlined, although there could be an opening available with the reserves, where Warren Joyce has been acting alone since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Scholes will also be granted a testimonial, that will take place in August.

"What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player.

"Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

A member of the famed 'Class of 92', Scholes made his debut in 1994, going on to make an incredible 676 appearances, the last of which came as a substitute in Saturday's Champions League final.

He won 10 Premier League titles and, after missing the 1999 Champions League final through suspension, was part of the team that conquered Europe in 2008.

"It is very sad day for Manchester United fans around the world," said United chief executive David Gill.

"We all know that Paul was one of the players that came through the ranks of the academy system in the 90s and has established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt.

"It is very important that the club keeps the associated with these great players and we are delighted that Paul will join the coaching staff."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature...holes?&cc=4716

Who can replace Paul Scholes ?

With the news tat Paul Scholes has decided 2 retire fr playing professional football, ESPNsoccernet looks @ who can replace him in the ManU midfield next season.

Wesley Sneijder - Inter Milan
A gifted midfielder with a host of experience in Europe & international level, Sneijder would not need much time 2 bed in2 the United midfield. His range of passing is 1 of his key attributes & is up there with Scholes in his ability 2 shoot fr range. The Dutchman boasts excellent dead-ball skills as well, but would be hard 2 tempt away fr Inter & has already gone on record 2 say tat he will be staying @ the San Siro next season. A bid of around £35 million could tempt the Italians 2 begin negotiations &, @ only 26, he could be a quality player 4 United 4 years 2 come.

Luka Modric - Tottenham
Tottenham would be loath 2 lose their star player 2 another Premier League club, but Modric would improve the United midfield no end. His vision & passing style has brought great success 2 the London club & he has often been the focal point of attacks. He suffers a little fr a lack of physicality, but his desire 2 win back possession & put in a shift has made him a fan favourite @ White Hart Lane. He does not offer the goal threat of some of the other players on the Scholes shortlist, but the Croatian could be the best option if the club can tempt him away with the offer of Champions League football & title challenges.He is 25 yrs old.

Javier Pastore - Palermo
The Argentine has enjoyed a relatively small amount of time in the spotlight since arriving in Italy in 2009 but has already marked himself out as 1 of the best. At 21, he has a lot 2 learn abt the game but has demonstrated excellent skills in the classic No. 10 role. While his vision & elegance on the ball r 2nd 2 none, there r question marks abt his defensive skills - although tat didn't seem 2 hinder Scholes' career 2 much. Palermo could be forced 2 sell 2 "balance their books" & a realistic bid of £30 million - rather than the £50 million the Palermo president has been talking abt - could see him arrive. However, his relatively short time in the international fold could count against him.

Marek Hamsik - Napoli
Like Pastore, Hamsik has made a significant impact in Italian football & has been key 2 Napoli's success in reaching the Champions League tis season. A driving force in central midfield, the spiky haired Slovakian has been scoring goals 4 fun & wat he lacks defensive nous, he makes up 4 in attacking vision. A disappointing personal performance @ the 2010 World Cup saw him fail 2 live up 2 his billing & his price may hv dropped a little since. Still, £25 million is around the figure needed 2 bring him 2 Old Trafford, yet his words abt the successes of Napoli tis season could see him stay.He is 23 yrs old.

Promote from within
Aft watching his side come 2nd best 2 Barcelona in the Champions League tis season, the thought tat Sir Alex Ferguson will not dip in2 his pocket tis summer would make United fans shudder. The lack of central creativity has been obvious, yet Fergie has already got Anderson, Michael Carrick, Darron Gibson & the returning loanee Tom Cleverley 2 fill any void. With Ryan Giggs preferring a central role these days, perhaps the club will save their cash 2 spend on a goalkeeper - most likely David de Gea @ £17 million - & more defensive cover.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by joew2005

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature...holes?&cc=4716

Who can replace Paul Scholes ?

With the news tat Paul Scholes has decided 2 retire fr playing professional football, ESPNsoccernet looks @ who can replace him in the ManU midfield next season.

Wesley Sneijder - Inter Milan
A gifted midfielder with a host of experience in Europe & international level, Sneijder would not need much time 2 bed in2 the United midfield. His range of passing is 1 of his key attributes & is up there with Scholes in his ability 2 shoot fr range. The Dutchman boasts excellent dead-ball skills as well, but would be hard 2 tempt away fr Inter & has already gone on record 2 say tat he will be staying @ the San Siro next season. A bid of around £35 million could tempt the Italians 2 begin negotiations &, @ only 26, he could be a quality player 4 United 4 years 2 come.

Luka Modric - Tottenham
Tottenham would be loath 2 lose their star player 2 another Premier League club, but Modric would improve the United midfield no end. His vision & passing style has brought great success 2 the London club & he has often been the focal point of attacks. He suffers a little fr a lack of physicality, but his desire 2 win back possession & put in a shift has made him a fan favourite @ White Hart Lane. He does not offer the goal threat of some of the other players on the Scholes shortlist, but the Croatian could be the best option if the club can tempt him away with the offer of Champions League football & title challenges.He is 25 yrs old.

hope sir alex will go for either one of the above 2 named players as they both have been tried and tested at champions' league level.