Manchester United VII: Moscow Dream is ALIVE!!!

[melvin]

Ole: Dawn of a new era

The Reds are on the cusp of European dominance, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is calling on United’s players to believe in their potential.

The Norwegian, who fired the Reds to Champions League and Treble glory in the Nou Camp in 1999, reckons victory in Moscow next week could spark one of United’s most successful ever eras.

Solskjaer is enjoying his role coaching the current crop of United players since retiring last August, but he wants this team to win at the Luzhniki Stadium and do what the ’99 team couldn’t: repeatedly rule.

"This will hopefully be the start of something more than we achieved," he says. "The 1999 team achieved it once. It was a fantastic feeling. The memories of that night stick with you forever. I wanted to experience more of them and believed we could. Now nine years have passed before the club could get back to a final.

"This side can win it and hopefully start something bigger,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “You want the players to get the feeling that this is where we want to be every year. Hopefully it will inspire them and motivate them to believe what they really can achieve because I believe this team and these players can achieve a lot more.”

Solskjaer wants the team’s younger set of players, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, to experience European glory, which will then inspire them to remain at the top level for years to come. “If you give Cristiano and Wayne, for instance, the taste of what it's like to win the Champions League, they will have the impetus to win it again and again.

"I think this team could go on to win more Champions Leagues than us in 1999 because of the talent and the age of the players.”

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Papers: Grant blames ref

United title was a reffin’ fix
Avram Grant faces a disrepute charge after claiming ref Steve Bennett helped Manchester United win the Premier League. Bennett oversaw United’s 2-0 title clincher at Wigan on Sunday but Chelsea boss Grant said: “In England there are very good referees but some you can influence.” Ref Bennett failed to award Wigan a penalty for a Rio Ferdinand handball but later gave United a spot-kick from which they scored. He also did not send off United midfielder Paul Scholes for a second foul on Wilson Palacios. Grant raged: “I believe in the tradition of the fair English game. I will not say anything against it. But what happened is what I expected. “Paul Scholes should have been shown a red card and Wigan awarded a penalty.” Asked if he is glad an English ref will not oversee the Champions League final, Grant said: “I can say it like this – yes.”
Shaun Custis, The Sun

Michael Owen is being linked with a move to Old Trafford in the News Of The World, with the paper claiming “informal contact has been made” with Newcastle United. It’s thought the England international would cost the Reds approximately £7million.

Meanwhile, The Daily Express claim United defender Jonny Evans, who spent the second half of the 2007/08 season on loan at Sunderland, is keen to make the move permanent. It’s suggested £5million will be required to take him to the Stadium of Light.

In other news, Sir Bobby Charlton is quoted in The Mirror as saying the current squad shouldn’t feel pressured to win the Champions League final for the memory of those who died in the Munich air disaster, 50 years ago. Read the full story in our News And Features section.


Round up by Nick Coppack

Alamak why go for Micheal Owen?

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Rio signs new deal

Manchester United is pleased to announce that it has agreed terms with Rio Ferdinand on a new five year contract keeping him at the club until at least June 2013.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I am delighted Rio has signed a new contract. Rio’s contribution this season has been a major factor in our outstanding defensive performance. Rio has matured into his role at the club and has shown, when needed, what a great captain and leader he can be”

Rio Ferdinand said: “Manchester United is a fantastic club and I am delighted I have signed a new contract. It is a great honour to be part of this trophy winning team and to share in the success, which I am sure, will continue for many seasons to come. I would like to thank the Manager, the coaching staff, the players and the fans for the tremendous support they have given me since I joined the club.”

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Make your own history

Sir Bobby Charlton insists the players should focus on winning the European Cup for themselves, rather than those that died in Munich fifty years ago.

Charlton was a survivor of the 1958 air crash which killed 23 people and admits victory in Moscow next Wednesday would be the perfect way to honour those who died.

But the United legend does not want the squad to feel any extra pressure ahead of the clash with Chelsea, believing it's just as important for them to make their own history.

"I would never put pressure on these players," Charlton told MUTV. "They have their own careers and Munich is a long time ago.

"It wouldn't be fair to put total responsibility on them to win the Champions League to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.

"They will make their own mark. They know they will make their own history if they win the European Cup. That's what it should be about for them.

"But there's no doubt that if they can beat Chelsea in the final, there will be a lot of satisfaction among anyone who was connected with Munich.

"It would be perfect, as it was Sir Matt Busby who pioneered the idea of English clubs competing in Europe - and the Babes who would have done so well in it but for the tragedy.

"That history is not lost on these players. All of them who come here sometimes get a little puzzled by the effect that what happened in Munich has had on United.

They appreciate and are aware what it's all about.

"This team deserves to add the European Cup to the title. Ask any of our fans and they would say this has been a great season, no matter what happens.

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Transfer Rumours: May 08

As the season comes to a close, the tabloids are already speculating as to the extent of United's potential summer transfer activity.

The Reds have long been linked with reinforcements upfront, and Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano is becoming an increasingly regular name linked with Old Trafford.

Reports suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the prolific forward, and wants to tie up a dual summer move for Fabiano and Brazilian team-mate Daniel Alves.

ARRIVALS Player Name Current Club Position Fee
Luis Fabiano Seville Striker £7million

Daniel Alves Seville Defender £20m

Klass-Jan Huntelaar Ajax Striker £16million

Micah Richards Man City Defender £20million

Kenwyne Jones Sunderland Striker £10million
Wilson Palacios Wigan Midfielder £8million

Dean Ashton West Ham Striker N/A

DEPARTURES Player Name Linked With Position Fee
Jonny Evans Sunderland Defender £7million
Louis Saha Wigan Striker Swap

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Fraizer helps Hull to Wembley

Young United striker Fraizer Campbell is looking forward to a first appearance at Wembley, after helping Hull City reach the Championship Play-Off final.

The Tigers followed up a 2-0 victory away at Watford with a resounding 4-1 thumping at home on Wednesday night.

Campbell recently told Inside United that he was delighted with how his season had gone at Hull, and said that promotion would be the perfect end to the season.

“To come on loan, play most weeks and score goals has been perfect for me. I’ve really enjoyed myself and we’re doing really well in the league now, too – better than anyone expected. It would be perfect if we could finish the season properly with promotion. To get up into the Premier League would be a massive achievement.”

Hull’s triumph followed Bristol City’s progression on a tense Tuesday night at Ashton Gate, where a 2-1 victory for the Robins secured a 4-2 aggregate win, and a date at Wembley on 24 May.

Neither of the two teams has ever played top flight football since the Premier League was formed, and the last time United faced either side was in 1988, when the Reds beat Hull 5-0 at home and then 1-0 away in the League Cup, with Brian McClair scoring in both games. In all competitions, United have played Hull 20 times, with the Reds coming out on top on 12 of those occasions.

It has been even longer since United last played Bristol - back in the 1979/80 league season. A nervy 1-1 draw away, where Lou Macari got the goal, was followed by a comfortable 4-0 win at Old Trafford. Of the 35 times the sides have met, United have won 15 and Bristol 10.

So United’s record against the two sides is favourable – whatever happens at Wembley, you can bet Ronaldo & Co will be waiting…

ANother young one on the way to break into the senoir squard after his loan?:devil:

 

[afbug]

Transfer Rumours: May 08

:devil:

Fabiano cheaper than Alves? Wah kinda rare that a striker cost less than defender. Maybe his contract is nearing the end.

I can't imagine Fergie signing Kenwyne Jones and Wilson Palacios.

Fraizer Campbell is voted United fans' young player of the year rite? Fergie said he got a chance at 1st team.

 

[melvin]

Latest news Barca playmaker Deco, with only err...14 starts in 30++ games, said that Barca board giving him the green light to move to another club at the end of the season. He said he prefer a move to Italy or England!!! Anyone wants him?:bsmilie::devil:

 

[melvin]

Sir Alex: We'll be fresh for final

United's FA Cup final defeat against Chelsea last season remains hurtful at Old Trafford, but Sir Alex Ferguson has promised a very different game when the teams meet in Moscow next Wednesday.

The Reds boss insists the tiredness that dogged United's performance on a dry, uncompromising Wembley pitch last May will not be a factor at the Luzhniki Stadium.

"I think it will be a British affair, but it will be different from the FA Cup final," he said. "I’m absolutely certain of that. We will be fresher, and with that being the case I expect a better performance from us."

Chelsea's approach that day was to stifle and contain United. Then boss Jose Mourinho even asked his players beforehand, 'Do you want to enjoy it during the game or after the game?' and his men chose the latter.

Their style differs very little now Avram Grant is in charge, who still applies the tight, well-organised and physical approach.

"They are the things that you have to come up against," says Ryan Giggs. "Chelsea are a big strong team. They are a hard team to play against because they are so strong defensively.

"Equally so, we're good going forward but I think we're strong in defence, we've proved that this year.

"I don't know if we're going to get an open game, but we'll go out and try to create chances and score goals like we always do."

Sir Alex feels that Grant has already started the mind games with comments in the press about refereeing decisions going United's way in the title race.

"I've been expecting it," said the United boss. "I don't think it's about last Sunday, I think it's about next Wednesday and maybe even next season. I could go on and on about decisions because they're all debatable at the end of the day, we feel we didn't get a lot of decisions this season.

“Maybe when we went to Chelsea we should have been champions before it, but with the season over we can put it on the backburner and now it's about next Wednesday and I think that's why Avram's talking that way.”

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Scholes 'deserves final chance'

Paul Scholes will finally get to play on European club football’s biggest stage, and Ryan Giggs feels no player is more deserving.

Scholes, of course, was suspended for 1999’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich. But Sir Alex, who never normally succumbs to sentimentality, has said that he would make an exception. Scholes, however, should be in United’s starting line-up against Chelsea in the Luzhniki Stadium based purely on merit.

“I’m not telling the manager who to pick," says Giggs, "but Scholesy deserves to play because he’s a great player. His form has been brilliant and his goal against Barcelona got us to the final.

“To play with a player like him is a privilege. He does things other players can’t do. The disappointment of 1999 was massive for him and Roy, having played such an important part getting us to the final. I'm glad he’s got another chance now.”

It will be a special occasion for Giggs, too, who will overtake Sir Bobby Charlton’s appearances record. Typically, the Welshman deflects the attention away from his individual feats. “It was special for me coming on and scoring against Wigan, equalling Sir Bobby’s record and lifting the league trophy,” he added. “It couldn’t have gone any better. I enjoyed it, but it’s not about individuals it’s about the team.

"Now we’re looking forward to what we hope will be another great night. We’re concentrating on the Champions League and what is a massive game for everyone. I’m looking forward to it and I know we’ll be ready for it.”

:devil:

 

[Zaknafein]

"I'm very happy here but let's see after the Champions League final what happens," Ronaldo told Spanish TV at United's training ground.

the call of madrid comes.

 

[afbug]

"I'm very happy here but let's see after the Champions League final what happens," Ronaldo told Spanish TV at United's training ground.

the call of madrid comes.

I think he will stay as his contract is till 2012. Unless RM made a hugh offer that tempt the Glazers. But 5 years later, he will be still in his peak at 28 and I expect him to move to Spain.

 

[Zaknafein]

i say he'll move if we lose champs league haha

 

[s598719]

EPL is kelong ....... West Ham & referee gave Man U the title, not that they need any help. Rooney is a diver.

Let's see how good they are on the European stage. I think Chesea will slaughter them.

 

[afbug]

EPL is kelong ....... West Ham & referee gave Man U the title, not that they need any help. Rooney is a diver.

Let's see how good they are on the European stage. I think Chesea will slaughter them.

Prove it lah. Chelsea screwed themselves in EPL, fancy drawing with Bolton if they need to win.

 

[legiz]

can anyone tell me EPL is showing wed midnite morning or thurs midnite morning?

 

[calebk]

can anyone tell me EPL is showing wed midnite morning or thurs midnite morning?

EPL is over. And what is midnight morning? :dunno:

 

[Hitman]

can anyone tell me EPL is showing wed midnite morning or thurs midnite morning?

I think you meant Champions League instead of English Premier League (EPL). Then it should be Thursday early morning, Singapore time 2.45am (or if you prefer, after Wednesday midnight).

 

[Big Kahuna]

i say he'll move if we lose champs league haha

I will sell if I am Fergie...but before RM cough out 50M pound Can use the money to find more player...besides...if a player decided to leave...there is no point holding him back even if he is the best in the world :thumbsup:

What MU needs to do is continue to win things....and continue to bring in good player including a very good coach like Jose Mourinho or the Brazilian(can't remember his name suddently) that mananging Portugist national team now to take over from Fergie....Quieroz is still not quite there to manage a team like MU.....with that.....I do not see why he needs to move on since he is already one of the best paid player :thumbsup:

 

[jeff49er]

I will sell if I am Fergie...but before RM cough out 50M pound Can use the money to find more player...besides...if a player decided to leave...there is no point holding him back even if he is the best in the world :thumbsup:

What MU needs to do is continue to win things....and continue to bring in good player including a very good coach like Jose Mourinho or the Brazilian(can't remember his name suddently) that mananging Portugist national team now to take over from Fergie....Quieroz is still not quite there to manage a team like MU.....with that.....I do not see why he needs to move on since he is already one of the best paid player :thumbsup:

Scolari? He seems to move about.

Ronaldo moving? Not so soon I guess despite all the reports. Raul is stil in Madrid wearing 7 and I think 17 is being taken also.

Business is business. 100 million pounds is a good transfer fee. :bsmilie: