Manchester United VIII - King of Europe/Double Champions!!!

[melvin]

In the article below, Fergie said:

Saha has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford but Ferguson says the French striker still has a future at the club.

"You don't want to give up on people like that just because they have had a few injuries," added Ferguson.

"When he is fit, Louis is an explosive player who will guarantee 20 goals a season.

Knn what a stunner! I also know a fit Saha is an excellent striker but then, when is he fit?

Ferguson keen to sign new striker

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to sign a new striker before the start of the Premier League season next week.

"We are looking at three or four different options in the striking department which I hope will come to a happy conclusion," said Ferguson.

"Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."

Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov is believed to be on Ferguson's shortlist of potential signings.

Valencia's David Villa, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of Ajax, Lyon's Karim Benzema and Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz have also been linked with United this summer.

Alamak till now he still haven make up his mind NVM buy all can le!:bsmilie:

 

[melvin]

Striker options growing
09/08/2008 11:56

United's lack of options up front could soon be solved if Sir Alex Ferguson's plans - including a new signing this month - fall into place.

The Reds boss currently has Carlos Tevez as his only regular striker fully fit for the start of the season against Newcastle next weekend.

But it's not all as bad as it looks. Wayne Rooney returned to training on Friday and has an outside chance of making the match, while Louis Saha is on a new fitness programme. Sir Alex also has "three or four" transfer options and has also discussed the possibility of getting a work permit for Manucho.

"We are looking at three or four different options in the striking department which I hope will come to a happy conclusion," said Sir Alex.

"Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."

A new signing would certainly enhance United's firepower. However, Sir Alex is also keen to make use of the significant talent already at the club - Saha being a prime example.

"You don't want to give up on people like that just because they've had a few injuries," he said. "When fit, Louis is an explosive player who will guarantee 20 goals a season.

"Louis is on a programme at the moment which we feel will get him to 100% fitness. It is more about his confidence in doing this programme which will get him back playing all the time. Hopefully that is the case because he is such a fantastic player."

Round up by Ben Hibbs

:devil:

 

[melvin]

John O'Shea
A quietly effective display from the Irishman, who regularly prevented Pompey from building any attacking momentum and lent attacking support when circumstances allowed.

Paul Scholes
The Reds' timeless lockpicker coped well with Lassana Diarra's energy and exuded his usual string-pulling cool.

Nani
The Portuguese winger terrorised the Pompey defence throughout, particularly in the first half, and his attacking threat will be missed against Newcastle next Sunday.

Carlos Tevez
Having starred all pre-season, the bustling Argentine should have had a penalty, could have had a couple of goals and generally ran the show in United's attack.

Ryan Giggs
A record seventh Community Shield for Giggs, who outsmarted the Pompey defence time and again, and was one of the Reds' most potent attacking threats.

Wes Brown (sub, 66 mins)
A seamless replacement for Neville, Wes had little to do defensively in his 24 minute cameo.

Michael Carrick (sub, 66 mins)
Lent more attacking creativity. Another shootout, another goal for the classy midfielder.

Fraizer Campbell (sub, 79 mins)
Unfortunate not to score after cleverly making space, and showed plenty of graft.

Round up by Steve Bartram

John O'Shea
A quietly effective display from the Irishman, who regularly prevented Pompey from building any attacking momentum and lent attacking support when circumstances allowed.

Paul Scholes
The Reds' timeless lockpicker coped well with Lassana Diarra's energy and exuded his usual string-pulling cool.

Nani
The Portuguese winger terrorised the Pompey defence throughout, particularly in the first half, and his attacking threat will be missed against Newcastle next Sunday.

Carlos Tevez
Having starred all pre-season, the bustling Argentine should have had a penalty, could have had a couple of goals and generally ran the show in United's attack.

Ryan Giggs
A record seventh Community Shield for Giggs, who outsmarted the Pompey defence time and again, and was one of the Reds' most potent attacking threats.

Wes Brown (sub, 66 mins)
A seamless replacement for Neville, Wes had little to do defensively in his 24 minute cameo.

Michael Carrick (sub, 66 mins)
Lent more attacking creativity. Another shootout, another goal for the classy midfielder.

Fraizer Campbell (sub, 79 mins)
Unfortunate not to score after cleverly making space, and showed plenty of graft.

Round up by Steve Bartram

 

[afbug]

Striker options growing
09/08/2008 11:56



:devil:

So far still all talk nia, no firm offers for anyone. :dunno: Fergie really like Berbatov so much meh? By the time he wait till Spurs lower their price, the league start liao.

Berbatov is good and experienced but a little old already. 27 years? Huntelaar and Benzema are younger and prob as good. Worst still, got rumours that he wanna buy the expired Henry. :thumbsd:

 

[afbug]

Campbell showed some promise at the Community Shield. He could break into 1st team if he starts scoring. Fletcher really cork up man. He really can get into good positions but have to work on his finishing.

Tot can see the Brazilian twins play but....... wonder how they got work permits and can be sub and yet Manucho still have not get his.

 

[melvin]

So far still all talk nia, no firm offers for anyone. :dunno: Fergie really like Berbatov so much meh? By the time he wait till Spurs lower their price, the league start liao.

Berbatov is good and experienced but a little old already. 27 years? Huntelaar and Benzema are younger and prob as good. Worst still, got rumours that he wanna buy the expired Henry. :thumbsd:

Ya lor dun why he wan the expired Henry?:think::devil:

 

[melvin]

Papers: Berba deal close?
12/08/2008 07:30

Berbatov row leaves United light
Manchester United are determined to complete the signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur before the start of the new Barclays Premier League campaign this weekend. Tottenham are understood to be resigned to losing Berbatov, but, having rejected an official bid of £20.5million from United last month, they maintain that they will not sell for less than £30million. Berbatov is determined to move to Old Trafford, having made clear his ambition to play Champions League football. United have been linked with a bid to sign Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal forward, from Barcelona, but the most likely alternative to Berbatov this summer is Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Oliver Kay, The Times

The Premier League has opened an inquiry into Tottenham's claims that United tried to unsettle Dimitar Berbatov (Daily Mail). But, the paper says, United remain confident there is no case to answer.

The Mirror believes Sir Alex Ferguson will pursue a second bid for Valencia winger David Silva, despite having a £20million bid turned down. However, The Times says a deal is highly unlikely as sources in Spain suggest the 22-year-old is widely expected to join Barcelona if he does leave Valencia.

Gary Neville thinks United are on for a third consecutive title (The Sun). He says: "When you’ve got players who are able to beat opponents one-on-one like we have throughout our squad, that’s the most intimidating thing."

Ian Wright says he wouldn't blame Thierry Henry for joining United despite his strong Arsenal links.

All the papers pick up on the High Court ruling that former Reds winger Ben Collett be awarded £4.3m compensation after a tackle ended his career.


Round up by Ben Hibbs

:think: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar dun think he will be coming!:devil:

 

[melvin]

Big things expected of Nani
12/08/2008 11:32

Sir Alex Ferguson believes United fans will witness increasingly mature performances from Nani this season once he has completed the remainder of his three-game domestic ban.

The Portuguese winger was dismissed for head-butting Lucas Neill in retaliation for a nasty challenge by the Australian in the penultimate league game of last season against West Ham.

Nani was forced to sit out the last-day trip to Wigan back in May and will miss United's next two league matches against Newcastle and Portsmouth.

However, when he does return to action, Sir Alex is expecting big things from the 21-year-old.

"Nani has gone through the same process as all the young players and you are looking for that jump up in performance level," explained the United boss.

“His maturity should be better as well, which is important. He is a very young 21. That immaturity showed itself against West Ham at the end of the season. That has cost us because he is missing for the first two games.

“But when he develops that he will be an outstanding talent. He has courage and speed, can play with both feet and does not melt in big atmospheres.”

Round up by Gemma Thompson

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Carrick: Goals no problem
12/08/2008 08:01

Michael Carrick is ready to take penalties in Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-enforced absence, but he’s sure the Reds will start banging in the goals when the 2008/09 season kicks off this weekend.

Carrick has shown his credentials as an able understudy to United’s regular spot-kick taker, scoring in the Community Shield shoot-out against Portsmouth on Sunday. He also converted from 12 yards in the pre-season friendly against Aberdeen and, of course, the Champions League final in Moscow.

The 27-year-old has been laid low recently with the same virus that has kept Wayne Rooney out of action. But his return as a second-half substitute at Wembley comes as a welcome boost to Sir Alex’s injury-hit squad.

“I’m just about back to normal now,” he told MUTV. “I’ll have a good week training and look forward to playing Newcastle. Sunday’s game was too soon for me to start, but it was good to get out there. We’re all looking forward to the first game of the season.”

Should United earn a spot-kick against Kevin Keegan’s men in Sunday 16:00 BST kick-off at Old Trafford, Carrick won’t shirk the responsibility if he’s on the pitch. “I quite enjoy taking penalties actually,” adds the Wallsend-born midfielder.

I’ve never really taken penalties throughout my career, but I took one at Aberdeen and I’ve scored in penalty shoot-outs. If a penalty comes up, I’d step up no problem.”

The Reds have scored just once in the last three games – Fraizer Campbell struck against Espanyol – but that hasn’t got Carrick worried. “It’s not really a concern,” said the Englishman. “It’s still early days, the performances are there and we’re creating the chances. We’ve got the lads to stick them away. In an ideal world you’d be winning every match comfortably. Last season we didn’t start all that well, but hopefully we’ll start next week by banging the goals in and getting ourselves off the mark.

“Since the first game back against Aberdeen, we’ve all progressed and got better with every game. Sunday’s was a good performance. But we want to improve and get better. This is one step further in our preparations so I’m sure we’ll be ready.

“It’s nice to start the season well. We’ve won the Community Shield this year, and we started last year in a similar fashion. We just want to keep improving and progressing and we’re hoping to have an even better season this time around.”

Round up by Ben Hibbs

:devil:

 

[afbug]

Carrick: Goals no problem
12/08/2008 08:01

:devil:

I think Man Utd got a great set-piece expert in Carrick and Hargreaves, esp Hargreaves, he can take freekicks and penalties. Think he also did those for BM.

 

[afbug]

Papers: Berba deal close?
12/08/2008 07:30



:think: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar dun think he will be coming!:devil:

Surprised that Fergie want that David Silva. I dun quite fancy him. :bsmilie: Rather Berbatov. Best is Huntelaar or Benzema.

 

[Galdor]

Tierry Henry??? :sweat:

 

[melvin]

Fighting talk from Terry
13/08/2008 08:25

Bullish Chelsea skipper John Terry says United "don't have another level to go to" and insists the Blues are ready to raise their game this season.

Sir Alex's misconstrued comments about ageing players earlier this summer have ruffled a few feathers at Stamford Bridge. The Reds boss said that, in comparison to United's young and developing players, Chelsea's older squad will find it difficult to see improvement from last season.

Terry hit back regardless. "Sir Alex realises we weren't too far away from them at the very top of their game," he countered. "I don't think they've got another level to go to.

"Take nothing away from United, they've been fantastic. But they have a lot of players in their team who have hit peak form in the last two years. Every year we're going to give them a good go for their money. We're no longer a nearly team."

When you consider the leading lights in United's attack - Ronaldo (23), Rooney (22), Tevez (24) - and emerging talents Anderson (20) and Nani (21), it would seem to contradict Terry's claims that United will not see yet further progress. Even Vidic, Hargreaves, Park, Carrick, Evra, Foster and Fletcher are 27 or younger.

Ultimately, Terry knows the emphasis is on Chelsea to up their game: "We need to raise the bar. At the end of the day last season we wasn't good enough," he says. "It still hurts me to see pictures of United lifting those trophies.

"We need to set ourselves big targets: to win the Premier League, the FA Cup, get to the final of the Champions League and win it. Those are the targets." You can bet United's wiser, now more experienced, young guns will have something to say about that.

Round up by Ben Hibbs

So fast mind game start liao!:sweatsm::devil:

 

[melvin]

Title hopefuls: Chelsea
13/08/2008 09:54

With a new man in charge, the Londoners want revenge...

Headmaster Luiz Felipe Scolari took over after Avram Grant’s eight-month tenure could ‘only’ deliver the Champions League final and runners-up spot in the Premier League. Big Phil, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, won't take any cheek from his pupils, and has proved a shrewd tactician in outwitting England and Sven three times.

Head boy John Terry. The fans’ favourite, JT is the heartbeat of this Chelsea side. An exceptional defender and inspirational leader who bleeds Blue for the cause; just be sure to check his studs before kick-off...

Maths Chelsea claimed a record in the top division last August, when a 3-2 win over Birmingham extended their unbeaten home record in the league to 64 games, trumping Liverpool’s backyard best. It now stands at 82.

English With nine of the Queen’s subjects – six international regulars – in a squad of 31, Chelsea are certainly doing their bit.

History Comrade, the past does not exist. Who are theez David Speedy and Peter Wasgood? Forward Russia!

Tuck shop item King-size Mars Bar: costly, not particularly exciting, but gets the job done.

Predicted grade A– With Scolari at the helm Chelsea expect excellent grades, but it’s a tall order to emulate Jose and win at the first attempt.

Detention Drogba’s girly slap at Nemanja Vidic was a comedy highlight in Moscow.

Round up by

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Title hopefuls: Liverpool
13/08/2008 10:37

Can Spanish Euro glory translate to the league? Doubt it.

Headmaster Rafa Benitez. Like everyone else, the goateed Madrileno knows what Liverpool fans want – the title. Problem is, he can’t even get near a sustainable challenge. The boss’s problems are manifold: a gaffe-prone keeper, second-rate defence and a dearth of decent wingers. Until the club’s American owners can sort out the finances and buy a team that works as hard at the Riverside as it does at the San Siro, the Scousers will continue to look over their shoulders – at a glorious past, and at a United side surely set to trample over their collection of records.

Head boy Stevie G. His loyalty has been tested by lean years in the league, but he puts heart and soul into every game. We still don’t like him, but respect is due…

Maths Average points behind United in the past five years = 15.6

English Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were born here, although arguably the raft of Spaniards on the books speak a more recognisable version of our native tongue.

History A favourite subject at Anfield. But being dominant a few decades ago gives you no right to win titles now. Must brush up on current affairs.

Tuck shop item Wham bar. Unbeatable in the 1980s – unrecognisable to anyone under 30.

Predicted grade B, Could do better – won’t.

Detention Javier Mascherano. Angrier than a pitbull in a bed of nettles. Calm down, little fella.

Round up by

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Title hopefuls: Arsenal
13/08/2008 09:33

The Gunners could miss out on end-of-term party if consistency falters...

Headmaster Arsène Wenger. It’s not his style, but he needs steel to underpin his side’s flair. William Gallas’s flaky captaincy may not have been entirely to blame for last term’s collapse, but this young side needs a leader, not a sulker. Tony Adams would not have been amused.

Head boy Cesc Fabregas – inspirational and offered a goal threat last season, ending up second-top scorer with 13.

Maths After losing 4-0 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford, the Gunners won just one of their subsequent eight league games.

English Joking, aren’t you? Theo Walcott, Justin Hoyte, er… Mark Randall. Sepp Blatter’s quota proposal induces a cold sweat at the Emirates.

History One of only four teams to win the league three years on the trot (1933-35), Arsenal will want to stop United from becoming the first to do so twice.

Tuck shop item Coca-Cola. Effervescent and refreshing but eventually goes flat.

Predicted grade A– If they can keep focused, Wenger’s boys have a chance of picking up a pot come prize-giving. But not the big ones.

Detention Nicklas Bendtner. The fiery Dane upsets teammates, fans, his manager and, most likely, his poor old mum, too.

Round up by

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Park eyes training return
13/08/2008 09:19

Ji-sung Park hopes to put a frustrating summer behind him next week with a return to full training.

The midfielder hasn't made any pre-season appearances for United, following a flare-up of his knee injury while playing for Korea at the end of the last campaign.

But with Ji's rehabilitation almost complete, he could be taking part in first-team training sessions between the Newcastle and Portsmouth matches.

"I need probably one more week (before I return to full training), I'm nearly there," Park told MUTV.

"I'm looking forward to the season because last season I missed six months.

"I want to play more than last season and show my ability on the pitch. Then maybe I will get more chances (in the team)."

:devil:

Park will hopefully pick up from where he left off last season, when he started five of United's last eight matches including the crucial league game against Arsenal at Old Trafford and both legs of the Champions League semi-final.

MUTV subscribers can see the full interview with Ji-sung Park in Live From Old Trafford at 18:30 BST tonight (Wednesday).

Round up by Adam Bostock

 

[melvin]

I think Man Utd got a great set-piece expert in Carrick and Hargreaves, esp Hargreaves, he can take freekicks and penalties. Think he also did those for BM.

Hopefully Carrick and Hargreaves can convert more this season!:devil:

 

[melvin]

Surprised that Fergie want that David Silva. I dun quite fancy him. :bsmilie: Rather Berbatov. Best is Huntelaar or Benzema.

Ya lor... normally the Spanairds will go to the other Spanairds as in Rafa! They are hungry for him!:bsmilie:

 

[afbug]

Tierry Henry??? :sweat:

Yeah that was stunning news. Expired liao still wanna buy. :thumbsd: But heng think gonna get Berbatov soon. Rather him than Henry... he is good but old liao.