Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by dom01

SO much sex romping sessions at Man Utd nowadays. SAF going to impose curfew soon... Bloody saha parties when he is injuried... Sell him.. damm...

Just that footie stars make news ..if we did same, nobody'll bat an eye lid (maybe OC rotan)

Saha's junior uninjured. Kns, he's hardly been around even when Roon's away. Offload him in summer season?

Originally Posted by jackjack__1

..some trivial news regarding man utd. please advice if i have posted wrongly or anything.. hope to add more to your reading pleasures in this thread regarding man utd

That's what this thread is for... so fill us in

[jackjack__1]

Originally Posted by yinyang

That's what this thread is for... so fill us in

okie dokie cheers.!

[jackjack__1]

Man Utd confident beating Barcelona for Lahm February 25, 2008

Manchester United and Barcelona are going head-to-head for Bayern Munich fullback Philipp Lahm.
Bild says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to offer £8.5 million for the Germany international and has opened a transfer battle with Barca for the defender's services.

With former Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves now at Old Trafford, Ferguson is banking on Lahm following his ex-teammate to United in the summer.

[Mafan]

Originally Posted by dom01

Bloody saha parties when he is injuried... Sell him.. damm...

SELL THAT SAHA, I have being saying this since last season sell that usless

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by Mafan

SELL THAT SAHA, I have being saying this since last season . sell that usless

Sell him to Tampines Rovers.. with you as agent? SAHA = Saha Always At Hospital Again

[jackjack__1]

some seriously LOL news

Ferguson wants Saha to convince Benzema about Man Utd
February 27, 2008
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is leaning on Louis Saha to convince France teammate Karim Benzema to quit Olympique Lyon for Old Trafford.
The Mirror says Fergie has spoken to United hitman Saha about sounding out Benzema - his France team-mate - over a possible move in the summer.

Money is in place for Fergie to bring a big-name striker to Old Trafford. Saha is likely to make way for the new arrival, a huge irony if it turns out to be Benzema.

[jackjack__1]

United's £33m deal fearsLast Updated: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:48

Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand has reportedly shelved contract talks until the summer when he'll have just one more year left on his deal.

The England defender is out of contract at the end of the 2008/09 season but will wait until the end of the campaign before sitting down with Old Trafford's money men.

It's claimed the development has not gone down well with United's hierarchy given the fact Ferdinand has previously admitted he would like to play abroad at some stage in his career.

The 29-year-old's last deal took over 12 months to finalise his current deal so alarms bells are starting to ring at the highest level.

United paid Leeds £33million for Ferdinand in 2002 which made him the world's most expensive defender but he could walk away for nothing in 15 months' time.

Talks with Wes Brown became deadlocked earlier in the season and he looks set to leave in the summer.

[CibLover]

Originally Posted by jackjack__1

.....Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand has reportedly shelved contract talks until the summer when he'll have just one more year left on his deal.

.... Ferdinand has previously admitted he would like to play abroad at some stage in his career......

If this turns out to be true, then he'll be branded an ungrateful twit!!!
8 months ban and we stand by him... just because he forgot to piss!!

IMHO, he's not that a great defender that he's built-up to be. Lack of concentration is his biggest weakness. Although he's admittedly improved down the years.

Playing overseas?? Still loads to learn if he wanna be a true great central defender ....someone like say... Franco Baresi!!

Anyway, let's see how it develops.

[jackjack__1]

Originally Posted by CibLover

If this turns out to be true, then he'll be branded an ungrateful twit!!!
8 months ban and we stand by him... just because he forgot to piss!!

IMHO, he's not that a great defender that he's built-up to be. Lack of concentration is his biggest weakness. Although he's admittedly improved down the years.

Playing overseas?? Still loads to learn if he wanna be a true great central defender ....someone like say... Franco Baresi!!

Anyway, let's see how it develops.

chill bro.. althou character wise, im abit doubtful, i feel that he's really a good central defender.. he is very classy, has abit of pace and yet he posesses the physique and strength suitable for english game. his technical skills enables him to hold on to the ball very well and often, we can build our attacks from the back. must admit he has concentration lapses, althou the occurance very much reduced and on his day, he's really unplayable.. i often compare him as the thiery henry of defence; playing with so much elegence..

[CibLover]

Some news that I've picked up from another website:-

SAF considered working abroad. Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong. The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.


While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.


Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated. His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.

'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager said. 'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona. He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.

'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup. 'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.

'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about. Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.

'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'

Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.

With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.

He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition. It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves. We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.

'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.'

[jackjack__1]

Spain's big two more popular than Man Utd February 27, 2008
Barcelona and Real Madrid are Europe's two most popular football clubs according to a new survey from SPORT MARKT.
SPORT MARKT surveyed around 9,600 football fans in 16 European markets with an average of 600 respondents per country, and found that Barcelona had the most fans with 50.3 million, followed by Real Madrid with 45.9 million. Manchester United (32.8 million) and Arsenal (22.9 million) make up third and fourth places.


Spanish clubs are supported by an estimated 103.5 million while an estimated 99.2 million people across Europe follow English clubs. English clubs have a larger domestic fan base, but Spanish clubs pull in far more supporters from outside the country.

Hartmut Zastrow, Executive Director, SPORT MARKT said the survey results showed the following:

"Along with Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona is the big winner amongst the top European clubs. Despite still having an unusually high fan potential, the main loser over the past five seasons, with 11 per cent less supporters, is Real Madrid."

"The fact that Chelsea FC has increased its fan base by over five times, clearly shows what a fast-moving market football is. One can achieve a lot in a short amount of time."

. "Europe still offers massive potential for clubs. In Europe alone, clubs could increase their total revenue by four or five times in the next twenty years. In particular, this allows for new media framework to be created. The teams are no longer restricted to national television.

Furthermore, in the big leagues, TV money has been all but exhausted. With new media, the clubs can, however, uncover new target groups."

"There is a booming market of over 225 million football fans right on clubs' doorsteps. It seems more promising to concentrate business here than in East Asia, where English, Spanish and Italian leagues and top clubs already have prominence."

The Top 20 Most Popular European Clubs

Barcelona CF
Real Madrid
Manchester United
Arsenal
AC Milan
FC Bayern Munich
Chelsea FC
Liverpool FC
Juventus
Zenit St. Petersburg
FC Spartak Moscow
Inter Milan
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Marseille
CSKA Moscow
Wisa Krakow
Ajax Amsterdam
Galatasaray
AS Roma
Werder Bremen

[jackjack__1]

Portsmouth keeper James: Man Utd's Ronaldo free-kicks partly down to luck
February 27, 2008

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James admits Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning free-kick last month could have been down to good luck as well as good technique.
He told the Daily Mail: "A lot is made of his technique and I thought he must take thousands just like that in practice to hit it so well, until I was talking to Owen Hargeaves about it when we joined up with England and he reckons in training they fly all over the place, apparently. Thanks for that, Owen."

[jackjack__1]

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney - World Class or still a lot to prove?
FFC columnist Daniel Lomax feels that Wayne Rooney still has a lot to prove at Manchester United and that he has a long way to go before ever justifying the ‘World Class' tag that is continually thrown at him.
Every time I go to Old Trafford or watch United down the pub, my argument is the same. I simply do not think that Wayne Rooney has reached his potential, both at European and International levels. My argument has been rumbling on for months now and the reaction that I receive is divided. I often get heckled but some agree. FourFourTwo magazine recently listed him amongst the top ten players in the world but, is Wayne Rooney class or world class?


Some people will argue the fact that, of the matches Manchester United have lost this season, Rooney hasn't featured. However one player does not make a team and although I accept the fact that Rooney has a massive influence on proceedings and lifts the players around him, through his sheer determination and work rate, the blame should also rest with the rest of the team. Surely a professional player shouldn't need any motivation to pull on the famed Manchester United shirt, especially against Manchester City at Old Trafford?

Now, don't get me wrong, Rooney is still young and has doubtless natural talent and flair that, in many people's minds, has fast-tracked him to ‘World Class' status. This status though, in my opinion, is used too sparingly and should only be credited to those players who have made a significant impact at both European and International levels. Rooney hasn't achieved this feat yet.

Winning is the name of the game and whilst A.C Milan's Kaka has an honours list as long as my girlfriend's shopping list on pay day, Rooney's list isn't quite as impressive. Clearly there are many different factors that influence this and, while I appreciate that England have been a major disappointment; Rooney has also failed to perform for his Country, with the exception of Euro 2004, while Kaka has often been credited as the player to have spurred both his Milan and Brazilian team-mates to European and Worldwide success.

Throughout his career at United I have lost count of the amount of times when Rooney has wasted great goal scoring opportunity, especially in recent matches, when trying to score a spectacular chip or exquisite lob instead of just putting the ball in the back of the net. Granted, when these efforts hit the net, they are awesome and go to show the talent and skill that Rooney possesses, but just get the job done Wayne. He needs to be ruthless in his decision making when in front of goal.

Unfortunately Rooney hasn't hit the heights that were expected of him when he hit the big time. Rooney is a fantastic domestic player who epitomises the style of the English game, fast and furious, and will strive to gun down Arsenal on Saturday. My pessimism, however, lies in Europe where Rooney has hardly set the Champions League alight. It is in continental competition where players receive personal accolades and status that can elevate them to ‘World Class' status. In time, Rooney will develop his game to suit the European and International levels where opposing players will use every trick in the book to unsettle Rooney and distract him from his game.

World Class players are those that have graced the International scene and entertained spectators on a global level, along with lifting major trophies. Will Rooney become a world class player that scores goals on a regular basis for club and country in the future? Will he become a player that deserves the world class tag or is he already a world class player that deserves to be listed amongst the top ten in the world?

your views please.

[jackjack__1]

George Best vs Cristiano Ronaldo - Who is Manchester United's finest wing wizard?
FFC columnist Stephen Darwin concludes his "Who's the greatest series" on Manchester United. In his final part, Stephen turns his attention to Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best to find out who is the finest wing wizard to play at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo has set the Premier League alight over the last couple of seasons. The Portuguese winger possesses an array of dazzling tricks, a sublime turn of pace and a goal-scoring record that continues to defy the role expected of a traditional wide midfielder. It is no wonder that the Madeira-born wizard has been compared to George Best in recent times.

Best was an extraordinary footballer and undeniably one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. The Northern Irishman would humiliate defenders with his attacking guile and instantly became a favourite among supporters from all over the world. So is all the furore surrounding Ronaldo a tad premature; or can the Premier League's current top marksmen realistically claim to be the ‘Best'?

George Best

On 22nd May 1946 a genuine legend was born. George Best undoubtedly experienced some tough times during his career but this does little to tarnish the unquestionable ability of the Belfast born superstar with a football at his feet. It was by no means an understatement when United scout Bob Bishop announced that he had found a 'genius' in Best at the tender age of 15.

Best would glide past defenders effortlessly and it would seem like the ball was glued to his foot as he drifted away from challenge after challenge. Often the only way to stop the brilliance of Best was to ultimately admit defeat and foul him. Georgie boasted an incredible goal-scoring record too, with 179 goals in all competitions for Manchester United. Best's importance at Old Trafford was underlined by the unprecedented achievement of being the club's leading scorer in five consecutive campaigns.

In only his second season with the Red Devils, Best secured his first league title with the club and would go on to produce one of the most memorable performances of his career a year later. In United's 5-1 triumph over Benfica in the 1966 European Cup quarter final, Best scored a fantastic brace that included a truly remarkable solo run. The Portuguese press were quick to acknowledge Best's supreme class and famously labelled him 'El Beatle'.

A second league title would follow in 1967 and Best proved once again to be the thorn in Benfica's side in the 1968 European Cup Final. In a significantly tight affair, Best gave United a 2-1 extra-time lead that helped inspire the Red Devils to a 4-1 victory and the coveted tag of European Champions. In what had been a magnificent season for Manchester United, Best was crowned both PFA and European Footballer of the Year.

On the international scene, Best represented Northern Ireland 37 times and found the net on 6 occasions. Best has long been described as the greatest player never to have graced a major international tournament - a considerable shame for the decisive winger, as he would have certainly excelled at a World Cup or European Championship.

Best was frequently under the media spotlight and was the first footballer to experience the showbiz lifestyle. Not only an icon on the pitch, Best's appearance made him an extremely popular figure off it too, with modelling assignments and public appearances all part of the Best repertoire. Best had clearly set a trend as we witness the idolisation of the Beckham's and Ronaldo's of the modern era, where modelling contracts are highly lucrative and professional footballers are under the constant scrutiny of the media.

Cristiano Ronaldo

In a similar vein to George Best, it was apparent that United had unearthed a special talent in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo even before he had stepped foot in Manchester. During a pre-season friendly in 2003 that saw United succumb to a 3-1 defeat against Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo put in a typically impressive performance that prompted a selection of United's playing staff to encourage Sir Alex to sign the Portuguese maestro. The United manager duly obliged, parting with £12.24 million to secure Ronaldo's signature - a substantial bargain for a player of such unrivalled class.

In contrast to Best, Ronaldo prefers to tantalise and tease defenders with an assortment of tricks before producing an end product. There have been numerous critics of Ronaldo's final ball and willingness to go down but it is apparent that he has addressed these parts of his game in an attempt to become the ultimate footballer.

The manner in which Ronaldo reacted to the post World Cup anger of English supporters is something to be admired. Despite a tirade of abuse from away fans, Cristiano's personality shone through and the Portuguese set off on a mission to silence the boo boys. Infact, the 2006/2007 season proved to be particularly vibrant for United as Ronaldo's scintillating skill, electric pace and clinical finishing helped the Manchester club to their first league title in four years. Ronaldo's superlative form didn't go unnoticed and the 23 year-old picked up a number of individual accolades including the PFA Players Player and Young Player of the Year and the Football Writers Footballer of the Year awards.

Ronaldo has pushed on to unbelievably greater heights this season and his career continues to flourish at United. The exciting winger has already scored 27 goals in all competitive matches this term and is a constant attacking threat whenever he features in the famous red shirt. Ronaldo has a refreshing self belief that is clearly indestructible and he will always strive to improve despite being at the peak of his game.

The Portuguese national team have also reaped the rewards of possessing one of the finest footballers in world football. Cristiano has notched up 36 caps and 12 goals in his relatively short international career. A defeat to Greece in the Final of Euro 2004 quashed Ronaldo's dreams of winning a trophy with his country but with Euro 2008 just around the corner, I'm sure Portugal will be challenging come the end of the tournament.

The Result

Manchester United have been fortunate enough to witness the development of some outstanding number 7's in their illustrious history. Best and Ronaldo stake a legitimate claim of being the greatest and separating the two is an ultimately difficult proposition. Both technically astute and wonderfully gifted footballers but by appearing in 466 matches and consistently performing at the highest level, Best's commitment to Manchester United ever so slightly tilts the contest in my opinion. Yet with Ronaldo thriving at the current rate, there is no reason why he cannot become the indisputable king of the number 7 shirt in the future. As long as the twinkle toed talent resists the allure of Real Madrid, he may well cement himself in United's history as a true legend of the club.

your views please.

[jackjack__1]

two articles on our club's golden boys- ronaldo & rooney.
hope you enjoy and express your views if any.. cheers!