Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[KitKat]

BPL starts this weekend but games in London will not go ahead due to the riots. Tottenham vs Everton is definitely off.

Champ19ns Man United travel to West Brom for their 1st game of the 2011/12 season. Hope they get off to a good start with a win at the Hawthorns!

Glory glory Man United!

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by KitKat

BPL starts this weekend but games in London will not go ahead due to the riots. Tottenham vs Everton is definitely off.

Champ19ns Man United travel to West Brom for their 1st game of the 2011/12 season. Hope they get off to a good start with a win at the Hawthorns!

Glory glory Man United!

yes, the bpl is finally here! onwards to the 20th title and more! champ20ns? champ21ns? etc etc etc!

glory glory man utd!

[mr_missile]

Man United: Is Replacing Players Enough?


Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson (since 1986). Odds on being first out of a job: 33-1 (14th=).
Salary bill 2009-10 £131.7m (3rd of 2010-11 teams)
Last season
The FA's Highly Prestigious Community Shield: Winners. Premier League: 1st, 80 points. Champions League: Finalists. FA Cup: Semi-finalists. Carling Cup: Quarter-finalists.

Transfers in : David de Gea (Atletico Madrid, £18.3m); Ashley Young (Aston Villa, £17m); Phil Jones (Blackburn, £16.5m)

Transfers out : Wes Brown (Steve Bruce, £1m); John O'Shea (Steve Bruce, undisc); Ryan Tunnicliffe, Scott Wootton (both Darren Ferguson, loan); Nicky Ajose (Darren Ferguson, undisc); Joe Dudgeon, Corry Evans (both Nigel Pearson, undisc); Robert Brady (Nigel Pearson, loan); Ritchie de Laet (Norwich, loan); Bebe (Besiktas, loan); Owen Hargreaves (released); Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes (both retired, the latter to coaching)

United annoyance and concern at the rise of City is palpable, but the joy of surpassing Liverpool by winning that 19th title offers compensation. And if that 19th title was secured somewhat fortunately, United supporters can see a great deal being spent this summer to try to secure a 20th.

David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young: all more than £16m. If reports, hints and nudges are to be believed then double that is about to be spent on Wesley Sneijder. At a glance it adds up to an ambitious spending programme, a rebuff to some of the criticism aimed at the Glazers.

The retirement of such inspirational players as Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar demanded a reaction, and three defenders with more than 880 combined league appearances reached the end of the road at Old Trafford - Gary Neville heading to the TV studio and Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Sunderland. Brown and Neville barely played last season, but O'Shea appeared in just over half the games of United's title-winning campaign.

Neville was semi-retired already and, without wanting to offend any of their relatives who may be reading, O'Shea and Brown look reasonably easy to replace. The plaudits that greeted the retirement of Scholes, though, were a measure of how good he was all the way through his career (even if he never learnt to tackle). A dozen years ago Peter Schmeichel bowed out after sealing the treble in Barcelona; it took Fergie six years to replace the goalkeeper properly, with Van der Sar. The Scot was not going to risk half-measures when he looked for a successor this time (and just as Wayne Rooney read too much into United's comeback, no one should judge De Gea on the Community Shield).

A couple of questions arise. Is this expenditure enough to keep United on top domestically? And will it enable them to close the gap that was so brutally exposed by Barcelona at Wembley in the Champions League final? To flip the answers around, the consensus on the second point, pre-Sneijder, has been 'no'. And the first question demands a supplementary: would restoring what left United on top last season be enough to do so again?

One highlight of the day the title was clinched was getting slagged off on the website of one employer (my day job) for something I wrote on another (this one). Suggesting that United were good enough to win the title by everyone else's standards but not necessarily their own got them going, as did Pete Gill's analysis of the number of points United picked up where they received the benefit of very little doubt on some decisions. (While I am on the subject, apologies to Howard Webb for blaming him for Phil Dowd's mistake in the 2010 Carling Cup final. And at a slight tangent; if you type 'apologues' it is recognised as a proper word - it means a moral fable, it turns out.)

The bald fact is that while going from second in 2010 to first in 2011, United lost five points. While some of that may be attributable to the improved attitude from teams at the wrong end of the table - and the nine-point final margin of success was impressive - losing five points year on year is rarely the route to glory. We don't know the shape of this season, but until now you can portray United as having largely spent to fill vacancies, while rivals have bought to improve their teams. Sneijder would alter that dynamic.

Ferguson made the signing of last season a year ago, with Javier Hernandez, and in Chris Smalling another signing for many seasons yet to come. Tom Cleverley is more than just flavour of the week and replaced Michael Carrick in the England squad for the game that never was. Nemanja Vidic is a defensive inspiration even without Phil Dowd refereeing. Nani is thriving on increased responsibility. A player as good as Dimitar Berbatov can be left to kick his heels, especially when Wayne Rooney is on song. Ryan Giggs is 38 in November but he is still Ryan Giggs. Sir Alex Ferguson is still Sir Alex Ferguson. And Rio Ferdinand has a lot of followers on Twitter.

United will be a force. They are the team to beat. There was a youthful look to their team on Sunday and they have a lot of players who should improve with age, which will help deliver the improvement needed, regardless of the squad strengthening.

Riots permitting, United kick off at West Brom on Sunday, where they were lucky to escape with 11 men and three points last season (Neville having an escape from a red card that helped convince him to retire). Spurs then visit Old Trafford, to be followed by Arsenal: a stiff start to the season. After a trip to Bolton, Chelsea then visit Old Trafford to complete a testing early examination against other top-six sides, albeit conducted solely on home ground.

Win, lose or draw, Ferguson will not read too much into early matches. You win titles through the long haul, and with or without Sneijder Fergie will hope that he has a squad to shine in May. But the competition from across Manchester looks stiff and I expect the hype for the match scheduled for Eastlands on 28 April to go all the way up to 11.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...012-13?cc=4716

Park signs new deal until 2012-13
August 12, 2011

ManU hv confirmed tat midfielder Park Ji-Sung has signed a new contract which will keep him @ the club until @ least the end of the 2012-13 season.

Park has become an unsung hero @ United, dispelling doubts over the validity of his move fr PSV Eindhoven in 2005 2 seal a central place in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

''I hv enjoyed every minute of my time @ United,'' he said. ''I m delighted 2 be part of the club during tis latest stage in its history - with another exciting young team being built.

''I m looking 4ward 2 playing my part in keeping United @ the top of the game.''

Ferguson revealed during United's pre-season tour of North America tat the club had offered Park a new contract.

The 30-year-old quickly indicated a willingness 2 sign & now the loose ends hv been completed ahead of the Premier League opener @ West Brom.

Having played a part in 4 league title triumphs, plus 3 League Cup wins & a Club World Cup, Ferguson clearly views Park as a major figure in the new team tat is emerging @ Old Trafford, especially as his decision 2 retire fr international combat earlier tis year has substantially reduced the tiring hours spent travelling back 2 the Far East.

"Ji has been an important player 4 us 4 a number of years now,'' Ferguson said. "He has great ability & energy & in recent seasons has added the knack of scoring important goals in big games.

"He is a popular member of the squad & his experience @ domestic & international level is invaluable 4 the younger players.''


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...bility?cc=4716

Vidic: Fergie presence brings stability
August 11, 2011

ManU captain Nemanja Vidic believes the continuity afforded 2 the club by SAF's long tenure as manager has been key 2 the Red Devils' success.

Vidic, 29, has blossomed in2 1 of the world's best defenders under Ferguson since arriving as a relative unknown fr Spartak Moscow in January 2006.

The Serbian defender has won 13 trophies in 6 years @ Old Trafford & United head in2 the new season as favs 2 add another Premier League title 2 their already bulging collection.

Vidic believes tat United enjoy an advantage over their rivals becos of the presence in the dugout of Ferguson, who will soon celebrate his 25th anniversary as manager of the club.

"The manager brings stability," Vidic said. "He built the road tat all players follow. Even now we hv 3 new players but the system is already there. Tis is the great thing.

"Other clubs hv a problem becos they change their coach every year & new players come in. Sometimes they hv a problem 2 build a team."

United managed 2 win the title last season despite getting off 2 a slow start & Vidic believes it is crucial 4 the reigning champions 2 be quicker out of the blocks tis time around.

"I m just hoping we reach our form fr the beginning of the season,'' Vidic told CNN. "We hv a really tough schedule & some tough games in the 1st few weeks but if we perform the best we can, I believe we can win the title again.''

Vidic & his team-mates take on West Brom tis Sunday b4 tricky fixtures against Tottenham, Arsenal & Chelsea in the opening 5 weeks, with the centre-back predicting the Blues & local rivals ManC will be United's main challengers.

"Chelsea r always there,'' he said. "They hv experience & they hv players who hv been together 4 a few years. They know each other very well & will be hungry 2 win the title tis year.

"ManC hv a few signings. They will be even stronger tis year. They hv been 2gether 4 a year & will be a bigger rival.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...er-utd?cc=4716

Fergie puts faith in youth
August 13, 2011

SAF has revealed a transfer fear over the future of young starlet Paul Pogba is 1 of the major reasons he has turned his back on Wesley Sneijder.

Ferguson has insisted on several occasions tat he is not interested in Sneijder. There has been evidence to the contrary, with chief executive David Gill hinting there had been discussions @ some stage, Sneijder claiming there had been unofficial talks & Ferguson himself being quoted as saying it was make-your-mind-up-time 4 the Dutchman, even if the United boss distanced himself fr tat demand.

However, with the Premier League abt 2 get underway, Ferguson highlighted the faith he has not only in the youngsters who dazzled @ Wembley in last Sunday's Community Shield but also in Pogba.

Signed as a 16-year-old fr Le Havre in 2009, the tall midfielder has made a big impression @ Old Trafford & was part of the side tat lifted the FA Youth Cup last season.

Ferguson does not need any reminding tat Gerard Pique & Guiseppe Rossi made a similar impact on their arrivals fr Spain & Italy respectively but eventually left, frustrated @ a lack of 1st-team opportunities.

"The young boy Pogba is showing great promise," Ferguson said. "We r quite positive abt him. If we hold him back, wat is going 2 happen? He will leave in a couple of years' time when his contract has finished.

"We hv 2 give him the opportunity 2 see how he will do in the 1st team. He has great ability. He has the physique & athleticism. He is a possibility. We hv Darren Fletcher 2 come back & Michael Carrick tends 2 develop more fr November onwards, so when you take tat roll call of players, I m not looking 2 add 2 it."

Not tat Ferguson is scared of reminding his inquisitors abt the statements he has been making.

"I hv been saying it 4 weeks," he said. "Every1 has been writing differently. We r just carrying on with our business. You can 4get any1 u like. I m happy with the young players I hv got."

[machoman]

West Brom 1 United 2

The champions kicked off the Barclays Premier League season with a hard-fought victory at West Brom, repeating last season's 2-1 success thanks to a strike from Wayne Rooney and an own goal by Steven Reid.

Rooney drilled in an early opener but debutant Shane Long shot past David De Gea for a surprise equaliser and it took Young, on his first league appearance for the Reds, to set up the winner with nine minutes left.

United made an impressive statement of intent from the first whistle as the bold, youthful line-up selected by Sir Alex posted a positive start. Although Paul Scharner managed the first effort of note, it was all United and there was no surprise when Wayne Rooney drew first blood - as he did in this fixture last term.

Rooney expertly flicked a Fabio pass out to Young before collecting the return ball and curling a left-footed finish beyond the reach of Ben Foster in the 13th minute. The Reds were in control with Rooney blasting wide after being afforded too much space and Nani casually lifting a finish wastefully over the top following good approach work by Rooney and Danny Welbeck.

Nani again shot too high when Foster could only pat down a Young corner but Albion worked their way back into the game ominously. De Gea made a flying stop to thwart Scharner, who had stormed onto Long's lay-off but, two minutes later, the Spanish keeper coped less effectively when Long decided to have a crack himself. The Irishman fired across de Gea when Chris Smalling was unable to prevent the shot from the left-hand side of the box.

Conceding an equaliser was harsh on United but the defence seemed to lose some concentration as Fabio's panicky header away allowed Chris Brunt to volley over the bar. And de Gea had to claw away a Somen Tchoyi cross that deflected off Nemanja Vidic and worryingly looped goalwards as half-time approached.

The second period became less eventful and there was a blow when captain Vidic finally made way after failing to shrug off a knock. United failed to carry any significant threat with Rooney glancing a header wide from a rare half-chance and Nani's free-kick coming to nothing after Young was felled on the edge of the box by Brunt.

Dimitar Berbatov was introduced in a bid to add more of a cutting edge but it was Young who continued to provide much of the attacking thrust. The former Aston Villa winger's dipping shot drifted just wide of the far post with Foster flailing at thin air.

Nani sent an awkward header wide from Fabio's left-wing cross and the visitors' attempts to create any sustained pressure were affected when another injury disrupted the defence - with Ferdinand having to be replaced by Phil Jones, leaving a very youthful back-five for the final quarter of an hour.

Such setbacks would have a major detrimental impact on lesser teams but the champions are made of sterner stuff and snatched the winner with nine minutes left. Berbatov played the ball off to Young, who showed real intent to fly down the left past Brunt and see his cross deflect off Tamas and, ultimately, Reid before nestling in the back of the net.

Tchoyi lashed one effort off target and De Gea safely fielded a Brunt effort as the Reds held out - to their great credit - to start the defence of the title with a valuable away win.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by machoman

West Brom 1 United 2

it was a very good weekend for united with the rest of the rivals all drawing (city yet to play though).

there are injury worries over vidic (probably out for 2 weeks with a calf injury) and ferdinand (out for 6 weeks with a hamstring injury).

now the young guns of evans, smalling and jones will be given an early chance to impress.

glory glory man united!

[waiwaiz]

their goalie looked abit weak leh.........

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by waiwaiz

their goalie looked abit weak leh.........

yes bro. but nevermind lah. he's still young and most importantly, sir alex has faith in him. as long as he has the self-confidence, he will make it. it is a steep learning curve. but he will be good.

de gea, together with smalling, jones, evans, the silva twins, cleverly, pogba, wellbeck and macheda (all in their late teens or early twenties), guided by rooney, anderson, young, nani, valencia (mid 20s) represent the next generation of players who will carry united onwards for the next decade of domestic (at least) dominance.

[KitKat]

DDG is tall and gangly at the moment having come from the La Liga which is more known for its flair as compared to the very physical English league. But he has the self-confidence and never-say-die attitude which is very important if he is to the No. 1 at the biggest club in the world.

He just needs to beef up (look at Wellbeck now compared to 2 years ago) and those strikers who try to 'makan' him will think twice already.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

de gea, together with smalling, jones, evans, the silva twins, cleverly, pogba, wellbeck and macheda (all in their late teens or early twenties), guided by rooney, anderson, young, nani, valencia (mid 20s) represent the next generation of players who will carry united onwards for the next decade of domestic (at least) dominance.

my oh my, how did i miss out on hernandez and even fletcher who will both be coming back from their injury and illness respectively?

[jitlong69]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

yes bro. but nevermind lah. he's still young and most importantly, sir alex has faith in him. as long as he has the self-confidence, he will make it. it is a steep learning curve. but he will be good.

de gea, together with smalling, jones, evans, the silva twins, cleverly, pogba, wellbeck and macheda (all in their late teens or early twenties), guided by rooney, anderson, young, nani, valencia (mid 20s) represent the next generation of players who will carry united onwards for the next decade of domestic (at least) dominance.

Absolutely well said Bro. Of course we cannot miss out Hernandez that you added later.

I am certain in the next 2 seasons Man U will have their 20th title. Could even be this season.

Seeing them play in the Charity Shield they will be a force to reakon with in the coming months, weeks perhaps.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by jitlong69

Absolutely well said Bro. Of course we cannot miss out Hernandez that you added later.

I am certain in the next 2 seasons Man U will have their 20th title. Could even be this season.

Seeing them play in the Charity Shield they will be a force to reakon with in the coming months, weeks perhaps.

next game vs spurs. united will be without vidic and ferdinand as they are both out injured. i believe sir alex will draft jones into the starting line-up.

but jones' request of central defence partnership with his eng u21 team-mate smalling may not be granted. smalling may still be required to play at right back. jones and evans at the centre with evra coming back into the team on the left.

[jitlong69]

Next morning's game, Man U vs Spurs should be a game with many goals. Spurs is one of the team where I love to watch as a soccer fan however very unfortunate they have to play Man U in their (Spurs) "openning game" of the season. I like these new bunch of Man U youngest and they are very attacking minded. Likewise with Spurs is also an attacking team. In many angles and with home ground advantage, Man U should have a good win.

Back to last weekend's game, I feel sorry for Arsenal conceeding their first goal to Liverpool. It was very cartoonish and I think Liverpool had their last laugh looking back at the goal Sunderland scored against them with the help of the beach ball.........hmmmm was it last season?

Though I follow Man U's game more than any other EPL's team and don't consider myself as a die hard fan of Man U. However I will still want Man U to win as many silver wares as they can but my heart has always a small place for the team that I follow some 40 years back and that is Wolves. I am surprise yet happy for them to have 2 good win out of 2 so far. Keep it up Wolves though I will never never put my money on Wolves to win the EPL but at least stay alive and be in the EPL next season.

MARCH ON........MAN U

[machoman]

[b]PREMIER LEAGUE: Man Utd ensure Tottenham’s long wait for win at Old Trafford continues

Tuesday, August 23, 2011[b]

Tottenham’s 22 year wait for a league win at Old Trafford continues after they went down 3-0 to Manchester United, extending the Reds unbeaten home run to 15 months in the Premier League.
Manchester United have now gone 22 games unbeaten at home and whilst Tottenham threatened more than once, after a scoreless first-half United increased the pressure and deservedly scored three goals.

The first period was evenly contested with end-to-end action with Spurs in particular keen to test out United’s rookie keeper David De Gea from distance.

And whilst there may have been some merit to this tactic it relied on more accurate shooting than that provided by Rafael Van der Vaart.

Both keepers needed to make smart saves in the first 45 minutes but after the break it was Spurs stopper Brad Friedel who came under the most pressure.

Danny Welbeck headed the host’s into the lead with a header just on the hour from Tom Cleverley's inviting right-wing cross.

This lead was doubled after a flowing move ended with Anderson firing home after a cheeky back-heel from Welbeck set up the Brazilian.

Spurs hit-back almost immediately with Jermain Defoe's volley hitting the post via a slight deflection off Chris Smalling.

Wayne Rooney then missed a sitter from point-blank range but redeemed himself with three minutes remaining by heading home a Ryan Giggs cross, as United begin the season with successive victories.

Referee: Lee Probert

Venue: Old Trafford

Attendance: 75,498

Man Utd scorers: Welbeck 61, Anderson 76, Rooney 87 Tottenham scorers:

Yellow cards: Evans (MU), Dawson (TOT), Defoe (TOT)