Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[waiwaiz]

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by waiwaiz

interesting gif bro waiwaiz! hahaha! thks for sharing!

[machoman]

Originally Posted by waiwaiz

Thanks but I think it's outdated.

IMHO, the main rivals are Man City & Chelsea.

Arsenal is finished as a leading contender for the EPL title.

[gottosam]

Bros, this is 1st contribution to this thread after joining this forum since Jun. Thanks to other bros for their contributions, for which I have enjoyed and benefited.
Also appreciation to bro mr_missile for your encouragement!

We'll be ready for you! Fergie warns rivals after City's storming start to season

Sir Alex Ferguson expected Manchester City to make a flying start to the season but has vowed his Barclays Premier League leading side will be ready when they take on their rivals later this month.

Despite dropping just two points in their opening seven league games, finding the net on an incredible 24 occasions, Manchester United headed into the current international break boasting a single goal advantage over City, who have also drawn just once.

It has certainly heightened anticipation for the first derby clash of the season, at Old Trafford on October 23, although Ferguson insists the Blues' fast start has not caught him by surprise.

'I've said all along that would happen,' Ferguson told Inside United.

'They are a good team and they were always going to be there or thereabouts.
'Sergio Aguero was bound to do well, coming into the Premier League, because he is such a goal threat around the penalty box. David Silva is also a very good player.

'We just have to make sure we are ready for City when we meet them.'

Previously, Ferguson has cheekily suggested Liverpool were United's true derby rivals.
Sheikh Mansour's £1billion investment in City has changed all that, with the plethora of stars working under the guidance of Roberto Mancini bringing an extra dimension to the fixture.

'All derbies are big now, that is the nature of the landscape,' said Ferguson.

'The impetus City now have - they have a huge squad of players and the financial power to attract some of the best footballers in the world - actually changes the focus of the derby these days.

'The talking point isn't so much the actual game but the dynamics of how Manchester City have changed football and what we do to compete with that.'

Yet, ahead of that game, the Red Devils must visit Anfield to face the team they deposed as England's most successful club in May, when they clinched a record 19th league title. Liverpool have been difficult opponents to overcome in recent seasons though, with Dirk Kuyt bagging a hat-trick in last term's corresponding fixture.
'We have been poor there of late,' said Ferguson.
'On a couple of occasions we have been out-fought by them, which is disappointing.
'The atmosphere plays a part. Every time we go there it is as if it's the biggest game of the century.'

[waiwaiz]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

interesting gif bro waiwaiz! hahaha! thks for sharing!

ya........thought it look kind of funny so juz share.

Originally Posted by machoman

Thanks but I think it's outdated.

IMHO, the main rivals are Man City & Chelsea.

Arsenal is finished as a leading contender for the EPL title.

For the time being cant find MC n chelsea combo.... true gunner are goner, i believe spur could be the dark horse.........Other then tat, i cant see any other team coming close. but its still early day...

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by gottosam

Bros, this is 1st contribution to this thread after joining this forum since Jun. Thanks to other bros for their contributions, for which I have enjoyed and benefited.
Also appreciation to bro mr_missile for your encouragement!

We'll be ready for you! Fergie warns rivals after City's storming start to season

clap clap clap! thks for this piece of news bro gottosam. enjoyed reading it! and a very very warm welcome to join us here at the united thread.

see u here often ya?

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by waiwaiz

For the time being cant find MC n chelsea combo.... true gunner are goner, i believe spur could be the dark horse.........Other then tat, i cant see any other team coming close. but its still early day...

oooo.....that's gonna hurt some reds supporters if they happen to read this.

[gottosam]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

clap clap clap! thks for this piece of news bro gottosam. enjoyed reading it! and a very very warm welcome to join us here at the united thread.

see u here often ya?

Thanks bro for your support. Will post updates when I see interesting news.

[shark89]

Originally Posted by machoman

IMHO, the main rivals are Man City & Chelsea.

Arsenal is finished as a leading contender for the EPL title.

Agree. Our noisy neighbours seem to be matching United win for win, goal for goal. Let's see if they can last the season especially when the games comes hard and fast with the Champs league, FA cup and EPL games all running concurrently.

Chelsea seems to be moving up a gear in recent weeks after the defeat at Old Trafford. The average age of their squad seems to be one of the oldest in the premier league. So it would be interesting to see too if they can last as injuries, suspensions start to kick in.

I read that Vidic, Cleverley and Smalling may all be back in contention for the game away to Pool after the international break. This is good news as United really looked tired and maybe thus became careless in the CL game vs Benfica and then laboured to a win over Norwich. Also hope that Ferdinand's form picks up real soon!

[mr_missile]

Nemanja Vidic could be back for Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool

The United captain has not played since injuring a calf muscle in the first Premier League game of the season on August 14.

But boss Alex Ferguson has allowed him to join up with the Serbia squad for their Euro 2012 double header at home to Italy on Friday and away to Slovenia next Tuesday.

While Vidic, 29, is not expected to play against Italy, he has been pencilled in against Slovenia.

That will be just four days before United's Kop trip on October 15, but if the centre-half comes though the international he will be in contention.

With the exception of Phil Jones, United have looked vulnerable at the back in last week's 3-3 draw against Basel and the 2-0 win over Norwich.

[mr_missile]

Rio rep douses Fire rumours

Rio Ferdinand's representative says the Manchester United defender intends to ignore any overtures from Major League Soccer.

After being left out of United's starting line-up for the weekend win over Norwich, Ferdinand was then ignored by Fabio Capello for England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro on Friday.

Given Phil Jones' outstanding form following his summer arrival from Blackburn, there has been plenty of speculation that Ferdinand, who is nearly 33 and has been plagued by fitness problems for three years, might be eased out at Old Trafford.

With that backdrop, it is not a surprise that ambitious MLS outfit Chicago Fire have emerged as a potential suitor.

However, now into his 10th season at United, Ferdinand has made it perfectly clear he still feels there is a major role for him to play with the Red Devils.

"It has been a very frustrating period for all concerned," said Ferdinand's long-standing friend and representative Jamie Moralee.

"What he wants to do is put his injuries behind him and start showing the form that even last season he produced against some of the very best forwards in the world.

"Rio understands there is some great talent at Manchester United. But he is up for the challenge of that and I am sure he has a big part to play.

"He is now in his 10th season at United. He still has a great hunger and desire to win trophies. It is the type of challenge he thrives on."

Ferdinand has never been a stereotypical footballer.

His wide-ranging business interests, including his own restaurant in Manchester and digital magazine, emphasise how he will not be short of things to occupy his mind when retirement eventually beckons.

However, having been part of a club where Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar have all starred at the top level well into their 30s, Ferdinand does not believe that day is looming just yet.

However, having spent this summer in the United States with United - where Chicago were one of their opponents on a very successful pre-season tour - it is easy to see why the defender would be so attractive, given the boost in profile the MLS has received from the arrivals of Ferdinand's one-time team-mate David Beckham and former Arsenal star Thierry Henry.

"I understand the reasons why someone like Rio would be attractive to them," said Moralee.

"There is an appeal on and off the pitch because he could help retain the global status provided by Beckham and Henry.

"But I must stress, these stories are nothing to do with Rio.

"We have never discussed anything beyond life at Manchester United because that is all he cares about."

To the extent that Ferdinand has been actively helping Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and even striker Danny Welbeck on the training ground.

Welbeck spoke warmly about the former West Ham skipper on Tuesday, insisting there is no way anyone should start writing him off just yet.

It is a message Ferdinand is keen to get out himself.

"When you enter your 10th year at a club, a testimonial is something in the background, but that is something else that has never been discussed either," said Moralee.

"It doesn't matter whether it is the 10th year, the 11th year or the 13th, when the time is right, we will sit down with the club and talk about it.

"But for now it is not on the agenda. The only thing that matters is getting back out on the pitch for Manchester United on a regular basis again because there is so much he still wants to achieve with them."

[gottosam]

No end to my potential

No ‘club hatred’ in England camp – Welbeck

Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck insists he is putting “no limits” on his progress as he joined the England squad for their decisive Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.

Welbeck has flourished after returning to Old Trafford from a loan spell at Sunderland last season, scoring five goals as United stand at the top of the Premier League table.

The 20-year-old striker is an outsider for selection in Podgorica, with England requiring a point from Friday’s meeting with Montenegro to confirm their place in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

England coach Fabio Capello is, however, a confirmed admirer and Welbeck wants to build on the good impression he has created for club and country.

He said: “I just want to keep on improving because there is no limits. When I went on loan to Sunderland, just getting minutes in the Premier League and playing week in week out with the big boys was a really big step for me and I loved my time there.”

Welbeck added: “You don’t want to put a limit on anything. You don’t want to be happy with where you’re at. The main ones like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo score goals, break records and carry on breaking them. They don’t want to stop.

“I just want to keep on improving. I’m only 20 years of age, so playing week in week out with these players at United and coming here to train with the best players in the nation is just a big buzz and I don’t want to stop there."

“I’m confident in my own ability and once I get on the pitch I feel at home. I’ve always been brought up to play the game and not the occasion. At Manchester United they’ve always drilled that into us. You’ve got to win but win and enjoy yourself as well.

“That mentality about not getting over-awed by anything has just been drilled into me.”
Welbeck looks to United team-mate Wayne Rooney, with him in the England squad, for guidance and also to Old Trafford’s elder statesman Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs.

Welbeck has found the net five times this season for Manchester United

He said: “Growing up I just always loved Ryan Giggs and fortunately I have had the chance to be playing with him. He’s my role model but there are players you look at and you take positives from their game and try and put it into yours. I really loved watching Thierry Henry – although not against United.

“I didn’t think I would play with Ryan Giggs but I was alongside him in attack against Basel last week and the way he’s going he might still be playing when I’ve finished.”

And Welbeck said: “Wayne Rooney is a great professional, good for giving advice on and off the pitch. He talks you through games and training as well. I’m pleased to be playing with any striker at United and I hope it’s likewise.

“Michael Owen is good for giving advice as are all the professionals. I’m learning from the best. Michael terrorised the world stage with England at a young age and Wayne Rooney is one of the best footballer’s in the world.

“They are so easy to talk to. I’m always watching them in training and how they act around the dressing room and in their circle.”

[mr_missile]

Cap: Roo ready for England duty

England boss Fabio Capello has no concerns over playing Wayne Rooney against Montenegro after speaking to him about his father's arrest.

The 25-year-old touched down in Podgorica on Thursday afternoon to be informed his father, Wayne snr, and uncle, Richie, had been arrested in connection with an alleged betting scam in Scotland last year. They were later released on bail, and Rooney's father tonight protested his innocence through his solicitor.

Manchester United forward Rooney has vowed not to let any off-field issues affect his performance on the pitch.

"I spoke with Wayne five minutes ago," said Capello at his afternoon press conference. "I found him relaxed and calm. There is no problem for the game against Montenegro.

"He is sure a solution will be found to this personal problem in a very short space of time."

Rooney is bound to receive a positive response from inside the England dressing room.

Captain John Terry, like Capello, has no doubts Rooney will remain focused on Friday's game.

"It is important for him to go out there and play his football, which he loves doing," said Terry.

"He will always be fully focused on the pitch. That is all that matters to us.

"When you are on the pitch or training pitch, you can switch off from anything in life.

"Tomorrow's game is the most important thing. We all realise that."

Having established Rooney is in a fit state to play, Capello's major concern surrounds who will partner his first-choice striker.

Rooney's United team-mate Danny Welbeck has been mentioned as a contender, as have Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora, whilst Liverpool's Andy Carroll is not entirely without a hope.

Typically, Capello was giving little away.

"I have some ideas but I still need to think," he said. "I will decide in the morning, not just about who will play with Rooney, but also for right-back."

Uncapped duo Kyle Walker and Phil Jones, the latter who has also been mentioned as a potential central defensive partner for John Terry, are in contention along with Everton's Phil Jagielka.

Capello needs to get his decision right because if England can lock up their defence, they will be well on their way to overcoming a Montenegro side whose own motivation is under scrutiny following coach Branko Brnovic's revelation that he intends to leave three of his senior players out.

He wants them available for what is viewed as a much more important encounter with Switzerland on Tuesday.

The rationale is simple.

If Montenegro win, they would still need three points in Basle to oust England as Group G winners.

Yet even if they lose to Capello's side, by avoiding defeat next week they would claim a play-off berth, a remarkable achievement in itself given they came into this tournament as one of the lowest-ranked teams.

"It is true," said Capello. "They probably think the game against Switzerland is more important than the one against us.

"But a game against England is important too and when this team play at home, they are very dangerous."

England have travelled to southern Europe in the belief will represent Capello's final qualifying game as coach.

The Italian's future has been the subject of conjecture over the past few weeks, with some believing he should stand down as soon as England have qualified while others think he could be talked into staying beyond next summer.

Capello got himself into a bit of a muddle in outlining his preference not to discuss any matter beyond what happens to his team tomorrow.

However, it does appear his departure is set in stone for 2012. The only debate is over exactly when he will leave.

"Yes. I am leaving. Absolutely," Capello said. "The solution for the next England manager is in the hands of the chairman of the FA.

"I will just be really happy if we qualify. I hope my job can help England to play in the Euros.

"Then I will want to drink with my friends, the players and all the people who work with me."

[mr_missile]

Ferdinand hails home dominance

Rio Ferdinand has set his sights on lifting a 20th league title with Manchester United after helping them turn Old Trafford into a 'fortress'.

High-flying United are top of the Premier League after going unbeaten in their opening seven games, while they have won all four home matches and scored 16 goals, conceding just three.

Centre-back Ferdinand puts much of their early success down to their prowess on home turf and is confident Sir Alex Ferguson's men can retain the crown this term.

"There is such belief in the squad, we are gunning for title No.20," he told the Daily Star Sunday.

"We believe Old Trafford is a fortress and that is a great base for us to build on.

"That's the belief we've got, that's the belief the fans have got. Many teams come here knowing it's going to be a long battle.

"It is the best stadium in the world to play in. The atmosphere, the fans - it's electric."

Ferdinand says United never feel a game is a lost cause when playing at home, even if they fall behind.

He added: "I think the biggest thing at Old Trafford is that teams can go one or two goals up against us and even if they walk in at half-time, two-up, then there's a good chance we will come back and win the game."

United won 18 of their 19 home games in the Premier League last season to help them lift their 19th title, while the other ended in a 2-2 draw with West Brom.

Ferdinand believes many of his side's results come down to the never-say-die outlook manager Ferguson and the more experienced players in the squad instil in the team.

"It comes from the manager - he has got a winning mentality and wants to win all the time. It rubs off on the team," he said.

"You have to have a certain number of players who have been here for a while who can take that on board.

"They can address that in the dressing room - and we have got experience at the club."

[machoman]

Man Utd icon Giggs named Golden Foot for 2011

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has won the prestigious Golden Foot in Monaco.

Giggs was named Golden Foot winner after a record number of votes were cast on the competition's website. As part of his prize, the Welshman will have a permanent mould of his footprints on Monte Carlo's 'Champions Promenade'. This Hollywood-style celebration features some of the biggest names in the history of the game.

He said, "It's a great honour to win such an award and to have my footprints alongside some of the greatest football players is a real privilege.

"I have been fortunate to play alongside great players, play for the greatest manager and play for the best club in the world. At the moment I am still enjoying my football so I have not thought about what I will do when I finish, but if it all finished tomorrow I could say that I have had a fantastic career and wouldn't swap it with anybody."