Manchester United Transfer News

[St_Cyrill_of_Tyrrenhaes]

It doesn't. I deliberately chose to respond to the part of the quote I wished. I'm sneaky like that.

And don't get the wrong idea: I absolutely agree that Ferguson's been ropey on the foreign transfers. It began with Veron and just got worse.

[FL4ZGN]

Real Madrid poised to make a £10 million bid for Heinz to replace Roberto Carlos.

[homer jay]

Real Madrid poised to make a £10 million bid for Heinz to replace Roberto Carlos.

would be a good move, trust an italian to start getting the defence right.

[FL4ZGN]

would be a good move, trust an italian to start getting the defence right.


A good move for Madrid you mean.

Ronaldo as good as gone, Bayern wanting to open contract talks with Ruud and now Heinz. The next week or two is going to throw up some surprises.

[homer jay]

A good move for Madrid you mean.

Ronaldo as good as gone, Bayern wanting to open contract talks with Ruud and now Heinz. The next week or two is going to throw up some surprises.

yeah for madrid. heinze is probably more suited to the prem. great player imo, would be an excellent addition to any team.

utd's team is starting to spring a few holes alright. i would be surprised if rvn went since c ronaldo is leaving. i'd be surprised if heinze left

[Otto_the_bus_driver]

would be a good move, trust an italian to start getting the defence right.
Heinze aint no italian fitzy.

[Forsberg]

Heinze aint no italian fitzy.
He's talking about Capello , Fitzy

[homer jay]

Heinze aint no italian fitzy.

:D :D :D
swooosh

[Paddy Wagon]

I can see a standoff brewing.......


Ronaldo not for sale say Man Utd

Ronaldo has been at Old Trafford for three years
Manchester United have insisted there is no chance of them selling winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 21-year-old Portugal star's future has been in doubt since he made it clear he wanted a move to Spain.

But a Manchester United statement said: "The club can confirm there is no possibility of Cristiano being sold.

"Cristiano recently signed a contract until 2010 and the club expects him to honour that contract. The club will not listen to any offers for Cristiano."


Highlights: Germany 3-1 Portugal
Highlights: England 0-0 Portugal (Port win 3-1 on pens)

Ronaldo has been criticised in England for his role in the sending off of United team-mate Wayne Rooney when Portugal beat England in the World Cup quarter-final.

In the aftermath of that outcry he said: "I should get out of Manchester as the circumstances are not right.

"Nobody stood up for me and my desire is to play in Spain. Will it be Real or Barcelona? It will be one of them."

Ronaldo also claimed: "For some time I haven't had any support from my chief executive (David Gill) or my coach (Sir Alex Ferguson). They should have come out in my defence but no-one did."

Ferguson, however, said last week that he expected the player to report for pre-season training.

And it has been reported that he despatched his assistant Carlos Queiroz, who has always enjoyed a close personal relationship with Ronaldo, to smooth relations.

606 VIEW
He is a good player more suited to Spain anyway

MP
606: Have your say

Ferguson said: "There isn't a problem with the boy and I don't expect any problems."

The Manchester United statement concluded: "Cristiano is one of the brightest young stars in world football, as demonstrated by his performances at the World Cup.

"And Manchester United is not in the business of selling their best young players."

The statement will come as a warning to Real Madrid, whose new coach Fabio Capello is an admirer of the youngster who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m in August 2003.

[Otto_the_bus_driver]

A contract is a contract. Unless the price from real is right of course. Ronaldo can huff and puff all he wants in the media. The whole Rooney-Ronaldo "fued" is total media fabrication, Any bid less than 25m and i would tell Real to whislte.

[STEVIEG]

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=402517&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Ronaldo:+Stayi ng+would+be+fine

[Sound]

More good news for Utd fans.

Heinze- "I'm settled in Manchester and haven't thought about leaving Old Trafford. I've heard about the interest in me from Spain and I'm proud to hear a club like Real Madrid are thinking of me.

"It's a great compliment and would make any professional happy," the player said.

“But United and the coach stood by me when I had a knee injury last season and couldn’t play and, if they want me to continue, that is what I will do."

[homer jay]

from teamtalk

The Dutch striker has been linked with both the Spanish giants and German champions Bayern in recent days.

But according to Spanish daily Marca, a move to La Liga now looks likely for the out-of-favour United forward.

The paper says van Nistelrooy has almost agreed personal terms with Real and says the transfer fee - if United agree to the deal - could be 15million Euros (around £11million).

Van Nistelrooy spent the final three months of last season mostly warming the Old Trafford bench after losing his place for the Carling Cup final defeat of Wigan.

And then he struggled to find his best form as Holland's World Cup bid ended in a second-round defeat by Portugal.

[xvis]

what odds Ronaldo and Ruud being teammates at Real?

[Sound]

If Ronaldo leaves, will he the first players in quite some time to leave not at the behest of Fergie? Basically, to leave because the club doesn't fulfill his ambitions?

[STEVIEG]

Yes-although with an excuse (not great) of being afraid of the reaction to him in England
He has said nothing about united's ambitions in his interviews

[FL4ZGN]

Yes-although with an excuse (not great) of being afraid of the reaction to him in England
He has said nothing about united's ambitions in his interviews


You could easily say that he plotted leaving the club 10 months ago when his agent informed potential buyers that this would be his last season in England.He first said he wanted to join Real Madrid a week before the England Portugal game so the incident with Rooney could just be being used as an excuse.

Him saying he received no support from Fergie or others at Old Trafford over the crap he did during the world cup is rubbush. Sure even the players at United call him the teachers pet as far as Ferguson and Queiros are concerned.

In my opinion it would be the first time in Ferguson career at United that a player wanted to leave because the club did not match his ambitions. The only other player i can remember leaving that Ferguson wanted to stay was Kanchelskis (sp) when he left for Everton in 95 or 96.

[Rebelred]

The only other player i can remember leaving that Ferguson wanted to stay was Kanchelskis (sp) when he left for Everton in 95 or 96.
and look how he ended up, hero to zero overnight

[xvis]

Kanchskis was shipped to make room for Beckham on the right in the summer splurge to make way for the kids, not against the clubs wishes.

The only player I can remember leaving United to better his career is Hughes to Barca circa 1986
...although this was more United grabbing cash rather than the players demand.

[FL4ZGN]

Kanchskis was shipped to make room for Beckham on the right in the summer splurge to make way for the kids, not against the clubs wishes.

The only player I can remember leaving United to better his career is Hughes to Barca circa 1986
...although this was more United grabbing cash rather than the players demand.


Ferguson didnt want Kanchelskis to leave, it was said at the time that he was owned by the russian mafia and that they were going to get a big chunk of the transfer fee. Remember that for the first two years of his career at United he was on less than a grand a week.

Look back through the history of the transfer and you will see that there was a lot of dodgy things going on in the backround.

Hughes left in 86 fair enough but he had just spent three years under BFR.

[xvis]

You could easily say that he plotted leaving the club 10 months ago when his agent informed potential buyers that this would be his last season in England.He first said he wanted to join Real Madrid a week before the England Portugal game so the incident with Rooney could just be being used as an excuse.

Him saying he received no support from Fergie or others at Old Trafford over the crap he did during the world cup is rubbush. Sure even the players at United call him the teachers pet as far as Ferguson and Queiros are concerned.

In my opinion it would be the first time in Ferguson career at United that a player wanted to leave because the club did not match his ambitions. The only other player i can remember leaving that Ferguson wanted to stay was Kanchelskis (sp) when he left for Everton in 95 or 96.

cut n paste mockery!

http://football.guardian.co .uk/News_Story/0,,1818945,00.html

i thought the above was your own opinion. ....no quotes attributed

[xvis]

Ferguson didnt want Kanchelskis to leave, it was said at the time that he was owned by the russian mafia and that they were going to get a big chunk of the transfer fee. Remember that for the first two years of his career at United he was on less than a grand a week.

Look back through the history of the transfer and you will see that there was a lot of dodgy things going on in the backround.

Hughes left in 86 fair enough but he had just spent three years under BFR.

well, certainly Kanchelskis didn't want to leave United for Everton.
The mafia thing was concerned with slices of any fees and ownership of Kanchelskis, and then there was the whole Kanchelskis gambling allegations.

[FL4ZGN]

cut n paste mockery!

http://football.guardian.co .uk/News_Story/0,,1818945,00.html

i thought the above was your own opinion. ....no quotes attributed


There is no mockery in my previous post. Everything i wrote was my own opinion. Go check out the kanchelskis tranfer.

[xvis]

There is no mockery in my previous post. Everything i wrote was my own opinion. Go check out the kanchelskis tranfer.

"It is a standing joke among United players that Ronaldo is teacher's pet so far as Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz are concerned."

..the above is a quote from the the Guardian article, which coincidently on the same day, is almost word for word as per your post

..explanation..

unless your real name is Daniel Taylor, of the Guardian

[FL4ZGN]

"It is a standing joke among United players that Ronaldo is teacher's pet so far as Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz are concerned."

..the above is a quote from the the Guardian article, which coincidently on the same day, is almost word for word as per your post

..explanation..

unless your real name is Daniel Taylor, of the Guardian

I read that quote this morning.

[storysham]

Not a transfer but they finally got rid of that god awful website.

the new one is exellent.

http://www.manutd.com/

[STEVIEG]

Ruud defo on the way (club still to be decided)

West Brom keeper in the bag (hardly likely to appease the supporters)

Valencia in Ronaldo too but looks like he is staying put

Never a dull day at United

[storysham]

Yeah he has asked to leave, bayern and real top of the hunt.

Utd want ten million at least, surely hes worth more than that.

[Rebelred]

Ruud defo on the way (club still to be decided)

West Brom keeper in the bag (hardly likely to appease the supporters)

Valencia in Ronaldo too but looks like he is staying put

Never a dull day at United
whats the obsession with buying a goalkeeper every summer? its in the middle of the park we need to spend the money

[storysham]

whats the obsession with buying a goalkeeper every summer? its in the middle of the park we need to spend the money

i know yeah, send howard, a more than capable goalkeeper out on loan to a rival team (kind of). then spend 4 mil on a championship keeper to replace him.

[STEVIEG]

whats the obsession with buying a goalkeeper every summer? its in the middle of the park we need to spend the money

Yeah he's a god bargain and quality back-up for Edwin VDS who woun't last forever
Foster and Howard both to get good experience on loan

We need those midfielders fast though
Im sure Carrick is on the way

[STEVIEG]

I'd say Howard will move permanently eventually
Ruud is defo worth iover 10 million but he's not any younger i suppose

[Rebelred]

Yeah he's a god bargain and quality back-up for Edwin VDS who woun't last forever
Foster and Howard both to get good experience on loan

We need those midfielders fast though
Im sure Carrick is on the way
yeah but even with Foster and Howard already on the books, we now have 4 keepers, and 1 midfielder,Scholes.M akes no sense to be spending that kind of money on another keeper in my book

[STEVIEG]

yeah true but ive a feeling he is waiting for news on Italy too
By the way it's apparently closer to 2 million for thsi pretty decent keeper
I've my reservations about Foster and Howard

[Rebelred]

so Ruuds leaving, now we also need another striker to cover the certainty that Saha will get injured and Rooney will get suspended.
Fergies either cooking up something special or he's finally biting off more than he can chew

[Langer Dan]

Bar some extensive pilfering from Italy, we're rightly fucked.

[Del]

Yeah he has asked to leave, bayern and real top of the hunt.

Utd want ten million at least, surely hes worth more than that.

He´s worth at least twice that, isn´t he younger than Shevchenko?

[Langer Dan]

no hes just turned thirty.
Id say we'll get about 12million for him

[St_Cyrill_of_Tyrrenhaes]

The Guardian is reporting that United are "closely monitoring" Patrick Viera's situation at Juventus now that the Italian club has been relegated.

What's the point like? He had a decent enough world cup, but he's been dodgy in club football over the past four years and his wage demands are ridiculous for such an old player.

[Rebelred]

The Guardian is reporting that United are "closely monitoring" Patrick Viera's situation at Juventus now that the Italian club has been relegated.

What's the point like? He had a decent enough world cup, but he's been dodgy in club football over the past four years and his wage demands are ridiculous for such an old player.
the point is he's decidedly better than O'Shea, Smith,Fletcher,and Giggs in the centre of the park, and even though he's not the player he was, he'd certainly be an improvement on the current crop

[KolaKubes]

The Guardian is reporting that United are "closely monitoring" Patrick Viera's situation at Juventus now that the Italian club has been relegated.

What's the point like? He had a decent enough world cup, but he's been dodgy in club football over the past four years and his wage demands are ridiculous for such an old player.

He's 29.

I could see him having a "phoenix"-like season or two in the Prem if he came back. Think he'd just gone stale at Arsenal and needed the change.

[St_Cyrill_of_Tyrrenhaes]

Maybe. I'd still prefer to see United make a bid for Gattuso and/or Pirlo before thinking about Viera.

[west cork rebel]

I wouldnt mind having Viera at OT think it would rightly piss off the gooners so that pleases me.

[STEVIEG]

Good to see Ole back amongst the goals down in Africa

[singular]

ha,i wonder how Vieira would fancy having Gary Neville as his captain!
i would like to see them bring in Gattuso alright though,

[STEVIEG]

Ole x 2

[Langer Dan]

we love you Ruud!
Thanks for the memories

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41889000/jpg/_41889266_ruud_signs 416.jpg


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41889000/jpg/_41889274_ruud_eplwi nner220.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41889000/jpg/_41889284_ruud_premr ecord300.jpg

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/04/18/nistelrooy_wideweb__ 430x262.jpg

[Jim Comic]

ft 4-0

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-4 Man Utd: F Chansa (og 61)

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-3 Man Utd: K Richardson (58)

FRIEND: HT Orlando Pirates 0-2 Man Utd

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-2 Man Utd: O Solskjaer (44)

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Man Utd: O Solskjaer (4)

[Langer Dan]

ft 4-0

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-4 Man Utd: F Chansa (og 61)

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-3 Man Utd: K Richardson (58)

FRIEND: HT Orlando Pirates 0-2 Man Utd

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-2 Man Utd: O Solskjaer (44)

GOAL: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Man Utd: O Solskjaer (4)

WTF?

[Jim Comic]

WTF?



friend = bbc shorthand for friendly match

[baby face]

i hear they are going for luca toni.would be a great buy

[west cork rebel]

i hear they are going for luca toni.would be a great buy

Man utd along with every other big european club is being linked with a host of players caught up the Italian scandal.

[storysham]

Liam Miller is gone, once they get a suitable offer.

[storysham]

Manchester United are in talks to sign £25million Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres.
United will use money from the sale of Rud van Nistelrooy to fund their bid for Spain star Torres with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Newcastle all expressing an interest in the Dutchman, with the Bernabeu looking his most likely destination, with director of football Pedrag Mijatovic reportedly in Manchester to finalise a £15million deal.
.A host of clubs are said to be keen on the 22-year-old Torres but reports suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson is the first manager to firm up his interest and heads the list to land the player.
It could be a busy few weeks at Old Trafford with Ferguson admitting he is considering a raid on the Italian transfer market following the match-fixing scandal.
Fabio Cannavaro, Luca Toni, Patrick Vieira, Lilian Thuram, David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved have all been linked.
And Ferguson admitted: "The Italian situation is something we are addressing."

[storysham]

8 million bid for viera, hope we dont get him, he's too arsenal.
Cant see it working.

[homer jay]

8 million bid for viera, hope we dont get him, he's too arsenal.
Cant see it working.

arsenal reject

[Captain Planet]

8 million bid for viera, hope we dont get him, he's too arsenal.
Cant see it working.
hes better than what ye have at the moment. i dont think it would be a bad signing at all

[storysham]

hes better than what ye have at the moment. i dont think it would be a bad signing at all
Good player and he'd do a job but too much of an arsenal man.

[Captain Planet]

Good player and he'd do a job but too much of an arsenal man.
Sure what harm does that make. Ya he kinda embodied what arsenal were for many years but as long as he bosses the midfield then i wouldnt care if he had wenger tattoed on his arse. ye wont be long forgetting bout arsenal when he does the right job.

[MonTheHoops]

Surely an Arsenal man wouldn't sign for United? If he signs then it surely shows he's not too much of an Arsenal man.

[KolaKubes]

Sign him on loan from Juventus. Would be a great deal for a year. We've two good young centremids coming through with possibility of Carrick signing as well. Sets us up nicely.

[washingtonDClanger]

Surely an Arsenal man wouldn't sign for United? If he signs then it surely shows he's not too much of an Arsenal man.

Frank Stapleton.

[Rebelred]

Good player and he'd do a job but too much of an arsenal man.
like rooney would be too much of a scouser to ever go to united is it?

[storysham]

like rooney would be too much of a scouser to ever go to united is it?

yeah theres such a huge rivaly between everton and united, they are well down the list

[washingtonDClanger]

I heard the last time a player moved between Utd/Liverpool directly was back in 1963. Is this true?

[Dangermouse]

There was that Ramon Calliste young lad, who United let go and Liverpool picked him up.

[Up For The Ba]

There`s so much speculation around at the moment about players linked to United but after all the happenings over the last few years I cant help but feel that we may be left disappointed at the end of it all. Fernando Torres would be an unreal signing, but to be honest, i`d be surprised if this happened. I`m not sure how i`d feel about Vieira, rumours are he may favour Inter anyway. Gattuso would be ideal too but Carrick looks more likely. An interesting name I came accross on the rednews.co.uk forum was Pablo Aimar, leaving Valencia for about £7m? I cant understand why there isnt interest in him from a host of clubs if thats true, he`s had a bad run of injuries over the last season or two and is now playing second fiddle to Riquelme in the national side but he is still a superb player, an ideal replacement for Scholes.

[Forsberg]

There`s so much speculation around at the moment about players linked to United but after all the happenings over the last few years I cant help but feel that we may be left disappointed at the end of it all. Fernando Torres would be an unreal signing, but to be honest, i`d be surprised if this happened. I`m not sure how i`d feel about Vieira, rumours are he may favour Inter anyway. Gattuso would be ideal too but Carrick looks more likely. An interesting name I came accross on the rednews.co.uk forum was Pablo Aimar, leaving Valencia for about £7m? I cant understand why there isnt interest in him from a host of clubs if thats true, he`s had a bad run of injuries over the last season or two and is now playing second fiddle to Riquelme in the national side but he is still a superb player, an ideal replacement for Scholes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5187184.stm

Torres intends to stay in Madrid

Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres is unlikely to be joining Manchester United, according to his agent.
The Spain striker, 22, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid this summer.
But Torres' representative Antonio Sanz said: "The player's intention is to remain at Atletico Madrid.
"Neither us, nor the club, has received an offer from Manchester United, or any other clubs for that matter."
Torres has been the top scorer in each of the last four seasons in La Liga and is a regular fixture in the Spanish national side.
Atletico are keen to keep their talisman who caught the eye with his impressive performances and three goals during the World Cup.
Sanz added: "On 21 July, Torres will join Atletico Madrid for pre-season training.
"Torres has two years left on his contract with Atletico and then we will see what happens.
"After the World Cup, there has been interest from Italian clubs but not from English clubs, and there hasn't been anything concrete."
Doubts were raised on the forward's future when Atletico coach Javier Aguirre told Spanish newspaper Marca that Torres' destiny at the club remains uncertain.
He said: "I've spoken to Fernando and he hasn't been able to guarantee his presence in the team in the forthcoming season.
"The market is still open and a lot of things can happen, but it is clear that every day that passes is one day less for something to occur.
"What I want to make clear, though, is that Fernando has a great commitment to the club."

[St_Cyrill_of_Tyrrenhaes]

Looks as though Viera will end up at United after all. The Sun and others are reporting that Gattuso's agent has flown to Manchester to iron out personal terms.

Imagine it: Viera, Gattuso, Ronaldo, and Giggs.

[singular]

originally posted by St_Cyrill_of_Tyrrenh aes Imagine it: Viera, Gattuso, Ronaldo, and Giggs.

im saying my prayers tonight!but i cant imagine it somehow...

[Jim Comic]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/0718/manunited2.html

[Paddy Wagon]

Ferguson targets Juventus talent

Ferguson is keeping a watchful eye on events in Turin
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United are considering a transfer raid on Juventus following the Italian club's relegation from Serie A.
The Turin side were demoted as a result of their part in Italy's match-fixing scandal, and it seems certain that many of their top players will leave.

"We held things back until we knew what the Juve situation was," said Ferguson.

"Now we know where we're going in terms of making inquiries and maybe definite offers for one or two players."


Ferguson said Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, Emerson and Patrick Vieira were "the ones that people will be focusing on", adding that one or two "could maybe have free transfers if they were going outside of Italy".

Meanwhile, Ferguson said that striker Ruud van Nistelrooy would not be leaving Old Trafford in a cut-price deal.

The Dutch player was left out of the United first team for most of the second half of last season and has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

"There's a possibility that Ruud will go," said Ferguson.

"There have been bits of interest in him, but no one at this moment has reached our asking price.

"It's no surprise, really, that he asked to go, but when you see that Andriy Shevchenko went for £30m, he's a similar age to Ruud and their record in Europe is almost identical.

"You can absolutely guarantee that we're not going to give Ruud away."

[Philby]

"It's no surprise, really, that he asked to go, but when you see that Andriy Shevchenko went for £30m, he's a similar age to Ruud and their record in Europe is almost identical.


Strange quote from the drunken scot.

[Rebelred]

Strange quote from the drunken scot.
it's no surprise because he was effectively given the boot last may by same drunken scot

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5193126.stm

[ho chi feen]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5193126.stm

I predict a riot.

[storysham]

RVN bid by Real madrid rejected by Man U
Man U bid for Carrick rejected by Spurs
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United have turned down a bid from Real Madrid for Ruud van Nistelrooy - and had one rejected themselves for Michael Carrick.
Intense rumours out of Spain suggested van Nistelrooy was due in the capital for a medical before completing a big-money move to the Bernabeu.
It appears the Real website even published a profile of the 30-year-old earlier in the day, only to swiftly take it off.
However, Ferguson has flatly denied the speculation, confirming Real have yet to meet a valuation the Red Devils find acceptable.
"There is no agreement with Real Madrid and Manchester United over Ruud," said Ferguson.
"We have refused their offer. He remains a Manchester United player."
It seems only a matter of time before a deal goes through, although Real will clearly have to get much nearer United's £15million valuation for the player than the £10million it is believed they have bid.
With van Nistelrooy's short-term future still undecided and interest in Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres stalling, Ferguson may yet stick with his current strikeforce.
His midfield is another matter though, as public confirmation of his interest in Carrick emphasises.
"We are trying to sign another central midfielder," said Ferguson.
"We have made a bid for Michael Carrick but they (Tottenham) turned it down."
Ferguson did not elaborate on the Carrick issue but he did hint at a possible bid for Patrick Vieira should he receive confirmation the former Arsenal man wishes to leave scandal-hit Juventus, who are now bound for the depths of Serie B.
"We have to see what Juventus are planning for their players," said Ferguson.
"Vieira, (Fabio) Cannavaro and (Gianluca) Buffon are all top players and there are question marks about where they are going next season."
Talk of transfers overs

[FL4ZGN]

all the flak Manchester United and Alex Ferguson have received from the media, you would have been surprised to wake up today and read that Manchester United had rejected the initial bid from Real Madrid for Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Why? Because Ferguson and United have decided, albeit a bit late in the summer, that they wont be taken advantage of.

The move is guaranteed to send everyone watching Manchester United into a tailspin. One day were expecting that finally United will be able to buy a midfielder and the next, were scratching our heads wondering: now what??

Real Madrid have reportedly bid 10 or 12 million for Ruud, which is less than the 15-16 mil evaluation by Manchester United. You might even think that Ferguson would want hold out for more, but the current market is such that despite Nistelrooys class and pedigree, people tend to remember the last four months only and they have been pretty bad for the Dutch striker.

So now that Manchester United have shot themselves in the foot by being responsible for reducing the transfer fee for Nistelrooy, they want to hold out for more money.

At least were not rushing to sell our players. Its not the best news of the summer, but its better than us celebrating about our "new" signings (Rossi, Scholes, Solskjaer).

With Tottenham rejecting our Carrick bid and West Brom rejecting a bid for Kuszczack, United may be more than just pissed off at how clubs are trying to hold United at ransom for bit part players. Kuszczack is a good keeper but hearing Bryan Robson ask for 4 mil, a loan player and a permanent transfer makes me want to stick a lollipop in his mouth and tell him to shut up and suck it.

But thats the distressed Manchester United fan in me speaking. Robson is a smart manager, and he?s done his bit to make sure that his players arent sold too cheaply. West Brom have gone too far with their demands for Kuszczack, because he is not THAT good. Ben Foster shouldnt be sent to Watford - he should now be kept at Old Trafford and used as van der Sars understudy so he can learn with the best (and get his shot in the League and Cup games).

As for Carrick - well, apart from the fact that he is overpriced (14 mil for a midfielder? Rosicky came for 7, dammit) and not entirely suited to the Manchester United style of play, this is another case of a club making outrageous demands to hold on to their star player. For my money its a good thing that Tottenham are asking for this much as it spares us from making a mistake and investing so much in Carrick when youve got players much more suited to our style of play in Europe and in the EPL.

Well hear more about Gattuso after the appeals are heard in the match-fixing scandal and Milan know if they are playing in Europe or not. Gattuso has to be Fergusons top midfield target now, and the fact that he has waited so long (and not gone for Owen Hargreaves) proves that much. If Gattuso declines, Ferguson will have to look at Hargreaves and possibly Nolan, because I dont think that Manchester United would go back to Diarra (overpriced) or move for Mascherano (not less than 15 mil).

From yesterdays report about our debt refinancing, it is clear that we have some money to play with, but so much that we can do a Chelsea and buy players for twice their value.

[Otto_the_bus_driver]

I am actually surprised that united aren't in the race for Duff. Maybe he is a little injury prone but he would certainly give us a few more options down the left than john o shea.
Utd are apparantly throwing in John O shea and Silvestre to sweeten the carrick deal... No loss really.
O Shea has had 1 good season in the last three, silvestre when not injured or suspended is solid enough in fairness. Not shit, not great but solid.

I wish there was more talk about Kevin Nolan joining utd.

[storysham]

I am actually surprised that united aren't in the race for Duff. Maybe he is a little injury prone but he would certainly give us a few more options down the left than john o shea.
Utd are apparantly throwing in John O shea and Silvestre to sweeten the carrick deal... No loss really.
O Shea has had 1 good season in the last three, silvestre when not injured or suspended is solid enough in fairness. Not shit, not great but solid.

I wish there was more talk about Kevin Nolan joining utd.

ferguson has never liked or rated duff.

[Coin]

TBT, credit people when you steal their stuff.
http://soccerlens.com/manchester-united-get-ballsy/1058324.html#more-324
Unless you are also Ahmed Bilal, in which case I apologise for doubting you.

[singular]

as you're linking to that sight, this is worth a view!
http://soccerlens.com/babes-of-the-2006-world-cup/

[Langer Dan]

seeing as their doing exactly what they've done since the Glazers took over (linked to everyone, sign no-one) its beginning to look like the funds are not available.

[FL4ZGN]

TBT, credit people when you steal their stuff.
http://soccerlens.com/manchester-united-get-ballsy/1058324.html#more-324
Unless you are also Ahmed Bilal, in which case I apologise for doubting you.


MUFC mailing list Buddy.

[FL4ZGN]

Sir Alex Ferguson has extended an olive branch to marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy and expects to see him back at pre-season training for Manchester United on Monday.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old, after he fell out of favour at Old Trafford towards the end of last season.

But the manager will not budge on his £15 million valuation of the prolific goalscorer, and with a deal unlikely to be tied up before United's World Cup stars return to Carrington, Ferguson appears prepared to U-turn on what most people thought would be an imminent departure for the Dutchman.

"Ruud is not definitely leaving and I expect to see him at training on Monday," Ferguson explained.

"I spoke to [chief executive] David Gill on the phone yesterday and there is no development as far as Real Madrid is concerned.

"They have made an offer, we have rejected it. That is where the situation lies.

"If they don't come back in and increase their offer, he won't be going and I would be content with that. It would not bother me a bit.

"He is a striker who can score upwards of 20 goals a season and there are not many of those going around."

New Bernabeu coach Fabio Capello has declared his intent to bring the player to La Liga, but has refused to be held to ransom on what he considers an exorbitant price.

But Ferguson has cited the £29 million Chelsea paid for Andrei Shevchenko and £8.5 million Everton forked out for Andrew Johnson from Crystal Palace in his defence of the price.

The fiery Scotsman's transfer kitty pales in comparison with that of Premiership champions Chelsea, but speaking on The Red Devils' three-game tour of South Africa, Ferguson has clarified his position in questioning the practicality of his rivals' transfer strategy.

"Chelsea have every right to do what is right for their club, just as we have every right to do what is right for us," he added.

"I did not say their transfer policy was bad for the game. It is clearly good for Chelsea.

"But, if it is correct they are going to sign 30 African boys you have to wonder how they are all going to get a game."

United play in the Vodacom Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday in a rematch of the 1-0 victory on Tuesday, when Dong Fangzhou's late strike for the North West club sealed the win.

(SkySports)

[Rebelred]

Fergie truly does no longer have a plan. Nearly august and the squad is no stronger than it was last year, when it was completely inadequate to mount a challenge to chelsea, let alone compete in europe. Glazers obviously not willing to stump up cash either

[Coin]

MUFC mailing list Buddy.
See, its not that hard to say where something came from.

[FL4ZGN]

Valencia have made an official enquiry to Manchester United about the price of controversial winger Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports in Spain.

The talented 21-year-old attracted interest for his performances at the World Cup this summer, earning as much attention for his gamesmanship as his skills.

He received some criticism as a result, but United have continued to stick by their precocious prodigy amidst speculation he could swap The Premiership for La Liga.

The Estadio Mestalla's director of sport Amedeo Carboni has refused to give up on signing the player this summer, and has now asked the Old Trafford outfit for an official valuation.

He is yet to receive an answer, but it is thought the price would be somewhere in the region of €24 million (£16.4 million).

Ronaldo meanwhile returned to pre-season training on Monday with his fellow World Cup stars Wayne Rooney, and transfer-bound Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Sir Alex Ferguson seems willing to let his Dutch marksman leave, but not until a satisfactory fee is agreed.

Real Madrid or Bayern Munich look favourites to land the prolific goalscorer, and United will want to conclude the situation as soon as possible, with Celtic making up the next pre-season opposition on Wednesday.

[Philby]

I think they've just let Rufete go this summer but don't think they have the funds to secure the greasy-haired cry baby to be honest

[Sound]

United to announce £4.5m Gera deal?
Manchester United's pursuit of West Brom goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak looks set to take a bizarre twist with the signing of Baggies star Zoltan Gera for around £4.5m.

The twenty-seven year-old Hungarian midfielder has made no secret of his desire to play at Premiership level and United's hunt for midfield reinforcements has been well documented.

The situation is somewhat similar to the deal that saw Andy Cole move to Old Trafford in January 1995. At that time, then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan began negotiations with the intent of signing promising Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie, with Cole only mentioned later on.

With their apparent failure to secure the signatures of any of the myriad names with whom they've been linked, the Glazer-owned 'franchise' seem to have adopted a somewhat surprising approach to their transfer policy.

Such actions are likely to provoke an angry reaction from the Old Trafford faithful, who've seen their team easily beaten to the Premiership crown by Chelsea and Roman Abramovic in the last couple of years, and failed miserably in the Champions League Group Stage last season.

Exactly how Gera would fit into a Manchester United formation is unclear but it would certainly suggest a more attacking line-up - possibly to compensate for the loss of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who has expressed his desire to leave the club.

The Gera deal is expected to be finalised in the next 72 hours.

[ho chi feen]

Ffs

[Paddy Wagon]

Wtf?

[dotty]

surely a wind up....surely?

gera!!

ahhhh ffs!

[Up For The Ba]

United to announce £4.5m Gera deal?
Manchester United's pursuit of West Brom goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak looks set to take a bizarre twist with the signing of Baggies star Zoltan Gera for around £4.5m.

The twenty-seven year-old Hungarian midfielder has made no secret of his desire to play at Premiership level and United's hunt for midfield reinforcements has been well documented.

The situation is somewhat similar to the deal that saw Andy Cole move to Old Trafford in January 1995. At that time, then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan began negotiations with the intent of signing promising Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie, with Cole only mentioned later on.

With their apparent failure to secure the signatures of any of the myriad names with whom they've been linked, the Glazer-owned 'franchise' seem to have adopted a somewhat surprising approach to their transfer policy.

Such actions are likely to provoke an angry reaction from the Old Trafford faithful, who've seen their team easily beaten to the Premiership crown by Chelsea and Roman Abramovic in the last couple of years, and failed miserably in the Champions League Group Stage last season.

Exactly how Gera would fit into a Manchester United formation is unclear but it would certainly suggest a more attacking line-up - possibly to compensate for the loss of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who has expressed his desire to leave the club.

The Gera deal is expected to be finalised in the next 72 hours.

Where did this emerge from? Surely another spoof I would reckon.

[Philby]

I actually rate Gera. He had an injury-hit season last time out but fully-fit he's a daycent player (perhaps not quite manyoo but not too far off) - he's intelligent on the ball & a good eye for a shot.

This may well be a wind-up but if he does sign it's not the disaster that united fans may make out although it's not quite a transfer to get the pulses racing.

[FL4ZGN]

Bayern Munich are preparing to offload a striker should they complete the transfer of Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United.

Bayern yesterday made an improved offer for the 30-year-old to United and general manager Uli Hoeness announced that “the ball is now in their court”.

And the likely departure is one of Dutchman Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro, the Peruvian.

While Bayern await a response from Old Trafford, Bayern’s honorary president Franz Beckenbauer spoke confidently about a deal being struck.

“We are still €5m away from Manchester United’s valuation, but the chances are still high,” he said at the Bavarian club’s training camp in Austria.

“But if it does work out, I could imagine us giving away Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro.”


Bayern have already spent €10.5m on Germany international Lukas Podolski from Cologne and with Makaay, Pizarro and Paraguay’s Roque Santa Cruz already on the club’s books, Van Nistelrooy’s arrival “would leave us with too many strikers”, according to Beckenbauer.

Paolo Guerrero was sold to Hamburg and Beckenbauer claims further departures to the north may be on the cards.

“We could reach another deal [with Hamburg],” he added.

Hamburg are known to be searching for a new striker after failing in their bids to sign Aston Villa’s Milan Baros and Patrick Kluivert of Valencia.

[Paddy Wagon]

Fernando Torres has pledged his future to Atletico Madrid for at least one more season despite overtures from the likes of Manchester United.

The 22-year-old Spain striker ended speculation about his immediate future as he returned to training after being granted extended leave after the World Cup.

“I want to stay,” said Torres in remarks reported by www.marca.es.

“There has been a lot of discussion during my holiday about my possible exit but the reality is that I am here for another year.

“If I had wanted to leave Atletico Madrid I would have done it years ago. I feel fine here.”

I doubt we had the bobs for him anyway to be honest..

[Captain Planet]

so utd have fook all signings this summer. great preparation for the year ahead. i wouldnt be surprised if ronaldo and ruud are playing first game of the season and the last game. i dont think ronaldo will go anyway. but ruuds departure was a fore gone conclusion.

[Langer Dan]

Earra I didnt expect em to make any major signings. LOOKING AT THE LEVEL of debt their servicing ,I dont think any bankers in their right minds would release funds on top of a 620million balance.

[storysham]

http://picsrv.manutd.com/?fif=/manu/img_10_15246.jpg&obj=iip,1.0&wid=480&hei=179&rgn=0.07718696397941 681,0.04615384615384 615,0.82332761578044 59,0.688461538461538 5&cvt=jpeg

Alan Smith was the surprise face on show as almost the entire United squad trained on Tuesday morning.

The 25-year-old, who will revert to his original role as a striker this season, has been out of action since breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle against Liverpool last January.

Sir Alex Ferguson expects to have the fans' favourite back in action in late August or early September.

Smith was joined by all the United squad who played in South Africa, as well as those who featured in this summer's World Cup - including Ruud van Nistelrooy, despite the uncertainty over his future.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre are still absent, following their exertions at the latter stages in Germany, and are due back at Carrington next Monday.

[Sound]

http://picsrv.manutd.com/?fif=/manu/img_10_15246.jpg&obj=iip,1.0&wid=480&hei=179&rgn=0.07718696397941 681,0.04615384615384 615,0.82332761578044 59,0.688461538461538 5&cvt=jpeg

Alan Smith was the surprise face on show as almost the entire United squad trained on Tuesday morning.

The 25-year-old, who will revert to his original role as a striker this season, has been out of action since breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle against Liverpool last January.

Sir Alex Ferguson expects to have the fans' favourite back in action in late August or early September.

Smith was joined by all the United squad who played in South Africa, as well as those who featured in this summer's World Cup - including Ruud van Nistelrooy, despite the uncertainty over his future.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre are still absent, following their exertions at the latter stages in Germany, and are due back at Carrington next Monday.

Like a new signing so he is.

[Del]

Like a new signing so he is.

Just what we need, a striker that will only score us 15 league goals a season :)

[KolaKubes]

I tell you what, last season I was prepared to accept the bizarre failure to sign any sort of midfielder on grounds of all the shit with the takeover.

I could overlook letting Keane go and then signing two defenders in the transfer window.

I could even appreciate that there was a shortage of genuine class around in central midfield and Utd were struggling to identify good value for money.

Even now, (what with Spurs obviously floating that bullshit Madrid £20m bid for Carrick) I'm willing to imagine that there's some little waiting game going on between ourselves and themselves over the Carrick fee.

BUT if the transfer window closes and Utd are faced with John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs in central midfield and Fergie opines that we could win the league this year...

I'm going to get the first flight to Manchester and throw rocks at him.

That is all.

[ho chi feen]

I tell you what, last season I was prepared to accept the bizarre failure to sign any sort of midfielder on grounds of all the shit with the takeover.

I could overlook letting Keane go and then signing two defenders in the transfer window.

I could even appreciate that there was a shortage of genuine class around in central midfield and Utd were struggling to identify good value for money.

Even now, (what with Spurs obviously floating that bullshit Madrid £20m bid for Carrick) I'm willing to imagine that there's some little waiting game going on between ourselves and themselves over the Carrick fee.

BUT if the transfer window closes and Utd are faced with John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs in central midfield and Fergie opines that we could win the league this year...

I'm going to get the first flight to Manchester and throw rocks at him.

That is all.

You and plenty others, I'll wager.

FFS

[Langer Dan]

Earra its a joke. Theres obviously no cash there, an the only activity in the OT transfer market is to flog our best striker in a cut price deal.

[Del]

Earra its a joke. Theres obviously no cash there, an the only activity in the OT transfer market is to flog our best striker in a cut price deal.

If that´s the case then why doésn´t Ferguson leave? He must know that he has no chance of winning the league with the currently squad, especially if Ruud leaves

[Rebelred]

If that´s the case then why doésn´t Ferguson leave? He must know that he has no chance of winning the league with the currently squad, especially if Ruud leaves
I started this very thread over a year ago with the opening post stating the requirement of at least 2 central midfielders! a full year later and we're no closer to finding a solution in an area that has been of obvious concern for the last 2 years.
The glazers are obviously holding tight on the purse strings, Fergie gambled back in april when he effectively ended Ruud's time at united that he would be able to get a striker of Torres ability to replace him, but now its all backfired and at this point in time, we will start the season with a weaker squad than this time last year!

at least we've still got Fletcher...FFS

[Superdave]

I started this very thread over a year ago with the opening post stating the requirement of at least 2 central midfielders! a full year later and we're no closer to finding a solution in an area that has been of obvious concern for the last 2 years.
The glazers are obviously holding tight on the purse strings, Fergie gambled back in april when he effectively ended Ruud's time at united that he would be able to get a striker of Torres ability to replace him, but now its all backfired and at this point in time, we will start the season with a weaker squad than this time last year!

at least we've still got Fletcher...FFS


looking much weaker if ronaldo leaves as well. what happened to their directive that there would be 25m each year for a few years?

Things are very quiet on the united front, it's odd. Any news on Gattuso or Vieira? central midfield is the obvious gaping hole in uniteds team. i think up front is still good enough even without Ruud - Rooney, Saha and smith are all top class and solsjkaer is showing signs of being capable of returning to his pre-injury ability.

But surely there's something doing behind the scene;s for central midfield?

[Rebelred]

But surely there's something doing behind the scene;s for central midfield?
we've been thinking, hoping and wishing that this has been the case for the last 2 years! no reason to believe its going to magically change in the next 30 odd days. the money isn't there

[Sound]

looking much weaker if ronaldo leaves as well. what happened to their directive that there would be 25m each year for a few years?

Things are very quiet on the united front, it's odd. Any news on Gattuso or Vieira? central midfield is the obvious gaping hole in uniteds team. i think up front is still good enough even without Ruud - Rooney, Saha and smith are all top class and solsjkaer is showing signs of being capable of returning to his pre-injury ability.

But surely there's something doing behind the scene;s for central midfield?

I think Vieira has signed for Inter.

[Up For The Ba]

Carrick has rejected a new contract, finally some good news. Hopefully United can get him for about £12M.

[STEVIEG]

Judge the transfer inactivity by September 1st please
There's plenty of time to go

I don't think United were ever in for Torres it's been said again and again that it's midfield he wants to strengthen

Gattuso has said all along he was staying in Italy and Viera was only gonna be a stop-gap measure, one at about 9 million that would be very expensive

At least he hasn't bought a Djemba or Kleberson yet!

Carrick would be a good start, especially if they can get him at a more reasonable price

[STEVIEG]

Or what about this guy!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/5215934.stm

[FL4ZGN]

The wizzard insists that the club are not in a "desperate" situation despite being unable to bring any new faces to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils still seem short of top-quality options in midfield and moves for various targets have stalled since the likes of Michael Ballack, Mahamadou Diarra and Michael Carrick were considered as potential signings over the past months.

Ferguson is refusing to be unsettled by the lack of incoming movement and feels the fans will feel the same way if the current squad, fortified by the return of the likes of Paul Scholes, Alan Smith and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remain fit.

"We're working on certain things," he told Sky Sports News. "Of course, the media try and make it into a desperate situation.

"If I were to start the season with all the players I've got available, all fit, I don't think the supporters would be disappointed - neither would I."

Doubts remain that Ruud van Nistelrooy will stay at the club but the Dutchman is still a United player despite Bayern Munich and Real Madrid's attempts to snap him up.

"None at all," Ferguson replied when asked if there was a change in the situation regarding the striker. "At this moment in time, without question [he's still a United player].

"He trained well yesterday. He had a good attitude to his training, which is good, therefore he's a United player."

[Philby]

"If I were to start the season with all the players I've got available, all fit, I don't think the supporters would be disappointed - neither would I."

Know your audience Alex. Most united fans would be massively underwhelmed if there weren't at least 2 positive additions to last year's squad.

[Sound]

The wizzard insists that the club are not in a "desperate" situation despite being unable to bring any new faces to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils still seem short of top-quality options in midfield and moves for various targets have stalled since the likes of Michael Ballack, Mahamadou Diarra and Michael Carrick were considered as potential signings over the past months.

Ferguson is refusing to be unsettled by the lack of incoming movement and feels the fans will feel the same way if the current squad, fortified by the return of the likes of Paul Scholes, Alan Smith and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remain fit.

"We're working on certain things," he told Sky Sports News. "Of course, the media try and make it into a desperate situation.

"If I were to start the season with all the players I've got available, all fit, I don't think the supporters would be disappointed - neither would I."

Doubts remain that Ruud van Nistelrooy will stay at the club but the Dutchman is still a United player despite Bayern Munich and Real Madrid's attempts to snap him up.

"None at all," Ferguson replied when asked if there was a change in the situation regarding the striker. "At this moment in time, without question [he's still a United player].

"He trained well yesterday. He had a good attitude to his training, which is good, therefore he's a United player."

Softening the blow?

[STEVIEG]

Softening the blow?


Yup, or trying to soften the price of incoming players like Carrick

[FL4ZGN]

I certainly hope so.

I for one would not be happy with the current crop of players.

Where is the 12 million we got for Mikel?

Thats 12 million for a player who never played for us.

The wizzard must still have something up his sleeve.

[Up For The Ba]

Yup, or trying to soften the price of incoming players like Carrick

That would be the more lilely one alright. United dont want to be held ransom by the likes of Spurs. I`d seriously doubt that Fergie actually would be happy starting the season the way the panel is at the moment.

[STEVIEG]

Defo, a blind man can see that midfield is not good enough

[Sound]

They'll get Carrick I reckon but for big money. Would Utd fans be happy with an additional midfielder and Ruud going?

[Up For The Ba]

They'll get Carrick I reckon but for big money. Would Utd fans be happy with an additional midfielder and Ruud going?


I think they could get Carrick for about £12M now that he has come out and said he doesnt want to sign a new contract, afterall, if a player isnt happy, what good is he to you?

On Ruud, No United fan wants to see him leave. The only way of softening that blow would be to produce another big signing in return.

[FL4ZGN]

They'll get Carrick I reckon but for big money. Would Utd fans be happy with an additional midfielder and Ruud going?

Personally i would keep Ruud but should he stay then the chances for Smith and Rossi are going to be limited.

I honestly do not think Carrig is the answer but lets say they get him 15 million its probably good business consider they received 12 from Chelski for Mikel.

Some good young players coming through in the midfield positions though and i can remember sitting at Old Trafford for the final game of the 94 season watching the Nevilles, Scholes,Beckham,Butt and co and wondering who they were and if they were ever going to be good enough.

The following season Ince/Hughes and Kanchelskis left with no new players coming in and the forementioned stepped up to the plate and delivered.

We need to keep the faith.

[STEVIEG]

They'll get Carrick I reckon but for big money. Would Utd fans be happy with an additional midfielder and Ruud going?


It depends really
Think Fergie is driving up the price for Ruud but i'll be happy with whatever happens as long as they get at least one midfielder

I can fully appreciate the United are better without Ruud argument but I like the player too

They've scored a lot less overall as a team since he joined and even last year and the previous year scored more freely when he was out and looked for threatening as a team
He is not scoring in big games anymore for United and probably needs a change of scenery

That said they would want decent money for him
He is still a top goalscorer

[Captain Planet]

Personally i would keep Ruud but should he stay then the chances for Smith and Rossi are going to be limited.

I honestly do not think Carrig is the answer but lets say they get him 15 million its probably good business consider they received 12 from Chelski for Mikel.

Some good young players coming through in the midfield positions though and i can remember sitting at Old Trafford for the final game of the 94 season watching the Nevilles, Scholes,Beckham,Butt and co and wondering who they were and if they were ever going to be good enough.

The following season Ince/Hughes and Kanchelskis left with no new players coming in and the forementioned stepped up to the plate and delivered.

We need to keep the faith.
but ye were winning stuff back then, ye've not been delivering on the trophy front this time with the last few years

[FL4ZGN]

but ye were winning stuff back then, ye've not been delivering on the trophy front this time with the last few years


What did we win in 94/95 season?

[STEVIEG]

but ye were winning stuff back then, ye've not been delivering on the trophy front this time with the last few years

The manager is looking at the long term best interests of the club and he knows more about winning trophy's than anyone
He's not trying to sabotage them and is learning from the mistakes of buying crap (Djemba, Kleberson etc)

Other clubs have rushed into panic signings this summer and i'm glad for one that United are standing firm for once

[Up For The Ba]

I honestly do not think Carrig is the answer but lets say they get him 15 million its probably good business consider they received 12 from Chelski for Mikel.




He`s miles ahead of O Shea, Fletcher, or anybody else who we currently have to play that role, so signing him can not be a bad thing if it happens.

[Captain Planet]

What did we win in 94/95 season?
i dont know...im not a utd fan..but ye were pulling in trophies "back then"

[FL4ZGN]

i dont know...im not a utd fan..but ye were pulling in trophies "back then"


We won one trophy last season, we won nothing in 94/95.

[Sound]

If Fergie could hock Ruud to Bayern and get Hargreaves in return, that would be a very good Summer for Utd IMO.

[STEVIEG]

No, in 1995 United won fuck all and were told they would win nothing with kids the following year, as they had got rid of the likes of ince, Kanchelskis and hughes

Its a lot more difficult now and they will proably not win the league unless they get a couple of key players but i'd prefer to have United youngsters rather than fly-by-night ex World Cup winners (Kleb) or double barreled no-hopers (Dx2)

[Captain Planet]

We won one trophy last season, we won nothing in 94/95.
you can hardly call last years trophy as a trophy utd want to win all the time. it isnt called the mickey mouse cup cup for nothing.

[STEVIEG]

you can hardly call last years trophy as a trophy utd want to win all the time. it isnt called the mickey mouse cup cup for nothing.


True

[FL4ZGN]

He`s miles ahead of O Shea, Fletcher, or anybody else who we currently have to play that role, so signing him can not be a bad thing if it happens.


I agree but whilst he is better than the current crop how does he compare to Gerrard, Alonso and Lampard. Not in the same bracket in my opinion.

[Philby]

Some good young players coming through in the midfield positions though and i can remember sitting at Old Trafford for the final game of the 94 season watching the Nevilles, Scholes,Beckham,Butt and co and wondering who they were and if they were ever going to be good enough.

The following season Ince/Hughes and Kanchelskis left with no new players coming in and the forementioned stepped up to the plate and delivered.

We need to keep the faith.

Keep the Bon Jovi platitudes to yourself, that extraordinary group of players who came through the ranks together and became the backbone of the all-conquering united side of the 90's was exactly that...extraordinary .

It hasn't been since and I don't think we'll see it for a very long time in the English game (middlesborough are coming along similar lines but perhaps don't have the financial clout to supplement quality youngsters with genuine class like united had).

If you think Ferguson will bring through another crop even remotely like that group you are sadly mistaken. The only way for united to push on and challenge Liverpool is to spend big on two quality midfielders but unfortunately Glazer has put a financial noose around United's neck and is wringing it for all its worth.

[Sound]

Keep the Bon Jovi platitudes to yourself, that extraordinary group of players who came through the ranks together and became the backbone of the all-conquering united side of the 90's was exactly that...extraordinary .

It hasn't been since and I don't think we'll see it for a very long time in the English game (middlesborough are coming along similar lines but perhaps don't have the financial clout to supplement quality youngsters with genuine class like united had).

If you think Ferguson will bring through another crop even remotely like that group you are sadly mistaken. The only way for united to push on and challenge Liverpool is to spend big on two quality midfielders but unfortunately Glazer has put a financial noose around United's neck and is wringing it for all its worth.

Isn't there some midfield young 'un that great things are expected of?

[Philby]

I agree but whilst he is better than the current crop how does he compare to Gerrard, Alonso and Lampard. Not in the same bracket in my opinion.

While Carrick, imho, will never be truly world-class the fact that he'd be a significant improvement on what united currently have is justification for his signing (although anything over £10m is over-paying for him).

By their very nature top players are rare, sometimes you need to take things in stages, improving gradually until you are in a position to afford the big names. As an example I don't think Bellamy & Crouch were particularly earth-shattering signings but both offer something to Liverpool that they didn't previously have. If they can play well enough to push us on to the next level then great, their contribution might be enough to put the club in the position to tempt someone of the ilk of torres/tevez in a few years time.

[Philby]

Isn't there some midfield young 'un that great things are expected of?

Indeed, Davie Jones is the one they all rave about.

http://www.fiftiesweb.com/tv/davy-jones.jpg

[Up For The Ba]

If Fergie could hock Ruud to Bayern and get Hargreaves in return, that would be a very good Summer for Utd IMO.

If we got Carrick, Hargreaves and Makaay/Pizarro, then that would be a good Summer. Cant rely on Solksjaer or Saha to stay injury free. Smith is a good forward but is never going to be prolific and Fergie has already said he would prefer to loan Rossi out to get some experience.

[FL4ZGN]

Keep the Bon Jovi platitudes to yourself, that extraordinary group of players who came through the ranks together and became the backbone of the all-conquering united side of the 90's was exactly that...extraordinary .

It hasn't been since and I don't think we'll see it for a very long time in the English game (middlesborough are coming along similar lines but perhaps don't have the financial clout to supplement quality youngsters with genuine class like united had).

If you think Ferguson will bring through another crop even remotely like that group you are sadly mistaken. The only way for united to push on and challenge Liverpool is to spend big on two quality midfielders but unfortunately Glazer has put a financial noose around United's neck and is wringing it for all its worth.


Do you have MUTV?
Have you watched reserve and youth team games for the past two seasons?

[STEVIEG]

Jones is good alright i'd prefer to see him in Manchester this season than on loan

[Philby]

Admittedly no but....

1. The odds of producing another crop to emulate the fergie fledgelings are absolutely massive
2. Most of the hyped youngsters that have been given a chance at OT recently have been average at best
3. Liverpool won the youth cup this year. Everyone knows they're the best-est-est ;-)

If you think Ferguson will bring through another crop next year that are even remotely as good as that group?

[Up For The Ba]

Jones is good alright i'd prefer to see him in Manchester this season than on loan

I thought that`s what was happening no?

[STEVIEG]

Yeah it lokks like it

He's gonna load out a few i still hopes he keeps Rossi here too

[FL4ZGN]

Admittedly no but....

1. The odds of producing another crop to emulate the fergie fledgelings are absolutely massive
2. Most of the hyped youngsters that have been given a chance at OT recently have been average at best
3. Liverpool won the youth cup this year. Everyone knows they're the best-est-est ;-)

If you think Ferguson will bring through another crop next year that are even remotely as good as that group?

Giuseppe Rossi
Gerrard Pique
David Jones
Ritchie Jones
Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
Phil Bardsley

All under 20 years old and you can be guaranteed that at least three of the above will feature regularly in the first team this season.

Add to that one or two new signings in midfield and i see no major problems.

As regards Liverpool and their youth team. Our reserve team with an average age of 18 won the treble last year.

[FL4ZGN]

Indeed, Davie Jones is the one they all rave about.

http://www.fiftiesweb.com/tv/davy-jones.jpg


Dont forget about Darren Gibson. We should be seeing him in an Eire shirt soon.

[FL4ZGN]

Real Madrid have made a fresh offer for wantaway Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Spanish titans saw an initial bid for the Dutch international rebuffed by United last week but have now come back with an improved proposal.

"The club have made a new offer and are waiting for reply from Manchester," a Real spokesman said on Wednesday.

Real's new bid is understood to be around the €15 million (£10 million) mark, although with United standing firm on their valuation of the 30-year-old that could again prove insufficient.

Van Nistelrooy is also wanted by Bayern Munich and the German champions claim to be leading the race for his signature.

However, neither club has yet to agree terms with United who are now resigned to letting the hit-man depart.

Van Nistelrooy endured a disappointing end to last season and having been dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson for the final match of the campaign at home to Charlton now appears to have played his final match for the club.

[Forsberg]

Giuseppe Rossi
Gerrard Pique
David Jones
Ritchie Jones
Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
Phil Bardsley

All under 20 years old and you can be guaranteed that at least three of the above will feature regularly in the first team this season.

Add to that one or two new signings in midfield and i see no major problems.

As regards Liverpool and their youth team. Our reserve team with an average age of 18 won the treble last year.
You can't guarantee anything. At the moment these guys are just prosepcts. There's no guarantee that any of these guys will make a big impact in the Prem. There's a big difference between guys playing for the reserves and youths teams and making the step up to the first team.

[FL4ZGN]

You can't guarantee anything. At the moment these guys are just prosepcts. There's no guarantee that any of these guys will make a big impact in the Prem. There's a big difference between guys playing for the reserves and youths teams and making the step up to the first team.


News from within old trafford is that this current crop is better than the crop of 92.

They have all played for the first team as it is with Bardsley/Pique and Rossi doing really well.

[leeland]

The real news is of course that because have to pay 660 million plus 42 milluion a year in interest so that the Glazers can own the club, the club is crippled. Or is everyone still supposed to bury their head in the sand about the whole thing and pretend that everything is fine?

[Sound]

Giuseppe Rossi
Gerrard Pique
David Jones
Ritchie Jones
Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
Phil Bardsley

All under 20 years old and you can be guaranteed that at least three of the above will feature regularly in the first team this season.

Add to that one or two new signings in midfield and i see no major problems.

As regards Liverpool and their youth team. Our reserve team with an average age of 18 won the treble last year.

Shit. I cant remember thename of the bloke fellas are raving about but it's not any of those. He's a central midfielder anyway. :confused:

[FL4ZGN]

The real news is of course that because have to pay 660 million plus 42 milluion a year in interest so that the Glazers can own the club, the club is crippled. Or is everyone still supposed to bury their head in the sand about the whole thing and pretend that everything is fine?


The extra capacity this season will generate and extra 15 million so you can take that debt back to 27 million. The shit will not hit the unless we fair to qualify for the champions league.

[FL4ZGN]

Shit. I cant remember thename of the bloke fellas are raving about but it's not any of those. He's a central midfielder anyway. :confused:


Derry lad who has decided to play for EIRE. Darren Gibson or could it Chris Eagles who was sent out on loan last season?

[Paddy Wagon]

Shit. I cant remember thename of the bloke fellas are raving about but it's not any of those. He's a central midfielder anyway. :confused:
Darren Gibson

[Paddy Wagon]

News from within old trafford is that this current crop is better than the crop of 92.

They have all played for the first team as it is with Bardsley/Pique and Rossi doing really well.
Problem is the 3 youve mentioned include 2 Defenders & a striker... I would have thought Jones & Gibson at least should have been given a run out last season in the prem especiall considering the dire straights our midfield was in towards the end...

[leeland]

The extra capacity this season will generate and extra 15 million so you can take that debt back to 27 million. The shit will not hit the unless we fair to qualify for the champions league.

That's just the interest, the principal is still around 700 million. And still people don't seem to care too much, i'd say the Glazers are pissing themselves laughing

[FL4ZGN]

Problem is the 3 youve mentioned include 2 Defenders & a striker... I would have thought Jones & Gibson at least should have been given a run out last season in the prem especiall considering the dire straights our midfield was in towards the end...


With Fletcher in the team it is very difficult to understand why this did not happen. If memory serves me correctly Butt came into the team before Scholes and Beckham and although he won trophies he is nowhere near the latter in terms of ability.

Finger crossed that this is going to be more of the same.

[FL4ZGN]

That's just the interest, the principal is still around 700 million. And still people don't seem to care too much, i'd say the Glazers are pissing themselves laughing


Sure we all knew this was going to happen. We were powerless to stop it but for the Glazers to make money they have to keep investing and that is the only good thing to come out of this.

I predict at least two signings before the start of the season. For me Hargreaves & Carrig would be ideal but lets just wait and see what the wizzard has up his sleeve.

[Coin]

That's just the interest, the principal is still around 700 million. And still people don't seem to care too much, i'd say the Glazers are pissing themselves laughing
Look at it this way, there's not much difference between being in the hole for 700 million and 715 million. If someone comes up that they think will be a good investment, I would anticipate that they'd go for it.

[STEVIEG]

That's just the interest, the principal is still around 700 million. And still people don't seem to care too much, i'd say the Glazers are pissing themselves laughing


In fairness, most fans realise that the Glazers are bad for the club because of the debt situation

We've talked about it here many times over the last few years, before and after the takeover, but it's what happens on the pitch that matters most to the fans (though, obviously, with more debts and less transfer funds, chances of success on the pitch may diminish slightly)
The Glazers ownership was never gonna free up loads of cash and its very obvious that cost-cutting is stil going on, but United will deal with it carry on
To say that fans don't care is very unfair, loads of these fans successfully fought off a takeover in 1999 and did their best to fight it again last year.

[leeland]

The majority of fans don't give a hoot, most are extremely short sighted, there's a minority who fought it but that's all they are, a minority.

[STEVIEG]

The majority of fans don't give a hoot, most are extremely short sighted, there's a minority who fought it but that's all they are, a minority.


Yes indeed such is life it was largely out of their hands anyway unless ridiclous amounts had shares

Now, most fans have accepted it and are concerned with what happens on the field
Fair play to those who want to support FC United, they've done their thing, loads more are now concerned with what happens on the pitch with Man United

Like most, i accept that things might have to get really bad on and off the pitch to force the Glazers out, but at the moment im just concerned with getting a decent squad together
It might be better in the long run to have a disaster on the pitch, but that goes against the instincts of footy fans

[leeland]

That's a pretty spot on assessment Stevie

[STEVIEG]

Of course if all goes really pear shaped i'd hope to do it with style

Cantona as manager
2-3-5 formation with
loads of Keegan-esque attacking football and suicidal defending

Edit-my numbers didnt add up you can only have 11 players on the pitch

[Langer Dan]

Its quite clear that United cannot get financing to enter the transfer market.
The banks are calling the shots after the restructured loan which currently stands at 620million Sterling.

The Glazers simply do not have the money to invest in the club. Their business plan is quite stupifying as if they hope to improve in their investment they have to plunge funds into the transfer market, yet theyve financed their takeover in such a fashion that this is not possible.

This summer as with the transfer window last season United have been linked to a number of targets yet have signed no one of great importance. Further still as with last season their jettisoning fringe players to trim the wage bill, (Fortune, Howard etc).

It appears that Uniteds transfer 'targets' ( Carrick,Torres) were just PR Spin with no funds available to acquire the players. Ferguson appears to be trotting out the co. line on this one. If he genuinely believes that the current squad is good enough without additions then perhaps its time for him to go. Then again who wants to take over a job where a clear transfer polcy does not seem to exist?

[Langer Dan]

Of course if all goes really pear shaped i'd hope to do it with style

Cantona as manager
2-3-5 formation with
loads of Keegan-esque attacking football and suicidal defending

Edit-my numbers didnt add up you can only have 11 players on the pitch
:p heres the guy we need
http://www.pks2004.com/photo/m_ardires.jpg

[ho chi feen]

Judge the transfer inactivity by September 1st please
There's plenty of time to go

Got to admire your optimism there, Stevie. Could you put a shout out there to Niall Fitz? :D

[ho chi feen]

Edit-my numbers didnt add up you can only have 11 players on the pitch


Fitzy alert!

[Del]

If Fergie could hock Ruud to Bayern and get Hargreaves in return, that would be a very good Summer for Utd IMO.

IMO that would be a terrible summer in the transfer market

[STEVIEG]

Ruud is gone anyway according to Sky and reports in Spain

10.3 million English pounds

Thank for the goals Ruud and all the best

[STEVIEG]

Fitzy alert!


A self-regulated fitzy:)

[STEVIEG]

Good to see Scholes and co doing well tonight against Celtic

Martin looks the business!

[Rebelred]

Ruud is gone anyway according to Sky and reports in Spain

10.3 million English pounds

Thank for the goals Ruud and all the best
absolutely, pity it had to end the way it did, best of luck Ruud

[xvis]

Ruud is gone anyway according to Sky and reports in Spain

10.3 million English pounds

Thank for the goals Ruud and all the best



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETA ILS&grid=&xml=/sport/2006/07/27/sfnman27.xml

"Real Madrid yesterday confirmed their continuing interest in Ruud van Nistelrooy when they returned with an improved bid for the Manchester United forward.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Dutchman's future is set to continue with the Spanish club's offer of around £10.3 million still falling well short of United's £15 million asking price."



this is gonna drag on for another while yet.

..hmmm...
Andy Johnson £8.6m
Ruud £10.3

I know AJ is 25 to Ruuds 30, but AJ is 'distinctly average' (understatement).

Ruud is worth £18m (£6m to Real a season over 3 seasons, ..over his remaining top level career span) ..with this reducing to about £13-15m because United are initiating the sale.

[leeland]

SIR ALEX Ferguson is in talks with Argentina World Cup star Javier Mascherano.

Fergie believes he has finally found the man to replace Roy Keane and Mascherano's agents arrived last night to discuss a move to Manchester United.

The defensive midfielder (above) is valued at £25million by Corinthians, but United are expected to make the Brazilian club an opening offer of £16m.


Advertisement

Mascherano, who was in outstanding form for his country in Germany, looked to be on the way to Real Madrid for £25m until the Spaniards pulled out following elections for a new club president - opening the door for United.


The investment company behind Corinthians bought Mascherano from River Plate for £10m two years ago and the key to the move is how much profit they want from his sale.


United are prepared to dig deep for Mascherano, described by Diego Maradona as "a monster of a player and destined for great things".


And at the age of 22 he will have a resale value if he moves on from Old Trafford, which is the kind of deal that appeals to the Glazer family who own United.


Chelsea had looked at him but instead went for Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel, leaving United in pole position - a rarity in the current transfer market.


Sir Alex will also sign Michael Carrick in a £16m deal after Tottenham admitted defeat in their battle to keep the England midfielder.


Carrick has turned down a new contract offer worth £45,000 a week which would have trebled his wages at White Hart Lane.


That was the signal for Ferguson to make a third bid for him and negotiations are likely to be finalised before Carrick returns to pre-season training after his extended break following the World Cup.


Ferguson's two previous offers, which included John O'Shea and Mikael Silvestre as part of a player-plus-cash package, were turned down.


Losing Carrick has forced Spurs to put on hold plans to off-load Edgar Davids to his former club Ajax.


United have told Real Madrid to increase their £12m offer if they are serious about signing Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Real's second bid - £3m under United's valuation - is expected to be formally rejected today.

[MonTheHoops]

Sorry but, like Pele, an endorsement from Maradona holds no weight with me. How many times have you seen Pele & Maradona build up these guys only for them to disappear.

Mascherano though is a fine player. Forget Gattuso, Mascherano is your man.

[Paddy Wagon]

I had seen a bit of him before the WC (NOT MUCH MIND YOU) and I liked the look of him, but the WC displays convinced me he is the real deal.. With the way Argie play (sometimes even the centre halves are attackers) he was always there to hold the team together gather himself & pick the right pass, plus he aint afraid to put the boot in which I really like.. He's a top player but I aint gonna get my hopes up till he's signed sealed & delivered cos these stories have been floating around about Utd all summer, with diddly squat coming from them...

[ho chi feen]

SIR ALEX Ferguson is in talks with Argentina World Cup star Javier Mascherano.


Would LOVE it, ain't going to happen though.

[quincyk]

Carrick will sign for manchester united tommorow,he has visited manchester several times over the last few weeks and will formaly sign at old trafford tommorow,you heard it here first.

[ho chi feen]

Carrick will sign for manchester united tommorow,he has visited manchester several times over the last few weeks and will formaly sign at old trafford tommorow,you heard it here first.

If not then you die, Mister K.

[quincyk]

If not then you die, Mister K.


Trust me,its a done deal.its in the region of 17million.

[afeencalleddan]

£17 million sterling, couldn't refuse that money. Well done Martin, you held out well.
A replacement for Roy Keane - that makes me laugh!

http://www.setanta.com/portal/article/football::england?op en&articleid=4b6f272eb6 c74b36802571b80065e0 38

EXCLUSIVE: United get Carrick
Thursday, 27 July 19:37 BST

Manchester United have signed Michael Carrick from Tottenham Hotspur for Stg17 million. The EXCLUSIVE news was revealed on Setanta Sports programme The Hub on Thursday evening.

Carrick is set to finalise personal terms before being unveiled to the media at Old Trafford within the next 48 hours - the press conference is likely to take place before the weekend, however.

Setanta Sports understands that Carrick will move in a straight-cash deal, with no players moving in the opposite direction. The midfielder's desire to move to United is said to have forced Martin Jol into letting one of his prize assets leave North London.

Carrick is set to pen a five-year deal at Old Trafford once his medical is completed and terms are agreed, with no hitches expected at this stage.

United agreed a fee of Stg17m with Tottenham on Thursday after tracking the midfielder for the last couple of seasons. Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson sees Carrick, who was a member of England's World cup squad, as a replacement for Roy Keane.

The news will be a major boost for United's fans with Ruud van Nistelrooy all but completing his move to Real Madrid this week.

[STEVIEG]

Well you are laughing at a journalist because Fergie never said such a thing
Me, i'm laughing at at the 10 million or so United got for another midfielder who never played for them (off Chelsea), but at least Carrick is a step in the right direction

[afeencalleddan]

Well you are laughing at a journalist because Fergie never said such a thing
Me, i'm laughing at at the 10 million or so United got for another midfielder who never played for them (off Chelsea), but at least Carrick is a step in the right directionI'm just laughing at that statement whoever came up with it.

United may have got money for nothing from the Mikel saga but they could have got more for RVN and paid too much for Carrick. It's bad value whatever way you look at it. By the way, United still need to buy a midfield enforcer. Carrick is not in that mould at all.

[STEVIEG]

True, Hence my step in the right direction comments

Yes, if these reports are to be believed, United have paid too much for Carrick, no doubt about it (they always do, but so do other clubs (e.g. Pennant))

They badly need the player though and it's gonna be better than what they have

Incidentally, the 6 million or so Spurs paid for Zikora is a great bargain, but i suspect Fergie is still haunted by the Djemba nightmare

BTW, United have repeated that an agreement hasn't been made on the Ruud fee, though it's clear he is going there
He's not getting any younger though and is no longer a guaranteed first team player-and won't be at Madrid

[afeencalleddan]

They badly need the player though and it's gonna be better than what they haveDefinitely better than what they have but it now begs the question about United's shape and tactics for the coming season. Who will play alongside Carrick? Will Scholes feature as a regular? Are they planning to play Rooney as the most advanced striker (madness IMO)?

Carrick fitted in well to Jol's diamond but if he's going to play in a two man central midfield with two wingers and two strikers he really needs a proper workhorse like Mascherano alongside otherwise United will still have a soft centre.

[STEVIEG]

Ideally Mascherano (Sp) and then it would be very strong


If it's just Carrick i can see him in a slightly more defensive role than Scholes but they would still be a little weak, but not as weak as last year

Saha and Rooney (or Smith/Ole/Rossi/AnOther) would be aided by some great attacking width with Ronaldo/Giggs/Park/Richardson/Ole

Ideally though, a certain Argentinian

[Del]

I'm just laughing at that statement whoever came up with it.

United may have got money for nothing from the Mikel saga but they could have got more for RVN and paid too much for Carrick. It's bad value whatever way you look at it. By the way, United still need to buy a midfield enforcer. Carrick is not in that mould at all.

They should get a lot more than what is being reported in the media, they bought him for 19m which looking back on it is a snip. So in a way it balances itself.

There are some transfers you win and some you lose, a club the size of United usually end up paying more than what the player is worth. Which is why they usually try and get the players to drop their signing on fee.

Carrick will be a good signing amd hopefully a more responsible role with United will see him progress into a better player

[STEVIEG]

Exactly

Who would have thought Lampard and Joe Cole would be as good as they are now 4 or 5 years ago at West Ham

as for the money, if United went for Zikora it would probaly have doubled the price, but it's Glazers money so fuck it
At least they look like they are buying, and a lot of the money is gonna be instalments and (Perhaps) success related

[afeencalleddan]

Carrick will be a good signing amd hopefully a more responsible role with United will see him progress into a better playerI have no doubt that he'll improve but he is a deep lying playmaker as opposed to a defensive midfielder. As I said he fitted nicely into the diamond cos he had lots of help from Davids tucking in from the left and whoever was playing at the head of the diamond so there was weight in numbers. If United play a 4-4-2 with wingers he'll need somebody with a serious engine alongside. If they play 4-5-1 they're fucking themselves in the ass cos Rooney will be playing a role that doesn't suit him.

BTW, hopefully Spurs will go out and buy Chimbonda and maybe somebody like Gravesen and still have some spare change from the Carrick money. Oh, a feckin proper left sided player is needed too. Not asking for much, is it???!!!!

[STEVIEG]

Most of the morning papers are reporting it as 14 million but its still a lot of cash and a good profit for Spurs

[Rebelred]

I had seen a bit of him before the WC (NOT MUCH MIND YOU) and I liked the look of him, but the WC displays convinced me he is the real deal.. With the way Argie play (sometimes even the centre halves are attackers) he was always there to hold the team together gather himself & pick the right pass, plus he aint afraid to put the boot in which I really like.. He's a top player but I aint gonna get my hopes up till he's signed sealed & delivered cos these stories have been floating around about Utd all summer, with diddly squat coming from them...
myself and Dotty have been waiting for this news with a long time, but the chances of this being yet more PR ,all front and no bid, are high so I'm not getting my hopes up.
Anything over 10 million was too much for Carrick,but United will always have to pay over the odds to get their man.Hope the high fee doesnt affect him, he's certainly an addition to the team though

[STEVIEG]

Yup the links between his club and Abramovich mean i'm not even gonna entertain the thought of it happening though

[quincyk]

Yup the links between his club and Abramovich mean i'm not even gonna entertain the thought of it happening though


the only links that Abramovich has with with the owner of mascherranos club,is that they are sworn enemiesThey had court battle not so long ago,but in terms of him scuppering any deal,is impossible.

Although i cant see him coming myself.

[Langer Dan]

Manchester United are set to successfully conclude their pursuit of Spurs' Michael Carrick after selling Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid.
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to seal a reported £15m deal for England midfielder Carrick after raking in £10.3m for striker Van Nistelrooy.

United made a bid of £10m for the 25-year-old during the World Cup, but Spurs have driven a hard bargain.

Spurs are expected to confirm Carrick's departure for United on Friday.

earra its a load of shit. Spurs paid 2.75 million for Carrick two years ago, suddenly hes worth 5 times what they payed for him?

We've lost our best striker and we've brought in a guy who looked limited compared to Hargreaves.

We're headed in the right direction alright. Right into midtable.

[Lamps]

Some dude at lunch today called him a homeless man's xabi alonso.

Perfect description

[STEVIEG]

He's a fine player and a good addition to the squad
One more midfielder now and United could be compettive again

[Langer Dan]

He's a fine player and a good addition to the squad
One more midfielder now and United could be compettive again

ya with no goals.

Sorry Steve but Rooney and Saha are not going to deliver anything like Ruuds tally.

I admire yopur boundless optimism but I fear the club is rightly fucked.

[STEVIEG]

ya with no goals.

Sorry Steve but Rooney and Saha are not going to deliver anything like Ruuds tally.

I admire yopur boundless optimism but I fear the club is rightly fucked.


In my opionion we have played better for two years without him and scored more goals
Since Christmas his atitude hasn't been 100% and it was time to move him on
A fit Saha is good with Rooney but keeping him fit is tough
I'd like another striker too but would prefer another defensive midfielder

[Langer Dan]

In my opionion we have played better for two years without him and scored more goals
Since Christmas his atitude hasn't been 100% and it was time to move him on
A fit Saha is good with Rooney but keeping him fit is tough
I'd like another striker too but would prefer another defensive midfielder

As it is, we've sold our most prolific striker for a pittance. We've paid twice what Carrick is worth. Giggs and Scholes only have so much more to offer and Saha and Rooney may get good goals but they lack ruuds to crack in one or two against your mid table sides.

United are now in a situation where their failuire to bolster the squad in successive off seasons leaves us witha situation where we will needto bring at least three midfirelders by next season.

[afeencalleddan]

failuire to bolster the squad in successive off seasonsMy calendar says that today is July 28th...

[Langer Dan]

My calendar says that today is July 28th...

4 weeks left in the transfer window, I cant see us bringing in any world beaters in the next month.

[afeencalleddan]

The more I think about it, this could really be a bad move for Carrick. For Carrick's sake, I hope United get somebody in to help him out. He really could lose confidence if there's too much expectancy on him and he's not played in a role that suits his game. What about say Hargreaves or Gravesen? Would ye United fans be happy with either of those? I would have thought it would be possible to take them from their clubs with the right offers.

[Rebelred]

As it is, we've sold our most prolific striker for a pittance. We've paid twice what Carrick is worth. Giggs and Scholes only have so much more to offer and Saha and Rooney may get good goals but they lack ruuds to crack in one or two against your mid table sides.

United are now in a situation where their failuire to bolster the squad in successive off seasons leaves us witha situation where we will needto bring at least three midfirelders by next season.
at least that, if not three times! one game in the world cup, a half decent season with spurs and suddenly your value goes through the roof???Not buying it I'm afraid.Decent addition to the squad but not at the price we're paying for him.

[Rebelred]

The more I think about it, this could really be a bad move for Carrick. For Carrick's sake, I hope United get somebody in to help him out. He really could lose confidence if there's too much expectancy on him and he's not played in a role that suits his game. What about say Hargreaves or Gravesen? Would ye United fans be happy with either of those? I would have thought it would be possible to take them from their clubs with the right offers.
Mascherano is the one we all want but looking at the way United conduct their transfers we havent a hope of getting him to be honest

[afeencalleddan]

Mascherano is the one we all want but looking at the way United conduct their transfers we havent a hope of getting him to be honestI know, I was taking that for granted in my last post.
So what about Gravesen or Hargreaves as a consolation prize?

[homer jay]

18 mill for englands 4th choice central midfielder is a ridiculous amount of money. and imo rvn went on the cheap as well. bad bit of dealing by fergie, he's letting his ego fuck the club up.

[STEVIEG]

Who cares, he's better than whats' there
Fergie, Wenger and Jol aren't stupid, he's a good player
The price is hefty but that's Man United tax
The manager and most United fans are happy, that's what matters
On Spurs sites they are pissed off from what i've read on United forums
They all reckon he was their best player last season
Who cares if he couldn't get into Englands over hyped eleven
What did they do


Sure i'd love the Argentianian next to him but it looks like wishful thinking
He will be a good addition to United
I've watched Spurs a lot and i reckon he's a fine player who has improved by playing with good passers at Spurs
I think he will be even better now

[STEVIEG]

rvn went on the cheap as well.


True but he wanted to leave and he should really have got ove rthe fact that he was dropped for a Mickey mouse cup game and fought for his place
I hope he does well at Madrid though and i thank him for his goals and the league title in 2003

[Langer Dan]

at least that, if not three times! one game in the world cup, a half decent season with spurs and suddenly your value goes through the roof???Not buying it I'm afraid.Decent addition to the squad but not at the price we're paying for him.

We've sold ou best striker to boot. Letting a player whos scored thirty goals a season in his five years at United is criminal.

Carrick is a defensive midfielder whos done little to justify this ridiculous fee.

[homer jay]

We've sold ou best striker to boot. Letting a player whos scored thirty goals a season in his five years at United is criminal.

Carrick is a defensive midfielder whos done little to justify this ridiculous fee.

when everyone knows your short of midfielders they're gonna seriouly hike the price as someone said above in regards to liverpools right hand side problems. but 18 mill is ridiculous, jol must be laughing his gigantic ass off.

[STEVIEG]

They (Spurs) are not-they are scampering around looking for a proper replacement
It's not 18 million don't believe everything you read

Do you think Spurs will be nearer to United than they were last year
I don't


AS for RVN
I hope (cause i like him) that he becomes one of the few United players to do well since leaving them
Fergie rarely gets it wrong when letting go of players
Any of us who watched the Cup tie against liverpool may have been tempted to think along his lines

[ho chi feen]

at least that, if not three times! one game in the world cup, a half decent season with spurs and suddenly your value goes through the roof???Not buying it I'm afraid.Decent addition to the squad but not at the price we're paying for him.

We should have signed fucking Zokora.

[STEVIEG]

We should have signed fucking Zokora.


Agreed but i can see why he didn't
Africans at United etc etc etc


One final thought on Ruud

A lot of fans thought Fergie got it wrong when he parted with Keane too
Some speculated that he'd win European trophies with Madrid or Milan and come back to haunt Fergie
But ultimately, he had to go

It's a different scenario with Ruud, but United play differently now, and he is a bit cumbersome for the style of play and that's why i think the manager let him go
He hasn't scored in too many big games in the last couple of years
Again, i hope the change of scene suits him though, he is a quality lad (from what i know)

[Langer Dan]

right a 34 year old with a dodgy hip or a guy just turned 30 whos scored 30 goals a season for 5 years.

No comparison.

[STEVIEG]

True but it still looked a bad move at the time when Keane went
In hindsight, he got it right

At least Ruud ain't leaving mid-season though

[afeencalleddan]

Carrick is a defensive midfielder whos done little to justify this ridiculous fee.He's not really. That's what I've been saying all along. He likes to sit deep and pick his passes from there but he's not really much of a defender. The defensive side of Spurs's midfield last season came from weight of numbers more than anything else. He's best suited to a narrow 4 man midfield (a la Spurs last season) or a 5 man midfield with 2 other central midfielders and two wingers. Neither of those scenarios will suit United's set up which is why they'll need to buy a workhorse to play alongside him. Christ, I'm repeating myself over and over!

[DrH.]

carrick will flop. end of story.

[Del]

We've sold ou best striker to boot. Letting a player whos scored thirty goals a season in his five years at United is criminal.

Carrick is a defensive midfielder whos done little to justify this ridiculous fee.

Didn't he play most of he's career with West Ham playing more of a forward role? As far as I know he only started playing a defensive role with spurs

[Forsberg]

Reports in the Spanish media are claiming Manchester United are closing on a deal for Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for much of the summer, but it appeared a deal had been ruled out when The Red Devils stepped in for Michael Carrick.

Tottenham Hotspur star Carrick is expected to complete his move to United early next week and his arrival will go some way to beefing up a midfield which has looked stretched in the last six months.

The former West Ham United man has looked comfortable in the holding role for England, but is not in the same ilk as United legend Roy Keane.

Senna, though, has won many fans for the way he has bossed the engine room for Villarreal and he could slot into the enforcer role in The Premiership.

The 30-year-old said recently that he was flattered to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, but favoured inking a new deal at Villarreal.

However, it is being suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson has firmed up his interest and could land another midfielder before the Premiership season gets underway

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=406397&CPID=8&title=Senna+back+on+ United+radar&lid=&channel=Football_Hom e&f=rss&clid=1

[STEVIEG]

carrick will flop. end of story.

I've seen you predictions before, i'll take this as a vote of confidence then

[STEVIEG]

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=406397&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Senna+back+on+ United+radar

[STEVIEG]

Some of Carrick's stats from last year, comparing him favourably with some of the other midfielders in the league
And yes, it's just stats and no, i'm not saying he is better than all of these



Tackling
..................Pl ayer............ Tackles ..........Tackle %
1 ..............Xabi Alonso..........167. ..............69%
2 .............Mohamed Sissoko...156....... ......73%
3 ..........Michael Carrick...135 .............74%
4 ............Michael Essien....... 106 ..............69%
5.............Frank Lampard...... 100 ..............73%
6.............Claude Makelele .....97............. ..69%
7..........Steven Gerrard..........96. ...............73%

Passing

................Play er ............Passes.. .... Pass %
1 ........Frank Lampard.....2,015 ..........76%
2 ......Michael Carrick....1,938 ..........80%
3 .............Xabi Alonso........1,820 .........76%
4 .............Makelel e...........1,601 ..........74%
5........Steven Gerrard.......1,464 ..........74%
6.............Michae l Essien ......1,447 ......76%

Carrick is the most successful in both categories.

[quincyk]

Senna is also on his way to united,should be done by the middle of next week.

[Forsberg]

Some of Carrick's stats from last year, comparing him favourably with some of the other midfielders in the league
And yes, it's just stats and no, i'm not saying he is better than all of these



Tackling
..................Pl ayer............ Tackles ..........Tackle %
1 ..............Xabi Alonso..........167. ..............69%
2 .............Mohamed Sissoko...156....... ......73%
3 ..........Michael Carrick...135 .............74%
4 ............Michael Essien....... 106 ..............69%
5.............Frank Lampard...... 100 ..............73%
6.............Claude Makelele .....97............. ..69%
7..........Steven Gerrard..........96. ...............73%

Passing

................Play er ............Passes.. .... Pass %
1 ........Frank Lampard.....2,015 ..........76%
2 ......Michael Carrick....1,938 ..........80%
3 .............Xabi Alonso........1,820 .........76%
4 .............Makelel e...........1,601 ..........74%
5........Steven Gerrard.......1,464 ..........74%
6.............Michae l Essien ......1,447 ......76%

Carrick is the most successful in both categories.

So Steven Gerrard and Claude Makalele only manages about 3 tackles per game. Strange to say the least

[STEVIEG]

Re-Senna
Yup i've the link above, 30 years of age may seem old (the same age as Ruud), but a certain Claude Makelele was the same age when he joined Chelsea
Looks like the Mascherano thing ain't happening, but a defensive midfielder of Senna would improve the squad

[STEVIEG]

So Steven Gerrard and Claude Makalele only manages about 3 tackles per game. Strange to say the least


Yeah, stats are always strange don't ask me how these things are made up

[afeencalleddan]

Re-Senna
Yup i've the link above, 30 years of age may seem old (the same age as Ruud), but a certain Claude Makelele was the same age when he joined Chelsea
Looks like the Mascherano thing ain't happening, but a defensive midfielder of Senna would improve the squadDefinitely, United would be a serious force then. For the sake of competition, I hope it happens.

[Rebelred]

Senna is also on his way to united,should be done by the middle of next week.
Senna would be a decent signing, any idea of the price?

[STEVIEG]

6 million

[KennyK]

So Steven Gerrard and Claude Makalele only manages about 3 tackles per game. Strange to say the least

You'd be surprised Forsberg. I would have thought so too, but I played the official World Cup fantasy football league, where they gave a point per successful tackle, and there really wasn't as much awarded as you'd think.

In the modern game, it's more to do with positioning to lessen passing options, set pieces, etc. There's less players really taking on defenders, and less defenders making tackles and risking yellow cards, which are a lot easier to pick up.

[STEVIEG]

You'd be surprised Forsberg. I would have thought so too, but I played the official World Cup fantasy football league, where they gave a point per successful tackle, and there really wasn't as much awarded as you'd think.

In the modern game, it's more to do with positioning to lessen passing options, set pieces, etc. There's less players really taking on defenders, and less defenders making tackles and risking yellow cards, which are a lot easier to pick up.


True, Makelele in particular is a master at shielding the ball and getting frees without actually tackling properly
He's very effective

[quincyk]

When asked after todays game if united will make a couple more transfers,fergie said 'we are looking at one or two things',when questioned further about it,i.e asked for names he said-'imk not telling you,even my wife doesnt know' all said with a glint in his eye.

messer Torres perhaps?

[STEVIEG]

Think that's not gonna happen for another year if it does but he is defo keeping his cards close
Mentioning both Defoe and Gattuso in an MUTV interview was perhaps attempt to throw the press off his real targets
Most probably Senna (or someone defensively minded) and perhaps ANother
He's also bigging up Rossi a lot which leads me to think he is perhaps maybe considering adding to his front few but we'll see
Rossi isn't ready to lead yet but could be a good option off the bench

[Rebelred]

think we'll see alot of rossi this season, I think Lee Martin(not 1990 cup final hero Lee Martin) might feature a bit too

[Philby]

Carrick's strengths are his eye for a pass, his ability to link play and his shooting (despite not scoring a massive amount of goals he is well able to shoot when given a chance).

If you are going to play Carrick in a 4-4-2 you'll need someone along him to do all the dirty work. Carrick doesn't have the pace or the tackling ability to compete against truly world-class players in midfield.

This is where Senna comes in.

He has a good engine, is well able to tackle and he too has a cracker of a shot on him if given time and space.

While their partnership isn't on the same plane as Gerrard & Alonso or Makalele & Lampard it has the potential to be quite a good central pairing to compliment the ability of their two most important players in the future...Rooney & Ronaldo.

While neither Carrick or Senna are as good as some of the others (e.g. Gattusso, Mascherano) who have been linked with manyoo I'd be annoyed if they managed to tempt both to Old Trafford as it would go a long way to addressing a massive weak-link in their current squad.

C'mon Villareal, play hard-ball.

[Philby]

think we'll see alot of rossi this season

That is very worrying considering the under-sized yankie greaseball is better than former european player of the year michael owen. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[Rebelred]

That is very worrying considering the under-sized yankie greaseball is better than former european player of the year michael owen. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
That Owen fella...does he still play football?

[Philby]

Think so, himself and some fat scouser were recently overshadowed by a an 8 foot superstar at the world cup ;-)

[quincyk]

think we'll see alot of rossi this season, I think Lee Martin(not 1990 cup final hero Lee Martin) might feature a bit too


Not too sure about that,still looks a bit below standard and was very poor today.

[storysham]

That Owen fella...does he still play football?

nah he has a sick note from his old lade.

[Del]

Wouldn´t it be ironic if United do indeed succeed in buying another midfielder or 2 and then struggle to produce up front?

Having to rely on Saha (injury prone) Smith (is never going be be prolific) Solskjaer (very unpredictable after so long out) Rossi (again is never going to be prolific) for goals is not going to win United the league and get far in Europe. Then again if Saha does stay injury and Solskjaer comes back to his best then you never know.

[Rebelred]

Wouldn´t it be ironic if United do indeed succeed in buying another midfielder or 2 and then struggle to produce up front?

Having to rely on Saha (injury prone) Smith (is never going be be prolific) Solskjaer (very unpredictable after so long out) Rossi (again is never going to be prolific) for goals is not going to win United the league and get far in Europe. Then again if Saha does stay injury and Solskjaer comes back to his best then you never know.
dont see how you can say Rossi is never going to be prolific, he's 19 and you can count his first team starts on one hand.
Agree with you though that we now lack a 25-30 goal a season man, which is what Ruud was, although once his relationship with fergie deteriorated the goals dried up. But I think we've actually depended far too much on our front men for goals, our midfielders need to chip in more.Even in 99, when Cole and Yorke were in great form up front, the midfielders were contributing handsomely to the goals tally aswell. But Carricks record in this regard would suggest that he won't be troubling the opposition keepers to often

[Del]

dont see how you can say Rossi is never going to be prolific, he's 19 and you can count his first team starts on one hand.
Agree with you though that we now lack a 25-30 goal a season man, which is what Ruud was, although once his relationship with fergie deteriorated the goals dried up. But I think we've actually depended far too much on our front men for goals, our midfielders need to chip in more.Even in 99, when Cole and Yorke were in great form up front, the midfielders were contributing handsomely to the goals tally aswell. But Carricks record in this regard would suggest that he won't be troubling the opposition keepers to often

Def agree with you about midfield, hopefully Scholes will start banging them in this season

[Sound]

Am I reading this Carrick stuff properly- 18M for Carrick.

Really?

[Philby]

Here's some more pie in the sky...


Tevez puts United on red alert

Carlos Tevez has put Manchester United on red alert by admitting his future at Corinthians is in doubt following a clash with supporters.




Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be chasing the Argentinian as a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, while a host of Europe's top club's are also likely to be keen on the 22-year-old.
Tevez is good friends with Gabriel Heinze and even attended a Corinthians media conference last season wearing a United shirt, which may suggest he would welcome a move to Old Trafford.
Tevez wants to leave Brazil after he celebrated scoring an equaliser against Fortaleza by gesturing to the Corinthian fans to be quiet after they had jeered the side when they fell behind.
The media and supporter reaction to his actions has prompted Tevez to state that "it is difficult to stay at Corinthians".
He said: "Florencia (Tevez's daughter) is very scared and my wife is too.
"They are very sad. Things which the Corinthians supporters did are not easy to forget."
Tevez met with chief supporters' group 'Gavioes da Fiel' (Hawks of the Faithful) on Thursday in a bid to end the feud but the former Boca Juniors forward is not convinced he will stay in Brazil.
"First, they (the fans) must respect me," he said. "I did those gestures because they insulted me. Otherwise, I would have done anything. They apologised and, so, I apologise to the entire Corinthians camp.
"I have to think it through very well. I have a daughter and it is not an easy thing. I am sure that I am not going to take them to the stadium any more.
"If I was single, I would be in Brazil for one more year. But I have to talk with my family."
Earlier this week Gavioes vice-president Wildner Rocha told the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper: "If he thinks he's above us, let's see how Tevez faces an organised campaign on our part.
"Nobody can stand constant pressure."



http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1369328 ,00.html

[MonTheHoops]

£18.6M

More money than sense. How can anyone at United speak about Chelsea killing the game?

[Forsberg]

£18.6M

More money than sense. How can anyone at United speak about Chelsea killing the game?
It reeks of sheer desperation really on Uniteds part. Fair play to Spurs . The best bit of business they'll ever do.

How muh did they pay for Zokora as his replacement?

[STEVIEG]

A possibiltiy it will rise to that amount if United win Champions league/prems etc

Don't know why fans of other teams are so upset by it
The same people have admitted United are crying out for a midfielder
Everyone knows Unite have to pay more (like Chelsea)

Spurs didn't need to get rid of him and didn't want him to go
Thats why its so expensive