Manchester United Transfer News

[Philby]

I was thinking the same myself. There's plenty more as well I'd say.

-AmadeusDC-

Why let facts get in the way of an ill-informed rant though?

For what it's worth I think Butt was a very useful player for United over the years. Was never going to be a world-beater but made a decent contribution over the years and will be fondly remembered by most United fans I would've thought.

[KolaKubes]

Butt has 8 league medals.

Henry - 2
Gallas - 2
Ljungberg - 2
Lehmann - 1
Toure - 1
Gilberto Silva - 1

That's 9 off the top of my head.

Nitpicking. Plus Gallas didn't win his medals with Arsenal.

The net result is that the current Newcastle squad has almost as many league medals as the Liverpool and Arsenal squads put together. Yuk yuk yuk. :D

[BlueSkies]

Butt has 8 league medals.

Henry - 2
Gallas - 2
Ljungberg - 2
Lehmann - 1
Toure - 1
Gilberto Silva - 1

That's 9 off the top of my head.


Excellent post. Nitpicking me hole. Let's deal in facts here.

[AmadeusDC]

Nitpicking. Plus Gallas didn't win his medals with Arsenal.

The net result is that the current Newcastle squad has almost as many league medals as the Liverpool and Arsenal squads put together. Yuk yuk yuk. :D

I'm sure the Geordies love hearing that fact!! :D

-AmadeusDC-

[KolaKubes]

The Chinese lad Dong will be arriving at Utd sometime in December.

Surprisingly, he actually looks like a decent player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCiJn61WeAE&mode=related&search=

[Paddy Wagon]

Hmmm
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43377 0&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=4161&title=Mavuba+fancies +United+move

[Edmund Blackwater]

The Chinese lad Dong will be arriving at Utd sometime in December.

Surprisingly, he actually looks like a decent player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCiJn61WeAE&mode=related&search=
Are manyoo attempting to sell the jersies back to the kids that made them?
Despicable!

[Lamps]

The Chinese lad Dong will be arriving at Utd sometime in December.

Surprisingly, he actually looks like a decent player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCiJn61WeAE&mode=related&search=


Are you basing judgement on YouTube clips, my intial view of TurkeyBoy has more credibilty.

You're on a slippery slope

[KolaKubes]

Are you basing judgement on YouTube clips, my intial view of TurkeyBoy has more credibilty.

You're on a slippery slope

No, basing it on good reports from people who've seen him play, what I've seen of him play myself and the excellent goals in the above clips.

But cheers for keeping me on my toes kid.

[Lamps]

No, basing it on good reports from people who've seen him play, what I've seen of him play myself and the excellent goals in the above clips.

But cheers for keeping me on my toes kid.

Really.

Who are these people keeping you up to date on his progress?

You'll be on about your Liverpool buddies next. Slippery slope lad, slippery

[KolaKubes]

Really.

Who are these people keeping you up to date on his progress?

You'll be on about your Liverpool buddies next. Slippery slope lad, slippery

Move along.

[STEVIEG]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43494 9&CPID=23&clid=179&lid=2&title=United+join+Pu erta+race


http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43489 4&CPID=22&clid=156&lid=2&title=No+regrets+for +Hargreaves

[STEVIEG]

and read what you want into this........
(can't see a striker coming yet but good to see Huntelaar dreaming of the reds-this was widely reported last week)

Glazers Ready To Splash The Cash


The Glazers are reportedly ready to let Sir Alex Ferguson splash the cash in the January transfer window in a bid to bring the Premiership title back to Manchester United.

The Red Devils head the table by eight points after the weekend derby win over City, although they've played a game more than second-placed Chelsea.

And Fergie has already added to his squad for the post-Christmas programme with the loan signing of former Celtic and Barcelona star Henrik Larsson.

But according to The Manchester Evening News, that won't be the end of the new arrivals at Old Trafford next month.

Chief executive David Gill says the Reds haven't made any further moves to persuade Bayern Munich to sell England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, and Fergie has yet to pop his shopping list on Gill's desk.

"We haven't really discussed incoming transfers in detail but there is money there," said Gill.

"If we determine that there is somebody who can come in and strengthen the club, then there is certainly money there."

Hargreaves, who consistently expresses his wish to leave Germany and move to Old Trafford, will remain United's top target but the possible capture of Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres is still on the agenda for next summer.

United have also been linked with Dutch hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and the £10m-rated Ajax striker says a move to Old Trafford would be his first choice.

"I know certain English clubs are following me," said the 23-year-old. "I also love United. It's a club that makes me dream."

[Rebelred]

Hargreaves is beginning to sound like a desperate man... damn those pesky stubborn Germans ;)
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1770942 ,00.html
Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has again expressed his desire to move to England.

Canadian-born Hargreaves claims he is not being disrespectful to his current club but wants to play in the country he calls home.

"It's about the opportunity to possibly play in another league I haven't played in before, which is also the country I represent and where my family lives," said Hargreaves, who is back in training after sustaining a broken leg not long after Ferguson expressed an interest in him.

"If people don't understand that, I don't expect them to. It's not their life. It's mine. But I don't think anyone in the football world is in the same situation as mine."

When Ferguson failed to land his primary summer target he bought Michael Carrick from Tottenham for £18.6million and Hargreaves accepts if Bayern continue to dig their heels in during the next transfer window he may lose the chance of a move to Old Trafford.

"Nobody at any club is going to wait for anyone forever," Hargreaves told The Times.

"I don't want to go into too great depth about it because it's not down to me. I received a lot of criticism for suggesting it would have been a great opportunity, but sometimes you need to say it. I don't feel bad about anything I said or did.

"Anybody who sees them play at the moment knows it's a very special team and they're in a great time.

"But it's not like I'm saying I want to go to AC Milan or Inter Milan because they're offering me more money.

"It's because it's England and because Britain is where my family is. My parents and my brothers are in Canada, but the whole of my dad's side of the family is in Bolton and my mum's side is in Rhyl.

"I think some people don't realise that. They think I'm half-German or something, but I'm not. I was brought up by a British family. It just happened to be in Canada."

[homer jay]

Hargreaves is beginning to sound like a desperate man... damn those pesky stubborn Germans ;)
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1770942 ,00.html

he sure is. his family lives there? bullshit. why didn't he go when his last contract finished instead of signing a new one.

in essence, his cousins/aunts/uncles etc live in bolton and ryle, and his immediate family live in canada. so he'd rather move to see his cousins and fulfill his new found love for them, than move back to canada? i wonder if it was bolton or wigan interested in him, would he be so eager to jump ship. he sure ain't covering himself in glory.

[Forsberg]

Canadian-born Hargreaves claims he is not being disrespectful to his current club but wants to play in the country he calls home.

Yup it's not disrespectful at all to want to renege on a 4 year contract that you,ve only completed a year of. :rolleyes:

He claims ge wants to move cos his family are there. I'm sure he really can't stand being a couple of hours flight from his grandparents and cousins in Bolton.

I have no sympathy for him and I hope Bayern hold out

[Rebelred]

lets face it, contracts are worth little or nothing in the modern game

[homer jay]

lets face it, contracts are worth little or nothing in the modern game

can't agree with ya there. contracts are worth a lot more to the clubs than the players. or if you're winston bogarde.......

[Rebelred]

can't agree with ya there. contracts are worth a lot more to the clubs than the players. or if you're winston bogarde.......
Like Ashley Coles contract with Arsenal I suppose

[homer jay]

Like Ashley Coles contract with Arsenal I suppose

i hear ya. you could say the same with essien which puts coles saga to shame imo. but the selling clubs involved got their money. it comes down to player power, which is at a ridiculous level thanks to bosman. but to say contracts mean little or nothing is folly.

[STEVIEG]

He wants to go to Manchester United i don't see the problem

I don't have a problem with Essien going to Chelsea

and i find it very hyprocritical that Bayern Munich, who have got the best German based club players for years off lesser teams, are on the moral highground about this

Where the hell did Ballack and Ze Roberto and all these guys come from.....?

[homer jay]

He wants to go to Manchester United i don't see the problem

the problem is he signed a new contract not so long ago to keep him there till 2010. then, as soon as utd show an interest in him, he says he wants to join them cos he's the flavour of the month in fergusons eyes.

[STEVIEG]

the problem is he signed a new contract not so long ago to keep him there till 2010. then, as soon as utd show an interest in him, he says he wants to join them cos he's the flavour of the month in fergusons eyes.


Shit happens all the time

Nearly happened United with Ronaldo in the summer

Bayern Munich i have no sympathy whatsoever for
They are gonna get savage cash for a player that isn't even in their main team

[Edmund Blackwater]

They are gonna get savage cash for a player that isn't even in their main team
You should check your facts before you post stuff like this.
Hargreaves is an integral part of the team.
He's injured at the moment.

[STEVIEG]

You should check your facts before you post stuff like this.
Hargreaves is an integral part of the team.
He's injured at the moment.


No he isn't he hasn't been a first choice player for Bayern in the last couple of years i'll try and dig out some stats in a moment

Everyone knows he's injured

[Up For The Ba]

You should check your facts before you post stuff like this.
Hargreaves is an integral part of the team.
He's injured at the moment.

Thats true.

[STEVIEG]

2002/2003 saw Hargreaves celebrate another domestic success as Bayern won the Bundesliga title and the DFB Cup. On January 26 2003, Hargreaves scored his first Bundesliga goal in the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Unfortunately, the season also saw him out injured on three separate occasions. In September he tore a thigh muscle, then in October a calf muscle. Towards the end of the season adductor problems meant he missed a further three weeks. He racked up 25 Bundesliga appearances, 4 Cup games and 3 matches in the Champions League.

The 2003/2004 season was Hargreaves' first with Bayern without winning any silverware. After clinching the double the year before, the Munich side finished second in the Bundesliga, and were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. Hargreaves made a total of 38 appearances for the club in this season.

In 2004/05 he picked up another German championship and DFB Cup. He had 27 appearances in the Bundesliga (1 goal), played in 3 Cup games (2 goals)and 8 Champions League games.

In the 2005/06 season, he added another Bundesliga

[homer jay]

Shit happens all the time

Nearly happened United with Ronaldo in the summer

Bayern Munich i have no sympathy whatsoever for
They are gonna get savage cash for a player that isn't even in their main team

i couldn't give a shit about bayern either. but what he's saying is pure bullshit. he's a mercenary

[STEVIEG]

Demichels has kept him out of the team on loads of occassions recently (before the injury)

[STEVIEG]

i couldn't give a shit about bayern either. but what he's saying is pure bullshit. he's a mercenary

So is every player who looks to move on so
Who cares what he is saying

[Up For The Ba]

At the end of the day this is all about Bayern being, well, German. They dont want to be seen as a club losing their elite status. The whole Ballack fiasco hurt them a lot, and if Hargreaves leaves for United it adds insult to injury. There may be bit of bitterness toward United about the Van Nistelrooy transfer too (amongst other obvious reasons).

In the long run they are still not doing themselves any favours though, if a player wants to leave, you may aswell cash in, modern football is a business, maximise your profits while you can. Hargreaves will leave Bayern, its only a matter of time. Ultimately they made a mistake not getting money for Ballack, i`d doubt they are stubborn enough to make the same mistake again.

[Edmund Blackwater]

2002/2003 saw Hargreaves celebrate another domestic success as Bayern won the Bundesliga title and the DFB Cup. On January 26 2003, Hargreaves scored his first Bundesliga goal in the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Unfortunately, the season also saw him out injured on three separate occasions. In September he tore a thigh muscle, then in October a calf muscle. Towards the end of the season adductor problems meant he missed a further three weeks. He racked up 25 Bundesliga appearances, 4 Cup games and 3 matches in the Champions League.

The 2003/2004 season was Hargreaves' first with Bayern without winning any silverware. After clinching the double the year before, the Munich side finished second in the Bundesliga, and were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. Hargreaves made a total of 38 appearances for the club in this season.

In 2004/05 he picked up another German championship and DFB Cup. He had 27 appearances in the Bundesliga (1 goal), played in 3 Cup games (2 goals)and 8 Champions League games.

In the 2005/06 season, he added another Bundesliga
Are you using this to prove your point?

[STEVIEG]

At the end of the day this is all about Bayern being, well, German. They dont want to be seen as a club losing their elite status. The whole Ballack fiasco hurt them a lot, and if Hargreaves leaves for United it adds insult to injury. There may be bit of bitterness toward United about the Van Nistelrooy transfer too (amongst other obvious reasons).

In the long run they are still not doing themselves any favours though, if a player wants to leave, you may aswell cash in, modern football is a business, maximise your profits while you can. Hargreaves will leave Bayern, its only a matter of time. Ultimately they made a mistake not getting money for Ballack, i`d doubt they are stubborn enough to make the same mistake again.


Yup, they have made themselves top dogs in Germany by grabbing the best of the rest in Germany and they are now losing their status big time

[STEVIEG]

Are you using this to prove your point?

27 appearances is the last one listed i'm not sure of his injury status that year but im pretty sure Demichels has repalced him as a first choice player but ill have to check it out

[Edmund Blackwater]

27 appearances is the last one listed i'm not sure of his injury status that year but im pretty sure Demichels has repalced him as a first choice player but ill have to check it out
In 2005/2006 season, he was the fans' player of the year.

[STEVIEG]

By the way as much as i have no sympathy for Bayern i cant see this transfer happening in january as it would be a hugely negatively move for Bayern and send the wrong message to their own fans

They stand to get great cash for him though

[STEVIEG]

In 2005/2006 season, he was the fans' player of the year.

How many appearances did he make that year?

[STEVIEG]

In the 2005/06 season, he added another Bundesliga and Cup title. He had 15 (1 goal) league, 4 (2) cup and 3 CL appearances. His Bundesliga goal was the first of the season.

NOT A REGULAR STARTER

[Edmund Blackwater]

How many appearances did he make that year?
If memory serves correct, not many at the start of the season as he picked up an injury that required an operation which meant he missed until well into November. I think he was crocked again just after Christmas but played the last 10 or 11 of the seasn whre Bayern showed a remarked improvement and overtook Schalke(I think) to win the league again.
Was voted Bayern fan's player of the season for the difference he made at the end of the season.(if I have the right year)

[STEVIEG]

If memory serves correct, not many at the start of the season as he picked up an injury that required an operation which meant he missed until well into November. I think he was crocked again just after Christmas but played the last 10 or 11 of the seasn whre Bayern showed a remarked improvement and overtook Schalke(I think) to win the league again.
Was voted Bayern fan's player of the season for the difference he made at the end of the season.(if I have the right year)

Yeah i dunno to be honest im defo not an authority on Bayern but im fairly sure he was (injuries aside) struggling for his place for much of the season

Anyway, thats what led to my original comment about him not being in their main team, but it doesnt really matter

They obviously value him and it wouldn't look good to be selling another player to an English club so quick after Ballack

[Edmund Blackwater]

Yeah i dunno to be honest im defo not an authority on Bayern but im fairly sure he was (injuries aside) struggling for his place for much of the season

Anyway, thats what led to my original comment about him not being in their main team, but it doesnt really matter

They obviously value him and it wouldn't look good to be selling another player to an English club so quick after Ballack
He was getting his place, when fit, for the last couple of seasons.
He's even more important to them now that Ballack has deserted them.

[STEVIEG]

He was getting his place, when fit, for the last couple of seasons.
He's even more important to them now that Ballack has deserted them.


But he's been played in all sorts of positions including right back
Anyway i don't know for sure, i'm not an authority on Bayern, but im pretty sure he wasn't one of the first players on their team sheet for the last couple of years

But i am willing to be corrected

[Edmund Blackwater]

But he's been played in all sorts of positions including right back
Anyway i don't know for sure, i'm not an authority on Bayern, but im pretty sure he wasn't one of the first players on their team sheet for the last couple of years

But i am willing to be corrected
He wouldn't have had the manager's confidence in the same way that Ballack, Salihamidzic or Kahn would have, but the managers knew he wouldn't let them down and he has played when fit.
True, he's been all over the pitch when others have been injured, but that's testament to his versatility.

[FL4ZGN]

Van Der Sar has agreed a new one year deal.

[homer jay]

Van Der Sar has agreed a new one year deal.

he must be the oldest keeper in the prem

[FL4ZGN]

he must be the oldest keeper in the prem


David James?

[STEVIEG]

Good move he is playing really well
More good news ahead of a busy schedule

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43511 7&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Park+looking+t o+contribute

[homer jay]

David James?

you're right actually, james is older by a couple of months.

[xvis]

Man Utd gain work permit for Dong


Manchester United have secured a work permit for Dong Fangzhou, ending a three-year wait to bring the China international striker to England.
The 21-year-old, who signed from Dalian Shide for £3.5m in January 2004, will head to England next month.

Since signing for United Dong has been on loan at Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp, during which time he has won seven caps for the China national side.

"The boy has a big chance," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV.

Dong has made a few appearances for United on a couple of pre-season tours

The striker will be one of seven loan players to return to Old Trafford in January.


Lee Martin and Phil Bardsley will come back from Rangers, along with Chris Eagles (NEC Nijmegen) and Giuseppe Rossi (Newcastle), plus Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson, who have been playing with Dong at Antwerp.

And on Saturday Ferguson will welcome new arrival Henrik Larsson ahead of a week's training before the Swedish striker begins his 10-week loan spell at Old Trafford next month.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6184803.stm


..well that only took 3 years!

it looks like a good bit of squad strengthening is already taking place before any January transfers, ..as well as Park and Ole returning.

[STEVIEG]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6191247.stm

[MonTheHoops]

Any chance of loaning us Park?

[STEVIEG]

Any chance of loaning us Park?


Nah there's not as much midfielders as goalies at United!

[Papa Smurf]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43630 8&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Bayern+open+do or+to+Owen+exit

A softening of Bayerns stance on the Hargreaves situation

[Rebelred]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43630 8&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Bayern+open+do or+to+Owen+exit

A softening of Bayerns stance on the Hargreaves situation
whats his fitness like at the moment? is he back in training?

[EDDIEB]

whats his fitness like at the moment? is he back in training?


Still recovering from broken leg.
The transfer will probably happen next summer.

[STEVIEG]

Saha has just signed a new deal with the reds
Keeping him there till 2010

[ho chi feen]

Whiff of bullshit off this rumour:

"Barcelona are lining up a summer swoop for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo - with star midfielder Xavi heading to Old Trafford in return. (Daily Mirror)"

[Paddy Wagon]

Whiff of bullshit off this rumour:


You can only get a whiff? The Bull is standing on your toe :D

[STEVIEG]

Whiff of bullshit off this rumour:

"Barcelona are lining up a summer swoop for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo - with star midfielder Xavi heading to Old Trafford in return. (Daily Mirror)"

Utter horsehit

Xavi is good (mightn't be so good in the Prem but a hell of a player) but United aren't going to sell one of their best young players or swap them
Even a much older Ronaldinho wouldn't be an option as the Portugese player is so much younger

lazy journalism
Not as bad as the Buffon-Ronaldo swap ones though:)

[Forsberg]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=44523 2&CPID=23&clid=178&lid=4161&title=Xavi+aware+of+ United+interest

Barcelona schemer Xavi has confirmed Manchester United's interest in him and has even acknowledged the possibility of a potential swap deal between the two clubs involving Cristiano Ronaldo.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a firm admirer of the Barca playmaker who is one of the most gifted and consistent midfielders in Spanish football.

Ferguson has made little secret of his desire to strengthen his midfield stable with Owen Hargreaves recognised as his primary target.

However, with Bayern Munich doing everything in their powers to complicate a deal for Hargreaves, United appear to have explored other avenues.

Xavi, who turned 27 this week, insists the Premiership giants have made tentative enquiries to his agent, but claims there have not been any official talks between the two clubs.

"It's certain that they (Manchester United) have contacted my agent Ivan Corretja, but I have a contract with Barcelona and if United want something to happen they would have to get in contact with my club," he told Barca TV.

"In England there are rumours about a possible swap involving Ronaldo and me, but I don't know what has been said between the clubs."

Barca, along with arch rivals Real Madrid, are known to be monitoring the progress of Ronaldo and Camp Nou supremo Frank Rijkaard publicly confirmed his liking for the Portuguese international on Wednesday.

Although Ferguson has made it clear he has no intention of entertaining offers for his skilful young winger, the possibility of securing Xavi in part exchange could prove tempting if his hand is forced by Ronaldo and his agent in the future

[lionelhutz]

Whiff of bullshit off this rumour:

"Barcelona are lining up a summer swoop for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo - with star midfielder Xavi heading to Old Trafford in return. (Daily Mirror)"

if i were fergie id take it and give some cash to barca along with it

[STEVIEG]

It would be great to get Xavi but United don't sell their best players
Simple as.......

[Forsberg]

It would be great to get Xavi but United don't sell their best players
Simple as.......

I thought United have a policy to sell players that don't want to be there. I wonder how Ronaldo would respond to interest from Barca.

[KolaKubes]

I thought United have a policy to sell players that don't want to be there. I wonder how Ronaldo would respond to interest from Barca.

Well.

[RonnyB]

Bale appears to be staying at Southampton after turning down Spurs. Seems obvious he wants to join United & cant see The Saints getting more than the 8m United supposedly offered. 18 months on his contract & not a badly needed signing, It hard to think United could make a mess of this one.

[homer jay]

Seems obvious he wants to join United

how do you figure that?

[Edmund Blackwater]

Manyoo target, Gareth Bale, opts to play lower league football rather than join a team of divers and cheats

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6311979.stm

[RonnyB]

how do you figure that?

Southampton accept a £10m figure from Spurs yet the player opts out a move to a club playing European football to stay. In all honesty I'd be surprised if it was due to wanting to stay in the Championship & being loyal to Southampton seeing as its unlikely they'd receive a higher fee elsewhere due to his contract situation.

Maybe Arsenal are an attraction to him as well.

[homer jay]

Southampton accept a £10m figure from Spurs yet the player opts out a move to a club playing European football to stay.

hang on, just because he rejects spurs doesn't automatically mean he wants to join utd. did he actually say he wanted to join a club playing european football? last time i heard, spurs were still in the uefa cup!

[Rebelred]

Manyoo target, Gareth Bale, opts to play lower league football rather than join a team of divers and cheats

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6311979.stm

bit harsh on Spurs, its unfair to label them all as divers and cheats, it's only Zokora usually!

[Up For The Ba]

if i were fergie id take it and give some cash to barca along with it

Why would they want to do that? Ronaldo is worth more money given the stage that their respective careers are at.

There`s a lot of specultation about him at the moment and I`d say Ronaldo himself is loving all this, what he wants to do about it we`ll have to wait and see.

I`d love to get Xavi in at United, he`d be a perfect replacement for Scholes. I couldnt see why Barca would want to sell him but the player himself must be getting frustrated at this stage. He hasnt been an automatic first choice player since he got injured and the subsequent emergence of Iniesta and that doesnt look like changing with the rotation policy that Rijkaard seems to be utilising. Still though, he`s playing for the number 1 club in Europe and its also his home.

[RonnyB]

? last time i heard, spurs were still in the uefa cup!

ya hence the opting 'out a move to a club playing European football to stay'.

As for the Xavi swap with Ronaldo, its a non runner if United dont get a wad of cash as well. Now I'd be more interested if it was Iniesta that was being linked.

[lionelhutz]

Why would they want to do that? Ronaldo is worth more money given the stage that their respective careers are at.

There`s a lot of specultation about him at the moment and I`d say Ronaldo himself is loving all this, what he wants to do about it we`ll have to wait and see.

I`d love to get Xavi in at United, he`d be a perfect replacement for Scholes. I couldnt see why Barca would want to sell him but the player himself must be getting frustrated at this stage. He hasnt been an automatic first choice player since he got injured and the subsequent emergence of Iniesta and that doesnt look like changing with the rotation policy that Rijkaard seems to be utilising. Still though, he`s playing for the number 1 club in Europe and its also his home.

you got it in one. hes better equipped than any to replace one of the greatest utd players ever. the likes of roni can be replaced relatively easily for a club like manyoo. hes overrated, believes his own hype and now wants away to los galacticos. if he stays at utd he'll only cause trouble. if you want to look at it purely on current market value with all the hype surrounding him fine, but long term xavi would have a greater value imo

[homer jay]

ya hence the opting 'out a move to a club playing European football to stay'.

As for the Xavi swap with Ronaldo, its a non runner if United dont get a wad of cash as well. Now I'd be more interested if it was Iniesta that was being linked.

you still haven't said why you think its obvious he wants to join utd?

[Forsberg]

you still haven't said why you t ink its obvious he wants to join utd?

FFS Homer jay

Everyone wants to play for Man U, the biggest bestest club in all of the the world

Take off your ABU blinkers ;)

[RonnyB]

you got it in one. hes better equipped than any to replace one of the greatest utd players ever. the likes of roni can be replaced relatively easily for a club like manyoo. hes overrated, believes his own hype and now wants away to los galacticos. if he stays at utd he'll only cause trouble. if you want to look at it purely on current market value with all the hype surrounding him fine, but long term xavi would have a greater value imo

His age is against the move though. I think Fergie realises he has to find young players to replace the likes of Scholes, Giggs, etc. Thats why I'd rather get Iniesta who I think plays more of an advanced role like Scholes did at his best. Xavi is a bit like Carrick in position only miles better.

As for why I think its obvious Bale wants to join United the evidence suggests so.

- he's not going to stay at Soton forever.

- Premiership seems likely destination.

- If he joined Spurs for £10m he'd receive a nice signing on fee.

- United didnt offer the same money as Spurs did because his contract is out in 18 months & dont need him as badly as Spurs do. He's hardly going to sign another deal at Soton so the fee they can demand will dwindle as the months go on providing he does'nt sign another deal. If he was to sign for United now its likely that they'd loan him out anyway considering his age, lack of oppertunities because of a title challenge & the likes of Evra, Heinze & Silvestre in the squad already.

- There are'nt many bigger clubs in the Prem club than Spurs at the mo, well maybe about 4. We all know who those 4 are & Fergie is the only one to declare public interest.

Now after examining all that evidence it seems certain he wants to join a big 4 team.

[homer jay]

FFS Homer jay

Everyone wants to play for Man U, the biggest bestest club in all of the the world

Take off your ABU blinkers ;)

of course, my mistake. how could anyone question the might of the manchester buccaneers?

i mean...what was i thinking? i accept your tag of abu, and vow never to doubt the greatness of utd ever ever again. pray for my sins forsberg

[STEVIEG]

I thought United have a policy to sell players that don't want to be there. I wonder how Ronaldo would respond to interest from Barca.

Well that's the big question
I'd be suprised if Ronaldo was a United player, in say, seven years time, while i expect Rooney to be there
He did want to leave last summer though and ended up staying so we'll see

[STEVIEG]

The Bale prefers United thing has been rumoured for awhile

Could be just journalists putting two and two together after his closeness to Giggs at Wales-we'll see but it's hardly a priority signing for the reds

One thing about it though is that he only has 18 months left on his contract and a team like United or Spurs, who might not necessarily need him now, can get a better deal in the summer

[Edmund Blackwater]

Well that's the big question
I'd be suprised if Ronaldo was a United player, in say, seven years time, while i expect Rooney to be there
He did want to leave last summer though and ended up staying so we'll see

Apparently, and you manyooers won't belive it, a deal is already in place that will see wrongaldo join Madrid in the summer.
So, prepare those Fergie was right diatribes now.

[homer jay]

As for why I think its obvious Bale wants to join United the evidence suggests so.

- he's not going to stay at Soton forever.

- Premiership seems likely destination.

- If he joined Spurs for £10m he'd receive a nice signing on fee.

- United didnt offer the same money as Spurs did because his contract is out in 18 months & dont need him as badly as Spurs do. He's hardly going to sign another deal at Soton so the fee they can demand will dwindle as the months go on providing he does'nt sign another deal. If he was to sign for United now its likely that they'd loan him out anyway considering his age, lack of oppertunities because of a title challenge & the likes of Evra, Heinze & Silvestre in the squad already.

- There are'nt many bigger clubs in the Prem club than Spurs at the mo, well maybe about 4. We all know who those 4 are & Fergie is the only one to declare public interest.

so you're assuming that because he's not going to stay the the saints forever, that the prem is his likeliest destination, that he passed the opportunity of a big signing on fee at spurs, that utd didn't offer as much for him as spurs did and that there are only 4 clubs bigger than spurs in the prem, that he obviously wants to join utd??????

am i missing something here? seriously!!! see, its shit like this that irks me about some utd fans. you think playing for utd is the zenith of any worthwhile players career. just because he turned down spurs, means he obviously wants to join utd??? ffs give us a break.

Now after examining all that evidence it seems certain he wants to join a big 4 team.

aah, so its obvious he wants to join a big 4 club now eh? trying to pull the ejector seat handle after realising your ill conceived claim? no dice. the horse has well and truly bolted. there's enough 'utd are the bestest' guff merchants in here, no need for another one.

[STEVIEG]

Apparently, and you manyooers won't belive it, a deal is already in place that will see wrongaldo join Madrid in the summer.
So, prepare those Fergie was right diatribes now.

Fuck off WUM

He may go but there is no deal in place, you really are a tosser

[Edmund Blackwater]

The Bale prefers United thing has been rumoured for awhile

Could be just journalists putting two and two together after his closeness to Giggs at Wales-we'll see but it's hardly a priority signing for the reds

One thing about it though is that he only has 18 months left on his contract and a team like United or Spurs, who might not necessarily need him now, can get a better deal in the summer

Amazing post.
How many times have Wales played since Bale has been getting in the squad?
How many of those were competitive cos we all know Giggs seems to pick up mystery illnesses for friendlies like almost every other manyooer. Also, I believe Giggs was suspended for one of the matches.
On yer bike.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Fuck off WUM

He may go but there is no deal in place, you really are a tosser
You know nothing about football and even less about the business of football.

[STEVIEG]

Amazing post.
How many times have Wales played since Bale has been getting in the squad?
How many of those were competitive cos we all know Giggs seems to pick up mystery illnesses for friendlies like almost every other manyooer. Also, I believe Giggs was suspended for one of the matches.
On yer bike.

Exactly

Journalists made it up


And tossers like you eat up this specualtion

Only Bale knows

You are the idiot who came on here and told us that the West Ham Argentinian duo choose mighty West Ham over Man United

Btw how many caps has Giggs got?

[STEVIEG]

You know nothing about football and even less about the business of football.

You are the worst WUM ever to visit these forums and are a cluless idiot

On yer bike.........

[Edmund Blackwater]

Exactly

Journalists made it up


And tossers like you eat up this specualtion

Only Bale knows

You are the idiot who came on here and told us that the West Ham Argentinian dup rejected mighty West Ham over Man United

Btw how many caps has Giggs got?
How many has Bale got?
How has this beautiful friendship between a man in his 30s and a kid half his age developed from having met 2 or 3 times?

[Edmund Blackwater]

You are the worst WUM ever to visit these forums and are a cluless idiot

On yer bike.........

Look and it's something I've heard from people who know things about football, not manyoo fans on a football forum who would knock one out in the pub when Rooney, 2 or 3 times a season, does what he should be doing all season, wrongaldo agreed to give Ferguson another year and sign a contract for Ferguson's support over the whole 'Rooney is a knacker' thing. Fergie will then sell him to Madrid for a big wad of cash this summer.
STRONG RUMOUR FROM DECENT SOURCE!

[STEVIEG]

How many has Bale got?
How has this beautiful friendship between a man in his 30s and a kid half his age developed from having met 2 or 3 times?

Exactly what i said

This is rubbish journalism that has resulted in speculation saying that Bale and Giggs are close and probably has no grounds

Read my first post on the matter

[Forsberg]

How many has Bale got?
How has this beautiful friendship between a man in his 30s and a kid half his age developed from having met 2 or 3 times?


Hate to burst your bubble Ed but didn't Steve say that it was the pathetic media who came up with the link between Giggs and Bale?

[Edmund Blackwater]

Hate to burst your bubble Ed but didn't Steve say that it was the pathetic media who came up with the link between Giggs and Bale?

He said 'could be' and didn't question Giggs' 'closeness' to Bale.
I take it that he accepts that they're close.
I'd like to know the basis for this?

[bricktop]

How many has Bale got?
How has this beautiful friendship between a man in his 30s and a kid half his age developed from having met 2 or 3 times?

Welsh International players in 'no talking during training' shocker!

[Edmund Blackwater]

Welsh International players in 'no talking during training' shocker!
We all know that there are little cliques in every dressing room.
Bale probably hangs around with young lads.

But let's run with your point for the sake of argument.

Why is he not holding out for Liverpool...are himself and Bellamy not team-mates?
Why not Arsenal...are himself and ... ok, maybe not Arsenal.

[RonnyB]

Homer I never said he is going to join United or that he even wanted to I just said from what we know as fact so far suggests he's probably holding out to a move to United.

As for United being the bestest ever far from it. I still believe we wont win the Prem for gods sake.

[RonnyB]

How has this beautiful friendship between a man in his 30s and a kid half his age developed from having met 2 or 3 times?

It happens in sport.

Mark O'Meara & tiger woods are buddies despite O'Meara being twice Tiger's age when Tiger turned pro.

Adrian Lewis is about 22. Phil Taylor is 46 I think. Again they have a close friendship as well as partnership.

Add to that Giggs being Wales captain I think he'd have communication with most of the Welsh players.

[bricktop]

We all know that there are little cliques in every dressing room.
Bale probably hangs around with young lads.

But let's run with your point for the sake of argument.

Why is he not holding out for Liverpool...are himself and Bellamy not team-mates?
Why not Arsenal...are himself and ... ok, maybe not Arsenal.
Do you know for sure?

[Edmund Blackwater]

It happens in sport.

Mark O'Meara & tiger woods are buddies despite O'Meara being twice Tiger's age when Tiger turned pro.

Adrian Lewis is about 22. Phil Taylor is 46 I think. Again they have a close friendship as well as partnership.

Add to that Giggs being Wales captain I think he'd have communication with most of the Welsh players.

The examples mentioned don't apply here.
They are players who are on the same circuit and spend half or more of the year in the same place.
Giggs has probably met Bale half a dozen times at the most.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Do you know for sure?
No, I don't which is why I'm not making wild claims about where he'll go and why he turned down a move to spurs and manyoo.

[Actin The Sham]

. there's enough 'utd are the bestest' guff merchants in here, no need for another one.


Liverpool Fan In Shock Admission!

[homer jay]

Homer I never said he is going to join United or that he even wanted to I just said from what we know as fact so far suggests he's probably holding out to a move to United.

Seems obvious he wants to join United

you can't get much clearer than that ffs. time to start actually reading what you post.

[Edmund Blackwater]

you can't get much clearer than that ffs. time to start actually reading what you post.
a revisionist manyooer.
Well I never.

[homer jay]

Liverpool Fan In Shock Admission!

ah, good to have you back ats. add another one to the list.


lift your legs lads, its getting deep in here

[Actin The Sham]

Apparently, a deal is already in place that will see ronaldo join Madrid in the summer.





http://aging.als.uiuc.edu/2002%2007%2001%206.G erardDurand%20fishin g%20@%20Cedar%20Spri ngs,%20VA.jpg

[RonnyB]

We all know that there are little cliques in every dressing room.
Bale probably hangs around with young lads.

But let's run with your point for the sake of argument.

Why is he not holding out for Liverpool...are himself and Bellamy not team-mates?
Why not Arsenal...are himself and ... ok, maybe not Arsenal.

Now you're mixing up who you're talking to.

I said the evidence suggests he's looking to join United.

It was Stevie who said the media suggests Bale & Giggs get along or whatever & in fairness he didnt use is as gospel.

Have Liverpool submitted a bid to Soton. Anyway I cant imagine anyone being too friendly with Bellamy!

[bricktop]

No, I don't which is why I'm not making wild claims about where he'll go and why he turned down a move to spurs and manyoo.
Neither am I, he could be staying put for his own reasons.
You're claiming that there's no way he could've got friendly with Giggs after a few meetings because of his age.
How do you know?

[Actin The Sham]

ah, good to have you back ats. add another one to the list.


lift your legs lads, its getting deep in here



Well, it never ceases to amaze me how committed "fans" of Manchester United and Liverpool can attempt reasoned debate with each other!


We all know it can never happen, and anyone who pretends it can is more of an internet geek then a real footie (yes, footie with an "ie" not a "y" like on the "Midweek Footy Thread") supporter.

[RonnyB]

you can't get much clearer than that ffs. time to start actually reading what you post.

I'll admit I was a bit brash with my initial statement but I'd be surprised if that was'nt the case.

[st finnbar]

a revisionist manyooer.
Well I never.

:rolleyes: what age are you, 10

oh by the way i dont think we need anyone, wait till next neason and build on the the team that hopefully have won the premiership

[STEVIEG]

Look and it's something I've heard from people who know things about football, wrongaldo agreed to give Ferguson another year and sign a contract for Ferguson's support over the whole 'Rooney is a knacker' thing. Fergie will then sell him to Madrid for a big wad of cash this summer.
STRONG RUMOUR FROM DECENT SOURCE!



WHO IS YOUR DECENT SOURCE????????

Neil Custis?


Alan Green?


Your mate?

[Edmund Blackwater]

:rolleyes: what age are you, 10

oh by the way i dont think we need anyone, wait till next neason and build on the the team that hopefully have won the premiership

Do your parents know your using the internet to post on messageboards or do they think you're using educational sites?

You are easily the biggest tool on these boards.
You never make any valid points.
Your whole posting history could be summed up with the following...
Manyoo are the bestest.
All our players are the bestest.
No player would willingly leave manyoo.
Any player who isn't at manyoo isn't good enough for manyoo.
Only bad people don't support manyoo.

[Edmund Blackwater]

WHO IS YOUR DECENT SOURCE????????

Neil Custis?


Alan Green?


Your mate?
a non bandwagoning manyooer.

[st finnbar]

a non bandwagoning manyooer.

do you hear voices

[STEVIEG]

a non bandwagoning manyooer.

As i said earlier Ronaldo loooks like a player who won't be at Old Trafford forever but all of this is pure speculation and nothing more, and it isn't grounded by a decent source

[bricktop]

Do your parents know your using the internet to post on messageboards or do they think you're using educational sites?

You are easily the biggest tool on these boards.
You never make any valid points.
Your whole posting history could be summed up with the following...
Manyoo are the bestest.
All our players are the bestest.
No player would willingly leave manyoo.
Any player who isn't at manyoo isn't good enough for manyoo.
Only bad people don't support manyoo.
And you have no answer to back up the invalid point you made yesterday.
Well done you!

[dirty-trucker]

And you have no answer to back up the invalid point you made yesterday.
Well done you!

and badly rattled at that!!!!

[Forsberg]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6330839.stm

[STEVIEG]

Not the first time he has said it

He's still pissed with Fergie over a few of their spats

[STEVIEG]

Actually apparently I'm wrong

This has come from the Sun, who have recycled quotes given by Big Phil last summer

[dotty]

Actually apparently I'm wrong

This has come from the Sun, who have recycled quotes given by Big Phil last summer

was thinking the same thing,remember scolari defending ronaldo following the fallout from the world cup and suggesting a move might be the best thing with barca his preference for ronaldo.

[STEVIEG]

was thinking the same thing,remember scolari defending ronaldo following the fallout from the world cup and suggesting a move might be the best thing with barca his preference for ronaldo.

aimed at Ruud apparently

"Cristiano needs to move somewhere where the team is an integral part of the club - not somewhere where the system is based on individual 'heroes' or 'stars'.

"Moving to a club where there are four or five 'stars' who do their own thing is unworkable."

Very suprised at the bbc for reporting recycled Sun quotes

I hope Ronaldo stays but we won't know till the summer

[dotty]

the sun recycle their own story,but yeah surprised the bbc have deemed it worthy to follow up on it.

all part of the suns media drive to unsettle ronaldo,went typically over the top last summer insofar as they bought ronaldo a one way ticket to madrid and posted it to his home address.

[Rebelred]

I'm trying to find out who Hugo Viana's agent is, just in case it happens to be Ronaldos agent, who is seriously pimping our star around the place now....

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1915592 ,00.html

[RonnyB]

I'm trying to find out who Hugo Viana's agent is, just in case it happens to be Ronaldos agent, who is seriously pimping our star around the place now....

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1915592 ,00.html

Ronaldo does share the same agent with a mister J. Mourinho. He could be using him to unsettle Ronaldo.

All theories aside its common place now for agents to create rumours about their clients when contract talks are being planned.

[Rebelred]

my worries here are that an offer in the region of 50 to 60 million euro is simply too much for a debt ridden club (United/Glazers) to refuse. Fergie may not want to sell, but will he really have the final say. I sure as hell hope so

[RonnyB]

my worries here are that an offer in the region of 50 to 60 million euro is simply too much for a debt ridden club (United/Glazers) to refuse. Fergie may not want to sell, but will he really have the final say. I sure as hell hope so

From whats gone on at the club so far under Glazer's reign I'd be suprised if they'd interfere with Fergie trying to keep him but they could limit the transfer budget he has for the summer. If marketed properly Ronaldo could make the club a mint, not as much as Beckham did but enough all same for the club to hold onto him added with his form currently (minus the oul diving though!)

[STEVIEG]

It's all down to the player

If he wants to stay he will stay money will come into it-who can he be replaced by that will cost less than about 40 milliion (and don't reel out the second raters like SWP)

According to his old mate Djemba he wants to stay

This is a good article, if a little sad-fair play to the guy for not turning bitter

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1779

[RonnyB]

This is a good article, if a little sad-fair play to the guy for not turning bitter

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1779

The link is no longer available it says. Was it to do with DjembaX2?

[STEVIEG]

The link is no longer available it says. Was it to do with DjembaX2?

Sorry here ya go

Crap player but he still loves United





Ron knows from me, leaving United hurts
by IAN LADYMAN


On August 16, 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Djemba-Djemba came on as substitutes together for their Premiership debuts with Manchester United.

Since that day, the two friends have trodden rather different paths.


While Ronaldo is now being tagged as the world's best player, Djemba-Djemba has been loaned out by Aston Villa and is playing his football at Burnley in the Coca-Cola Championship.

There is, however, no bitterness from the African.

Instead, Djemba-Djemba talks with great fondness of his time at Old Trafford and even believes he has some good news for the United fans who still stop him in the street near his apartment in Manchester's fashionable Deansgate.

The 25-year-old midfielder told Sportsmail: "I speak to Ronaldo on the phone all the time and we meet up for a coffee and go out a lot in Manchester. I've been telling him to stay in England, not to go to Spain.

"I think he understands that. I know he does. He tells me he is not leaving. The manager at United likes him, the players like him and the fans like him. So why go?

"He is settled and everything is going well for him now, but who knows what might happen if he changed clubs and went abroad? He is one of the leading scorers in the Premiership, which is fantastic for a wide player.

"He can wait to move to a club like Barcelona or Real Madrid, because he is still only 22. If he wants, he could move in three or four years and still have a some good seasons there.

"He should use Ryan Giggs as an example. When United played against Villa this season I went into their dressing room and said to Giggs: 'You're 33 and you're still as quick as ever. How do you do it? You're amazing'."

Sadly, Djemba-Djemba will be remembered by United fans as being among the rash of poor buys made by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he tried to find a replacement in 2003 for his midfield leader, Roy Keane.

The Cameroon international, Ireland's Liam Miller and Brazil's Kleberson all failed at Old Trafford. All were moved on.

Djemba-Djemba made 39 appearances for the club he supported as a boy, and the day he asked Ferguson for a transfer was a painful one.

"When I was young, my nickname at home was Cantona because Eric was my favourite," he said with a smile. "I had his name printed on my shirt.

"To sign for them was incredible and to be the first from my part of the world to play for them made me very proud. But I didn't play many games and I couldn't let that go on.

"That was hard because I'm still young. I was on the bench for six, seven games in a row and I just had to get playing again.

"I could have sat on the bench for five years and taken the money, but that's not my style. I just wanted to play, so I went to see the manager and he agreed that I should go to a club where I could do that."

'Lots of people were glad to see O'Leary go'

For Djemba-Djemba his escape card was Aston Villa, where he went for £1.3million two years ago.

Injuries have hampered him in the Midlands and so did a poor relationship with the man who signed him, David O'Leary.

But his new boss Martin O'Neill's suggestion that he seek form and proper fitness at Burnley has proved, he believes, to be the first step on the way back to the Premiership.

"I'm happy because I'm playing again; I'm working again," he said.

"I've lost my place in my national team and I'm not playing at the top level. It has been embarrassing. But I'm very happy to be here.

"David O'Leary was never straight with me and, of all of them, he is the one who has hurt me. A lot of the players were very happy when he left. It is different with Martin O'Neill. He is straight, and so is Steve Cotterill here at Burnley. Honesty is all you can ask for."

Open and charming, Djemba-Djemba — an African Nations Cup winner with Cameroon — would appear to be a sensible addition to Cotterill's squad as the Burnley manager tries to arrest a slide that has taken the club towards the wrong end of the table.

But there is no escaping the fact that the former Nantes player's heart remains at United. Perhaps it always will.

"Sir Alex Ferguson was like a father to me," he said. "A hard man. But a fair man. I think they will win the Premiership this year and I would have loved to have been part of that. But I'm not angry about it. I hope they win it.

"That's what has kept Ferguson going I think. It is what he wants. I think he will retire once he has done that."

Djemba-Djemba stops and laughs after that last suggestion.

"Oh no, he will ring and shout at me if he reads I have said that," he said.

Djemba-Djemba has been gone for two years. But the impressions left by Ferguson and United live on.

[KolaKubes]

my worries here are that an offer in the region of 50 to 60 million euro is simply too much for a debt ridden club (United/Glazers) to refuse. Fergie may not want to sell, but will he really have the final say. I sure as hell hope so

On purely footballing grounds, I'd rip a club's arm off if they offered that much for Ronaldo.

Fact is, our squad still lacks depth and even if I'm right about 4/5 of the youngsters coming through, we will still lack depth in key areas.

Given the scale of the debt, if this was the only way to raise funds, I'd look at selling a Ronaldo or a Ferdinand on simple footballing grounds. I always liked the way Juventus just moved on a player at the right price and then went and came back with a better team than the club they'd sold their "star" to!

However, if Ronaldo's agent has half a clue, he'll have an awareness of the marketing value of a good looking lad who's emerging as a world star. The Glazers certainly will. I suspect they'll throw huge money at him in a contract offer and the agent is drumming up as much noise as possible about him leaving in the summer.

I can't see how Utd can lose out either way to be honest. A very valuable player in more ways than one.

[ho chi feen]

On purely footballing grounds, I'd rip a club's arm off if they offered that much for Ronaldo.

Fact is, our squad still lacks depth and even if I'm right about 4/5 of the youngsters coming through, we will still lack depth in key areas.

Given the scale of the debt, if this was the only way to raise funds, I'd look at selling a Ronaldo or a Ferdinand on simple footballing grounds. I always liked the way Juventus just moved on a player at the right price and then went and came back with a better team than the club they'd sold their "star" to!

However, if Ronaldo's agent has half a clue, he'll have an awareness of the marketing value of a good looking lad who's emerging as a world star. The Glazers certainly will. I suspect they'll throw huge money at him in a contract offer and the agent is drumming up as much noise as possible about him leaving in the summer.

I can't see how Utd can lose out either way to be honest. A very valuable player in more ways than one.

I work with a Spanish Real fan, and he says if they move it will be in the £50-60m region. Also, they're willing to offer a hell of a lot more in wages than Barcelona are willing to sanction- c.£7.8m p/a.

[Actin The Sham]

I work with a Spanish Real fan, and he says if they move it will be in the £50-60m region. Also, they're willing to after a hell of a lot more in wages than Barcelona are willing to sanction- c.€7.8m p/a.

I work with a Cork City fan and he says that if Madrid offer to pay c€7.8m p/a in salary to Ronaldo, then that will just about match the offer that Manchester United have tabled to the player, but that it will all come down to image rights as the Glazers feel that these can be worth hundreds of millions over the next few years, particularly in the US latino market.

[KolaKubes]

I work with a Spanish Real fan, and he says if they move it will be in the £50-60m region. Also, they're willing to after a hell of a lot more in wages than Barcelona are willing to sanction- c.€7.8m p/a.

I don't know are Spanish football fans worth listening to though. Their "insights" are generally gleaned from their equivalent of The Sun.

At £50-60m, you'd think the Glazers would bite alright, especially when Real have players that Utd would no doubt be interested in were a partial swap deal mooted.

[Philby]

I'd rip off if they offered Ronaldo.

Oooh...

Ronaldo, a good looking lad

Errrr...

[KolaKubes]

Oooh...



Errrr...
That's beneath you Philby now, leave that kind of thing to the Langers. :D

[lionelhutz]

I work with a Spanish Real fan, and he says if they move it will be in the £50-60m region. Also, they're willing to offer a hell of a lot more in wages than Barcelona are willing to sanction- c.£7.8m p/a.

absolute crazy money. the likes of kaka would surely be secured for a good bit less?

[lionelhutz]

The link is no longer available it says. ?

appropriate

[homer jay]

absolute crazy money. the likes of kaka would surely be secured for a good bit less?

if they had any sense they'd sell him now. he's never going to be any more over-rated than he is at the minute. if he slumps back to his form of every other season, his price will drop.

[STEVIEG]

if they had any sense they'd sell him now. he's never going to be any more over-rated than he is at the minute. if he slumps back to his form of every other season, his price will drop.

Steadily improving season upon season and becoming a difference maker inloads of games

I'm speaking from the playing side of things

I don't really care about the possible financial income
especailly as it means United will have to pay sick money again for a replacement who is unlikely to be half as good

[lionelhutz]

Steadily improving season upon season and becoming a difference maker inloads of games

I'm speaking from the playing side of things

I don't really care about the possible financial income
especailly as it means United will have to pay sick money again for a replacement who is unlikely to be half as good

wouldn't say steadily improving. i would say a dramatic improvement this season only. doubtful whether he can sustain this form with manyoo and theres a strong possibility of him going off the boil if and when he moves to one of the big spanish clubs like anelka for instance. id take the money and run. ye have rooney who is a better and safer prospect long term

[Forsberg]

I don't really care about the possible financial income
especailly as it means United will have to pay sick money again for a replacement who is unlikely to be half as good

That's the crux of it. If he does go then every club with any half decent creative player will be put on red alert (pardon the pun) and watch their value soar.

Leon Osman will probably be valued at 10M FFS :D

[STEVIEG]

wouldn't say steadily improving. i would say a dramatic improvement this season only. doubtful whether he can sustain this form with manyoo and theres a strong possibility of him going off the boil if and when he moves to one of the big spanish clubs like anelka for instance. id take the money and run. ye have rooney who is a better and safer prospect long term



we'll see

I agree about the Spanish clubs and both are in dissarray at the moment and arguably more unstable than United

Last summer i would have agreed that Ronaldo could go off the boil
Despite a good enough World Cup i thought he could have done much better and was far too greedy and dived too much in Germany

Since he has come back i've watched every game and in my opinion, and it's only my opinion, i think he is the real deal and i think he will only get better now at United if he stays

In football you never know though

We'll see

[STEVIEG]

That's the crux of it. If he does go then every club with any half decent creative player will be put on red alert (pardon the pun) and watch their value soar.

Leon Osman will probably be valued at 10M FFS :D

Hargreaves is 20 so anyone creative will be twice that

Put in five crosses and beat a few players and you and I would be worth 25 million!

[st finnbar]

Hargreaves is 20 so anyone creative will be twice that

Put in five crosses and beat a few players and you and I would be worth 25 million!
howard has signed a five year contract with everton

[ho chi feen]

I don't know are Spanish football fans worth listening to though. Their "insights" are generally gleaned from their equivalent of The Sun.

At £50-60m, you'd think the Glazers would bite alright, especially when Real have players that Utd would no doubt be interested in were a partial swap deal mooted.

That ought to have read £7.8, not €7.8. Sources Marca. El Pais and El Mundo Deportivo, presumably.

[KolaKubes]

That ought to have read £7.8, not €7.8. Sources Marca. El Pais and El Mundo Deportivo, presumably.

I'm still inclined to think we can't lose with this one.

No player is irreplaceable and this guy could go for Zidane type money.

Dunph and Giles will think the Glazers are football geniuses.

[xvis]

I work with a Spanish Real fan, and he says if they move it will be in the £50-60m region. Also, they're willing to offer a hell of a lot more in wages than Barcelona are willing to sanction- c.£7.8m p/a.

I am of the same opinion as well, if Ronaldo wanted to go he should not be sold for anything less than £50m.


If Ronaldinho is the outstanding world player, than Ronaldo is by far the leading player of the next generation of world players aged in and around 21-22. ..superior as an attacking player at international level than the likes of Rooney Messi etc.


Reasonable players move for £30m, and given his age and the guarantee of what he can do, anything less that 50 would be doing the buyer a favour.
..Lennon would cost £20-25m, ..SWP is shit.


It is to be hoped that the example of Anelka, as stated, might convince him to hang around a bit longer. ..but if he wants to return to Iberia, and it must be assumed that Real and Barca are the main clubs for anyone from there, then United should get full value.

Thank fuck there's no Presidential elections going on there at the moment.

[Forsberg]

howard has signed a five year contract with everton
Glad that's sorted easily and quickly. He's done well this year. Although his form was better before Christmas. he's still a better option than Tricky Dicky.

Let's hope he didn't cost more than what he's worth though

[RonnyB]

I am of the same opinion as well, if Ronaldo wanted to go he should not be sold for anything less than £50m.


If Ronaldinho is the outstanding world player, than Ronaldo is by far the leading player of the next generation of world players aged in and around 21-22. ..superior as an attacking player at international level than the likes of Rooney Messi etc.


Reasonable players move for £30m, and given his age and the guarantee of what he can do, anything less that 50 would be doing the buyer a favour.
..Lennon would cost £20-25m, ..SWP is shit.


It is to be hoped that the example of Anelka, as stated, might convince him to hang around a bit longer. ..but if he wants to return to Iberia, and it must be assumed that Real and Barca are the main clubs for anyone from there, then United should get full value.

Thank fuck there's no Presidential elections going on there at the moment.

I think if he was to leave, United would have to receive a world record fee for him. Its been alomost 6 years now since the Zidane to Madrid move & there are'nt many players in world football who would demand such a fee.

[lionelhutz]

I am of the same opinion as well, if Ronaldo wanted to go he should not be sold for anything less than £50m.


If Ronaldinho is the outstanding world player, than Ronaldo is by far the leading player of the next generation of world players aged in and around 21-22. ..superior as an attacking player at international level than the likes of Rooney Messi etc.


Reasonable players move for £30m, and given his age and the guarantee of what he can do, anything less that 50 would be doing the buyer a favour.
..Lennon would cost £20-25m, ..SWP is shit.


It is to be hoped that the example of Anelka, as stated, might convince him to hang around a bit longer. ..but if he wants to return to Iberia, and it must be assumed that Real and Barca are the main clubs for anyone from there, then United should get full value.

Thank fuck there's no Presidential elections going on there at the moment.

what are you getting at by "superior at international level"? do you mean that at club level the other two are superior? if messi had not been recovering from injury at the last world cup he would have been awesome.

the point about roni returning to "iberia" is another non point in my humble opinion

[STEVIEG]

what are you getting at by "superior at international level"? do you mean that at club level the other two are superior? if messi had not been recovering from injury at the last world cup he would have been awesome.


I guess so but Ronaldo is more proven at international level than the other two so far

[ho chi feen]

I guess so but Ronaldo is more proven at international level than the other two so far

Far more.

[Philby]

Reasonable players move for £30m, and given his age and the guarantee of what he can do, anything less that 50 would be doing the buyer a favour.
..Lennon would cost £20-25m, ..SWP is shit.

I can't think of any reasonable players who have gone for £30m or more to be honest. Zidane, Figo, Crespo, Vieri, Buffon, Shevchenko and even Ferdinand were all top quality players when they commanded £30m+ fees - whether they proved to be value for money in hindsight is neither here nor there.

here's YNWA.tv's resident spanish expert's take on things. Whether it will result in a transfer or merely a bumper new contract for the spotty one it does seem quite likely that he is in contact with one or both of the big teams in spain.

Ronaldo is playing Barca off against Madrid.

He's told Deco that if Deco is still at Barca next season he'll be there with him.

But he's also told Pedrag M that he 'really, really wants' to sign for Madrid.

All depends on who will offer him the most dosh - nothing new there

[STEVIEG]

Another name that popped up here before
As always with these stories a huge pinch of salt is required




United target winger Nani from source that produced Ronaldo

Daniel Taylor
Saturday March 3, 2007
The Guardian

Manchester United have identified Nani, the Portuguese winger, for one of three major end-of-season transfers. Owen Hargreaves is a long-standing target and Sir Alex Ferguson's other priority will be to bring in a striker to fill the void left by Henrik Larsson's return to Helsingborg in nine days' time.

In total, United could spend in excess of £60m in the summer, a figure that may be dramatically offset if Real Madrid or Barcelona manage to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away from Old Trafford, with a fee of around £45m under discussion. Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Ronaldo is not for sale but it remains to be seen whether the Glazer family could turn down an offer in that region and United's interest in Nani will inevitably raise questions about whether he has been targeted as a possible replacement.

Article continues

Nani, like Ronaldo, has come to Ferguson's attention because of a succession of illuminating displays for Sporting Lisbon, the club that has also produced Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa and Ricardo Quaresma.

Carlos Queiroz, Ferguson's Portuguese assistant, has followed Nani's career since his early days in Sporting's youth academy, becoming a regular visitor at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, and United have now registered a firm interest in bringing the 20-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer. It is understood informal talks have been going on since the turn of the year.

United are likely to face competition from several other clubs - Lyon are also confirmed admirers - but United have a feeder agreement with Sporting dating back to Ronaldo's £12m transfer in 2003 and they hope to capitalise on the Portuguese club's financial problems by not having to pay an exorbitant fee.

The matter is complicated because Nani is currently going through a legal dispute to sever his ties with his agent, Ana Almeida, and sign for Jorge Mendes. Worryingly for United Mendes also acts as Jose Mourinho's agent and there is bound to be concern within Old Trafford that the player will also be offered to Chelsea, who have a habit of gazumping United's deals, most notably Michael Ballack from Bayern Munich and Arjen Robben from PSV Eindhoven. Mendes is generally viewed with suspicion at United because another of his clients, Ronaldo, is constantly linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Sporting have a reputation as a selling club and the indications from Lisbon last night were that they would not stand in Nani's way, providing a satisfactory fee could be agreed. The club are trying to rush through a new contract with him, one that will include a buy-out clause set at £20m.

At present, Nani is one of the lowest-paid players at Sporting and his contract, which runs until 2010, stipulates he can leave for £13.4m. Nani has made it clear he wants to play for a major club and it would significantly help United in the negotiating process if he chose not to accept Sporting's improved terms.

Ferguson is already convinced that Hargreaves will join in the summer, almost a year after United first confirmed their interest in the Bayern Munich midfielder. After that, a new striker must be found, with renewed speculation in the Spanish media this week about Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid. United are also monitoring the potential availability of Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona, the Cameroonian striker having complained about feeling unwanted at Camp Nou.

http://football.guardian.co .uk/News_...025542,00.ht ml

[Rebelred]

silly season already is it? Although should The Glazers cash in on Ronaldo, then Nani will probably be touted about the place as the greatest thing since, well, Ronaldo!

[ho chi feen]

silly season already is it? Although should The Glazers cash in on Ronaldo, then Nani will probably be touted about the place as the greatest thing since, well, Ronaldo!

Yeah nice one, it'll take him three years to become the finished article before fu8cking off to Madrid!

[Philby]

silly season already is it? Although should The Glazers cash in on Ronaldo, then Nani will probably be touted about the place as the greatest thing since, well, Ronaldo!

Unite never sell their best players, don't ya know.

[ho chi feen]

Unite never sell their best players, don't ya know.

Not usually, anyway.

[KolaKubes]

Unite never sell their best players, don't ya know.

Few have come back to haunt us yet. Well rid of Ruud for starters, something I flagged up in the summer if memory serves.

[Philby]

Few have come back to haunt us yet. Well rid of Ruud for starters, something I flagged up in the summer if memory serves.

Well rid? He's still doing exactly the same as he was doing his entire time at United, scoring goals. RVN is the bees knees for years but suddenly the manager falls out with him and he's ultra-expendable.

[FL4ZGN]

Well rid? He's still doing exactly the same as he was doing his entire time at United, scoring goals. RVN is the bees knees for years but suddenly the manager falls out with him and he's ultra-expendable.

No player is bigger than the club.

Ince
Kanchelskis
Stam
Beckham
Keane
Ruud

[RonnyB]

Well rid? He's still doing exactly the same as he was doing his entire time at United, scoring goals. RVN is the bees knees for years but suddenly the manager falls out with him and he's ultra-expendable.

Asking for a transfer the week before a cup final in unacceptable. Had that news come to light at that time it would have been the fans who'd have wanted him out not the manager.

Also once the initial shock of Ruud being dropped in favour of Saha was overcome, most sensible fans realised that as a front man Saha would roam more & get involved in the build up more resulting in a better spread of goals for others & a better style of football. Once this happened I personally thought Ruud had'nt a future at United.

Add the age of the player & the money offered it made sense to sell. The falling out was over blown I thought, a handy excuse for both parties.

[Philby]

No player is bigger than the club.

Ince
Kanchelskis
Stam
Beckham
Keane
Ruud

I wish that was true at Liverpool...

Ruddock, Dicks and Molby were all considerably bigger than the club.

[FL4ZGN]

Asking for a transfer the week before a cup final in unacceptable. Had that news come to light at that time it would have been the fans who'd have wanted him out not the manager.

Also once the initial shock of Ruud being dropped in favour of Saha was overcome, most sensible fans realised that as a front man Saha would roam more & get involved in the build up more resulting in a better spread of goals for others & a better style of football. Once this happened I personally thought Ruud had'nt a future at United.

Add the age of the player & the money offered it made sense to sell. The falling out was over blown I thought, a handy excuse for both parties.

We also get a lot more goals from other areas of the field without RVN.

But take nothing away, he is a top class goalscorer.

[RonnyB]

We also get a lot more goals from other areas of the field without RVN.

But take nothing away, he is a top class goalscorer.

He's excellent. Will always remember a home games against Lyon, United missing chance after chance, none of which fell to Ruud. 1 nil up through Gary Neville (!!!!!!) and Roy Carroll makes a cock up to allow Diarra (I think or Essien) to score. Ruud get his 1st half chance, 2-1. Shame he was'nt as sharp in the '05 cup final.

[KolaKubes]

We also get a lot more goals from other areas of the field without RVN.

But take nothing away, he is a top class goalscorer.

He is but the shift from our traditional focus on getting goals from all areas to everything going through Ruud was a complete fucking disaster in the medium term.

Not so bad an approach in 02/03 mind!

Seriously though, always thought in the 90s that it was one of the keys to our success, spreading the goals around, and could never understand why that was messed with.

[Philby]

But take nothing away, he is a top class goalscorer.

But clearly United were well rid of him. He would've offered nothing to the club had he stayed.

[FL4ZGN]

He is but the shift from our traditional focus on getting goals from all areas to everything going through Ruud was a complete fucking disaster in the medium term.

Not so bad an approach in 02/03 mind!

Seriously though, always thought in the 90s that it was one of the keys to our success, spreading the goals around, and could never understand why that was messed with.

Carlos Queiroz

[RonnyB]

Carlos Queiroz

Ruud was signed before Carlos became assistant.

[KolaKubes]

Carlos Queiroz

Ah, he didn't come in until well after Utd were chasing Ruud but you certainly might have a point.

I think, if you look at Andy Cole in his later years, he turned from a goal poacher to a much more rounded player. Ruud never really pushed on from goal scoring. Scarcely had an assist to his name most seasons, which was remarkable for a guy through which so much of our football passed. I would think that the signing of Saha was meant to give us the option of a different sort of forward earlier than it has but for the guy's woeful run of injuries. Plus, Fergie's interest in Larsson going way back, he'd have been an interesting option along with the poacher and a fit Saha.

Ifs and buts though.

[st finnbar]

I wish that was true at Liverpool...

Ruddock, Dicks and Molby were all considerably bigger than the club.

ah sure doesnt gerrad he s bigger than his club

[FL4ZGN]

Ruud was signed before Carlos became assistant.

I realise that but Carlos has much to do with the tactical decisions and formations.

Now that we are free of RVN they play differently in domestic games but still use that gammy formation in Europe which has Carlos written all over it.

Even on Saturday i though the tactics were all wrong and had we lost then they surely would have been spoken about in the press but in the end i will gladly take the three points.

[Philby]

ah sure doesnt gerrad he s bigger than his club

Ah sure he does ya :rolleyes:

[KolaKubes]

Even on Saturday i though the tactics were all wrong and had we lost then they surely would have been spoken about in the press but in the end i will gladly take the three points.

The tactics on Saturday weren't all wrong. Did very well defensively I thought and, in the first half at least, we were surviving in midfield.

I would have had Saha on from the start though and tried to tempt Liverpool further from their goal. I think Arsenal showed us that good, direct, counterattacking football can get the better of a slow-ish Liverpool rearguard.

Saturday confirmed to me that while they've a good defence, their record is also to do with a great defensive shield in from of them in midfield.

[Philby]

Saturday confirmed to me that while they've a good defence, their record is also to do with a great defensive shield in from of them in midfield.

How did Saturday confirm this for you when Liverpool were on the front foot for the majority of the game?

[FL4ZGN]

The tactics on Saturday weren't all wrong. Did very well defensively I thought and, in the first half at least, we were surviving in midfield.

I would have had Saha on from the start though and tried to tempt Liverpool further from their goal. I think Arsenal showed us that good, direct, counterattacking football can get the better of a slow-ish Liverpool rearguard.

Saturday confirmed to me that while they've a good defence, their record is also to do with a great defensive shield in from of them in midfield.

We didnt control the ball enough in Midfield and once it went forward it came right back. I agree with the Saha choice as i also would have had him on from the start.

Something i found interesting was Garth Crooks decision to put Michael Carrick in his team of the week along with Rio.

[KolaKubes]

How did Saturday confirm this for you when Liverpool were on the front foot for the majority of the game?

Utd had 48% possession in the game. More of it might have been played in our half but that was because ye were very direct on Saturday. The primary reason that possession wasn't turned into something more substantial (second half at least) was because your midfield mad it tough for ours to get time on the ball and pick passes. Not to mention that when the ball finally did get forward, Larsson and Rooney conspired to lose it almost straight away, something Saha remedied when he came on.

In fact, if Saha had started, I think you'd have been chasing the game after 30 minutes. I thought we looked far more dangerous than you in that third and Saha's pace probably would have made the difference to a few plays. Most Utd fans were hoping Saha would start for that reason actually.

[RonnyB]

Utd had 48% possession in the game. More of it might have been played in our half but that was because ye were very direct on Saturday. The primary reason that possession wasn't turned into something more substantial (second half at least) was because your midfield mad it tough for ours to get time on the ball and pick passes. Not to mention that when the ball finally did get forward, Larsson and Rooney conspired to lose it almost straight away, something Saha remedied when he came on.

In fact, if Saha had started, I think you'd have been chasing the game after 30 minutes. I thought we looked far more dangerous than you in that third and Saha's pace probably would have made the difference to a few plays. Most Utd fans were hoping Saha would start for that reason actually.

Some of United's interplay could have really carved Liverpool up in the 1st half if one or two touches were better, in return all Liverpool had in regards chances in that period was the Bellamy ball for Kuyt.

[Sound]

Utd had 48% possession in the game. More of it might have been played in our half but that was because ye were very direct on Saturday. The primary reason that possession wasn't turned into something more substantial (second half at least) was because your midfield mad it tough for ours to get time on the ball and pick passes. Not to mention that when the ball finally did get forward, Larsson and Rooney conspired to lose it almost straight away, something Saha remedied when he came on.

In fact, if Saha had started, I think you'd have been chasing the game after 30 minutes. I thought we looked far more dangerous than you in that third and Saha's pace probably would have made the difference to a few plays. Most Utd fans were hoping Saha would start for that reason actually.


I would agree with most of this. Liverpool had a lot of ball but it was battering ram rather than lock-picking.

Saha is Utd's most dangerous forward by a mile. Rooney might have more talent but Saha looks like mhe might actually score when he's on the ball.

[Sound]

Some of United's interplay could have really carved Liverpool up in the 1st half if one or two touches were better, in return all Liverpool had in regards chances in that period was the Bellamy ball for Kuyt.

Call me old fashioned but I prefer actual chances to possible chances.

[KolaKubes]

Some of United's interplay could have really carved Liverpool up in the 1st half if one or two touches were better, in return all Liverpool had in regards chances in that period was the Bellamy ball for Kuyt.


Ah, we never came out second half but before that stupid Vidic foul on Kuyt and the resultant free kick, I thought it was only a matter of time before we scored.

It's the difference between this Utd sides and previous ones, they just need things to run for them that much more and then they look very good. It's a drift towards Arsenal's makeup that I'm not too happy with. The best Utd sides make their own "luck".

However, on the whole, I was pleased with the defending on Saturday and keeping the clean sheet, obviously, gave us the chance to pull something out of the fire like we did. In fairness, saw the goal again there this morning and it was a brilliant ball in from Ronaldo and a decent finish. If you watched Chelsea later that day, they could easily have dropped points but Cech pulled off a magnificent save to keep out Cole.

That's not luck, that's having great players who can do the extraordinary in your side. Conversely, Crouch showed all the poise of Michael J Fox for his chance, hence the miss. That's not misfortune, that's having players that aren't good enough in your team.

It's why the title will be at OT or Stamford Bridge this year rather than anywhere else, like it or not.

[Philby]

So in summary,

Liverpool had 52% in spite of playing very "direct" football. That would point towards Liverpool being world-class at head tennis given how likely you are to lose posession playing it direct vs a more measured passing game.

Liverpool had the better chances but in the first 30 mins United nearly created chances that were nearly as good as the Liverpool chances.

United were far more dangerous in the first 30 mins and worked Reina how many times?

[Sound]

Ah, we never came out second half but before that stupid Vidic foul on Kuyt and the resultant free kick, I thought it was only a matter of time before we scored.

It's the difference between this Utd sides and previous ones, they just need things to run for them that much more and then they look very good. It's a drift towards Arsenal's makeup that I'm not too happy with. The best Utd sides make their own "luck".

However, on the whole, I was pleased with the defending on Saturday and keeping the clean sheet, obviously, gave us the chance to pull something out of the fire like we did. In fairness, saw the goal again there this morning and it was a brilliant ball in from Ronaldo and a decent finish. If you watched Chelsea later that day, they could easily have dropped points but Cech pulled off a magnificent save to keep out Cole.

That's not luck, that's having great players who can do the extraordinary in your side. Conversely, Crouch showed all the poise of Michael J Fox for his chance, hence the miss. That's not misfortune, that's having players that aren't good enough in your team.

It's why the title will be at OT or Stamford Bridge this year rather than anywhere else, like it or not.

You were happy with the defending despite Evra having to be taken off and Vidic getting a chasing?

Snoop was the reason Utd won IMO.

[FL4ZGN]

You were happy with the defending despite Evra having to be taken off and Vidic getting a chasing?

Snoop was the reason Utd won IMO.


Plus Carrick

[Philby]

That's not luck, that's having great players who can do the extraordinary in your side. Conversely, Crouch showed all the poise of Michael J Fox for his chance, hence the miss. That's not misfortune, that's having players that aren't good enough in your team

Ah come off it now, you're criticising Crouch for not taking that chance?

Crouch did everything he could, nice control and a measured shot on a goal with 4-5 united players in his way. The save from VDS was world-class but please don't bleat on that Crouch fcuked up, he was unlucky to come up against a top-class keeper in-form.

[Philby]

Plus Carrick

Call me biaised but I barely even know Carrick was playing. Utd barely got a kick in the central midfield area.

[KolaKubes]

Call me old fashioned but I prefer actual chances to possible chances.

Ah, hold up, Carragher's excellent block on Ronaldo and follow up challenge on Rooney stopped them getting clear strikes on goal in very dangerous positions. The interplay for Ronaldo's chance earlier too was excellent and he should have done much better than shooting wildly over the bar.

Ye were wide open at times in the first half hour if we'd gotten the final ball right, as Gray talked about during the match. A goal then would have changed things. As was, ye came out second half and pegged us back but even then, for Bellamy and Crouch's chances, Saha's penalty and out goal?

I thought ye were unlucky on Saturday and did enough to deserve a point at least but it was a much tighter game overall. I think Ferguson was playing a bit with his post match interview, suspiciously gracious by his standards and not enough credit given to his own side's performance (defensively specifically though I think Ronaldo rarely put a foot wrong). He liked the idea of another late lucky win and "fate" being on our side. Footballers are superstitious creatures after all.

[RonnyB]

So in summary,

Liverpool had 52% in spite of playing very "direct" football. That would point towards Liverpool being world-class at head tennis given how likely you are to lose posession playing it direct vs a more measured passing game.

Liverpool had the better chances but in the first 30 mins United nearly created chances that were nearly as good as the Liverpool chances.

United were far more dangerous in the first 30 mins and worked Reina how many times?

Just exactly how many chances had Liverpool in the 1st half? Dont count long range shots as chances.

[Sound]

Ah come off it now, you're criticising Crouch for not taking that chance?

Crouch did everything he could, nice control and a measured shot on a goal with 4-5 united players in his way. The save from VDS was world-class but please don't bleat on that Crouch fcuked up, he was unlucky to come up against a top-class keeper in-form.

Cant agree Philby.

I think he could have done a hell of a lot better if he actually tried to head it rather than bring it down. It's tiny margins at that level and he didn't have the requisite quality. Put it this way, When Rush, Owen and Fowler were playing what do you think the end result of that chance would have been?

[RonnyB]

Ah come off it now, you're criticising Crouch for not taking that chance?

Crouch did everything he could, nice control and a measured shot on a goal with 4-5 united players in his way. The save from VDS was world-class but please don't bleat on that Crouch fcuked up, he was unlucky to come up against a top-class keeper in-form.

If a striker whose 6'7" without being marked cant head a cross towards goal it does'nt say too much for his aerial ability. By the time he shot he had much less of a target to aim for considering United got bodies back.

[Sound]

Ah, hold up, Carragher's excellent block on Ronaldo and follow up challenge on Rooney stopped them getting clear strikes on goal in very dangerous positions. The interplay for Ronaldo's chance earlier too was excellent and he should have done much better than shooting wildly over the bar.

Ye were wide open at times in the first half hour if we'd gotten the final ball right, as Gray talked about during the match. A goal then would have changed things. As was, ye came out second half and pegged us back but even then, for Bellamy and Crouch's chances, Saha's penalty and out goal?

I thought ye were unlucky on Saturday and did enough to deserve a point at least but it was a much tighter game overall. I think Ferguson was playing a bit with his post match interview, suspiciously gracious by his standards and not enough credit given to his own side's performance (defensively specifically though I think Ronaldo rarely put a foot wrong). He liked the idea of another late lucky win and "fate" being on our side. Footballers are superstitious creatures after all.

That was in response to Ronny's post praising some Utd moves that nearly came off and giving out about Liverpool didn't create that many chances.

People cant have it both ways.

[Sound]

If a striker whose 6'7" without being marked cant head a cross towards goal it does'nt say too much for his aerial ability. By the time he shot he had much less of a target to aim for considering United got bodies back.

Agreed.

[kevinbitzz]

Cant agree Philby.

I think he could have done a hell of a lot better if he actually tried to head it rather than bring it down. It's tiny margins at that level and he didn't have the requisite quality. Put it this way, When Rush, Owen and Fowler were playing what do you think the end result of that chance would have been?

1-0

[KolaKubes]

So in summary,

Liverpool had 52% in spite of playing very "direct" football. That would point towards Liverpool being world-class at head tennis given how likely you are to lose posession playing it direct vs a more measured passing game.

Hold up, how many minutes was the ball in play? I don't think either side had much good possession. The difference was, Liverpool got the ball up the field early and accurately and were winning lots of throw ins and corners from it. I don't have a problem with direct football myself, as long as it's part of a bigger package. I'm not a purist in that respect. I just don't think Liverpool's performance that bigger package.

Beyond pinning us back in our defensive third with that approach, ye didn't do much with it after.

You were happy with the defending despite Evra having to be taken off and Vidic getting a chasing?

Snoop was the reason Utd won IMO.

Evra did alright, all was wrong was that he's a small player and ye targetted him in the air. Can't see what he could do about that. Probably should have been taken off beforehand. Notable though that Gerrard didn't get much mileage out of him down that side with the ball at his feet.

Vidic was dodgy out first half but shored up a little second half. If Rio was covering his ass the other day, it's no more than he owes him over the season as a whole.

But are you saying that Rio actually looked very good the other day?! ;)

Ah come off it now, you're criticising Crouch for not taking that chance?

Crouch did everything he could, nice control and a measured shot on a goal with 4-5 united players in his way. The save from VDS was world-class but please don't bleat on that Crouch fcuked up, he was unlucky to come up against a top-class keeper in-form.

Fuck it ya, he should have taken that first time man. The save from VDS was no more world class. It was chest height, not too strong and very close to him. I'd have been disappointed if he'd left that in.

[Langer Dan]

Call me biaised but I barely even know Carrick was playing. Utd barely got a kick in the central midfield area.

take your beating...

[Sound]

It kills me to say it, as you know, but he always seems to play well against Liverpool.

[KolaKubes]

take your beating...

Here, I'd be on pissed off if we'd lost like that on Saturday myself.

However, it's not as if we haven't had some late results go against us this year. West Ham away and Arsenal away for starters. In both, we deserved at least a point.

[ho chi feen]

Well rid? He's still doing exactly the same as he was doing his entire time at United, scoring goals.

He's not really though, is he? That's Madrid's big problem this year. Take away that game where he scored 4, and his return is quite poor by his (admittedly close to peerless) standards.

[Langer Dan]

Here, I'd be on pissed off if we'd lost like that on Saturday myself.

However, it's not as if we haven't had some late results go against us this year. West Ham away and Arsenal away for starters. In both, we deserved at least a point.

meh it happens.

Twas an extremely poor game but united got the win and Liverpool didnt, throwing the toys out of the pram wont alter the result and at the end of the day thats all that matters

[ho chi feen]

Eh, woooooahhhh now... can we take this shit to the Liverpool V United match thread, girls?

FFS.

[KolaKubes]

It kills me to say it, as you know, but he always seems to play well against Liverpool.


He's rarely poor in any big game really. The guy has it all, it's just that he's got a dreadful complacent streak in him. At his best, he's better than most centre-halves around but we don't see him at that level regularly enough at all.

I'm still expecting that young Jonny Evans will have his place within a year or two, brilliant prospect and setting the Championship on fire by all accounts. Poor Wes Brown got an earful from him pre-season for fucking up an offside trap, Evans was barely 18 at the time. He has all Rio's technical ability and the guy actually leads by example week in week out.

Rio will be heading off to Spain at some stage I'll bet.

[Langer Dan]

Rio will be heading off to Spain at some stage I'll bet.

he sure will

http://www.typicallyspanish .com/news/uploads/riocervantes.jpg

[Philby]

He's not really though, is he? That's Madrid's big problem this year. Take away that game where he scored 4, and his return is quite poor by his (admittedly close to peerless) standards.

It's not valid to just discount for of his goal, regardless of which match they came in. 2 of the 4 he got that day were the difference between 0 points and 3.

It should also be noted that Madrid have adopted a far more pragmatic approach this season with the regular deployment of Ruud as a lone striker & often 2 holding midfielders...this is bound to have an effect on his goals tally.

....jesus. can't believe I'm on here defending RVN to Utd fans, it's like some freaky parallel universe!

[ho chi feen]

Ah come off it now, you're criticising Crouch for not taking that chance?

Crouch did everything he could, nice control and a measured shot on a goal with 4-5 united players in his way. The save from VDS was world-class but please don't bleat on that Crouch fcuked up, he was unlucky to come up against a top-class keeper in-form.Cant agree Philby.

I think he could have done a hell of a lot better if he actually tried to head it rather than bring it down. It's tiny margins at that level and he didn't have the requisite quality. Put it this way, When Rush, Owen and Fowler were playing what do you think the end result of that chance would have been?

Ditto.

He gave Van Der Sar the time to react. He'd have been far better off if he just went for it. As Alan Green said, he looked in a wretched state in the tunnel after the match, inconsolable.

Never mind the blindingly obvious, what does this tell you about it?

[ho chi feen]

It's not valid to just discount for of his goal, regardless of which match they came in. 2 of the 4 he got that day were the difference between 0 points and 3.

It should also be noted that Madrid have adopted a far more pragmatic approach this season with the regular deployment of Ruud as a lone striker & often 2 holding midfielders...this is bound to have an effect on his goals tally.

....jesus. can't believe I'm on here defending RVN to Utd fans, it's like some freaky parallel universe!

Oh absolutely fair, but I'm just saying, look at the bigger picture- that would bring his tally to 8 goals in 23. He's had many sequences without scoring, which is something he rarely did (when fit) at United.

He hasn't set the world alight, and United are playing far better football (and achieving better results) since he's moved on. This is pretty much indisputable. I've great time for Ruud, as you well know, and I've no agenda against him.

You're also forgetting that United played mostly with one striker during Ruud's time there, and played a lot with two holding midfielders as well- including Ruud's best ever season, 2002/03. That sort of formation usually suits him down to the ground- it's the very fact that we've shifted away from that which has made his loss largely negligible to this point- much more than anything to do with Ruud's form or lack of.

[ho chi feen]

It kills me to say it, as you know, but he always seems to play well against Liverpool.

Big man for the little occasion.



























;)

[RonnyB]

It's not valid to just discount for of his goal, regardless of which match they came in. 2 of the 4 he got that day were the difference between 0 points and 3.

It should also be noted that Madrid have adopted a far more pragmatic approach this season with the regular deployment of Ruud as a lone striker & often 2 holding midfielders...this is bound to have an effect on his goals tally.

....jesus. can't believe I'm on here defending RVN to Utd fans, it's like some freaky parallel universe!

The team that Ruud was in when he went on his record run of Prem goals had two holding midfielders in Butt & Keane. Solskjaer, Scholes & Giggs made up a kind of interchangable line of 3 behind him which caused defenders all sorts of problems prime example being the 6-2 win against Newcastle.

[STEVIEG]

His first season was his best for me

Absolutley immense in 2002-2003 aswell and still banging them in last year

A great player for United and one who I wished all the best to at the time, but it was time for both parties to part

[RonnyB]

His first season was his best for me

Absolutley immense in 2002-2003 aswell and still banging them in last year

A great player for United and one who I wished all the best to at the time, but it was time for both parties to part

He was excellent that year but he scored 8 more goals in 02/03. The Fulham solo goal stands out but my favourite RVN goal was the 1st at Arsenal at Highbury, followed closely by the penalty in the 49 & out game at OT against the same opposition.

Anyway the Sun has it today that United will have the money to sign whoever they want. I'll take from the source so that bids for Lee Cattermole & Henrik Pederson will be made ASAP

[FL4ZGN]

Parma are waiting for a response from Manchester United after lodging a bid for Giuseppe Rossi.

The Italy Under 21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at Parma and played a major role in keeping the club in Serie A.

He is unsure of his future at Old Trafford and is planning talks with Sir Alex Ferguson upon his return for pre-season training early in July.

Rossi has pleaded for the chance to make an impact with the Premier League champions next season after also spending time on loan at Newcastle United.

But he could also be offered a return to Parma after president Tommaso Ghirardi confirmed a bid was on the table.

Reports in Italy claim Parma have bid €10million (£6.5million) for the forward and are now seeking an answer from United.

"We spoke with the player, with the Man Utd chief executive (David Gill) and with Sir Alex Ferguson, too," Ghirardi told the Italian press.

"Now it's up to them to give us an answer.

"Also, from a financial point of view, we made our offer and I think it completely answers Manchester's expectations.

"Certainly it would be really difficult to keep the player, but we believe in this."

[FL4ZGN]

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says they are close to signing Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.
The 23-year-old agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club last week, according to his representatives.

The Premier League says the transfer must be "done directly" with West Ham rather than his agent Kia Joorabchian.

Ferguson said: "We are in negotiations and want to make sure there are no side issues. The essential parts are agreed and hopefully it'll be finalised soon."

[homer jay]

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says they are close to signing Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.
The 23-year-old agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club last week, according to his representatives.

The Premier League says the transfer must be "done directly" with West Ham rather than his agent Kia Joorabchian.

Ferguson said: "We are in negotiations and want to make sure there are no side issues. The essential parts are agreed and hopefully it'll be finalised soon."

don't believe everything you read in the meeeja, that's not 'official' enough. the only quotes worth their weight are from the official west ham website...accept no substitute.

[KolaKubes]

don't believe everything you read in the meeeja, that's not 'official' enough. the only quotes worth their weight are from the official west ham website...accept no substitute.

Except that West Ham are shitting themselves that their blatant lie to the Premier League about holding Tevez' registration outright will now be exposed.

A 19 team Premier League sounds good to me! :lol:

[STEVIEG]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6290492.stm

Interesting

[wat_boy]

boy is he one ugly cunt

[toes]

will he pass the medical?

I'd imagine he has some dose of headlice after hanging around Upton Park for so long.

[storysham]

Carlos Tevez will fly to Britain on Tuesday to undergo a medical at Old Trafford with a view to completing his transfer to Manchester United.
The Argentina striker has been at the centre of a contractual wrangle which had delayed his proposed move from West Ham.
But Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian tonight released a statement to PA Sport confirming the transfer will go ahead.
It read: "On Tuesday Carlos Tevez will fly to Britain for a medical at Old Trafford as part of the process of his transfer to Manchester United.
"It is our understanding that all parties involved in the transfer are now satisfied the administrative issues will be settled in the next few days.
"We will not be adding further to this statement at this time."
It is understood the parties being referred to are Manchester United, MSI - the company headed by Joorabchian who claim to own Tevez's economic rights - and West Ham.
Manchester United have already agreed terms with Tevez and Joorabchian and had hoped to have everything tied up last week.
The deal stalled after the Premier League insisted West Ham had to receive the majority of the £30million-plus transfer fee.
But while the Upton Park club hold Tevez's registration, his economic rights are owned by Joorabchian.
Sources close to Joorabchian are confident they are on sound legal footing to go ahead with the transfer.
But the deal must still be approved by the Premier League - and their position has not changed.
It would appear the matter is set for the courts.
The Premier League tonight warned Joorabchian that Tevez's registration will not be transferred unless they are satisfied West Ham conducted the transfer.
A spokesman said: "Any deal for Carlos Tevez has to be done directly with West Ham United.
"They hold the registration and we will not transfer the registration unless a deal is done directly with the club."
Sir Alex Ferguson added on Sky Sports News: "I think we have got the player - we think he is our player and are very hopeful.
"The Premier League seem to be holding back, I think they probably want to make sure everything is transparent.
"We want that to be the case - we don't want a bad taste surrounding the transfer, we want it done cleanly.
"But as far as our club are concerned, everyone was excited when we thought we could get Tevez.
"He's exciting, his form his fantastic and at 23 he can get better - I think he kept West Ham up."

[KolaKubes]

I'm finding it all more than a little amusing.

Sooooo.

West Ham must get the fee for Tevez?

Now, what did they pay for his signature again?

:D

This is nonsensical stuff.

What is even more incredible is that the Premier League actually bought the line that West Ham fed them about having "ended their third party agreement with MSI".

Did the Premier League not think to enquire further?

You know, what money was involved?

Perhaps a quick phonecall to Joorabchian to see if he agreed with this?

Maybe even looked into how Liverpool acquired Mascherano without paying any such fee?

[ho chi feen]

Mockerama.

[Rebelred]

He's going doing a medical next week for United according to Sky

[liam2me]

sure didn't they say he had his medical in argentina last week? ye muppets who believe the media, are just that, muppets

[homer jay]

sure didn't they say he had his medical in argentina last week? ye muppets who believe the media, are just that, muppets

http://i13.tinypic.com/5xhbh4y.jpg

[MonTheHoops]

I'm confused though. Media are saying he's off to Utd, you said he'd go nowhere but Spain.

Who should we believe?

[liam2me]

I'm confused though. Media are saying he's off to Utd, you said he'd go nowhere but Spain.

Who should we believe?
west ham have officially said he's going no where.

the media said last week that we were signing Kamara, that very same day he signed for fulham or someone like that, i'll let you believe the media, see how often you are right

oh and if i were a manure fan, i wouldn't be too happy getting into bed with yer man joorabchian, not only after what's happened at west ham (you have the benefit of hindsight in that respect) but now that he's a wanted criminal in brazil, ye really are opening yerselves up

west ham have learned the hard way and the new owners are stuck trying to clean up the mess the previous owners got us in by dealing with him, had we known a year ago what we know now about him, i certainly would be worried if it was west ham he was dealing with now

[MonTheHoops]

Do you honestly think I read the papers and believe everything?

If there's a quote from a reputable source*, I'll give a story weight.

If you think the media are blowing smoke up people's arses about him joining United, then once again, I'll challenge you to put your money where your mouth is.


* You believed your source telling you he'd only leave for Spain. It happens, but aren't you just as suceptible to believing tripe as the rest of us if he does in fact leave for United?

[homer jay]

west ham have officially said he's going no where.

the media said last week that we were signing Kamara, that very same day he signed for fulham or someone like that, i'll let you believe the media, see how often you are right

oh and if i were a manure fan, i wouldn't be too happy getting into bed with yer man joorabchian, not only after what's happened at west ham (you have the benefit of hindsight in that respect) but now that he's a wanted criminal in brazil, ye really are opening yerselves up

west ham have learned the hard way and the new owners are stuck trying to clean up the mess the previous owners got us in by dealing with him, had we known a year ago what we know now about him, i certainly would be worried if it was west ham he was dealing with now

:lol!:

ha ha ha, you fuckin eejit. the two argies were pimped around all the clubs in the prem, and west ham were the only ones desperate/stupid enough to take them.

wake up and smell the coffee ffs.

[liam2me]

Do you honestly think I read the papers and believe everything?

If there's a quote from a reputable source*, I'll give a story weight.

If you think the media are blowing smoke up people's arses about him joining United, then once again, I'll challenge you to put your money where your mouth is.


* You believed your source telling you he'd only leave for Spain. It happens, but aren't you just as suceptible to believing tripe as the rest of us if he does in fact leave for United?
your rattled biy

well there has be NO ONE here, including yourself, other then me has waited for official statements from the people involved, everyone of ye, including you, has been stupid enough to lap up every word the media has printed over this whole affair and believe it as gospel, and until there are pictures of the man in a west ham/man u jersey or it is officially announced on either club's website that he has decided either way, i won't believe a word other then what is on the websites. you can go ahead and believe the daily mail and the sun on every single article the print, lets see who ends up correct

so which of these (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6896924.stm) stories do you reckon are true? you tend to believe them

[liam2me]

:lol!:

ha ha ha, you fuckin eejit. the two argies were pimped around all the clubs in the prem, and west ham were the only ones desperate/stupid enough to take them.

wake up and smell the coffee ffs.
you won't see me arguing with that, our previous owners were mugs and the fans all hate them, if you think that the new owners are the same, then you are the one who needs to get into the coffee pot

[lionelhutz]

boy is he one ugly cunt

he and rooney really are similar

[MonTheHoops]

your rattled biy

well there has be NO ONE here, including yourself, other then me has waited for official statements from the people involved, everyone of ye, including you, has been stupid enough to lap up every word the media has printed over this whole affair and believe it as gospel, and until there are pictures of the man in a west ham/man u jersey or it is officially announced on either club's website that he has decided either way, i won't believe a word other then what is on the websites. you can go ahead and believe the daily mail and the sun on every single article the print, lets see who ends up correct

so which of these (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6896924.stm) stories do you reckon are true? you tend to believe them


How am I rattled Liam in fairness?

As I said, if there's a reputable source I tend to believe what's written. None of what's in that link has a relevant quote.

2 questions Liam

1. Tell me - where do YOU think he'll start next season?

2. If he leaves, is it only to Spain?

[homer jay]

you won't see me arguing with that, our previous owners were mugs and the fans all hate them, if you think that the new owners are the same, then you are the one who needs to get into the coffee pot

you mean the same previous owners that employed you?

[Rebelred]

you won't see me arguing with that, our previous owners were mugs and the fans all hate them, if you think that the new owners are the same, then you are the one who needs to get into the coffee pot

the same people who have spent 40 million on the likes of Parker, Bellamy, Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport...

[ho chi feen]

your rattled biy

well there has be NO ONE here, including yourself, other then me has waited for official statements from the people involved, everyone of ye, including you, has been stupid enough to lap up every word the media has printed over this whole affair and believe it as gospel, and until there are pictures of the man in a west ham/man u jersey or it is officially announced on either club's website that he has decided either way, i won't believe a word other then what is on the websites. you can go ahead and believe the daily mail and the sun on every single article the print, lets see who ends up correct

so which of these (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6896924.stm) stories do you reckon are true? you tend to believe them

Sure he's already been pictured in a United shirt.

http://www.soccerway.com/news/2005/september/9/carlos-tevez-causes-stir-in-man-united-shirt

[STEVIEG]

the same people who have spent 40 million on the likes of Parker, Bellamy, Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport...

Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson etc etc etc

[liam2me]

you mean the same previous owners that employed you?

the same people who have spent 40 million on the likes of Parker, Bellamy, Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport...

Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson etc etc etc

that's it, 3 posts that are relevant to kia being dodgy and now a wanted criminal, typical smoke screen from idiots/united fans/both who can't deal with the issue that they are dealing solely with a man wanted by interpol (http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1275100,00.html). we're trying to cut ties with him, ye're trying to get into bed with him :rolleyes:

[Rebelred]

that's it, 3 posts that are relevant to kia being dodgy and now a wanted criminal, typical smoke screen from idiots/united fans/both who can't deal with the issue that they are dealing solely with a man wanted by interpol (http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1275100,00.html). we're trying to cut ties with him, ye're trying to get into bed with him :rolleyes:

haha, Liam you need a reality check badly fella. 10 months ago when the rest of the board clearly agreed that the Tevez and Mascherano deals were as dodgy as fuck, you were on here claiming Kia to be some sort of Mother Theresa, ready to take poor little West Ham out of the dark ages and into the champions league.
Now, 10 months later, the only thing that has changed is you have now realised just how dodgy Kia actually is, the rest of us have known with ages! get a grip man!

[liam2me]

haha, Liam you need a reality check badly fella. 10 months ago when the rest of the board clearly agreed that the Tevez and Mascherano deals were as dodgy as fuck, you were on here claiming Kia to be some sort of Mother Theresa, ready to take poor little West Ham out of the dark ages and into the champions league.
Now, 10 months later, the only thing that has changed is you have now realised just how dodgy Kia actually is, the rest of us have know with ages! get a grip man!
yet your team are willing to get into bed with him, even though they've known this for near on a year :rolleyes:

[Rebelred]

yet your team are willing to get into bed with him, even though they've known this for near on a year :rolleyes:

I said it on here more than a week ago that I don't like the sound of it, still don't. But if the Pool were able to get a clean deal for Mascherano then there's no reason that United can't get a clean deal for Tevez, and if they do manage to get a clean deal, with everything transparent and above board, I wouldn't have a problem with it!

[liam2me]

I said it on here more than a week ago that I don't like the sound of it, still don't. But if the Pool were able to get a clean deal for Mascherano then there's no reason that United can't get a clean deal for Tevez, and if they do manage to get a clean deal, with everything transparent and above board, I wouldn't have a problem with it!
yes but does anyone know for sure that the pool deal is clean? what happens at the end of the season when mascherano's loan is up and kia wants to move him on? kia getting arrested is good news for liverpool, west ham and anyone who doesn't want to see man u dominate the league for the foreseeable future, only people who won't be happy is kia and his wannabe associates man u

[xvis]

west ham have officially said he's going no where.

the media said last week that we were signing Kamara, that very same day he signed for fulham or someone like that, i'll let you believe the media, see how often you are right

oh and if i were a manure fan, i wouldn't be too happy getting into bed with yer man joorabchian, not only after what's happened at west ham (you have the benefit of hindsight in that respect) but now that he's a wanted criminal in brazil, ye really are opening yerselves up

west ham have learned the hard way and the new owners are stuck trying to clean up the mess the previous owners got us in by dealing with him, had we known a year ago what we know now about him, i certainly would be worried if it was west ham he was dealing with now

West Ham created all their own problems last year when they signed a contract for Tevez and didn't disclose a third party agreement with MSI and Joorabchian to the PL, and thereby contravened the regulations by which all the PL clubs commit to. ...hence the uncontested large fine.
Then they had the 'extraordinary' measure of ripping up that contract in April and apparently signing a 'new' contract with no outside involvement!!!!
...and yet Joorabchian has all these letters saying he owns him!!!
...extraordinary!!!!

....what the hell is going on in Upton Park????
It's a FARCE!



..If United 'get into bed' with Joorabchian they will sign a legal contract having the player on loan for two years with the option at the end of that time to purchase the player, with no other agent being able to dictate matters in those two years, ...and with full disclosure to the PL.



..any other business between Joorabchian and Corinthians will not be of United's concern.

[MonTheHoops]

How am I rattled Liam in fairness?

As I said, if there's a reputable source I tend to believe what's written. None of what's in that link has a relevant quote.

2 questions Liam

1. Tell me - where do YOU think he'll start next season?

2. If he leaves, is it only to Spain?

Any chance of an answer Liam?

[KolaKubes]

Utd have caused massive inflation in the transfer market it seems.

Reported fees of £15m a head for Anderson and Nani at the start of the transfer window and suddenly Liverpool are paying through the nose for Babel, city pay out £8.8m for Bianchi today, Torres' fee too.

Thing is, Utd are only paying £7.5m up front (reputedly) for the two lads.

Not a bad little gambit for Utd if they meant it.

Which they might have, David Gill seems like a very sharp operator.

[lionelhutz]

Utd have caused massive inflation in the transfer market it seems.

Reported fees of £15m a head for Anderson and Nani at the start of the transfer window and suddenly Liverpool are paying through the nose for Babel, city pay out £8.8m for Bianchi today, Torres' fee too.

Thing is, Utd are only paying £7.5m up front (reputedly) for the two lads.

Not a bad little gambit for Utd if they meant it.

Which they might have, David Gill seems like a very sharp operator.

1. babel's value is about right.
2. you're a tard.

[KolaKubes]

1. babel's value is about right.
2. you're a tard.

21 years old, 97 appearances, 18 goals, £11.5m?

I actually rate the guy but if you think that's a good price tis you're the fucking tard.

[wat_boy]

21 years old, 97 appearances, 18 goals, £11.5m?

I actually rate the guy but if you think that's a good price tis you're the fucking tard.

thats the price you have to pay these days for upcoming talent, what are your views so on the price for nani and anderson, do you think utd payed to much?

[Sound]

Pretty much every transfer fee does not involve the whole lot up front.

That I have to explain that at this stage is depressing- we are fucking better than this. Buck up.

[KolaKubes]

thats the price you have to pay these days for upcoming talent, what are your views so on the price for nani and anderson, do you think utd payed to much?

I think the up front payments are reasonable in those cases. I've heard it's something around £7.5m but how can you know really.

I really couldn't say that Utd actually considered it but their big spend, front-ended at the start of the summer has certainly had knock on effects on their rivals' efforts to strengthen their squad.

I think Liverpool are after overpaying a bit for Babel unless much of that fee is performance-related rather than guaranteed.

Not that I don't think he's a very good prospect but he's done nothing yet to merit that sort of fee. That's the sort of money I'd expect Huntelaar to be going for and he's got bags of goals under his belt at club and international level, unlike Babel.

That is a lot of money for a club of Liverpool's spending power. Don't forget that.

[Forsberg]

Pretty much every transfer fee does not involve the whole lot up front.

That I have to explain that at this stage is depressing- we are fucking better than this. Buck up.

Only the United fans seem to pull that one out. Usually to reduce the the amount of expenditure to justify their spending.

[Sound]

How do any of us know the merits of the relative values of these players? At best we have seen snippets or the odd game. Yet people can make bold pronouncements of my Dad's worth more than yours.

The season cant start soon enough so we dont have to carry on with this guff to amuse ourselves.

As for proclaiming any of this to be clever or strategic?

Spare me.

[homer jay]

Only the United fans seem to pull that one out. Usually to reduce the the amount of expenditure to justify their spending.

yup

[MonTheHoops]

Not a bad little gambit for Utd if they meant it.

Which they might have, David Gill seems like a very sharp operator.

I really hope thats a joke