Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has revealed that he would be interested in a move to Manchester United if he were to leave the Spanish giants.
Gudjohnsen said: "If I leave then my idea would be to return to British football.
"A perfect choice for me will be a club that plays in the Champions League. Obviously Manchester United is a club that fits into that category."
He added: "I joined Barcelona to be part of the club's triumphs but it is not easy for me when you look at the club's forward line and see all the big names there.
"Each minute has been a special test for me but to sit on the bench is not the most desirable experience for a player.
"I still don't think I have failed in Spain, but perhaps I have not totally won the confidence of the coach."
footballtransfer.co.uk
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Man Utd 07/08 Kit Leaked
There have been rumours about the new home kit being leaked all over the internet. The Soccer Blog brings to you leaked pictures displaying the new kit.
The new Nike manufactured 2007/08 Manchester United home shirt features the devil logo heavily. Inside the collar of the shirt is the devil in white and written on the bottom of the shirt on the left hand side is “The Red Devils”. On the back of the shirt is the devil in black on a white background.
Heinze hankers after Real deal
Heinze is one of several Old Trafford players who are set to be moved out this summer in order to make way for new blood.
The 29-year-old has been courted by both Real and Barca in recent weeks after stating he is keen to continue his career in Spain.
And despite international team-mate Lionel Messi's success at the Nou Camp, Heinze is being tipped for a move to the Bernabeu.
United winger Kieran Richardson and striker Alan Smith are also expected to be sold, with chief executive David Gill admitting: "There will be changes because we have a large squad and there should be some people leaving."
Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves have already agreed to summer transfers to the Premiership champions.
www.teamtalk.com
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Ronaldo eyes long stay
Cristiano Ronaldo says he turned down interest from Spain because the Premiership is the best league in the world - and says he wants to stay at Manchester United for 'many, many years'.
Ronaldo's superb performances throughout the season were a key factor in the club's title victory this season, but his eye-catching form drew interest from the likes of Real Madrid.
However, Ronaldo eventually put pen to paper on a five-year deal in April, and is convinced he made the right decision.
"I am staying in England because for me it's the best football in the world," he told the Daily Star Sunday.
"And I signed for five years because I enjoy my club. I have the same feeling now as when I arrived at United.
"I think it's the best club. That's why I want to stay for many, many years."
And he hopes he can achieve even more next season.
"I can improve. I'm still 22 and I want to learn. I think I have something to learn every season.
"That's what I want for next season: to learn again, to play better and fight to win more trophies - the league, the Champions League, everything."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak says he has no interest in going out on loan next season.
Kuszczak has been linked with a switch to Sunderland as Ben Foster's return to Old Trafford will increase competition for places.
But the 25-year-old Poland international wants to stay and fight for his place.
"People have said I am trying to leave, but that is not the case. I am not leaving Manchester United. I don't want to go.
"I've no interest in joining another club. I want to stay here and fight and prove I'm good enough to do this."
SkySports.com
United aim to win race for Saviola
According to reports, the 25-year-old Argentine has made it clear Old Trafford is his preferred destination after three years at Barca, despite interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Bolton, Valencia and Real Madrid.
He said: "I consider my career at Barcelona is finished. There are several offers on the table."
Saviola moved to Spain from River Plate in 2001 but despite an impressive goal-scoring ratio, he never really established himself in the Barca first team.
He was shipped out on loan to Monaco for the 2004-05 season and then to Sevilla last year where he helped the club win the UEFA Cup.
Earlier this season he scored eight goals in six matches in the absence of star striker Samuel Eto'o, but again found himself benched when the Cameroon star returned.
United have been linked with a host of strikers since the end of the season including Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Man United's Nani to be himself, not Ronaldo
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Manchester United's new Portuguese winger Nani does not see himself as another Cristiano Ronaldo, and intends to make his own mark at Old Trafford by being himself, he said on Saturday.
The 20-year-old rounded of a memorable week in which he secured a 25 million euros (17 million pounds) switch to the English champions by scoring in Portugal's 2-1 Euro 2008 win over Belgium and picking up the man of the match award.
But Nani told reporters after the Group A qualifier he was not preparing to follow in the footsteps of fellow Portuguese attacker Ronaldo, instead he intends to leave his own mark at Old Trafford.
"I am not Ronaldo, I am prepared just to be Nani," he said.
"It is a terrific club, a big club and I am very happy to be joining them."
United have agreed to sign the left winger -- whose full name is Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha -- from Sporting, and Porto's 19 year-old Brazilian playmaker Anderson in a double swoop.
Nani, often likened to his compatriot for combining lightening speed with fancy footwork, scored in the 43rd minute of Saturday's match, treating fans to his famous backflip and somersault routine to celebrate the goal.
"I enjoyed the goal and was very happy to score. They (Belgium) made it difficult for us, but we got the win we needed and considering we were missing some players like Ronaldo, we are very happy."
Nani opened the scoring in Brussels after slipping in from the left and skipping past two defenders before slotting home off the post.
Reuters
The 20-year-old rounded of a memorable week in which he secured a 25 million euros (17 million pounds) switch to the English champions by scoring in Portugal's 2-1 Euro 2008 win over Belgium and picking up the man of the match award.
But Nani told reporters after the Group A qualifier he was not preparing to follow in the footsteps of fellow Portuguese attacker Ronaldo, instead he intends to leave his own mark at Old Trafford.
"I am not Ronaldo, I am prepared just to be Nani," he said.
"It is a terrific club, a big club and I am very happy to be joining them."
United have agreed to sign the left winger -- whose full name is Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha -- from Sporting, and Porto's 19 year-old Brazilian playmaker Anderson in a double swoop.
Nani, often likened to his compatriot for combining lightening speed with fancy footwork, scored in the 43rd minute of Saturday's match, treating fans to his famous backflip and somersault routine to celebrate the goal.
"I enjoyed the goal and was very happy to score. They (Belgium) made it difficult for us, but we got the win we needed and considering we were missing some players like Ronaldo, we are very happy."
Nani opened the scoring in Brussels after slipping in from the left and skipping past two defenders before slotting home off the post.
Reuters
West Ham to offer £4M for Man Utd's Richardson
West Ham United are planning a £4 million bid to bring Kieran Richardson back to Upton Park.
The Hammers lost Richardson as a teenager to Manchester United and will battle Everton to land the midfielder, says The Sun.
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung ahead of him for a place on the left wing, Richardson realises he has to move on.
tribalfooball.com
The Hammers lost Richardson as a teenager to Manchester United and will battle Everton to land the midfielder, says The Sun.
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung ahead of him for a place on the left wing, Richardson realises he has to move on.
tribalfooball.com
Keano in £2m bid for Scholes
ROY KEANE has made a shock £2million bid for Paul Scholes.
Sunderland boss Keano is out to make an impact on the Black Cats’ return to the Premiership.
And with midfielders Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves on their way to Manchester United, Scholes faces being squeezed out.
Keane will try to tempt his former team-mate into a final challenge before he retires.
Scholes, 32, has just enjoyed a stunning season and finished third in the voting for the PFA Player of the Year awards but that has not stopped Keane from testing the resolve of boss Alex Ferguson.
Keane may also move for another old team-mate with Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt, 32, on his wish-list.
www.thesun.co.uk
Sunderland boss Keano is out to make an impact on the Black Cats’ return to the Premiership.
And with midfielders Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves on their way to Manchester United, Scholes faces being squeezed out.
Keane will try to tempt his former team-mate into a final challenge before he retires.
Scholes, 32, has just enjoyed a stunning season and finished third in the voting for the PFA Player of the Year awards but that has not stopped Keane from testing the resolve of boss Alex Ferguson.
Keane may also move for another old team-mate with Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt, 32, on his wish-list.
www.thesun.co.uk
New Boy Preview : Hargreaves
Owen Hargreaves is coming home, albeit to a home where he never lived! Much has been made of Hargreaves' Bolton roots when, in fact, he's the only member of the family not born in the UK.
His mother Margaret was born in Wales. So too was his eldest brother Darren.
Dad Colin and other sibling Neil are of Lancashire stock while Owen was born in Calgary, Canada on January 20, 1981.
Colin played for Bolton's youth team before his work took him to North America, initially to Toronto and then to Calgary.
Wanderers wanted to sign Darren, a promising teenage striker who represented Canada at youth level, only for injury to wreck his pro career.
So, it was that basketball playing Owen became the footballing star of the family.
He was recommended to Bayern Munich and at the age of 15 flew to Germany for trials. Cologne and Bayer Leverkusen were also interested but never got a look in. Bayern liked what they saw and signed him in the summer of 1997.
With his multi-national up-bringing and German residency, Hargreaves had the pick of countries to represent internationally.
He chose England and Howard Wilkinson gave him a first England Under-21 cap in August 2000.
Almost 12 months later he made his full debut against Holland and in doing so he became the first England international neither to have lived in England nor to have played club football there.
He made a Bundesliga debut for Bayern in August 2000 and the same season achieved a Champions League triumph over Real Madrid. He and Steve McManaman remain the only two Englishmen to have won a Champions League medal with a non-English side.
Domestic honours followed with Munich but so did some unfortunate injuries, including a broken leg last year.
Hargreaves' selection by England for the 2006 World Cup in Germany wasn't greeted with universal approval.
But he won over the notorious fans to become England's player of the tournament. He was also voted England's player of 2006.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
IT'S YOUNG TRAFFORD
Fergie prepares to launch fourth team of greats United teen Anderson tipped to be world great
BRAZIL coach Dunga last night hailed new Manchester United signing Anderson and claimed he has the potential to become the best in the world.
The 19-year-old Brazilian was signed in a £32million package which will also bring Portugal wonderkid Nani, 20, to Old Trafford.
Anderson is an attacking midfielder in the mould of Ronaldinho and Dunga expects him to emulate the Brazil and Barcelona playmaker.
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"Anderson is an exceptional young player who will be a star at next month's Copa America," said Dunga. "He has pace, great footwork and likes to run at opponents.
"He's a great talent with a terrific attitude and he has no fear. With his strength, power and pace he can be a big success in Europe and one of the very best in the world in years to come."
Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva knows what Anderson has to offer, having come up against him in the Champions League in September.
"I've only played against him once when we played Porto, but you could see then that he was really fast and had great skill," said Gilberto.
"He is also strong, which is important for any forward in the Premiership. I think Manchester United have done a good piece of business by signing him."
Landing Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves, is a firm statement of intent from Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks to build the fourth great team of his United dynasty.
With Ben Foster set to take over from Edwin van der Sar as first-choice keeper, and Anderson and Nani replacing the ageing Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, Fergie could field his youngest-ever side.
Until now the youngest of his Premiership-winning teams was that which claimed the Double in 1995-96.
But with his latest signings in the first team it would have an average age of 24.2 - the lowest in the Premiership.
United No.2 Carlos Queiroz said: "We are talking about two huge talents who will contribute greatly to the renovation we are undertaking at the club."
www.mirror.co.uk
BRAZIL coach Dunga last night hailed new Manchester United signing Anderson and claimed he has the potential to become the best in the world.
The 19-year-old Brazilian was signed in a £32million package which will also bring Portugal wonderkid Nani, 20, to Old Trafford.
Anderson is an attacking midfielder in the mould of Ronaldinho and Dunga expects him to emulate the Brazil and Barcelona playmaker.
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"Anderson is an exceptional young player who will be a star at next month's Copa America," said Dunga. "He has pace, great footwork and likes to run at opponents.
"He's a great talent with a terrific attitude and he has no fear. With his strength, power and pace he can be a big success in Europe and one of the very best in the world in years to come."
Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva knows what Anderson has to offer, having come up against him in the Champions League in September.
"I've only played against him once when we played Porto, but you could see then that he was really fast and had great skill," said Gilberto.
"He is also strong, which is important for any forward in the Premiership. I think Manchester United have done a good piece of business by signing him."
Landing Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves, is a firm statement of intent from Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks to build the fourth great team of his United dynasty.
With Ben Foster set to take over from Edwin van der Sar as first-choice keeper, and Anderson and Nani replacing the ageing Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, Fergie could field his youngest-ever side.
Until now the youngest of his Premiership-winning teams was that which claimed the Double in 1995-96.
But with his latest signings in the first team it would have an average age of 24.2 - the lowest in the Premiership.
United No.2 Carlos Queiroz said: "We are talking about two huge talents who will contribute greatly to the renovation we are undertaking at the club."
www.mirror.co.uk
United in swap deal for French star
Bolton Wanderers striker Nicolas Anelka could be on his way to Manchester United the summer, with Alan Smith or Kieron Richardson heading in the opposite direction.
According to the Daily Mail Manchester United chief executive David Gill met with representatives from Bolton Wanderers this week to firm up their interest in the French international striker. Bolton Wanderers boss Sammy Lee has indicated to his chairman Phil Gartside at be willing to part company with the forward only in exchange for Alan Smith or Kieron Richardson.
Anelka scored 12 goals in 39 appearances from Bolton Wanderers last season, and it is believed the French international striker would jump at the chance to rejoin one of the big four.
www.newsnow.co.uk
According to the Daily Mail Manchester United chief executive David Gill met with representatives from Bolton Wanderers this week to firm up their interest in the French international striker. Bolton Wanderers boss Sammy Lee has indicated to his chairman Phil Gartside at be willing to part company with the forward only in exchange for Alan Smith or Kieron Richardson.
Anelka scored 12 goals in 39 appearances from Bolton Wanderers last season, and it is believed the French international striker would jump at the chance to rejoin one of the big four.
www.newsnow.co.uk
Friday, June 1, 2007
United Drop Malaysia Fixture
Manchester United have scrapped plans to visit Malaysia as part of their Far East tour.
United had been invited to play in Kuala Lumpur on July 27 by the Malaysian government as part of the country's 50th anniversary celebrations.
But confirmation of their visit drew an instant response from the Asian Football Confederation, who felt United's presence would overshadow the Asia Cup, for which Malaysia are one of four co-hosts.
With FIFA president Sepp Blatter lending his support to the AFC's argument, United chief executive David Gill flew out to Kuala Lumpur last week in an attempt to resolve the impasse.
But he discovered the Red Devils could not play in Malaysia without the AFC's permission, something the Premier League champions were previously unaware of.
Further negotiations have since taken place but with the AFC determinedly sticking to their stance, United have now bowed to the inevitable, a decision which is sure to upset their thousands of fans in the region.
“It is very frustrating that the club was not previously aware of the legally binding contract between the AFC and the Football Association of Malaysia preventing such games in July,” admitted Gill.
“The club believed that all the relevant permissions for the match had been secured some months ago.
“Manchester United has no desire to go against the wishes of the world governing body, FIFA, and as a result, reluctantly has to withdraw from the fixture.
“I have written to Ministers and the Crown Prince in Malaysia to express our disappointment.
“I hope that the strong relationship that has been established between the Club and the Malaysian Government and people will continue and that we will be able to return in more agreeable circumstances in the future.”
United remain fully committed to completing the first three legs of the tour, which takes them to Tokyo, Seoul and Macau.
They are also investigating the possibility of playing a fourth match - almost certainly in China - although arranging a fixture at such short notice could be tricky.
The alternative is to fly home immediately after their game in Macau on July 23 and play an extra friendly when they return home before their clash with Serie A champions Inter Milan at Old Trafford on August 1.
www.premierleague.com
United had been invited to play in Kuala Lumpur on July 27 by the Malaysian government as part of the country's 50th anniversary celebrations.
But confirmation of their visit drew an instant response from the Asian Football Confederation, who felt United's presence would overshadow the Asia Cup, for which Malaysia are one of four co-hosts.
With FIFA president Sepp Blatter lending his support to the AFC's argument, United chief executive David Gill flew out to Kuala Lumpur last week in an attempt to resolve the impasse.
But he discovered the Red Devils could not play in Malaysia without the AFC's permission, something the Premier League champions were previously unaware of.
Further negotiations have since taken place but with the AFC determinedly sticking to their stance, United have now bowed to the inevitable, a decision which is sure to upset their thousands of fans in the region.
“It is very frustrating that the club was not previously aware of the legally binding contract between the AFC and the Football Association of Malaysia preventing such games in July,” admitted Gill.
“The club believed that all the relevant permissions for the match had been secured some months ago.
“Manchester United has no desire to go against the wishes of the world governing body, FIFA, and as a result, reluctantly has to withdraw from the fixture.
“I have written to Ministers and the Crown Prince in Malaysia to express our disappointment.
“I hope that the strong relationship that has been established between the Club and the Malaysian Government and people will continue and that we will be able to return in more agreeable circumstances in the future.”
United remain fully committed to completing the first three legs of the tour, which takes them to Tokyo, Seoul and Macau.
They are also investigating the possibility of playing a fourth match - almost certainly in China - although arranging a fixture at such short notice could be tricky.
The alternative is to fly home immediately after their game in Macau on July 23 and play an extra friendly when they return home before their clash with Serie A champions Inter Milan at Old Trafford on August 1.
www.premierleague.com
Smith for Spurs?
Spurs Set To Move For Smith
Spurs want Alan Smith - after learning that the Manchester United striker has not been offered a promised new contract. Smith, who will lead England’s attack against Brazil alongside Michael Owen tonight, has slipped down United’s priority list now they have signed superkids Anderson and Nani from Portugal for £31million. The failure to sort out Smith might be a message United will sell the £7m-rated striker. United would still love to grab hitman Dimitar Berbatov - but Spurs insist the Bulgarian is staying.
Shaun Custis, The Sun
The Daily Mirror claim United's transfer business is set to continue this summer, with Bolton and France striker Nicolas Anelka tipped as an £8million arrival.
Reds Chief Executive David Gill receives widespread coverage for his assertion that the bulk of United's transfer business is now complete, following the agreement to sign Owen Hargreaves.
The England midfielder follows fellow new signings Nani and Anderson, who Assistant Manager Carlos Queiroz has described as “players with a lot of magic and great creativity," in Friday's tabloids.
Round up by Steve Bartram (ManUtd.com)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Reds' double coup
United Splash £31m On Whizkids
Manchester United splashed out an amazing £31million on two superkids yesterday. The Premiership champions signed Brazilian Anderson, 19, for £17m from Porto and Sporting Lisbon’s Nani, 20, for £14m. A United statement read: “Terms are agreed with both players and an announcement will take place once a medical and other procedures are done.” Hitman Anderson has been one of the most sought-after young talents since he was crowned player of the tournament in the 2005 World Under-17 Championships. He was recently named in Brazil’s preliminary squad for this summer’s Copa America - but not tomorrow’s friendly with England at Wembley. United manager Alex Ferguson also expects to wrap up the signing of Bayern Munich’s England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, 26, this weekend for £17m. This would take Fergie’s summer spree to £48m - and he still wants to sign a striker.
Ian McGarry, The Sun
Brazilian teenager Anderson admits his move to United is 'a dream the size of the world', and he cannot wait to play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
The Daily Mail claims goalkeeper Ben Foster could miss a large section of next season after undergoing surgery on a recurrent knee injury.
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs admits his decision to quit international football was fuelled by the desire to prolong his United career.
Round up by Steve Bartram (ManUtd.com)
Manchester United splashed out an amazing £31million on two superkids yesterday. The Premiership champions signed Brazilian Anderson, 19, for £17m from Porto and Sporting Lisbon’s Nani, 20, for £14m. A United statement read: “Terms are agreed with both players and an announcement will take place once a medical and other procedures are done.” Hitman Anderson has been one of the most sought-after young talents since he was crowned player of the tournament in the 2005 World Under-17 Championships. He was recently named in Brazil’s preliminary squad for this summer’s Copa America - but not tomorrow’s friendly with England at Wembley. United manager Alex Ferguson also expects to wrap up the signing of Bayern Munich’s England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, 26, this weekend for £17m. This would take Fergie’s summer spree to £48m - and he still wants to sign a striker.
Ian McGarry, The Sun
Brazilian teenager Anderson admits his move to United is 'a dream the size of the world', and he cannot wait to play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
The Daily Mail claims goalkeeper Ben Foster could miss a large section of next season after undergoing surgery on a recurrent knee injury.
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs admits his decision to quit international football was fuelled by the desire to prolong his United career.
Round up by Steve Bartram (ManUtd.com)
Monday, May 7, 2007
Man Utd Clinch Premierleague Title
Man Utd secured their first league title in four years after Chelsea could only draw with Arsenal 1-1. Ferguson's men beat local arch rivals Man City 1-0 on Saturday, and the Emirates result means United are 7 points clear of Chelsea with only 2 games to play.
Full respect to Chelsea for pushing United almost all the way, where lesser sides would have surely given up a long time ago (Liverpool cough cough... Arsenal... cough cough). After failing to beat 10-man Chelsea, Arsenal fans sought joy in the fact their side stopped Chelsea from winning the title. Anyone would be happy with their side for that!
In the end, the game of catch-up was too much, and the Chelsea quadruple locomotive seemed to run out of steam just as it was pulling into the station. United's performances this season have been nothing short of first class, scoring a massive 20 more goals than the Blues.
Youngsters Ronaldo and Rooney have come of age and been sublime, whilst the 'old guard' of Giggs and Scholes seem revitalised. Add to that the superb defensive partnership of Ferdinand and newcomer Vidic, along with the Schmeichel-like Van der Sar, and there is no surprise in the outcome of the title race.
We now look forward to the game on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge between the two sides, where Chelsea are expected to offer a 'guard of honour' to the newly crowned champions. Sir Alex's side gave the Blues the same privilege at Old Trafford after they had won the league. The game may not be the title-decider that it was built up to be, but it will serve as a great opportunity for both sides to gain a psychological edge, before their F.A. Cup final on 19th May.
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