[red devils_10]

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Ferguson has no plans to retire

Ferguson not thinking of retirement

Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear that he could continue in charge of Manchester United into his 70s after adding the name of Luiz Felipe Scolari to the increasingly long and undoubtedly incomplete list of managers who have tried, and failed, to see him off. "I never even think about it these days," Ferguson said when he was asked when, if ever, he planned to retire.

Seven years have passed since Ferguson announced, then ultimately retracted, plans to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season, an episode that now ranks as a source of embarrassment to the oldest manager in the business. "I pigeon-holed myself as a 60-year-old retiring," he says, "but I knew I'd made a mistake. We changed it quickly enough."

At various stages since Ferguson has hinted about possible retirement dates, and last season he stated he could not see himself going on for more than two years. That would take him to the summer of 2010, when players such as Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs could all retire and, on the face of it, provide an opportune moment to hand over to someone else.

Ferguson, however, is not thinking that way. "You have to keep working hard with the same enthusiasm, especially when you're doing very well," he said. "In modern times some people retire at 50 or 55. A few years ago I thought the time was right for me to do the same, but it was a mistake. Now? I don't even think about it; I'm in a great club. There's always a challenge, there's always expectation and dealing with good players makes it much easier for me."

Ferguson, who will turn 68 on New Year's eve, will base his decision largely on two conditions – the first being that he will "not go out a loser" and the second that he will be led by his health. He had a pacemaker fitted in 2004 after being diagnosed with a heart condition known as supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, but close associates say it has made no difference to his working life and one, the former United defender Paddy Crerand, floated the idea that Ferguson could carry on, as Gary Neville has claimed in 2006, for another decade or so.

"He will be the manager for as long as I'm watching Manchester United," Crerand, a member of the 1968 European Cup-winning side who turns 70 this month, volunteered. "I don't see him leaving for some time, not when he sees all these great kids coming through. He's not just going to walk away and leave that behind. He's too committed. He's 67 going on 21. Mentally, he's still 21."

Ferguson at the moment has the difficult job of rebuilding his Manchester United side after their loss to the hands of FC Barcelona in the champions league final along with the another tough task of keeping his star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez at the club or find a replacement for them, as both of them are on the verge of leaving Old Trafford.

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 04 July 2009 - 08:11 AM

[Fola]

Great first post, lookin' forward to more

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 2nd July, 2009

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Real Madrid complete Ronaldo signing


Madrid complete World Record Signing of Ronaldo

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from the English Champions Manchester United for a world record fee of eighty-million pounds.

The Portuguese skipper has signed a huge six-year contract with the Los Blancos worth sixty-five million pounds including bonuses and clauses. The twenty-four year old will be unveiled in front of Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on the 6th of July.

A statement on United's official website this morning stated the transfer fee has been paid, prompting manager Sir Alex Ferguson to pay tribute to the Portugal winger.

He said: "Cristiano has been a marvelous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world. His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over. Everyone here wishes him well in his future career."

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon in two-thousand-and-three for a total transfer fee of twelve-million pounds. Since then Ronaldo has made the a total of two-ninety-two appearances for the Old Trafford club and has scored one-hundred-and-eighteen goals.

The Portuguese captain who has found the back of the net twenty-two times for his country in sixty-four appearances said, "Its a dream come true. I am very happy to have signed for Real Madrid. It was always a dream to wear the white jersey and play in front of such brilliant fans. And today it has been fulfilled. I would be playing along side the best players around the world like Kaka, Casillas, Raul. I would try and give my very best for the club. And my aim is to become the best footballer in the history of the club.

"I also want to thank everyone at Manchester United. They have always supported me since I joined the club as nineteen-year-old. I have always felt at home at Manchester United. But I felt I had achieved and won everything as I could do as a player during my six years at the club and so I wanted to fulfill my dream of playing for Real Madrid."

The FIFA Player of the Year winner becomes the third major signing after Kaka from AC Milan and Raul Albiol from Valencia to join Real Madrid since the return of club president Florentino Perez.

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 07 July 2009 - 10:25 AM

[red devils_10]

Tevez rejects United deal
4th July, 2009

Tevez celebrates against Man City

Manchester United have confirmed striker Carlos Tevez will not be playing for the club next season following the conclusion of his two-year loan.

The Argentina international was a fans' favourite during his time at Old Trafford, however, he has rejected the chance to sign a long-term deal with The Red Devils. United had agreed to pay the £25.5million fee required to secure the 25-year-old's services permanently and offered the striker a lucrative five-year contract.

However, despite the prospect of becoming one of the club's highest paid players it has now been revealed that he no longer wished to play for the Premier League champions.

Tevez found regular first-team football especially hard to come by last season following the expensive acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham and that has been attributed as one of the reasons behind his decision.

Sky Sports News understands that Manchester City and Chelsea are the only two clubs in the running to sign Tevez, meaning Liverpool will not be landing the striker.

"Following contact received from Carlos Tevez's advisors last night, in advance of the deadline the club set for concluding negotiations, Manchester United announces that Carlos will not be signing a new contract with the club," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5m and offered Carlos a five-year contract which would have made him one of its highest paid players. Disappointingly however, his advisors informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the Club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.

"The club would like to thank Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future."

Bookies make Carlos Tevez 1/10 on (from 1/6) to join Manchester City after champions United on Saturday confirmed the striker is to leave Old Trafford.

Sky Bet's Dave Pilgrim said: "We've been seeing sustained support for Tezez for several weeks at odds-on prices to join Man City, and United's confirmation that he will indeed leave the club just lends further weight to this money. We're 1/10 that he joins City now, with Chelsea probably the only other serious contender of the British clubs after he appeared to rule out Liverpool. Chelsea are a 11/2 shot."

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 6th July, 2009

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United sign Valencia


Valencia signs for United

Manchester United have completed the signing of Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old Ecuador international becomes Sir Alex Ferguson's first signing since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a £80m transfer.

Although the Red Devils have not specified a fee, it is believed they have spent around £16million of the world record £80million banked from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. And, while it is not expected Valencia will represent the end of Ferguson's spending, the United boss is already tipping the South American to make a big impact.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," said Ferguson. "I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

Valencia's arrival ensures Wayne Rooney should be given the more central berth he craves next season as the Ecuador star is unlikely to venture into the middle quite as much as Ronaldo. As he has already gone through the Premier League settling-in period after spending two seasons with the Latics, there are no worries over whether Valencia can adapt either.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," Valencia said. I have enjoyed my time at Wigan but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."

Having turned down an approach from Real Madrid, Valencia is clearly keen to make an impact, although it is a measure of the vast sums of money that has been spent at the Bernabeu, what would normally constitute a significant signing - and is a club record for Wigan - is almost being greeted with a shrug of the shoulders.

"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia. "I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."

In other news Lee Martin has joined Roy Keane's Ipswich City for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old winger who joined Manchester United as a 16-year old just made three first team appearances for the club.

Most of his senior appearances came in friendlies and during his loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Rangers, Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest, before returning to Manchester United in late 2008. His last match in United shirt came on the final day of the season against Hull City.

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 9th July, 2009

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Man Utd sign Owen


Owen completes shock Man Utd move

Michael Owen has completed his shock move to Manchester United after the free agent signed a two-year deal with the Premier League champions. The 29-year-old ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker's contract with Newcastle ended earlier this month.

Owen had undergone a medical examination on the eve of the move to assess the troublesome knee which had sidelined him for much of his stay at St James' Park. Despite his previous injury problems the deal represents little risk to Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been a long-time admirer of the 29-year-old.

"Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question," said the United boss. "Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish."

Owen had also been linked with Everton, Aston Villa, Stoke and Hull. But instead he becomes United's second summer signing after the recent addition of Antonio Valencia from Wigan.

It is believed Ferguson has struck a pay-as-you-play deal which will involve a basic weekly wage enhanced by bonuses. The player has taken a significant pay cut from the £110,000 he was reported to be on at Newcastle, for whom he scored 10 goals as they were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship last season.

But it is the lure of playing for the champions, with the promise of Champions League football again, which excites Owen now as he tries to force his way back into the reckoning with England coach Fabio Capello.

Owen admitted United's approach came as much as a shock to him as it did the rest of football. "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me and invited me to have breakfast with him next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me," he said.

"I agreed without a moment's thought. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.

"I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances."

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 07 July 2009 - 04:06 PM

[shan0811]

Good start mate, all real world signing, but they arent good enough to replace the likes of Ronaldo or Tevez unless Rooney or Berba really take the responsibility on themselves. But still expecting some major transfers.

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 12th July, 2009

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United swoop for Obertan


Man Utd have signed Obertan

Manchester United have continued their rebuilding for the new season with the signing of young winger Gabriel Obertan from French champions Bordeaux.

The 20-year-old French starlet has signed a four-year contract after an undisclosed transfer fee was agreed for his services. Obertan becomes the third signing of the Red Devils this season after Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen.

"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, and because of his educational program we had to delay our efforts to get him here at Manchester United, "United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said to the club's official website. " We are very happy to get him now and he is very exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them in to great players and you will see that in Gabriel in the future."

Obertan has made fifty-four appearances for the French Champions since making his senior debut in 2006, and has scored three times. Obertan was loaned to FC Lorient for the second half of the last season where he made fifteen appearances and scored once.

"I am very happy to have joined Manchester United," the player said. "This is a huge opportunity for me to play at such a great club, and I am very excited to be here and I look forward to show the whole world what I can do."

The club have also confirmed that the young Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Possebon have signed for Portuguese side Sporting Braga on a season long loan, where he will gain some vital first team experience.

[craguuscool]

Nice start and Obertan should be good, will be reading.

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 17th July, 2009

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Atalanta sign Kuszczak


Kuszczak joins Italian side Atalanta

Poland goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has joined Italian side Atalanta from Premier League champions Manchester United. The 26-year-old signed from Manchester United on a "long-term" contract for an undisclosed.

Kuszczak has made six appearances for his country and nineteen league appearances for Manchester United during his three years at the Old Trafford club. The understudy to Celtic's Artur Boruc in the national team will join Giacomo Coccia and Daniele Ferro in Atalanta's keeper ranks.

Atalanta boss Angelo Gregucci told the Italian Press, "We are pleased to have signed Tomasz Kuszczak. He is a very good goalkeeper. He has performed very well for Manchester United whenever he played. Tomasz is a big assest to our squad and we are looking forward to him joining us for pre-season."

Bundesliga club Hoffenheim have completed the signing of the nineteen year old keeper Ron-Robert Zieler from Manchester United on a season long loan. While Irish midfielder, Darron Gibson has signed for Royal Antwerp on loan.

[red devils_10]

Manchester United 'interested in Aguero' claims agent

• Aguero would seriously consider a move if offer comes
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Sergio Aguero. Photograph: Jamie Taylor/Getty Images

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David Smith............................
guardian.co.uk, 20th July, 2009

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Sergio Aguero could be Sir Alex Ferguson's next recruit after the Atletico Madrid forward's agent claimed he had met with Manchester United's chief executive David Gill to discuss a move to Old Trafford.

Ferguson has already completed the signings of Luis Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan and Ferguson could turn towards La Liga for his fourth signing, according to Sergio Aguero's representative Jose Segui.

"It's true that Manchester United are interested in signing Sergio," said Segui. "They have been after him for a while and there has been much more contact since Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid. I met with Mr [David] Gill in Manchester and he confirmed to me that Manchester United wanted my player for next season."

Sergio Aguero played an important role in helping Atletico finish in fourth position in the league and grab the final Champions League qualifying spot - scoring 17 goals in 37 games - and enjoyed one of his best campaign since joining the club in 2006.

Segui claims the 21-year-old is not keen to leave, but that he would seriously consider doing so if an concrete offer comes. "Sergio's priority is to continue at Atletico Madrid," he added. "But if they [Manchester United] do make any concrete offer and it is accepted by the club then he would seriously consider the possibility of joining the Premier League champions."

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[red devils_10]

Page last updated 22nd July, 2009

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Foster pens new deal


Man utd secure long term services of Foster

Manchester United keeper Ben Foster has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League Champions.

The 26-year-old made 10 first-team appearances for the Red Devils last season establishing himself as Manchester United's number two behind Edwin Van Der Sar and ahead of the Polish Tomasz Kuszczak who recently has signed for Italian side Atalanta.

Foster joined Manchester United in 2005 but since has been unfortunate with injuries but he had a successful loan spell with Watford and also was the hero in Manchester United's penalty shootout win over Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup final. The performance in the final of the League Cup helped Foster break into England's senior team for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

"It's a big motivation for me to keep working hard and it shows that the club believe in me," said Foster. "I'll be doing everything I can to repay that belief by helping Manchester United to win more trophies in the coming years."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted that the club had managed to secure the long-term services of Foster. He said: "We are delighted that Ben has signed a new long-term contract with Manchester United. Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we seriously see him as a successor to Edwin Van Der Sar."

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 11 July 2009 - 02:39 PM

[Jonas]

I like this. Keep it up. :thup:

[red devils_10]

Aguero Staying Put
25th July, 2009

Aguero will stay at Atletico insists Resino

Atletico coach Abel Resino says he has no intention of selling Sergio Aguero in the summer transfer window. Aguero's agent Jose Segui told Sky Sport that the striker, 21, was happy at Atletico but would be interested in a move to "a big club".

But Resino countered: "Obviously Aguero's agent is looking to do his business and has been making comments. But we are happy because we have the player on a contract and we plan to keep him."

Aguero has been linked with Manchester United while Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he is an admirer of the former Independiente player. But Los Colchoneros are determined to keep the in-form Argentine international, who cost them €23million in May 2006.

Sergio Aguero who is nicknamed as Kun has scored a total of 50 goals during his three years at Vincent Calderon, including 20 goals which he scored during the last season.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo Torres says no club has yet made an offer for Aguero. Torres said: "There is nothing on the table and there is nothing happening. It is not a problem for us. We are happy with Kun, he is here and it is no drama. We want to improve and we want to go to a better level - he has to stay."

Seugi said he had spoken to Atletico's president Enrique Cerezo Torres about Aguero's future, adding that his player wanted to join a club with a chance of winning silverware.

"Sergio wants to fulfil his potential and win trophies," said Seugi. "Fans must understand that he wants to play for a club that can match his ambitions of winning many trophies. I would like to stress this is not about money. This is about sporting ambition."

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 17 July 2009 - 02:47 PM

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 26th July, 2009

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Giggs pens contract extension


Giggs to stay at the club till 2011

Ryan Giggs has extended his contract with Manchester United by another year, with the new deal set to run until 2011. The 35-year-old has become a cult figure at the club since making his debut in 1991.

In the 18 seasons that have followed the Welsh has managed to score 148 goals in 806 games for the Red Devils, winning numerous honours in the process. Giggs has been rewarded for some sparkling form during last season in particular, with the winger winning the PFA Player of the Year Award.

"I can confirm my happiness and my pride with this agreement and to be here for a further year," he said. "It's a great motivation for me as I have always worked hard and I have the will to do my best. I am at one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I am delighted. It was a quick deal I want to turn more pages with the club.

"I hope I can continue to play well. I was hoping for the renewal and I was expecting it as I know the deep will of this club to be the best and I thought there would be no problems with the renewal and I have always had trust from the club."

[red devils_10]

Valencia reject Silva bid
28th July, 2009

United keen to sign David Silva

Spanish side Valencia have told Manchester United they must increase their £16m bid for Spanish winger David Villa if they want to sign him. Valencia president Vicente Soriano has admitted that Manchester United are desperate to capture the 23-year-old this summer.

"Manchester United, who are the only club openly interested in David Silva, are putting quite strong pressure on us but we are going to do all we can to keep him," he said. "We have refused a bid of £16m as Silva is worth much, much more."

David Silva, who is one of the products of Valencia's youth academy, has been revelation for them since breaking into the first team four years ago and Soriano believes he is one of Europe's finest talents for the future.

He added: "He is a jewel and one of the best young players in Europe. That's why Manchester United are so interested in him but they must put in a price that is worth the best European players.

"Manchester United have to bid much more than what they have done now, if they really want him. For now, David stays with us, his heart is with Valencia, he wants to stay and we hope he will be with us next season."

Meanwhile, Manchester United have completed the signing of Mame Biram Diouf from Norwegian club Molde FK for an undisclossed fee. The Senegal international will attend a medical in Manchester next week and will join the club in January. Untill that time he will remain with Molde FK on loan.

Diouf has scored 38 times in 73 appearances for the Norwegian side Molde FK, the same club from which United signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a virtual unknown in 1996.

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 23 July 2009 - 05:24 AM

[red devils_10]

Page last updated 30th July, 2009

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Neville signs contract extension


Neville to stay at the club till 2010

Long-serving Manchester United defender Gary Neville signed a new one-year contract extension with the Premier League Champions on Friday. Neville has been rewarded for breaking back into the United line-up last season after 18 months on the sidelines with a series of injury problems.

"Manchester United is the only club I have ever wanted to play for so I am delighted to have signed for another year," Neville told United's website.

Neville made his United debut as teenager in 1992 after emerging from the same youth team as his brother Phil Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. The England right-back has often captained United during a 17-year stay at Old Trafford that includes 570 appearances, eight Premier League winners' medals, three FA Cup successes and two Champions League triumphs.

Although he has to compete with Brazilian youngster Rafael da Silva and Wes Brown for a first-team spot, Neville has managed to convince United boss Sir Alex Ferguson he still has plenty to offer. Neville is the latest senior United star to be given a new contract after Ryan Giggs also signed a two-year extension recently.

"Gary, Ryan and Paul (Scholes) are the spirit of Manchester United and so we are delighted that Gary has signed for another year," Ferguson told United's website. "Gary is a true professional and I admire how he has overcome an injury which kept him out for over a year, returning as good as ever. He deserves this new contract and we are very happy to have him here."

This post has been edited by red devils_10: 24 July 2009 - 04:49 AM

[red devils_10]

United sign David Silva
1st August, 2009

United complete Silva signing

Manchester United have signed winger David Silva from Spanish side Valencia CF for an undisclossed fee which is stated to be around £24million. The Valencia midfielder, signed a five-year contract a day after the two clubs finally agreed terms.

A statement on Manchester United's official website, www.manutd.com said: "United have completed the signing of Spain international David Silva. The five-year deal was finalised after the left-sided star agreed terms and passed a medical.

"David Silva becomes manager Sir Alex Ferguson's fifth summer signing and adds more quality to the squad. David Silva would also be the last signing for United this summer."

David Silva who has made around hundred-and-eighteen appearances for Valencia during his time at the club said: "As soon as I spoke to the manager at the training ground, I wanted to play for United and I wanted to play for him. He has great ambition and wants to build a great squad to take the club forward after the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez. I want to be part of that.

"As an outsider looking in, it was obvious that United were a club on the up. You can see the manager who want to continue great things that have alredy been build. They have done that over the past few seasons by winning the league three times in a row and also reaching the finals of the Champions League twice in the last two seasons. But once you get here and see the stadium, the training ground, the people behind the scenes and the manager with his ambition and hopes for the future, it's even better than you realized.

"Leaving Valencia feels strange because I have always been at the club. I supported them when I was young and I will always be a Valencia fan. But I hope the fans will understand that I'm ambitious and want to win things. This move gives me a chance of that. I have got some great memories of my time with Valencia. I was part of the Copa del Rey-winning squad and I will never forget those two amazing games against Real Madrid and Valencia in the La Liga.

"And the Valencia fans have been brilliant to me. I would like to thank them for all their support. Valencia mean a lot to me, but I'm ambitious to achieve things and fulfill my potential, so I need to be in the Premier League and win as many titles as possible with United."

[Oba]

Nice signing, keep it up.

[Felton]

Loving this, wish we'd sign him in real life! Keep it up mate :thup: