Dimitar Berbatov Committed To Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov's agent has confirmed that he expects his client to honour his contract at Manchester United. Speculation had been mounting that the striker could leave Old Trafford this summer.

After being left out of the Champions League final and making most of his appearances as a substitute for United it was thought that Berbatov was frustrated at Old Trafford and would seek a move away.

Alex Ferguson has previously stated that he would understand if the Bulgarian would want to leave Manchester United this summer, but the player's agent Emil Dantchev has played down the speculation that he will leave and says the 30-year-old will remain with the Premier League champions.

He told tuttomercatoweb: "Berbatov away? I don't want to comment on what the newspapers write, these are just words.

"There is only one truth: Berbatov is a Manchester United player... and he will not leave before the end of his contract."

"I repeat: Berbatov will stay at Manchester."

Walter Smith Keen On A Return To Management In England

Walter Smith has today confirmed that he would be willing to take up a opportunity to manage in England or abroad job a job offer come in for the former Rangers boss, the Scot quit his post at Ibrox at the end of last season after guiding Rangers to the SPL title.

Smith paved the way for his assistant at Rangers Ally McCoist to take over the hot seat for the Glasgow club; Smith has now suggested that he would love another crack at managing a club in England.

Smith also insisted that he has no plans to retire from being a manager, he said; "I never said I would retire, I said I would just be leaving Rangers."

"I wouldn't manage again in Scotland, I've managed Rangers on two occasions now and I've managed the national team.

"But if an opportunity came up to go to England or abroad, I would consider that."

Fergie Understands Berbatov Frustration

Image Credit Flickr User SocialBedia

Alex Ferguson says he would fully understand if Dimitar Berbatov decided to leave Old Trafford this summer. The Bulgarian found life difficult last season at Manchester United after making most of his appearnces as a substitute although finishing joint top-scorer in the Premier League.

Berbatov’s biggest blow came in May when he did not even make the bench for United's UEFA Champions League final meeting with Barcelona at Wembley. Due to the blistering form of the Mexican striker, Ferguson was forced to keep Chicharito in the starting eleven.

With United having six strikers for next season, competition for places will be strong.

The Scot has also insisted that his strikers need to get used to playing in squad rotation system as United look to retain their Premier League crown and Fergie feels this might not be enough to keep hold of Berbatov.

He said: "I'd understand that (if he wanted to leave) but you could say that about them all.

"I don't pick the same team every week do I? I've only done that once in the last three years.

"So they all understand it's the squad that wins the games, wins the cups and I've got a good squad that will be used in exactly the same way.

"They've got to understand that now and they all do."

Ferguson admits he had little choice but to start with striker Hernandez last season after the Mexican burst into United's first-team in outstanding form.

He added: "The situation was straightforward. Chicharito hit such good form that you had to put him in every game, because he added so much in terms of threatening defenders all the time.

"It was just unfortunate for Berbatov. It didn't make him a bad player; he was just an unlucky player in that this lad came in. But that's football.

"But Dimitar, he's been brilliant, first class. His training has been terrific and he's a good type of person. A nice guy."

Image Credit Flickr User Gordon Marino

Fergie Expects City To Be Title Challengers

Alex Ferguson has claimed that he expects Manchester City to mount a realistic title challenge this coming season, both United and City are expected to hit the ground running when the campaign gets underway in August following closely by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Scot expects City to be a thorn in United’s flesh this season and Fergie acknowledges that United will have to play at their best if they are to reach their 20th Premier League title, City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and heavily investing in the team.

He said: "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh.

The Manchester United manager also went on to add; "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players.

"We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season.

"But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them."

Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season.

He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it.

"Long term you know they are going to there."

Ferguson has also reiterated his desire to maintain his position in the United hot seat and has played down speculation that he could retire soon, when speaking about if he looking for retire soon he added;  "Absolutely not,"

"Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it. You just have to keep going.

"The challenge, whether it's with young players or old players, is that you have to do something. There's always that expectation at this club."

Paul Scholes: Nasri Can Replace Me At United

Paul Scholes says that he hopes Arsenal’s Samir Nasri will join Manchester United this summer, Scholes always views the midfielder as the ideal player to replace him at United.

The Frenchman’s future has come under the spotlight recently and media speculation has suggested that he wants to leave the Gunners to win trophies.

Arsenal have gone six season without winning any silverware and Scholes insists that while Arsenal do play attractive football, this doesn’t win trophies.

After Gael Clichy transfer to Manchester City yesterday, Scholes feels that Nasri could well be the next one out the door at Arsenal.

Scholes says he would love to see Nasri playing for United next season, Reports have suggested that the France international is keen to move to Old Trafford  amid claims the Premier League champions will offer £20million for his services.

When asked if Nasri was coming to United, Scholes  said: "I hope so."

Scholes, who retired from football at the end of last season says Sir Alex Ferguson  would "not allow" United to go six years without a trophy.

"They just flatter to deceive," he said.

"They may play the prettiest football, but it doesn't always produce the results they need. It doesn't irritate me that people say they're the best footballing team because while they are doing that, we (United) are winning games.

"They do play the best football to watch at times, but what is the point of that if you are not winning anything? Not only that, they are potentially going to lose their best players in (Cesc) Fabregas, (Samir) Nasri and (Gael) Clichy.

"I don't think our manager would allow this club to go six years without a trophy."

Alex Ferguson Defends Alex McLeish Appointment

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has lept to defence of Alex McLeish after the Scot was announced manager of Aston Villa, McLeish only quit at St Andrew's on Sunday and the prospect of him moving across the city has enraged Villa supporters.

He said: "At the end of the day what will count is this - can he do the job for Villa?

"It doesn't matter whether there are 50 against him, 500 against him or five against him because the experience and the ability he has got, believe me, he will prove that he can do the job.

"I've known him for a long time and I know his abilities. I know how conscientious he is.

"I know the determination and work ethic he's always had to make sure he does the job right."

Ferguson added: "I have known Alex since he was 18 years of age when he went to Aberdeen.

"He was always intelligent, he was always inquisitive in his nature, he was always asking questions, and these to me are essential ingredients for being a successful manager."

Phil Jones Completes Manchester United Move

Manchester United has today confirmed that they have signed Blackburn Rovers' Phil Jones; the defender has joined the Old Trafford outfit on a five-year contract.

The defender is currently in Denmark with England’s Under 21 squad which is competing in the U21 European Championship. Jones had a terrific last season for Blackburn Rovers and played a pivotal role in the team’s Premier League survival. Now with both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the same team the U21 central defender pair are seen as United’s future top level defenders.

The fee for Jones is believed to be around the £16.5m mark, which effectively triggered a buyout clause in the player’s contract at Blackburn forcing the club to sell the U21 player.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce it has signed an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of Phil Jones," said a United statement.

"The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract.

"The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty."

The deal could become a potential record deal for Blackburn and the club have released a statement on behalf of the owners, board and manager.

"Much as we would love him to stay on with us, and we made all efforts to convince him to stay, Phil has to finally follow his heart," read the statement. (Not to mention the pay cheque!).

"We are extremely happy with his contribution to our team and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."

Blackburn Rover's statement may well indicate a certain gritting of the teeth but with United willing to buy out such a young player only the future will show if Jones is worth it.

Paul Scholes: England Need To Adopt The Spanish Way

Retired midfielder Paul Scholes has insisted that England are miles behind Spain in terms of keeping possession of the football, Scholes suggests the English players need adopt they way the team works as a unit.

In England the tactics are normally set out to get the ball down and run adopting an aggressive approach when tackling.

But with the way the Spaniard's play, you can hardly get anywhere near them.

The way the Spaniards pass the ball around, making teams chase them down to regain possession puts them head and shoulders above the rest, Spain’s Under 21’s dominated play against England in last night’s 1-1 draw in the European U21 Championship keeping possession for most of the game.

England's opponents dominating possession in a way in which has become the hallmark of Spanish sides and the former England player feels this is way the game should be played.

Scholes has also revealed that Alex Ferguson has asked him to prolong his career in an attempt to keep him play for United for as long as he can,

The 36-year-old won 10 Premier League titles with United, announced his retirement in May.

Scholes added; "The manager felt I could do 15 to 20 games next season.

"Physically I was not feeling great in training or the games towards the end of the season. I came to this decision which I think is the right one."

Fergie Targets Luka Modric

Alex Ferguson has been told that he will need to offer no less than £20 million to sign Tottenham’s Luka Modric, Ferguson is a big admirer of the playmaker and made it no secret that he would like the Croatian at Old Trafford.

Spurs do not want to lose a player or Modric’s calibre and Harry Redknapp will try to lure Joe Cole away from Liverpool should the Croatian join United.

A source at White Hart Lane said; The word is that Sir Alex has already spoken directly to Harry and said how much he admires Modric and how much he wants him.

“And as much as Harry wants to keep him he know United can make an offer we just can’t refuse.

“So Harry’s busy now trying to do the Joe Cole deal to bring in a new playmaker to compensate for the expected departure of Luka”.

Bobby Charlton Pays Tribute To Paul Scholes

Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton joined the list of soccer icons leading tributes to Paul Scholes who announced he was retiring from football today,  the midfielder ended weeks of speculation on whether he would retire or not.

Charlton a former England international admits he is disappointed Scholes has finally hung up his boots, believing it is 'an absolute tragedy' he will no longer be playing for the United.

Bobby Charlton said; "Well I had a hint that it was going to happen and I was hoping that somebody would be brave enough to ask him to stay and hopefully get the right response.

"But he is not that type of person - once he makes up his mind to do something he's very singular minded.”

"And all I can think of is what an absolute tragedy that we have to be without him - he is such a fantastic player, a beautiful player to watch - and we will miss him certainly at Manchester United.

Charlton also added; "But I think more from the game's point of view that he was just priceless - he had vision, he could see instantly where people were and I used to sometimes hear people gasp when he made a pass that was just so pinpoint.

"He's just a fantastic player - a beautiful, beautiful footballer - and at Manchester United we've been very proud that he played for us for most of his career, for all of his career really, so I'm very disappointed in that respect but I love him as a person, he's a great lad, and he will be remembered forever at Manchester United, there's no question about that."

Fabio Capello tried unsuccessfully to lure Scholes out of England retirement for the last World Cup and Charlton was sorry he did not play more for the Three Lions.

He added: "And England - one of the things that maybe could have improved England was if he didn't love his family so much, he wanted to stay with his family rather than keep travelling to England.

Paul Scholes has been taking his coaching badges will join United’s coaching staff at Old Trafford.
"But he's a marvellous player and he's a great person, I love him to bits and we are very proud and we'll look after him for the rest of his career hopefully."

Wayne Rooney Leads Tributes To Paul Scholes

Wayne Rooney as the led the tributes after Paul Scholes announced his retirement from football today, Rooney has described the midfielder as the best player he has ever played with and against.

Scholes 36, decided to pull the curtain down in a glittering career at Old Trafford. The former England international made his debut for United in 1994, making 676 appearances, will now join the coaching staff at United next season.

Rooney has always been a huge admirer of the midfield maestro and suggests the hole left by Scholes retiring will be hard to fill.

The forward said; "He'll be missed greatly. I just heard the news this morning," Rooney.

"We knew he'd make a decision but didn't think it would be this quick. We're all sad to see him stop playing.
"He's been great for United and England and he'll be missed by all of us.

"He hasn't started that many games of late and I'm sure that's come into his head and he's made his decision.
"But he'll be a big miss for us. He's the best I've played with and against.

"He's only small but it's so difficult to get the ball off him. Every United fan will miss him."

Paul Scholes Retires

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has today confirmed that he will be retiring from the game with immediate effect; Scholes was part of the squad that lost the Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday and has now called time on his colourful career.

The 36-year-old helped his club to a record-breaking 19th league title this season, but his last appearance was in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Scholes will now remain at Old Trafford as a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching staff from the beginning of next season.

But Ferguson was full of admiration for Scholes, as he told United's official website: "What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before.

The Scot also went on to add; We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

Scholes said: "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing.

"To have been part of the team that helped the Club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

Nani Urges Berbatov To Stay At United

Manchester United winger Nani has pleaded with team-mate Dimitar Berbatov to stay at Old Trafford, the striker was dropped from Alex Ferguson’s squad who were defeated against Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley last Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson selected Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in his starting XI, with Michael Owen on the bench, leaving Berbatov conspicuous by his absence among the non-playing members of the squad

It is thought that the striker is weighing up his options and feels disappointed about being left out the squad; the Portuguese international has urged Berbatov not to turn his back on United.

He said: "I don't know what he has in mind but everyone knows he's a fantastic player.

"He has scored a lot of goals for us, finished as the top scorer in the league, and I would like him to play for Manchester United again next season."

Wesley Sneijder To Remain At Inter Milan

Wesley Sneijder has confirmed that he will be staying with Inter Milan next season, the Dutch playmaker was subject to speculation that he will leave the Serie A giants this summer.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer of Sneijder along with Tottenham’s Luka Modric and it is thought that Fergie views the 26-year-old as an ideal replacement for Paul Scholes who is currently pondering retiring from football.

"Next season? I'll be here," he told the Corriere dello Sport.

Sneijder is hoping to return to full fitness this weekend hoping to feature for Inter’s in final of the Coppa Italia,  against Palermo.

"I've been training with the squad without any problems," he continued.

"I'll certainly be there against Palermo.

"I want to play and win the Coppa Italia so that we can end the season in a good manner."

Paul Scholes To Delay Retirement

Manchester United manager has suggested that Paul Scholes will put his retirement on hold for another season; Alex Ferguson has been in talks with the midfielder in an attempt to delay his decision.

United chief executive David Gill hinted last week that Scholes could hang up his boots after this season, the midfielder has scored 150 goals in 674 appearances while spending his entire career at Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson said; "I don't think this will be his last game,"

A deal has yet to be agreed, but Ferguson is confident Scholes will still be at United next season.

"We have discussed it and I have encouraged him to stay on for another year.

"We'll talk at the end of the season."

Anderson Signs New Deal

Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder Anderson has signed a extension to his current deal, Anderson is now signed up to United until June 2015, Anderson arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2007 from Porto for an estimated €30 million.

"We are delighted he has signed a new contract," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Anderson has developed tremendously since joining us and he has fantastic potential at only 22; he is going to be a really top player."

Manchester United announced this afternoon that the Brazilian had penned a four-and-a-half-year extension after returning from a long-term injury problem.

Anderson, 22, told manutd.com: "This is the best club to be at and I would like to thank everyone for the great support I have received over the years.

"I am looking forward to winning many more trophies with this club and I am so pleased to have signed a new contract."

Buffon not interested in United move

Buffon wants to stay at Juve

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluca Buffon has played down speculation linking the him to Manchester United, Alex Ferguson admitted this weekend that he expects Edwin van der Sar to retire at the end of the season and the Manchester United manager has been in the market in search of a replacement for the Dutchman.

Buffon who has played his entire career in Italy might be interested in playing in the Premier League, but the Italian has insisted such speculation is nothing more than transfer gossip, with his attention focused solely on Juve's Serie A title this season.

"I have no intention of leaving Juventus," the 32-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I feel good here and I have no contract problems. My wish is to respect my contract and see it through until 2013. Then we will see if there is the option to renew.

"Manchester United? They are a great team I have faced a few times and have a few bitter memories of, nothing else."

Buffon is currently working back to full fitness and hopes to back in the Juve team by the New Year; the Italian has been struggling with a long-standing back injury which flared up at the 2010 World Cup finals.

Wayne Rooney says he was Never Going to Join City? Do you Agree?

Wayne Rooney apology worth £250,00 a week

Wayne Rooney is a player apart.  Apart from the sensitivities of ordinary people who were shocked to see his recent manoeuvrings to gain those extra pound signs flashing in front of his eyes.  Apart from his long suffering wife who no doubt throws her hands in the air in despair on a regular basis.

Apart, too, from the United fans that were camping outside his house issuing threats should he join United’s fierce rivals. At one point a group of 30 people turned up at his house, brandishing a banner that read: "If you join City you're dead."

If City came in with an offer of around £500,000 a week or near that, he would have gone, pure and simple. Rooney has never been one for loyalty. After all, look what he did to Everton, the club that took him in as a young boy and nurtured his talent throughout the youth system.

As soon as United came knocking he was gone.

Manchester United offered Rooney the club’s biggest deal ever in its history to retain his services.  Signing a five-year contract worth a eye-watering £250,000 a week. This was right after the forward spat his dummy out of his pram, demanding a move and citing that United’s ambitions didn’t match his own.

Club Manager Alex Ferguson was interviewed where he looked like a boy who had just lost his puppy, saying Rooney’s change of heart came out of the blue and that he couldn’t understand it.

The power of player pressure from agents is rife in football in order to get the right deal for their clients, so they say. But really it’s a bigger cut that they are after and what a surprise that Paul Stretford is Rooney’s agent.  He is no stranger to controversy when it comes to club/player relations.

The length of time it has taken for him to say sorry has not helped, with Ferguson publicly stating on 22 October that an apology was forthcoming. A statement was issued on Thursday, with Rooney saying, "I feel like I have apologised to the fans, but everyone keeps saying that I haven't and, if that is the case, then I apologise for my side of things.

"I have made my point clear since I signed my contract that I am committed to this club for the long term and I want to be successful with this club. I spoke with the manager and [the chief executive] David Gill and they reassured me the club was moving forward and, from that point, it took only two or three hours to negotiate my contract and sign it."

How much that contract ties Rooney in to United is anyone’s guess.  It would be no surprise if Shrek’s younger, sulkier brother was to up sticks and leave the minute it didn’t suit him.

What remains a fact though is that Rooney has badly misjudged several things.  First, he misjudged the nation – England is no longer in the mood to celebrate the huge salaries of footballers and his shenanigans just looked like money grabbing to the majority.

Secondly, he misjudged the mood of his fans.  Having seen their once hero in a new light, it will take a long time for them to forgive and forget his antics.  Rooney may just find that dropping loyalties can work both ways.

Carlos Tevez: I wanted Rooney to join City

Carlos Tevez: I wanted Rooney to join

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has admitted that he wished Wayne Rooney had followed him to the Eastlands ahead of the Manchester derby, Rooney contract talks broke down last month when the striker said he wanted to leave Old Trafford citing the lack of ambition at the club. City were heavily linked to move for Rooney. But Wayne signed a five year contract after meeting with manager Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill.

Carlos Tevez said, "Wayne is a player of great quality. He was a team-mate and a friend of mine at United and he's one of those men that is better to have on your team than against you.

"For me he is the best English striker of recent years. I would have liked him to come here, of course. But it was complicated for him to leave United. So we have to concentrate on our own game."


Tevez joined United's bitter rivals in the summer our 2009 and has never looked back since, becoming a fans favourite at City"

Wayne Rooney Gets Back on the Old Trafford Bus

What do you do just before you sign a five year contract for £41.6m?  Apologise rather sheepishly if you are a certain Wayne Rooney who today did both.  He bowed his head and said sorry for causing offence to the fans, hurting the players’ feelings and causing Sir Alex his most recent press headache.

Then he was sent to the naughty step.  Well, not really but following this week’s events which would rival many a northern soap opera for their sheer ups and downs (hesitation, rancour, soul searching followed ultimately by compromise and resolution) Rooney should perhaps spend a minute or two there.

As U-turns go this was a fairly major one and now he is back on the Old Trafford Bus he can expect to earn £160K a week with incentives of probably another £40 or so at least.  We don’t expect he will be receiving Child Benefit for the kids when it becomes mean tested in a few years but if it was behaviour tested his mum would still be getting it.

At least Rooney, then, has something to celebrate on his 25th birthday on Sunday.  You can just imagine the metaphorical birthday feast.  Colleen forcing a smile, her parents clenching their fists and a group of fans like Tiny Tim (or at least a very fed up one) at the butcher boys window.   Not heard that one?  The police had to be called on Thursday to remove angry fans from outside chez Wayne.  To say he has one or two bridges to rebuild is to put it lightly.

Ian Holloway, the Manger of Blackpool certainly had something to say about football's authorities for allowing Wayne Rooney to manufacture his exit from the club.
 


If his contract is extended to 2015 you can only hope that the bruised feelings and hurt he has caused this week can heal before that.

Image Credit Flickr User dullhunk