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."

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."

Manchester United Sign David De Gea

Manchester United have confirmed their third signing of the summer, David De Gea has completed his move to the Red Devils and has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper is seen as a direct replacement for Edwin van der Sar who retired from football at the end of last season, United have yet to announce the fee to sign the Goalkeeper.

De Gea stared for the Spanish under 21’s who captured the European Championships last week conceding only two goals during the whole tournament,

The 20-year-old passed a medical earlier this week and has spoke of his delight at signing for the Premier League champions

"I feel very proud and I can't wait to start playing here," De Gea  told MUTV.

"When a club the size of Manchester United  comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability.

"It's a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do."

Ashley Young Completes United Move

Manchester United have today completed the move for Ashley Young, the former Aston Villa player has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford after signing for an undisclosed fee which is thought to be in the region of £16-£20m.

The deal was agreed in principal two weeks ago, but while Young was on holiday the clubs were unable to officially announce the deal.

But the forward was in Manchester yesterday and after passing a medical he agreed to personal terms today so United were able to unveil their new signing.

Young is now United's second signing this summer joining Phil Jones at Old Trafford who signed from Blackburn Rovers for £16.5million.

Cristano Ronaldo Rules Out City Move

Cristiano Ronaldo claims he intends to stay at Real Madrid after ruling out a move to Manchester City, the former United winger has been linked with the Eastlands club this summer but has denied that he would leave the Spanish giants.

Media reports suggested that the Portuguese winger could tempted by City’s massive wage offer, while Ronaldo admits he could earn more money than he does at that Santiago Bernabeu he claims he is more than happy at Real Madrid.

The former Red Devil experienced an incredible time at Real Madird, scoring 87 goals from 89 games in two years.

"I am not thinking about leaving Real Madrid," he told Marca. "I'm very happy here. I'm great.

"I could perhaps double what I have in my bank account elsewhere, but for me happiness is the most important thing.

"If I could say to the president today I'd sign for ten years then I would. Why not sign for life?

"I am not going to City. I give you my word. I want to fulfil my contract."

Viral video by ebuzzing

Nani Declares Mourinho Ambition

Nani has insisted that he would like to coached Jose Mourinho one day, although they Portuguese winger says he is more than happy at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United winger has declared he would like link-up with his compatriot, Nani has just enjoyed his best season with the Premier League champions since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.

Although the United man insists he was left disappointed by being left out of Alex Ferguson’s team in the Champions League final, he admits that he is content at United for now.

"I am fine at Manchester United but it is good to hear there are other clubs interested," he said at a youth tournament in Seixal.

"Would I like to work under Mourinho? Yes, but at this moment I am fine at Manchester United."

"It was a very positive season for Manchester United, and my best individual campaign," he added.

"I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth after not being a starter in the Champions League final.

"I was hoping to play from the start, but it is up to the coach to decide."

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.

Nemanja Vidic Happy At Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic has squashed rumours that he could quit United by announcing that he is more than happy at Old Trafford, Vidic helped the Red Devils record their 19th league title last season, while captaining the side to the UEFA Champions League final which they lost to Barcelona.

The former Spartak Moscow player has told his Italian agent Silvano Martina that he is more than happy at Old Trafford, it was thought that the Serbian player was unsettled at United and would seek a move away from Old Trafford this summer.

But the player’s agent Martina told Radio Sportiva: "Vidic is a player that everyone wants.

"I talked to him about a hypothetical transfer and he said 'I am the captain of Manchester United,  I've won almost everything.

"'Why should I go to Italy right now that Italian football is going through such a turbulent moment?'.
"This response removes any doubt about his future - he stays where he is."

Ashley Young To Finalise United Move

Ashley Young will be heading to Manchester United this summer after spending four years at Villa Park after joining from Watford, the midfielder made 156 appearances for the Midlands club, scoring 30 times.

Young will finalise the move once he returns from holiday but the deal has been agreed in principal.

According to media speculation, Ashley Young has been offered £130,000-a-week contract to join United. His agent Eric Walters had been in negotiations at Old Trafford this week to finalise the deal.

The winger had one year left on his £65,000-a-week contract at Villa Park and Young will now become one of the highest earners at United, having reiterated his desire to play at the top level in recent weeks after picking up the man of the match award in England's 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Saturday.

Samir Nasri Plays Down Transfer Speculation

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has played reports linking him to a move away from the Emirates, newspaper had speculated that Nasri is unhappy at Arsenal having gone through another trophy-less season.

The France international future with the Arsenal was thrown into doubt when the midfielder refused to rule out the possibility of joining Manchester United when interviewed.

But the former Marseille man has moved quickly to squash such rumours, speaking on his twitter account Nasri said; "I just want tell you don't listen (to) the newspaper and the rumours I will let you know if something happen."

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”.

Michael Owen Signs One Year Deal At United

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has penned a new one year deal with the club, the striker would have been available to leave the club on a free transfer as he’s previous deal ran out at the end of the season.

Alex Ferguson moved quickly to sign up the former England striker for another year at Old Trafford, Owen has expressed his desire to remain at United and the 31-year-old played a bit part in United season mainly being used as a substitute.

"I'm delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract," Owen told the club's official website.
"To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many incredibly passionate supporters, is a real inspiration.

"I can't wait for next season to start."

Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to secure the service of the former Liverpool man at Old Trafford for another 12 months.

Sir Alex added; "Michael has proved to be a top footballer. It's unfortunate Michael didn't get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable.

"I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season."

Could this news spell the end of Dimitar Berbatov's United career?

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."

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."

Sir Alex Surpasses Sir Matt

Alex Ferguson has today become Manchester United’s longest serving manager, overtaking Sir Matt Busby.

Ferguson joined the Red Devils in November 1986 from Aberdeen and has had overseen the most successful period in the club's history.

With 24 years as manager of Manchester United, he is the longest serving manager.

Fergie is also the longest of all the current League managers.

The Scot has won many accolades and holds many records including winning Manager of the Year the most times in British football history.

In 2008, Sir Alex became the third British manager to win the European Cup on more than one occasion.

Ferguson said: "I think of Sir Matt Busby as being here forever.

"He started at the end of the war and went right through to winning the European Cup in 1968. The timespan seems to be much longer than mine.

On Sir Matt Busby time in charge, Fergie said; "Of course, there are emotional issues. He had to rebuild the team after Munich. There was so much emotion.

"I did not have that. That is the reason he seemed to have been here forever."

Ferguson also admitted that when he took over as Manchester United boss, he didn’t expect to last as long as Sir Matt.

"I could never have imagined that I would surpass Sir Matt's longevity." He said.

"When I came here, my main thought was to win the league and that was my driving force.

"I couldn't visualise that I would end up with 24 years behind me, going into my 25th year. I could never have imagined that in a million years."

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."

Fabregas to Return at Old Trafford

Cesc aiming for United game

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas hopes to return to action in time for the game against Manchester United game on December 13th.  The midfielder has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Braga in the Uefa Champions League game two weeks ago.

The inspirational captain is close to regaining full fitness and sees the Manchester United fixture as his return, Arsenal has failed to win at Old Trafford since 2006 and Fabregas will want to help change thatblot on their copybook.

Speaking in the Sunday People newspaper, he said; "I'm happy to say everything is going according to plan with my rehabilitation.

"We've tried some new treatments and hopefully they can make a difference.

"My hamstrings are feeling good, and my body feels good and rested.

"The Manchester United  game is the target, so hopefully we can make it happen."