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Papers: Saha hits back
18/12/2007 08:04

Suffering Saha hits back
Louis Saha faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after struggling with a succession of knee injuries. Although Saha is fit and available, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fears the player will never reach the levels he achieved before he paid £12million to sign him from Fulham four years ago, believing he sometimes needs convincing he is fit. But Saha has hit back, insisting: "At United, I have had an incredible amount of bad luck. But that does not explain everything. Playing all the time take its toll on the body. My game is based on speed, quick movements and changes of direction. It's very demanding for the body. For a long time, I had an injury on my left knee. I changed the way I ran and I injured my right knee. But I never refused to play."
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail

In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an embarrassing mix-up at last night's FIFA World Player of the Year gala ceremony in Zurich. The United winger was handed the prize for second place, then forced to hand it back to FIFA president Sepp Blatter in front of a star-studded audience after it emerged he had actually finished third. AC Milan's Kaka scooped the main prize.

Rio Ferdinand reckons victory at Anfield proves United have the mettle to keep the title, insisting: "It was huge for our confidence and a fantastic feeling. They thought they had a good chance of beating us. But we were resolute all over the park."
Round up by Gemma Thompson

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19/12/2007 10:05, Report by Ben Hibbs

Rio best in the world - Rooney

Wayne Rooney says United’s title hopes are enhanced because the Reds possess the best defender in the world: Rio Ferdinand.

Rio was outstanding at Anfield on Sunday as United took all three points from the clash with title rivals Liverpool. The hallmark of the victory was the Reds' defensive solidarity, with Ferdinand its central pillar.

"There's great rivalry between United and Liverpool, so it was a big result for us, especially with how tight the league is,” Rooney said in an interview with MUTV.

"We knew that if we got three points then it would put a bit of space between us and Liverpool. A draw would perhaps have been a fair result, but we defended really well and managed to get the goal.

"Vida and Rio were brilliant for us,” he added. “I think Rio is probably the best defender in the world at the moment. He's been doing really well for us. The whole defence and the whole team is defending well.”

Rooney was instrumental in United’s goal two minutes before the break, having spotted a weakness in Liverpool's armour. Ryan Giggs played a corner to the edge of the box for Rooney, whose shot was turned in by Carlos Tevez. However, Wayne says it was more quick-thinking than a training ground ploy.

"It's not something we worked on,” he admitted. “We saw how they set up on an earlier corner, with everyone in the box. So I spoke with Giggsy and we decided to play the next corner short. I had a shot and luckily Carlos was in the right place to finish it off.”

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19/12/2007 14:14, Report by Steve Bartram

Park return on hold

A frozen pitch has waylaid plans for Ji-sung Park to line up for United's Reserves against Oldham Athletic on Wednesday afternoon.

The Korean international had been named in the Reds' starting line-up for the Lancashire Senior Cup clash, only for freezing weather at the Victoria Stadium to prompt the fixture's abandonment.

Park has been out of action since damaging cruciate knee ligaments against Blackburn Rovers in March, and Sir Alex Ferguson had suggested that he could be involved in the first team's festive fixture programme.

Unfortunately, the livewire midfielder will have to suffice with honing his game in training after the late postponement in Northwich.

News of the fixture's rearrangement will appear first on ManUtd.com.

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19/12/2007 12:17, Report by Ben Hibbs

Tevez is Christmas No.1

United's Anfield match-winner Carlos Tevez is the Premier League's top performer this season, according to Actim Index, the official player ratings system of the English top flight.
The 23-year-old struck his close-range winner two minutes before the break to hand United a valuable three points against the Reds' local rivals and fellow title contenders.
Tevez has scored nine goals this season in 21 games since joining the Reds in the summer.

Seven of them have come in the league. And of 46 shots in league matches this season, the Argentina international has hit 28 on target.
But, more than his goals, his tenacity, determination and excellent link-up play with strike partner Wayne Rooney have all proved a prominent feature of United's attacking play.
Tevez is one of three United players ranked in the top 10 of the Actim Index ratings.

Defender Rio Ferdinand has made it to eighth position with his solid and commanding displays at the heart of United's defence, while Cristiano Ronaldo is currently ranked ninth.
Tevez takes top spotActim Index gives players points for goals, shots, fouls, offsides, passes, tackles, blocks and clearances.
1. Carlos Tevez  316
2. Cesc Fabregas  310
3. Benjani Mwaruwari  297
4. Martin Petrov  286
5. Frank Lampard  282
6. Gabriel Agbonlahor  279
7. Emmanuel Adebayor  276
8. Rio Ferdinand  275
9. Cristiano Ronaldo  271
10. Gael Clichy  267

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19/12/2007 07:41, Report by Steve Bartram

Osman blow hits Everton

Ahead of their trip to Old Trafford this Sunday, Everton have been hit by the withdrawal of midfielder Leon Osman through injury.
The 26-year-old's form has been key to the Toffees' 12-match unbeaten run, but a broken toe sustained against West Ham last week has ruled him out for up to six weeks.
"It's an absolutely terrible blow," manager David Moyes told the official Everton website. "He broke his toe in the first five minutes of the cup game but battled on and it shows you how tough he is. He was in a bad way but wanted to play.
"He had a scan and it showed a big crack and we think he is going to be out for between four to six weeks.
"Leon's form had been good and he has been playing a big part in everything that we have achieved recently."
The news comes as a blow to Everton, who only recently lost left-back Leighton Baines for a similar period of time after suffering a hamstring injury against Fulham.

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Papers: Back for Berbatov?

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Papers: Back for Berbatov?
19/12/2007 10:11


Fergie back for Berbatov
Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped up his efforts to sign Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov by offering Wes Brown and Louis Saha - plus £6million in exchange. Fergie wants to push through a January move for Berbatov after failing with his initial bid for the Bulgaria striker in the summer. The Manchester United manager refuses to be put off, and is now hoping Berbatov's recent unrest at White Hart Lane will smooth the path to a move. While Fergie is willing to negotiate, Spurs want United's Portuguese winger Nani to be part of any deal involving their star striker. But United are adamant that Nani, who joined for £17million from Sporting Lisbon, is staying at Old Trafford and Fergie has no interest in making the 20-year-old part of the deal.
John Cross, Daily Mirror

In other transfer news, The Sun claims Avram Grant has won the race to sign Nicolas Anelka. Chelsea boss Grant is convinced a £10million January deal for the Bolton hitman, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, is in the bag.

The Daily Mail says Wes Brown will end his 11-year association with United by moving to Newcastle as a free agent next summer. The defender is stalling on a new contract from the champions and has told friends that he will not sign.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

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19/12/2007 10:22, Report by Ben Hibbs

Transfer Rumours: Dec 07

Despite Sir Alex's claims that he's happy with his squad, the tabloid press undeterred in linking the Reds with a number of January transfer moves.

Having recently dispensed with the rumour that United are after Ronaldinho, who Barcelona say will remain at the Nou Camp, the Reds are reportedly offering Louis Saha, Wes Brown and £6m for Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov.

United have long been linked with the Bulgarian, who, it has been claimed, Sir Alex tried to sign before he joined Spurs 18 months ago.

Another rumoured target is Reading left-back Nicky Shorey and Lokomotiv Moscow's versatile Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic, who would cost a reported £10m.

Posted by: PDiddy"I think Berbatov would be a great January signing. If we could bring him in then I believe we can win the title and the Champions League."

ARRIVALS
Player NameCurrent ClubPositionFeeDimitar BerbatovTottenhamStrikerSwap + £6m*Discuss here
RonaldinhoBarcelonaForward£15millionDiscuss here
Nicky ShoreyReadingDefenderUndisclosedDiscuss here
Stevan JoveticPartizan BelgradeStrikerUndisclosedDiscuss here
Branislav IvanovicLokomotiv MoscowDefender£10millionDiscuss here

DEPARTURES
Player NameLinked WithPositionFeeWes BrownMan UnitedDefenderSwap deal*Discuss here
Louis SahaMan UnitedStrikerSwap deal*Discuss here
Wes BrownNewcastle/SunderlandDefenderFreeDiscuss here

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19/12/2007 11:13

Museum's Sir Alex exhibit

Visitors to United's award-winning Museum can now enjoy An Audience With Sir Alex Ferguson.

The latest exhibit uses advanced hologram technology to project a 3-D version of the manager into a replica of his office. The Reds boss then answers fans' questions about his 21 years in charge and reflects on his favourite United moments.

"The effect we create is based on an old Victorian theatre illusion called Pepper's Ghost, invented by Henry Dircks and popularised by John Pepper," Alan Trafford of creators Mather & Co. explained.

It may be a trick of the light but the effect is so good it seems like Sir Alex is standing right in front of you.

"I was absolutely delighted when I saw the finished product," the United manager said. "It's fantastic and it goes in line with what Manchester United is all about. We like to try new things all the time, whether that's on or off the pitch.

"We've been the first to do many things and this helps us go beyond what people would ever expect from a museum. I hope the public enjoy this exhibition – I'm sure they will!"

It's only the second time the Pepper's Ghost technology has been utilised in a major museum in the United Kingdom. The other example features John McEnroe at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

To book a United Museum visit, call +44 (0)870 442 1994 or email tours@manutd.co.uk. Open Monday to Sunday 09.30 to 17:00 GMT. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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20/12/2007 09:55, Report by Gemma Thompson

Neville itching to return

Gary Neville says he is itching to return to first team action after spending the last nine months on the sidelines.

The United skipper has been beset by injuries since suffering ankle ligament damage back in March during the Reds' win over Bolton Wanderers.

But after receiving some positive feedback from a specialist last week, Neville says there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

"I'd love to be back playing. I've already started training again and I'll be in over Christmas," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"It's been really frustrating for me, but the inspiration is watching the lads play. When I watch them out on the pitch that's where I want to be and I can't wait to get back."

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20/12/2007 10:13, Report by Gemma Thompson

Still a four-way fight

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Chelsea and Liverpool will still have a big say in this season's title race, despite losing out in the battle of the big four last weekend.

United left Anfield with all three points thanks to Carlos Tevez's first half winner, while William Gallas' goal gave Arsenal victory over Chelsea at The Emirates.

Avram Grant's side are six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, while Liverpool lie ten points behind. United are currently second in the table, one point behind the Gunners.

Despite the points gap, Ronaldo remains convinced it is still a four-horse race.

"We have a good chance — we are at the top of the league, Arsenal and ourselves," he said. "But I don't think it is just between the two teams. Chelsea and Liverpool are still there and are strong.

"Arsenal play fantastic football but I think we have a better team this season that we had last year. We have good players, a good spirit and we have to do the same as last season."

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20/12/2007 10:46, Report by Gemma Thompson

Rooney: Capello is just fab

Wayne Rooney believes Fabio Capello is the perfect choice to lead England over the next four years.

The Italian has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the FA following Steve McClaren's exit last month.

Rooney is looking forward to working with his new manager and hopes Capello can transfer his phenomenal success at club level onto the international stage.

“His record at club level is brilliant so I’m sure he can bring something extra to England as well," explained the 22-year-old. "I was pleased when he was appointed because his record is the main thing.

"It’s always exciting when you get a new manager and I'm very interested to meet him and work under him.

“As an Englishman you want the best man for the job, who is going to try and help us win trophies. And, personally, I think he is the best man.”

Rooney insists Capello will have the full backing of the squad when he takes charge of his first game against Switzerland in February.

“Hopefully, we can win something for him and help him become a legend for England," declared Rooney.

“The main thing is to win your games. Hopefully we can do that as a team and I’m sure we’ll be giving 110 per cent for the new manager."

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Papers: Ole's last hurrah
20/12/2007 09:39

Testimonial for Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set for a bumper United testimonial match as part of next August's pre-season programme. The Reds' legend retired in August at the age of 34 following a losing battle with knee problems but the club will agree to a benefit match for the Norwegian. United have to wait until approached by a committee who are willing to organise the event. It is understood a team has been formed to arrange the match for Solskjaer and will in due course approach the club and ask for the free loan of Old Trafford, which will be a formality. United are flying out for a three-match tour of South Africa next July but a date on their return in the run-up to the new Premiership campaign would be the most likely available gap in the warm-up schedule. No opponents have yet been discussed.
Stuart Mathieson, Manchester Evening News

In other news, Wayne Rooney believes new boss Fabio Capello as the best man to lead England back to glory.

Reds' goalkeeping coach Tony Coton has announced he is quitting the club. Coton, widely regarded as one of the best in his business, has been troubled by a persistent knee problem that has made it difficult for the 46-year-old to take part in training sessions with Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster.

Patrice Evra has revealed his deep admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson, insisting: "When it comes to Alex Ferguson I just want to thank the Lord. Whatever may happen in the future, I have been trained by Alex Ferguson."

United legend Mark Hughes believes Arsenal’s current crop of young Guns could emulate the famous United Class of ’92.

Meanwhile, the club's former chairman Sir Roy Gardner is today poised to be named the first independent head of the Football Association.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

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20/12/2007 09:11, Report by Ben Hibbs

Reds eye Euro draw



Celtic are one of five teams who could face United in the last 16 of the Champions League.

As the winners of Group F, the Reds could also face Schalke, Olympiakos, Lyon or Fenerbahce, all of whom were runners-up in their respective groups.

United cannot face the runners-up from their own group, Roma, nor can they be drawn against another English team at this stage - thus ruling out Liverpool and Arsenal who were runners-up in Groups A and H respectively.

Sir Alex Ferguson will also be pleased that his side cannot play against the other group winners including AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The last 16 draw will take place in Nyon on Friday 21 December at 11:00 GMT.

United will be away for the first leg on 19/20 February 2008, and at home for the second leg on 4/5 March.

Be sure to visit ManUtd.com on 21 December for news of United's opponents and match dates.


Who's through?Group Winners: FC Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona, United, Internazionale, Sevilla.
Runners-up: Liverpool, Schalke, Olympiacos, Celtic, Lyon, AS Roma, Fenerbahce, Arsenal.

When's the draw?
Friday 21 December, 11:00 GMT

Who would you like United to face? Vote here in our online poll

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20/12/2007 09:16, Report by Ben Hibbs

Profile: Celtic

Have we met before? Yes, plenty of times. But last season’s meetings in the Champions League group stages were, surprisingly, the first competitive fixtures. After a compelling 3-2 win in September 2006 at Old Trafford, the Reds then slipped up at Celtic Park, losing 1-0 to a Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick. In truth, United were clearly the dominant team and should have won, or at least got a point but Louis Saha missed a late penalty.

Where do they play? Celtic Park's vociferous home crowd are certainly a weapon The Bhoys would try to use to maximum effect. Backed by 60,832 screaming Scots, Celtic Park makes for as intimidating an arena as you are likely to find in Europe.
How did they do in the group stages? Three wins, including a 2-1 success at home to AC Milan, were enough to see Celtic through. However, having failed to beat Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Benfica away from home, Celtic certainly have reason to be concerned about their form on the road.
Who’s the boss? Gordon Strachan. The fiery Scot has won two league titles, a Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup in his two-and-a-half years north of the border. It is the second time in two seasons that the former Coventry and Southampton manager has taken his side to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Who’s their star man? A surprise choice perhaps but Aiden McGeady - or "Aideninho" as has been dubbed by some Celtic fans - is a tricky winger who can play on either flank.
Any European history? In 1967 they became the first British team to win the European Cup, a year before United were crowned the first English winners.