Friday, October 31, 2008
Kewibawaan Ronaldo dicabar
RONALDO jadi taruhan terbaik Ferguson musim ini.
MANCHESTER: Pengurus Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson mencabar Cristiano Ronaldo untuk mengulangi prestasi hebat selepas meledak lebih 40 gol sepanjang musim lalu.
Ronaldo melebarkan rekod jaringan kepada lima gol musim ini hasil kecemerlangannya dalam babak pertama ketika membantu United menang selesa, 2-0 ke atas West Ham di Old Trafford, kelmarin.
Pemain sayap antarabangsa Portugal itu menjaringkan gol pada minit ke-14 dan m-29, sekali gus mengundang Ferguson menyokongnya untuk terus menggegarkan gawang lawan ketika United memburu tambahan koleksi juara musim ini.
Ronaldo meledak 42 gol musim lalu untuk menamatkan kempen selaku penjaring terbanyak Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL) dan Ferguson tidak nampak sebarang alasan mengapa dia tidak mampu mengulangi pencapaian itu.
Pengurus United itu berkata: “Cristiano sudah mencapai tahap itu (prestasi terbaiknya) tanpa ragu-ragu lagi. Dia banyak terlepas program pramusim, tapi kini dia kembali menyinar hanya dengan beraksi dalam beberapa perlawanan dan mencatat peningkatan setiap masa.
“Dia sudah menjaringkan lima gol musim ini dan mampu mencapai antara 25 hingga 42 gol. Dia boleh melakukannya. Malah, saya tidak hairan jika dia mampu mencapai jumlah 42 gol itu sekali lagi.
“Dia begitu mengancam ketika berada dalam kotak penalti dan saya fikir, dia menjaringkan semua golnya dengan cantik.”
Sekalipun menghamburkan pujian kepada Ronaldo dan Dimitar Berbatov, Ferguson sekali lagi mengesahkan kepada Carlos Tevez bahawa dia tetap mempunyai peranan besar untuk dimainkan dalam kempen Liga Juara-Juara Eropah.
Tevez membarisi kesebelasan utama buat pertama kali dalam tempoh sebulan ketika menang ke atas skuad Hammers dan kini khabar angin bertiup kencang mengatakan pemain antarabangsa Argentina itu tidak gembira dengan situasi terbabit.
Tapi, Ferguson sudah mengadakan perbincangan tertutup dengan penyerang itu dan memaklumkan kepada Tevez bahawa dia masih memainkan peranan penting dalam perancangan pasukan.
Ferguson berkata: “Carlos kekal sebagai pemain penting kepada kami seperti mana pemain lain yang menjadi tajuk utama akhbar sejak kebelakangan ini.
“Saya berbincang dengannya hujung minggu lalu untuk memaklumkan bahawa kepercayaan kami terhadapnya amat tinggi dan dia tetap kekal sebagai pemain utama pada mata saya, pemain lain dan penyokong United.
“Ia hanya sekadar kami mempunyai tiga pemain yang tidak boleh mengisi dua posisi dan sudah menjadi tugas saya untuk mengimbangi pasukan” katanya. - AFP
manchesterunited
10/31/2008 08:36:00 AM
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
Premier League - Ronaldo downs West Ham
Manchester United made short work of West Ham as they saw off the London side 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Two first-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo were more than enough to sink Gianfranco Zola's out-of-form Hammers, who now drop into the bottom half of the Premier League table.
It took just 14 minutes for Ronaldo to score his third league goal of the season, as the Portuguese forward was on hand to strike low past Robert Green after Nani's pass from the left rolled behind Darren Fletcher in the area.
The 23-year-old - who received his trophy for being named FIFPro player of the year before kick-off - doubled his tally on the half-hour mark, but it was team-mate Dimitar Berbatov who created the goal from a seemingly lost cause.
The Bulgarian chased down a ball destined to go out for a goal-kick, and with a dazzling turn kept the ball in play and took defender James Collins out of the game before rolling the ball across for Ronaldo to steer in from six yards out.
The defeat is West Ham's fourth consecutive loss in the league, and they have shipped eight goals and scored just one in that dismal run.
Things got even worse for manager Gianfranco Zola after Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami had to be stretchered off during the first half after pulling up with a hamstring injury.
By contrast, the victory was the home side's sixth in the 10-game unbeaten streak they have embarked on since losing to Liverpool in mid-September, and manager Alex Ferguson's decision to drop Wayne Rooney to the bench - as well as resting defender Wes Brown and midfielder Ryan Giggs entirely - proved to be well-judged.
Berbatov started alongside Carlos Tevez - the man who has adversely felt the impact of the Bulgarian the most since his summer arrival from Tottenham - for the first time, and the duo combined well with Poruguese duo Nani and Ronaldo to give the Hammers defence a torrid evening.
Winger Nani saw two shots sail past the far post in the first half, before Brazilian midfielder Anderson pounced on a sloppy Lee Bowyer pass on the edge of the area, only to fire a tame shot straight at Green.
As half-time approached, Behrami slipped with no-one near him and fell to the ground clutching his leg. The Swiss was taken of on a stretcher and replaced by Luis Boa Morte.
The visitors fared no better in front of goal after the break, with the isolated Craig Bellamy reduced to desperate shots from distance, including one free-kick which he shot over the bar when several of his team-mates had pushed forward for the set-piece.
At the other end, United continued to dominate, and the introduction of Rooney 15 minutes from time would have increased the deficit in the scoreline were it not for Green, who was called into action to save from the England international and Tevez on several occasions.
manchesterunited
10/30/2008 09:20:00 AM
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Jaringkan gol bukan keutamaan saya: Ronaldo
RONALDO (kanan) masih belum menemui aksi memukau yang menyaksikannya menyumbat 42 gol untuk membantu United meraih gelaran Liga Juara-Juara Eropah dan Liga Perdana Inggeris, musim lalu.
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Saya hanya mahu terus buktikan saya pemain bagus
MANCHESTER: Cristiano Ronaldo bertegas dia tidak harus dinilai semata-mata dengan jumlah gol dijaringkannya ketika Manchester United bersiap untuk melayan kunjungan West Ham di Old Trafford.
Pembedahan pergelangan kaki sebelum bermulanya musim kali ini bermakna Ronaldo masih belum menemui aksi memukau yang menyaksikannya menyumbat 42 gol untuk membantu United meraih gelaran Liga Juara-Juara Eropah dan Liga Perdana Inggeris, musim lalu.
Pemain sayap berusia 23 tahun itu sudah berjaya menjaringkan tiga gol sejak kembali ke medan aksi, pertengahan September lalu.
Tetapi ketika dia mengalu-alukan ulangan kepada pencapaian musim lalu, Ronaldo bertegas sumbangannya tidak harus diukur hanya dengan berapa kali dia meletakkan bola ke dalam jaring gol lawan.
"Saya pemain yang bercita-cita besar. Saya cuba meningkat setiap musim. Saya tahu musim lalu memang menakjubkan. Saya beraksi bagus. Saya menyumbat banyak gol dan kami menang gelaran utama.
"Kemungkinan melakukannya musim ini memang ada. Tetapi keutamaan saya bukan hanya menjaringkan gol. Saya tidak perlu melakukannya. Saya hanya perlu beraksi baik untuk pasukan.
"Saya mahu melakukan seperti musim lalu. Saya tidak perlu buktikan diri kepada sesiapapun. Saya hanya mahu terus membuktikan kepada diri sendiri bahawa saya adalah pemain yang bagus," katanya.
Di sebalik hasratnya untuk berhijrah ke Real Madrid dinafikan, Ronaldo tetap menegaskan bahawa sesiapa yang mendakwa 'bahasa badan' menunjukkan dia tidak gembira sebagai salah.
"Jika saya senyum, ianya kerana saya mahu tersenyum. Jika tidak, ianya kerana saya tidak. Orang ramai sentiasa menulis macam-macam perkara mengenai saya.
"Terpulang kepada mereka; Bagi saya, ia bukan masalah. Saya akan hanya cuba beraksi baik dan melakukan yang terbaik. Saya hanya fokus untuk menghasilkan aksi bola sepak yang bagus." - AFP
manchesterunited
10/29/2008 08:02:00 AM
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Jangan nilai Ronaldo dengan jumlah gol
RONALDO (kanan) masih belum berada pada prestasi sebenar.
MANCHESTER, England - Cristiano Ronaldo menegaskan jumlah gol yang telah dijaringkannya musim ini tidak boleh dijadikan ukuran ketika Manchester United bersiap sedia untuk menghadapi West Ham United di Old Trafford hari ini. Pemain sayap Portugal itu masih belum berada pada prestasi sebenar selepas menjalani pembedahan pergelangan kaki sebelum aksi musim ini bermula.
Musim lalu dia berjaya menjaringkan 42 gol untuk membantu United memenangi gelaran berganda iaitu Liga Perdana England dan Liga Juara-Juara.
Tetapi Ronaldo, 23, hanya mampu menjaringkan tiga gol sejak kembali beraksi pada pertengahan September lalu.
Ketika dia teruja untuk mengulangi pencapaian tahun lalu, Ronaldo berkata bahawa sumbangannya tidak boleh dinilai dengan jumlah gol yang telah dijaringkannya.
"Saya adalah seorang pemain yang bercita-cita tinggi. Saya cuba untuk memperbaiki persembahan setiap musim. Saya sedar tahun lalu adalah menakjubkan. Saya bermain dengan baik dan saya menjaringkan banyak gol serta memenangi beberapa trofi utama," kata Ronaldo.
"Ada kemungkinan ia berlaku musim ini. Tetapi keutamaan saya tidak hanya menjaringkan gol. Saya tidak perlu melakukannya. Saya cuma perlu bermain dengan baik untuk pasukan.
"Saya mahu melakukan perkara sama seperti musim lalu. Saya tidak perlu untuk membuktikan sesuatu kepada semua orang. Saya cuma mahu membuktikan kepada diri sendiri bahawa saya adalah seorang pemain yang hebat."
Meskipun menolak perpindahan ke Real Madrid pada pra-musim lalu, Ronaldo tetap menjadi sasaran sesetengah pihak yang mendakwa dia tidak gembira berada di United.
"Jika saya tersenyum, ia kerana saya tersenyum dan begitu juga sebaliknya. Orang ramai seringkali menulis perkara sebaliknya mengenai saya.
"Terpulanglah kepada mereka, bagi saya ia bukan satu masalah. saya cuma perlu bermain dengan baik dan melakukan yang terbaik. Saya cuma fokus untuk bermain bola sepak yang terbaik." - AFP
manchesterunited
10/29/2008 07:59:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fergie relief over Fletcher deal
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed getting Darren Fletcher to sign a new contract was his biggest relief of the season.While the battle to sign Dimitar Berbatov went down to the last minutes on deguson was forced to make an urgent trip to Portugal this summer for talks that gained agreeadline day and Ferment from Cristiano Ronaldo to stay, it seems the Scot regarded keeping Fletcher just as important.
Few would regard the 24-year-old midfielder as a pivotal presence in the Red Devils squad.
But, after being limited to just 24 appearances last term, Fletcher had a decision to make.
With several clubs demanding his services, the Dalkeith-born star could easily have decided to abandon an unequal struggle for a first-team berth.
Instead, he opted to remain at Old Trafford, where he was rewarded with an improved four-year contract.
And, as injuries have robbed Ferguson of Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick for significant periods, Fletcher had been given the responsibility of a regular start.
He made his 11th appearance at Everton on Saturday, where he also scored his third goal.
"The relief of the season was to get Darren a new contract because there were a lot of clubs trying to buy him," said Ferguson.
"He had one year left but he wanted more football.
"Leaving could easily have been a consideration simply because with Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes and Anderson there is so much competition."
Much like he did with Ronaldo, Ferguson decided to take direct action.
A face-to-face chat with his fellow countryman yielded the answers Fletcher had been seeking.
After joining United as a trainee - he would have made his senior debut as a schoolboy in 2000 had the FA not intervened - he had seen players like David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville quit for pastures new.
But he took Ferguson's word that he remained part of the manager's plans. And his performances this season have been so good, Hargreaves and company have not been missed.
"I just felt Darren is a United player," recalled Ferguson.
"He is outstanding in big games, when he always does such a great job.
"I told him he had been brought up at this club and after January, he had been playing in all the big games until he got an injury and not to forget he came back and played some more.
"It convinced him to stay, which was what we wanted because now he is such an important player for us.
"He has developed his game and taken it to a new level."
Ferguson must decide whether to stick with Fletcher or bring Michael Carrick in to play against his former club.
Carrick has been restricted to just two appearances, both of which were brought to a premature end, due to an ankle problem.
However, as he has now returned to training, Ferguson has the option of easing the England man back into the fray against West Ham on Wednesday or Hull on Saturday.
After Saturday's disappointing draw at Everton, both games must be won to put some pressure on Liverpool, who have now recorded crucial victories over United and Chelsea to hit the Premier League summit.
Mindful of the volume of chances that went begging at Goodison Park, Ferguson must also be tempted to bring in Carlos Tevez, although deciding who to leave out from a group comprising Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo is no easy task.
manchesterunited
10/28/2008 07:13:00 PM
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Premier League - Ferguson attacks Blatter
Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a vicious attack on Sepp Blatter, likening the FIFA president to an unhinged African leader and questioning his credentials to serve as chief of the game's ruling body.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, the Manchester United manager spoke candidly about Blatter's comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's failed move to Real Madrid, in which he compared the 23-year-old's plight to that of a slave.
"I think Sepp Blatter is in danger, or has reached a point where he is being mocked within the game," Ferguson said.
"Whether he's getting too old, I don't know. But these things happen to people in power. Look at some of the despots in Africa. From a position of great power, he has uttered so many ridiculous statements that he is in danger of seriously damaging his credibility.
"When he came out with that stuff it created a furore and rightly so, the year after the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of slavery."
Ferguson said the Ronaldo saga is thankfully now over, but he remains aggrieved at the manner in which Madrid approached the situation and the underhand tactics they employed in an attempt to sign the FIFPro World Player of the Year.
"When we sold Gabriel Heinze to Real Madrid we knew it was going to happen, because Ronaldo is very close to Heinze," he said.
"I knew what they were doing. I don't believe they were interested in Heinze - good player though he is. The endgame was to get Ronaldo.
"What made it really obscene was that Madrid, as General Franco's club, had a history of being able to get whatever they wanted, before democracy came to Spain."
Ronaldo is one of a host of the world's best players Ferguson has lured to United during his 22-year reign, but he will leave Old Trafford regretting the one who got away.
The most successful manager in British football history has won 10 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs since his arrival from Aberdeen in 1986, achieved with help of inspired signings such as Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney.
But even Ferguson can't always get what he wants. Along the way there have been players he has missed out on, and none hurt more than an enigmatic Italian whose move from West Ham fell through in 2002.
"Paulo Di Canio would have been capable of becoming a truly great player at Manchester United," Ferguson said.
"I mean, he was a great player, but when you have a player like Di Canio, who expresses himself as an individual, like (George) Best and Cantona did, and (Ryan) Giggs, Rooney, Ronaldo and (Dimitar) Berbatov do.
"We make heroes quickly here. Di Canio could have been in that category."
manchesterunited
10/28/2008 03:00:00 PM
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Premier League - Ronaldo crowned best in the world
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named FIFPro World Footballer of the Year.
It is the first in what is expected to be a host of individual honours for the 23-year-old, who scored 42 goals for United on their way to Champions League and Premier League title glory last term.
Ronaldo had suggested last week he could do no more than he did to be crowned the best player on the planet and peers from over 40 countries are in agreement.
At £12.2 million, Ronaldo has proved to be a bargain since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, growing steadily into the most influential player in the United team.
It is anticipated Ronaldo will also scoop the Balon D'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, with the Portugal international - who has also been named in FifPro's world team of the year - keen to remain at Old Trafford for another couple of seasons at least.
"I insist that I am a Manchester United player and now I think that next year I will continue here," Ronaldo told Marca.
Although Sir Alex Ferguson has twice been forced to intervene to keep Ronaldo at the club - immediately after the 2006 World Cup and last summer as Real Madrid made their bid to get him - the player seems committed to helping United win further honours, even if his lack of goal celebrations recently has been the subject of major debate.
Ronaldo admitted Ferguson played a huge part in his decision to commit his immediate future to the Red Devils following this summer's transfer speculation.
"He has been a key person. I respect him a lot, because it was him who signed me and he has played a very important part in all that I have won," said Ronaldo.
"In Lisbon I reached an agreement with him and it was decided that the best thing for all was to continue.
"He listened to my arguments and I listened to his. Now I understand that it was the correct decision. I am with Manchester United body and soul."
manchesterunited
10/28/2008 09:24:00 AM
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Ronaldo raih anugerah FIFPro
RONALDO jadi pilihan ramai untuk merangkul anugerah FIFPro.
HOOFDDORP, Belanda – Pemain sayap Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo telah dipilih sebagai Pemain Terbaik Dunia Kesatuan Pemain-Pemain Profesional (FIFPro) semalam. FIFPro yang mempunyai 57,500 ahli telah memilih pemain antarabangsa Portugal itu yang menjaringkan 42 gol musim lalu untuk membantu United memenangi gelaran berganda, Liga Perdana England dan Liga Juara-Juara sebagai pemenang.
“Untuk dihargai oleh rakan bola sepak profesional dari seluruh dunia yang mempunyai keahlian lebih daripada 50,000 orang adalah sesuatu yang menakjubkan,” kata Ronaldo.
Selain itu, Ronaldo juga dianggap sebagai calon terbaik untuk memenangi Anugerah Pemain Terbaik Dunia dan Eropah yang dianjurkan oleh majalah Perancis, France Football.
“Saya mahu mengucapkan terima kasih kepada rakan sepasukan dan jurulatih serta semua orang yang terbabit di United dan pasukan kebangsaan, selain keluarga, rakan-rakan di atas sokongan mereka,” kata Ronaldo.
“Terima kasih juga kepada FIFPro untuk anugerah ini dan kerja keras kamu dalam melindungi minat dan kebajikan pemain dari seluruh dunia.”
Selain itu, lima pemain Sepanyol yang membantu pasukan kebangsaan negara itu memenangi trofi Kejuaraan Eropah (Euro) 2008 Jun lalu telah dipilih untuk memenangi Anugerah Sebelas Pemain Pilihan Dunia (World XI Players). Daripada lima pemain ini, empat pemain bermain dalam saingan Liga Sepanyol manakala seorang lagi beraksi dalam kempen Liga Perdana England.
Kelima-lima pemain itu adalah penjaga gol dan pemain pertahanan Real Madrid, Iker Casillas serta Sergio Ramos, pemain pertahanan dan tengah Barcelona, Carles Puyol serta Xavi Fernandez serta penyerang Liverpool, Fernando Torres.
Penyerang Barcelona dari Argentina, Lionel Messi juga berada dalam pasukan itu dan Rio Ferdinand serta Cristiano Ronaldo mewakili juara Liga Juara-Juara, Manchester United.
Liverpool juga mempunyai seorang lagi wakil iaitu Steven Gerrard yang turut dipilih bersama-sama John Terry dari Chelsea dan bintang AC Milan, Kaka. – AP
manchesterunited
10/28/2008 08:39:00 AM
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Monday, October 27, 2008
Rooney terlepas tindakan disiplin FA England
LONDON - Persatuan Bola Sepak (FA) England tidak akan mengambil tindakan ke atas bintang Manchester United, Wayne Rooney kerana tindakannya mencium lencana Red Devils ketika seri 1-1 dengan Everton di Goodison Park, Sabtu lalu.
Tindakan Rooney itu telah mencetuskan kemarahan peminat bekas kelab lamanya itu.
Pengurus Red Devils, Alex Fergu- son mengakui bahawa beliau mengeluarkan Rooney demi keselamatannya selepas penyerang England itu dilihat semakin kecewa ketika beraksi dalam perlawanan tersebut.
Rooney dilayangkan kad kuning kerana mengasari Mikel Arteta dan dengan kemarahannya yang seakan-akan mahu dilepaskan, Fergu- son terpaksa mengeluarkannya.
"Dengan cara pengadil memandangnya, saya bimbang dia mungkin akan diperintah keluar padang tanpa sebarang sebab. Kita boleh lihat reaksi peminat pasukan lawan ketika dia dikenakan kad kuning," kata Ferguson.
Rooney membalas reaksi peminat Everton dengan mencium lencana United, satu tindakan yang jelas sekali mencetuskan kemarahan penyokong bekas kelabnya itu.
Begitupun, FA mengesahkan yang mereka tidak akan meneruskan siasatan tersebut biarpun pengadil, Alan Wiley melihat insiden tersebut ketika itu.
Penyerang yang genap berusia 23 tahun Jumaat lalu itu berkata, dia mahu terus bersama kelab Old Trafford itu sehingga dia bersara.
- Agensi
manchesterunited
10/27/2008 04:40:00 PM
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Sikap Rooney jadi perhatian
WILEY (kanan) melayangkan kad kuning kepada
Rooney pada saingan liga di Goodison Park semalam.
LIVERPOOL - Sikap panas baran Wayne Rooney kembali mencetuskan kebimbangan selepas Alex Ferguson mendedahkan dia terpaksa mengeluarkan penyerang Manchester United itu ketika pasukannya seri 1-1 dengan Everton dalam saingan Liga Perdana England kelmarin. Keputusan itu dibuat selepas Ferguson berasa bimbang Rooney akan dilayangkan kad merah.
Rooney mengutip kad kuning pada aksi menentang bekas kelabnya itu pada minit ke-69 selepas mengkasari Mikel Arteta dan memberi reaksi kepada penonton di Goodison Park dengan mencium logo United pada jersi yang dipakainya selain menunjukkan jari ke udara.
Dua minit selepas itu, Ferguson mengeluarkan penyerang itu untuk digantikan oleh Nani kerana bimbang dia akan menerima kad merah daripada pengadil, Alan Wiley.
"Saya tidak tahu kenapa dia diberikan kad kuning," kata Ferguson mengenai Rooney.
"Saya terpaksa mengeluarkannya kerana bimbang dia akan diberikan kad merah, lagipun cara pengadil mengendalikan perlawanan itu agak mengecewakan saya." - AFP
manchesterunited
10/27/2008 10:26:00 AM
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Tevez tinggalkan Old Trafford?
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| TEVEZ gagal mendapat
tempat dalam skuad
utama United musim ini.
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LONDON - Masa depan Carlos Tevez di Old Trafford kini semakin samar selepas ejen kepada pemain itu, Kia Joorabchian mendedahkan bahawa pemain itu bakal berhijrah ke kelab lain. Begitupun, Joorabchian menjelaskan bahawa Tevez masih boleh kekal bersama United seandainya juara Liga Perdana England itu menyegerakan urusan untuk memberikan kontrak tetap kepada bintang Argentina itu sekurang-kurangnya pada Disember ini.
Sebelum ini, pihak lembaga United mengesahkan bahawa Tevez yang dipinjamkan ke kelab itu musim lalu bakal memperoleh kontrak tetap di Old Trafford.
Bagi pengurus Red Devils, Alex Ferguson pula, dia menegaskan bahawa perjanjian tersebut tidak boleh dilaksanakan sehingga berakhirnya kempen musim ini yang dijadualkan akan berakhir pada pertengahan tahun depan.
Namun, Joorabchian yang bertanggungjawab untuk membawa Tevez ke England tidak bersedia untuk menangguhkan perjanjian itu, sambil mengesahkan bakal membawa pemain itu ke Real Madrid, Inter Milan ataupun ke kelab Manchester City.
"Kami tidak boleh menunggu lagi kerana kami bimbang nilai Tevez di pasaran perpindahan pemain akan jatuh," jelas Joorabchian.
"Situasi ini tidak mustahil untuk berlaku jika Tevez gagal mendapat tempat dalam kesebelasan utama United."
Setakat ini, Tevez, 24, hanya beraksi dalam satu perlawanan daripada tujuh perlawanan terakhir sejak kehadiran pemain antarabangsa Bulgaria, Dimitar Berbatov ke Old Trafford awal musim ini. - Agensi
manchesterunited
10/27/2008 08:23:00 AM
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Sunday, October 26, 2008
Real akhirnya mengaku kalah
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| REAL terpaksa melupakan hasrat mendapatkan Ronaldo.
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LONDON – Kelab gergasi Sepanyol, Real Madrid akhirnya mengaku kalah dalam pemburuan untuk mendapatkan bintang Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo. Pemain sayap berusia 23 tahun itu yang mempunyai kontrak sehingga 2012 di Old Trafford telah dikaitkan dengan perpindahan ke Sepanyol awal tahun ini.
Begitupun presiden Real, Ramon Calderon memebritahu: “Manchester (United) tidak mahu kehilangannya, itulah masalahnya. Mereka amat serius mengenainya dan kini kami terpaksa melupakan niat itu.”
Ronaldo telah menjaringkan 41 gol musim lepas untuk United dan membantu menghadiahkan kejayaan berganda Liga Perdana England dan Liga Juara-Juara.
“United tidak mahu menjualnya dan kami tidak mahu menghadapi masalah dengan mereka kerana mereka adalah antara kelab terhandal di dunia,” katanya.
“Kamu tidak pasti apa yang akan terjadi pada masa depan, tapi Real tetap mahu mempunyai hubungan yang baik dengan United.
“Kami tidak mahu mengganggu mereka dengan apa cara mengenai pembelian pemain jika mereka tidak mahu menerimanya.
“Kami tahu bukan senang untuk membeli pemain dari kelab besar pada pertengahan musim.
“Saya tidak fikir kami akan membeli pemain lain melainkan kami menghadapi krisis kecederaan yang serius.”
– AFP
manchesterunited
10/26/2008 11:15:00 AM
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Hargreaves akan kekal di Old Trafford
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| HARGREAVES tidak akan dijual kepada
mana-mana kelab.
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LONDON - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson memberitahu bahawa perancang England, Owen Hargreaves yang mengalami kecederaan ketika ini bukan untuk dijual. Hargreaves tiba ke Old Trafford dari Bayern Munich tahun lepas dan perancang berusia 27 tahun itu memainkan peranan utama ketika United menewaskan Chelsea pada perlawanan akhri Liga Juara-Juara di Moscow.
Dia kini banyak menghabiskan musim keduanya ini di luar padang ekoran kecederaan dan terdapat laporan bahawa Ferguson merancang untuk menjual pemain kelahiran Kanada itu.
"Kami tidak akan menjualnya walaupun apa juga keadaan sekali pun," kata Ferguson.
"Perkara itu tidak ada dalam perancangan kami walaupun Owen masih dibelenggu kecederaan.
"Kami sentiasa mengingati sumbangan yang dilakukannya ketika membantu kami menjuarai gelaran Eropah." - AFP
manchesterunited
10/26/2008 10:55:00 AM
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Fergie tells Calderon to get Real
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Real Madrid are continuing to show "a complete arrogance" over the Cristiano Ronaldo saga.
Ferguson: Won't let go of Ronaldo
Ferguson and United made it clear during the summer they did not approve of Madrid's efforts to entice Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, and the Red Devils manager has now claimed he does not believe their pursuit is over.
The Premier League and Champions League winners refused to sell the Portuguese forward, and Madrid president Calderon recently said they would only reignite their interest if United wanted to do a deal.
But this week has seen a war of words between Ferguson and Calderon, and the United boss said: "I don't care two monkeys about our relationship with Real Madrid to be honest with you.
"We have the player we want. They don't have the player they would like. All that is going on regarding Calderon is to do with the fact that they couldn't get Cristiano.
"Calderon promised so much that he would get the lad. Some of his comments are ridiculous. There is a complete arrogance about it all.
"There was no question of Ronaldo leaving anyway, absolutely no question."
Ferguson added: "Yes, it's possible that these are the first shots of another attempt to get him. They do it all the time. We're ready.
"We have enough ammunition ready. I'm only using one gun at the moment. I'll get the gatling gun out in January!"
manchesterunited
10/26/2008 10:46:00 AM
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Premier League - Ronaldo: I made right choice
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he made the right decision to stay with Manchester United and expects to continue with them beyond this season.
The Portugal winger was courted by Spanish champions Real Madrid during the close season after he let slip he would like to play for them in the future, having won a Premier League and Champions League double with United.
After a meeting with United manager Alex Ferguson at the beginning of August, the 23-year-old finally ended the speculation by committing himself to staying in England for this season.
"Now I understand I have made the best decision. I am with Manchester in body and soul," Ronaldo told sports daily Marca.
"I am a Manchester player. I want to respect the club, my colleagues and the fans and don't want to talk about other teams at present. Only God knows the future. I think I will continue here next season."
Ronaldo is in the running for the 2008 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year after scoring 42 goals in United's double winning season last year.
He went on to reveal that he studies every game he plays in minute detail.
"Every time Manchester play, the club's television channel shows the game at midnight. I like to watch it and analyse everything I have done," he said.
"I believe this is a way to improve and smooth out errors. I want to be a better footballer and am completely dedicated to this."
manchesterunited
10/26/2008 10:25:00 AM
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Everton hampakan hajat United
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| FELLAINI (kiri) memusnahkan impian United apabila menanduk masuk gol penyamaan pada separuh masa kedua.
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LONDON - Manchester United hampa. Mereka melepaskan peluang untuk meriah tiga mata penuh gara-gara aksi hambar pada separuh masa kedua.
Kehilangan tiga mata itu turut menjejaskan misi mereka untuk mendekatkan diri dengan pendahulu liga ketika ini, Chelsea.
Semalam United seri 1-1 dengan Everton dan keputusan tersebut sangat mengecewakan pengurus, Alex Ferguson.
Pemain tengah, Darren Fletcher telah meletakkan juara bertahan Liga Perdana England itu di hadapan pada minit ke-22 tetapi kedudukan itu gagal dipertahankan apabila lawan mereka menyamakan kedudukan pada separuh masa kedua menerusi tandukan Marouane Fellaini.
Sebelum tamat aksi separuh masa pertama, United berpeluang menambah jaringan tetapi ia dipersiakan oleh barisan penyerangnya.
Dengan keputusan itu United masih ketinggalan lima mata di belakang Chelsea yang akan berdepan Liverpool hari ini.
Apa yang pasti Ferguson memang tidak berpuas hati dengan keputusan malah naik berang dengan rentak permainan yang dipamerkan oleh anak buahnya pada separuh masa kedua.
Dia juga marah dengan sikap pengadil, Alan Wiley yang gagal mengawal permainan itu dengan baik.
"Kami tidak beraksi dengan baik selepas mendapat gol pendahuluan itu dan pemain dilihat lebih banyak bertahan," kata Ferguson.
Menurutnya, pemain agak kehilangan rentak pada separuh masa kedua dan terlalu mudah terlepas kawalan bola.
"Keadaan ini menyukarkan kami dan ia dipergunakan sepenuhnya oleh Everton untuk mendapatkan gol penyamaan," katanya.
Bekas penyerang Everton, Wayne Rooney yang memburu gol ke-100 pada perlawanan itu telah dilayangkan kad kuning oleh pengadil dan selepas itu dia dikeluarkan oleh Ferguson.
"Pengadil memberi kad kuning kepadanya tanpa sebab. Saya fikir pengadil tidak membela pemain kami," kata Ferguson.
Di awal saingan United dilihat garang dengan beberapa ancaman yang dilancarkan oleh Ryan Giggs dan Cristiano Ronaldo ke gawang Everton tetapi usaha mereka tidak menepati sasaran.
Kehebatan penjaga gol United, Howard juga menjadi punca kegagalan United yang banyak menyelamatkan percubaan daripada Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic dan Giggs.
Everton akhirnya menghukum aksi hambar United pada minit ke-63 menerusi tandukan Fellaini yang mudah menyambar hantaran bekas pemain United, Phil Neville.
Pada perlawanan lain semalam Sunderland menewaskan Newcastle United 2-1 pada aksi yang berlangsung di Stadium of Light. - Reuters
manchesterunited
10/26/2008 09:18:00 AM
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Saturday, October 25, 2008
Premier League - Team news: United duo to return
Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are both set to return to the Manchester United squad for their trip to Everton on Saturday.
All kick-offs UK time. Click on the links below the photo for all the expected line-ups.
Saturday
Everton v Manchester United (12:00)
Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra should return to the Manchester United starting line-up for the clash with Everton at Goodison Park.
Ferdinand and Evra missed Tuesday's Champions League victory over Celtic with groin and hamstring injuries respectively.
Dimitar Berbatov will be available to partner Wayne Rooney in attack after recovering from a minor hip problem but Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves have both been ruled out with knee problems.
Joseph Yobo looks set to return having shaken off the virus that kept him out of Everton's loss at Arsenal last weekend.
Segundo Castillo is still doubtful as he battles with the hamstring injury he picked up on international duty with Ecuador while Victor Anichebe, who sustained a similar injury while turning out for the Toffees' reserves 10 days ago, is also a doubt.
Sunderland v Newcastle (12:45)
Dwight Yorke is set to return to the Sunderland line-up for the North-East derby having recovered from the knee injury that has kept him out since Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup qualifying win over the United States.
Nyron Nosworthy also returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring tear, along with Liam Miller (groin), while Kenwyne Jones and Martyn Waghorn (both knee) are outside chances of being included after returning to action with the reserves in midweek.
Newcastle's Joey Barton is available again after completing his six-match ban whilst Habib Beye will also be in the squad after having his red card against City rescinded.
But Michael Owen is definitely out as he continues to battle with a groin injury, as are Mark Viduka (Achilles) and Alan Smith (foot).
Nicky Butt faces a late fitness test on his foot after picking up a knock against Manchester City at the beginning of the week, but is expected to be included in the Magpies' starting line-up.
West Bromwich v Hull City (15:00)
West Brom central defender Abdoulaye Meite will be missing for his sixth game in a row as he continues to battle with a calf injury.
Filipe Teixeira, also a long-term absentee, has also delayed his comeback from a knee ligament injury as he too has picked up a calf problem in training.
Hull boss Phil Brown, meanwhile, will have close to a full-strength squad to choose from as Anthony Gardner returns from a thigh injury, while Stelios Giannakopoulos and Nick Barmby are both back in training, although they are unlikely to be risked.
Craig Fagan is the only player not to have trained this week as he continues to recuperate from his broken leg.
Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough (17:30)
Roque Santa Cruz will face a late fitness test ahead of Blackburn's clash with Middlesbrough at Ewood Park as he continues to battle with the hamstring injury that saw him miss the goalless draw with Bolton last weekend.
Christopher Samba is also an injury worry for boss Paul Ince but the defender is expected to start after recovering from the knock he suffered against Bolton when he ran into the post.
Turkey international Tuncay Sanli is expected to return for Middlesbrough after finally recovering from the knee ligament injury that has seen him sidelined since September.
Emanuel Pogatetz will return having completed his three-match ban, while Afonso Alves is also in line for a recall.
Full-back Justin Hoyte is not expected to be fit as he continues to struggles with a groin injury meaning David Wheater is likely to move across to right-back.
SUNDAY
Chelsea v Liverpool (13:30)
Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso are both expected to feature at Stamford Bridge after being substituted against Atletico Madrid in the midweek Champions League game.
Gerrard and Alonso were brought off because of tiredness and a knee injury respectively but should be recovered, while Robbie Keane (groin), who was also substituted during the 1-1 draw, will face a late fitness test.
Fernando Torres is almost certainly out and is more likely to return against Portsmouth on Wednesday.
Manchester City v Stoke (15:00)
Manchester City defender Micah Richards faces a late fitness test ahead of the visit of Stoke after suffering an ankle injury against Newcastle on Monday, with Nedum Onuoha set to replace him if necessary.
Martin Petrov, Michael Johnson and Valeri Bojinov are all out through injury while Pablo Zabaleta will also be absent as he serves the second of three matches suspended for a red card against Liverpool.
Ryan Shawcross is set for his first Premier League start since Stoke's opening-day defeat at Bolton with the 21-year-old likely to replace the injured Ibrahima Sonko for the trip to Manchester City.
Ricardo Fuller is also set for a return to the starting line-up after recovering from the after-effects of international duty with Jamaica, with either Mamady Sidibe or Dave Kitson demoted to the bench.
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton (15:00)
Under-fire boss Juande Ramos is facing a defensive crisis ahead of Tottenham's clash at home to Bolton.
Jonathan Woodgate was substituted with a groin problem during Spurs' UEFA Cup defeat at Udinese while captain Ledley King's struggles with knee injuries means he is unlikely to feature twice in a week.
Vedran Corluka is still recovering from his concussion and may not play, while Michael Dawson and Gareth Bale are both suspended after picking up red cards against Stoke last weekend.
Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko faces a late fitness test on his ankle, while midfielder Tom Huddlestone is out.
Bolton manager Gary Megson has only one injury concern with Ricardo Vaz Te still struggling with a knee injury.
The Portuguese striker will definitely miss the trip to Spurs but Megson has no other injury worries.
Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa (15:00)
Gabriel Agbonlahor is a major doubt for Villa after picking up a knee injury during their UEFA Cup win over Ajax in midweek.
Agbonlahor had to be stretchered off at Villa Park after sustaining cuts to his knee following a collision with Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer.
But fellow striker John Carew, who missed the Ajax match with illness, should return to the starting line-up.
Luis Antonio Valencia is suspended after receiving a red card during the defeat to Liverpool last weekend, meaning Jason Koumas is likely to line up on the right wing in Wigan's only enforced change.
West Ham v Arsenal (16:00)
Both captain William Gallas and fellow defender Kolo Toure should return for Arsenal's trip to West Ham, as they have recovered from thigh and shoulder injuries respectively.
Full-back Bacary Sagna also missed the Champions League rout of Fenerbahce in midweek, and is more likely to return next weekend against Tottenham.
Eduardo (broken leg) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) will both definitely miss out on the clash although the former is nearing a return.
Portsmouth v Fulham (17:00)
Roy Hodgson is set to name an unchanged Fulham squad for the trip to Portsmouth.
The only player not to train on Friday was Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen, who was sent home with a cold, but he is expected to start on the bench at Portsmouth regardless.
Harry Redknapp's injury worries are growing as Glen Johnson (pelvis) and Glen Little (torn hamstring) are ruled out of the Fratton Park clash.
Niko Kranjcar (ankle) has returned to training for the first time since August but will still miss out, while Lassana Diarra is a possibility after missing the last three games through suspension and a knee injury.
manchesterunited
10/25/2008 01:07:00 PM
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Ronaldo yakin bolot dua anugerah
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| RONALDO jadi calon pilihan rangkul anugerah Pemain Terbaik Eropah.
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ROM - Cristiano Ronaldo yakin dia akan dipilih sebagai pemenang anugerah Pemain Terbaik Dunia dan Eropah selepas membantu Manchester United memenangi gelaran Liga Juara-Juara dan Liga Perdana England musim lalu. "Secara jujurnya, ya... saya yakin," kata pemain sayap Portugal itu kepada akhbar La Gazzetta dello Sport semalam.
"Jika kamu menilai apa yang telah saya lakukan sepanjang musim lalu, saya fikir saya melakukannya lebih daripada orang lain.
"Apa yang yang perlu saya lakukan untuk memenangi anugerah Pemain Terbaik Eropah dan Dunia."
Dalam pada itu, Ronaldo, 23, yang menjaringkan 42 gol musim lalu mengakui, dirinya 'terseksa' selepas terpaksa beraksi dalam keadaan kesakitan di bahagian pergelangan kaki sebelum menjalani pembedahan selepas kempen Eropah (Euro) 2008.
"Pada masa ini, ia seperti meletakkan pisau di pergelangan kaki saya," kata Ronaldo yang menjadi pilihan untuk meraih kedua-dua anugerah berprestij itu.
"Saya terpaksa menahan sakit tetapi saya tidak kecewa. Saya terpaksa menghadapinya. Secara psikologinya, ia adalah satu penyeksaan."
Ronaldo diramal berdepan persaingan yang sengit daripada penyerang sensasi Liverpool, Fernando Torres dan rakan sepasukannya, Wayne Rooney.
Anugerah Pemain Terbaik Eropah akan diumumkan pada 2 Disember ini hasil undian 96 wartawan daripada seluruh dunia yang dianjurkan oleh majalah Perancis, France Football. - Agensi
manchesterunited
10/25/2008 10:26:00 AM
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Rooney kembali gegar Goodison Park
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| Penyerang Manchester United, Wayne Rooney (kiri) berjanji untuk mengekalkan rentak permainannya pada perlawanan menentang Everton di Goodison Park, hari ini. – Reuters
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LIVERPOOL, England – Wayne Rooney akan kembali ke stadium asalnya apabila Manchester United berkunjung ke Everton hari ini bagi meneruskan kecemerlangan pasukan itu. Rooney diramal akan menjaringkan gol kelab ke-100 di Goodison Park, tempat di mana dia memulakan kariernya ketika berusia 16 tahun.
Berusia 23 tahun menjelang perlawanan tersebut, Rooney berada pada tahap terbaik, selepas menjaringkan sembilan gol dalam tujuh perlawanan untuk England serta kelab.
Rooney mengakui tempoh enam tahun berlalu dengan pantas sejak dia mengecewakan hati David Moyes pada 2002.
Dia telah menjaringkan dua gol ketika menang 3-0 dalam Piala Liga ke atas Wrexham selepas dia menjaringkan gol pertamanya dalam Liga Perdana England ketika kemenangan 2-1 ke atas Arsenal pada tahun 2002.
Rooney merupakan penyerang pilihan Alex Ferguson di samping Dimitar Berbatov dan Carlos Tevez turut mengintai tempat yang sama di atas.
‘‘Saya telah menjaringkan beberapa gol dan saya cuba untuk mengekalkan rentak itu pada tahun ini. Kami mempunyai banyak penyerang hebat dan anda perlu mengekalkan kehebatan itu untuk berada dalam kesebelasan utama,’’ kata Rooney.
Selepas bermula suram pada awal kempen liga, Ferguson kini meletakkan sasaran untuk menjadi seperti ketika menjuarai liga dan Liga Juara-Juara musim lalu.
Rio Ferdinand dijangka kembali daripada kecederaan dan mengambil semula tempatnya yang digantikan dengan Jonny Evans sebelum ini.
Pemain antarabangsa Ireland Utara itu hanya tampil dalam tiga perlawanan dengan United pada musim ini tetapi dia telah menunjukkan permainan yang hebat ketika mengikat Chelsea 1-1 dalam liga dan ketika perlawanan menentang Villarreal dan Celtic dalam Liga Juara-Juara.
manchesterunited
10/25/2008 10:18:00 AM
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Rooney buru hadiah ulang tahun ke-23
LONDON - Penyerang Manchester United, Wayne Rooney (gambar) mahu meraikan hari ulang tahunnya dengan menewaskan bekas kelab lamanya, Everton dalam aksi Liga Perdana England malam ini. Bintang England itu genap berusia 23 tahun semalam dan dia kini berada dalam prestasi terbaik.
Rooney telah menjaringkan gol dalam dua perlawanan terakhir di Goodison Park dan dia mahu memburu mata penuh sebagai hadiah hari jadi paling bermakna buat dirinya.
"Kembali beraksi di Everton adalah sesuatu yang saya amat nantikan sejak awal kempen musim ini," kata Rooney.
"Saya tidak boleh tunggu ia datang lagi. Pertemuan ini dilangsungkan sehari selepas hari jadi saya dan saya jamin ia akan menjadi hadiah paling bermakna jika saya menjaringkan gol dan United menang.
"Kebanyakan ahli keluarga saya menyokong Everton, jadi saya jamin mereka pasti mahukan keputusan seri dengan saya menjaringkan gol.
"Tetapi saya akan cuba menghadiahkan tiga mata buat United. Kami perlu meneruskan momentum kami."
Rooney juga memberi amaran kepada rakan sepasukannya bahawa mereka tidak akan berdepan laluan mudah ketika menentang Everton yang bermula agak hambar pada awal kempen musim ini.
"Peminat Everton pastinya menantikan perlawanan ini, ia pastinya satu suasana yang menakjubkan.
"Saya kembali semula ke sana untuk mengalahkan pasukan mereka.
"Kami perlu bermain dengan rentak kami dan harapnya ia sudah cukup memberi kami kemenangan," tambah Rooney. - Agensi
manchesterunited
10/25/2008 09:02:00 AM
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Real End Ronaldo Pursuit
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has claimed his club are no longer interested in luring Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United.
The winger was at the centre of an exhausting summer transfer saga as La Liga champions Real pursued his services throughout Euro 2008 and pre-season.
But United maintained their stance they did not want to sell the Portugal international, who eventually opted to stay at Old Trafford.
And Calderon now insists he has permanently ended his efforts to entice the favourite for the 2008 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award.
"It (a deal for Ronaldo) is not possible," said Calderon. "That matter is over.
"We talked about that last season. Manchester decided they did not want to sell the player and we don't want to do anything against a friendly club like Manchester.
"We accept that Ronaldo decided to stay at Manchester. It is forgotten. Not only for January but, I think, for ever."
However, Calderon admits that, if United decided to put the 23-year-old up for sale, Real would consider an offer.
"Only if Manchester decided to sell will we be talking about it," he continued.
"But I would like to say clearly that Madrid is not doing anything to disturb a nice and friendly club like Manchester.
"That is the final word and we are happy."
Ronaldo now has his sights set on making history by helping United become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League.
"The summer has passed and what I had to say I said it," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I am at Manchester and I want to win again with Manchester.
"It was a fantastic season but what is more important is the trophies I won with Manchester United, the Premier League and the Champions League.
"Manchester have the potential, players, motivation to win the Champions League twice in a row.
"The team is more mature, has more experience and (Dimitar) Berbatov has arrived.
"We have to believe in ourselves. I hope to soon find the form that I had last season in order to do better than in the 2007-08 campaign."
Calderon, meanwhile, also provided a brief insight into the value AC Milan will derive from signing former Real midfielder David Beckham on loan.
"He is a very well-known player. He is a player who can give a lot to the club he signs for," said Calderon.
Beckham spent four seasons at the Bernabeu and Calderon added: "I have heard he is going to go to AC Milan.
"We wish David Beckham all the best. He performed fantastically. He decided to leave and now he has a new offer and it is up to him.
"He is a fantastic player, a nice person and we have a lot of good memories. The Real Madrid fans like him very much and he is always welcome at Real Madrid in any sense."
This summer Real sold Brazilian international Robinho to Manchester City for £32million.
Calderon feels City, with their vast Abu Dhabi backing, have the potential to become an established European power - but not overnight.
He added: "Manchester United has a long tradition and a lot of success and trophies.
"Manchester City are starting to sign good players and trying to be a good team. Maybe in the future but it has to last a few years."
manchesterunited
10/25/2008 08:11:00 AM
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Friday, October 24, 2008
Hargreaves Not For Sale - Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has assured Owen Hargreaves he is not for sale.
Hargreaves arrived in an £18million deal from Bayern Munich last year amid a big fanfare, with Ferguson declaring the midfielder's experience could prove the key to United landing the Champions League trophy again.
While those words proved correct, with the 27-year-old playing a major role in the defeat of Chelsea in Moscow, it has been the undoubted high spot of an injury-riddled time.
Troubled by tendinitis since before the move from Germany, Hargreaves is now experiencing a second season wrecked by the injury and reports have emerged that Ferguson is looking to offload the £18million man.
However, while Hargreaves is nowhere near a return to action after making just two appearances this term, Ferguson has assured the Calgary-born player his future remains at Old Trafford.
"For Owen's sake it is important we say he is not for sale," said Ferguson.
"Selling the boy is not even under consideration.
"It is a good story. The fact he has been injured a few times since he has been at the club.
"But United people remember what a contribution he made to us winning the European Cup. He was available in the second half of the season and played some important games for us."
United are preparing to send Hargreaves back to a specialist for an update on his worrying knee injury.
Hargreaves missed United's pre-season tour to South Africa and has since been restricted to just three senior appearances, the last of which came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the middle of last month.
Hargreaves has been doing running but no contact work as he tries to combat the pain and in another week, Ferguson expects to send the 27-year-old back to his specialist in Leicester for a further examination.
"We are managing the situation as best we can," said Ferguson.
"It is not an easy one because there is no doubt he is having some pain.
"But he is getting better. We will give it another week and then probably send him back to the specialist in Leicester."
The specialist has previously indicated his satisfaction at the progress being made by Hargreaves.
And Ferguson insists the former Bayern Munich man will eventually get back into the United side on a regular basis
"Owen is young enough to recover," said Ferguson.
"The specialist is happy with it. He thinks Owen is on the right way.
"It is frustrating though. It is such a tender bit at the front of the knee but I think he will be okay."
manchesterunited
10/24/2008 11:34:00 PM
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thirtysomething would suit Evans
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has admitted playing 30 games for the Red Devils this season would be beyond his wildest dreams.After two successful loan spells at Sunderland, Evans remained at Old Trafford this season with Sir Alex Ferguson assuring the young defender he is a major part of his plans for the future.
Ferguson is backing up his words with actions and, not for the first time, giving youth its chance.
Rather than go for the experience of Wes Brown, when first Nemanja Vidic then, last night against Celtic, Rio Ferdinand was missing, the United boss has put Evans straight in.
The Northern Ireland international has responded with a series of calm, assured displays, with United conceding just once in the three games he has been involved, and that was in the title showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Evans realises it might be the middle of next month and the Carling Cup tie with QPR before another opportunity comes his way. But he is determined to make the most of any chances that do arrive.
"It would be nice to get 30 games, in fact it sounds tremendous," said the 20-year-old.
"Even if I get up to 20 games it would be good.
"I benefit from extra confidence and experience just by being on the bus so I am really enjoying it at present."
At 20, Evans has plenty of time on his side. However, with youth does not always come patience.
So, Ferguson's repeated statements that the Northern Ireland star represents the future at Old Trafford do not help that much when you want to play now.
With Ferdinand and Vidic established as first choice defenders, breaking through is not going to be easy. It leaves Evans scanning the dressing room for examples to learn from.
"It does get frustrating," he said.
"There are so many top class players here who don't get a game every week.
"John O'Shea is one. He is a great player who could probably play in any position but he has to bide his time.
"I watch how well he takes it. He is a model professional and trains as hard as anyone."
Evans does not seem entirely convinced himself that his long-term future will be at United.
In highlighting the improvements he is making to his game, he states that even if he is forced to move on in a couple of years, he will be better for the experience.
Such defeatist talk may make Ferguson feel slightly uneasy.
Evans may not have been given the toughest workout by an outclassed Celtic sideon Tuesday night night but there is little doubt his manager is being sincere when he talks about the Belfast-born player's rare ability.
And, even Evans accepts to be picked against Chelsea last month when Vidic was suspended represented a huge show of faith.
"The manager could have tried someone else I suppose but he put me in, and against Villarreal before that, which was fantastic," he said.
"I had played against them for Sunderland, so I had that experience and to play in central defence at Stamford Bridge was a real confidence booster."
Indeed, those two spells at the Stadium of Light are the platform from which Evans is operating down.
While staying at Old Trafford either required persuasion in the face of numerous other offers, or simply being told what to do depending on whether you take Ferguson or Evans' observations at face value, Roy Keane is the man who gave the youngster his first chance to prove he was the equal of rave reviews received back in Northern Ireland.
"I can't speak more highly of my time at Sunderland and I am grateful to Roy Keane for giving me the chance to play Premier League football," he said.
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 09:49:00 PM
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Berbatov inspirasi kemenangan United
BERBATOV (kanan) meraikan jaringannya bersama rakan sepasukan, Jonny Evans pada aksi di Old Trafford kelmarin.
MANCHESTER - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson memberi pujian kepada bintang barunya, Dimitar Berbatov selepas pemain itu menjaringkan dua gol ketika juara bertahan itu menang 3-0 ke atas Celtic dalam aksi Liga Juara-Juara kelmarin. "Dia cukup fantastik. Ia adalah satu prestasi yang cukup menakjubkan. Berbatov sentiasa tenang ketika beraksi di atas padang dan hantaran juga sangat baik.
"Dia telah menunjukkan kehebatan dan saya fikir pemain memahami jenis pemain seperti ini," kata Ferguson.
Pemain antarabangsa Bulgaria itu menjaringkan dua gol masing-masing pada minit ke-30 dan 51 sekali gus membantu United berada di tangga teratas Kumpulan E dan berkongsi tujuh mata bersama Villarreal.
Kemenangan itu turut mencerahkan peluang United melangkah ke pusingan kalah mati selepas mengharungi tiga perlawanan.
"Sekarang ini, dia telah menjaringkan lima gol untuk kami dan saya fikir dia memberikan sumbangan yang hebat," tambah Ferguson.
Celtic yang tewas 18 dari 19 perlawanan di gelanggang lawan dalam aksi Liga Juara-Juara tidak mempunyai jawapan di atas kehebatan United yang banyak dibantu oleh Berbatov.
Satu lagi gol United pada aksi di Old Trafford kelmarin hadir menerusi Wayne Rooney.
"Saya tidak berada di sini hanya untuk duduk dan menjerit mengarahkan mereka," jelas pengurus Celtic, Gordon Strachan.
Strachan juga menggambarkan United sebagai pasukan terbaik di Eropah dan berkata, mereka adalah pasukan pilihan untuk mempertahankan gelaran Liga Juara-Juara.
"Perlawanan ini antara aksi yang menarik. Ia memerlukan pasukan lain untuk menewaskan mereka, itu sudah pasti.
"Wayne Rooney tidak boleh dipandang mudah. Apabila kamu melihat pemain seperti itu kamu akan berkata dia adalah pemain berkelas dunia. Dia turut dibantu enam pemain berkelas dunia dan tujuh pemain antarabangsa," katanya.
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 09:32:00 PM
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Fergie lega bintang baru tunai janji gegar Celtic
MANCHESTER: Sir Alex Ferguson menghambur kata-kata pujian ke atas dua gol sumbangan Dimitar Berbatov ketika menentang Celtic sebagai bukti terbaru betapa penggempur Bulgaria itu menjelmakan dimensi baru buat skuadnya hasil kebijaksanaan aksi serta sentuhan bisanya.
Dua gol daripada jarak dekat oleh Berbatov membantu United menang mudah 3-0 ke atas juara Scotland itu dan menjadikan jumlahnya kepada lima gol untuk United dalam enam perlawanan sejak perpindahan bernilai 30 juta pound dari Tottenham Hotspur.
Tetapi sumbangan keseluruhan penyerang itu kepada kelancaran gerak aksi menyerang United yang membuatkan Ferguson tidak lokek menghamburkan pujian untuknya.
"Dia menunjukkan beberapa aksi hebat bola sepak dan pemain-pemain lain mula faham dia pemain jenis apa.
"Kini mereka tahu bahawa apabila dia menerima bola dengan membelakangkan gol sebelum berpusing, dia akan menghasilkan umpanan yang berkesan. Bentuk beberapa umpanannya memang menakjubkan dan dia juga kini sudah ada lima gol - sumbangan yang juga menakjubkan."
Biarpun ada bayangan ofsaid kepada kedua-dua gol Berbatov itu, pengurus Celtic, Gordon Strachan mengakui skuadnya langsung ditenggelamkan barisan United dan Wayne Rooney melengkapkan satu lagi aksi hebat dengan gol kesembilannya dalam tujuh perlawanan untuk kelab dan skuad negaranya.
"Saya katakan kepada pemain selepas tamat perlawanan bahawa kami tidak boleh dipersalahkan kerana punya kesungguhan dan keberanian untuk bersaing.
"Kelemahan ketara yang jadi punca kekalahan kami ialah tidak mampu menyaingi kekemasan umpanan bola mereka. Sejak beberapa tahun lalu, kami sudah menentang beberapa barisan hebat tetapi saya rasa ini adalah yang terbaik untuk kami," katanya.
Kedua-dua pengurus mengakui Celtic merindui kelibat penggempur utama, Jan Vennegoor dan Georgios Samaras, meninggalkan hanya Scott McDonald berseorangan di barisan depan.
"Mereka biasanya mampu bermain dengan umpanan tinggi untuk penyerang tinggi dan mereka jelas berasa ketiadaannya. Tetapi kepantasan dan kemampuan kami sentiasa mengubah rentak juga jadi punca kami sentiasa mampu melepasi benteng mereka," kata Ferguson. - AFP
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 09:20:00 PM
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Rooney Record May Fall At Goodison
Wayne Rooney returns to Everton on Saturday knowing there could be no more fitting arena than Goodison Park to notch his 100th career goal.
It was at the famous Merseyside citadel that Rooney announced his arrival with a wondrous match-winner against Arsenal as a raw 16-year-old.
He went on to score 17 goals for his boyhood idols before he left for Manchester United, an acrimonious departure that will ensure he gets a hot reception from the Gwladys Street faithful this weekend.
Not that it has ever bothered Rooney before. And, as he celebrates his 23rd birthday on Thursday, the personal milestone would be just perfect.
"For obvious reasons, Saturday is a big game for me," he said.
"It is always nice for any player to score 100 goals and if I can do that back at Everton, where I started and at Goodison Park, where I scored my first Premier League goal, it would be really pleasing.
"But it wouldn't really matter if it was my first or my 100th, it would still be really sweet."
It is incredible to think Rooney has been a top-flight regular for more than six years now. Little wonder he was asked on England duty a couple of weeks ago whether he viewed himself as a father figure to Theo Walcott.
The statement brought a wry smile and a reminder of his age, although he is starting to appreciate his gifts a bit more.
"It doesn't feel like six years since I made my Premier League debut," he said.
"I remember Alan Stubbs telling me to try and enjoy it because time passes more quickly than you think. And it has flown by.
"I just want to try and enjoy every game and every season as much as I can because before too long it will be over."
Barring some unexpected mishap, Rooney could be terrorising defences for a decade yet, which, by current standards, is a frightening prospect for anyone.
The England hitman cannot quite put his finger on the transformation from a player effectively dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson for the home game against Bolton less than a month ago to the one that has now scored nine goals in seven games for club and country, including a well-taken effort in the demolition of Celtic at Old Trafford last night.
"I haven't got a clue what has changed," he said.
"I am starting to play a lot higher up the pitch and maybe I am attacking defenders a bit more than I was but the manager always allows you to attack players and create things in the opposition half. That has not changed.
"Obviously, when you score goals you get more confident and try different things. I am starting to run at defenders and commit them a bit more, so maybe that's it.
"I just know I was disappointed my goal ratio slipped from 23 to 18 last season, so I want to get it back into the 20s this season."
The most obvious aspect that has changed is the arrival and integration of Dimitar Berbatov into Ferguson's squad.
At first glance, the Bulgarian is a total opposite to Rooney's hustle and bustle.
His languid style has already brought accusations of laziness.
However, such observations overlook the ease with which Berbatov carries out the most difficult of tasks.
Aside from providing Rooney with the perfect example of how to use your energy where and when it matters, the £30.75million man provides extra space in which the Merseysider can give full rein to his own talents.
"Everyone knows about Berbatov," said Rooney.
"He links up play really well and he has a brilliant touch. He gets in positions that gives you a bit more space on the ball.
"He is settling in really well and hopefully he can start scoring as well."
Not that Rooney sees Carlos Tevez as a loser in the battle for a starting spot.
Ferguson admitted earlier this week he had considered whether it was possible to play his three front-line attacking stars in the same side and pointed out Tevez would have played against West Brom on Saturday if he had not been so late returning from World Cup duty with Argentina.
"I feel sorry for Carlos," said Rooney.
"He is a world-class player and I really enjoy playing with him.
"Unfortunately, he has not started the last few games. But he is a top player and I am sure when he gets his chance, he will take it.
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 08:58:00 PM
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Champions League - What the managers said
Group E
Manchester United 3-0 Celtic
Sir Alex Ferguson: "It was fantastic, a marvellous performance again. He (Dimitar Berbatov) is bringing that composure to the final third of the field. Hopefully the combination is developing with not only Wayne (Rooney) but also Carlos (Tevez), but he had a little hip injury tonight so we took him off."
Gordon Strachan: "In the past couple of years we have played some terrific sides but I think that's the best. It was one of the best performances I have come across watching European football. It will take some team to beat them, that's for sure. Wayne Rooney was unplayable. When you see players like that you have to say he's a world-class player, backed up by a couple of other world-class players and six or seven international players."
Villarreal 6-3 AaB Aalborg
Manuel Pellegrini: "Although we conceded more goals than usual, we showed we could turn it round. Overall I was pleased with our reaction in attack. It's a big step forward for us towards qualifying."
Group F
Bayern Munich 3-0 Fiorentina
Juergen Klinsmann: "The victory was very, very important and gives us lift. But we must build on this, we knew Fiorentina are a very strong, attacking team and had their chances to score a goal or two. We have to consitently reach that level and we hope we will just get better and better. I never doubted we would get to this level."
Steaua Bucharest 3-5 Olympique Lyon
Claude Puel: "We were up against it with those two stupidly conceded goals before a third in the same conditions a little before half-time. Many teams would have faded by we knew how to react. Even if we will once again talk of the team's defense, I would also like to underline the character and conviction of my team who were capable of overturning a situation like that."
Marius Lacatus: "We failed to continue playing the way we started and we gifted Lyon the victory, offering them excellent chances to score. They did not hang around and they killed us off."
Group G
Fenerbahce 2-5 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger: "We came her and tried to dictate the game in a very heated atmpshere. I think it was a good game because Fenerbahce were dangerous as well. Overall I believe our mobility, our technique, our pace was superior and that made a big difference tonight."
Luis Aragones: "We didn't play as a team. We were too much on the attack and we didn't concentrate enough on defending."
Porto 0-1 Dynamo Kiev
Jesualdo Ferreira: "I am very sad but we are still determined to qualify. We will now be aiming to win our next two ties (against Kiev and Fenerbahce)."
Group H
Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid
Claudio Ranieri: "Tonight we have been a bit lucky...but I must give credit to the players because they were compact and stopped Real playing like they are used to. We knew we were not doing so well this year but some of the criticism has been excessive. I knew the club was behind me. It was a game we have dreamed about for a long time."
Bernd Schuster: "In Spain we are used to starting games well but tonight it was complicated. Juventus were quick off the mark and it was tough for us. Everyone said Juve were not in great form but they showed tonight they are an aggressive side. We must find new resolve and beat Juve at home and move forward."
Zenit St Petersburg 1-1 BATE Borisov
Dick Advocaat: "I can only repeat what I've been saying after matches against Real and Juventus. We controlled the game and created numerous opportunities. We could have scored a lot more than one goal tonight but once again kept wasting our chances and if you don't score, your opponent will do it for you. That's an old rule of football."
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 08:52:00 AM
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Champions League - Berbatov and Rooney lead United stroll
Manchester United eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Celtic at Old Trafford to remain top of Champions League Group E.
Dimitar Berbatov put United ahead on the half-hour mark and doubled their lead on 50 minutes, before Wayne Rooney sealed victory with a fine strike late on to keep the defending champions on course for the knock-out phase.
Celtic were left to rue two poor decisions by the officials, who should have disallowed both Berbatov goals for offside, but ultimately offered little in the way of an attacking threat and were comprehensively outclassed.
United set out with the verve and vigour befitting of a team who have won five games in succession.
Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani poured forward and Berbatov's sublime movement and touch was the glue to bring it all together.
Celtic struggled to impose themselves, but enjoyed the first genuine chance of the evening when Aiden McGeady drew a sharp save from Edwin van der Sar with a 20-yard drive.
With Scott McDonald given the thankless task of leading the visitors' line alone, however, Gordon Strachan's men struggled to keep possession and all too often clearances came straight back at them with another wave of United attack.
On 18 minutes Nani drove to the touchline before finding Rooney with a fine pull-back 12 yards out. The England striker leapt acrobatically to volley goalwards, but Artur Boruc saved comfortably.
Gary Caldwell stung Van der Sar's fingers moments later with a belting shot from outside the box, but that would mark the death of Celtic's attacking intent.
On the half-hour mark United took a deserved lead when Berbatov stabbed home from close-range, after John O'Shea had directed Nani's corner into his path.
But replays showed the Bulgarian was in an offside position and the goal should not have stood.
Celtic went into the interval aggrieved, but in truth they had been outplayed and overwhelmed - and United appeared intent on compounding their superiority when they emerged for the second half.
Five minutes in Ronaldo unleashed a fierce shot from 30 yards and Boruc could only parry into the path of Berbatov, who gratefully tapped home.
But once again the referee's assistant should have lifted his flag. Berbatov was in an offside position when Ronaldo shot and the goal should have been ruled out.
Celtic were not without fortune. On 57 minutes Rooney went through and rounded Boruc before slotting home - only to be denied by another poor decision; this time the flag should have stayed down.
But the England striker would not be denied his ninth goal in seven matches for club and country. When substitute Carlos Tevez found him on the edge of the box with 79 minutes gone, Rooney engineered space and shot low in the bottom corner to put United out of reach.
The remainder of the match was played out without much incident, as Sir Alex Ferguson removed Ronaldo and Berbatov from the fray with the weekend's Premier League action in mind.
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 08:16:00 AM
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Ferguson Hails 'Terrific' Berbatov
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident record signing Dimitar Berbatov will make a big impact at Manchester United.
The £30.75million Bulgaria captain bagged his second successive brace in Champions League combat on Tuesday night, following up his double in Aalborg last month with two in United's comfortable home win over Celtic.
It took Berbatov's overall tally to five, with Ferguson seeing signs that the 27-year-old is becoming fully integrated into Old Trafford life.
"Dimitar produced some fantastic pieces of football," said Ferguson.
"The players are starting to understand what type of player he is a bit more now.
"I always feel he produces passes that mean something. Three or four of them were absolutely superb and overall he has five goals for us already, so he is making a terrific contribution."
Both Berbatov's goals appeared to be offside, which was fairly ironic as Wayne Rooney had one ruled out when TV replays showed he had timed his run perfectly to get on the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's through ball.
At least Rooney got his name on the scoresheet late on, completing a one-sided 'Battle of Britain' with his ninth goal in seven games for club and country.
It is the kind of hot streak that has been the trademark of Rooney's career, although Ferguson feels the England star is starting to inch towards the level of performance that is expected to win Ronaldo numerous world player of the year prizes.
"Wayne is capable of getting to that level," said Ferguson.
"Both him and Cristiano were teenagers when they came to us but their progress has been fantastic.
"The only reason we are not talking about Wayne at the same level as Cristiano is the fact one of them scored 42 goals last season. That is why Cristiano should win the Balon D'Or.
"If Wayne can get to that sort of level, he is there."
For once, Ronaldo found himself upstaged as United eased home.
Even without Rio Ferdinand, who should be fit to face Everton on Saturday after a picking up a minor groin strain in training, United had too much class for the Scottish champions.
A point in the return at Parkhead in a fortnight should be enough to take the Red Devils into the knockout stages, although Ferguson is taking nothing for granted.
"It was a bad night for Celtic," he said.
"I just felt we were always on the attack. The speed of our play was very good and we have to think a result in Glasgow will get us through.
"But Celtic have a very good record up there, so it will be a difficult game."
manchesterunited
10/22/2008 07:55:00 AM
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Status : married with two daughter