His Celtic boss Neil Lennon has valued him at 30 million pounds. :o
-
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Manchester United Season 2012-13
- Thread starter Alamaking
- Start date
His Celtic boss Neil Lennon has valued him at 30 million pounds. :o
imho, good, but not worth 30 million pounds, or even 20 million............ :o
Just kidding. :pChelsea, United target Genoa ace.
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly targeting Genoa defender Mario Sampirisi according to his agent Giuseppe Riso.
Sampirisi, 19, is a former AC Milan youth player and current Italian Under-21 right-back, and has been most impressive in his performances for the Rossoblu this season.
The defender has experienced a breakout season following his move to Genoa in 2011 and his eye-catching performances have not gone unnoticed with the Premier League heavyweights circling.
Riso said he has fielded a number of enquiries from Premier League clubs and that a move to England would suit the young defender.
"Chelsea and Manchester United interested in him? Yeah, they sent their scouts to follow him live but I don't know if they'll try to take him in January," Riso told tuttomercatoweb.
"Genoa do not want to sell. But I am not surprised that the Premier League clubs have their eye on him. Mario has the typical physique that British teams like. But also some Italian clubs are following him."
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly targeting Genoa defender Mario Sampirisi according to his agent Giuseppe Riso.
Sampirisi, 19, is a former AC Milan youth player and current Italian Under-21 right-back, and has been most impressive in his performances for the Rossoblu this season.
The defender has experienced a breakout season following his move to Genoa in 2011 and his eye-catching performances have not gone unnoticed with the Premier League heavyweights circling.
Riso said he has fielded a number of enquiries from Premier League clubs and that a move to England would suit the young defender.
"Chelsea and Manchester United interested in him? Yeah, they sent their scouts to follow him live but I don't know if they'll try to take him in January," Riso told tuttomercatoweb.
"Genoa do not want to sell. But I am not surprised that the Premier League clubs have their eye on him. Mario has the typical physique that British teams like. But also some Italian clubs are following him."
De Gea: I'm staying at United
David De Gea has pledged his future to Manchester United amid reports that Spanish giants Real Madrid are preparing a bid to entice the young keeper back to La Liga.
De Gea, 21, is seen as the logical replacement for Iker Casillas but says he is happy at United and has no plans to return to Spain.
The former Atletico Madrid No. 1 seems to have finally settled at Old Trafford following his move last summer and despite some mixed form in his time in the Premier League, he feels that England is the best place to continue his football development.
"I am happy at United and not thinking about a return to Spain," De Gea said."I've accepted the challenge to learn and improve as a professional ."
De Gea faces a strong challenge from Anders Lindergaard for the United No.1 mantle, but the young Spaniard is determined to make the position his own.
David De Gea has pledged his future to Manchester United amid reports that Spanish giants Real Madrid are preparing a bid to entice the young keeper back to La Liga.
De Gea, 21, is seen as the logical replacement for Iker Casillas but says he is happy at United and has no plans to return to Spain.
The former Atletico Madrid No. 1 seems to have finally settled at Old Trafford following his move last summer and despite some mixed form in his time in the Premier League, he feels that England is the best place to continue his football development.
"I am happy at United and not thinking about a return to Spain," De Gea said."I've accepted the challenge to learn and improve as a professional ."
De Gea faces a strong challenge from Anders Lindergaard for the United No.1 mantle, but the young Spaniard is determined to make the position his own.
Ferguson: Title is a three-horse race
Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the Premier League title credentials of Arsenal and Tottenham, insisting this year's title is a three-horse race between Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
In a bid to emphasise the importance of United's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Ferguson warned his team that they need to maintain pace with the league leaders to avoid playing catch-up all season.
The Red Devils boss believes that the standard set by the top three early on is so high that it is unlikely Everton, Arsenal and Spurs could make a surge for the title.
"I think Chelsea, Manchester City and ourselves seem to be creating that little gap from the rest," Ferguson said. "It's difficult to be dead certain but I would be surprised if one of us didn't win it."
Chelsea have already created a four-point advantage over second-placed United and with another tough fixture against Arsenal next weekend, Ferguson is wary that the gap could widen if his players do not step up.
"It could be a league in which you will suffer if you lose bad ones," Ferguson said. "We couldn't afford to lose to Tottenham the way we did. We gave two goals away and you cannot do that at this level. If we get any more of that we'll be in trouble.
"Chelsea are undefeated and that gives you an idea of the level of consistency they have produced. There are a lot of big games to come, of course, but I think it will be close. The game will be important to us, there is no doubt about that."
While United have not recorded a Premier League win at Stamford Bridge since a 3-0 rout over the Blues in 2002, Ferguson believes the history of the clubs and their respective summer signings will make the match unpredictable.
"Our record down there is amazing," Ferguson said. "It will change sometime - hopefully Sunday. We've had a couple of horrible refereeing decisions that have cost us points down there. Apart from last season, the previous six or seven seasons have been us and Chelsea for the League, so that gives you an idea of how we approach this game. It's going to be a hard one.
"[Robin] Van Persie's performances are getting better all the time now. Hopefully it does make a difference. We bought him for that reason - to make a difference. When we realised he wasn't going to sign for Arsenal, we really did our very best to get him and we succeeded.
"The signs have been terrific and he has made an impact immediately. It's very difficult bedding in new players but the thing at any big club is that you don't stand still.
"Chelsea have brought in Oscar and Hazard, two similar type players, I think. They're adapting to having these players with [Juan] Mata also. They're in behind the front player all the time and it's not an easy system to deal with. It's an interesting formation and we just have to find a way.
"Strong squads, particularly Chelsea and ourselves in terms of recent history, will always guarantee we will be able to handle the number of games you have to play."
Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the Premier League title credentials of Arsenal and Tottenham, insisting this year's title is a three-horse race between Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
In a bid to emphasise the importance of United's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Ferguson warned his team that they need to maintain pace with the league leaders to avoid playing catch-up all season.
The Red Devils boss believes that the standard set by the top three early on is so high that it is unlikely Everton, Arsenal and Spurs could make a surge for the title.
"I think Chelsea, Manchester City and ourselves seem to be creating that little gap from the rest," Ferguson said. "It's difficult to be dead certain but I would be surprised if one of us didn't win it."
Chelsea have already created a four-point advantage over second-placed United and with another tough fixture against Arsenal next weekend, Ferguson is wary that the gap could widen if his players do not step up.
"It could be a league in which you will suffer if you lose bad ones," Ferguson said. "We couldn't afford to lose to Tottenham the way we did. We gave two goals away and you cannot do that at this level. If we get any more of that we'll be in trouble.
"Chelsea are undefeated and that gives you an idea of the level of consistency they have produced. There are a lot of big games to come, of course, but I think it will be close. The game will be important to us, there is no doubt about that."
While United have not recorded a Premier League win at Stamford Bridge since a 3-0 rout over the Blues in 2002, Ferguson believes the history of the clubs and their respective summer signings will make the match unpredictable.
"Our record down there is amazing," Ferguson said. "It will change sometime - hopefully Sunday. We've had a couple of horrible refereeing decisions that have cost us points down there. Apart from last season, the previous six or seven seasons have been us and Chelsea for the League, so that gives you an idea of how we approach this game. It's going to be a hard one.
"[Robin] Van Persie's performances are getting better all the time now. Hopefully it does make a difference. We bought him for that reason - to make a difference. When we realised he wasn't going to sign for Arsenal, we really did our very best to get him and we succeeded.
"The signs have been terrific and he has made an impact immediately. It's very difficult bedding in new players but the thing at any big club is that you don't stand still.
"Chelsea have brought in Oscar and Hazard, two similar type players, I think. They're adapting to having these players with [Juan] Mata also. They're in behind the front player all the time and it's not an easy system to deal with. It's an interesting formation and we just have to find a way.
"Strong squads, particularly Chelsea and ourselves in terms of recent history, will always guarantee we will be able to handle the number of games you have to play."
Man United hold Rio extension clause
Manchester United hold an option to extend Rio Ferdinand's contract which was thought to expire at the end of the current campaign.
The clause, which is understood to be similar to the one which the club had with Dimitar Berbatov, means that the former England international is not necessarily a free agent at the end of the season as suggested.
West Ham have already been linked with a summer move for Ferdinand, with manager Sam Allardyce admitting he would be interested if the defender left Old Trafford. And there would likely be lucrative interest from abroad in the 33-year-old's signature.
Sir Alex Ferguson has already hinted that Ferdinand could be set to extend his stay with United, despite the duo's public falling out recently over the player's refusal to wear a Kick It out t-shirt.
"I think Rio can play for two or three more years," Ferguson said recently. "He is not as quick as he was but that is not a big issue for me. His experience is important and there is no reason he can't stay on. I didn't even realise his contract was up."
An ESPN source said: "Rio has this year and one more year on his present contract. It is a kind of an option."
Manchester United hold an option to extend Rio Ferdinand's contract which was thought to expire at the end of the current campaign.
The clause, which is understood to be similar to the one which the club had with Dimitar Berbatov, means that the former England international is not necessarily a free agent at the end of the season as suggested.
West Ham have already been linked with a summer move for Ferdinand, with manager Sam Allardyce admitting he would be interested if the defender left Old Trafford. And there would likely be lucrative interest from abroad in the 33-year-old's signature.
Sir Alex Ferguson has already hinted that Ferdinand could be set to extend his stay with United, despite the duo's public falling out recently over the player's refusal to wear a Kick It out t-shirt.
"I think Rio can play for two or three more years," Ferguson said recently. "He is not as quick as he was but that is not a big issue for me. His experience is important and there is no reason he can't stay on. I didn't even realise his contract was up."
An ESPN source said: "Rio has this year and one more year on his present contract. It is a kind of an option."
Cole won't rule out United move
Ashley Cole will not rule out the possibility of joining Manchester United when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season despite a raft of interest from abroad, ESPN understands.
Cole, 31, will be out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer and with the club so far refusing to offer him anything more than a one-year extension - in line with their policy for players over 30 - the left-back is seriosuly considering his options.
It is believed that five European clubs have expressed an interest and made it clear they want to be kept informed of developments, with United thought to be one of them. ESPN understands that three of those clubs are willing to put a firm offer on the table.
The England international would prefer to stay at Chelsea but while many believe a move to Europe will be his most likeliest of options, the player is refusing to rule out a move to one of his current club's biggest rivals.
"Ashley is cool, relaxed about his future and his contract," a source told ESPN. "He wants to stay at Chelsea, but there are no further plans for more talks.
"Everyone at the club can see the sense of offering Ashley a longer contract as he is only just over 30, but until the owner relents there is little point in having more talks.
"As for Manchester United. Why not? Ashley hasn't made up his mind about anything, but there are offers from France, Spain and Italy, so he has a wide choice. You would need to ask him if he fancies going abroad or would stay in England. He won't be going to Russia though.
"There is nothing Ashley has said that would preclude going to Manchester United, but it's Chelsea where he wants to stay, so its really up to Roman Abramovich what happens next."
Ashley Cole will not rule out the possibility of joining Manchester United when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season despite a raft of interest from abroad, ESPN understands.
Cole, 31, will be out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer and with the club so far refusing to offer him anything more than a one-year extension - in line with their policy for players over 30 - the left-back is seriosuly considering his options.
It is believed that five European clubs have expressed an interest and made it clear they want to be kept informed of developments, with United thought to be one of them. ESPN understands that three of those clubs are willing to put a firm offer on the table.
The England international would prefer to stay at Chelsea but while many believe a move to Europe will be his most likeliest of options, the player is refusing to rule out a move to one of his current club's biggest rivals.
"Ashley is cool, relaxed about his future and his contract," a source told ESPN. "He wants to stay at Chelsea, but there are no further plans for more talks.
"Everyone at the club can see the sense of offering Ashley a longer contract as he is only just over 30, but until the owner relents there is little point in having more talks.
"As for Manchester United. Why not? Ashley hasn't made up his mind about anything, but there are offers from France, Spain and Italy, so he has a wide choice. You would need to ask him if he fancies going abroad or would stay in England. He won't be going to Russia though.
"There is nothing Ashley has said that would preclude going to Manchester United, but it's Chelsea where he wants to stay, so its really up to Roman Abramovich what happens next."
Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Smalling and Jones closing in on comebacks
The Red Devils boss is set to have his defensive options boosted after confirming the duo should return within the next week after failing to make an appearance so far this season
Oct 30, 2012 5:20:00 PM
By Shane Farrington
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones could be poised to make a return to action within the next week, with the former a possibility for the Champions League trip to Braga on November 7.
Goal.com exclusively revealed on October 23 that Smalling was closing in on a return to action after being sidelined with a broken metatarsal picked up in the summer.
Like Smalling, ex-Blackburn Rovers man Jones has yet to play for the club so far this season after picking up back and knee injuries.
"We will try to push Chris on quickly” he told reporters. “I don't think he will make Wednesday's game [against Chelsea] but I am sure he will be ready for the following week.
"There was some hope both he and Phil would be back for this busy schedule. Phil will be starting football training next Monday. He still has some running to do. The good news is they are not far away."
Club captain Nemanja Vidic remains on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery and while he is expected back in December, Goal.com exclusively revealed the club are unwilling to pinpoint a specific return date.
Man U needs a defender or defensive midfielder come Jan. otherwise we'll have another barren season again.
Nani will be shown the door for sure n Anderson could follow. Fergie would only push for change if n when they've agreed on the new players coming in. In so many words, they can only buy if they sell. Jan transfer window could very well be a non event at OT.
Nani will be shown the door for sure n Anderson could follow. Fergie would only push for change if n when they've agreed on the new players coming in. In so many words, they can only buy if they sell. Jan transfer window could very well be a non event at OT.
Oh no! :(
Article from espnsoccernet.com
Van Persie joins Rooney on injury list
Manchester United face injury concerns over their two leading strikers after Robin van Persie followed Wayne Rooney in withdrawing from his country's squad for Wednesday's friendlies.
Rooney will miss England's international with Sweden because of an ankle injury while Van Persie has suffered a thigh strain that will keep him out of Netherlands' game with Germany.
It could leave Sir Alex Ferguson with only two fit forwards - Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck - for Saturday's trip to Norwich, which is the first of four games in 11 days.
The Scot has already guaranteed Hernandez a start at Carrow Road after he scored twice as a substitute in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa to take his tally to seven goals from his last five games.
Van Persie has been an ever present in the Premier League since his £24 million move from Arsenal in August, scoring eight goals in nine starts and setting up Hernandez's winner at Villa Park.
While he has a reputation for being injury prone, the Dutchman has not missed a league game since Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Sunderland in March 2011.
Rooney missed a month of the season because of a gash to his thigh, sustained in the 3-2 win over Fulham, but has started the last five league games.
After his withdrawal, England manager Roy Hodgson called up winger Wilfried Zaha from Championship club Crystal Palace.
Without Van Persie, who has scored 31 times in 71 appearances for Netherlands, Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is likely to lead the line against Germany.
Article from espnsoccernet.com
Van Persie joins Rooney on injury list
Manchester United face injury concerns over their two leading strikers after Robin van Persie followed Wayne Rooney in withdrawing from his country's squad for Wednesday's friendlies.
Rooney will miss England's international with Sweden because of an ankle injury while Van Persie has suffered a thigh strain that will keep him out of Netherlands' game with Germany.
It could leave Sir Alex Ferguson with only two fit forwards - Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck - for Saturday's trip to Norwich, which is the first of four games in 11 days.
The Scot has already guaranteed Hernandez a start at Carrow Road after he scored twice as a substitute in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa to take his tally to seven goals from his last five games.
Van Persie has been an ever present in the Premier League since his £24 million move from Arsenal in August, scoring eight goals in nine starts and setting up Hernandez's winner at Villa Park.
While he has a reputation for being injury prone, the Dutchman has not missed a league game since Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Sunderland in March 2011.
Rooney missed a month of the season because of a gash to his thigh, sustained in the 3-2 win over Fulham, but has started the last five league games.
After his withdrawal, England manager Roy Hodgson called up winger Wilfried Zaha from Championship club Crystal Palace.
Without Van Persie, who has scored 31 times in 71 appearances for Netherlands, Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is likely to lead the line against Germany.
Glazer family tried to hide Manchester United finances ahead of stock market flotation
The owner of the Old Trafford club attempted to resist further investigation by a US financial department into the club's intentions before their Initial Public Offering in August
Nov 14, 2012 11:35:00 AM
By Tom J Doyle
Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer reportedly attempted to cover up the full extent of the club's finances before their high-profile public flotation on the stock market
Letters between club executives and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reveal the owner's attempts to keep the risky nature of the deal secret.
The Initial Public Offering (IPO) raised almost €190 million in sold shares for the owners, with around €87m of that used to clear debts at the club.
The SEC had to make several demands to the club to gain information on the ownership structure at the club, how being registered to the Cayman Islands affected potential shareholders and the full extent to the revenues made.
United officials, however, have denied that there was any tension between the club and the SEC throughout the negotiations.
“As with every SEC filer, we went through several rounds of SEC comments,” United’s director of communications, Phil Townsend, told Bloomberg.
“Our interaction with the SEC was very positive and we look forward to many, many years as a US public company.”
United's failures on the field in 2011-12, which saw them eliminated early from the Champions League and lose the Premier League title to Manchester City were reflected on the balance sheet, with the club reporting a loss in its first quarterly results after the IPO.
The club had also come close to recording a loss in the two seasons previous, with only the £80m [€100m] sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, to Real Madrid, keeping the club's finances in order.
United “would have lost money in two of the last three years but for the extraordinary results due to the sale of a player [Ronaldo],” the SEC claimed earlier this year.
The SEC wished to know how much of a say investors would get in running the club's affairs, however, in a prospectus written up ahead of the flotation, United warned investors: “Our principal shareholder [Glazer] will be able to exert control over us and our significant corporate decisions.”
When the SEC requested information on the duties of board members, and their roles in the club, United were described as “a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and match day.”
Cantona: I'd love to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss
The former striker admits that he would definitely return to Old Trafford as the chief, but insists that he wants the 70-year-old boss to stay in the hot seat for years to come
Nov 15, 2012 12:33:00 AM
By Ryan Benson
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has admitted that he would love to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager one day, but hopes the Scot continues for the foreseeable future.
The former France forward is currently director of soccer at the New York Cosmos, and while the 46-year-old says he wants Sir Alex to be the United boss forever, he has admitted that he would like to take over at Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Cantona said: "Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more.
"And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager for ever. He's a winner, that's why he has won so many things.
"It's what is incredible with him, next game is like the first game of his career, and he gives you that – his passion, his love of the game, love of winning things."
Although he wants Ferguson to stay in the job for as long as possible, he admits if he was ever offered the chance to succeed him he would accept it in the drop of a hat.
He continued: "I would say, 'United is special, of course I would do it'. Today I'm with the New York Cosmos.
"But if one day there is an opportunity, why not? Like diving from here to the sea, watching, speaking to the fish, octopus, crabs, journalists."
RVP's performance was poor last night and I think he's injured. He appeared awkward throughout the game and his movement was totally out of sync with the rest of the team. Lets hope it's nothing serious.
You could almost sense that Fergie must have put his boots in the arse of several under performing players at HT- Rooney and Young are the main culprits. Young has been a revelation of sorts. His performance since his arrival from Villa is simply mediocre. Wat happen to this fella? It's really painful to watch him play.
You could almost sense that Fergie must have put his boots in the arse of several under performing players at HT- Rooney and Young are the main culprits. Young has been a revelation of sorts. His performance since his arrival from Villa is simply mediocre. Wat happen to this fella? It's really painful to watch him play.
RVP's performance was poor last night and I think he's injured. He appeared awkward throughout the game and his movement was totally out of sync with the rest of the team. Lets hope it's nothing serious.
You could almost sense that Fergie must have put his boots in the arse of several under performing players at HT- Rooney and Young are the main culprits. Young has been a revelation of sorts. His performance since his arrival from Villa is simply mediocre. Wat happen to this fella? It's really painful to watch him play.
Never heard the phrase "revelation of sorts" used in a negative sense.
You're probably right about all 3 though, RVP, Rooney and Young. The first is playing funny, the other 2 look out of sorts.
Michael Owen. He had time to grow this moustache while sitting on Stoke City's bench.
from espnsoccernet.com
Guardiola eager to succeed Fergie
Pep Guardiola could succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss when the 70-year-old retires, according to reports.
Rafa Benitez is believed to be a temporary replacement at Chelsea as owner Roman Abramovich attempts to lure Guardiola into a full-time position at the club for next season.
But while Guardiola has remained coy on his future after a hiatus from the game, the Sun has reported that the Spaniard is set to turn down Chelsea's offer and wait for a move to Old Trafford.
"The whole history of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex and the way the club is run appeals to Pep," a source close to Guardiola told the Sun. "Right now I'd be astonished if he went to Chelsea. He really wants to wait for the United job even if it means extending his time out of the game."
It is believed that Abramovich's influence on the playing style at Chelsea has deterred Guardiola.
Guardiola eager to succeed Fergie
Pep Guardiola could succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss when the 70-year-old retires, according to reports.
Rafa Benitez is believed to be a temporary replacement at Chelsea as owner Roman Abramovich attempts to lure Guardiola into a full-time position at the club for next season.
But while Guardiola has remained coy on his future after a hiatus from the game, the Sun has reported that the Spaniard is set to turn down Chelsea's offer and wait for a move to Old Trafford.
"The whole history of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex and the way the club is run appeals to Pep," a source close to Guardiola told the Sun. "Right now I'd be astonished if he went to Chelsea. He really wants to wait for the United job even if it means extending his time out of the game."
It is believed that Abramovich's influence on the playing style at Chelsea has deterred Guardiola.
Similar threads
