Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by imom

Wanted to post this when Jim White first published it. Have never believed the Glazers were real investors, putting such a highly-geared deal together for the takeover. Jim White puts it forward well in this article. Their only saving grace is that they left Fergie alone to run the show.
Btw, that 500mil quid bond deal? It has a clause that lets them bloodsuckers scoop 130mil of it if they manage to raise the 500mil..

Imomy, good of you to re-produce this. Puts in perspective, on how some "owners" use other people's money and lay on the debt against club purchase. Hands off fergie means also dipping their hands in the candy jar! Double digit almost tailong financing cost! Begs question shdn't they be personally liable, kns!

[devilson]

[QUOTE=imom;4488584]Wanted to post this when Jim White first published it. Have never believed the Glazers were real investors, putting such a highly-geared deal together for the takeover. Jim White puts it forward well in this article. Their only saving grace is that they left Fergie alone to run the show.

Btw, that 500mil quid bond deal? It has a clause that lets them bloodsuckers scoop 130mil of it if they manage to raise the 500mil.QUOTE]

I had never believe the Glazers to be real investors cause MOST AMERICANS dont watch soccer themself...so how am i suppose to be convince that they buy MAN UTD for the love of soccer and the club itself...their main objective seems to be pocketing more and more money in their own pockets.

[richie_rich]

Originally Posted by imom

Btw, that 500mil quid bond deal? It has a clause that lets them bloodsuckers scoop 130mil of it if they manage to raise the 500mil.

why can't some arabs who are united fans (if there are any) with deep deep pockets buy the Glazers off and ask those yanks to f off and go watch their baseball instead?
the americans are nothing but trouble and gold diggers. what investors??

[devilson]

Originally Posted by richie_rich

why can't some arabs who are united fans (if there are any) with deep deep pockets buy the Glazers off and ask those yanks to f off and go watch their baseball instead?
the americans are nothing but trouble and gold diggers. what investors??

Nah i dont think Man Utd need owners that spend money like the world is gonna end tomoro. The new owners just need to clear those f debts and dont be stingy with money. SIR ALEX FERGUSON IS NO MOURINHO OR BENITEZ. They need clubs with owners that have deep pockets. Ferguson spends when he need to. He doesnt spend unnecessarily. For example Cristiano Ronaldo, bought for 12.24M pounds sold for huge 80M pounds. His replacement Valencia, bought for 16M pounds. Everyone knew he wanted Ribery...

[richie_rich]

Originally Posted by devilson

Nah i dont think Man Utd need owners that spend money like the world is gonna end tomoro. The new owners just need to clear those f debts and dont be stingy with money. SIR ALEX FERGUSON IS NO MOURINHO OR BENITEZ. They need clubs with owners that have deep pockets. Ferguson spends when he need to. He doesnt spend unnecessarily. For example Cristiano Ronaldo, bought for 12.24M pounds sold for huge 80M pounds. His replacement Valencia, bought for 16M pounds. Everyone knew he wanted Ribery...

bro, what i meant was at least the arabs (or russians or anybody for that matter) with deep pockets would not 'buy' the club with borrowed money and then saddle the club with debts which they cannot service.
best scenario is of cos the owner with deep pockets are genuine United fans, not investors hoping to fatten their own wallets.
United have a great stadium that's always filled to its capacity (more than 70000) for every home game in the BPL. We have also done so well in the Champs League and are (and will continue to be) Champions in England. But where are all the money? This is not even taking into consideration the money from the various sponsors.
Yet, the current debt situation is such that United got to sell off the club's best assets one by one to keep the club afloat - 1st Ronaldo, now they're thinking about selling the training ground at Carrington.
it's not about the money to buy players.

[richie_rich]

TEVEZ: GOADING WAS JUST A RESPONSE

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has defended his controversial goal celebrations against former club Manchester United on Tuesday, insisting they were "a response to them saying I was not worth the money".

Tevez, who joined City in the summer after United decided not to spend £25million to keep him, goaded former United team-mate Gary Neville during his two-goal performance in the 2-1 Carling Cup semi-final first-leg victory. Neville publicly backed Sir Alex Ferguson's decision not to buy the forward.

The Argentina striker also gestured towards the United directors but insists there was "nothing malicious intended".

"Gary was very disrespectful, which is out of character, but he didn't know the whole story of why I left Manchester United and I believe I deserved his respect," Tevez said.

"Football is a form of theatre and it was just a form of banter. There was nothing malicious intended. I was not trying to incite anyone but I was entitled to say to Neville that he should have been more respectful.

"For the second goal I ran to the touchline and cupped my ears and looked up to the part of the ground where the United directors were sitting, and also to Ferguson in the dugout, because I wanted them to know this was my response to them saying I was not worth the money.

"People from United have been speaking about me publicly and criticising me but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch because that was the best way of responding to all these people, such as Neville, who were saying United were right to let me go."

[devilson]

Originally Posted by richie_rich

bro, what i meant was at least the arabs (or russians or anybody for that matter) with deep pockets would not 'buy' the club with borrowed money and then saddle the club with debts which they cannot service.
best scenario is of cos the owner with deep pockets are genuine United fans, not investors hoping to fatten their own wallets.
United have a great stadium that's always filled to its capacity (more than 70000) for every home game in the BPL. We have also done so well in the Champs League and are (and will continue to be) Champions in England. But where are all the money? This is not even taking into consideration the money from the various sponsors.
Yet, the current debt situation is such that United got to sell off the club's best assets one by one to keep the club afloat - 1st Ronaldo, now they're thinking about selling the training ground at Carrington.
it's not about the money to buy players.

well got to agree to that...HOPE they dont sell any star players anymore...
ESPECIALLY that pain in the ass to all defenders in the world...u know who im talking bout...(NONO...not that bulgarian pain in my ass...) im gonna expect them not buying anyone this month...tho i hope they get some good defenders...O'Shea out for whole season...Ol' Snoop-look-alike getting older with back pain and stuff...(maybe he should play with a walking stick,that will help i guess) RAFAEL NEEDS MORE TACKLING TRAINING (he's good tho)...he caused 2 penalty already...maybe could get both hands on Neven Subotic (U21 Serbian defender),Chygrynskiy (Barcelona) or Andriy Rusol (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)..

[machoman]

Ferguson tells fans to forget finances and relish Rooney
Sunday, January 24, 2010, 09:11:41 HRS

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (3rd L) scores the opening goal of their English Premier League match against Hull City at Old Trafford in Manchester. Rooney scored four goals in a match for the first time in his career to send United back to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday after a 4-0 win.

Sir Alex Ferguson has pleaded with Manchester United supporters to put their dissatisfaction with the club's owners behind them and back his team as they attempt to retain their Premier League title.

Before Saturday's 4-0 victory over Hull, which featured an astonishing four-goal performance from Wayne Rooney, Ferguson used his programme notes to appeal for United's increasingly militant fans to cease their campaign against the Glazer family.

"The family of Manchester United is under pressure as a result of all the issues and controversies surrounding the ownership and financial situation of our club," wrote Ferguson. "Some of our fans are clearly unhappy with the financial position, but we mustn't allow the situation to become divisive.

"I could see our opponents rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of watching us fall out among ourselves if we don't all think carefully about what we are doing."

During the victory over Hull, which took United to the top of the table for the first time in over three months, supporters sporadically broke into chants against the Glazers although Ferguson insisted that was no problem for his players.

"I don't think it was dissenting against them at all and I don't think it affected the players," he said.

Instead, Ferguson focused upon Rooney's performance, which took his season's tally to 20 goals, three short of his personal best.

"Wayne's goals were, without a doubt, the highlight," said Ferguson.

"It's the first time he has scored four for us and the first time a United player has scored four since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer some years ago.

"That was pleasing. He's in great goal scoring form at the moment. I think he'll better 23, I'm sure of that. He's in great goalscoring form and that's an encouragement for Wayne. He'll want to develop himself as a scorer and today there were some terrific finishes."

Ferguson was also content with the return of England defender Rio Ferdinand for the first time since October.

He said: "I thought, apart from a spell with 20 minutes to go, that the back four looked very comfortable. Rio's presence, composure and balance stands out."

Hull City's midfielder Geovanni (R) chases Manchester United's forward Wayne Rooney during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Rooney's four-goal performance helped ensure Manchester United's focus returned to on-field affairs as they moved to the top of the table for the first time in more than three months with a 4-0 victory over Hull.

United now stand top of the Premier League for the first time in over three months, the sort of position Ferguson insisted he wanted to be in at the start of the year.

"Goal difference could be important and it's significant being top at this time of the season," he added. "I know opponents have games in hand but they have got to win those games. We're in the right place. It's better being top in January than anywhere else."

Opposite number Phil Brown joined in the praise for Rooney's astonishing efforts.

"When you've got the quality of Wayne Rooney playing against you, you don't feel hard done by with that scoreline," he said. "Half chances came along, we didn't take them and he did.

"Just because of his work rate, his application, he puts defenders under constant pressure and forces them to make mistakes.

"That was the difference between the two teams and we didn't have the collective mentality and belief we had last week at Spurs.

"I would have to say Wayne is the best in Europe right now, having witnessed what I have just witnessed. It certainly bodes well for England this summer!"

Brown will now concentrate on a crucial home fixture with Wolves next weekend and added: "I am confident we can get out of trouble and we now have a full week to prepare for a team we are capable of beating."

- AFP

[asiancigar]

I suspect SAF is trying to tell us to enjoy WR while we can...... coz he might not be with us at the end of the season... sigh

Cheerz
AC

[richie_rich]

ROONEY RUBBISHES SPAIN RUMOURS

Wayne Rooney is happy to be attracting interest from other clubs but insists he has no intention of leaving Manchester United.

The England centre-forward has been in scintillating form this season, notching 19 Premier League goals to lead the way for the Red Devils as they adapt to life without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portuguese star Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in an £80million deal last summer and there is now reported interest from Real and Barcelona in Rooney.

But the 24-year-old insists he is enjoying life with top-of-the-table United.

He told Manchester United Official Web Site "There's always speculation, and when other big teams are talking about you, it's nice that you're talked about.

"But as I've said many times before, I'm a United player and I'm very happy here."

On his ambitions for the club, Rooney added: "I hope we can win the title again this year.

"We've won the league the last three years and nobody has ever won it four times in a row. We want to create history.

"The title race is much tighter this year and it's probably more exciting for the neutrals or fans around the country. But we're hoping that now we are top we can go on and remain there for the rest of the season."

One of Rooney's predecessors in the England forward line, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, has outlined the importance of the former Everton striker to United.

After watching Rooney's four-goal masterclass in the 4-0 defeat of Hull at the weekend, Shearer told BBC Radio Five Live: "They would not be where they are in the league (without Rooney).

"He has carried them at times but he is a great player and that's what great players do.

"When the clubs need them they step forward."

Shearer also underlined Rooney's importance to England's World Cup ambitions, saying: "As important as he is to Manchester United, he is just as important to England, I don't think anyone should forget that.

"But on the other hand there were question marks. People were saying he has to step up his performance this year because of the loss of Ronaldo and boy has he done that.

"I think he has actually carried Manchester United on his own at times this season. That's saying something for the size of that particular club.

"I think his performances have been spectacular and I hope he's not peaking too soon, as an England fan."

Rooney's all-action style has prompted some to raise fears he may burn out before the World Cup in South Africa, but Shearer does not share those concerns and neither does he feel the player should be rested.

"The fear I have with him is injury and that is not something he, nor anyone, can do anything about," the former Newcastle boss added.

"If that is going to happen it's going to happen - we're are in the lap of the gods I'm afraid."

[richie_rich]

SMALLING AGREES UNITED SWITCH

Manchester United have swooped to sign defender Chris Smalling from Fulham.

The deal will see Smalling join the Old Trafford outfit in the summer and completes an astounding rise to prominence for a player who was in the non-league ranks with Maidstone two years ago.

Smalling has caught the eye with some excellent performances in the Cottagers' Europa League campaign this season and despite making only nine first-team appearances, Sir Alex Ferguson views the 20-year-old Londoner as having the talent to make a big impact on the game.

United are refusing to state how long Smalling, who will complete the remainder of the season at Fulham, has signed his contract for.

However, it represents a moral victory for Ferguson, who lost out to Arsenal after having a fee agreed with Cardiff for Wales star Aaron Ramsey in 2008.

This time it is Arsene Wenger losing out, after claiming earlier today he was still interested in signing the Greenwich-born player.

"It just looks like Manchester United offered more money than us," said Wenger. "As long as the player has not signed anywhere, it is not the end of it. Let's see what happens there."

[asiancigar]

Based on his performance (Smalling) against Spurs a few hours ago...... hmmmmm, he would appear to be very inexperienced and moves like a defensive Berba.... he is slow and not as sharp as Vidic.

Lets hope that he can pick up a few tactics and develop instincts from our twin towers..... failing which, he will end up in the heap of bad signings and will kill any chance of his career as an England player

Cheerz
AC

[richie_rich]

LAST-GASP ROONEY WINS IT FOR UNITED

Wayne Rooney quietened 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City with an injury-time winner which sent Manchester United to Wembley.

Last week, in a New York bar named Mad Hatter, City chief executive Garry Cook delivered the best team-talk Sir Alex Ferguson could have wanted as he declared this Carling Cup tie as good as over with the Blues leading 2-1 from the first leg at Eastlands.

If Cook knew much about Manchester United, it is this - never write them off.

So, after Carlos Tevez had threatened to take the semi-final into extra-time when he quite brilliantly turned home Craig Bellamy's cross 14 minutes from time, up popped Rooney, who nodded home Ryan Giggs' cross to secure a Carling Cup final meeting with Aston Villa on February 28.

In fact, the Red Devils thought they were already there.

Controlling possession against a City side which sat too deep, they had carved out a decisive lead thanks to two precise finishes from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

Only Tevez's refusal to bow at the feet of his old club kept the Blues going, but it was not enough. And though Rooney inexplicably failed to grab a third before Tevez struck, he is too much a part of United's fabric to merely accept defeat.

City were attempting to "change history" in Mancini's words.

In pure domestic and European terms alone, United had made 21 cup final appearances and won 11 league titles since the Blues last reached Wembley in 1981.

Tevez was the clear focal point for City from the start. The South American flung himself at a Bellamy cross and Edwin van der Sar needed Jonny Evans' help to ensure there was no trouble after he had dropped what seemed to be a routine save.

Rio Ferdinand got away with a despairing lunge at Tevez that left the former United man on the deck. If referee Howard Webb had been feeling in a stricter mood, the gamble of playing Ferdinand this evening and leaving the consequences to be faced tomorrow when he goes before an FA disciplinary panel could have backfired disastrously.

As the teams trooped in for their half-time pep talk, the feeling persisted that the game was destined to explode.

The firecracker went off seven minutes after the restart and following a brief stoppage after Bellamy had been hit on the back of the head by a coin as he went to retrieve the ball for a City corner.

United quickly countered as City conceded possession. Rooney delivered a superb pass for Giggs, who would have had a clear sight of goal if City goalkeeper Shay Given had not been so quick to react and push him out wide.

The veteran Welshman did not panic and delivered the ball back into the City area and, after, Nani had run into a wall of defenders, Michael Carrick prodded the ball back for Scholes, who drove his shot into the bottom corner.

United had the scent of Wembley in their nostrils and when Nani flicked a superb pass through to Darren Fletcher inside the City box, the Scotland star had the awareness to lay a pass off to Carrick. The England midfielder does not score many, but he is an accurate striker of the ball and his shot was perfectly placed into the bottom corner with the aid of the post.

If Rooney had tapped home Patrice Evra's cross when he was completely unmarked three minutes later, the tie would have been over. Inexplicably, he put it wide.

It was virtually certain Rooney would be made to pay almost instantly. After playing a pass out to Bellamy, Tevez continued his run and somehow managed to squeeze the ball beyond Van der Sar from the most unlikely angle.

United could feel aggrieved but relief should have arrived 10 minutes from time when Vincent Kompany's block offered Carrick a second chance. On this occasion though his snap shot flew wide.

But Rooney still had one more trick up his sleeve. And with it came a very large slice of humble pie for Cook.

[asiancigar]

Watched it live on the internet..... it was breath-taking and worthy of a Cup Final.

Best of all was to watch Tevez in total blur after the game...... and very fitting to see Rooney score the winner and now hailed asThe White Pele

And the Reds go marching ON ON ON....

Cheerz
AC

[alex18122003]

Originally Posted by asiancigar

Watched it live on the internet..... it was breath-taking and worthy of a Cup Final.

Best of all was to watch Tevez in total blur after the game...... and very fitting to see Rooney score the winner and now hailed asThe White Pele

And the Reds go marching ON ON ON....

Cheerz
AC

Glory Glory Glory To Red Devils