wlt1110

23/11/2007 13:31, Report by Ben Hibbs

Evra set for new deal

Patrice Evra is set to be offered a new contract as a reward for his outstanding form in the last 18 months.

United have already tied up new contracts with Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea in recent weeks and Evra looks set to follow.

"Patrice will be the next one [we look at]," said the boss.

The player's agent earlier this week intimated that Evra is keen to tie up a new contract, and it would seem an agreement is now a formality.

"Patrice is under contract until 2009 and he is very happy at United," Evra's representative Federico Pastorello told Sky Sports. "He has a great relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and he has a lot of respect for him.

"He would be happy to extend his stay as he enjoys playing with such great players and such a great club."

wlt1110

23/11/2007 09:33, Report by Steve Bartram

Anelka could face Reds

Bolton's Nicolas Anelka may be fit to face United in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at the Reebok Stadium.
Trotters manager Gary Megson had ruled the striker out with an ongoing hamstring injury, but Anelka's surprise midweek cameo for France has thrust him back into contention.
French manager Raymond Domenech claims the extent of the striker's injury had been exaggerated, but Megson insists the initial six-week prognosis was an honest one.
"I would never even go near questioning the integrity of medical personnel," he said. "Our doctor sent over the scans and gave his opinion on the situation with Nicolas.
"The French coach has had his say and I'm aware that he played 28 minutes for them, but he's come back fit and well so there's not an issue now.
"He's played that 28 minutes, but he's been travelling around Europe, so we'll see how he is and I'm hopeful he'll be out there on Saturday."

wlt1110

23/11/2007 10:35, Report by Ben Hibbs

O'Shea signs new deal

John O’Shea has signed a three-year extension to his current contract, which will see him stay at Old Trafford until June 2012.

The versatile Irishman made his United debut eight years ago as an 18-year-old and has been a regular first-team squad member since his breakthrough season, the title-winning campaign of 2002/03.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the 26-year-old, saying: “John has developed during his time here at the club and he is now regarded as one of the more experienced players.

"He has proved over the years through his personality and professionalism that he is an outstanding credit to Manchester United. I'm delighted he has signed a new contract."

O’Shea was equally upbeat after putting pen to paper, adding: “I'm really pleased to be extending my contract with the champions. I've been at Old Trafford since I was 17 and it's a dream come true to play for such a great club.

"I hope to play my part in bringing more trophies to the club and to continue the success with this young, exciting team. I'd also like to thank the boss, the staff and the fans for their continued support.”

Player Focus: John O'SheaAge: 26
Born: Waterford, Ireland
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Appearances: 263*
Goals: 12*
Debut: v Aston Villa (a), 13 October 1999

Flashback: O'Shea earned his debut aged 18, but in his first full season, 2002/03, he was a revelation at left-back. He became popular with fans for his marauding runs down the wing, and for nutmegging opponents - most notably Luis Figo.

*Correct at 23/11/2007

[ 本帖最後由 wlt1110 於 2007-11-23 11:52 PM 編輯 ]

wlt1110

23/11/2007 09:48, Report by Steve Bartram

Reserves: United 5 Bury 0

United hammered Bury at the Victoria Stadium to notch a fourth straight win and extend their 100 percent start to the 2007/08 Manchester Senior Cup.

First half strikes from Sean Evans, Chris Fagan and Dong Fangzhuo put United three goals clear by the interval and, although a number of chances went begging, goals after the interval from Fagan and substitute Danny Welbeck added gloss to the scoreline.

Having thrashed Stockport 6-1 in their last Senior Cup outing, the Reds continued their goal-laden form with a neat finish from Evans after just eight minutes.

Fagan notched his first goal of the season before Dong slotted home his fourth strike in as many games, with both strikers indebted to the crossing of winger Michael Barnes.

Irish youngster Fagan added his second with a fine cross-shot in the game's dying stages, but not before Welbeck had opened his Reserves account with the goal of the game, a delightful 25-yard lob over Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford.

United: Zieler; Lee, R Eckersley, Chester, Cleverley; Barnes, C Evans (Eikrem, 60), Hewson, S Evans; Dong (Welbeck, 60), Fagan.
Subs not used: Woods, Brandy.

wlt1110

22/11/2007 09:58, Report by Ben Hibbs

U18s get Seagulls draw

United's Under-18s will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Youth Cup third round.

Brighton travelled to Bristol Rovers' Memorial Ground on Wednesday and won 3-0 to set up a trip to Manchester.

The game had been in doubt due to heavy rain, but match officials gave the tie the go-ahead on Wednesday morning.

Brighton were by far the better team and fully deserved their victory with a slick performance.

Reds youth coach Paul McGuinness also went to the game to run the rule over his side's first opponents in the prestigious competition.

United reached the final of last year's tournament, losing on penalties to Liverpool.

The date and venue for the tie is yet to be agreed by the two clubs, but all third round ties are to be played before Saturday 15 December.

ManUtd.com will bring you confirmation of date, kick-off time and venue as soon as it is announced.

wlt1110

Papers: Vida a doubt
23/11/2007 09:44

Vidic race for fitness
Nemanja Vidic is a doubt for Manchester United's trip to Bolton tomorrow after pulling out of Serbia's Euro 2008 qualifier against Poland with a back injury. The United defender flew back to Manchester from Belgrade yesterday and will undergo intensive treatment. Portugal's draw with Finland ended Serbia's hopes of qualifying for next summer's tournament - thus exempting Vidic from their final group match against Kazakhstan tomorrow.
Staff reporter, Daily Mirror

The saga over who will get the England manager's job rumbles on with former Red Roy Keane backing Jose Mourinho to take the role. Keane believes the ex-Chelsea boss would sort out England’s egos - as he's got the biggest.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

wlt1110

22/11/2007 16:18, Report by Ben Hibbs

Nolan fires warning

Bolton captain Kevin Nolan has warned United the Trotters' lowly league position could lull them into a false sense of security at the Reebok Stadium this weekend.

New boss Gary Megson has inspired confidence in the team, which currently presides over a bottom three position in the Premier League.

In the last six games Bolton have lost one and drawn five, which suggests there has been a return to the stubbornness that characterised Sam Allardyce's teams during his time in charge.

Skipper Nolan says Wanderers are on the up. "I certainly believe we'll be in the top ten come the end of the season," he told the official Bolton website.

"I can see what's been going on over the last couple of weeks and I've seen the quality of players we have here."

The fact is Bolton have won just once all season and conceded 18 goals in 13 matches, scoring just 11. So Nolan isn't fooling himself into thinking anything other than a long gruelling season lies ahead.

"There is a long way to go and I know I am being optimistic but our confidence is back, and once we get a few wins I really believe we'll be in the top ten later in the season."

wlt1110

22/11/2007 16:06, Report by Ian Baker

Match Pack: Bolton

United take on Bolton Wanderers on Saturday looking to maintain a record of five straight league wins at the Reebok Stadium. But after a shaky start Wanderers are showing signs of turning their season around under new boss Gary Megson.

Form guide: Wanderers are in 18th place with one win in 13 this season. But they're unbeaten since former West Brom, Forest and Leicester boss Megson took charge. Their recent 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup seems to indicate a change in fortunes. United on the other hand, with 28 points from the last 30 available, will go top by bettering Arsenal's result at home to Wigan Athletic.

Ins and outs: Wayne Rooney (ankle) and Paul Scholes (knee) will be absent. Gary Neville is reportedly close to a return, but it's unclear if he'll make his first appearance since United beat Bolton 4-1 in March. Bolton have a number of players coming back from injury, including El Hadji Diouf (ankle), Joey O'Brien (both hamstring) and Nicky Hunt (shoulder). Nicolas Anelka has missed the last four games with a hamstring strain but should return after playing for France last week.

Star men: Bolton still have Gary Speed pulling the strings in midfield, Kevin Nolan chipping in with important goals and Anelka providing pace up front. United will hope Cristiano Ronaldo scores at the Reebok again, especially in the absence of Rooney - a hat-trick hero in last season's corresponding game.

What are the odds? The Reds won 4-0 on that last visit to the Reebok and you can get 18/1 on a repeat. Ronaldo is 9/2 to score first. More: www.manutd.com/bet

wlt1110

23/11/2007 21:30, Report by Ben Hibbs

No long-term fears for Neville

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Gary Neville's injury nightmare will come to an end – and say he has no fears about the defender’s long-term future.

The United skipper hasn’t played since March and has had to endure several aborted comebacks. But the 32-year-old is pencilled in to play for United’s reserves against Sunderland on Thursday next week. He could return to action in time to ease the burden of the hectic December schedule.

Sir Alex firmly rejected questions from reporters that Neville may not return, or if he did, wouldn’t be the same player again.

“That’s the extreme fear, we’re not at that point with Gary at all,” said the boss.

“I look at his training performances and he has been very good. The problem is he has had setbacks. He had one last week which was a disappointment. He was on the verge of coming back and I was considering him for the game against Dynamo Kyiv.

“But he’ll play in the reserves game next week. Gary probably needs two or three [reserves] matches and then he’ll be back in the frame.”

wlt1110

23/11/2007 21:30, Report by Ben Hibbs

Park close to Reds return

Reds midfielder Ji-sung Park could be back in action by the end of December as he continues his excellent rehabilitation work.

The 26-year-old Korean star has spent eight months on the sidelines with a cruciate knee ligament injury, which he sustained in United’s 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in March.

He completed the full 90 minutes but was later sent to renowned knee specialist, Dr Richard Steadman, for surgery in America.

It has been a long and arduous road to recovery. Although he is not yet in full training and remains under medical supervision, Ji has occasionally taken part in first-team exercises in recent weeks.

Park joined the rest of Sir Alex's squad on Friday and the Reds boss says the livewire winger is edging ever closer to a return.

“Ji is back training and he will almost definitely be playing by the end of December. He is doing really well,” said the boss.

“He may have to wait until the beginning of next year, but he is certainly on the way back. He’s doing good training.”

There was further good news for United as Park’s fellow long-term absentees, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster, are also recovering well from serious knee injuries.

“Mikael Silvestre, as we predicted, could be back in March,” added Sir Alex. “And Ben Foster is also doing some good work. We expect him to be available in February, or maybe March.”

wlt1110

24/11/2007 16:05, Report by Ian Baker

Ref frustrates Ferguson

Sir Alex was frustrated by refereeing decisions during United’s 1-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers.

The Reds' boss was sent to the stands at half-time after confronting Mark Clattenburg about what he described as Bolton's over-physical approach.

“There were late tackles and I can’t believe some of the things that were going on,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “I thought there were two or three very dodgy tackles and you hope the referee is strong in those situations. We do play our football and it was important to keep playing football. But you need the protection and we did not get that.

“I made my feelings known to the referee and he did not like it. Some referees don’t like the truth and so I had to spend the second half upstairs.

“I think we improved in the second half, in terms of our passing. And the movement was better. It was difficult to break Bolton down because after they went 1-0 up at their home ground, they just defended."

Gerard Pique was the subject of criticism on post-match phone-ins after missing a header In the lead-up to Nicolas Anelka’s 11th-minute strike. But Sir Alex refused to single out the young Spaniard for blame.

“You don’t like losing goals and Bolton are famed for their set-piece play. It was something we discussed before the game - we said, 'If you handle that we should be okay'. But we didn’t and it was a good start for them.”

wlt1110

24/11/2007 16:10, Report by Nick Coppack

Giggs: We must move on

Ryan Giggs says it's important United don't dwell on Saturday's disappointing result against Bolton Wanderers.

The Reds couldn't find a way back from Nicolas Anelka's 11th-minute strike and United now linger three points behind Arsenal at the top of the table.

"We're obviously disappointed," Giggs told MUTV, "but we have to move on now. We have a game [against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League] on Tuesday and we have to go out and perform. We need to get back on track as soon as possible. We've done it before and we have to do it again."

Giggs struggled to put his finger on why United struggled at the Reebok Stadium, although he was quick to dismiss suggestions the Reds missed Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

"We've played without them this season plenty of times and got results. I don't know what it was today. We just didn't perform the way we know we can, the way we were performing before the international break."

United forced Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen into just one save during the game, despite enjoying the lion's share of possession.

"We didn't create many chances and that's disappointing," Giggs said. "We got ourselves into good positions but were lacking some composure in the final third. In tight games like this you have to punish their mistakes on capitalise on your own good play – we didn't do that."

wlt1110

24/11/2007 16:00, Report by Steve Bartram

Report: Bolton 1 United 0

Nicolas Anelka's early strike inflicted a second Barclays Premier League defeat of the season for United, who turned in an uncharacteristically subdued performance at the Reebok Stadium.

Gary Megson's struggling Trotters side battled ferociously for the victory, but were aided by a Reds performance which only got going in the final 20 minutes, when an incredible miss from Carlos Tevez ultimately proved costly.

The Argentine striker somehow contrived to stab the ball wide from inside the six-yard box after a fine cross from Patrice Evra, spurning easily the best chance of a frustrating afternoon for United.

Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from the Reds squad entirely, having posted two full matches for Portugal during last week’s international break. Nemanja Vidic, meanwhile, failed to recover from a back injury sustained on duty with Serbia, and he was replaced in the starting line-up by Gerard Pique.
The young Spaniard, making his second Premier League start for the Reds, was caught out as Bolton took the lead after 11 minutes. Pique tried to head Ivan Campo’s clipped free-kick clear but misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Anelka to control, turn and sweep a finish past Edwin van der Sar.
Clearly invigorated by the recent appointment of manager Gary Megson, Bolton were living up to the snarling, energetic reputation built up during Sam Allardyce’s time at the Reebok helm. United, in stark contrast, looked totally out of character for the majority of the first half.

But for wayward shots from Louis Saha and Owen Hargreaves, United had little to show for their possession. Patrice Evra had bumps and bruises from the opening half, however, thanks to a running battle with robust Trotters striker Kevin Davies, who was booked for a late lunge on the French international defender.

The interval came and went with little action either side of it, although Sir Alex Ferguson was sent to the stands for remonstrating with the officials at the end of the first period. The hosts rarely threatened in an attacking sense, but the absence of United's trademark slick passing and ball retention made for a desperately poor game.

With half an hour remaining, Sir Alex replaced Pique with Brazilian midfielder Anderson, switching Wes Brown to the centre of defence and Owen Hargreaves to right-back.

It was the makeshift full-back who had United's first on-target effort of the match almost immediately afterwards. After Evra had been brought down 25 yards from goal, Jussi Jaaskelainen had to be alert to tip Hargreaves' free-kick over the bar.

That effort prompted United's first spell of sustained pressure, with Anderson's buzzing intent right at the hub. Nani fizzed a shot past Jaaskelainen's near post, before Tevez somehow flicked Evra's cross wide with the goal gaping.

United were appealing long and loud for a penalty with 10 minutes remaining, as Nani saw his cross ricochet off Ricardo Gardner's upper arm inside the area, but referee Mark Clattenburg waved away the claims.

As the game entered stoppage time Evra burst onto Giggs' through-ball but, rather than slide the ball back for the unmarked Saha, the full-back slashed a shot high over the bar.

There was still time for just one more chance, but Hargreaves' 25-yard free-kick agonisingly cleared the bar and clipped the roof of the net.

The frustration perfectly summed up a painful afternoon for United, who were left to rue an under-par performance and a second league defeat of the season.

Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen; Hunt, Meite, A O'Brien, Gardner; Guthrie (Wilhelmsson, 74), Nolan (McCann, 82), Campo, Diouf; Davies (Speed, 70), Anelka.
Subs not used: Al-Habsi, Michalik.

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown (O'Shea, 89), Ferdinand, Pique (Anderson, 59), Evra; Nani, Hargreaves, Carrick, Giggs; Tevez, Saha.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Eagles.

wlt1110

24/11/2007 16:15, Report by Nick Coppack

Gunners pull clear

United's off day at the Reebok Stadium was made worse by late Arsenal goals from William Gallas and Tomas Rosicky, which gave the Gunners maximum points from their clash with Wigan Athletic.

The North Londoners looked to have been held to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates but Arsene Wenger's side scored twice in the last 10 minutes to seal victory and pull three points clear at the top of the table.

In the day's early kick off, Liverpool proved too strong for Newcastle United at St James' Park. Steven Gerrard opened the scoring before goals from Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel sealed a 3-0 win.

It was a good day all round for fans on Merseyside as Everton thumped Sunderland 7-1 at Goodison Park. Tim Cahill and Ayegbini Yakubu both notched doubles, while Steven Pienaar, Andrew Johnson and Leon Osman also found the net. Aston Villa defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 away from home, while Portsmouth also won away at Birmingham City.

Manchester City took three points from their home clash with Reading thanks to Stephen Ireland's injury-time volley at the City of Manchester Stadium, while goals from Salomon Kalou and Shaun Wright-Phillips gave Chelsea victory at Derby.


Premier League resultsNewcastle 0-3 Liverpool
Arsenal 2-0 Wigan
Birmingham 0-2 Portsmouth
Bolton 1-0 United
Everton 7-1 Sunderland
Man City 2-1 Reading
Middlesbrough 3-0 Aston Villa
Derby 0-2 Chelsea

wlt1110

25/11/2007 21:26, Report by Adam Bostock

MUSS winners have a ball

Sixty-three young footballers from Seattle to Switzerland tasted the life they aspire to when they participated in the 2007 Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) World Skills Final.
The talented youngsters were put through their paces firstly at the club’s Cliff training ground and then on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford prior to United’s recent 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. This fantastic experience was their reward for impressing MUSS coaches at courses for 6 to 16 year olds held all over the globe.
The overall winner, Will Drinkwater, 13, from Gig Harbor, Washington, USA, had previously top-scored at a MUSS course in Seattle. He said: “When my name was announced, I was shocked and my mind went blank.
“I was very pleased to see all my hard work and dedication pay off. Being a huge United supporter, the best part was doing a skills challenge on the pitch at Old Trafford, and being presented with the trophy by Sir Bobby Charlton. I was honoured to meet him.”
Will’s prize is a trip to visit Juventus football club in Italy, while runner-up Jamie Donovan, 14, from Dubai, will enjoy one of MUSS’s popular one-week residential courses for free. Third-placed Owen Ennis, 15, from Dublin, received a signed United shirt for his efforts.
The other 60 participants included 11 year-old Yannick Helbling, the first youngster to qualify from MUSS’ new coaching camps in Switzerland. The Swiss camps were supported by Nike and by AIG Private Bank, a subsidiary of United’s principal sponsor American International Group, Inc. (AIG).

Manuela Markworth, event manager at AIG Private Bank, said: "The positive feedback from the parents and the enthusiasm of the kids was very pleasing and demonstrates the popularity of Manchester United in Switzerland."

Steve Jones, head of MUSS international courses, was delighted with the range of countries represented at the 2007 World Skills Final in Manchester.
“Manchester United Soccer Schools courses enable children from the UK and other parts of the world to meet and play football together. And whether the course is in Dubai or Bournemouth, we want everyone to take away something positive.”
Mike Neary, head of MUSS residential courses, said the final was a huge success.
“This was our eighth World Skills Final," he said. "The event is getting bigger and the standard is getting better, but one thing stays the same - the kids’ enthusiasm.
“When the kids look back and think about what they’ve done - they’ve trained at the Cliff, played at Old Trafford, watched United and had their photo taken with the Premier League trophy - they’ll realise it was a day in a lifetime.”

To find out more about Manchester United Soccer Schools, please visit www.manutdsoccerschools.com