United signs Mame Biram Diouf

United have confirmed that they have completed the signing of striker Mame Biram Diouf from Molde FK of Norway.

The 21-year-old has been immediately loaned back to Molde where he will remain until January.

The transfer may surprise some after manager Sir Alex Ferguson stressed, just last week that he would not be making any more signings this summer following the arrivals of Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan.

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United to set up Sports Cafes in India

Manchester United have arguably the biggest fanbase among European clubs in India and are planning to set up cafe bars in the country.

It's been reported that Manchester United Food & Beverage Asia have done a survey of the Indian market and have selected a certain number of cities to set up casual dining outlets.

Man United cafes are already in operation in Singapore, Seoul and Jakarta and have been quite successful. United are a hugely followed club in Asia and are arguably the most popular in India.

Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune and Delhi are the cities said to be where Manchester United would set up their cafes.
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United stars' favorite stars

Sir Alex Ferguson - Denis Law

ALEX FERGUSON said: "Denis was my hero. I idolised him. When I first met him I was so excited. It was at a game in Paris, he had played in the first half and we went for a cup of tea afterwards. I thought, 'This is it, I've made it!'

"He epitomised everything a Scotsman is about. He was daring and courageous, he had that bravado about him and he had style. He was a truly fantastic footballer."

Jonny Evans - Roy Keane

DEFENDER Jonny Evans said: "I reckon 80 per cent of young players who supported Manchester United when they were growing up would tell you that Roy Keane was their hero - just because of the way he was and the character he is.

"Keano was an awesome player - and an incredible leader."

Gary Neville - Bryan Robson

CLUB skipper Gary Neville explained: "I always thought Bryan Robson was everything that a United player should be - and I still do.

"Even when I watch footage of him in action now, I always think of him giving everything for the cause. Blood, guts and thunder - with real class as well."

John O'Shea - Paul McGrath

MIDFIELDER John O'Shea said: "Paul McGrath was a big favourite.

"He was as comfortable playing in midfield as he was at centre-back. It wasn't a problem to him. He was the versatile type.

"And not only did he have great ability he was also very calm on the ball. He was a special player."


Ben Foster - Peter Schmeichel

KEEPER Ben Foster said: "Peter Schmeichel was a cut above the rest in his era and changed the face of goalkeeping.

"I still try to model myself on him and use aspects of his game in mine.

"He produced some truly unbelievable saves. I still watch them on YouTube."


Anderson - Rivaldo

MIDFIELDER Anderson goes for fellow Brazil playmaker Rivaldo.

He said: "His passing and his aggressive way of playing was great.

"I'm definitely a big admirer of his technique."

Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney - Maradona

DEFENDER Rio Ferdinand said: "My inspiration to play football was probably Diego Maradona.

"He's the first memory I have of someone doing something really great. I had all his videos and loved watching him."

Midfielder Ryan Giggs added: "I always used to look out for left-footers and John Barnes and Maradona were always the ones that I looked up to when I was a kid.

"I remember Maradona in the 1986 World Cup. He was such a great player. That goal he scored against England - not the Hand of God goal - was absolutely amazing."

Hitman Carlos Tevez added: "Maradona is the greatest player of all time. Diego, for all Argentinians, is God. And he always will be.

"I have a great relationship with Diego.

"My family also has a great relationship with his family and I have a really, genuinely warm bond with him."

And fellow striker Wayne Rooney said: "My favourite player is Maradona.

"I've watched lots of videos of him in action and I just love the way he played.

"In my eyes, he's the best player of all time."

Dimitar Berbatov - Ivan Berbatov, Marco van Basten and Alan Shearer

STRIKER Dimitar Berbatov names a trio of heroes, Ivan Berbatov, Marco van Basten and Alan Shearer.

He said: "My father Ivan taught me so I've lots to thank him for. When you hear the other names you don't need to be told why they were great."

Michael Carrick - Peter Beardsley, Gazza and Ian Wright

MIDFIELDER Michael Carrick selects Peter Beardsley, Gazza and Ian Wright.

He said: "I loved the way Beardo played the game. Gascoigne was an absolute genius.

"Wright I enjoyed watching more for his goal celebrations."


Source : Inside United

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United signs Valencia

Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer after confirming a16m(approx) deal with Luis Antonio Valencia!! The 23 year old have signed a four year contract.

And, while it is not expected Valencia will represent the end of Ferguson's spending, the United boss is already tipping the South American to make a big impact.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," he said.

"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

Valencia's arrival ensures that Rooney will not be given central role.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he said.

"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience.

"I can't wait to get started."

The Ecuadorian will get his first opportunity on a four-match tour of Asia next month, before the Red Devils head for a four-team tournament in Munich.

"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.

"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."

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Highs and lows of Manchester United 08-09

Lows first..

* Champions league final loss: United was performing so well till CL final. No one expected such a poor performance from United in European Championship final.

* Tevez to leave?? For most of the season Tevez was sitting in bench and he just got frustrated and decided to move to another club.

* More debt: United's debt increased to 699m.

Highs now..

* Achieved Treble: United won Premier League, Carling Cup and FIFA Club WC.
CL would've been great!!

* Highest turnover: United achieved a turnover of 256m. Highest by a football club in the world.
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Hull v United - Preview

United are likely to field a much-changed team at relegation-threatened Hull City as they prepare for the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

That is excellent news for the Tigers who go into the game just outside the relegation zone after securing a vital draw at Bolton Wanderers last weekend.

However, such is the strength in depth of the current United squad that any team Sir Alex Ferguson decides to field is certain to push Hull all the way.

City can take heart from their performance at the Reebok Stadium when they were unfortunate not to return to the east coast with all three points, but their record at the KC Stadium is awful - they have only won three of their 18 home games this term.

It is possible that Phil Brown's team could lose on Sunday and still avoid an immediate return to the Championship but it is bound to be a nervous afternoon for all concerned.

Long-term injury victim Jimmy Bullard (knee) once again misses out as do Ian Ashbee (cruciate knee ligaments) and Anthony Gardner (back), but Brown is hopeful that Bernard Mendy and Kamil Zayatte could feature.

Having secured a third successive Premier League title by drawing 0-0 with Arsenal at Old Trafford last weekend, United are likely to be in celebratory mood at the KC Stadium.

Recent history suggests they may not be at their best as, two years ago, they lost at home at West Ham United on the final day of the campaign after securing the title.

That allowed the Hammers to stay up while Sheffield United were condemned to the drop.

Ferguson is certain to rest most of his key players but will definitely be without injured quartet Rio Ferdinand (back), Ben Foster (thumb), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Wes Brown (ankle).

The two teams produced an amazing game at Old Trafford earlier in the season when United held on to win 4-3 despite conceding two late goals.

Fixture: Hull City v Manchester United
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: KC Stadium
Date: 24 May
Time:15.00 UK 20.30 IST
Channel: STAR SPORTS India

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A life in football-History of SAF

Sir Alex Ferguson, born 31 December 1941, Glasgow.

1957: Starts amateur playing career at 16 with Queen’s Park.

1964: Turns professional with Dunfermline Athletic.

1967: Joins Rangers for a record Scottish transfer fee of £65,000.

1969: Moves to Falkirk before finishing playing career with Ayr United.

1974: Appointed manager of St Mirren, winning the first division title in 1977.

1978: Moves to Aberdeen FC and European Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1983.

1986: Moves to Manchester United. Goes on to make football history.

What his rivals say

Arsène Wenger (Arsenal manager):
“Nobody has done better. It is remarkable to have such a consistent motivation at that level - and deal with the stress and all the other ingredients.”

José Mourinho (Former Chelsea manager, now at Inter Milan):
“I call him boss because he is the manager’s boss. He’s the top manager in the country. Maybe when I become 60, the kids will call me the same.”

Rafael Benítez (Liverpool manager):
“Ferguson is killing referees.”

“When you talk about United you’re talking about a side spending big, big money on every player, every season. For me that is the main difference between the teams.”
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United v Arsenal - UCL SF - Preview

It is a match that millions of people are waiting for not only in England but also in the whole world. I know from my previous experience that tomorrow, millions of people in Asia, Africa, Australia and even in USA will keep their eyes on this match of Manchester United vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League Semifinal. It is the first leg and it will take place in the stadium of Man U. So, they are home team and hot favorite to win the first leg. However, you cannot count out the Gunners at all because we have seen some fighting sprit and resurgence of form in London in the last few weeks.

First, I want to talk about Alex Ferguson’s team because they are home team. On Saturday, they played against Tottenham in an EPL clash and in half time, Tottenham took 2-0 lead. Then in second half, Ronaldo and his teammates scored 5 superb goals to win the match by 5-2. Can you believe it?

Competition: Uefa Champions League 2008-09 Semi-final (first leg)

Fixture: Manchester United vs Arsenal

Date: 29 April 2009 (Wednesday)

Kick Off time: 1945 UK 0015IST(Thurs)

Stadium: Old Trafford

Channel: TEN SPORTS

Yes, it is difficult to believe unless you watched the match. This is the thing that has amazed everyone and it happened more than once this season. Alex Ferguson is happy to see that his club is in the top of the football world at this moment. They have already won the carling cup. They are in course to win the title of English Premier League and UEFA Champions League is also just 3 matches away.

Well, after saying so many good words about Man Utd, it is difficult to say similar thing about Arsenal this season. They are already of hope of every title in this season except the Champions League. This is the only thing to play for the Gunners at this moment. The next best thing that they can hope for is perhaps 3^rd position in EPL which most probably would not happen. So, tomorrow nigh can be a decisive night for them.

Arsene Wenger is also in happy and confident mood after seeing his team performed in an excellent manner in the last two matches. They drew with Liverpool in Liverpool last week by 4-4 and although Liverpool played well Arsenal never gave up. Then yesterday, they totally dominated against Middlesbrough and it was the match of Cese Fabregas. Fabregas is back on top form and he scored both the two goals of the match.

The good thing for Man Utd is that there is no major injury at this moment. Gary Neville will not be there but I believe that they have enough quality players in the defense. For Ryan Giggs, it will be an special match. If he plays then it will be his 800^th appearance for Ryan Giggs for Manchester United. They will go in the match with some impressive records in their mind. They have not lost any match in Champions League in the last 23 matches. Secondly, they are unbeaten at Old Trafford for 20 matches in CL. This is a record to be proud of. It will be Cristiano Ronaldo who have something to cheer about because it will be his 5oth Champions League match. So, naturally, he will want to make it memorable by scoring a goal or two. Rooney is in good form too. Tevez and Berbetov are doing well. So, there is less worry for United in tomorrow’s match. They will entertain Arsenal with full confidence. The fans at Old Trafford from the first minute will start discussing what will be the score line 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0.

Arsenal has some stats to remember too. They have never lost in any match whenever they played in the semifinal level in any competition in Europe. It means that each time they played in the semifinal, they reached to the final in Europe. This is something to cheer about surely. This should give some confidence to all the players.

Injury is a big problem for Arsene Wenger. There is doubt about Mikael Silvestre. Robin van Persie and Left back Gael Clichy are still injured and most probably will not be available tomorrow. Arsene Wenger is delighted to see his main weapon Cese Fabregas in superb form in right time. Samir Nasri is also a good player. However, the fans will surely miss Arshevin. So, the striking position looks weak for the Gunners. Well, Arsene Wenger is surely hoping that Cese Fabregas can provide some kind of magic.

After going through the players, my feeling that Manchester United is the host favorite in the match. It will be either a draw or a win for them. I don’t see any prospect of the Gunners getting 3 points in this match. What about you?

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Parent Company Posts Losses!!!

Manchester United have posted the most spectacular profits for any British football club - while at the same time being part of its biggest debt.

Accounts to June 2008 reveal turnover at the club has risen an incredible 22% to £256.2million, underpinning a 7.5% increase in profits to £80.4million.

However, Red Football - the umbrella for United and its various offshoots - confirmed a loss of £44.8million, taking their overall debt to an eye-watering £649.4million.

Critics are bound to pounce on the figure as evidence of an unsustainable financial structure, questioning how it is possible for the Glazer family to make a profit if their losses are so high in a season as successful as the last one.

Yet Manchester United's owners have never given any impression of being too concerned about the debt mountain itself, the payments for which were restructured two years ago and currently takes £45.5million annually out of United's profits.

Instead they prefer to maintain a drive for profits at a club whose overall value is estimated at over £1billion.

Whether, in the current financial climate, they can continue to squeeze even more from the United brand is open to doubt.

Attendance figures, while still extremely healthy, are showing signs of dipping slightly, suggesting further controversial increases in ticket prices might have more of a negative effect than has previously been the case.

Income from media streams, which show up a mammoth 30% rise to £90.7million, might offer more scope for improvement given the domestic Premier League TV deal has gone up five per cent, with the overseas contracts likely to exceed that figure.

However, balanced against that is a rare surplus of £21million on transfers, generated by the sales of Gabriel Heinze, Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique amongst others, plus an uncertain commercial market.

United are already touting for new shirt sponsors after AIG confirmed they will not be extending an overall £18million annual deal when it expires next year.

Indeed, given the company is now effectively in the hands of the US government, some politicians believe the entire contract should be ripped up.

Another financial institution, Prudential, is the latest to confirm they are in talks with Red Devils officials, joining a group that also includes Saudi Telecom and Indian corporate giant Sahara.

However, the deal United are eventually able to strike will offer a good indication of whether Old Trafford can continue to ride out the global recession.

What cannot be argued is that as a club, United remain a worldwide phenomenon.

In the week when dire warnings have been issued about the future of former Premier League rival Southampton and top flight clubs are slashing prices to try and fill embarrassingly large spaces in their stadiums, chief executive David Gill is leading one of the most in-demand sporting organisations on the planet.

Sponsorship deals with Saudi Telecom, Diageo, Budweiser and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have been struck, with interest in the Far East particularly high.

A crowded pre-season programme is already in place that will take in a four-match Asia tour immediately followed by a four-team tournament in Munich.
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TATA to sponsor United?

After Sahara, it is the Tata Group. Exploring fresh avenues for sponsorship, English Premier League giants Manchester United have turned their attention to the $62.5 billion Indian conglomerate. This time, however, it is not for sponsoring the team’s shirt, it is learnt.

Sources at Bombay House - the Tata group’s headquarters - confirmed that they had received a proposal from Manchester United. They, however, declined to reveal the specifics (the category) of the sponsorship.

Manchester United launched their foray into India early this year, sending a proposal to Sahara for sponsoring the team’s shirt after the meltdown-hit American Insurance Group (AIG) - whose name is currently emblazoned on the jerseys - announced that they wouldn’t be renewing their contract.

Apparently, the proposed deal with Sahara was heftier than the present one with AIG, which is worth around 56.5 million pounds.

While Manchester United officials have always maintained that they have been zeroing in on potential sponsors around the world, their focus on India in the past few months is an unmistakable sign that they have sensed a vast financial potential waiting to be tapped in this country.

Also, with UK being Tata’s leading international market with revenues over $7 billion - the group has also acquired prominent brands like Tetley, Corus, Jaguar, Land Rover amongst others - it is only natural that Manchester United have devoted their energies to wooing them.

Tatas earlier forays into international sport included part sponsorship of Narain Karthikeyan in Formula One when he drove for Jordan in 2005. This year, their logo will be displayed on the Ferrari F1 machine. In any case, their association with the Italian auto heavyweight goes back in time with Tata Consultancy Services being Ferrari’s technology partner for over three years.

Says brand consultant Harish Bijoor: "The Tata group has a massive business-to-business (B2B) footprint across several countries and an association with a well-known international sports club would help it develop a business-to-consumer (B2C) footprint. A popular game like football is an excellent way to take the brand forward. Also, the group has a heritage of associating with various sportsmen in the country and this (involvement with Man United) would be an extension."

Meanwhile, in another development, famed bookmakers Paddy Power have reportedly begun betting on the next shirt sponsors for the club. NBTY, manufacturers
of nutritional supplements from the US, top the list. Sahara are second and Tatas are third favourites. It is learnt that Pepsi and McDonalds too are in the race.
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Fulham 2-0 United

Fired up Fulham blew the title race wide open with a stunning victory over nine-man United.

Danny Murphy put the home side ahead from the spot in 17 minutes after Paul Scholes had been sent off for handling a Bobby Zamora header.

Hungarian sub Zoltan Gera ensured Fulham got the win they deserved when he hooked home Andrew Johnson's cross three minutes from time.

Sir Alex Ferguson's day got worse when sub Wayne Rooney was sent off moments later for a second booking.

It was United's second defeat in a row following their 4-1 home mauling by Liverpool last weekend and it is the first time the champions have suffered back-to-back losses in the league since 2005.

Ferguson conceded his men had not been good enough to take anything from the battling Londoners.

He said: "We didn't meet the challenge and never got started.

"Fortunately we have a slender lead at the top. We're home to Aston Villa next and that game will be crucial."

"Losing games in March and April can cost you but I'm hoping we come back from the internationals at our best."

The Cottagers took the game to United and their pressure paid off in dramatic fashion in 17 minutes.

A corner from Simon Davies found Zamora whose first effort was saved by Rafael Van der Sar but his second attempt was kept out by Scholes' hands.

The midfielder had to go and Fulham captain Murphy further punished the Red Devils when he netted the penalty.

Fulham, who were humbled 4-0 at home by United in the FA Cup earlier this month, continued to dominate.

Ferguson threw on Rooney for the ineffective Dimitar Berbatov at halftime and the 10 men began to flourish.

Mark Schwarzer did superbly to keep out a Cristiano Ronaldo header and the Australian also denied Park Ji-Sung and Rooney with a brilliant double save.

But Fulham weathered the storm and Gera made the game safe late on before a frustrated Rooney saw red.

Fulham gaffer Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Schwarzer. He said: "He made a fantastic double save and had they equalised then who knows what would have happened?"
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Fulham v United - Preview

Mid table Fulham must be dreading the backlash of Manchester United's heaviest home defeat in 17 years. The defending champions are still smarting from last Saturday's humiliating 1-4 home loss to arch rivals Liverpool, their first defeat in 17 in all competitions.

The Cottagers go into their 800th fixture in top-flight football hunting their first back-to-back victories in 18 games, following last weekend's 1-3 triumph at Bolton.

Manchester United are vying for a ninth successive Premier League victory over Fulham. They have already beaten the Cottagers twice this season; 3-0 at Old Trafford in the league, and 0-4 at the Cottage in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup a fortnight ago.

The Thames-side club have not experienced a home league victory over the champions in 11 outings, since their 2-1 top-flight victory on 5 September 1964.

Winger Clint Dempsey has had a bout of food poisoning and will be assessed closer to kick-off by Fulham.

Centre-back Aaron Hughes is out with a rib injury, otherwise the Cottagers have no other selection concerns.

Defender Gary Neville and midfielder Darren Fletcher have recovered from a groin strain and virus respectively and are back in Manchester United's squad.

Jonny Evans is likely to replace the suspended Nemanja Vidic alongside Rio Ferdinand in central defence.

Fulham Squad: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Stoor, Hangeland, Konchesky, Baird, Davies, Etuhu, Dacourt, Murphy, Gera, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Kallio, Nevland, Kamara, Gray, Barnes.

Man Utd Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Neville, Evra, Eckersley, Fabio, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Scholes, Park, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck.

Fixture: Fulham v Manchester United
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Craven Cottage
Time:15.00 UK 20.30 IST
Channel: ESPN India

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United's injury list

Ferdinand is over his back spasm and has a nine-match run under his belt and Vidic has had one or two rests Fergie said in his pre-match press conference for the Newcastle match that the Anglo-Serb alliance was likely to be here to stay.

"Ferdinand and Vidic will be a really solid partnership to the end of the season now we hope," he revealed.

With injuries ruling out Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Rafael, either John O'Shea or Jonny Evans, who have been nursing heel and ankle problems respectively, will occupy the right back berth.

Patrice Evra had a seven-match enforced rest with his ankle injury plus a four-match ban over the festive season so he is almost certain to play.

Fergie's embarrassment of riches in midfield is likely to see his Newcastle quartet, and possible Inter engine room of Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Ji-sung Park all miss out tomorrow.

Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson, Anderson and Nani, who all featured at Wembley in the Carling Cup, will be favourites to line-up at Craven Cottage.

Up-front, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov appear to be Fergie's choice for the big Premier League and European matches which leaves Carlos Tevez fronting the domestic cup assaults.

Though Danny Welbeck partnered the Argentinian at Wembley it could be Rooney asked to join forces at Fulham.

After only starting two games in two months, the England striker is in need of a run of matches.
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Newcastle v United - Preview

Relegation threatened Newcastle United face a stern test when league leaders and Carling Cup champions Manchester United come visiting at St.James Park this Wednesday.

Bolton’s win over Newcastle at the weekend leaves the Magpies just two points above the relegation zone. Newcastle have won just once in nine league games, and the St.James Park faithful’s patience is drawing to an end. The fans taunted the assistant managers when Martins was substituted for Viduka towards the end of the game, saying that they did not know what they were doing. Michael Owen and Joey Barton are injured, and winter signing Kevin Nolan is suspended.

Newcastle United form ( Last five games- all competitions)

Bolton 1-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 0-0 Everton
West Brom 2-3 Newcastle ( Damien Duff, Peter Lovenkrands, Steven Taylor)
Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland ( Shoela Ameobi)
Man City 2-1 Newcastle ( Andy Carroll)

Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling shootout in the Carling Cup final, and the defending champions will be full of confidence ahead of this game. Defender Rafael is injured. Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic could all return to the first eleven after being rested for the Carling Cup.

United are in imperious attacking form, and take on Fulham in the FA Cup after this game.

Manchester United form- last five games- all competitions

Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
Inter Milan 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers ( Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo)
Manchester United 3-0 Fulham ( Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney)
Derby 1-4 Man United ( Darron Gibson, Danny Wellbeck, Nani, C.Ronaldo)

When United visited St.James Park last time, they thrashed the Magpies 5-1. Something similar could well happen here unless Newcastle turn in an exceptional performance.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-3 Manchester United

Match: Manchester United (1st- 62 points) vs Newcastle United (15th-28 points)

Competition : Barclays Premier league

Venue : St.James Park, Newcastle

Kickoff : Wednesday, 04 March 2009, 19.45 UK time,1.15 IST (Thurs)

Live Telecast:ESPN (India)

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