Wesley's the one!

Papers: Wesley is the one!

The Daily Mail reports...

Manchester United legend David Beckham has urged the club to sign Wesley Sneijder to replace the retired Paul Scholes. Sir Alex Ferguson has targeted the Holland playmaker this summer but the move stalled after Inter Milan demanded £35million for their star midfielder. But Beckham, who played for LA Galaxy as they lost to Manchester City 7-6 on penalties on Sunday night, believes his former club should persist with their chase of Sneijder as he is the man capable of filling the gaping hole in United's midfield. "Scholes is the one player they want to replace,' Beckham said. "He is such a great talent and he will be missed. They're going to have to get someone special. There's a lot of talk about Wesley Sneijder. He's such a talented player, a great guy as well. I'm sure he would fit right into a United team."

Patrice Evra thinks Samir Nasri should be the man to fill Scholes' shoes at Old Trafford. The French full-back told The Daily Telegraph: "He said that it’s a privilege that a club like Man United want him, but that he has to think about his future and talk with his agent. I’m not Nasri, I’m not his agent or his dad, but I would definitely tell him to come to Man United. Definitely. I remember I made that little joke saying that he’s a prince now, but if he wants to be the king then he has to join Man United. But that’s the reality and I’ve told him that. I said: 'If you want to win trophies you have to come here.'"

Meanwhile, Joey Barton refuted The Sunday Times' link with United interest on Twitter. "Nice to be linked with some big clubs but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks," reports The Daily Express.

Brown looking to the future

Papers : Brown's relief

The Daily Telegraph reports…

Wes Brown has admitted it was a relief when Sir Alex Ferguson finally told him this summer it was time to leave Old Trafford. Brown believes the resulting move to Sunderland has given him a new lease of life after two years on the periphery of Ferguson’s team. Although Brown made 361 appearances for United, he was nothing more than a member of the supporting cast as they lifted the Premier League title last season. “In a funny kind of way, it’s a bit of a relief when someone like Sir Alex sits you down and tells you how it is,” said Brown. “I wasn’t playing last season, so I knew things weren’t really right, and I couldn’t really see myself getting back into the team in any sort of meaningful way. In my mind, I sort of knew which way things were heading, but I guess you don’t really want to admit that to yourself until you have to. Deep down, I think I knew I had to do something. You inevitably start questioning what’s going on, so Sir Alex’s decision wasn’t really a surprise. I saw it coming and I think I’d got my head around it.”
Luke Edwards

The same paper claims that, following David Gill’s assertion on MUTV that there is still time for transfers, United are planning “one last push” for Wesley Sneijder.

Several other papers run with the Dimitar Berbatov quotes we featured on ManUtd.com on Tuesday, in which the Bulgarian says he’s consigned last season to history already.

And The Independent carries a feature on modern-day scouting, praising in particular United’s capture of Javier Hernandez from Chivas last summer.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney wary of improved Liverpool

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says Liverpool "will challenge" for the Premier League title in the new season.

Liverpool, who finished sixth last term, have signed midfield trio Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing during the summer.

"They have made some really good signings," said Rooney.

"I am sure they will be fighting harder than they ever have done to be up there. They will think they have a chance of winning the title."

The former Everton man continued: "The main threat is going to be from Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

"One of them, plus us, will be fighting for the title."

Rooney will be aiming to collect a fifth Premier League winners' medal this season with United, but he wants to kick-off the season with a victory over FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on 7 August.

"When you play at a club like Manchester United, the goal is to win all the competitions," said the England international.

 "I don't set targets for myself but it would be nice if I can get through the season injury free"

Continue reading the main storyWayne Rooney

"It is true our priority is to keep our Premier League title, but we won't ignore any competition.

"We want to win everything, starting with the Community Shield. There is nothing better than a derby to start the season."

The 25-year-old also said United's summer signings have made him feel like a relative veteran at the club.

United have bought 20-year-old goalkeeper David De Gea and teenage defender Phil Jones from Blackburn, as well as Ashley Young from Aston Villa.

"There have been a lot of changes this summer and when you look around the dressing room now, suddenly it's a lot younger place.

"The manager is bringing in players who have not won a league title before and they all have that hunger and desire to want to win trophies."

Rooney's return of 16 goals in all competitions last season represented his lowest tally since the 2003/04 campaign, his last at Everton before moving to Old Trafford.

He added: "I don't set targets for myself but it would be nice if I can get through the season injury free. It's always a big thing to get your pre-season under your belt because that is the main bulk of the work you get to do.

"We have trained very hard this week and we are looking forward to all the games."

United continue their pre-seaon tour of the United States against Chicago Fire on Saturday, before they face an MLS All-Stars team that will include David Beckham and Thierry Henry on 27 July.

Concussion puts Manchester United's Hernandez in hospital

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez spent Tuesday night in hospital after suffering "mild concussion" on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

The Mexico forward, 23, was injured during training in New Jersey ahead of the friendly with the MLS All-stars.

"Chicharito (Hernandez) sustained a mild concussion during training," a United spokesperson said.

"We took necessary precautions, which included a night's stay in hospital."

The spokeman added: "The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] will give further updates in due course."

DID YOU KNOW?

Continue reading the main story

• Javier Hernandez's father was a member of the 1986 Mexico Wiorld Cup squad

Hernandez, who has 29 international caps, scored 13 Premier League goals in his first season after signing from Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara for £7m last season.

The MLS All-Stars side will feature former United midfielder David Beckham. United will conclude their US tour on Saturday against European champions Barcelona in Washington.

Reds launch Airtel Rising Stars

CLUB NEWS

United legend Andrew Cole was in Kenya earlier this summer to launch Airtel Rising Stars, an ambitious football talent search across 16 African countries.

While Kenya is perhaps best known in the sporting world for its athletics prowess, the population have a greater passion for football, including the English league. Kenyan fans were therefore greatly excited to meet Cole on his visit to their country.

The former Reds goalscorer and now club ambassador kicked off his visit to Kenya by appearing on a popular morning radio programme; he then attended the Airtel Rising Stars launch at one of Nairobi's leading high schools, Upper Hill School, which has been earmarked as one of the eight centres of soccer excellence in Kenya. Upper Hill has already produced some of the best and well known soccer stars in Kenya, including Macdonald Mariga of Inter Milan and his brother Victor Wanyama now at Celtic.

Speaking at the school, Cole said: "I'm here for the launch of a new programme Airtel Rising Stars that gives an opportunity to young talent to get into football.

"A primary and secondary school sports programme like the one we are witnessing in Nairobi helped Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez to come through in Mexico. Programmes like this can help you realise your potential in football."

After the launch event, Cole took part in a coaching session for the school’s soccer team - a great thrill for the young Kenyan players to practise with one of the most respected strikers in the English game.

A memorable trip ended with dinner at the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant where Cole was offered a wide range of exotic game meat not usually found on the menu in Manchester! There was also time for another high-profile media appearance, on one of Kenyan television's top evening talkshows, Churchill Live, where the United legend was presented with a Masaai warrior costume as a souvenir of his memorable and successful visit.

Speaking on Churchill Live, Cole said, "I've been to Africa a few times before but this is my first time in Kenya, and I've enjoyed my short time here."

Manchester United chief executive David Gill: We are looking to sign one more player

Despite Ferguson claiming his spending was done, Gill reveals that United are interested in filling one more position in the squad, with two or three players on their wishlist

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed that the club are looking to sign one more player this summer.

United have already strengthened heavily since winning the Premier League in May, spending around £50 million on David De Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young, and speculation has been rife that the Old Trafford club are interested in Inter's Wesley Sneijder and Arsenal's Samir Nasri.


And despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson claiming yesterday his summer spending was done, Gill stated that United are still interested in signing one more player.

"Yeah, we knew that [it would be busy]," Gill told MUTV. "Edwin [van der Sar] made it known that last season would be his last so we had planned for a new goalkeeper well in advance.

"With the others [Jones and Young], the opportunities came along and we were comfortable with that. So we've made three signings.

"We're looking at one more player to bring in. Nothing's happening - nothing imminent - on that at the moment, but we'll see what happens when we get home [from the tour of America].

"There'll be 31 days of the transfer window to see if anything develops. But I'm not working on anything at the moment, in that respect."

Gill added that while nothing is happening at the moment, the club could sign someone soon, but only if that player is a world-class acquisition.

"We've been looking at a particular position and two or three players in that position, but nothing's imminent at the moment," he said.

"The important thing to understand, and Alex has made it clear, is that we need someone who's going to improve the quality of the squad.

"We've got a great squad and to get into that squad you need to be a world-class player. There's no point, if you can't get the players you want, in buying someone for the sake of buying someone.

"But you never know - there's often movement in August. I'm not sitting here saying I'm working on anything because I'm not, but that situation could change quickly when we get back to Carrington [the club's training ground]."

Manchester United are at the very top & if you go somewhere else it is a big step down – Dimitar Berbatov

The Bulgarian, who has been linked with a summer exit, hints he will not consider a move and reveals that he is not bothered that people criticise his laid-back playing style

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his opinion that a move away from Old Trafford would be a significant step down in his career.

The Bulgarian, who was left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for the Champions League final in May, has been linked with a summer exit, but – apart from Barcelona – he does not see how any other side could compare to the Premier League winners and he is focused only on collecting more trophies.


"Smaller clubs might be able to match Manchester United with the way they play, with their organisation, everything. But Manchester United are at the top," he told Press Association Sport.

"Where can you go from there? Maybe Barcelona. At the moment, I don't see anything else.

"If you go somewhere else it is a big step down.

"I come from a small country. I have the good fortune to play for Manchester United. For the time I am here I try to do my best and win everything there is to win.

"There is no other way I can play."

The 30-year-old is often criticised for his laid-back playing style, but insists he does not care what his doubters say and will not change his ways.

"I always play like this," he said. "That is what got me here.

"You are not going to see me puffing around the pitch. There is a saying in Bulgaria that 'great quality doesn't require much effort'."

He added: "I don't like to show my weaknesses. I don't want to show my emotions in public.

"That is why people probably sometimes misjudge me."

While Berbatov may not have endeared himself to pundits, he is warmly received at Old Trafford and saw his reputation enhanced with a stunning hat-trick against Liverpool last season, which helped him finish as the league's top scorer.

"I didn't know scoring three goals against Liverpool would mean so much to so many people," he said.

"Obviously three goals - and the second one was a bit special, it will stay in my memory forever - and after that I scored five!

"What makes me really proud is that there have been so many foreigners playing in English football, I am the only one with five goals.

"But it is something I have to push to the back of my mind. Last season I had highs in my career. But what if we didn't win the title? Then these things wouldn't matter so much."

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hails impact of Manchester United's Chicharito: He's a great finisher & his debut season was amazing

Former Gunners striker says he was surprised by the Mexican, while Sir Alex Ferguson suggests the forward will be given the time to recuperate from his Gold Cup exploits

By Joe Doyle

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has hailed the impact of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez at Manchester United, saying the Mexican's debut season in the Premier League "was just amazing".


United will line up against Henry when they face the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday, and the Frenchman has revealed that he is a big fan of the 23-year-old.

"He's a great finisher," said Henry. "Going to Manchester United and doing what he did was just amazing. I don't think anyone was expecting him to do what he did, but he did it."

Hernandez himself stated how happy he is at United following a debut season which saw him become a fan favourite at Old Trafford.

"I'm happy, I'm enjoying it a lot," Chicharito added. "I'm keeping in a dream. It's a dream come true for me.

"My first game with Manchester United was in [last year's] pre-season, also against the MLS All-Stars and I'm very happy to be with my team again."

However, Sir Alex Ferguson stressed that it may be a while until the striker appears for the Premier League champions after his exploits for his country this summer.

"The first and most important thing is to re-energise him, give him the proper training before we even consider him for the first team because the season will not be decided in the first match," he said.

"When we get to understand where he is in terms of the physical side we then can start introducing him to the team again."

Wes Brown reveals Manchester United frustration led to him leaving for Sunderland

The defender acknowledges it was a "difficult decision" to leave his boyhood club but a lack of playing time meant a move was inevitable, and he is happy with the switch

New Sunderland defender Wes Brown has revealed that a lack of playing time at Manchester United forced him to seek a transfer away from the club.

The 31-year-old left Old Trafford with fellow defender John O'Shea to link up with Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light, and admitted that he wanted to forward his career by playing on a regular basis.

"I've been with Manchester United my whole career, since I was 12 or 13, so it's a difficult decision but at the same time I've not been playing, wasn't getting picked so [I] had a word with the gaffer and we both agreed it would be best for me to leave," Brown told reporters.

"I've not played, even the season before last, I've not really played that much. I've been fit and I thought it was just time to maybe move on and try and forward my career that way."

The defender spoke highly of Sunderland and said the connections between the two clubs, as well as the influence of Bruce, made him want to make the move north.

"I've watched Sunderland over the years anyway because we've always had some sort of connection there with old Man United players, whether it was the young lads or Dwight Yorke for instance, or Roy Keane. But I spoke to Steve and straight away knew this is where I wanted to come," Brown said.

"I've known Steve for quite a while anyway. I've spoke to a few of the lads and it seems to be a great club, somewhere where I really wanted to come."

Boss' warning for City

The Daily Mail reports... 

Sir Alex Ferguson warned Manchester City that he will use next month's Community Shield as an opportunity to put his 'noisy neighbours' in their place. City beat United in last season's FA Cup semi-final on the way to ending their 35-year wait for a trophy, and Ferguson admitted that Roberto Mancini's side have now emerged as a genuine threat to his hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League title. However, the Old Trafford boss is determined to strike an early blow when the two rivals return to Wembley on 7 August after reviving his famous comment about City in New York. "Obviously the Community Shield is not a normal one for Manchester United," said Ferguson. "It's about addressing our noisy neighbours again. It's going to be an interesting match. If you look at the possibilities of the top teams, any one of them can win the league. Ourselves, City, Liverpool have improved a lot, and Arsenal and Chelsea are always challengers."

The New York Times cover more quotes from the boss' press conference, explaining why the USA has been a popular destination for the Reds over the years. "It’s always part of our preparation to go abroad. We’ve had four trips to the US in the last nine years and, for me, it’s not about the finances but about creating a fan base for the club, to prepare the team for the season, and that never changes."

Agent claims Manchester United have been in talks over Mirko Vucinic but have not reached agreement for Roma striker

The forward's representative says discussions have begun over a possible transfer but a lot more still needs to be done if the Montenegro international is to move to Old Trafford

By Joe Doyle

Mirko Vucinic's agent, Alessandro Lucci, has claimed he has met with representatives from Manchester United to hold talks about signing the striker from Roma.

Juventus were thought to be favourites to sign the 27-year-old, bringing to an end his five-year stay in the Italian capital, but United have now emerged as surprise frontrunners, although a deal is not close to being finalised.

"I met Manchester United yesterday," Lucci told lasignoraingiallorosso.it. "We spoke about Vucinic, but we didn't reach an agreement.

"United like Vucinic but there's still a lot of work to do to see Mirko at Old Trafford."

Sir Alex Ferguson has already strengthened the squad at Old Trafford with three signings – Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea – this summer, at a combined cost of around £50 million.

Sir Alex stated on Monday that he did not expect any further signings to be made before the Community Shield match against rivals Manchester City on August 7.

UNICEF's appeal to fans

UNICEF is calling on United fans around the world to support its East Africa Children’s Crisis Appeal.

• MUFOUNDATION_News/Article

The charity has increased humanitarian assistance to countries in East Africa, where nearly two million children under five are currently at risk of starvation.

A major food crisis is looming due to a deadly combination of drought, conflict and rising food prices. UNICEF has warned that nearly half a million children are facing severe malnourishment.

The current drought in East Africa (encompassing Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti) has been one of the worst for 60 years, leaving pastures barren, water sources dry and livestock starving.

Please donate now to help UNICEF's work with children in crisis in East Africa.

Drought and conflict are causing tens of thousands of families to cross from Somalia to Kenya and Ethiopia each month, placing further strain on already overstretched refugee camps.

UNICEF continues to work in this region, delivering lifesaving nutrition and other basic supplies to keep vulnerable children alive and prevent disease.

In the most affected areas of Ethiopia, UNICEF has distributed food to almost 34,000 severely malnourished children, and ensured access to water and sanitation for over 280,000 people.

In South Somalia, UNICEF and its partners are also providing basic health care services to nearly 900,000 people, and water and sanitation to over a million. We are also helping to treat over 12,000 malnourished children in Kenya.

UNICEF urgently requires funds to reach malnourished children in East Africa. Please donate now. 

Napoli, Manchester United & Manchester City have all made enquiries for Shakhtar Donetsk's Douglas Costa [agent]

A number of clubs from Italy, England and Spain have all been taking note of the Brazilian, his representative has said, and any offer from top leagues will be considered

EXCLUSIVE
By Andrea Ghislandi

Napoli, Manchester United, and Manchester City have all expressed an interest in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa, said his agent Cesar Bottega.

Back in June the 20-year-old, who has three years left on his deal with Shakhtar, said he was pleased after learning of an interest from Napoli and Roma, who were both linked with his services.

His five goals in 27 games for the Ukrainian side last term have not gone unnoticed across the European continent, and Bottega has now confirmed the Italian and Premier League clubs have been sniffing around.

"I have had some contacts with important teams in Italy, Spain and England. Manchester City and Manchester United have informed themselves [about the player]," Bottega said.

"There was an interest from Napoli after they qualified for the Champions League, but in the last few weeks I have not heard from anyone at Napoli."

Yet, despite the links with a transfer, Costa could still remain with coach Mircea Lucescu's squad even though any subsequent offer will be considered.

"The player is happy in the Ukraine and he gets to play Champions League football with one of the most important teams in Europe," added the agent.

"But, if an opportunity from an important league arrives then we will consider it."

Sir Alex Ferguson not planning on signing any more players for Manchester United this summer

The Scot is looking forward to an "interesting" clash with rivals City during the Community Shield on August 7, but doesn't expect to bring in any new faces before then

By Adam Hedley

Manchester United fans can expect a quiet final few weeks of the summer after manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was happy with his signings so far and is not looking to add any more.

The Scot has brought Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea, Blackbun defender Phil Jones and Aston Villa winger Ashley Young to Old Trafford, but has also been linked with a central midfielder after the retirement of Paul Scholes.

"We lost five players in their 30s this summer," Ferguson told reporters during his team's tour of North America.

"That helped finance the three younger players - Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea - I have brought to the club.”

He added: "At this moment, I can't see another addition. The type of player we might have been looking for is not available.

"I am happy with the players I have got at this moment in time."

The first test of the new look United will come on August 7 with the Community Shield against rivals Manchester City, and Ferguson admitted it wll be an "interesting" game.

"It is not a normal Community Shield for Manchester United," he added.

"It is addressing our noisy neighbours again. It will be an interesting match."

‘If you want to win trophies, you have to come here’ – Patrice Evra admits attempts to convince Arsenal’s Samir Nasri to join Manchester United during summer break

The 30-year-old reiterates his belief that United offer his French colleague the best opportunity of silverware and claims a move to rivals City would be money motivated

By Liam Twomey

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has once again urged Arsenal’s Samir Nasri to join him at Old Trafford, saying only United can offer the Gunners star the trophies to match his talent.


Nasri has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer after refusing to sign an extension to his current deal, which has one year left to run.

It is currently unclear whether Arsenal would rather sell their prized asset for a reasonable fee this summer or allow him to leave for free in 12 months’ time, but United and Manchester City represent the likeliest destinations for the 24-year-old should the Gunners elect to cash in now.

Evra has urged Nasri to move to Old Trafford before and, with his France team-mate thought to be closer to making a firm decision on his future, the 30-year-old reiterated his stance.

"I've talked a lot with him in the holidays and told him how great it is to play for Manchester United and how important it would be for him to become one of the biggest players in the world,” Evra told reporters.

"I remember I made that little joke saying that he's a prince now but if he wants to be the king then he has to join Man United.

"But that's the reality - and I've told him that. I said, 'If you want to win trophies, you have to come here'.

"In five years I've won 12 trophies and I don't know if I'd have won more than that with another club. So I just told him the truth.
"I don't know how negotiations are at the moment but he has a lot of clubs interested in him and he has to think.

"I just told him how good it would be for him coming here. He will have a nice welcome and I can help as well because I'm French.

"We've spoken a lot in the summer and also when we met up for friendly games with France at the end of the season. It was looking interesting but I don't know, we'll have to see."

However, United’s bitter local rivals City are also firmly in the race to sign Nasri, and their considerable financial resources mean they may be willing to match Arsenal’s valuation of the player, thought to be at least £25 million.

But Evra believes that to turn down the chance to win trophies at Old Trafford in favour of a move to City would be absurd, and hinted any such decision would indicate a preference for money over glory on Nasri’s part.

"If he goes to City it's his choice,” he added. “But I know, as a player, if I have Manchester United and Manchester City, I'd go straight away for United.

"It can be for the money. But I'd prefer to go for the glory. He said it's a privilege a club like United want him but he has to think about his future and talk with his agent."

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez refutes Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement claims

The Manchester United manager revealed the Argentine, in 2009, told him he only wanted to continue playing football for four more years

By Chris Butterworth JR

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has dismissed suggestions he told former manager Sir Alex Ferguson that he planned to retire during his time at Manchester United.

Ferguson had claimed the Argentine told him he wished to play on for four more years in 2009, while the club and the forward were negotiating a new contract.

The United boss told The People:  “He told us at the time of negotiations that he was only going to play for four more years, so if we had signed him on a five-year contract knowing that he was going to quit in four years’ time, there is no re-sale value for us.”

However, a spokesman for the 27-year-old refuted Ferguson's accusation: "At no time did he discuss retiring with the Manchester United management and Mr Ferguson has not mentioned this at any time before.

“In fact Carlos feels he is capable of playing for a further eight years and though he has been in the form of his life, he feels he is only going to get better in the coming years.”

Tevez has once again publicly expressed his desire to leave Manchester City and was on the verge of a £40 million switch to his former club Corinthians before the Brazilian club pulled out over talks over fears the deal could not be completed before the close of their transfer deadline on July 21.

The forward is currently on holiday after returning from Argentina's Copa America campaign where he missed a penalty in their quarter-final clash against Uruguay.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: Language barrier could be a problem for David de Gea

Boss says United did not take keeper's age into account when signing him but focused on talent and will work towards toughening him up for the Premier League

By Laurie Bonne

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that new goalkeeper David de Gea could face a language barrier problem at Old Trafford due to his limited knowledge of English.

The 20-year-old starlet was signed by Ferguson for an £18 million fee from Atletico Madrid to fill the boots of Edwin van der Sar, who retired after the Red Devils lost the Champions League final in May.

The Spaniard does not have as much experience at the top level as his predecessor due to his young age, but Sir Alex insists that he is more worried about De Gea’s English problem.

"The only problem with De Gea at the moment is that he doesn't speak any English,” the Scot told the Sunday Mirror

"We have got him working on certain calls and shouts with the defenders.

"I'm not worried about his age. I looked at Petr Cech when he was a teenager at Rennes and
when we dismissed him because of his young age, he then went to Chelsea and it was clear we made a mistake.

"When we were scouting De Gea, we dismissed his age and focused on what qualities he could bring and he has a lot going for him.

"At the moment, he hasn't got a great physique, he's tall and wiry but we will work on that."

Nani braced for tough challenge

Nani says Manchester United's impressive pre-season showing will help Sir Alex's men get off to a good start as they bid to win a 20th English league title.

Report by Nick Coppack [The Official Website]

So far on the US Tour, United have scored 13 goals in three games and conceded just twice. And it's this sort of form, as well as the fitness work being undertaken on the training ground, that the Portuguese wingers believes will give the Reds the edge when the new season kicks off in mid-August.

"In every season it is important to start well," Nani said. "This season will be very hard. It will be much harder than the last couple of seasons. All the teams are getting stronger and they will be trying to be much better.

"We have to match that. We are doing well in pre-season. We have won all our games, we have scored a lot of goals and played good football."

Nani enjoyed his best season yet in a Reds shirt in 2010/11, particularly between August and March. He contributed more league assists than any other player in the league and chipped in with 10 goals in all competitions for United.

The 24-year-old hopes he can continue to produce that sort of magic in the forthcoming campaign and, despite the summer arrival of Ashley Young and the presence of fellow wingers Antonio Valencia and Ji-sung Park, hopes to cement a place in Sir Alex's first-choice XI.

"I will do my best to score more goals and get more assists like I have been doing throughout my career," he said. "I was delighted with my goal [against Chicago Fire in United's 3-1 victory on Saturday]. I had an opportunity to beat the keeper, I saw him off his line and I put it past him.

"I am focussed on trying to do better. I will try to help the team win the competitions we are going for. If I can get more goals and more assists, that will be good.

"Of course I can get better. I will try to do that. It is not easy. If I get an opportunity to play then I will try and do my best. The competition [for places] is good. It inspires you. If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game."

Sir Alex Ferguson: Football Association have 'double standards' on disciplinary matters because of Manchester United's success

Boss is adamant his side receives an unfair deal and thinks past harsh disciplinary measures against Old Trafford club show resentment at their pre-eminent position

By Laurie Bonne


Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Football Association of adopting 'double standards' in the disciplinary measures taken against Manchester United in comparison to other clubs.


According to The Mirror, the Scot is convinced that the team’s standing and success in Premier League is the reason behind his assertion that the FA treats them more strictly when it comes to sanctions than other clubs.

Following the Red Devils’ defeat at Chelsea last season, Ferguson received a five-match ban along with a £30,000 fine for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson’s performance.

The FA then handed a two-match ban to striker Wayne Rooney after his live foul-mouthed tirade into a television camera after completing a hat-trick at Upton Park a month later. But despite these incidents, Ferguson is convinced there is undue attention on United when it comes to discipline.

“I think sometimes there is an unfair focus on United when it comes to disciplinary issues,” he told reporters at a pre-season match conference in the United States.

“It will always be there and I think we know that. I don’t really know whether it’s about me or the club. That’s a difficult one.

“Maybe there is some resentment about United at the top level because of our success.

“I think that has got something to do with it. They have certainly always found a way to treat
us differently.


“It has been happening for a while now and they always seem to find a way to ‘do’ us when, with others, it is seemingly forgotten.

“Personally I felt hard done by last season. I defend my club, but that’s my job. Part of the problem is that when I make comments, the media are on to the FA right away.

“There is no doubt about that. Then they feel forced to do something and they are afraid of what might happen if they don’t.  There is no consistency in the disciplinary process.”

For Ferguson, the most notable incident demonstrating this perceived double standard came when Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo faced an FA disciplinary hearing in 2003 when they were involved in an altercation between Arsenal players and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford.

“The best one was when the Arsenal players attacked Ruud van Nistelrooy and they charged Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he added.

“We went to the meeting and there was a long table and about twelve of them sat there. There was a girl taking notes and about five old guys and one of them was sleeping.

“Maurice Watkins, our solicitor, nudged me and said ‘have a look at that’. What a bloody joke! Honestly!

“It was at a hotel near Heathrow. It must have cost a grand for the room, tea and sandwiches. It cost a fortune just to say ‘Not Guilty’.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson considering a surprise move for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton (report)

The Red Devils are thought to be weighing up a possible cut-price bid for the controversial ex-Manchester City man, who has only one year left on his contract at St James' Park

Manchester United are believed to be considering making a move for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.

The 28-year-old has only one year left on his contract on Tyneside, and Magpies manager Alan Pardew has already confirmed that the former Manchester City man has not been offered a new deal.

Speculation has since been rife about the future of the former Eastlands man, and now The Sunday Times reports that Sir Alex Ferguson is considering making a cut-price move for the midfielder.

It is believed that a bid as low as £2 million would be enough to secure Barton's signature, despite Pardew having previously maintained that the midfielder could remain at St James' Park.

Playing like Barcelona's Lionel Messi is 'the target' for Manchester United's Wayne Rooney

The England international reveals his respect for the Argentine and hopes to scale the same heights as the diminutive attacker, and reflects on Champions League final defeat

By David Lynch

Wayne Rooney has praised Lionel Messi and says he wants to be as good a player for Manchester United as the Argentine is for Barcelona.

The Catalans defeated the Red Devils in last season's Champions League final and the diminutive attacker bagged the second goal that night to effectively seal the trophy for Pep Guardiola's side.

Rooney told The Mirror: "Messi is a great player and rightly World Player of the Year. I think, not just for me, but for every footballer out there, that’s the target you want to try to get to and hopefully I can do that.

"Barcelona have their style of play and we play differently - not everyone can play the way they do. They have their identity and we have our own."

Reflecting on the Champions League final, Rooney added: "Full credit to them, they were a much better team than us on the day and deserved the win, but we’re looking forward to the new season now, trying to put that behind us and concentrating on what’s ahead.

"I think you have to put it behind you. I still think it was a great achievement by us to get to the final. Obviously you want to win, but they were better than us so you have to hold your hands up to that.

"It’s always disappointing when you lose in any competition. We just want to do our best this season, try to retain the title and go that one step further in the Champions League."

Rooney struck his lowest season goal tally since joining Manchester United last term but the emergence of strike partner Javier Hernandez was a positive for the England international.

"Javier is a young lad, he’s done really well and he’s been playing all summer so he needs a bit of a rest and it will take some time before he gets back into it," he continued.

"The really good thing is that we have such great competition for the two places up front, or sometimes only one place. We all have to make sure we really work hard if we want that place."

David De Gea pleased with Manchester United debut

United's veteran Ryan Giggs revealed to Goal.com that he was impressed with his young Spanish team-mate's performance. The goalkeeper believes he will get even better over time

EXCLUSIVE
By Alex Labidou & David Gubala

After conceding an early goal in the 13th minute off a header from Chicago Fire defender Cory Gibbs, Manchester United's new goalkeeper David De Gea didn’t allow that moment to affect his confidence and responded with several acrobatic saves. 

In the second half, Chicago’s inability to get past the keeper was compounded by United's execution of several incisive counterattacks that saw them score three times in 30 minutes. 
De Gea acknowledges that it has been a major transition coming from Atletico Madrid to Manchester United, and is hoping to get more friendlies under his belt as he acclimatises to his new team-mates.

"I'm still new to the team and league and it's an entirely different system than the one in Spain,” De Gea explained. “It was my first game and it's important I get a few more before the season starts."


After 20 years of playing for Manchester United, Ryan Giggs knows a top class goalkeeper when he sees one.

Having played in front of club legends Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Saar, Giggs has enjoyed his most outstanding successes while a rock-steady keeper has been guarding the United net.

Hence, after seeing newly-signed David De Gea make six saves in his debut for the club against the Chicago Fire in a 3-1 win, the 37-year-old is excited about the Spain youth international’s ability.


“Yeah, I thought he had a good performance,” said Giggs. “His distribution was very good and he's confident.”