Youth trophy delights Welsh

United youth coach Andy Welsh was predictably beaming after guiding the Reds to glory in the inaugural Champions Youth Cup.

Febian Brandy hit a superb winner in Sunday's final against Juventus in Kuala Lumpur, sealing United's honour of being the first winners of the prestigious tournament.

"I'm simply delighted with the result," said Welsh after the game. "I was also extremely pleased with the performance of the players.

"They stuck to the game plan from the start and it paid off handsomely. We played a patient game and relied on counter attacks, and it worked tonight."

United successfully navigated a route past Porto, Boca Juniors and Internazionale in Group C, before seeing off Barcelona and Flamengo in the knockout stages.

Given the calibre of the opposition ousted along the way, and the overall experience of the tournament, Welsh is already looking ahead to United's defence of the title next year.

"It has been a fantastic tournament and we had a wonderful two and a half weeks here," said the former Royal Antwerp coach.

"The boys got to play teams from different part of the world and it was a learning experience for them. We will definitely return to defend the title next year."

from:www.manutd.com

Proud Owen left frustrated

Owen Hargreaves says stepping out at Eastlands on Sunday for his United debut marked the biggest moment of his career.

A bout of tendinitis in his knees had delayed the 26-year-old's competitive Reds' bow much to his obvious frustration.

But he was deemed fit enough to start the derby and produced an impressive performance, despite it turning out to be a hugely disappointing day for the Reds as City snatched an undeserved 1-0 victory.

Hargreaves thoroughly enjoyed his first United run-out and is confident the team can turns things around after suffering their worst start for 15 years.

"To make my United debut in a Manchester derby was the biggest moment of my career so far," admitted Hargreaves. "But I was disappointed not to win. I was hoping we could obviously with his being my first game. I am sure there will be more wins in the future.

"We need to score goals. The most important thing is to have those chances. We have made them but not utilised them. We could have scored one or two and they are things we have got to work on.

"We are missing Ronny [Cristiano Ronaldo] and Wazza [Wayne Rooney] and they are key players. We are going to miss those players at any time but we still had enough on the pitch to win the game.

"We still had a great team out there and we were comfortable. It is a shame that we only have two points from three matches because in those games we have pretty much dominated possession and could easily have won all three.

"We need to understand that we have played relatively well. We've played all this attractive football but not won games. We will get there. But we need to win games. That is the most important thing."
from:www.manutd.com

Referee leniency concerns Sir Alex

Although there have been red cards for Reading and Portsmouth in United’s first two games for precisely that – late fouls – the Reds boss says referees are not clamping down on the problem sufficiently.Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off against Portsmouth for retaliating to what Sir Alex believes was persistent fouling on the United winger, and while the Reds manager does not condone his player’s reaction, he does feel more should be done to protect the game’s attacking players.“It was disappointing the other night,” said the boss at his Friday press conference “The referee was in a clear position to see it, and that is why he has given the red card. I am not saying that was the wrong decision because the minute you lift your hands or motion towards anyone with your head, you know the result of that. He got punished because he retaliated, and you can’t do that. But the guy grabbed him around the neck. I’ve seen that quite clearly, and the referee has just stood there and done nothing.“Every corner kick you see nowadays, players are getting manhandled every time. Every team is doing it. That has to be addressed, but there is no answer to it because referees are turning a blind eye to it every time“In a way, it’s very difficult to be angry with Cristiano because some of the things that happen to him on the pitch are not right,” he added. “Late challenges worry me. We saw it again on Wednesday night. The referee let late challenges go unpunished time and time again. So there is a concern that way. People like Ronaldo are going to be the victims and people that watch the game are going to be the victims. It will end up with
from:www.mautd.com

Scholes shoots to the top

Paul ScholesLeague apps: 308 (65)League goals: 961st league goal: 24/09/94 v Ipswich

The 32-year-old's strike on Wednesday at Fratton Park, a blistering drive from the edge of the box that flew into the corner of David James' net, was his 96th in the competition and saw him overtake Ruud van Nistelrooy at the top of the Reds' league scorers' chart. Scholesy's milestone arrived in his 373rd league appearance, giving him a strike-rate of slightly better than one goal every four games. Newcastle have been on the receiving end of nine Scholes goals in the league, while the former England midfielder has netted seven times against West Ham, Blackburn and Bolton.Scholes has scored four times against Sunday's opponents, Manchester City, the last coming in the Reds' 4-1 defeat in 2004

from:www.mautd.com

Tevez loving life as a Red

Carlos Tevez says he is loving life at Old Trafford playing alongside the "best players in the world."
The Argentine international made his United debut on Wednesday evening at Fratton Park in the Reds' 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.
Despite being unable to help his team-mates secure victory, Tevez did enough to suggest he will make a positive impact at Old Trafford.
Having endured a torrid few weeks whilst his move from West Ham to United was ironed out by the relevant parties, Tevez says he is now focused on ensuring the 2007/08 campaign is a successful one for his new team.
"When the move finally went through there was a real sense of relief that I’d signed," he told ManUtd.com."I feel very happy - I’ve joined the best club in the world with the best players in the world. It’s not difficult to see the qualities every one of them has.
"First and foremost I want to get games under my belt so I’m physically strong," he adds. "From then on I want to be part of this great team and hopefully begin to produce the kind of football I played last season to help the

from:www.manutd.com

Owen provides silver lining

Although United were unable to take any points from Sunday's Manchester derby, the promising debut of England midfielder Owen Hargreaves provided a welcome silver lining to a frustrating afternoon.Despite missing much of the Reds' pre-season preparations through injury, Hargreaves slotted seamlessly into midfield alongside Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick, much to the delight of Sir Alex Ferguson."He was absolutely superb," the Manager told MUTV. "I think it was a magnificent first performance from the lad, and he was a major influence for Manchester United today." The summer signing from Bayern Munich has been absent with a bout of tendinitis, and Sir Alex confirmed that he now faces a race against time to have Hargreaves fit for next Sunday's visit of Tottenham."His knees are a bit sore now," admitted Sir Alex. "He'll probably report for the game but I don't think he'll be anywhere near fit enough to play for England. He'll need a few days to recover and hopefully we can get him fit for the Tottenham game."

from:www.manutd.com

Man City vs Man Utd: Blow by blow

94th min - FULL TIME It's all over and Manchester City are top of the table. United's miserable start to the season continues. Micah Richards has been unbelievable today.
93rd min - BOOKED Tevez's misery is compounded by a yellow card.
Four minutes of injury time.
91st min - Tevez AGAIN misses when it looked easier to score. The ball comes across from a corner, everyone misses it but Tevez can only direct his far post header wide. Fergie is off the bench thinking his team have rescued a point.
89th min - Captain Richard Dunne is bloodied but unbowed, as he gives his team a much needed breather, but he's off the pitch now for a stitch or two in his eyebrow.
87th min - Confidence soaring through the City players as Mpenza tries his luck from distance. Sven might have appreciated him taking the ball into the corner though.
83rd min - United free-kick, Hargreaves floats it in but it's the brilliant Richards who clears once again. There's only one man of the match in my opinion.
79th min - United are on the back foot now. Rio clears his lines but it's all being played in the final third of United's turf at the moment.
78th min - Wow - Corluka spanks one from 35 yards, it fizzes just over. City finally realise attack is the best form of defence.
76th min - Tevez blazes wide. 'Blue Moon' rings out from the home faithful at Eastlands.
74th min - Goalscorer Geovanni gets a standing ovation as he's replaced by Michael Ball. No giving away any penalties please Mr Ball.
73rd min - O'Shea and Campbell on for Brown and Carrick. Fergie's last thrown of the dice?
72nd min - Chris Eagles has made an instant impact since coming on. His work down the right nearly brings a goal, Schmeichel makes a decent save.
68th min - Show of petulance from Rio Ferdinand on Corluka. The pressure is beginning to tell on United's players. Twenty minutes left to rescue the situation.
67th min - Geovanni puts a very tepid free-kick into van der Sar's grateful hands.
65th min - Tevez very much off his game today. Nothing he tries goes to plan - crosses go long, backheels fail to find a red shirt. City owner Thaksin Shinawatra looks edgey.
Frank Stapleton believes United will go on to win, should they get an equalizer!
Micah Richards is the unsurprising favourite amongst the studio panel to be MOTM. Get your votes in now!
63rd min - Bianchi replaces Elano.
It's "just a case of WHEN United will score" according to former City player Steve McMahon.
60th min - How does Tevez miss? Inches wide but a firmer touch would have seen the equalizer.
59th min - Half chance from Scholes, flashing one over the bar. Nani replaced by Eagles, despite his early promise in this match.
57th min - BOOKED Corluka cautioned for a foul on Tevez.
56th min - BOOKED Didi Hamann collects a caution for bringing down a charging Ryan Giggs.
55th min - Micah Richards AGAIN. Clears from under his own posts. Man mountainous performance from the young fella.
51st min - More United pressure comes to nothing. Can they claw their way back into this derby?
47th min - Off the bar from Vidic! Fergie's half time roasting nearly has the desired effect.
HALF TIME - Ah, the beautiful game. United go to their City rivals, dominate possession, have more shots on and off target, and end the first half one down. Sven must wish England could have had the luck his team of video mercenaries are having at Eastlands. "Possession means nothing" says Steve McLaren as a million England fans say a prayer.
45th min - The crowd are surprisingly quiet now. United's possession has shut them up somewhat, as if they fear upsetting the Red Devils by cheering too much. Injury time in the first half now.
44th min - Nani a yard wide.
42nd min - Gorgeous feet from Tevez, yet he fails to find a confused looking Carrick as the furthest forward United player.
39th min - Schmeichel spills one and Richards cleans up. First sign of nerves from the 20 year old keeper. Scholes can't benefit.
38th min - Oles from the crowd at Eastlands. They are determined to enjoy the superiority for as long as it lasts.
33rd min - BOOKED Wes Brown collects his yellow card. It's been coming, let's be honest.
32nd min - GOAL What a turn up for the books. City go ahead with their first shot on target as Geovanni shows some magic by curling one in from outside the box. If a Brazilian had scored that we'd be talking about it for weeks. What's that? He IS Brazilian?
Frank Stapleton thinks United have "dominated" while City are just "sitting back and trying to catch them on the break".
29th min - More delicious footwork from Nani. No end result though.
27th min - Richards says "thou shall not pass" to Tevez once again, mopping up nicely at the back following a clever run from the Argentinian.
24th min - Patrice Evra pops up where Tevez wanted to be, wildly slashing wide when in on goal. What a chance wasted. Sir Alex wants a penalty.
21st min - Micah Richards saves City from a bursting through the middle Tevez
19th min - More profit down the left from United. One corner, followed by another. It's "all Manchester United so far" says John Dykes.
17th min - Nani denied by Schmeichel again. This duel will run and run you feel.
15th min - Wes Brown gives Martin Petrov something to think about, ruthlessly chopping him down by the touchline. Ref Clattenburg leaves him in no doubt his next foul will see him booked.
13th min - Nani is seeing a lot of the ball. Seems like Sir Alex wants him to press on against the home defence.
10th min - Things have settled somewhat. City are slowly finding their feet.
7th min - Bojinov is substituted after going over on his ankle. Not the best of starts for the home side. Mpenza gets on the pitch far earlier than he would have expected.
5th min - All United early on. Nani brings a fine save from the young Schmeichel. Like father like son, although dad's loyalties must be severely tested taoday
3rd minute - A spot of Latin temperament from Carlos Tevez as he fails to receive the ball as he wishes. The City fans love it!
Here we go – City to kick off.
It's 4-3-3 for visitors United, a solid 4-4-2 for City at home. Can United reverse their slow start to the season - can City continue their best Premiership start? Keep it here with espnstar.com to find out what's happening at Eastlands.
Team starting lineups:
Man CitySchmeichel, Corluka, Garrido, Dunne, Richards, Hamann, Elano, Geovanni, Johnson, Petrov, BojinovSubs: Hart, Onuoha, Ball, Bianchi, Mpenza
Man Utdvan der Sar, Brown, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Hargreaves, Scholes, Tevez.Subs: Kuszczak, Campbell, Eagles, O'Shea, Silvestre
from :www.espnstar.com

Carrick: Signings will flourish

Michael Carrick insists United's summer signings won't take long to settle into life at Old Trafford.

He should know: 12 months ago, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder arrived in Manchester after a high-profile move that left him with a hefty price tag on his shoulders and a reputation to fulfil.

"As soon as you get in the dressing room there's a great bunch of lads and the staff are so friendly. You tend to settle very quickly," Carrick told ManUtd.com.

Indeed, Carrick found his feet almost immediately and forced his way into Sir Alex's starting XI. Once there, his form was so good that only Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney started more matches last season than the 24-year-old.

Now he believes the Reds' new signings will gel just as easily.

"I found that once I had a few games under my belt United really felt like home. It's a very enjoyable place to come and play football because everything else is taken care of; you don't have to think about anything other than playing football. That's the way it should be because, at the end of the day, players are judged on what we do on the pitch."

Despite the arrival of Owen Hargreaves
from:www.manutd.com

Rio confident of title defence

Rio Ferdinand insists United will be fighting tooth and nail to retain the Barclays Premier League title this season.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have enjoyed busy summers strengthening their respective squads, but Reds defender Ferdinand is typically unflustered ahead of the new campaign.

"There's no chance of us giving up our title easily," he said. "I had a great end to last season and a great summer. You can't beat that kind of feeling. You can't put it into words and we'll be doing all we can to retain the title. But any year it's hard to win the league."

While United's title rivals are heavily reinforced going into the season, Ferdinand is hopeful the Reds' own new signings can bed in quicker than those elsewhere and give Sir Alex Ferguson's side an early edge.

"The fact other teams have spent a lot of money poses questions," he said. "But will they gel? Will they become better teams? Will it be harder for their manager to cope with loads of players in their squad? Will he be able to juggle things around?

"So it's all ifs and buts, really. We'll know by Christmas which teams have dealt with their new acquisitions well and how everyone is doing.

"We're very experienced in that capacity, so hopefully that will give us the step in front that we want. I don't really care what the likes of Chelsea or anyone else do. I'm happy with what we're doing - that's all I'm concentrating on."

United have enlisted Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves this summer, with Carlos Tevez set to follow, and Ferdinand feels the Reds are in good shape for the new season.
from :www.manutd.com

"The manager's moves in the transfer market have been very good," he said. "Nani and Anderson are very good players with great potential. Hargreaves, as we know, is a great player and will prove a great acquisition as well. It looks good for us - but you always need a bit of luck in terms of injuries."

Papers: Heinze wants out

Heinze tells Fergie: I still want to goContract rebel Gabriel Heinze last night upped the ante in his row with Manchester United by telling Sir Alex Ferguson to his face that he wants to move to Liverpool.Defender Heinze returned to training with Untied as planned yesterday and headed straight for a meeting with manager Ferguson to thrash out his future.And the Argentine international told Sportsmail last night he remains set on a controversial move to Anfield and that his lawyers are looking at ways to force the deal through, despite United's oppositions.Heinze said: "I've spoken with the coach and I have insisted that my wish is to leave the club if a big offer appears on the table."Today, the only such offer is from Liverpool and it is this that is causing the problem. Earlier in the summer I received a promise from United that I could leave if the deal was good for both parties and at the moment there is an offer from Liverpool."Ian Ladyman, Daily MailMeanwhile, The Sun quote Rio Ferdinand as saying he's more determined than ever to win the Barclays Premier League this season. Rio said: "You can't put into words how exciting [lifting the trophy last season] was. We'll be doing all we can to retain that title."Cristiano Ronaldo is also determined to win the league again, but wants to go one better, according to The Daily Star. They quote the Portuguese winger as saying he's determined to win the Champions League as well.
The Sun also claim United have rejected a bid from Hull City to take Reserves striker Fraizer Campbell, 19, on loan, while The Daily Telegraph reckon Sir Alex has warned Roy Keane off a loan approach for stopper Tomasz Kuszczak.
Round up by Nick Coppack


from:www.manutd.com

Interview: Danny Simpson

Salford-born right-back Danny Simpson has spent the summer working with the Reds first team and is hoping for playing opportunities this season. We caught up with him for a quick chat about training at United and marking Ronaldo…You’ve been working with the first-team in pre-season. How much of a step up is it, even after your time at Sunderland last season?I had a great time at Sunderland but the standard in United’s first team is even higher. It helps to bring the best out of you because you have to continually raise your game.How has training changed even in your short career? Certain things have changed. From what I’ve seen at United and from chatting to coaches like Rene Meulensteen (Technical Skills Development Coach), a lot of kids nowadays work on their technique from a young age, probably seven or eight. Technique is something a lot of people have always said English footballers need to work on and from what I’ve seen recently that’s definitely happening. Youngsters spend more time practising their turns and working on one and two-touch passing and I think because of that we’re producing better players.Has working with Rene helped your game?It’s been great. Every session we have with him involves working on certain techniques, whether it be your turns or your passing. I’ve tried to apply what I’ve learnt in the sessions into game situations and personally he’s helped me a lot.As a full-back, what’s it like marking Cristiano Ronaldo in training?To be honest, I quite enjoy it! You want to play against the best and become the best yourself and marking Ronaldo day in, day out, can only help you improve. Nani is another one who’s tricky to play against. He’s a quality player and I can’t wait to see him and Ronny bombing down the wings for United this season.
from:www.manutd.com

Papers: Chelsea in crisis

Jose HellJose Mourinho is facing an injury crisis which threatens to wreck Chelsea's start to the season. John Terry - who missed the Community Shield defeat - is out for four weeks with a knee injury, while Didier Drogba is set to miss next Sunday's Premiership opener against Birmingham with the same problem. Wayne Bridge, Andrei Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Paolo Ferreira, Salomon Kalou and Claude Makelele were also absentees from yesterday's game.Darren Lewis, Daily MirrorVan der StarSir Alex Ferguson hailed Edwin van der Sar after the keeper’s Community Shield heroics for Manchester United. Dutch star Van der Sar, 36, saved Chelsea’s first three penalties in a dramatic Wembley shootout. Reds boss Fergie said: “He knew the penalties were coming and prepared himself. He’s studied players like Frank Lampard taking penalties and that experience has got us the result.”Ian McGarry, The SunThe Mirror also claims that Sir Alex mocked Chelsea's pragmatic approach under Jose Mourinho before Sunday's Community Shield, saying: "You can play chess for 10 hours, but then what?"The Daily Star looks at the personal rivalry between Wayne Rooney and Tal Ben Haim and says this season "there is clearly more to come in this X-certificate saga". Sounds interesting.The Sun says Liverpool transfer target Gabriel Heinze is due back in training at Carrington today. The same paper reveals that Owen Hargreaves would have played the full game against Peterborough on Saturday, instead of as a half-time substitute, if he hadn't been held up in traffic. The midfielder is, however, now hopeful of being fit to face Reading on Sunday.
Round up by Ben Hibbs

Giggs excited by Tevez arrival

Ryan Giggs admits he's "really excited" at the prospect of linking up with Carlos Tevez, even if the Argentine's arrival means more competition for places in United's starting XI.Tevez is expected to sign for the Reds early this week after the Premier League accepted a proposal on Friday that will see the player's representatives pay West Ham a fee in the region of £2million.The striker should make his first appearance for United in one of Wednesday's pre-season fixtures, either at Dunfermline or Glentoran."I'm really excited about Tevez," Giggs told MUTV after Sunday's Community Shield win."He trained with us on Friday and fitted in straight away. He's a quality player – we saw that towards the end of last season with West Ham – and he'll give us that extra dimension."We've got plenty of attacking options this year and it keeps all the players on their toes."

Edwin's final revenge

Edwin van der Sar admitted the Reds' Community Shield success went some way to atoning for last season's FA Cup final disappointment.

The Dutch stopper was United's match-winner, saving penalty kicks from Claudio Pizarro, Frank Lampard and Shaun Wright-Philips.

"It's a great feeling," van der Sar told Sky Sports amid the Reds' celebrations.

"It's a little revenge for the cup final and also gives us a boost before the start of the league. I've never saved three penalties in a row."

Despite his heroics at Wembley, Van der Sar admits his record in shootouts is not the best.

"I was 5-2 down on penalty shootouts during my career, so this makes it 5-3," the 36-year-old said.

"I think we deserved the win – we played the better football and created more chances than them. Chelsea only had the one chance at the end of the first half."

from :www.manutd.com

Giggs: We deserved to win

It was disappointing a couple of months ago, so it was obviously nice winning the game and getting
the trophy." – Ryan Giggs







Ryan Giggs says United were the better side and fully deserved Sunday's Community Shield victory.

"I think we easily had the better chances over 90 minutes," he told MUTV. "We defended quite well and overall I'm pleased with our performance. It's always a tight game against Chelsea and there wasn't a lot in it."

Indeed, the game went to a penalty shootout after scores were tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes. It was Giggs who put the Reds in front on 35 minutes with a well-taken strike from 12 yards. Incredibly, it was the first goal the Welshman has scored at Wembley since he netted for England Schoolboys as a 14-year-old.

"I had a chance a little before I scored, which I should have tucked away," Giggs said.

"I tried not to make the same mistake with the next chance I got. There was some great play down the left, then Patrice Evra pulled it back and I just tried to get some height on the shot in order to get it over any defenders who may have been sliding in. It was great to see it go in."

Back in May, Giggs was a dejected onlooker as Chelsea climbed the steps to Wembley's Royal Box to receive the FA Cup. On Sunday, however, the 33-year-old was all smiles as United lifted a record 12th Community Shield.

"It was disappointing a couple of months ago, so it was obviously nice winning the game and getting the trophy."


From:www.manutd.com

Boss hails Gibson display

Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on Darron Gibson after he set the Reds on their way to a 2-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers on Friday evening.The 19-year-old midfielder opened the scoring twenty minutes from time with a sizzling left-foot drive which gave Rovers' substitute stopper Ben Smith no chance.Gibson had earlier struck the bar with an equally impressive hit and Sir Alex is hoping to see the young Irishman build on his solid performance at the Keepmoat Stadium."I thought Darron was excellent," he told MUTV. "He is potentially one of the best young players at the club. He's got good physical prowess, two great feet, good pace - he's got everything in his locker."He just needs experience and that's something he'll hopefully get plenty of this season."The United boss was pleased with his young team's overall display and believes debutant Anderson will have picked up some useful experience during his first half run-out."It was a good introduction to English football for him because Doncaster were very competitive and showed great commitment and made things difficult for us," explained the boss."He's picked up a little hamstring strain which we'll assess on Saturday. But hopefully it's nothing serious and he'll be okay."Sir Alex also confirmed Owen Hargreaves will play the full ninety minutes in Saturday's friendly at Peterborough.

from:www.manutd.com

Betting: Chelsea v United

Betfred boss and United fan Fred Done previews Sunday's match at Wembley...Summer's officially over! The weather may be getting better but the traditional season curtain-raiser is finally upon us.It's been a long wait as far as I'm concerned, so now it's time to get this season's new shirt on, dig out your scarf and get your singing voice back in tune for the Community Shield. After all the luck going against us at Wembley in May's FA Cup final, it will be good to see the Reds back in action there on Sunday.United's new signing Nani may be fit and ready to play against Chelsea. If you expect a flying start from the Portuguese ace, you can get Nani at 10/1 to score the first goal.I don't think either team will be looking to give much away so I fancy a closely matched 1-1 draw, priced at 5/1. However, for those of you who saw the perfect "game of two halves" against Chelsea at Old Trafford last season, I think the value is in backing half-time United - full-time draw at 12/1. Remember who told you first about it!I fancy Rooney to bang in a goal this weekend (13/2 for first goalscorer), as he's been looking sharp in training and my old pal Sir Alex tells me he's scoring for fun at the moment. If you think he'll bag a brace, you'll be pleased to hear I'm refunding any correct score, first scorer, last scorer and scorecast bets if any player scores twice in the 90 minutes. How's that for the Bonus King kicking off the season in style!Finally, after losing my bet to Fergie last season on Ronaldo scoring more than 15 league goals, I'm offering 10/1 on the boy wonder scoring over 20 league goals this term. For more bets on the match and the new season, visit

from:www.manutd.com

Papers: Clubs hunt Smith

Everton are in pole position for SmithEverton are favourites to pop Newcastle in the scramble to sign Manchester United striker Alan Smith. Sportsmail revealed exclusively yesterday that Newcastle had a £6million offer accepted by the Premiership champions on Friday. Smith has reluctantly accepted his Old Trafford career is coming to a close and has held initial talks before deciding where to move to. He has rejected the chance to talk to Middlesbrough, even though they had a bid accepted, and Aston Villa have so far failed to make an offer. Smith's preference is believed to be Everton but their bid may hinge on striker James Beattie's £4m departure to Sheffield United.Simon Jones, Daily MailMeanwhile, The Daily Express claim Smith could be heading to Upton Park in a sensational double bid that would also see Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen arrive at West Ham.But The Mirror believe Middlesbrough are closest to signing Smith, with the lure of £60,000 a week in wages. The paper claim Smith met Boro manager Gareth Southgate yesterday after United accepted a £6m bid. Incredibly, The Sun have Smith heading for a different location. It believes Sunderland have also met United's asking price and Smith will talk to Keane this week.
In other news, The Daily Mail report Juventus have confirmed their interest in Reds defender Gabriel Heinze. The paper quote the Italian club's general manager, Jean-Claude Blanc, as saying he wants to "see if something can happen with Heinze". Liverpool are also reportedly still interested, despite United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisting he will not sell to the Merseyside club.
Round up by Nick Coppack

from:www.manutd.com

Juve chasing Heinze?

Italian club Juventus are reportedly interested in taking Gabriel Heinze to the Stadio Delle Alpi.The Argentina international's Old Trafford future has been cast into doubt with Liverpool keen to take Heinze to Anfield in a controversial switch across the North-west.That move has been rebuffed by Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill, who have both stated publicly that they do not want to sell Heinze to a Premier League rival.However, Gill was quoted in the press this week saying: "If there's interest from overseas and the valuation's right, I could see him moving."Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc has said that the newly-promoted Turin club may move for the 29-year-old left-back."We'll have to see if something can happen with Heinze," he told the Daily Mail.Although his future remains unclear, as the situation currently stands Heinze is a United player and Sir Alex expects the defender back in training next Monday after three weeks' rest following his involvement in Copa America

.

from:www.manutd.com

Rossi to join Villarreal

United have agreed an undisclosed fee with Spanish side Villarreal for 20-year-old striker Giuseppe Rossi.

The Italian Under-21 international spent last season out on loan, having spells with Newcastle and his former club Parma in Serie A, where he scored nine goals in 19 appearances.

A club spokesman told ManUtd.com: "United have reached agreement with Villareal for the permanent transfer of Giuseppe Rossi for an undisclosed fee.

"The transfer is subject to a medical which is expected to take place in Spain tomorrow."

Rossi joined United from Italian side Parma in July 2004 and immediately impressed in United's Reserves, netting 13 times in his first 19 starts.

His performances in the second string quickly saw him called up to the first-team squad in November 2004, where he made his first-team debut against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup in a 2-0 win.

A further 13 appearances and four goals followed, but the New Jersey-born forward couldn't quite earn a regular place in United's first team.

from:www.manutd.com

Nani a doubt for Inter

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Nani may miss Wednesday night's friendly against Inter Milan due to an ankle injury.

However, fellow new signings Anderson and Owen Hargreaves should make their non-competitive United bows in the coming days, and Gary Neville, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are racing to be fit for the start of the new season.

Portuguese winger Nani, who scored twice in as many appearances on United's Asia Tour, has been hampered in pre-season with an ankle injury he sustained in the European U21 Championships. An ankle injury in training this week is likely to rule the 20-year-old signing from Sporting Lisbon out of the match.

"Nani got a little injury in his ankle in training on Monday," said the boss. "He's a bit of a doubt for Wednesday's game."

The good news is that Hargreaves and Anderson, whose first day was on Monday, are both now in full training and could be involved in the match against Peterborough on Saturday. Brazilian teenager Anderson, who missed the Asia Tour due to his involvement in the Copa America, could also feature in Friday's trip to Doncaster Rovers.

As for Neville, Saha and Solskjaer, who all underwent surgery over the summer will be "roughly a couple of weeks for the three of them," according to the boss, which means they may not be fully match fit to start the season. Sir Alex also added that Paul Scholes is contuining his recovery from knee surgery, but gave no indication as to a return date.
from:www.manutd.com