Manchester Utd

Ferguson's job is safe, says Gill
Manchester United chief executive David Gill says manager Sir Alex Ferguson's job at Old Trafford is safe. Ferguson has failed to bring the Premiership title or a European trophy to Old Trafford for three seasons. But Gill told the News of the World: "Maybe he would have gone at certain clubs but is that right? Look at Real Madrid. Where have they ended up? "We are different - we stick with our people. Changing the rider does not mean the horse is going to win." Gill revealed that United's owner Malcolm Glazer has never questioned Ferguson's position since he bought the club in June 2005. "The Glazers have the top guy, they know it and nothing will change," added Gill. "They are very comfortable with Sir Alex and never question his position. "They recognised straight away that he was a key part of the strength of the club. One day there will be a change but we hope that is a long way off. "We have a great manager and, while he has the enthusiasm and the knowledge to develop players like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, we don't want to change."

Man Utd ready to spend big again
Manchester United finance director Andy Anson has revealed the club are ready to spend big this summer to make sure they sign the right players. Previously they paid £29.3m for Rio Ferdinand and £27m for Wayne Rooney, but Anson says they would be willing to pay similarly large fees in the future. "If we need a world class player, then we'll get him and provide the best deal," he told BBC Radio Five Live. "What we must do which we've not always done is get the best value deal." Last week United signed a £56m four-year shirt sponsorship deal with finance company AIG - the first major deal since Malcolm Glazer and his family bought a majority stake in the club last summer. But Anson said that the sponsorship money would not necessairly be made available to spend in the transfer market because a sizeable sum had already been allocated to manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "It goes into the central pot, we manage it as a business and then we decide where we're going to spend at the start of each season when we do our budget," he said. "The budget for transfers for this year was already allocated and that remains unchanged - it's a big amount anyway - and Sir Alex is confident he can get the players he needs this summer. "If we need a world class player for a certain position, then the Glazers have made it very clear that that's what we will do."

Man Utd 2-0 Arsenal
Wayne Rooney and Ji-Sung Park scored as Manchester United won their ninth successive Premiership match. Rooney controlled Mikael Silvestre's brilliant cross before shooting past Jens Lehmann and later crossed for Park to score from close range. Lehmann had superbly saved from Rooney twice before his goal, while Kolo Toure appeared to divert a strike from the forward on to the post with his hand. United keeper Edwin van der Sar made good saves from Robin van Persie. The result means Sir Alex Ferguson's team move back to within seven points of Chelsea, who defeated West Ham 4-1 earlier on Sunday. United have five games left to catch the reigning champions, including a match at Stamford Bridge against Jose Mourinho's team. For Arsenal, though, their ninth away defeat in the Premiership this season leaves them five points behind north London rivals Tottenham in the race for fourth place. It could have been different for Arsene Wenger's team if they had converted one of their early chances - in a match played in front of a Premiership record crowd of 70,908. Despite relegating Thierry Henry to the bench Arsenal made the early running. Gary Neville made a superb challenge to deny Emmanuel Adebayor after he had been played through by Alexander Hleb and Van der Sar saved from Van Persie. It took United a while to settle but eventually they started to threaten, Lehmann punching clear a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick and then making two superb saves to deny Rooney. Each time Rooney shot across Lehmann, the first from 20 yards and the second considerably closer but from a tighter angle. Arsenal looked to break quickly and Van der Sar made a superb save low to his left to thwart Van Persie. Van Nistelrooy, starting ahead of Louis Saha, started to assert his influence on the contest, shooting wide from a tight angle and forcing Lehmann into action with a header. And it was a superb through ball from Van Nistelrooy that led to the major incident of the first half. He played Rooney through and his team-mate took the ball around Lehmann before shooting goalwards. Toure, struggling to regain his feet, appeared to handle as he dived to his right to try to stop Rooney's strike. The ball was deflected against the post but the incident went unnoticed by referee Graham Poll. Rooney was not to be denied after the break - the 20-year-old smashing the ball past Lehmann after taking one touch to control Silvestre's cross. Arsenal went in search of an equaliser, with Adebayor shooting narrowly over and Van Persie failing to convert Emmanuel Eboue's cross. Eboue brilliantly eluded Rooney before cutting inside but his ball to Van Persie was struck firmly, making it difficult for his team-mate to make a decisive contact. Arsenal introduced Henry with 18 minutes left but Park's goal took the match beyond the away team. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Giggs, Park (Evra 84), Rooney, van Nistelrooy (Saha 62). Subs Not Used: Howard, Brown, Pique. Booked: Vidic, O'Shea, Silvestre. Goals: Rooney 54, Park 78. Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Senderos, Toure, Flamini, Hleb (Ljungberg 74), Fabregas (Diaby 69), Silva, Pires, Van Persie (Henry 69), Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Poom, Djourou. Booked: Silva. Att: 70,908 Ref: G Poll (Hertfordshire).

Man Utd defend ticket price rise
Manchester United have hit their fans with a 12.3% average rise in season ticket prices for the next campaign. A top-price ticket will cost £38 and the cheapest £23 - although United are still roughly halfway up the list of Premiership ticket prices. "It is the time of year when football directors become public enemy number one," said finance director Nick Humby. "But we strongly believe that the new ticket prices still represent the best value in the Premier League." Those whose tickets average £30 a game will be hardest hit as their seats will cost £5 more. Without a doubt, there will be empty seats for league games at Old Trafford next season Mark Longden, chairman, Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association But everyone attending games at Old Trafford will have to pay more - with one exception, that being a supporter with two children sitting in the Family Stand, for whom the price will be frozen. Mark Longden, chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association criticised the move, saying there could be empty seats at Old Trafford next season. "Even the hardcore fan is going to think twice about spending £35 to go watch Birmingham at 5.15pm on a Saturday evening," he said. "It is far easier - and cheaper - to go and watch the game on TV in a pub somewhere, where, it has to be said, the atmosphere is often better as well. "The more prices go up, the more people fall off the edge and, without a doubt, there will be empty seats for league games at Old Trafford next season." United estimate that 43% of their matchday receipts next year will be generated by their 8,000 'executive' fans, a rise from 36% for the present campaign. But United have defended the price rises, saying they compare favourably with the rest of the Premiership. "We do not know what most of our rivals will charge next year, but even a price freeze across the rest of the Premiership would mean that next year only seven clubs will have a cheaper ticket than £23 and nine clubs will have a top price over £39 - in some cases almost double," said Humby. Chelsea have frozen ticket prices for next season, which means tickets for Premiership games remain between £35 and £60. The Blues' ticket prices are the second highest in the Premiership, after Tottenham, who charge up to £70. Wigan's prices are the lowest, at £17 to £25. Old Trafford's capacity is being expanded to 76,000 - comfortably the largest in the Premiership - for the start of next season.

Heinze set for Man Utd comeback
Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze is set to make his return to Manchester United's first-team on Friday. The 27-year-old has not played since rupturing cruciate ligaments in a Champions League encounter with Villarreal in September. But Heinze has returned to full training and boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he was close to full fitness. "Gaby's been training for three weeks and is looking fantastic. He has been tackling like a tiger," said Ferguson. "He has shown great energy in training and his enthusiasm is infectious. "He is very close and I might just give him a go against Sunderland on Friday."

Glazers changed Man Utd blueprint
The Glazer family have revised their business plan for Manchester United following concerns within the club, says chief executive David Gill. "The board had concerns before they took over, but they've demonstrated they will listen," . "Their business plan clearly allows for investment in the product - the team. "They share the vision we have as a club and want to be the best football club in the world on and off the field. Man Utd have a very rosy future." The Glazer family borrowed heavily in order to complete their estimated £800m buy-out of the club last June. And there have been fears among supporters' groups that the club will be plunged into massive debt, leading to a big hike in ticket prices and a cap on money spent on new players. On Monday, the club announced a 12.3% average rise in season ticket prices for next season, although a seat at United will still be less than seven other teams in the Premiership. "Manchester United has always had sensible ticket pricing and we will continue to have prices that reflect demands for the tickets, the fantastic facilities and fantastic team. "The debt within the club is serviceable and, what with stadium expansion and sponsorship deals, our income streams are in good shape." Last week, United announced a £56m four-year shirt sponsorship deal with finance company AIG and next season Old Trafford's capacity will be 76,000, comfortably the biggest in the Premiership. "There are funds there and if you are investing in the product - the stadium, the training grounds, the players - then you're going to get return. "On the football side, the Glazers have been very supportive, for example buying Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic in January. "I spoke to Joel (Glazer) and said, 'these are the players the manager is interested in' and he just said 'go do it'. "They are prepared to take a long-term view on things - they're prepared to invest in order to get a return in years to come." Meanwhile, Gill categorically denied the club could consider renaming Old Trafford. When Malcolm Glazer took over American football side the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he rebranded the ground as Houlihan's Stadium to promote his restaurant chain, as well as changing the team's colours. "We're not going to rename Old Trafford," said Gill. "We can go on record and say that won't happen. I don't think there's value there and it's not something we, or they (the Glazers), want to do."

Lyon warn Man Utd off Diarra bid
Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas claims Manchester United will have to pay more than £24.5m if they want to sign Mahamadou Diarra this summer. Sir Alex Ferguson initially enquired about the 24-year-old last year, and has been tipped to make a move again. But chairman Aulas says the midfielder will cost more than Michael Essien, who joined Chelsea for £24.5m last summer. "Diarra will be here next season," he said. "Even if a good deal is possible, he'll be more expensive than Essien." Ferguson is expected to strengthen his team over the summer ahead of a Premiership and European challenge next season. United have just signed a £56m four-year shirt sponsorship deal with AIG, while the Glazer family have pledged to support Ferguson in the transfer market. Ferguson spent £12.5m in the January transfer on defensive duo Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic - and chief executive David Gill recently said: "There are funds there if you are investing in the product. "I spoke to Joel (Glazer) and said, 'these are the players the manager is interested in' and he just said 'go do it'."

Ferguson criticises Rooney hype
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the pressure being piled on Wayne Rooney ahead of this summer's World Cup is beginning to tell. Sunderland dealt United's title hopes a blow on Friday, with Rooney putting in a poor display in a goalless draw. Ferguson said: "All the responsibility being placed on Wayne winning the World Cup for England has borne fruit. "He is still a kid. It's the biggest load of nonsense I've ever heard. He still has a lot to learn." The 20-year-old Rooney has scored 14 Premiership goals this season and will be integral to England's plans in Germany. However, Ferguson said Rooney and his United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, 21, are far from finished articles. "Wayne and Cristiano will be great players, I would stake my life on it," said Ferguson. "They have potential and we will wait two or three years for them to fulfil it. But people should remember they are only young. "You have to expect inconsistency and (against Sunderland) they produced probably their worst performances of the season."

Tottenham v Man Utd
Tottenham expect to be without Finnish midfielder Teemu Tainio (hamstring). Defender Michael Dawson is available again after suspension but there are doubts over Mido (groin), Ledley King and Anthony Gardner (both ankle). Louis Saha (ankle) is a major doubt for Manchester United after failing to even make the bench against Sunderland. Mikael Silvestre could return at left-back in place of Patrice Evra, while Nemanja Vidic is pushing for a place on the bench.

Rooney settles gambling 'issues'
Footballer Wayne Rooney has settled his "outstanding issues" with gaming company Goldchip, the firm announced. The England striker reportedly ran up a gambling debt of £700,000, prompting warnings from former professionals that he should take care to avoid addiction. But Goldchip said in a statement that after talks with Rooney's management, the matter was "now closed". FA spokesman Adrian Bevington had said England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson would talk to Rooney about the issue. But representatives for the Manchester United player and his England striker partner Michael Owen this week rejected reports that they had fallen out over gambling

Tottenham 1-2 Man Utd
Wayne Rooney's first-half brace against Tottenham ensured Manchester United kept the Premiership title race alive for at least another week. The England striker opened the scoring after seven minutes when he slid in to convert Cristiano Ronaldo's pass. And when Young-Pyo Lee dawdled in defence, Ji-Sung Park pounced to play Rooney in for his decisive second. Spurs, who had chances with Jermain Defoe and Michael Dawson going close, pulled one back through Jermaine Jenas. The midfielder pounced on 53 minutes after some woeful Manchester United defending at a corner. Nemanja Vidic's clearing header bounced off Rio Ferdinand and back towards goal to leave Jenas with the easiest of tap-ins. It set the game up beautifully, with Tottenham looking to increase the distance between themselves and north London rivals Arsenal in the race for fourth and Champions League football. And the visitors knew that anything less than a win would give Chelsea the chance to wrap up the title later in the day at home to Everton. But Spurs struggled to muster a clear-cut opening as United enjoyed the greater control in an entertaining encounter. Robbie Keane tested Edwin van der Sar with a shot from distance, but it was United and Ruud van Nistelrooy who had the better chances as time ticked down. The Dutchman spurned a glorious opportunity after a heavy first touch gave Calum Davenport, in his first start for Spurs, a chance to block and late in the game he turned a Gary Neville cross on to the post. The game was absorbing from first to last. Defoe saw an effort within the first two minutes trickle agonisingly wide of the post after good work by Michael Carrick and Aaron Lennon. And Dawson also went close, with Carrick again the catalyst for the chance, but Van der Sar was on hand to make a sharp, reflex stop at the back post. Dawson should have made Tottenham's early dominance tell by converting from the flighted free-kick and the hosts were made to pay within a minute. Van Nistelrooy led a counter-attack down the left, his clipped pass off the outside of the right-boot was met by Ronaldo who took Paul Robinson out of the equation with a delightful pass of his own leaving Rooney with an open goal. It did little to knock the hosts from their stride, but while they continued to raid forward with Lennon, Defoe and Keane full of energy, there was no end product. Defoe and Dawson wasted more chances to score while Ronaldo saw a header go over at the other shortly after Lee made a telling block from Park. However, the next time the South Korean pair came together it was Park who came out on top to set up the crucial second. Lee gifted his compatriot the ball as he tried to run it out of defence and Rooney was the man to benefit. Tottenham were given a lifeline by some equally poor defending at the other end, but despite throwing everything at United, including keeper Robinson at a late corner, there was to be no second goal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tottenham manager Martin Jol: "We punished ourselves. I can't remember a game in which we played so well and we're 2-0 down. "The first goal was lack of experience and then they had a break. It is a big disappointment because we had five chances before that. "We made some mistakes but the first 20 was the best since I've been here. I thought we could have got a point." Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson "I heard Martin Jol saying on Saturday that it was probably a good time to play us and I thought 'oh, really?". "It keeps the fans interested and keeps everybody at the club interested and keeps the season bubbling away." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tottenham: Robinson, Stalteri, Dawson, Davenport, Lee, Lennon (Barnard 78), Jenas, Carrick, Davids (Murphy 71), Keane, Defoe. Subs Not Used: Naybet, Kelly, Cerny. Booked: Stalteri. Goals: Jenas 53. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Park, O'Shea, Giggs, Ronaldo (Brown 90), Rooney, van Nistelrooy. Subs Not Used: Howard, Evra, Heinze, Saha. Booked: Vidic. Goals: Rooney 8, 36. Att: 36,141 Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).

Ferguson looks to delay Chelsea
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United side are determined not to let Chelsea win the title against them when they meet on 29 April. United visit Stamford Bridge with Chelsea needing only a point to earn back-to-back title triumphs. Ferguson said: "It will be a fantastic game. We need to make that second spot. "Hopefully we can achieve that. It keeps the fans interested and keeps everybody at the club interested and keeps the season bubbling away." Ferguson also tried to continue to maintain some psychological pressure on Chelsea. He added: "There are times when you have the title sewn up and there is a bit of complacency about the place." Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he does not care who his side confirm their Premiership crown against and seems determined make sure his side do not ease up after their run of three successive victories. "We are very close but not there yet and now I just want to be the champion," he said. "Some people prefer to win it at home, some away, but for me the thing is to beat Manchester United and if we do that we will be champions. "If it was Blackburn or Newcastle, the desire would be the same. You cannot choose. "The supporters want us to be champions at home so they can give us an extra push - and maybe that will take us to the silverware. "For me it is important to finish in front of Manchester United. I have always said that the best team wins the championship because it is 10 months long and it is not about luck or mistakes. "The best team wins so if at the end of the season we finish first, I am very happy." United beat Chelsea in the reverse fixture earlier this season and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has hinted the club's players would relish earning the point they need against the Old Trafford side. The Ivory Coast forward said: "The game against United is the big final and everybody has been waiting for this game."

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