Manchester Utd

Rossi eager for chance at Man Utd
Giuseppe Rossi has urged Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to give him the chance to stake a first-team claim at Old Trafford next season. The 20-year-old striker was loaned out to Newcastle at the start of last season before joining Parma, where he enjoyed a good run in their side. "It is all a bit confusing at the moment," said Rossi. "All I will say is that my main goal is still what it always has been - to cut it with Manchester United." Rossi, who is currently playing for Italy at the European Under-21 Championship, could take advantage if fellow United forward Louis Saha is not fit for the start of the next campaign but he could still face a battle for a first-team place. Saha has undergone knee surgery but his agents have insisted he will be ready for the new season. Plus, recent newspaper reports had suggested Alan Smith would move away from Old Trafford if he was not guaranteed regular first-team football but now it is believed the striker may be ready to stay and fight for his place. Rossi's goalscoring exploits at Parma have attracted interest from other Serie A clubs but he does not want that to divert his attention from his primary aim. "Joining Juventus is just talk. I've read about it once or twice but it's not on my mind," he added.

Hargreaves reveals Man Utd target
New Manchester United signing Owen Hargreaves said he plans to win plenty of silverware at Old Trafford. The England midfielder signed a reported £17m four-year deal after signing from Bayern Munich on 1 July. "I'm looking forward to the next four seasons and having a lot of success and winning as many titles as possible," said the 26-year-old. "There are so many fantastic players here and I think I'm just piece of a puzzle really." Hargreaves added: "Every player brings his qualities and obviously mine are in the defensive midfield area. "Hopefully I can win some tackles and keep a clean sheet for the back four, give them some protection and get the ball to the fantastic offensive players that we have. "I'm 26, I've spent 10 years at a great club like Bayern Munich and had a lot of success as well. "I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my career and to have the opportunity to play for one of, if not the, biggest club in the world." Hargreaves was unveiled on Monday along with fellow new signing in Portuguese winger Nani. "We have been monitoring Nani for almost as long as Cristiano," said United coach Sir Alex Ferguson. "In a perfect world, he would have stayed in Portugal for another year but circumstances forced us into action. "He is different to Cristiano in that he can play on both sides of the pitch but also in the middle. He is quick, has a terrific engine and I know we are getting a very talented, flexible player."

Man Utd frustrated by Tevez saga
Manchester United chief executive David Gill said the club's attempt to sign Carlos Tevez is "over-complicated". The deal stalled as the Premier League said it must be done between United and West Ham but not Kia Joorabchian, who owns the 23-year-old's economic rights. "It's become over-complicated," said Gill of the deal, which involves Tevez, West Ham, the owners of the player's economic rights and the Premier League. But Gill added that he was hopeful Tevez would have a medical this week. "The process is ongoing. The player will have a medical at some point this week, then we will take it from there," he said. "We still have to sort out the paperwork but we are confident that can be achieved in the course of the next week or so." Tevez finished on the losing side in Sunday's Copa America final as Brazil beat Argentina 3-0. He is now reportedly preparing to fly into Manchester for the medical which, under normal circumstances, would mark the end game in a £30m move from West Ham. United's legal expert Maurice Watkins has remained in England as efforts to resolve the dispute intensify. On Friday, West Ham dismissed claims that Tevez was set to complete his move to United. Representatives for the Argentine claimed he would have a medical at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The move was complicated by Sheffield United's ongoing attempt to win back their place in the Premiership. The Blades believe West Ham should have been deducted points, rather than fined over the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who is now at Liverpool. But on Friday, the Blades were refused leave to appeal against the Premier League arbitration panel's decision over Tevez. Personal terms are understood to have been tied up and United have agreed an initial loan deal to sign Tevez. But Five Live also understands the saga could drag on for a few more weeks, rather than the few days Man Utd hope it will take to sort out. The Premier League has insisted West Ham, who hold Tevez's registration, must receive the majority of the fee rather than Joorabchian. A spokesman said: "Any deal for Carlos Tevez has to be done directly with West Ham United. "They hold the registration and we will not transfer the registration unless a deal is done directly with the club." West Ham were only allowed to keep playing Tevez last season after assuring the Premier League all third-party clauses in the player's contract had been severed. But Joorabchian is confident he is on a sound legal footing to push through the transfer. "We don't see any problems. I spoke to United on Thursday and they are confident they will have him registered within days," said Joorabchian. "Carlos will come on Tuesday, have a medical on Wednesday at United and hopefully we will have administrative issues sorted next week. "Personal terms between Carlos and United have been agreed in full. He feels confident now he is a Manchester United player." However, the deal could run into further complications after reports from South America claimed that Joorabchian is wanted by the police in relation to money laundering at Brazilian club Corinthians.

Ferguson backs Mourinho silence
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho's decision to become less high-profile this season. Mourinho says he will keep out of trouble after landing himself in hot water for his outspoken comments. Ferguson said: "It's probably a good thing, because he was getting himself into all sorts of difficulties. "He's obviously not relished the bad publicity. He has obviously learned his lesson a little bit. Everybody does." Mourinho was constantly in the headlines last season as his injury-hit Chelsea side tried to win four trophies. He says he now wants to change the public's perception of him by taking a more laid-back approach this term. "I want to be more mellow this year," said Mourinho. "I am what I am but, at the same time, people use my personality to create something that is not true. "It is normal if I am emotional or if I react to something that is not fair. But people have an image of me that's incorrect and now I want it to be different." Ferguson believes Mourinho has realised he needs to change because people are not fooled by his actions any more. "I think he's realised that everything he tries is just for a reason and to suit himself," added Ferguson. "Maybe he has realised that everyone has cottoned on to that, and that it doesn't have the same impact. They're not stupid. "I do like Jose. He came over and brought a bit of colour. "He did really well on the publicity side in his first year because he was brash, young and making all his comments - and he endeared himself to a lot of people."

Defender Heinze brings in lawyers
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United are confident of keeping Gabriel Heinze despite him calling in lawyers to try to clinch a move to Liverpool. The Reds have met the £6.8m fee for the 29-year-old Argentine, but United do not want him to sell him to Liverpool. "We're aware he's taking legal advice. We're confident of our position so I hope it's good advice," said Ferguson. "He's due back in training on 6 August which gives him three weeks' rest after the Copa America. We expect him back." United chief executive David Gill also said he was happy the club was in the right. "He is a contracted player for two years and unless we receive an offer which is acceptable to us as a club, he will remain with us," he said. Gill says that prior to Liverpool revealing their interest, he verbally informed Heinze's agent that United would not be prepared to sell him to any of their three major domestic rivals. That conversation is thought to have been recorded, and if so, could feasibly, be used as evidence if the matter ended up in court. Ferguson says Heinze's representatives have unsettled the defender. "I think that if we could take away the agent's role in this I don't think an awful lot is wrong with Gabi's position at the club," said Ferguson. "We've looked after Gabi very well. He had his cruciate knee operation and we looked after him. "We let him do his rehabilitation in Spain, which he wanted and I think he's delighted at how we've treated him. We've conducted ourselves in a way that suited Gabi perfectly." But Heinze, who signed from Paris St Germain in 2004, is thought to be keen to leave, and the large Spanish-speaking contingent at Anfield may be an attraction. If he did end up at Liverpool, Heinze would become the first player to go directly from Old Trafford to Anfield since Phil Chisnall in 1964. .

Wayne Rooney is facing a spell out after suffering a hairline fracture of his left foot against Reading. The Manchester United striker was injured when Michael Duberry landed on his foot as he attempted to block a 37th minute chance. Although Rooney played on until half-time, he was unable to continue after the break and was replaced by Nani. Sir Alex Ferguson was initially uncertain as to the extent of the injury but Rooney could be out for a while. The 21-year-old was sent to hospital for a scan which has confirmed the hairline fracture. The England international has twice previously broken a metatarsal and his foot problems have continued on the opening weekend of the new season. It is not yet known how long Rooney will be out but his participation in England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers is in doubt. Steve McClaren's men play Israel and Russia next month and the England coach already has a number of injury concerns. United also begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in September and could be without Rooney for the start of the group stage.

Lyon may join battle for Heinze
French champions Lyon say they may join the race to sign Manchester United's Argentine left-back Gabriel Heinze. He wants to sign for Liverpool and says he has a letter from United allowing him to leave for £6.8m but they do not want to sell to their close rivals. Now Lyon coach Alain Perrin wants to sign the 29-year-old to replace captain Cris, who faces six months out injured. Perrin said: "He has the profile but it is necessary to know if he really wants to play regularly at centre-back." Heinze joined United from Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain for £6.9m in June 2004. But the Argentine is currently involved in a dispute with United, who are refusing to allow him to move to fellow north-west club Liverpool. Heinze is taking the issue to a Premier League arbitration panel on 20 August. However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Heinze has not been made an outcast at United because of his stance. "He has not become an alien within the squad," said Ferguson. "He is a very popular player. "Obviously, the meeting on 20 August will settle it one way or another. "We think we have a good case. They probably think they have a good case too or they wouldn't have gone this far. "But once it is settled, if he is still a Manchester United player, he will be treated accordingly. He is a warrior and a fighter. He won't let us down." Heinze has two years still remaining on his United contract. Despite the row over his future he has vowed to "carry on like a professional" and is continuing pre-season training with the Red Devils. And he met manager Ferguson at United's Carrington training ground last week to discuss his future, having confirmed he has brought in lawyers to try to force through a move to Anfield. Previously, United chief executive David Gill stated he felt the club was in the right. "He is a contracted player for two years and unless we receive an offer that is acceptable to us as a club, he will remain with us," he said. Gill added that prior to Liverpool revealing their interest, he verbally informed Heinze's agent that United would not be prepared to sell him to any of their three major domestic rivals. That conversation is thought to have been recorded and, if so, could feasibly be used as evidence if the matter ended up in court. If he did end up at Liverpool, Heinze would become the first player to go directly from Old Trafford to Anfield since Phil Chisnall in 1964. Meanwhile, Ferguson has said that he wished he had signed Argentine Carlos Tevez 12 months ago. "In his year at West Ham, Tevez proved himself to be an absolutely top player," commented Ferguson, who finally landed the striker this week. "Every time I saw him playing for West Ham last year, I thought to myself, I just wish we had done it last year. "But there were too many complications at the time."

Man Utd striker Solskjaer retires
Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has retired from football. The 34-year-old, who scored the winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999, has been battling knee injuries for four years. "I would like to thank manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters," Solskjaer told the club website. He added: "They have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured." The player's father Oyvind Solskjaer said: "He would have liked to stay on and was hoping for a 100% recovery. "But something has happened with his knee which made it impossible for him to continue." Solskjaer, who will remain at the club as a coach, joined United from Molde for £1.5m in 1996 and the former Norway international has made 366 appearances for United, scoring 126 goals. He also collected six league championship and two FA Cup medals with United. Ferguson said: "Ending your playing career is a sad day for anyone, in the case of Ole, he has 11 fantastic years he can look back on. "Ole has achieved everything a player could ever wish to achieve. "He has been a great servant to the club and has always remained a model professional in his responsibility as a player, in his demeanour and his manners have always been exemplary. Ole will hopefully go on to be a good coach." The club's chief executive David Gill said: "Ole has provided us all with some exceptional memories during his time here at the club. "Nobody will ever forget his dramatic winner in Barcelona, but much more than that his dedication and professionalism make him one of the great role models in football. "Ole will be dearly missed as a player, but will go on to serve the club as an ambassador and a valuable coach." Solskjaer scored 11 goals as the Red Devils reclaimed their Premier League crown last season. His last game for Sir Alex Ferguson's side was the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on 19 May when he came on as an extra-time substitute at Wembley. He has already spent time at United coaching young players and was appointed a club ambassador last year. The retirement of Solskjaer leaves Ferguson with only three strikers - Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez - the latter being the only one presently fully fit. Ferguson has been linked with a move for Bolton's Nicolas Anelka and Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, although the latter has insisted his immediate future lies at White Hart Lane. United have sold fellow strikers Alan Smith to Newcastle and Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal. Tevez has also been included in Argentina's squad for the friendly against Australia in Melbourne next month, which could further stretch Ferguson's resources. Saha, whose own United career has been dogged by injury, had hoped to make his return against Spurs at the weekend but his comeback was aborted. He is expected to be fit to face Sunderland at the weekend, but his persistent knee problems have proved a major cause of concern. Solskjaer returned to fitness last term, and was hopeful of playing a meaningful role this season, despite undergoing minor knee surgery in June. But he has had problems during his rehabilitation and recently admitted he fully expected this to be his last season. Now the announcement that one of Old Trafford's most popular figures is quitting the game has been brought forward.

Glazers deny Man Utd sale reports
The Glazer family have denied reports that they are to sell Manchester United to overseas investors. Rival investment groups from China and Dubai were reported to be preparing £1bn takeover bids for the Premier League champions. But a spokesman for the family said: "Manchester United is not for sale. "The Glazer family are not engaged in any discussion with any prospective bidder and it is not courting bidders for Manchester United." The Glazers paid £790m for United over two years ago to complete a takeover that was initially controversial with a section of the club's fans. But the Glazers appear to have won over some of the United support by backing Sir Alex Ferguson strongly in the transfer market since taking control. It is understood that an unnamed Chinese consortium approached the club - rather than the Glazer family - months ago to see if the Glazers would be interested in selling United and were told the club was not for sale. Earlier this year reports suggested that the American billionaire owner Malcolm Glazer was ready to sell United after profits fell short of his expectations. But the family insisted that they were "committed to the long-term ownership of the club".

Man Utd hand new deal to Simpson
Manchester United defender Danny Simpson has committed himself to the club by signing a new deal until 2010. The 20-year-old full-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland and has since forced his way into the first-team squad at United. Simpson became Black Cats boss Roy Keane's first-choice right back, making 14 appearances as Sunderland went up. The former United scholar also spent the first four months of last season on loan at Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

Neville close to Man Utd return
Manchester United captain Gary Neville is optimistic he will be fit to play again in a fortnight's time - ending almost six months on the sidelines. The England right-back, 32, has not played since suffering an ankle injury on 17 March and then a thigh problem at the start of the new season. He told MUTV: "I hope to be playing games in the next couple of weeks. "It has been frustrating but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I just need to get fit." Neville added: "Because I've been out for such a long time I think the Everton game, on 15 September, is going to be too soon, I think it will probably be after that. "When I originally suffered the injury I thought I'd be out for six to eight weeks. "But I had a problem with a loose bit of bone and that is why I had to have the operation to get rid of it, which was another three months. "Then this thigh injury just made it a few extra weeks longer so it's the longest injury I've ever had." When fit, Neville will face a battle with in-form defender Micah Richards for a place in England's starting line-up for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia in October.

Rooney returns to Man Utd squad
Wayne Rooney returns to Manchester United's squad to face former club Everton at Goodison Park after recovering from a broken foot. The 21-year-old England striker has been out since sustaining the injury in the opening day draw against Reading. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Rooney has trained very well and will travel. "But whether I start him, put him on the bench or leave him out until Wednesday night, that's something I have to decide." He added: "He is desperate to play but we will take medical advice from the doctor." Cristiano Ronaldo returns from suspension and starts, but Darren Fletcher hurt a knee playing for Scotland in France and is out. And Ferguson is delighted that Ronaldo is back at his disposal again - but warned him not to rise to any provocation in a manner that earned him a ban after his red card at Portsmouth. He said: "Ronaldo being back is a big plus. You miss players who make a difference, who can change the pattern of a game and create opportunities for you. "What happened at Portsmouth was unusual because he normally has a good temperament to handle that kind of thing. "But there is no question some players will maybe try to provoke a reaction from him now. "It is up to Ronaldo to control himself and to know what a good player he is. He is only helping other team by reacting to it." Ferguson revealed Fletcher could face up to six weeks on the sidelines after a challenge by Patrick Vieira in Scotland's Euro 2008 win in Paris on Wednesday. He said: "It is a disappointment. It was a really bad, nasty challenge."

Injured Silvestre out for season
Manchester United have suffered a blow after learning that Mikael Silvestre will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury. Silvestre, 30, was stretchered off just before half-time in Saturday's 1-0 win at Everton after collapsing in pain. Defender Silvestre's appearances have been limited this season because of Patrice Evra's good form. But his injury leaves United short of defensive cover at left-back following Gabriel Heinze's move to Real Madrid. It is also the latest in a series of knee injuries to hit the Old Trafford camp. Park Ji-Sung and England keeper Ben Foster are both at different stages of recovery from cruciate ligament surgery, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer announced his retirement this month after failing to recover from a long-term knee complaint. John O'Shea is also out after sustaining an injury on Republic of Ireland duty last week, while youngsters Gerard Pique and Johnny Evans are likely to be among Ferguson's squad when United open their Champions League campaign against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal on Wednesday.

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