Manchester Utd

Man Utd player in hotel rape quiz
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is being questioned about an alleged rape at a hotel in Manchester city centre, SSB has learned. Police were called to the Great John Street Hotel early on Tuesday after reports a woman, 26, had been raped. Greater Manchester Police have said a man was arrested after going to a police station on Tuesday evening. Mr Evans, 19, has played for Northern Ireland eight times but does not have a regular place in the United first team. The hotel was hosting a private party attended on Tuesday by members of the Manchester United squad and other guests. Manchester United has declined to comment. Players were among guests at a party at the Great John Street Hotel Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to the hotel on Great John Street, in the Castlefield area of the city, at about 0415 GMT on Tuesday. On Tuesday night, a GMP spokesman said: "A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape this evening after presenting himself to police. "He remains in custody for questioning." The hotel, a boutique hotel converted from a Victorian schoolhouse, was closed in the early part of Tuesday, but has since reopened. It opened two years ago with 30 duplex rooms and suites. A hotel spokeswoman said they were helping the police with the investigation. Evans made his first appearance for United in September after spending last season on loan to Sunderland.

Man United sign striker Manucho
Manchester United have agree to sign 24-year-old Angolan forward Manucho. The striker, who has been on trial at the club, will join from Angolan side Petro Athletico on a three-year deal. "We have had Manucho here for a three-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a contract," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos (Queiroz) has, was brought to our attention around six months ago." Manucho, whose real name is Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves, arrives at Old Trafford in January subject to a work permit. He joins Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Loius Saha and Dong Fangzhou in United's striking department.

Man United fans jailed in Italy
Four Manchester United fans have been jailed for their part in a fight with Roma fans in Italy. Kyle Dillon, 23, from Mottram, near Hyde, and Richard Wimmer, 39, were each sentenced to two years and five months. Nicholas Lucas, 18, and Michael Burk, 35, from Little Hulton, Salford, were jailed for two years and four months. The British Embassy said in the past sentences had been suspended, but there was no guarantee of this and all four were likely to spend Christmas in jail. According to police, the four Manchester United supporters were part of a group which broke away from other fans travelling to the Champions League game in Rome on 12 December. Notorious hangout The police said they made for the River Bar, said to be a notorious hangout for the Roma Ultras, where fighting broke out with bottles and chairs being thrown. The four men, who were dressed in black with scarves wrapped around their faces, were all identified by Greater Manchester Police spotters outside the ground. However, Dillon's mother, Janet, who attended the court hearing with character references and medical statements declaring that her son is partially-sighted, claims he was an innocent man who had got caught up in the violence. "My son is not a thug, he's not a hooligan, he's not a member of a gang," she said. Five United fans were stabbed during skirmishes between rival fans on the Wednesday evening. The violence flared at the Pont Duca d'Aosta bridge, the scene of previous clashes between visiting fans and Roma's Ultras. Police used two baton charges to disperse the fans during the violence, which was the latest in a series of clashes between supporters of the two clubs. 'Abbreviated' trial Dillon, Wimmer, Lucas and Burk appeared in court in Rome in an "abbreviated" trial in front of three magistrates. No oral evidence is given in such trials. The decision is made by the court on the basis of documents and video put forward in the preliminary investigation by the public prosecutor. The accused also give up their right to cross examination, but their decision to appear in an abbreviated trial means their sentences are reduced by a third. The last time Manchester United and AS Roma met in April, 11 fans were taken to hospital after supporters were beaten by riot police inside the stadium. Three United supporters were also stabbed outside the ground. Scuffles also broke out outside Old Trafford during the second leg of that tie a week later, with 21 people arrested.

Van der Sar signs one-year deal
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a new one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2009 season. The 37-year-old had been considering retirement at the end of this season. "He is number one at the moment, but you can't guarantee players a position and say they'll definitely be in your team," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "Edwin will want to be number one next season but Ben Foster will be back and I am sure he will want to be too." England international Foster is currently sidelined after cruciate knee ligament surgery. There were suggestions Van der Sar could be handed a role on the Old Trafford backroom staff as goalkeeping coach Tony Coton is currently sidelined following a recent knee operation. But Ferguson stressed the Dutchman's new deal was "totally as a player".

Home support disappoints Ferguson
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson compared the Old Trafford atmosphere to a "funeral" during his side's 1-0 win over Birmingham City. Ferguson noticed the lack of voice from the 75,459 crowd after watching the match from the directors' box as part of a two-match touchline ban. "That was the quietest I have heard the crowd, it was like a funeral," he said. His comments come seven years after Roy Keane famously dubbed the Old Trafford crowd as the "prawn sandwich brigade". Carlos Tevez's 25th-minute winner ensured the reigning Premier League champions began 2008 with a victory, but Ferguson was clearly unimpressed with the crowd's role in his team's performance. "The players need the crowd sometimes but the atmosphere inside the ground wasn't good," said the Scot. "There are some situations when we need them to get behind us and give us a lift." Former Manchester United captain Keane made headlines in 2000 when he laid into sections of the Old Trafford crowd, claiming they couldn't "spell 'football', never mind understand it". He later insisted that he was referring to the crowd in general, not just United's corporate fans. And Ferguson has complained on previous occasions about the lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford. "I think there have been days like this in the past," said the Scot. "It happened some years ago, when we were dominant. "The crowd come to be entertained but sometimes we need them to help us get the right kind of performance."

Man Utd snub Newcastle Brown bid
Manchester United have turned down an offer from Newcastle for Wes Brown. The 28-year-old defender's contract runs until the summer, meaning he is free to speak to other clubs. Contract negotiations have been ongoing between the England international and United for most of the season, but so far Brown is yet to put pen to paper. "The matter rests with Wes and his agent," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "Our offer is still there - it's now up to Wes." The Old Trafford club say they made their final offer just before Christmas, but Brown has yet to sign a contract extension. The fee offered by Newcastle for Manchester-born Brown is unknown. It is believed Brown is being courted by a series of potential buyers with Sunderland boss Roy Keane, a former team-mate, also thought to be among his admirers. Brown has been a regular for United this season - featuring in 20 of the club's 21 Premier League games - filling in for long-term injury victim Gary Neville at right back. Ferguson has previously stated he would be disappointed to lose the player's services.

Ferguson praises Rooney's impact
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson hailed the introduction of Wayne Rooney from the bench as the inspiration for their 2-0 FA Cup win at Aston Villa. The third-round tie appeared destined for a replay until Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring nine minutes from time and Rooney sealed the win late on. "Wayne changed the game when he came on. He brought us thrust and enthusiasm and direct play," Ferguson said. "He attacked defenders and made a heck of a difference to the game." Under the watchful eye of England boss Fabio Capello, Rooney came off the bench to score United's second at Villa Park and said he was always confident his side would progress. He said: "Coming to Villa Park is a difficult place to come so we're delighted to get through to the next round. "With the players we've got we knew we could get the goals. It took a bit longer than we had expected but Ronaldo's goal set up the win. "I love the competition and I'm desperate to win it. "I've been to the final twice now and lost twice so hopefully we can get to the final again and this time win it." After clarifying his feelings about the lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford during the New Year's Day win over Birmingham yesterday, Ferguson also reinforced his belief United's travelling fans are among the best. "We had 7,500 fans here who had a real party," he said. "Every time we come to Aston Villa, they are really up for it. They can make a difference, which is the point I made last week. When our fans are like that, we do not let them down." Villa boss Martin O'Neill felt his side deserved a replay before the late goals from Ronaldo and Rooney condemned them to a 13th successive defeat at the hands of United. He said: "I didn't think we deserved to lose but also didn't do enough to win it. I am disappointed because with 10 minutes to go I thought a replay was on the cards. "We put in a big effort and they did not put us under sustained pressure although we didn't do the same either to Manchester United. "We are disappointed because we are better than today's performance. We had plenty of determination but didn't do enough although I still feel we deserved a draw."

Neville returns with rare strike
Manchester United captain Gary Neville marked his latest return from injury with a rare goal, scoring against Everton in a reserve game on Wednesday. Neville has not played for United's first team since breaking an ankle against Bolton in March 2007. He subsequently suffered thigh and calf problems and missed last month's game against Roma because of ankle pain. Neville scored via a couple of deflections and showed no ill-effects before coming off at half-time.

Ferguson avoids gesture inquiry
The Football Association will not take any action against Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson over his gesture at the Madjeski Stadium on Saturday. Reading fans claimed that Ferguson aim aimed an 'up yours' sign at them during United's 2-0 Premier League victory. But Ferguson said: "All I was doing was expressing my relief at winning one of our hardest games of the season." The incident came after Cristiano Ronaldo scored United's second goal deep into added time. Ferguson had already clashed with Reading assistant boss Wally Downes after the fourth official indicated four more minutes were to be played. When Ronaldo sealed the win, Ferguson appeared to respond to home fans who had voiced their disapproval as he complained about the amount of stoppage time. Ferguson served a two-game touchline ban earlier this season after being found guilty of using foul and abusive language towards referee Mark Clattenburg during a defeat by Bolton.

Man Utd fined for seven bookings
Manchester United have incurred an automatic £25,000 fine from the Football Association for having seven players booked against Tottenham. Edwin van der Sar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wes Brown, Nani, Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez were all booked in Saturday's 1-1 draw. The fine is imposed any time a team gets six or more yellow cards. If six or more United stars are booked again in a single game this season then the club will be fined £50,000. However, United will not face any disciplinary action after a number of players remonstrated with the assistant referee after Tottenham's goal. Rio Ferdinand has defended his actions after he and several team-mates confronted the linesman claiming Jermaine Jenas had handled in the build-up to Dimitar Berbatov's goal. Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News: "I thought they were fortunate with their goal. It was handball and how the linesman didn't see it I will never know. "I was behind it and I could see it and I don't know how the linesman didn't. That's why I was remonstrating with him."

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he does not like coming down hard on his players. The Manchester United chief is renowned for not holding back on his teams - should they be failing to live up to his own high expectations. Known as the 'hairdryer' treatment, Ferguson's most infamous incident came in 2003 following United's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal when he kicked a boot which hit David Beckham in the face leaving him with several stitches. But the Scottish legend says he does not enjoy that side of the game. "I don't enjoy it if the team isn't playing well," Ferguson told the Daily Mirror. "I'd rather not be in that position. It's much better to come in at half-time and everything has gone according to plan. "Here, of course, more often than not it does, simply because of the players we have. But that brings its own challenges. "That's when you need to talk about concentration and the necessity of not taking our foot off the pedal or the importance of going for that killer goal. "So there are two types of team talk - one if you're doing well and another if you're not. "The observations on the first-half are the most important thing. You only have about seven or eight minutes to rectify or resolve the situation if the match isn't going to plan. "You should never dodge any issues. I don't know what team talks are like in other dressing-rooms but I try to get to the nub of the problem and solve it as quickly as I can. "After that, you have to motivate your players to start the second half. "As manager you have to produce the right words and the right volume to make players very aware of their - responsibilities and how they can improve."

Bye Bye losers

Bye Bye out the cup today!! :laugh:

Man Utd urge fans to be cautious
Manchester United have told their fans to follow the club's advice to avoid any trouble in their Champions League quarter-final against Roma. United fans were injured in clashes with police when the two teams met at the same stage last season. There was also trouble when the pair met in this season's group stages. "Provided fans take advice given and use buses supplied by AS Roma there's a good chance of little or no trouble," said United secretary Ken Ramsden. "That is what we are aiming for."? United lost 2-1 in Rome last season before thrashing the Serie A team 7-1 in the return leg to progress to the semi-finals of Europe's top club competition. Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat Roma 1-0 when they met in the group stages this season and drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture last December. "If you weren't concerned there would be something wrong," added Ramsden. "The experience this season has been a lot better than it had the previous season. "The organisation at the stadium is a lot better than it was when we first went there. Our fans have a better understanding of what is expected of them."

Title race still alive - Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson still believes three teams are in the Premier League title race despite his Manchester United side increasing their lead to five points. United's advantage was six points following their 3-0 win over Liverpool, before Chelsea reduced the gap with a 2-1 victory against Arsenal. "The title race is going right to end of the season because Chelsea and Arsenal are playing well," he said. Chelsea boss Avram Grant added: "We are chasing and are now closer to the top." Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on 26 April - a game that could prove to be the title decider. Arsenal, who Chelsea leapfrogged to take second place, are now six points behind United and face a trip to Old Trafford which may also have a bearing on the destination of the Premier League crown. Ferguson was understandably ecstatic with the win over fierce rivals Liverpool and believed his side played as well as they have done all season at Old Trafford. "It was a really good performance - a performance of maturity," said Ferguson. "We've seen a team mature over the last six months and today they hit their high peak." That will serve as a warning to Chelsea and Arsenal, although striker Didier Drogba, who scored both goals against Arsenal, is confident the Blues can spring a surprise. "I think the win gave our club the belief we are still in the race against United," said the Ivory Coast forward. "Arsenal are not out of it yet but I'm not sure what this defeat has done for their confidence. "I hope we can go on and win the title. The way we celebrated today showed how much the league means to the team." Drogba's performance pleased Grant, who is adamant his top marksman is back to his best. "Didier was not so good when he came back from the African Nations Cup but last week against Spurs he was better, and today he was very good," said the Israeli, who saw his side fall behind to a Bacary Sagna goal. Manager Arsene Wenger refused to rule out his Arsenal side's chances in the title race despite this latest blow which means that the Gunners have not picked up a win in six league games. "We will fight until the end and we are not worried about the future but are disappointed now, obviously," said the Frenchman. "Today we were unlucky and I thought we played well. We were 1-0 up and were unlucky with their first goal, which I thought was really offside. "Nicolas Anelka came on for them and they decided to play long-ball, which put us under a lot of pressure, and that was the only way they could trouble us. "In the end we lost the game. It is disappointing because we gave everything but now the priority has to be the next game."

Shrewsbury capture Man Utd winger
Manchester United youngster Michael Barnes has signed for Shrewsbury Town on a month's loan deal. "He's an exciting player with the sort of pace I think we're lacking a bit," said Town boss Paul Simpson. "He can play wide on the left or right, and if he's what we're looking for we'll try to do a deal in the summer." Simpson has also taken on Wolves defender Martin Riley, who has been training with the club for the past few weeks, for the rest of the season. Barnes joined Manchester United on schoolboy forms in 2005. He's since made one first-team appearance, against Crewe in the Carling Cup earlier this season. Simpson has been keeping an eye on him for a while, and after hearing he was going to be released from Old Trafford at the end of the season decided to act now. Riley has been a regular in the Wolves reserve side after progressing through their youth academy. He completes a hat-trick of signings for Simpson following the recent addition of Graeme Lee on loan from Doncaster.

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