Manchester Utd

Ferdinand awaits injury verdict
Rio Ferdinand provided manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a new injury concern after limping off in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. The England defender left The Riverside with his foot in a protective plastic case as a precaution. "Hopefully it's not serious but he was limping for too long," said Ferguson, who is without fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic for two to three weeks. "The danger was to keep him on when he was limping and not at his full level." With Vidic sidelined and crucial Premier League games against Arsenal, Blackburn and Chelsea following Wednesday's Champions League return match against Roma, Ferguson can ill afford to be without his other first-choice central defender. Having not conceded a goal in 461 minutes of league football before Sunday, United looked far more vulnerable with Wes Brown alongside Ferdinand at centre-back and John O'Shea at right-back. But Ferguson took heart from the display of Gerard Pique, who replaced Ferdinand. "Pique came on and did absolutely terrific, he was absolutely marvellous and I think that helped us actually," Ferguson said. The draw with Boro leaves United only three points ahead of Chelsea, who they play at Stamford Bridge on 26 April, and six points ahead of Arsenal, who they play on Sunday. But Ferguson believes the result could yet turn out to be a title-clincher. "That point could be important, absolutely," he said. "Our goal difference is good obviously, but we cannot take anything for granted. "I said some weeks ago consistency will win us it and I think the most consistent team will do that - and I hope that it's us. "We could have lost the game, there's no question. They had some chances - and at times our defending was a bit haphazard, I thought. "But at other moments we could have won the game, because some of the quality of our football was terrific. "The nature of the club is that we never give in, and that's a great quality to have at this time of year. "It sends out a signal to everyone that we will never give in. We will stretch ourselves in every game as long as we can."

Ferdinand agrees new Man Utd deal
Rio Ferdinand has agreed a new five-year contract with Manchester United, according to his agent. The 29-year-old's representative, Pini Zahavi, told the Daily Express: "Rio is very happy there, he wanted to stay at United and they wanted him to stay. "Of course he could have gone to another club, but he did not want to." Zahavi added that he thought the deal, which is believed to be worth £130,000-a-week, will not be the defender's last at Old Trafford. He feels Ferdinand can continue playing into his next decade and surpass the remarkable achievement of Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who is still playing at the highest level, aged 39. "I believe he can play longer than Maldini - and they believe so at Manchester United as well," said Zahavi. Ferdinand has two years remaining on his current contract and talks over an extension had been planned for the summer. However, it seems those negotiations have been brought forward and reports suggest Ferdinand now needs only to sign the new agreement. Signed from Leeds for a British record £30m in 2002, Ferdinand has become the key figure in United's defence and has formed an excellent partnership this season with Nemanja Vidic.

Nani makes apology for headbutt
Manchester United's Nani has apologised for the headbutt on Lucas Neill that resulted in the winger being sent off in Saturday's 4-1 win over West Ham. Nani may face internal disciplinary action on top of a three-match ban for the 37th-minute dismissal and left Old Trafford before the end of the game. "I recognise that my action was a thoughtless one but I also have to say I was provoked and attacked," he said. "I know it serves as no excuse but that's exactly what happened." Nani's dismissal does not rule him out of the Champions League final on 21 May when United will play Chelsea. "I regret having done what I did and I have to be thankful for the fact that my team-mates secured a win, which was extremely important to us," he added. "I want to publicly ask for forgiveness, firstly of my team-mates, who were forced into a greater effort during more than 60 minutes, then secondly of my manager and coaches and thirdly of the United fans, who have given me so much affection." Nani tried to justify his early exit from the ground after being sent off but is aware he made a mistake. "Believe me, it was difficult," he stated. "At that moment I only wanted to disappear. That was what I did. I also ask forgiveness of the fans and the club for that. "On Tuesday, I'll be in the changing room to redeem myself for my mistake."

Charlton hails Giggs achievement
Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton believes 10-time title winner Ryan Giggs deserves to break his appearance record for the club. Giggs equalled Charlton's club record of 758 games when he came off the bench to score in Sunday's 2-0 win at Wigan and seal the Premier League crown. The 34-year-old could now break the record in the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow on 21 May. Charlton said: "If I could choose someone to break it, it would be him." Giggs, who made his debut for his only professional club back in 1991, will have the chance to add to his United appearance tally next term and Charlton added: "The day he came to Manchester United, I knew he was special. "He is a great athlete, a great person and a great footballer. Nobody deserves to break records like he does. "You need to be here for a length of time to understand this club and the strength of feeling that underpins it. "His record with United is unbelievable and I'm really proud of him. I have forgotten about my record already." Charlton's Old Trafford career started with his first-team debut in October 1956, and lasted until he left the club in 1973. The 70-year-old made his way to the tunnel area at Wigan's JJB Stadium on Sunday to congratulate Giggs on his feat and celebrate United's latest title triumph. Charlton, who is now a director at United, is now looking ahead to the Champions League final date with Chelsea. "It would be fantastic to win the Champions League as well," he said. "It will be hard but we will give it our best shot. We will be ready that's for sure." Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said it was fitting that Giggs scored the goal that secured the title. "It was fantastic for Ryan to get the goal that mattered," he said, "but maybe it was fate. "He deserves it because he's been a credit to the game and having known him for 20 years, to equal Bobby's record on the day he scores the goal for us, well it's just fantastic. "It was amazing. As soon as it started raining, I was thinking, 'how am I going to get Giggs into this game?' because he is fantastic on soft ground with his balance and ability to beat a man." Giggs said: "I said before the game that I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about, championships and trophies. I hope we can win another one in 10 days' time."

Beckham urges Ronaldo to stay put
Former Manchester United star David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo not to follow in his footsteps by leaving Old Trafford to sign for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are tracking the 23-year-old, despite being warned off by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Beckham, who joined Real in 2003, said: "I believe he's at the right club now, a club he should stay at. "He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him there who will protect him." Beckham added: "As much as Real are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at United." Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals as his side won the Champions League and the Premier League last season, says he will clarify his future in the next few days. Ferguson is sure the Portuguese winger will stay, saying: "I'm confident about that. I'm very confident. "It's a game Real play all the time, In the past they've done it with Beckham, they've done it with Ronaldo, they've done it with my fitness coach last summer when they took him away from us, so we're used to it. "It's a compliment to the standard of players we have, and we always seem to produce, but I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year." "The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation. "We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so - he's the best player in the world."

Patrice Evra has signed a new four-year contract with Premier League and European champions Manchester United. The French international joined the Red Devils in January 2006 from French giants Monaco and has proven to be an astute piece of business for Sir Alex Ferguson. A reported £5.5million transfer fee now looks a snip for a player who has settled into Premier League life. His current deal at Old Trafford was due to run for another year, but with the club keen to avoid a potentially hazardous situation which could see him move elsewhere they have now tied him down until 2012. Ferguson is delighted to have seen the full-back put pen to paper, and expects him to progress even further in the future. "Patrice has been a key part of the Club's success in the last two seasons," the United boss told the club's official website. "He's developed into one of the best full-backs in world football and his infectious personality has helped build the incredible team spirit that exists at Old Trafford." Evra, who is currently on Euro 2008 duty with France, also expressed his pleasure at being given the opportunity to prolong his time in England. "It's a pleasure and an honour to be part of this fantastic side and to be coached by Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff," he said. "United is more than a club - it's a family I am proud to be a part of and that's why it's always been a first choice for me. "I declared when I arrived that I was coming here not just to play but to win, and United is the ideal place to realise such a dream. "It's a privilege to play in front of our fantastic fans and I'm sure the success we've earned in the last two seasons confirms the history of this club and will be the start of something even more special."

Queiroz poised for Portugal job
Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is close to being appointed the new Portugal manager. He met Portugal's Football Federation at the weekend over its offer of a £1.5m four-year deal to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari. Queiroz, 55, said: "Things are being dealt with by officials from the two institutions involved. "The important thing is for the two institutions to reach agreement." But he added: "From my part, there is not much to say, it needs to be resolved between the federation and United. "I can say little more than you know at this time. It's out of my hands." Queiroz has previously managed Real Madrid, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates as well as Portugal's Under-20 side. He has had two spells with United, first coming to Old Trafford in the summer of 2002. He then spent one year in charge of Madrid before rejoining United on a one-year rolling contract in 2004. United are thought to be desperate to keep Queiroz, who has often spoken of his desire to succeed current manager Ferguson, but the club refused to comment on his possible departure when contacted. The loss of Queiroz could also further unsettle winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a close relationship with his Portuguese compatriot. Ronaldo's future remains uncertain as Real Madrid continue to make it known they want to sign him.

Rooney set to miss season opener
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to miss the start of the Premier League season on 17 August after picking up a virus. The 22-year-old contracted the mystery virus on United's pre-season tour of Nigeria and has not trained since. "I doubt Wayne will be fit for the start of the season," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "It's a virus he picked up in Nigeria and it's not a nice one. He's not been back in training yet." Ferguson revealed Rooney's illness was diagnosed by the club's own laboratory. He also added that the squad had only taken malaria tablets ahead of the trip to Africa. Rooney's illness leaves Ferguson facing a selection dilemma ahead of the opening match of the season at home to Newcastle. Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the first two months of the season following ankle surgery regardless of whether he moves to Real Madrid or stays at Old Trafford. Portuguese midfielder Nani is suspended while Anderson is on Olympic duty with Brazil. Rooney's problems could also reignite Ferguson's interest in signing Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov. As it stands, Ferguson has only Carlos Tevez, untested youngster Fraizer Campbell and Louis Saha to choose from up front.

Man Utd player wins £4.5m payout
A former Manchester United player whose career was ended when he was injured in a tackle has been awarded more than £4.5m in compensation. Ben Collett, 23, broke his leg in a reserve game against Middlesbrough five years ago, at the age of 18. Boro player Gary Smith and his club admitted liability for the injury. The total compensation will be decided when sums for future loss of pension and interest on past loss of earnings are determined at a hearing in October. Sitting at London's High Court, Mrs Justice Swift awarded the player £4.3m and said the final sum payable to Collett was unlikely to be less than £4.5m. He added: "Having said that, Ben would have preferred to have earned this through a full career in the game." The match against Middlesbrough was Collett's debut for United's reserve team. Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson described him as an "outstanding" player. Collett joined United's youth academy aged nine and went on to become a member of the club's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2003. But his right leg was broken in two places in the match in May 2003. The compensation will be paid by Middlesbrough's insurers. 'Fantastic focus' Mrs Justice Swift said had it not been for the injury Collett would have been offered a three-year professional contract with Manchester United. At an earlier hearing in Manchester Sir Alex said: "I thought the boy showed fantastic focus, a great attitude to work hard and they are qualities to give any player an outstanding chance in the game." The court had heard that Mr Collett could have earned more than £13,000 a week, making a total in excess of £16m if he had played until the age of 35. Mrs Justice Swift awarded Mr Collett £3,854,328 for future loss of earnings. During his 11 years at Manchester United, he had impressed players and staff at all levels, from Sir Alex Ferguson and Mr Gary Neville to the contemporaries who played alongside him Mrs Justice Swift The figure for general damages for pain and suffering, loss of amenity and loss of congenial employment was £35,000. Past loss of earnings was put at £456,095. Mrs Justice Swift said of Collett in her ruling: "I found him a most impressive young man. "He was plainly intelligent and it is clear that he has brought - and will in the future bring - to his academic studies the same dedication and commitment that he formerly applied to football." She said that Collett's "positive attitude towards his injury and to the devastating blow of being unable to pursue his chosen career does him great credit". Collett plans to take up a place at Leeds University next month to study English. Other witnesses at the hearings included United captain Gary Neville. The judge said: "During his 11 years at Manchester United, he had impressed players and staff at all levels, from Sir Alex Ferguson and Mr Gary Neville to the contemporaries who played alongside him." Gary Smith, 24, was released by Middlesbrough and went on to play for MK Dons, before a free transfer to his current club, Brentford FC. A spokesman for Brentford said Smith would not be commenting on the outcome of the case.

Hargreaves nears return to action
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves hopes he will be fit to play in England's World Cup qualifiers in September against Andorra and Croatia. Suffering from tendinitis, Hargreaves may make his return as early as Friday when Manchester United play in the Uefa Super Cup against Zenit St Petersburg. "Maybe I will be fit for England, but Manchester United come first," he said. "Monaco is a possibility," added Hargreaves, referring to the venue for Friday's meeting with Russia's Zenit. Hargreaves has not played since England's friendly international against the USA in May, a week after United's Champions League final victory over Chelsea. The 27-year-old midfielder took a course of injections rather than joining Sir Alex Ferguson's side on their pre-season tour to South Africa. "I have felt it the tendinitis for the past 16 months, but hopefully I will be back playing in a week or two." "Physically I demand a lot of myself. I wish it wasn't the case but I just have to cope with it. "Obviously I am trying to get better - I do a bit more every day. "Last season I was fit towards the end. That is the reason the boss brought me here. "Obviously there is a big season ahead for Manchester United and England and I want to be fit and available." England begin their 2010 qualifying campaign against the Andorrans on 6 September before facing Croatia in Zagreb four days later. Hargreaves is very much in the mind of England coach Fabio Capello following his side's disappointing 2-2 draw with Czech Republic in midweek. "I think there is Hargreaves," said Capello, looking ahead to the challenge posed by Croatia. "I've said before, we suffered on the counter-attack when other teams play a 9-1 formation. If you score a goal it changes completely. "I noted a lot of things against Czech Republic, the good things and the bad things. It is important for me because the four games we played before, the level of teams were not like this."

Saha poised for move to Everton
Manchester United striker Louis Saha will join Everton for an undisclosed fee, subject to passing a medical. The 30-year-old France international will become Everton's third signing of the summer after Lars Jacobsen and Segundo Castillo. Everton boss David Moyes said: "He can do a bit of everything, he can run, head it, and he can link play up." Saha will sign a two-year deal with an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months. And Moyes is hopeful the striker can re-ignite his career at Goodison Park, after a succession of knee and hamstring injuries. He said: "There is no doubt he is a fantastically talented player, the question now is can we get him fit and we are hoping we can do that. "He was involved in 17 or 18 games for Manchester United last year and if he can be involved in a few more than that for us than he will certainly play a part. "If you do get him on the pitch there is no doubt he is a very good player and adds qualities that we will need." Saha scored 42 goals during an injury-plagued career at Old Trafford, but his sale could mean a deal for Dimitar Berbatov may be concluded before the transfer deadline. United have been heavily linked with the Tottenham striker but Sir Alex Ferguson said on Thursday that he did not know whether the deal would happen. "I am less optimistic today than recent days. I have no idea what is going to happen," said Ferguson. Despite bringing in three new players inside a week, Ferguson's compatriot David Moyes is not satisfied with his summer transfer activity and believes the club still lag way behind the so-called 'Big Four'. He said: "We have brought in four players but not spent any money - let's put that in perspective. "Some people pay £20m for one player, we have not paid that for four or for any." Everton recently failed in a bid to sign former Chelsea playmaker Tiago from Juventus but Moyes is expecting to complete a loan deal for Inter Milan's Nigerian striker Victor Obinna. The Scot is also disappointed that all his side's transfer activity has come as the end of the window approaches. "I don't think that's good - I don't think it's good planning when you get it right at the end," he added. "I think it's better to have your business done early and have a pre season."

Carrick out for up to six weeks
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will be out for up to six weeks after it was revealed he has broken a bone in his foot. The 28-year-old suffered the injury in a tackle by Yossi Benayoun in the first half of Saturday's 2-1 loss to Liverpool and left Anfield on crutches. "It's not turned out well for us," said Sir Alex Ferguson. "He has a small crack in his foot which was diagnosed on Sunday afternoon. It isn't good news." The injury is a fresh setback for Carrick, who had only just returned to action after three weeks out with an ankle injury sustained in United's opening game of the season against Newcastle. He was forced to pull out of the England squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic and subsequently missed the two World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia. Carrick's latest injury will also rule him out of England's next two qualifers against Kazakhstan and Belarus next month. He will miss United's opening Champions League game against Villarreal on Wednesday, their second against Aalborg on 30 September and possibly their third against Celtic on 21 October.

Ferguson hints at new Giggs deal
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Ryan Giggs may be offered the chance to extend his glittering Old Trafford career. Giggs has made more appearances for United than any player in the club's history, and Ferguson believes the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer. "We have to keep him fresh and make sure he has the motivation because I want him to continue," said Ferguson. "He's an incredible human being and could play another year, no problem." Giggs overtook Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing appearance record in last season's Champions League final. And the Welshman's 10 Premier League titles have helped to make him the most decorated player in United's illustrious history. His present United deal expires at the end of the season, but Ferguson remains a huge fan. "He might be 35 in November but he is exceptionally fit," said Ferguson. "The secret is to manage him the right way because he can still decide games for us. "He is a fantastic person to have about the place. The experience he brings is invaluable. "There are certain types of people you only get once in a lifetime. Ryan is just a complete one-off." Giggs made his name as a dashing winger, with his ability down the flank making him a hugely effective part of a series of successful United sides. But Ferguson says Giggs is unlikely to be used in that energy-sapping role as the years begin to catch up with him. "At 34, tramping up and down the touchline is beyond Ryan now," said the Scot. "You have to respect the job he has done for us going up and down that touchline over so many years. "No-one in the Premier League comes anywhere near him in terms of his adaptability. "But I look upon him as a central player, either in midfield or up front."

Real keen to make new Ronaldo bid
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has revealed that the Spanish giants hope to have signed Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo by next summer. Ronaldo, 23, was heavily linked with a move to Real earlier this year but the Spanish side eventually had to admit defeat in their bid to sign the winger. But Schuster is determined to make a new approach at the end of the season. "We must do everything possible as it would be worth it to have this player," Schuster told Spanish newspaper Marca. "I think this year it will be a little complicated for his club to hang on to him." United remain committed to keeping the Portuguese player at the club at least until his current contract expires in 2012 and it would take a huge bid from Real to seriously test their resolve. However, Schuster believes that although Real would have to pay a big fee to land Ronaldo it could be lower than the 90 million euros that was mooted this summer. "There is no other solution other than to make a large bid as they'll not let him go on the cheap," he said. "Next year the price could be a little lower." United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already stated that he expects Real to make a fresh approach but has warned them that the result will be the same. Ronaldo is also reported to be wanted by United's neighbours Manchester City following their acquisition by the Abu Dhabi United Group. However, United chief executive David Gill said that he was taking suggestions of a £135m bid with a "pinch of salt" when interviewed by Radio 5 Live in September. Ronaldo has only recently returned to the United team after missing the start of the season as he recovered from ankle surgery. He admitted after Euro 2008 that he had been playing with the problem for several weeks and subsequently missed the first month of the current campaign, returning as a substitute in the Champions League draw with Villarreal.

Hull's fine start stuns Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he "cannot believe" Saturday's Premier League opponents Hull are above his Manchester United side in the table. "I don't mean that in a derogatory way but it shows what can be done when you get the management structure right," said Ferguson of the league newcomers. Hull are currently in fifth place, two points above Saturday's hosts. And Ferguson added: "The results they have got are truly amazing. This is a game we cannot treat lightly." Hull were billed by many as favourites to head straight back to the Championship, but they have claimed an impressive 20 points in 10 games, including shock victories away at Arsenal and Tottenham. Their record was tarnished slightly by a 3-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in midweek, but Ferguson is nevertheless impressed by the way the east Yorkshire club have handled their inaugural season in the top flight. "It is amazing," said Ferguson ahead of the first league meeting between the teams in 33 years. "It is a great example to anyone coming out of the Championship and shows what can be done when you are prepared to have a go at teams. "They are playing three attackers, with Geovanni sitting behind the front two, and without doubt they are a goal threat. "When you come out of the Championship, I have always said you need to invest to stay in the Premier League. "But they have done it in a different way. George Boateng was a free transfer, Geovanni was a free transfer and they didn't pay much for Daniel Cousin from Rangers." Ferguson added that he believes Brown is benefiting from the coaching expertise of ex-Hull and Manchester City boss Brian Horton and former Rochdale and Barnsley manager Steve Parkin. They are assistant manager and first team coach respectively and help form a triumvirate which has found the answers to most questions this term. For his part Brown was quick to thank the Scot for his role in helping him get the job as Derby manager three years ago. "He called the chairman," said Brown. "I asked him of course. He wouldn't have done it if he didn't think I was the right man for the job. "I don't think he just picks phones up. It certainly helped me, it was a job I wanted, but I don't think he'll have such nice things to say about me tomorrow!" Brown first came to Ferguson's attention when he was a coach at Bolton well over a decade ago. "The first time he made reference to me was at an after-dinner do at Radcliffe Borough about 15 years ago," recalled the Hull manager. "He spoke and mentioned me as an up-and-coming manager. I rocked back - how does he even know me? I was proud of the fact I was on his radar. "So he does his homework and leaves no stone unturned. He knows all about the opposition. He certainly knows his stuff." Meanwhile, Brown believes his team can take heart from their performance against Chelsea ahead of their visit to Old Trafford. "I think the players can take a lot out of the game, the fact they can go on the same field as hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent and compete at that level," he said. "That is exactly what is going to happen on Saturday. "We are coming up against a world-class team and we know it is going to be difficult but if we bring a competitive performance to the table, like I know we can, then we will give them a game."

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