Bleacher Report - Articles by Carlyluvsunited

Kaka to Manchester United As Ronaldo Leaves For Real Madrid?

Carlyluvsunited — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:30:00 -0400

I read this on Clubcall and was wondering to myself is there much truth in it? Would this really happen? Is it a possibility?

Manchester United are reported to have held talks with AC Milan star Kaka with a view to wrapping up a summer swoop. Representatives of the Brazilian are said to have met up with United officials on Friday to discuss a possible deal and now the ball is in the club's court, according to sources close to the player.

If United are keen they would first have to match Milan's sky high valuation, thought to be in the region of £100m, before agreeing to the Brazilian's personal demands. Whether United are keen remains to be seen but reports are rife suggesting a deal could be on the cards.

"It was a very positive meeting, although nothing was agreed," the source has been quoted as saying. "The player wants a five-year contract and wages of £135,000 a week. He is very keen to join United and these are figures that are within United's pay structure. It's up to them what happens now."

I suppose if Ronaldo were to move to Real Madrid, then it would be a logical move to find someone in the same class to replace him. But why would Kaka want to leave AC Milan? Maybe the fact their team is getting rather old now and their effectiveness in the Champions League seems to have wavered a bit in recent years would be reason enough.

Why would Kaka want to come and play in the Premier League? I think every player in Europe would like to play in the EPL to be honest. Right now it's the best and most successful league in the world.

Surely United wouldn't pay 100 million euros for a player. The day will come when football has it's first 100 million Euro, or £100 million player, so why not now? I think in the current climate Kaka, Messi, and Ronaldo could all be valued at around the £100 million mark.

That's not to say they are worth that. Many people criticise Ronaldo and say he is not worth £100 million, but that's irrelevant. People seem to forget that their opinions are worthless when it comes to valuing players. The people who say he is not worth 50, 60, 70, or £100 million are talking through their asses.

The simple fact is...a player is worth whatever sum of money he commands on the open market. If Ronaldo were to come up for sale, after a fall out with Fergie for instance, and Fergie was determined to get rid of him no matter what, and the best bid was £50 million, then he IS worth £50 million. A player's value comes down to the simple fact that he is only worth whatever anyone is willing to pay for him.

AC Milan say they want 100 million euros for Kaka, to them he is worth that much. I agree he is worth somewhere in that region too. Manchester United can afford to pay this money. He is demanding £135,000 per week sources say, and that is within United's pay structure. Add to this the fact Kaka has openly said on many occasions that he wants to play in the EPL and this deal is not as crazy as it sounds.

Personally, I don't think Ronaldo is going anywhere as it happens. If Ronaldo stays then we certainly wont be signing Kaka, not a chance. But, if Fergie were to sell Ronaldo, he does have a habit of quelling the fans displeasure at some of his transfer dealings by coming up with replacements and results that soon make United fans forgive him.

Exit Ronaldo, enter Kaka is a good scenario, and it's the only way either of these players is going anywhere, but would you be happy with this exchange, do you believe it will happen, is it on the cards or is all this rumour mongering a ploy by the newspapers to get us to but their goods, no matter what they write is true or not?

More Manchester United News, Views, Photos And Much More On Carly's Manchester United Blog

Manchester United Fans Should Have More Faith

Carlyluvsunited — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 06:00:13 -0400

I have read some crap in my time but I despair at this stage of the season EVERY year.

I look around some forums and blogs etc etc and all I can see is despair and bullshit about United failing and losing their touch.

Sometimes I see people accusing Fergie of cracking up and making bad decisions.

Last year was a classic when United went to Barcelona with half their defence missing and played for a draw, and almost won the match too, by the way. Sure it is nice to see United playing the Matt Busby way, with young players, attacking and scoring at will and the free flowing football we have all come to love.

But in this day and age, it takes a wise old manager who can juggle his players around, choose a result he is happy to carry forward to the next leg of a match and then succeed in winning the game over two legs.

United lost 4-1 to Liverpool and that was a bitter pill to swallow, I am still reeling after that one and to make things worse we lost to Fulham 2-0 today.

I said in an earlier post, United can afford to lose three games and STILL win the league, so we lost two now and we can still lose another !! So what's with all this talk of the quintuple being impossible, or the double out of sight.......why is the treble impossible ?

This is still the same Manchester United that strike fear into EVERY team they face.

Ask any Fulham player if he thought, in his wildest dreams, they would beat United 2-0, not one of them will say they did.

I would also be interested to see the Fulham dressing room after that game too, I bet none of them could stand up, they were run ragged by United and today, the luck was against United.

I don't like to read all this nonsense and negativity about Fergie and the boys. Do you think Sir Matt gave up and raised doubts over United's future while having the last rites read over him by a priest ?

Was Duncan Edwards ready to quit when Bobby Charlton went to visit him in the Munich hospital when 'Big Dunc' had horrific head injuries? No way, Edwards asked what team they were playing on Saturday, he was willing to get off his death bed and go play for United, such is the love for this great team.

Trailing 1-0 to Bayern Munich, 90 minutes gone and every United player was out on their feet, they had given their all. But did they give in ? Can Manchester United score ? They ALWAYS score.........and the rest is history as they say.

Even if you only saw it on TV, you don't much like football and you can't stand Manchester United, it was a two minute miracle you will tell your grandchildren about ! The final 120 seconds of the 1999 European Cup Final in Barcelona were simply the most breath taking in sporting history.

Those two minutes transcended sport.

It was an object lesson in life.

What those two late scorers Sherringham and Solskjaer and 11 other players achieved in those brief moments inspired me. Because of those two minutes, I will ALWAYS know that if you keep trying you CAN succeed.

Those guys at United, Van Der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov and the youngsters, Wellbeck, Gibson, Chester, Evans and the fringe players, Fletch, O'Shea, Anderson etc etc will give their all EVERY week, game in and game out.

Can they win the Quintuple ?

You can bet your fucking arse they can !!! Just remember those two brief minutes in Barcelona and BELIEVE !!

More Manchester United News HERE

Manchester United Sponsors AIG Have No Shame

Carlyluvsunited — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 05:49:11 -0400

Americans should stick to what they know best and specialise in the things they are good at rather than intruding in matters they have little or no knowledge about in order to make a fast buck.

Especially when it comes to sports and team ownership.

It's especially infuriating when they can't even get the name of the sport right. I'm talking of course about football. We call it this for a very simple reason, it is played using your feet.

The Glazers turned up at Old Trafford and turned it into a giant commercial exercise.

While I appreciate the fact that the money funds new players etc etc, the fact that the real value of the hardcore fans is being diminished by Glazer and his money grabbing family.

Manchester United has been around for 137 years and have a very colourful history, which is probably half the appeal with the Glazer family, after all, America has very little history in comparison to the UK and Europe.

Alongside Glazer we also have another American company sponsoring our shirts and these people are nothing short of liars, thieves and con men.

They are so atrocious at their job they needed the US government to bail them out of their own mess to the tune of $152 billion in order to stop a collapse. Now, all the top employees, or should I say all the idiots who got them in the mess have accepted bonuses, yes BONUSES can you believe !!!

These bonuses in some cases amount to 100s of thousands of $s. That is theft of the money of US citizens and should be given back with a sincere apology for even thinking they are due this money. It is purely and simply immoral to even consider these bonuses and it defies belief they paid the bonuses out.

So, if you worked for AIG, would you take the money?

The company has taken billions in taxpayer bailout money, and AIG workers still think they are entitled to bonus money, in large part just for sticking around. Except, of course, for the people who left and who are still getting retention bonuses.

Understand, these people getting millions in bonuses aren't exactly broke. They've got nice salaries, and they work in a corporate headquarters that reportedly has a gym, tennis court and gourmet restaurant. But the company is dead broke and is taking many Americans down with it.

And what message does it send to the rest of us about incentive when these folks are taking millions amid such economic disgrace and mismanagement? They failed. Yet, they're cashing in.

Fail this miserably at your job and what do you risk? Everything. That's why we work so hard to save a job or an industry. And to save our way of life.

That, apparently, didn't apply at AIG. So what if you mismanage the investment accounts of your customers? So what if you take big chances that imperil your entire company? You walk away with millions anyway. They risked nothing.

How hard would you work if you knew, win or lose, you could walk away with millions? That's a big problem in professional sports, and it's a big problem in too many of our glass offices and boardrooms.

What should an AIG employee who got a bonus do? How about an agreement promising future bonuses if and when the company recovers and they perform? Even more simply, how about attempting to look grateful for the taxpayer help in trying to keep their company and their jobs afloat?

With the world watching AIG, why on Earth would they be so arrogant? Why would they give the government or House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a reason to wag a finger at them? Where is the personal responsibility and accountability? The United States government doesn't need another reason to think that American people can't make smart decisions on their own without its help and oversight. U.S. Rep. John Dingell last week proposed a 95% tax on the bonuses. Now what happens when someone actually deserves a bonus? AIG has kicked the door wide open for public scrutiny of private business. Good grief, what is wrong with you people?

AIG says they are contractually obligated to dole out the bonuses to avoid lawsuits. Please. There may be contracts, but no one is contractually or morally obligated to take it.

One of my favorite movie scenes is in "Saving Private Ryan." At the end, a dying Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks, tells Private Ryan, played by Matt Damon: "Earn this. Earn it."

As the world's economy is dying, the folks at AIG should watch that scene, because as far as I can tell, they've earned nothing.

You people at AIG are a disgrace, get your cheap nasty logo off our shirts and go crawl under some rock in America where you belong and stay away from Football in Europe. We love this game and it has a very interesting and eventful history with very, very few things to blemish it - that is until the American money men and their greed invaded it !!!..... More United News HERE

Cristiano Ronaldo Tormentor Bennett Should Have Gone To Specsavers

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:21:33 -0500

Steve Bennett, the referee who is blind to any all out assaults on Cristiano Ronaldo, should have gone to Specsavers. It now transpires that he issued Steven Taylor with a yellow card for the tackle he made on Ronaldo. The three officials at the game saw nothing of the forearm smash he delivered to Ronaldo, so it looks like Steven Taylor is in the clear, maybe.

Bennett is accustomed to "victimising" Ronaldo, as Sir Alex Ferguson puts it, he has sent him off twice before—one time at Portsmouth and again at Manchester City earlier this season. Ferguson has claimed Ronaldo is an "easy target" for Premier League referees. The Manchester United star was booked for diving during last Sunday's Carling Cup semifinal when TV replays proved he was knocked over by Ledley King.

And at Newcastle on Wednesday night, Steven Taylor escaped a red card when he caught the world player of the year with a flailing arm. Ferguson was sure the Football Association would take more action against the England Under-21 captain once they saw the incident again, claiming afterwards: "I don't think he is out of trouble."

Speaking on MUTV Ferguson said he feels the 24-year old's extreme talent is making him fair game.

"Ronaldo is an easy target for the referees, it is easy to give decisions against him because he is such a great player and he is so celebrated. When he is away from home every crowd boos him, so he has to handle that. But it is not helping him."

The unsavoury incident—and the subsequent tunnel row involving Taylor and Wayne Rooney which has also now been dismissed—has largely obscured another three points for United who had to come from behind for the first time this season to win the game. Since returning from Japan, United have won 10 straight league games.

With just 11 games remaining, Ferguson knows just eight more triumphs will be enough to seal an 18th championship, allowing them to move alongside Liverpool—who led the personal feud 18-7 when the Premier League era began in 1992.

More Manchester United News From Carly HERE

Manchester United Seven Points Clear Again As Guus Hiddink Does a 'Kevin Keegan'

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:15:37 -0500

Guus Hiddink seems to have gone all 'Kevin Keegan' as the pressure gets to him in the race for the Premiership.

He was talking at a press conference and went off on one saying he would 'love it' if Chelsea caught Manchester United.

He has more chance of doing that than Keegan has of managing a club for more than six months without crying off and running away. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his team will not panic if their lead in the Premier League starts eroding.

"The experience we have garnered over the years helps us, we don't panic. We very seldom have. Even in games we always keep playing our football and remain patient. Matches at Stoke and Bolton have been won like that this season. It is not an easy to do when you are chasing titles."

Give it up Guus or you'll end up like Keegan, hiding away in Spain every time the pressure builds up. You're better off hiding away in Russia accepting the roubles from that crook billionaire Abramobitch.....More Manchester United News From Carly HERE

Sir Alex Cautious But Redknapp Bets On A Manchester United Five-Timer

Carlyluvsunited — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:59:46 -0500

Champions of the World, Champions of Europe, Champions of England, Carling Cup Winners and FA Cup winners, Manchester United have won them all. But never in one season, it's impossible right?

Or is it?

Sir Alex Ferguson insists it will take a freakish run of good luck for it to happen and that's not an unreasonable statement to make. Harry Redknapp, however, is prepared to put his money on Manchester United ending the season with the quintuplet all done and dusted—five trophies safely locked away in the Old Trafford trophy cabinet.

Sunday's penalty shoot-out win over Spurs in the League Cup final means United now have two of the five won, and three are left out there to win.

It's in the next ten days that things could happen to bring the quintuple to within grasping distance.

Since Rafa had his rant about Fergie back in December, Liverpool went pear shaped and capitulated, and are now down to third place after rolling over and dying against Middlesbrough on Saturday. That leaves United with a game in hand, again, which is to be played this Wednesday against Newcastle at St James' Park.

Next Saturday sees United travel south to Fulham to play in the quarter finals of the FA Cup and a win there will leave them just two games short of claiming that trophy too. Four days after that, Inter Milan come to Old Trafford and the prize for winning this game is a place in the last eight of the Champions League.

If Harry is going to have a bet on this quintuple I'd suggest to him he gets his cash on it now. Mainly because I don't see any mistakes coming from the next three games and by then the odds will have tumbled even lower than the current 10/1 on offer.

"Only you guys, the media, will get carried away with it," he said. "We'll keep our feet on the ground. My experience is we could go to Fulham this weekend in the FA Cup and the ball comes off somebody's backside and we are out of the cup. That is what cups can do to you. The best thing we can do is gather ourselves, energise ourselves for Newcastle on Wednesday, which will be a very difficult game for us, and go from there, taking it one step at a time."

Redknapp believes United's squad has sufficient depth of quality to make their own luck.

"They have got a big chance—they are the team to beat for sure, they have a fantastic squad. They have one cup already, it looks as if the league is going their way for sure and you wouldn't bet against them in the Champions League and the FA Cup."

They said the Treble was impossible and Fergie won it. They said a quadruple is beyond any team, and yet here is Fergie again going for the impossible. A quintuple? Maybe, just maybe...

More Manchester United News, Click Here

Spurs to Become a Feeder Club For Manchester United?

Carlyluvsunited — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:53:05 -0500

Spurs player Roman Pavlyuchenko has got great timing and his prowess for scoring in the box is exemplary. But his timing was a bit off today as he spoke to The Daily Mail.

He has rocked Tottenham on the eve of their Carling Cup final, by admitting he dreams of playing for their Wembley opponents Manchester United.

Pavlyuchenko has explained how deep the bad feeling toward Berbatov and United goes within the Spurs ranks.

Berbatov is actually not in the squad to face Spurs, as it happens.

We all know Berbatov refused to play at the start of the season to try and force through a move to Manchester United...and now Roman has declared he too would like to follow Berba up North and play for United as well.

"It would be wrong not to dream about this. I have realised the English Premier League is exactly why you should start playing football in the first place. And Manchester United is the leader of it. Once your first dream comes true you must start dreaming of another target."

I bet these revelations have gone down a treat in the Spurs dressing room.

As you're preparing for your one single chance of silverware this season, one of the most loved and most talented players says he has his heart set on playing for the opposition...nice work Roman...Mind you, he does look good in red ;) .....

More United News From Carly's Manchester United Blog, Click Here

Manchester United To Beat Spurs in Carling Cup the Matt Busby Way

Carlyluvsunited — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:33:46 -0500

I have read the reviews by a few Spurs fans regarding the 49th Carling Cup Final due to be played at Wembley this Sunday between Manchester United and Tottenham, Hotspur.

They are clinging to a few rather obscure facts to convince themselves they can win this match.

1. Given their glittering first half performance in the San Siro and our gut-wrenching equivalent at the KC it'd be amazing if United weren't feeling cocky and aside from the fact that ref Chris Foy is a Scouser who hopefully hasn't forgotten his roots, that might be our best hope.

2. Still, "it's a two horse race", "anything can happen on the day".

3. Despite being generally crap, in five attempts we've not lost to a "big four" side yet this season.

4. United conceded three goals to each of Derby and Blackburn in the last two rounds, plus hopefully our lads will be motivated by the desire to put one over on the despised, whining Bulgarian. If that shitey Arsenal team we saw a couple of weeks ago can beat them then why can't we?

5. United actually have a dodgy record in finals, they've been in six and lost four.

6. Our favourite Russian has scored in every round.

7. Redknapp has managed three different sides that have beaten Ferguson teams in cup competitions. So why not a fourth? We're 90 minutes from glory. Come on you Spurs.

That must make grim reading if you're a Spurs fan.

Pinning your hopes and dreams on a few stats and things that have happened in the past.

Games like this are about the team who turns up on the day, with the ability and desire to win, not the team who turns up with a head full of stats and figures that make them feel like they should win.

I hope with all my heart that Fergie does what Arsene Wenger did and lets the 'kids' have their day at Wembley.

The likes of Danny Welbeck, Anderson, Rafael et al. They are the ones who got us to Wembley and they are the ones who deserve their day in the limelight.

It would be easy to put out a team with Ferdinand, Evra, Vidic, Ronaldo, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov etc etc and try to run right over the top of Spurs and crush them in the first 30 minutes. But to me this competition is all about allowing your youngsters to have their time.

In the third and fourth rounds all 'big' teams put out makeshift teams full of young guys waiting for their chance to prove they are good enough for the first team, it's a good chance for a manager to get some experience for his future stars.

Having said that, Manchester United's youngsters have proved time and time again this season they are ready, willing and able to step up to the mark and play with confidence, determination and a cohesion you would only expect from seasoned professionals.

So come on Fergie, let's do this the right way. Wellbeck, Rafael, Fabio, Anderson, O'Shea, Fletcher, Park...we want to see them all.

Some of these guys have stuck with United through thick and thin with never a guarantee of first team football. They have also been there when suddenly they are needed.

They may not be needed now, but more importantly they are deserving. Deserving of a chance for glory in their own right. If they get beaten then so be it.

The fact they got United to Wembley in itself is a great, great achievement and the future looks rosy for United.

Let's do this the Matt Busby way, with youngsters who have no fear, who have flair and enthusiasm, who are loyal and who do have the ability if given the chance.....More United News From Carly's Blog Here

Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Mario Gomez

Carlyluvsunited — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:54:35 -0500

There is still no news from Manchester United on the Carlos Tevez saga. It took forever and a day to sign him, and now it is taking even longer to put an end to this transfer issue.

Real Madrid have shown an interest in him. They have also been showing an interest in Manchester United target Mario Gomez.

The Stuttgart striker has been watched by scouts from United several times. Given this fact, it looks like Tevez is being edged out the door.

The news comes from Sport Bild.

Manchester United and Real Madrid could be joined in the race for Gomez's signature by Barcelona too. With a contract set to last until 2012, he won't come cheap. But that said, a striker who has scored 24 times in 31 matches won't be available at a bargain price anyway.

He does have a buy-out clause in his contract for this summer, believed to be in the region of €35 million, which could be agreeable to any of the clubs after him.

If he were to move to Madrid it seems likely that he would either be used as a replacement for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has not settled well in Spain, or as a long-term replacement for Raul. With United he would more than likely replace Carlos Tevez, who appears to be on the way out from United

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Manchester United Away Kit for 2009-10

Carlyluvsunited — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:02:55 -0500

Here is the mockup of the new Manchester United away kit for the 2009-2010 season.

It is supposed to be based on the shirt United wore when they won the FA Cup in 1909.

Some dissatisfaction has been voiced by various fans on various sites as to the design.

They feel the red stripe going across the chest forms an arrow that blatantly points to the advertising logo of AIG and highlights this too much.

I must admit I find that highly amusing.

For a start, AIG are pulling out of the deal whereby they sponsor the shirts at the end of 2010, so why on earth would Manchester United go out of their way to make sure AIG get any extra coverage as they withdraw from the deal?

I do think on some occasions United fans go looking for problems that really are not there.

The paranoia with AIG getting the coverage on the shirts is madness.

AIG have provided about one-third of United's income for the past four years, financing things such as the purchase of Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves, Tevez, and Berbatov, but still they complain that AIG have a logo on the shirt. You can't have the cake AND eat it.

It became a big issue on the 50th anniversary of Munich too when the mural of the Busby Babes was erected at Old Trafford last year. This was a time to remember those who perished and to appreciate what United had lost. Yes, I know AIG had their logo at the bottom right hand corner of this mural, but so what? Who cares—this was all about Munich, Sir Matt, and the Babes.

Maybe AIG wanted to have their logo there to show they too cared and wanted to be a part of the anniversary activities. Maybe they saw it as a way to sneak in and get some high-profile advertising.

Maybe, just maybe, this was an occasion to forget AIG—an occasion for fans to remember what was important on the 50th anniversary instead of continuing the hunt for things to moan about.

AIG will be gone soon, to be replaced by Air Asia, Saudi Telecom, or Sahara. So what next?

Let's all hate India and Sahara for the way Indian children are exploited in the workplace.

Maybe we should hate Air Asia because their uniforms aren't very pretty or because they paint huge pictures of Manchester United players on their aircraft to exploit the marketplace.

If Saudi Telecom are the next unfortunate incumbent to finance Manchester United, let's all jump on the bandwagon and complain about how Saudi Arabia treats women and how they outlaw drinking and the carrying of the Christian Bible in their land.

Or might it be a good idea to accept the sponsors, take their cash, and be happy?

Their logo might be on the shirt, but it just might finance the arrival of Karim Benzema or, dare we say it, Kaka.

For More Manchester United News from Carly, Click Here.

Ryan Giggs: Manchester United Legend To Win Player Of The Year?

Carlyluvsunited — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:53:41 -0500

Ryan Giggs has never been voted Player of the Year by the sportswriters and other players, which is a miracle considering he has been knocking around for 18 years now.

However, just like my good self, Sir Alex Ferguson is of the opinion he should be considered for this award this season.

Reflecting on Giggs' performance against Derby last week, Ferguson wrote in his programme notes for yesterday's victory over Blackburn: "Ryan had a super game, and it set me wondering whether players or football writers might get round to voting him their player of the year.

"The impeccable way he has played the game, and the wonderful talent he has produced week after week over a career spanning 18 years in the top division, deserves to be recognised."

And why not indeed. Can you think of anyone better to get the award right now? I can't if I'm honest, and surely 18 years has to count for something in a rather lacklustre year for outstanding players.

Vote Giggs everyone!

More United News From Carly Here

Manchester United Lose Jonny Evans Ahead of Clash with Inter Milan

Carlyluvsunited — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:27:04 -0500

Manchester United played Jonny Evans alongside Rio Ferdinand against Blackburn so the two of them could get some match time playing alongside one another ahead of the Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Tuesday. The reason for this was the suspension of Nemanja Vidic from that game.

Evans, however, picked up a knock during the game with Blackburn and Vidic had to come on anyway. Now Sir Alex is rapidly running out of centre backs to play on Tuesday. Evans limped off in Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford with a recurrence of a recent ankle injury.

United racked up a 10th consecutive league victory but are now short of options for the trip to the San Siro.

"It's a bit sore," Evans told MUTV. "I kicked the ground when I tried to make a long clearance and now it's a bit tender. I don't know (if I'll be ready for Tuesday's game). The doctor said he'd have a look at it on Sunday. We'll have a better idea then."

"We've got some injuries of course," Ferguson told Setanta Sports after the win against Rovers. I just hope I can get two centre backs but at this moment in time it's very doubtful. Jonny Evans would have played on Tuesday but he's very doubtful. I'm hoping I'll have John O'Shea fit as I won't have Vidic, Neville or Brown either," he added.

O'Shea injured his heel against Fulham last Wednesday but Ferguson is hoping he will recover to partner Rio Ferdinand in defence against Jose Mourinho's side...This really is not the kind of news we need heading into this fixture.

More United News from Carly Here

Neville Joins Giggs And Scholes As Manchester United Oldies Roll On

Carlyluvsunited — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:52:43 -0500

Gary Neville joined Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes this week in the signing of a new one year contract which will see the pair of them enter their 19th season at Old trafford playing for Manchester United. It would be a fool who forecasts they wont play even beyond that.

Alex Ferguson is delighted with all three of them saying: “We’ll see what happens next year.

But if they keep their performance level up they will be here for another year, there’s no question about that. They are the spirit of this club and an example to everyone.

For any young player asking himself ‘how can I keep playing til 35 years of age?’ they can look at those three players, how they have conducted themselves and how their performance levels and drive have never changed.”

What great news this is. These three guys are not as young and sprightly as they used to be but all three have shown what a wise head on old shoulders can do.

They are still vital in United's quest to land five trophies this season and hopefully the next few seasons too. Can they still be playing age 40? I'm saying nothing, I forecast they were washed up three years ago and they have proved me wrong big time.....More United News From Carly

Rafa Benitez And Liverpool Remain Defiant About Manchester United

Carlyluvsunited — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:28:37 -0500

Liverpool manager Rafa Beneathus is adamant Manchester United are not untouchable.

Every season begins with 20 teams all filled with their dreams and ambitions for the forthcoming season. Maybe only 6 teams include winning the Premier League in their list of desires. But as the season progresses the six become five, four and so on and so forth.

And now there are two.

Manchester United are stringing together a remarkable run of games in which they have broken the record for the most consecutive clean sheets. Currently they have gone 14 games with out conceding, the previous record was a mere eleven by Chelsea. They remain unbeaten since the World Club Cup in Japan and Edwin Van Der Sar has become the holder of all records for goalkeeping in the process. Chasing United has cost Luiz Filipe Scolari his job and has made the usually defiant Arsene Wenger bow down and say United are untouchable. Rafa Benitez remains unbowed though, for now.

The Spaniard has good reason not to cede defeat, despite United's imperious form. In his second title season with Valencia in 2004, with 12 games to go, Benitez's side stood eight points behind Real Madrid. Valencia, of course, went on to win that title, and win it in style. They finished five points ahead of Barcelona, with Real seven points adrift.

Despite the bad news that Steven Gerrard has not recovered from a hamstring strain to face Manchester City tomorrow and will only know on Monday if he will make Wednesday's Champions League tie with Real Madrid, a five point lead is not nearly enough for Benitez to follow Wenger's lead and throw his shield at Ferguson's feet just yet.

He said: "It would be better if we had a five point lead on them, but clearly you can manage it if you win some games in a row. We did that at Valencia and it gave us more confidence, and it is the same here. It is too much to say United are untouchable.

They won a lot of games 1-0 and then they have scored three or four in a couple of games and everyone has been talking as though they were playing well for the whole season. But you can see a lot of games where they were not playing well. Clearly we cannot say we think they are unbeatable. We have to think we can win our next games, then go to Old Trafford and win."

If Liverpool are to catch and overhaul their great rivals, then Benitez knows they must start to take games by the scruff of the neck early on, rather than leaving it until the last minute to snatch victory, as they did against Portsmouth two weeks ago. Tomorrow's visitors have already felt the full effect of a Liverpool late show, losing 3-2 at Eastlands thanks to a last minute Dirk Kuyt strike. Refusing to give in is a fine characteristic, but if Benitez is to protect his players from burnout, he needs them to kill games off.

He said: "It would be easier for the team, for the fans, for my heart if we scored early. It is better to score in the first half when you have had plenty of possession, as we did at Portsmouth.

I watched the tape and there were three clips in the first 10 minutes. We have been controlling these games but it would be so different if we scored the first goal. If you do, they open up and you have more space.".....More United News From Carly Here

Manchester United Are So Proud Of Paul Scholes

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:59:49 -0500

Paul Scholes is a very unassuming guy, quiet, seemingly timid and a credit to himself and Manchester United. I have often asked people for one example of when he was in the newspapers for anything untoward, or anything that was anything but good. No one has ever come up with anything Scholesy can ever be criticized for. I will never forget an interview he once gave when the interviewer asked him what his life was like as a top player at THE top club. He replied, "I get up, I go to work, I finish work, I shower, I go home". That says it all.

However, there is currently plenty of talking going on about the Salford-born former England international, with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov hailing the unassuming Scholes' contributions to what could be an almost incredible season for the Red Devils.

Now Sir Alex Ferguson has chosen to add his voice to the praise flowing in Scholes' direction by expressing his pride in the midfielder's continuing excellence.

Scholes scored another one of his trademark 25 yard blistering volleys last night against Fulham.

Talking to the Manchester Evening News Fergie said: "Paul tries that in training every day. He usually tries to hit me, he was fantastic. Some of his switches of play were magnificent. These lads are great examples to young players in how they live their life. They have kept their ambition, which is important. We are delighted with their performance and are so proud to have them here."

Fergie is also hinting that Chelsea's title challenge was finished now, although he has not directly come out and written them off 100%.

"You can never be dead sure, but it is fair to say Chelsea have an uphill fight now, things can happen. We were 12 points clear of Arsenal in 1998 but we got a lot of injuries and lost the league. Now we can cope with it, like we have done in the last few weeks. That is the change at this club. We have such a big squad we can make changes.".....More United News From Carly Here

Wayne Rooney: Manchester United Can Win It All

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:55:07 -0500

Wayne Rooney seems to have a similar mindset as my good self. I have tried to work out reasons why Manchester United can't win every trophy this season.

History tells us it is impossible, nobody believes it can be done, just like they said about the treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. But United did it.

Records and impossibilities are there to be broken; without challenges and targets that seem impossible, there would be no point in going on.

Rooney, who came off the bench to score against Fulham last night, believes quadruple glory in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup is a real possibility.

Yesterday, Sir Alex Ferguson wrote off Chelsea’s hopes of challenging them for the League, saying the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari had played into United’s hands, and Rooney repeated the same bullish message after the 3-0 demolition of Fulham at Old Trafford.

United are about to move into a fixture pile-up of eight games in 25 days—including a Champions League tie next Tuesday against Inter Milan, the Carling Cup Final against Spurs, and the Premier League visit to Old Trafford of Liverpool—and prioritizing their trophy targets might have been expected.

But Rooney, who returned to action after five weeks out with a hamstring injury to score United’s third goal against outclassed Fulham, said:

“We’re delighted we’re still in all these competitions. Our aim at the start of the season was to go as far as we can in all competitions, and to still be in them all in mid-February is great for the team. For me, I want to win all trophies. Everybody speaks about the Champions League and Premier League. But I’ve had some of my biggest heartaches in football in the FA Cup, and the Carling Cup is the first major trophy I ever won. For us to still be in all four competitions means there is a chance we can win them all."

United’s 10th successive victory, and their 14th successive League clean sheet, leaves them five points above Liverpool at the top of the table. Their goal difference is also nine better than their closest title rivals.

Bookmaker Paddy Power is so convinced of United’s supremacy that it has already decided to pay out to customers who backed a United treble of League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup.

Chelsea are now 10 points adrift having played the same number of games, but new manager Guus Hiddink will be determined to prove Ferguson wrong by reviving the Blues' challenge in his first game in charge against Aston Villa this weekend. So, is it really all over for everyone but United this season? We will see.

More United News From Carly Here

Rooney Could Be Back For Manchester United Against Fulham

Carlyluvsunited — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:48:49 -0500

If you can keep your eyes off the two Fulham cheerleaders pictured left - Wayne Rooney should hopefully make his long awaited return after a seven match absence as Manchester United look to open up a five point advantage over The Bindippers by beating Fulham at Old Trafford.

Rooney has been struggling with a hamstring injury which he sustained at Wigan one month ago but has now hopefully fully recovered.

Thanks to Fabio Capello for not choosing him for England too. He was told by Fergie Rooney is available if Capello felt the need to choose him, but he didn't.

Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov are among the big names who return following the FA Cup win at Derby, while Edwin van der Sar looks to complete an incredible 14th consecutive Premier League clean sheet.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will give late fitness tests to Paul Konchesky and Andy Johnson. Both players have been struggling with muscle strains but will be given every chance to prove their fitness. Dickson Etuhu is still out with the knee injury he sustained against Wigan, meaning on-loan Inter Milan midfielder Olivier Dacourt should continue in midfield.

I'm glad to see Rooney back but if we are honest, did we really miss him, did our results go down-hill or did we beat two long standing defensive records and reach the top of the league in his absence? Rooney is a valuable asset for United but this squad has such richness in depth that they can lose him for seven games and the machine keeps rolling along. Awesome stuff indeed I'm sure you'll agree.

Teams: Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Gibson, Welbeck.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Hughes, Konchesky, Pantsil, Hangeland, Johnson, Zamora, Nevland, Gera, Murphy, Kamara, Gray, Zuberbuhler, Stoor, Dempsey, Davies, Milsom, Brown, Kallio, Barnes, Dacourt.

More United News From Carly ;)

Manchester United Had Better Fear Jose And Inter Milan

Carlyluvsunited — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:54:52 -0500

Jose Mourinho is probably one of the few managers who Manchester United fans should fear.

He has a good record against Fergie and his boys and indeed, he has a good record against most teams.

His Chelsea side were invincible at The Bridge and were a handful away from home too.

His knowledge and experience is incredible. He has been talking to MUTV about how he is setting his sights on toppling United when he comes face to face with Fergie in the last 16 of the Champions League next weekend.

His Internazionale side host United at the San Siro on Tuesday 24 February with the second leg scheduled for Old Trafford on Wednesday 10 March. Mourinho, always up for a challenge, says it’s the perfect tie for his team.

“Before the draw I said that I wanted United and some people thought I was crazy, after all, why would I want the top team in Europe? But I wanted them because it’s a big challenge and because it will be difficult. It’s a special draw for my players and I won’t need to motivate them for this tie. The best matches to play in are against the best sides and the best side at the moment is Manchester United.”

Although Manchester United have never been beaten by Inter in a competitive fixture, Mourinho has never been at the helm. Overall, Jose does have the edge over Sir Alex. In fact, the Reds’ boss has only tasted victory once against a Mourinho-led side.

“We know we can win, United are a special team with special players. They are very solid in defence and dangerous in attack. You look at the talent they have on the pitch and then at the bench too, and you know this will be difficult. My side has a lot of experience, we have a lot of talent and we know how to play the big games. It will be a close tie.”.....Carly's Blog Here

Darren Gibson Deserves His Carling Cup Final Chance

Carlyluvsunited — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:45:25 -0500

Manchester United midfielder Darren Gibson put on a great display against Derby County in the FA Cup, winning the Man Of The Match according to ITV.

Having scored yesterday and in the third round against Southampton, he is one of a few United youngsters who have stepped up to the mark this season, when injuries have forced the managers hand.

However, Gibson refuses to get carried away by talk of a guaranteed place in the United line up at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final.

Gibson has played in every round of United’s path to the final, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly promised the Republic of Ireland international a place against Tottenham at Wembley on 1st March; however, Gibson won't be getting too excited until he receives the call.

“The Carling Cup has been good for me this year so fingers crossed I will play in the final, but the manager has not told me anything yet,” said Gibson. "I don't mind playing on the right but central midfield is my proper position, I feel more comfortable in there but to be honest, I am just happy to be on the pitch. In training I have been working on trying to get into the box and having a few more shots. I am glad I scored but the main thing is we got through.”

I think players such as Gibson, Danny Welbeck and Rodrigo Possebon along with Nani deserve a tilt at starting the Carling Cup Final. They have been called into action with United's huge injury list at times this season and they have stood tall and shown determination and great cohesion when needed. This will be a great day for them if they do start, and with United holding the likes of Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez in reserve, they can be called upon if needed.....More Manchester United News From Carly

Manchester United, Liverpool & Real Madrid Chase Middlesbrough Starlet

Carlyluvsunited — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:37:18 -0500

Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are set to lock horns over the signature of Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, who is rumoured to be valued at £12 million.

Which seems to be rather expensive as he is unable to get into the Middlesbrough first team because of the presence of a certain Stewart Downing. Downing's future at the club is hardly set in concrete as he himself had a recent transfer request turned down by the Boro management team.

Johnson has played for the England U21 side and was spotted by the big guns of Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid while on a loan spell with Watford. So right now Middlesbrough are in the situation of deciding whether or not to sell Johnson for about £10 million or hold out for their valuation of the guy, thought to be around £12 million.

The other option is to part with Stewart Downing, probably to Spurs, and let Johnson take his chance in the first team.

Johnson has already been taking some jibes from his team mates, he said: "It was the usual banter from them. I was getting all of it, calling me a Galactico and getting shouts of Raul. I don't know if there was anything in it—the manager never said anything to me. Who knows?"

I'm at a loss as to why Manchester United need to buy a player such as Johnson anyway. They have an abundance of talent in midfield and if this guy can't make it into the Middlesbrough first team how on earth will he get into the first team at Old Trafford?

More United News From Carly

Zola Says Manchester United Unstoppable As Giggs Fires Them Above Liverpool

Carlyluvsunited — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:20:43 -0500

Gianfranco Zola was left speechless after his team encountered Manchester United.

West Ham at home are quite a handful for most teams and they have a great record there, as well as having been undefeated in eight games with six wins and two draws.

However, that means nothing to United as Ryan Giggs fired United back on top of the Premier League, two points clear of Liverpool, and the champions are now 1/5 with the bookies to retain their title.

Staggered West Ham boss Zola said: “They have everything. We have been beaten by probably the best team in the world. They punished our only mistake in a very professional way.

"I knew it would be difficult for us if they scored first. I did not expect them to be so good defensively. I knew they would be good offensively. They are just getting stronger. Not many teams will beat us here. They were great.”

How often have we seen Giggsy score with his right foot? It would be interesting if someone could tell me because I don't recall having ever seen him do it.

The "Old Timer" claimed his first league goal of the current campaign and it means he has now scored in all 17 Premier League seasons. Surely this is a record of some description too.

To have played 17 straight seasons in the Premier League is simply incredible and Giggsy still keeps "Holding Back The Years", as Simply Red would say.

United boss Alex Ferguson said: “I am searching my memory banks for the last time Ryan scored with his right foot. I always felt one goal would be enough. It was a fantastic performance from the back four. Ryan is a credit to the game and if anyone wants an example of how to dedicate themselves to football, you could have no greater example than Ryan Giggs.”

Zola was still quite chirpy despite the defeat adding: “For me it has been a positive match. I know that we lost but we were playing against the best team in Europe, if not the world, and we just lost by one goal. I am happy for my team. It has been another step forward for us even though we lost the game. I am sure it won’t be easy for anybody else here. They just punished the only mistake we made. Our goalkeeper only made one save. When you can win games like this you are very strong.

Edwin Van Der Sar also broke the British record for not conceding a goal. It came after 75 minutes against West Ham and now stands at 1,212 minutes (20 hours and 12 minutes)”.....More United News From Carly Here

Bad News for Inter Milan and Jose as Manchester United Begin Tevez Negotiations

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:13:02 -0500

When Dimitar Berbatov joined Manchester United in the summer, and Wayne Rooney was riding on the crest of a goal scoring wave, things didn't look too rosy for Carlos Tevez.

In fact, things got quite hard for him as he was left on the bench game after game after game.

At this point he could have given up, faced with a seemingly impossible task to get into the first team.

But not Carlos Tevez.

He rolled his sleeves up and got stuck in. As I write this, I would say it is impossible for Fergie to choose which of the three options he has up front.

Well, such dedication and commitment has paid off for him as United are now keen to offer him a new deal.

Kia Joorabchian, Tevez's agent has been in negotiations (eventually) with United and a deal has reportedly been sorted out.

The deal could be worth £30 million, but with the involvement of Joorabchian who will get what is anybodys guess.

Tevez currently is paid £75,000 a week, but it is reputed thios new deal could be worth around £12 million in 3 years to Tevez.

Jose Mourinho has been continually linked with Tevez and has reportedly been in talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian, if this is true then unlucky Mourinho, not this time....More United News From Carly Here

Circus Beckham About To Roll Into AC Milan Unless Manchester United...Maybe Not!

Carlyluvsunited — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:59:47 -0500

It seems the "Circus Beckham" is about to go rolling into Milan on a permanent basis.

Once again, former Manchester United star Beckham has decided he is bored of being at LA Galaxy and wants a move away from them.

Forget all the adoring fans he has there, forget the contract he signed, forget about loyalty and commitment, what Beckham wants Beckham does—with total disregard for everyone else.

Except for Victoria that is, she has pulled the strings after all.

This is a guy who tried to pull out of his new contract with Galaxy before he had even been welcomed as a new player, because his England career was faltering.

The same guy who has walked out on LA Galaxy, no doubt so Victoria can drag her sorry bones down a catwalk twice a year and pout like a sucker fish at every given opportunity.

He said: "I received offers from English teams and two other Italian sides, but I wanted Milan from the first moment I knew they were interested in me."

"Playing with Kaka, Ronaldinho and Pato is just too good to refuse—I think Kaka is the best in the world. I am trying to learn Italian and this will take time. I think it's important to learn the language and integrate well."

"But I don't think I will return to the Premier League because the only return I would have liked was Manchester United. I enjoyed 15 great years there and it would be the only team I would play for if I returned home."

"Manchester United are not one of the teams who contacted me though."

They wont either, forget it Becks. Take your Golden Balls to Milan and let us all carry on laughing at you. You abandon anyone and anything if the price is right. No one player is bigger than United...remember that word...I don't know how you say it in Italian but "United" is not a word to describe your one man show.

Go grab the cash and good luck to you. You had your time with United...

More Manchester United News From Carly Here

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Villa: There's Nothing In It

Carlyluvsunited — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:55:17 -0500

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said there will be many twists and turns during the run in to this season as they are locked in combat with Chelsea, Liverpool and, yes, Aston Villa.

United beat Everton 1-0 yesterday and stretched their lead at the top of the table and in the process extended their record number of consecutive clean sheets in the league to 12.

However, with Liverpool beating Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield this afternoon, the lead is back down to two points, but United do have that all important game in hand and the superior goal difference which can be worth an extra point at the sharp end of the season.

Ferguson says he would rather be in front at this stage and is pleased with how his side has performed; however, he does not feel the gap United have established over their rivals is unassailable.

He told the Press Association: "It is an advantage to be five points clear. I can't say it is a great advantage with 16 games left. But it is always better to be top of the league than anywhere else."

Ferguson says there are still games where all the teams in the title race can drop points, but believes his side are best equipped to not drop as many as their rivals.

"We have a difficult game away against West Ham next week and there are a lot of difficult games in the run-in and teams will drop points. We just hope we don't drop as many as the rest."

So, we're set for a great run in.

I personally feel United are now getting stronger and stronger every week that passes, this defensive record they have shows this quite clearly.

To win the league from here, United should really be aiming to go from now until the end of the chase without losing another game and that is very possible.

With home games against Liverpool and Arsenal coming up too, they have a great chance to open up a nice gap at the top and then make a dash for the finish line.

The future looks good right now, but we know it can go very wrong, very quickly, ask Liverpool.....More United News From Carly Here

Former Manchester United and Celtic Star Being Pursued By Bolton and West Ham

Carlyluvsunited — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:31:37 -0500

Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United have both made enquiries as to the availability of former Feyenoord, Celtic and Manchester United star striker Henrik Larsson about a possible Premier League return.

Aged 37 now, Larsson is a free agent after being out of contract with his former side Helsingborgs where, in his first stint at the club, scored 50 goals in 56 appearances, leaving for Dutch side Feyenoord in 1993 for four years before moving to Scottish giants Celtic, where he spent seven hugely successful seasons.

The former Swedish International is now a free agent, although he has had provisional talks with his former club Helsingborg about a return in March, there has been interest from at least two Premier League sides, with Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson and West Ham Utd manager Gianfranco Zola reportedly having enquired about his availability.

Larsson, who has already made a short-term loan spell in the English top-tier with Manchester United in 2007, could make a return to the Premiership on a short-term deal. Larsson's agent, Rob Jansen, confirmed the interest, but expects the veteran striker to move back to his former club when the Swedish football season starts in March, saying: “Premier League clubs are interested in Henrik, but we’ll negotiate a contract with Helsingborg.”

I am absolutely amazed that at the age of 37 the guy is still going strong. When Sir Alex signed him for United in 2007 I thought he was mad. What on earth was he doing signing up a washed out former star. Then he turned up and although he didn't score a mountain of goals his work rate and the experience he passed onto the other players was invaluable.

He actually finished up two games short of getting a winners medal for the Premier League but having been given the chance to stay for those games to earn his medal he chose to go, as he had always planned. That says a lot about the guy. He plays because he loves the game and if he wins a medal then so be it.

If not, then it makes no difference to him. He would be an invaluable asset to either of Bolton or West Ham and I for one would be very happy to see him playing in the Premier League again.....More United News From Carly Here

Fergie Says After Manchester United It's Over, So Forget the Olympics

Carlyluvsunited — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:44:25 -0500

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had informal talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Lord Coe, chairman of the 2012 organising committee, last year over the possibility of spearheading a bid for gold on home soil but Ferguson has confirmed he has no interest in a career in international football.

''No. I won't turn to international management, 'When I've finished here, I think I deserve a rest. After here, I'm finished."

There is a chance that GB wont even enter a team anyway because Scotland have some kind of problem playing alongside England. Not that it is too likely many Scots will be picked anyway given the strength in depth of England. Wales and Northern Ireland have also been fearing that making a combined side for the Olympics could jeopardise their position within FIFA.

But just last month, when asked at a Downing Street press conference what he wanted for Christmas, Brown said: ''That we have an Olympics team for the 2012 Olympics that is a football team from Britain."

Brown also suggested the involvement of Ferguson could help to bring the Scots on board, adding: ''Sebastian Coe and I have talked to Alex Ferguson about the possibility that he might want to be the manager. I think there is a way around this problem, and I think the way around this problem can be found if people can get round the table and discuss it.''

Earlier last year, however, Ferguson, 67, insisted that he was too old to guarantee his involvement.

''I'll be 70 then, so I don't need any commitment to anything like that, 'I would not, in any way, shape or form try to commit myself to anything like that four years away. 'I'm not sure they would allow it [the GB Team] anyway, because countries have their own identity.''

I agree with Fergie. After all he has achieved, surely he doesn't need the aggravation of guiding England/GB through an Olympic campaign. Go home Fergie and put your feet up, you've earned it.....More United News From Carly

Manchester United Face Competition from Arsenal, Liverpool for Sofiane Feghouli

Carlyluvsunited — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:19:05 -0500

Grenoble have a youngster who has caused quite a stir with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Sofiane Feghouli has raised a few eyebrows with his talent. He is currently with Grenoble.

Now, Grenoble is a place/team I haven't heard of so I had to Google it. Apparently it is a city in South Eastern France situated at the foot of the Alps where Drac joins the Isere River, in case you were wondering.

Sofiane Feghouli began his career with Grenoble having been turned down by Paris Saint-Germaine. In his first season he made it to the first team and he made his highly anticipated debut, at the age of 17, for the club on April 27, 2007. in a Ligue 2 match against Stade Reims appearing as a substitute.

He would make two more appearances that season including his first start on the final match day of the season against Montpellier HSC. The following season, he signed his first professional contract with Grenoble, keeping him with the side until 2010.

The following season, he was handed the first-team number 8 and still aged only 17 he was then compared to Zinedine Zidane, so no pressure there then. His first career goal was against the club he made his debut against, Stade Reims in a 4-3 victory.

Manchester United posted scouts to check on Feghouli earlier this month, while Arsenal and Liverpool are also long-term suitors.

"There isn't a 'Feghouli dossier," said Pierre Wantiez, Vice President of Grenoble. "Quite simply, there is a good player called Sofiane who must stay at Grenoble at least another six months. He said to us that he wanted to stay and play at Grenoble.

"This 30m euros thing, it is a way of saying that he will not leave and will stay until the end of the season. We are going to see what he wants to do. We are discussing and he will perhaps leave this summer. We will see."

Another player linked with Manchester United but certainly a useful looking guy. To make a first team impression in Ligue 1 as he did at his age is not an easy task. I guess though, with Arsenal, and Liverpool interested, the price will be hiked up a bit, as usual.....More News From Carly Here

Chelsea And Manchester City Join Chase For Manchester United's Carlos Tevez

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:04:44 -0500

Chelsea and Manchester City have joined Real Madrid in the scramble for the services of Carlos Tévez if the Manchester United forward prices himself out of a long-term contract at Old Trafford.

United are currently negotiating to sign Tévez permanently once their two-year lease arrangement expires in June. However, progress has been slow with Kia Joorabchian, head of the companies that own the player’s economic rights, maintaining that they must pay a fee of £22 million in addition to the down payments of about £10 million that have already been made and a salary well in excess of £100,000 a week.

Other clubs have been alerted to the impasse, and while Real’s interest is well-known, Chelsea and City have also made clear their desire to be kept informed of developments.

The Argentina forward has expressed a preference to stay with United, but, as well as the financial complication, he has been frustrated at times this season by his demotion to third choice behind Dimitar Berbitov and Wayne Rooney. Madrid would be his preferred destination if he were to leave United, but Chelsea and City would offer alternatives.

City officials have discussed the feasibility of such a coup with manager Mark Hughes since their failed bid to sign Brazilian forward Kaka from AC Milan this month. The fee would be £32 million, but Chelsea appear to be willing to match that valuation in the summer while also bidding to sign Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano from Seville.....More From Carly Here

Zlatan's Sour Grapes At Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:36:43 -0500

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made fun of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or victory.

The award which is voted for by sports journalists around the globe, was given to Cristiano Ronaldo last month for his sparkling season at Manchester United.

United finished the season as Premier League winners and Champions of Europe and on the way to these victories Ronnie fired in an incredible 42 goals in 49 games.

However the Swedish international, currently playing for Inter Milan, believes the award means nothing.

He said: "Now the Ballon d'Or has become a publicity stunt. It all depends on what people see in order to judge. For me it is more important to win with the team rather than anything else."

Sour grapes indeed. Either that or he is trying his hand at some mind games ahead of the Champions League clash between the two clubs which is coming up shortly. I think it will have put paid to him actually winning it himself in the future after he made it sound like a 'Mickey Mouse' award. Nice one Zlatan, looks you just pissed on your own strawberries Mr...More Manchester United News At Carly's Blog

Mido Piles More Pressure On Rafa as Manchester United Stay Top

Carlyluvsunited — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:35:09 -0500

Rafael Benitez again chose to leave out Robbie Keane and Liverpool duly went on to blow their chance of joining Manchester United at the s

ummit of the Premier League.

The Dubliner was only introduced after Mido had cancelled out Yossi Benayoun's opener, remarkably replacing Steven Gerrard almost 20 minutes after Benitez had withdrawn the exhausted Fernando Torres. The logic behind this substitution was completely beyond me.

Gerrard is the only player at Liverpool who shows a modicum of continuity and in the past he has single handed saved Liverpool from some rather dodgy results. So what does Rafa do, he takes him off. Amazing!

Both Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt were preferred as substitutes to the £20m signing from Tottenham as Liverpool sought without success to build on their lead. Instead, debutant Mido equalised from the penalty spot with eight minutes left. It leaves Liverpool two points adrift of United, treading water in the title race and Keane's future open to question.

Benitez insists he wants to keep the player but, with the feeling at Anfield that he will not play if Gerrard and Torres are fit, he will no doubt be wondering what point there is in staying if he is not even the Spaniard's natural replacement...it's all going tits up for The Pool, as I forecast it would several months ago.

More Manchester United News At Carly's Blog