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United lose Park for a month
English Premier League leaders Manchester United will be without Park Ji-Sung for 4 weeks because of injury.
The former Korea international succumbed to a hamstring injury just a week after resuming training.
"We got a blow on Saturday with the news Park did his hamstring on Friday afternoon in training", United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website.
"It was very unfortunate because it was his last kick of the ball in training as well."
"He'll be out for up to a month."
Park, 29-year-old, has already missed a month of Premier League action this season after playing a key role for his country at the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.
The midfielder retired from international football after the tournament.
United, who are 4 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, are next in league action on 26 February when they travel to Wigan Athletic.
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Giggs signs contract extension
Veteran Welsh winger Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester United.
It means the 37-year-old will take his time at Old Trafford into a remarkable 21st year, having made his club debut as a substitute on 2 March 1991.
And having already played 24 times for United this season, Giggs says he still has much to contribute to the team.
"It is great to know I'm contributing to the team's success. I feel I've still got a lot to offer", he said.
"All I've ever wanted to do is play for United and I've been lucky enough to do that for 20 years."
"This is an exciting time to be involved with so many good young players coming through."
Giggs has made more than 850 appearances for the club and recently played his 600th Premier League game.
"You run out of words to describe Ryan Giggs", said Sir Alex Ferguson.
"He is a marvellous player and a wonderful man."
"To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level in such a physically demanding position at his age requires a special person."
"He is still turning in man of the match performances and his experience is so vital for the younger players in the squad."
Giggs' incredible haul of 32 winners' medals includes 11 Premier League and 2 Champions League titles.
Last edited by beavis; 18-05-2012 at 18:26.
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Evra commits future to United
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra's new contract will be announced officially by the club on Monday.
The French international has agreed a new deal committing him to the Barclays Premier League leaders until 2014.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Friday morning that there was "no update" on Evra's situation but it is understood that talks were finally concluded late in the afternoon.
United fans will be delighted that the former AS Monaco player has decided to stay as he was widely thought to be considering a move to Real Madrid this summer.
United will also announce a contract extension for striker Dimitar Berbatov in the coming weeks and are in talks with midfielders Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes.
"Nani can be the best"
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nani is capable of becoming one of the world's very best players in the coming years.
Like most fans, Sir Alex has been thrilled by the winger's rapid transformation this season into one of the most consistent and exciting players in Europe.
The Portuguese international is now one of the first names of the manager’s teamsheet and, at 22-year-old, has plenty of time to break into the highest echelon of players in world football.
"I don't need to trumpet Nani's improvement", Sir Alex told reporters on Friday.
"He has been consistent all season. He is a match-winner; he creates goals and he scores goals."
"He had 7 strikes at goal against City and that is a high ratio for a winger, particularly in a big game, and he scored a goal as well. Every time he gets near that box you think something is going to happen."
"He is starting to mature and be consistent. At 22, that gives him a good chance of getting to the level you are talking about."
As Nani develops, it's inevitable parallels will be drawn between him and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. While Nani may not yet be at Ronaldo's level, the United boss believes the Reds' number 17 has adapted to Premier League football sooner than his former mentor.
"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once in a lifetime player", Sir Alex added.
"But it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game. I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."
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Giggs to miss Marseille clash
Ryan Giggs will miss Manchester United's Champions League last 16 first leg at Marseille on Wednesday.
United said that the 37-year-old winger had not travelled to southern France along with 6 other squad regulars.
No reason was given for Giggs's exclusion but known injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Michael Owen, Jonny Evans, Park Ji-sung and Antonio Valencia keep them out.
New goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard makes his first European trip having played in the weekend's FA Cup win over Crawley Town but Edwin van der Sar is set to retake his place.
Full-back twins Rafael and Fabio recovered from slight knocks to fly out as part of the 22-man squad.
Giggs's absence suggests Nani and Darren Fletcher could play on the wings with Paul Scholes being partnered by Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield.
Olympique Marseille have been given a boost by forward Mathieu Valbuena returning to training and he could fill in for the injured Andre-Pierre Gignac at Stade Velodrome.
Last edited by beavis; 18-05-2012 at 18:25.
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Ultimii mohicani de pe Old Trafford
S-a tot vorbit în ultimii ani de un posibil înlocuitor al lui Alex Ferguson. În zadar. Scoţianul e mai în formă ca niciodată. La fel şi ultimii mohicani de pe Old Trafford, Paul Scholes şi Ryan Giggs.
Fiecare sezon este o bătălie pe toate fronturile, indiferent de competiţie, iar United luptă întotdeauna să câştige trofee. Nu reuşeşte acest lucru mereu, dar diavolii roşii sunt favoriţi, fie că este vorba de Premier League, de Cupa Angliei, Cupa Ligii sau Liga Campionilor.
Cu o mentalitate şi o viziune proprie, Alex Ferguson a făcut din Manchester United o maşinărie de câştigat trofee. Echipa a rămas la fel de competitivă în ultimii ani deşi a pierdut jucători importanţi. Cel mai important dintre ei fiind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mulţi au văzut în plecarea portughezului sfârşitul unei ere. Pe banca echipei de pe Old Trafford se află însă Sir Alex Ferguson. E omul care a văzut prea multe în fotbal iar echipa creată de el nu este dependentă de nici un jucător.
Şi în acest sezon United e o echipă foarte competitivă. Scoţianul a reuşit să-l readucă la viaţă pe bulgarul Berbatov, iar Rooney pare să-şi revină la forma din sezonul trecut. Un rol determinant îl au fără îndoială şi veteranii Giggs şi Scholes, ultimii supravieţuitori din acea echipă de vis care reuşea Tripla istorică în 1999.
ONE CLUB PLAYERS
Au existat multe momente în care cei doi au fost la un pas să se retragă. Dar de fiecare dată s-au reinventat şi au arătat că sunt capabili să reziste la un asemenea nivel. Anii au trecut peste ei şi asta se vede. Totuşi, determinarea şi puterea de sacrificiu nu au dispărut.
Cormoranii îl au pe Gerrard, romanii pe Totti, Juventus îl are pe Del Piero, iar mancunienii îi au pe Scholes şi Giggs. Jucători care au rămas loiali clubului ce i-a propulsat în fotbalul mare. Tricoul alb-roşu a devenit ca un doilea strat de piele pentru ei, şi nici o sumă din lume, nu i-a determinat să îl dea jos.
ROŞCOVANUL GENIAL
Paul Scholes trăieşte o a doua tinereţe la 36 de ani. Cât de impresionantă este figura roşcovanului ne spune Xavi: "Pentru mine, Scholes este cel mai bun mijlocaş englez din istorie. Face lucruri extraordinare cu mingea" - cel mai bun mijlocaş din fotbalul actual, care declara într-un interviu recent că jucătorul lui United este un idol pentru el.
Un "one club man" aşa cum îi spun englezii, Scholes este un mijlocaş elegant şi cu o viziune extraordinară în joc. Xavi, arhitectul Barcelonei, îl descrie perfect: "Este fenomenal, le are pe toate. Ultima pasă, goluri, forţă, nu pierde mingea, are viziune".
Joacă la prima echipă a lui United din 1994. An de an, sezon după sezon, Scholes şi-a făcut treaba, iar fanii l-au apreciat întotdeauna.
Un colecţionar de trofee, jucătorul născut în Salford a câştigat cu United 9 titluri de campion, 3 Cupe ale Angliei, 5 Supercupe, 2 Ligi ale Campionilor şi 2 Cupe Intercontinentale.
20 DE ANI ÎN SLUJBA LUI UNITED
Unul din idolii fanilor de pe "Teatrul Viselor", a debutat pentru United în urmă cu mai bine de 2 decenii. Se întâmpla pe 29 noiembrie 1990, când fotbalistul împlinea 17 ani, înlocuindu-l pe Denis Irwin, un alt nume de poveste din fotbalul englez. Încet, încet şi-a câştigat un loc de titular, iar numerele sale îi descriu perfect cariera.
E jucătorul cu cele mai multe prezenţe în tricoul lui United, un record pe care l-a depăşit în 2008, când a jucat Finala Ligii Campionilor. Recordul precedent îi aparţinea unei alte legende, Sir Bobby Charlton, cu 759 de meciuri.
De asemenea e jucătorul cu cele mai multe trofee câştigate cu Manchester United. 31 de trofee - 11 campionate, 4 Cupe ale Angliei, 2 Ligi ale Campionilor şi multe altele. Mai mult, e singurul jucător care a reuşit performanţa să marcheze în fiecare sezon de la înfiinţarea Premier League. Sunt realizări uriaşe, imposibil de egalat.
MODESTIE ŞI ONOARE
Doi jucători geniali şi care au făcut parte dintr-o generaţie de excepţie. De multe ori au fost în umbra unor jucători precum Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo sau Wayne Rooney. Ei au rămas aceeaşi. Modeşti, fără a abdica de la principiile lor, au avut un stil de viaţă care le-a permis să joace până la această vârstă. Un jucător legendar trebuie să arate că are şi alte calităţi în afara celor de pe terenul de joc. Cei doi au demonstrat acest lucru în nenumărate rânduri.
Del Piero declara că a plâns văzându-l pe terenul de joc pe Giggs. Cu siguranţă vor curge râuri de lacrimi atunci când aceşti doi jucători emblematici îşi vor agăţa ghetele în cui.
FĂRĂ PREMII INDIVIDUALE
Chiar dacă au câştigat tot ce se poate câştiga cu Manchester United şi au făcut parte din nenumărate echipe ideale, cei doi jucători nu au fost niciodată aproape de a câştiga Balonul de Aur sau FIFA World Player.
"L-am văzut pe Paul Scholes făcând lucruri pe care nimeni altcineva nu poate să le facă. Nu cunosc un alt jucător care poate controla ritmul jocului aşa cum o face el", spunea Ryan Giggs după ce a fost declarat cel mai imporant jucător din istoria lui Manchester United.
"Pentru mine, Scholes este cel mai bun mijlocaş englez din istorie. Face lucruri extraordinare cu mingea" - Wayne Rooney
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Giggs poate egala azi o performanţă veche de 38 de ani
Ryan Giggs doboară record după record. Galezul lui Manchester United îl poate egala astăzi pe legendarul Sir Bobby Charlton în ceea ce priveşte numărul apariţiilor în Premier League în tricoul diavolilor roşii.
Giggs are 605 apariţii pentru United în campionatul Angliei, ultima dintre ele înregistrându-se runda trecută, în derby-ul oraşului Manchester, atunci când a dat pasa de gol la reuşita portughezului Nani.
Numărul 11 din echipa antrenată de Sir Alex Ferguson l-a întrecut pe acelaşi Bobby Charlton la numărul total al prezenţelor pentru Manchester în urmă cu aproape 3 ani.
Ce alte recorduri importante a mai reuşit Giggs:
- singurul jucător care a cucerit 11 titluri ale Angliei, fiind totodată unicul fotbalist care a evoluat în toate cele 11 sezoane în care s-a reuşit câştigarea campionatului
- jucătorul cu cele mai multe pase de gol din Anglia
- singurul jucător care a marcat în toate cele 19 sezoane de Premier League în care a evoluat
- unul din cei doi jucători care au evoluat în toate sezoanele de Premier League de la debutul competiţiei sub actuala titulatură, Sol Campbell fiind celălalt
- singurul jucător care a marcat în 11 sezoane consecutive ale Ligii Campionilor (1996/1997 până în 2006/2007)
- singurul jucător al lui Manchester United care a marcat în 14 sezoane ale Ligii Campionilor
- cel mai bun marcator britanic în Liga Campionilor (jocurile din tururile preliminare nu sunt incluse în statistică)
- primul jucător care a atins bariera celor 100 de goluri marcate în Premier League
- al doilea mijlocaş care a înscris 100 de goluri în Premier League pentru acelaşi club, primul fiind Matt Le Tissier (Southampton)
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"Nothing compares to winning at Anfield"
Ryan Giggs is relishing tomorrow's trip to Liverpool and says there is no better feeling than winning at Anfield.
Tomorrow will be the 42nd time Giggs has faced Liverpool in his illustrious 20-year Manchester United career and the 37-year-old says winning there is still the ultimate for him.
Although Giggs has signed a new deal, keeping him at United until the end of next season, he knows tomorrow could possibly be the last time he plays at Anfield.
And despite Chelsea and Arsenal being United's most consistent title rivals over the past decade, Liverpool remains the biggest game of the season for Giggs.
"I always say the best feeling, the most satisfaction you get, is winning at Anfield", said Giggs.
"It's an old-school ground."
"With the history and the rivalry between the two teams, it's probably the ground where, if you come away from with a win, you're most satisfied."
"It's such a tough game and you've got to beat so many elements to win - the fans, the history and then there's the actual game, so you're up against everything from the start."
"So to win at Anfield is, for me definitely, the most satisfying ground to win at."
Giggs equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's United record of 606 league appearances when he came on as a substitution in Tuesday's defeat at Stamford Bridge and will hold it outright when he plays at Anfield.
Last edited by beavis; 28-04-2013 at 17:45.
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Pastore close to sealing move to United
Highly rated Palermo playmaker Javier Pastore is on the verge of joining Manchester United, according to reports in Argentina.
Local media in Cordoba, where the midfielder was born, are suggesting that Pastore's agent Marcelo Simonen is currently finalising a deal for his client to move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils would be willing to pay €40 million for the 21-year-old, according to Radio Event.
Rumours previously suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson would make his move for the in demand Rosanero star, despite officials of the Sicilian club making it clear that Pastore was a key member of the squad.
United, however, will have a battle on their hands from FC Barcelona, who travelled to Italy to discuss a verbal agreement with Palermo to unite Pastore with fellow countryman Lionel Messi. But no signed agreement was made by the Blaugrana officials, leaving United free to pursue their target.
Pastore joined Palermo in 2009 and his performances were rewarded with a place in the Argentina squad in the 2010 World Cup.
Fletcher signs new deal with United
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has inked a new 4-year deal to remain at Old Trafford.
The new contract will see the 27-year-old stay with the club until the end of the 2014/2015 season and comes a day after news that fellow midfielder Michael Carrick had signed a new 3-year deal with United.
The pair join Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra in signing contract extensions this month.
Fletcher, 27-year-old, is a product of United's youth academy and said he was delighted to have secured his future in Manchester long-term.
Fletcher has made 288 appearances for United and has played 33 times for the league leaders this season scoring 3 goals.
Sir Alex Ferguson was happy Fletcher had decided to stay with the club having watched him develop over the last 16 years.
"I am extremely proud that he came through the youth academy", Ferguson said.
"I am delighted Darren has signed a new contract, he has developed into a top-class midfielder."
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Villa star eager to join United
Aston Villa's England winger Ashley Young is reportedly keen to seal a summer switch to Manchester United - and he could cost just £10 million.
The 25-year-old was valued at around £25 million last season but his contract is up at Villa Park in summer 2012.
Daily Mail reports Young and his advisers have been in talks with Villa over the possibility of signing a new 4-year deal worth around £70.000-per-week.
However, the newspaper claims the former Watford starlet has no intention of signing the contract or discussing terms any further and has instead set his heart on a transfer to Old Trafford.
Young has won 12 England caps to date and has contributed 6 goals and 7 assists in 25 Premier League games for Villa this season.
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Man United vs Arsenal - 5 of the best
Manchester United and Arsenal have come across each other too many times to mention on FA Cup duty. Here are 5 of the best.
Man United 4-0 Arsenal (2008 FA Cup fifth round)
United opted to rest Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, but it made little difference as United throttled the visiting side at Old Trafford.
Headers from Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher helped United open up a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes before Nani applied a third on 38 minutes.
Arsenal suffered some more when Emmanuel Eboue was sent off 3 minutes after half-time for a late challenge on Patrice Evra before Fletcher applied the 4th with 12 minutes left on the clock.
"It was an off-day for us", said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"We were beaten everywhere and never looked like coming back."
Arsenal 0-0 Man United (Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties) - 2005 FA Cup Final
Arsenal last won a trophy when they won the FA Cup Final in 2005, which is quite an astonishing statistic when one considers they reached the Final of the Champions League a season later.
United dominated a match that finished 0-0, but Wenger's side lifted the trophy. Jens Lehmann saved from Paul Scholes in the shoot-out as his side won 5-4 on penalties.
Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy had hit the woodwork during the match, but luck deserted United on the day.
United captain Roy Keane was not a happy figure afterwards.
"It's small consolation to say that we had all the chances", said Keane.
"We dominated, but I'm sure the Arsenal players won't be too bothered about that - they've got the winners' medals and the Cup and we haven't."
Man United 0-2 Arsenal (2003 FA Cup fifth round)
Wenger decided to rest Thierry Henry and Denis Bergkamp for this match, but his side proved too strong for United at Old Trafford.
Goals from Edu and Sylvain Wiltord either side of half-time completed victory for the Gunners, but they were helped by Giggs's profligacy after he missed an astonishing open goal moments before Edu pocketed the opener for the visiting side.
Giggs had rounded David Seaman and Sol Campbell only to lift the ball over the bar. Coming 4 years after his winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals, it proved that football has a habit of biting back in style.
"Arsenal's players bullied the referee and got away with it", said Alex Ferguson.
Arsenal would progress to lift the trophy for a ninth time, but there would be no double as United recovered to win the title.
Man United 2-1 Arsenal (AET) - 1999 FA Cup semi-finals replay
Ryan Giggs has donned a lot of red shirts in his 21 years representing Manchester United, but he was not wearing one when he punctured the Arsenal net in their FA semi-finals replay of 1999.
The image of Giggs twirling a shirt around his head after embarking on a slalom run from inside his own half before unloading a venomous shot beyond David Seaman is perhaps the Welshman's most memorable goal playing for United.
United won the match 2-1 despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half after Roy Keane had been sent off for a second bookable offence.
Giggs' contribution was a key component of United's Triple crown of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
"I don't know if I like it - because people remember the celebration more than the goal", said Giggs.
"The celebration was as good as the goal."
Arsenal 3-2 Man United (1979 FA Cup Final)
The nuts and bolts of this match at the old Wembley Stadium were settled in an astonishing final 5 minutes.
Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton, a figure who would go on to represent United, scored as Arsenal surged 2-0 ahead at half-time. Gordon McQueen scored for United on 86 minutes before Sammy McIlroy eased himself beyond of couple of home players to level with 2 minutes remaining.
Alan Sunderland popped up in the final minute to give Arsenal the win from a match that continues to be recalled as the "5-minute Final".
Last edited by beavis; 12-03-2011 at 12:58.
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"We're ready to recover"
United's successive league defeats have given the players all the determination they need to put on a show against Arsenal in FA Cup, says Javier Hernandez.
The Mexican was as hurt as anyone by last weekend's setback at Anfield and the frustrating loss to Chelsea, but insists nobody in the camp is feeling sorry for themselves - far from it.
Instead the Reds are looking forward to an enticing cup tie and the chance to gain a psychological edge over the Gunners as the title race heads into the final straight.
Chicharito told United Review: "The mood among the players is good. We've discussed what went wrong in the last 2 games and what we can improve on, and now we're looking ahead".
"Everyone here - the manager, players and all the staff - is determined to respond. We have the opportunity to get back to winning ways by beating Arsenal."
"This is the crucial part of the season and we're all looking forward to it."
Hernandez's consolation goal at Anfield was his 14th of the season and he admits his maiden campaign for the Reds could hardly have gone better.
"I was expecting to be on the bench and playing for the Reserves more, so I'm delighted to have played so many games", the 22-year-old added.
"I'm really enjoying myself and hope to play a further part in the team, and winning trophies this season."
Fergie closing in on Rodwell
Alex Ferguson has reached an agreement in principle to sign Everton whizkid Jack Rodwell for £25 million.
As revealed in SunSport, Manchester United made a move to land the Goodison Park midfielder in January.
But the Merseysiders asked them to come back in the summer as he was so vital to them for the rest of the season.
They also told United their initial £15 million offer was nowhere near enough.
Rodwell, 20-year-old, is one of the most sought-after Premier League youngsters and signed a new 5-year Everton deal only last May.
But United chief Ferguson is so keen to land him he has persuaded the club's owners, the Glazer family, to up their offer substantially at the end of the season.
Fergie, who faces Arsenal in FA Cup, also wants striker Danny Welbeck, 20-year-old, and midfielder Tom Cleverley, 21-year-old, back permanently when they end their loans at Sunderland and Wigan Athletic.
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Last edited by beavis; 16-03-2011 at 16:49.
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Man United vs Bolton preview
FORM GUIDE
Home form has underpinned United's push for a record 19th league title this season, with the Reds taking 40 points from a possible 42 at Old Trafford.
That run of form must continue if Sir Alex Ferguson's side are to hold off the challenge of Arsenal, who are currently 3 points off the top with a game in hand.
United bounced back from consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool to knock the Gunners out of the FA Cup last weekend, before a 2-1 aggregate win over Olympique Marseille guaranteed a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Bolton, currently 7th in Premier League, are chasing Europa League qualification; a dream that could be realised via FA Cup after Owen Coyle's side booked a semi-final trip to Wembley with victory over Birmingham City in the 6th round.
Away form has let the Wanderers down this season, though; they've picked up just 2 wins on the road.
INS & OUTS
United's medical team is unusually busy at the minute, with several first-team players unavailable. John O'Shea and Rafael, who were both casualties of the Marseille game, join Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Anderson and Anders Lindegaard on the Old Trafford treatment table. Darren Fletcher is also out with a virus, but on a positive note, Park and Jonny Evans could be in line to return on Saturday.
Bolton also have a few injuries problems of their own, as Owen Coyle is set to be without Sean Davis (knee), Sam Ricketts (Achilles), Zat Knight (knee) and JLloyd Samuel (thigh).
STAR MAN
Wanderers ever-present Gary Cahill could be in for a busy day at Old Trafford on Saturday, though the England defender will undoubtedly relish the challenge. Cahill, 25-year-old, has been a revelation since arriving at Reebok Stadium from Aston Villa in 2008. With strength, pace and a strong aerial presence, Cahill is progressing into a top-class centre-half and has been touted to join Chelsea or Tottenham this summer.
REFEREE
Andre Marriner seems to be the go-to guy for local derbies. Fresh from taking charge of the Bournemouth vs Southampton clash last weekend, as well as the Manchester derby in February, Marriner has been entrusted with this north-west encounter at Old Trafford.
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