PSG target Ronaldo favours Man Utd move

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo favours a return to Manchester United this summer.

PSG have contacted Real Madrid with a ‘substantial offer’ for the former Old Trafford idol.

The Sun says Ronaldo’s decision will not come down purely to cash.

If he is going to leave, his preferred destination would be Old Trafford.

Ronaldo has refused to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu. He has two years left on his current deal and said he would be willing to let it run and leave Real for nothing.

That is why the Spanish giants could be ready to do business as his value will decrease each year he stays.

Zaha named Championship player of the year.

Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha has been named the Championship Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers Association, edging Blackpool’s Tom Ince to the award.

Manchester United-bound Zaha, 20, has lifted Crystal Palace into a play-off position and scored six goals in 45 appearances for the Eagles this season.

It has been a standout season for the youngster who made his full England debut against Sweden late last year and secured a five-and-a-half year deal with United.

United strikes partnership deal with Ajax.

Ajax manager Frank de Boer has admitted that a loan partnership between Manchester United and Ajax is a ‘very interesting option’.

The partnership would see players from United loaned to Ajax to gain important football with the first team squad and although a plethora of transfers would be unlikely, with Ajax only likely to loan in areas they are in need of strengthening, it could potentially give our youth players a fantastic experience.

Speaking with Voetbal International, Frank de Boer said: ”If a Manchester United talent would prefer to gain experience with Ajax than in the Championship, then it can be a very interesting option.”

De Boer’s quotes come less than a week after Rene Meulensteen admitted to Dutch newspaper AD that loaning out the younger players would be a good idea with van der Sar playing a big role in getting the partnership started.

“For our younger players it would be a good idea, rather play at Ajax than in the Championship, I’ll keep Edwin informed,” he said.

Now that Edwin van der Sar is working closely with Ajax, the move could prove extremely useful for both sides with the ex-United legend likely to play a key role if the partnership materialises.

This season, Ajax have had Barcelona’s highly coveted winger Cuenco on loan with the club and despite his injuries, De Boer is hopeful that the player will go back to Spain with ‘enthusiastic stories’.

Barcelona are expected to have a long standing loan partnership with Ajax due to the link that Marc Overmars provides, so the loan deal for Cuenca is likely to be the first of many.

Given Ajax’s globally renowned talent at creating and nurturing some of the worlds most talented players including Bergkamp, Cruyff, van Basten and Sneijder, a move would be a great experience for any United youngsters and likely more beneficial than a move to any Championship club.

RvP breaks another UNITED record against Arsenal

RvP's goal at Arsenal was his 25th goal in the Barclays Premier League this season following his summer arrival at Old Trafford.

Remarkably, it means the Holland international has scored more league goals in his first campaign at United than any other player has previously posted in the club's history.

Quite a feat for the Dutchman, who arrived from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the summer for £24million.
Van Persie, who has 29 goals in all competions for United has been a revelation since the move. With 25 goals in the Premier League, 3 in the Champions League and 1 in the FA Cup, van Persie quickly earnt a place in all United fans' hearts with his goal-scoring exploits this season.

The record was previously held by Brian McClair, who hit 24 in 40 league matches back in 1987/88 – one more than Denis Law (1962/63) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001/02) managed.

However, Robin has a tough task to beat van Nistelrooy's overall goal record in his first season. His fellow Dutchman bagged 36 in all competitions, seven ahead of the current no.20.

Van Persie hoping Man Utd buy big names this summer

Robin van Persie hopes Manchester United can sign more big names this summer.

Strikers Radamel Falcao and Robert Lewandowski have both been linked with moves to Sir Matt Busby Way.

Van Persie does not even blink at the idea. He told The Sun: “The more quality players we bring the better. And even more fun.

“I trust his judgment. The manager knows what is good for the team.”

Rafael: I wanted Neymar to come to UNITED

Rafael da Silva admits he 's tried to convince Santos star Neymar about joining him at Manchester United.

Rafael was interviewed by Fox Sports Radio on Thursday and asked about his fellow Brazilian Neymar's future.

"I wanted him to come to Manchester but I think it is difficult at this moment," the full-back admitted. "I think he will choose Spain and perhaps this is the best option for him at Barcelona or Real Madrid. I think it is time for him to come to Europe."

Rafael also conceded it would be "difficult" for the Reds to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

Dortmund ready to listen to Lewandowski offers

Borussia Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke says the club will discuss any offers that come in for Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker is likely to attract plenty of interest in the summer, especially from Manchester United, and any proposals that do land in the Westfalenstadion inbox will be spoken about with the player according to Watzke.

Watzke told Aktuellen Sportstudio that any ‘decent offers’ received before May 15 will be discussed with he and his advisors but ‘that does not mean that Robert will definitely change [clubs].’

Despite being tracked by United, Lewandowski has also emerged as a strong target for Bayern Munich after his agent Maik Barthel previously claimed his client was set to join the German champions.

Wenger declares: United will not sign players from us

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he won't sell anymore players to Manchester United.

Robin van Persie returned to Arsenal - and scored - in yesterday's 1-1 draw.

Asked about Sir Alex Ferguson's summer transfer plans, Wenger replied: "I don't know but he will not sign them from us!"

Van Persie visits home Arsenal dressing room after draw

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie spent time in the home dressing room after their 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

Van Persie refused to celebrate converting his spot kick.

Wenger revealed his former striker spent some time in the Arsenal dressing room after the match, joking: "Our food is better in our dressing room than their dressing room".

The Arsenal boss also believed the penalty, given when full-back Bacary Sagna brought down Van Persie in the penalty area, was crucial in shaping the course of the game.

Wenger said: "That equaliser played a big part in the game. It put us in a difficult position but overall I can only praise the players for the effort and dynamic and desire we put in. Let's keep it going like that and we'll have a chance to be where we want to be."

United to get guard of honour - Wenger

Arsene Wenger said there was never a possibility of Arsenal refusing to hold a guard of honour for new Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie can expect a hot reception in north London, where passions still run high among some supporters over the manner in which the Holland forward left last summer in a £24million move. There have been suggestions those disgruntled fans will turn their backs in protest when the teams come out from the tunnel.

But Wenger said: "When you work somewhere abroad, you have to respect the culture of the country. That is part of the tradition of English football and I want that to be respected,"

The Frenchman hopes Van Persie's return will not overshadow the importance of his side producing the required result as they look to close in on a top-four Barclays Premier League finish which would secure Champions League qualification.

"I am looking forward to our performance on Sunday more than anything else. You focus on your own team and it's an interesting opportunity for us to achieve something special on Sunday. We want to take this opportunity," he said.

"We respect Robin van Persie like every other player who has left us and came back to the Emirates.
"I want the player to be respected like everybody else. I always said that for every single player who left, even some of them in much more controversy than Robin van Persie."

With United having already secured the title, there have been suggestions Arsenal's job has been made somewhat less taxing.

Wenger, though, insisted his men must not focus on any perceived weakness of the opposition.He said: "They can relax, but it's very difficult to know that.

"What we know is that no matter in what state Man United will be, we will need a great performance to beat them and that's what we want to focus on."

Arsenal fans: We must give Man Utd guard of honour

Arsenal Independent Supporters’ Association chair Lois Langton says fans expect the players to give champions Manchester United a guard of honour.

Langton feels the club should give champions Manchester United a guard of honour ahead of Sunday’s Emirates clash — but warned former favourite Robin van Persie will get a rough ride from the fans.

"We have to give the guard of honour, as I don’t want us to look as though we are being petty," said Langton.

"Having said that, the reality is he will get a hot reception. He alienated himself from supporters."

Dortmund encourage Man Utd to outbid Bayern Munich for Lewandowski

Manchester United are going head-to-head with Bayern Munich for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski
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The Sun says United must put together a £38million package to land Polish ace Lewandowski this summer.

Bayern believe they have an agreement in place to sign the 24-year-old, whose four goals demolished Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg, for £20m.

The player’s agent Maik Barthel confirmed: “We have reached an agreement with a club and intend to move this summer.”

Yet Dortmund have privately insisted they will not let him go to Bayern after their Bundesliga rivals bagged Mario Goetze this week.

And a bigger offer from United — a £28m fee and £200,000 a week in wages over five years — could persuade the Germans to sell to them.

Ferguson planning £50M spending spree

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has plans of spending £50 million to add to his squad this summer.

The Mirror says Ferguson will build on Manchester United’s 20th title triumph with a mega summer spending spree costing upwards of £50million.

Despite leading United to a 13th Premier League crown, Ferguson plans to invest heavily in his squad to ensure they stay ahead of their domestic rivals and push for Champions League glory.

Among Ferguson’s targets include Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski and Everton left-back Leighton Baines.

Those set to make way for new arrivals are Nani, Anderson and Paul Scholes, who will retire for a second time.

The future of striker Wayne Rooney also remains unclear.

Ruud to play in legends game

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as the latest big name to appear in their legends game with Real Madrid at Old Trafford on 2 June.

Van Nistelrooy intends to play for both teams in the fixture, allowing him the opportunity to finally acknowledge the support of the United fans during his successful five-year spell at the club.

The Dutchman scored 150 goals for the Red Devils but was sold to Real Madrid for £12million in July 2006 after rumours of a falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I won trophies at Manchester United and Real Madrid," said Van Nistelrooy.

"Playing at Old Trafford gave me so many unforgettable experiences, so to come back and play in front of the fans again makes this a really special event."

RvP declares his volley has been his best goal for UNITED

 Robin van Persie has admitted his wonder volley at Old Trafford on Monday night was his best goal for Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the sublime effort, as Van Persie manoeuvred himself on to the end of a 50-yard pass from Wayne Rooney before rocketing a first-time effort past Brad Guzan deserves to clinch the goal-of-the-season prize.

It certainly should help the 29-year-old become the first player to clinch back-to-back Golden Boot awards given he is now one clear of Luis Suarez, who is unlikely to play again this season.

And whilst Van Persie accepts there was an element of good fortune about his effort, the former Arsenal man recognises it was a special strike.

"It is hard," Van Persie told MUTV.

"Maybe if you look at the day, the occasion and the importance of the goal it was my best one.

"It was a great pass from Wayne (Rooney) for a start.

"He had to spot my run because I went in front of Ron Vlaar.

"It was straight into my path. I was counting my steps. The only thing I had to do was time it right and keep my body straight, level with the ball.

"You need to be a bit lucky with those goals because most of them go over or wide. That didn't, which was a big relief."

The goal was particularly significant because it ended any realistic hope Aston Villa had of denying United the victory required to clinch a 20th league title.

Fresh doubts between Man Utd boss Ferguson and Rooney

The relationship between Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney is again under cloud after last night’s win over Aston Villa.

The Daily Mail says Ferguson's relationship with Rooney came under further scrutiny last night when the Manchester United striker appeared to snub the manager’s offer of a handshake as he was taken off
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Ferguson held out his hand to congratulate Rooney but the player seemed to ignore him as he made his way to the dugout when he was replaced.

Mancini: UNITED had better attitude

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini blasted the attitude of his players after defeat at Tottenham.

City threw away a one-goal lead at Spurs and a win for rivals Manchester United tonight will now secure the title.

Mancini said: “United had a better attitude because they lost last year. I was very surprised. I thought we were going to win — instead we are talking about a defeat.”

Second-placed City trail United by 13 points with five games to go — after collapsing at Spurs with 15 minutes left.

And Alex Ferguson’s side can tie up the title by beating Aston Villa at Old Trafford tonight.

Mancini insisted: “United deserve to win the title but they are not a better team.

“They deserve to win this title because we lost a lot of points in games we didn’t deserve to lose — and United won a lot of games in a row.”

Carrick thanks Fergie for career impact

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits he owes his career success to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Carrick acknowledges the positive impact the hugely experienced Ferguson has had on his career at United.

"He knows how to react and how to get the best out of players," said the 31-year-old. "Whether it's a pick me up and pat on the back or a bit of a dressing down and a kick up the backside.

"That's what top management is about and to do it for that long is incredible."

Shearer: Rooney should leave UNITED

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says Wayne Rooney should leave Manchester United in the summer.

Rooney is being linked with PSG and Barcelona this week.

England legend Shearer told The Sun: “Looking at it, things don’t seem right.

“He has been left out of the team, shunted around and been subbed more than once.

“I would be wondering just where I stand.

“If he is not happy, he needs to move.”

Arsenal players could hand RvP a guard of honour

Robin van Persie could be handed a guard of honour by his former Arsenal teammates.

The People says United can run out as newly-crowned champions when they play at the Emirates on April 28 if they get more points than Manchester City over their next three matches.

If that happens, Van Persie can expect a corridor of applause from his old team-mates when he appears at Arsenal for the first time since his controversial £22.5million transfer.

Van Persie’s return could be a bit embarrassing for Arsenal, after their former striker – now a hate figure for many Gunners fans – walked out on the club last summer in pursuit of silverware.

Former PSG Adviser claims Rooney's move to PSG done and dusted.

Former PSG Adviser and current owner of French weekly sports publication Le 10 Sport Michel Moulin declared on French TV this week that the Wayne Rooney to Paris St. Germain deal is done and dusted, and the England international will be playing in Ligue 1 next season.

Moulin said, “I announce to you from trusted sources: Rooney to PSG is done. He will be at PSG next season.”

However, despite Moulin’s confidence on the matter, The Independent reports this morning that Rooney will reject the overtures of the French giants and will instead pledge his future to Manchester United by signing a new contract in the summer.

Rooney’s future has been under the scanner ever since Sir Alex Ferguson benched him for United’s crucial Champions League game against Real Madrid earlier in the season, fueling rumours that the disgruntled forward would leave the club in the summer. However, despite their increasingly frosty relationship, both Sir Alex and Wayne are keen to continue to work together and while a new contract may or may not happen this season, a departure from Old Trafford certainly looks unlikely.

Evra: RvP got stick for Fergie hug

After wrapping up the points for Manchester United against Stoke on Sunday, Robin van Persie ran straight to the manager for a hug.

Patrice Evra has today revealed that our players have given Van Persie plenty of stick since.

“Robin has had a lot of stick from us,” said Evra. “It was nice. I could see a lot of love and emotion. It is the first time we saw that. Robin can tell you, for two or three days we have been getting at him. It is good to see love like that on the pitch sometimes. I always say the atmosphere at this club is great. That is a big strength for Manchester United. To be fair, Robin told us he was really emotional. He had not scored for 10 games. He just showed the passion and the way he wanted to win. He just said ‘hands up guys, it was an emotional game. I did it, it is OK, we can move on now’.”

Evra has his goal scoring boots on this season but insists he would never recreate Van Persie’s celebration.

“No chance. Never,” he said. “Maybe I will do it with my team-mates. But not with the gaffer. He is older. Imagine I go in too strong against him. He could fall, then he might sack me. I will never do that.”

Evra: We want to rewrite history.

Patrice Evra says Manchester United are determined to claim the Premier League title with a new record points haul.

The Red Devils, who sit 15 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, have six fixtures remaining on their calendar - meaning there are 18 points left to play for.

They need to break through the 95-point barrier if they are to re-write the history books, with Chelsea having set the top-flight benchmark back in 2005.

Evra believes United are capable of hitting that target, with Sir Alex Ferguson having drilled into his players the importance of finishing with a flourish, as opposed to stumbling over the line.

Ahead of a trip to West Ham United on Wednesday, the French full-back said in the Manchester Evening News: "The boss is a winner. He has just told us to win the six games that are left.

"He said before the Stoke game that the season starts now. That shows you the way he wants to win this 20th title. He told us not to think about the title, just think about winning those remaining games.

"We can still break the record. That is what he wants. He just wants to win game after game.

"The challenge for us is to win the six games that we have left. It won't be easy, but that is the way the boss wants us to play."

Marca claims Falcao is set to join UNITED

 Atletico Madrid's  prolific striker Radamel Falcao has turned down both Chelsea and City and he is ready to join Manchester United in the summer. The report is captioned in Spanish tabloid, Marca.

Marca also reported that Falcao's agent hopes to capitalize on his relationship with United Gaffer to ensure the move is sealed. Do not forget that Mendes has brought the likes of CR7, Nani, Anderson and Bebe to United but the question here is WILL UNITED MEET ATLETICO'S VALUATION OF FALCAO?

Mourinho set to reject Chelsea

There are contrasting reports in Sunday’s newspapers regarding the possible return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea this summer with some reports suggesting he’s set to reject a move back to Stamford Bridge while other sources claim he’s still keen.

First up is the Mirror who report that the 50-year-old is ready to shock the world of football by rejecting a proposed move back to Chelsea this summer in favour of moving to Paris Saint Germain as he wants to keep alive his hopes of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as Man Utd boss one day.

The newspaper claims Mourinho is desperate to replace Ferguson when he finally decides to call it quits at Old Trafford and believe he feels another stint at Chelsea would damage his chances of fulfilling that ambition.

The report suggests the former Porto boss will opt to replace Carlo Ancelotti at big-spending PSG at the end of the season instead of heading back to west London to replace Rafa Benitez, in a move that would surely leave thousands of Blues fans disappointed to say the least.

However, there may be hope yet Chelsea fans as the Sun have a different take on things as they claim Mourinho is still keen on a return to the Bridge with an apparent ‘source’ claiming he’d be willing to turn down a bigger offer from the likes of PSG in order to return to Chelsea, and hint that the ball is firmly in owner Roman Abramovich’s court to make it happen:

“Jose wants to go back to Chelsea. It’s where he wants to be.

“Every time Chelsea fans sing his name it makes him want to go back even more.”

“He’ll sign for the same money he’s on at Real, even though he’s sure he could earn more elsewhere — like City or PSG.

“Jose could even remain at Madrid but he is clear about where he’d like to go — it’s now down to if Roman Abramovich wants the same.” a source told the Sun.

Mancini: too many teams roll over for Manchester United

Manchester City coach, Roberto Mancini has attacked the rest of the Premier League andattempted to undermine Manchester United's impending title triumph by accusing teams of cowering with fear before Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

United take a 15-point lead over their neighbours and reigning champions into tonight's Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a margin the Manchester City manager believes is unjust and would not have materialised had his transfer targets been achieved last summer. While criticism of his team's limp title defence has been circumspect, with Mancini highlighting a lack of goals as the main difference between last season and this, the Italian was unsparing in his condemnation of the rest of the Premier League.

The City manager believes United's commanding lead is a product of the aura that Ferguson has created, with teams consistently facing the league leaders with an inferiority complex.
"No one plays well against United because they only play with fear," said Mancini when asked his opinion of Sunderland's performance in what proved Martin O'Neill's final game as manager the Saturday before last.

"United are strong now because of their importance as a team, their importance as a club. Every team that plays against United plays very soft because they think the game is difficult, that they can't beat them. It is not true.

Ferguson explains RvP form lapse: He never experienced this workload at Arsenal

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Robin van Persie has suffered in recent weeks due to his heavy workload.

Ferguson argues Van Persie's goalscoring lapse in recent weeks has come from the number of games he's played this term.

"At Arsenal he has never seen such a busy and intense season," said Ferguson.

"We need to watch Van Persie carefully, but it's an area (player fitness) we have experience managing."

Vidic reveals he will not speak to Kolarov and Nastasic ahead of Manchester derby

Nemanja Vidic will sever all lines of communication to fellow Serbs Aleksander Kolarov and Matija Nastasic ahead of Monday's Manchester derby.

The Manchester United skipper is close friends with the duo, but their commitment to the Blues cause makes it impossible for idle chit-chat, no matter how well the fellow countrymen get on.

For Vidic, the only way to deal with the situation is not to communicate at all.

"I never speak with an opponent before a game," he said.

"I am good friends Kolarov and Nastasic. But I don't like to talk.

"I like to go there and do it. On game day I think about the game, I don't waste energy before the game starts, otherwise you end up tired."

Fifteen points clear with seven games left, United are in the happy position of knowing even a draw would effectively clinch a record 20th championship.

Yet, after Monday's FA Cup defeat at Chelsea, a stalemate would represent a hollow victory given the championship is the only trophy available after growing hopes of a treble were ended by Real Madrid in the Champions League before Demba Ba's stunning winner ended the dream of an alternative Wembley visit.

Sir Alex Ferguson will want to get his team selection right, with many United fans believing the decision to include Park Ji-sung at the Etihad Stadium last term handed the initiative to Manchester City.

It leaves the Red Devils chief facing a big call at the back given Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans all have claims on a starting berth.

Vidic is in a pretty strong position given recent statistics showed he has the highest win percentage of any United player who has made more than 60 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.

That figure is creeping towards 72% following Saturday's victory at Sunderland, and it is clear Vidic soaks up such facts with relish.

"Now we have the opportunity to see statistics with the analyst after every game," he said.

"You can see how many tackles or headers you have won. You can look at certain things and see where you can improve. Even the passing rate, you can see the percentage you have got right.

"But it is not just the stats, it is the clips as well. I love to watch them. Not every player looks but you have the chance to - and I do."

Evra: We lost FA Cup at home.

Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra felt they lost their FA Cup tie to Chelsea in the game at Old Trafford.

Evra believes the Old Trafford clash is where United conceded the tie.

"It's a big disappointment," he said.

"I think we lost it on the first leg (game). We have to be realistic. We gave the game away.

"We were winning 2-0. they came back and we drew 2-2.

"After that we said 'okay, we get another chance to win at Stamford Bridge'.

"But they deserve to qualify and it's a massive disappointment for us and for the club."