Moyes wants Man Utd to trump Mourinho and Chelsea for Modric

David Moyes wants Manchester United to push the boat out for Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.

The Daily Star Sunday says that could put the new United boss in direct competition for Modric with Jose Mourinho if – as expected – the Special One returns to Chelsea.

Former Spurs star Modric was a target for Moyes’ predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, and also Chelsea before moving to Real Madrid for £33million last summer.

And the feeling remains that United need a playmaker of Modric’s class if they are to succeed in the Champions League.

Moyes is now weighing up a move for the Croatia midfielder but the new United boss may find Real reluctant to do business.

£45 million sensation hints Man United have made offer!!!

There have been some reports on the TalkSport website which have claimed FC Porto winger James Rodriguez has hinted that Premier League Champions Manchester United have made an offer for him.

Ferguson is still expected to provide incoming manager David Moyes with some pointers and Rodriguez remains a target.

The 21-year-old has also been linked with a move to Monaco recently and he says there are offers on the table.

“There are offers from other clubs but if I stay at FC Porto another year I’ll be satisfied because it’s a winning club,” Rodriguez said. (TalkSport)

United have been long-term admirers and it will be interesting to see if he does actually end up at Old Trafford in the summer window.

Ex-United star Greenhoff dies

Former Manchester United and England star Brian Greenhoff has died aged 60.

Greenhoff, who was born in Barnsley, joined United in 1968 and played in the same team as his brother Jimmy, who joined the club in 1976.

The central defender, capped 18 times for his country, scored 17 goals in 271 appearances for United and was part of the victorious FA Cup final team of 1977.

He joined Leeds United in 1979 but left when they were relegated three years later.

After brief spells in South Africa and Finland he returned to play for and coach Rochdale before calling time on his football career in 1983.

A statement released to the Manchester Evening News by Greenhoff's family said: "We regret to inform of Brian's passing this morning.

"Brian was a proud and much loved brother, husband of Maureen, father of Paul, Brian and Peter, grandfather to Jack, James and Harry and will be sorely missed by his family, who he made very proud in his distinguished life and career."

Wayne Rooney’s transfer saga takes new twist with claims of Ferguson lies

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Wayne Rooney handed in his second transfer request in three years after his last game at Old Trafford.

But last night, The Mirror claimed that Wayne Rooney has denied handing in an official transfer request at all.

 Now a few conclucions can be drawn  from John Cross’ article last night. First of all, Ferguson lied and reliable journalists such as The Telegraph’s Mark Ogden and The Mirror’s David McDonnell got it wrong when they broke the story about Rooney handing in his transfer request.

Secondly, Rooney is lying and he did hand in a transfer request or thirdly, and given that there are no quotes in the article it is a more than plausible explanation, the story is made up entirely.

For me, I trust in Ferguson. He might not have had the best of relationships with Rooney but if there was one thing he wouldn’t do to the club before he left, it would be to leave it in a tricky situation. Lying about Rooney making a transfer request would have done exactly that.

Rooney must have the worst representation in football. The company who works with him don’t seem to have any idea how to handle him and the advice he gets is dismal. If he did hand his transfer request in, why would he do it right before the end of a title run in? It doesn’t make sense.

Man United ‘s move for £23 million man draws ever closer

There has been some reports on the Daily Star website which have claimed Manchester United are drawing ever closer to the summer capture of Everton star Marouane Fellaini.

Everton boss David Moyes will take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and he has been widely tipped to make big Belgian Fellaini one of his first United signings.

The Scot splashed out a club record £15m for Fellaini in 2008 and the purchase – one of the rare occasions Moyes has really broke the bank – has proven to be a shrewd one.

Fellaini earlier this week hinted he could be open to a departure but only “to a club where the manager really wants me”. (Daily Star)

It will be interesting to see just who Moyes takes with him to United as there are a few quality players at Everton that could make a real impact at Old Trafford.

United's 2013/14 season home kit leaked

Images of a shirt that seems to be Manchester United’s home shirt for the 2013-14 season have been leaked on the internet. The three-buttoned shirt is plain red with black trim and features a black buttoned-down collar.

According to Todo Sobre Camisetas, these images come from the Nike servers and they are the “fully confirmed” final design.

The design of the collar is the most unique aspect of this shirt. Instead of a regular polo-shirt collar, the Manchester United shirt features a shorter collar.

The overall look of the new home shirt seems to indicate towards the fresh beginning at Old Trafford is going to take next season after the era of Sir Alex Ferguson has come to an end. What better way to symbolise this fresh start than a simple, plain red shirt made look neat with a tidy collar.

If this is indeed the final design, as the people at Todo Sobre Camisetas suggest, it is going to be an iconic shirt in the history books of the club regardless of how David Moyes performs at Manchester United

Hartson: Moyes should tell Glazers to buy Bale for Man Utd

Wales assistant coach John Hartson can see Manchester United moving for Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

Hartson feels Bale needs to leave Spurs to fulfill his potential.

He told Absolute Radio: "D’you know what, if I was David Moyes, I’d go straight into the Glazers and say..'Get me Bale. I don’t care what it costs, 50, 65, 70…whatever, 200 or 300 grand a week, pay him whatever, get me Gareth Bale.' Because I think that then wins United the title, similar to what van Persie’s done this year with his 30 goals.

"Imagine Gareth Bale on that massive pitch at Old Trafford, he would run riot every single week. That’s what I would do if I was Moyes. Now what David Moyes decides to do, who knows, but I think Gareth is capable of playing for a top world class club that are in the hunt for titles and trophies every single year. You won’t get that at Spurs."

REVEALED: Fergie rejected Abramovich Chelsea offer

Manchester Evening News reporter Stuart Mathieson has revealed how Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made him aware of an offer from Chelsea.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wanted to replace Claudio Ranieri with Ferguson soon after buying the club.

Mathieson wrote in his column: "On one occasion, Ferguson revealed to me Chelsea had wanted him as their manager, soon after Roman Abramovich's takeover. I thought it was one of those off-the-record nuggets I would not be able to use. So I asked did he want that going public.

"He clearly wanted it out there, because he said I could use it, no problem. But it was on the understanding I did not reveal where it came from. I did have to use some quotes in the piece from him on his desire to stay at Old Trafford.

"The M.E.N splashed the story on the front page and I was pleased with my exclusive, and I assumed, as Fergie was happy for me to run it, so would he. When I rang next day, I asked in all innocence:

'Did you see the Chelsea piece?' 'Yes,' he barked back. 'And you made it pretty obvious where it came from too!' Bang, the phone went down."

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UNITED banking on RvP to convince Cesc about move

 
Manchester United are banking on Robin van Persie to convince Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas about joining him at Old Trafford.

The London Evening Standard says United hope the presence of Van Persie at Old Trafford can convince Fabregas to return to the Premier League.

United are chasing the 26-year-old as they bid to strengthen their midfield next season.

Van Persie and Fabregas spent seven years together at Arsenal and it is hoped their friendship — and the fact the Dutchman won the Premier League title in his first season at United — can convince Fabregas to return to England.

Man Utd make sensational move for Barcelona midfielder Cesc

Manchester United are launching a sensational move for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The London Evening Standard says United are determined to make a huge signal of intent, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to retire, by luring Fabregas to Old Trafford.

It is believed contact has been made with Barcelona over Fabregas, who swapped the Emirates Stadium for the Nou Camp in a £35million deal just two years ago. Barcelona still owe the Gunners £5m of that fee and would be looking to recoup at least £20m for the Spain international.

Fabregas has struggled to make much of an impact at the Catalan giants and has been under heavy criticism from the club’s fans for his performances this season.

It has been reported Arsenal inserted a clause when they sold Fabregas to Barcelona to ensure they had first option on buying him back, while Arsene Wenger said last January that he believed the player would return to Emirates one day. “I’m not convinced that he will not one day come back here because he is a real Arsenal man,” added the Gunners boss. “He loves Arsenal, he watches every Arsenal game.”

UNITED remain convinced Real Madrid's Ronaldo wants return

The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't put off Cristiano Ronaldo about returning to Manchester United this summer.

The London Evening Standard says United are determined to make a huge signal of intent, following Ferguson’s decision to retire and are attempting to buy back Ronaldo from Real Madrid..

United, who beat Swansea 2-1 yesterday to give Ferguson the perfect send-off in his last game in charge at Old Trafford, are confident they can buy back Ronaldo from Real.

Ronaldo is refusing to sign a new contract at the Spanish club and his current deal has two years left to run.

The Portugal international has scored 200 goals for Real since joining from United for £80m in 2009 but is unsettled at the Bernabeu. He played a huge part in Ferguson’s side claiming nine major honours during his six

Luiz explains laughter behind Rafael red

Chelsea defender David Luiz insists he wasn't laughing at Rafael after the Manchester United fullback's dismissal last week.

Luiz caused controversy when he was spotted laughing as Rafael was shown a red card for clattering into him.

“I didn’t laugh at Rafael getting sent off — I was smiling before the ref showed a card.

“I was laughing at the fans singing about Sideshow Bob.

“People always call me that, so one day I want to meet him!"

RvP thanks Fergie for making his dream come true

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie admit he's "really sad" that Sir Alex Ferguson has chosen to step down.

Van Persie only arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal last summer but the boss has clearly made a big impression on the Dutchman.

“I am really sad to hear that the manager is retiring,” van Persie posted on his official Facebook account on Friday morning. “But I'm really happy I have had the opportunity and the honour to work with him.

“He is a great manager and, above all, an even greater person. I have to thank him for an amazing year and for making my dream come true by winning the league.

“I wish him and his family the very best.”

Mourinho determined to have Man Utd's Rooney at Chelsea

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho wants Chelsea to go for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

The Daily Mail says Chelsea are Mourinho’s next destination and the Portuguese coach wants to resurrect Rooney’s career when he returns to Stamford Bridge.

In Rooney he sees similarities to Didier Drogba. Mourinho wants a muscular presence up front as Chelsea chase the Barclays Premier League and Champions League.

At 27, Rooney still has much to offer and he is understood to be excited by the prospect of working with a world-class coach at Chelsea next season. Rooney’s potential arrival at Chelsea was the hot topic among the players at their Cobham training centre and friends like Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole are all willing the move to happen.

Mourinho believes the striker can recapture the glory days when he was being talked about in the same breath as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Moyes tells Man Utd he wants Lewandowski

David Moyes has told Manchester United he wants to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Daily Star says Everton boss Moyes agreed a six-year deal to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday and wasted no time in making plans for next season.

He is determined to capture the Borussia Dortmund striker - and is prepared to let Wayne Rooney leave in order to get his man.

Lewandowski is almost certain to leave Dortmund this summer, with one year left on his contract with the Champions League finalists. And with the club desperate not to sell him to rivals Bayern Munich, Moyes wants United to be in pole position to land the 24-year-old with a bid of around £25m.

Rooney keen to hear from Bayern Munich

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is eyeing a move to Bayern Munich.

The Mirror says Rooney has told team-mates he wants to sign for Bayern this summer.

The Manchester United striker has grown increasingly frustrated with his role at Old Trafford.

And now the German Champions League finalists are believed to be close to sealing a £30million deal to add the England striker to their ­star-studded line-up.

Rooney is thought to be flattered by the interest of a club which has won the Bundesliga this season and is being tipped to dominate European football for the next few years.

Hip operation influenced Ferguson's retirement

The hip operation booked in for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson influenced his retirement decision, it has been revealed.

The Mirror says the procedure will leave Ferguson sidelined for up to three months and, with the prospect of missing the start of United's title defence at the start of next season, the 71-year-old heeded it as a message from his body that it was time to call it a day.

Despite insisting the operation was planned for after United's pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, the lengthy recovery period meant Ferguson being back in the dug-out for the start of the new season was a fanciful notion.

Add to that the imminent departure of United chief executive David Gill and Ferguson's brother Martin, the club's European scout, and all the elements were there for the perfect exit strategy for the Old Trafford boss.

SAF announced his retirement in tears.

Sir Alex Ferguson broke down in tears during an emotional goodbye to Manchester United staff this morning following the announcement of his decision to retire, it has been revealed.

The Scot will step down as United manager at the end of the season following 26 years at Old Trafford during which he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles.

Ferguson arrived at the club’s Carrington training base at 6.50am this morning and made a series of phonecalls amid intense speculation that he was set to quit.

Once the entire first-team squad had arrived for training, Ferguson held an eight-minute meeting with the players and senior staff during where he informed them of his decision.

Sources say the players were "quiet and shocked" as they left the meeting, with some clearly emotional. Ferguson was the last man out of the room and was seen supportively patting assistant manager Mike Phelan on the back.

At 9.20am, around the same time that United made an official announcement on their website, Ferguson went to the main dining hall at Carrington to address the entire staff, from the tea ladies to the coaches.

The atmosphere was described as "pensive" and "sombre". By then, everyone knew what was going on.

During a speech that lasted between eight and 10 minutes, Ferguson choked up and became tearful as he thanked them for their support over the years and spoke of the wonderful support within the "United family".

Ferguson became particularly emotional as he revealed that some people present - particularly technical staff - may lose their jobs as a consequence of his retirement.

After he finished talking, Ferguson received a standing ovation as he shuffled out of the room, still clearly emotional as he brings an end to an extraordinary career at United since he took over from Ron Atkinson in November 1986.

He was scheduled to hold a one-on-one sit-down interview with the club’s in-house television station, MUTV, at 10.30am and it was unclear whether he still intends to join the United players at Chester races later today

Ronaldo tells Man Utd pals he wants return

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is open to re-signing for Manchester United.

The Daily Star Sunday says Ronaldo has told a senior player at Old Trafford that he would seriously consider that proposition.

And United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he will have the backing of the club’s owners – the Glazer family – to make a major splash in this summer’s transfer window.

There are persistent rumours that United are trying to buy him back for £65 million and overcome obvious financial hurdles by having his wages sponsored.

Ferguson would love to bring back Ronaldo, 28, but has always insisted it would be a difficult deal to complete.

Van Persie: Man Utd winning mentality makes every difference

Robin van Persie says he wouldn't have signed for Manchester United if he felt they weren't capable of winning silverware.

Van Persie left Arsenal last summer for United.

"I wouldn't have moved if I'd had doubts," he said. "Instead, from day one I was almost certain we would win trophies - not in a couple of years but this year.

"I saw the players in training. I saw the way they behaved, the way they lived, their mentality, the way the staff worked, the way the manager and the staff acted.

"When all those elements combine you end up with a team of champions.

"It also helps when you have so many players who know how to win."

Mourinho urges Man Utd target Lewandowski to choose Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is ready to turn up the heat on Manchester United ahead of his exciting return to Chelsea.
Mourinho confirmed that he is going to return to Chelsea... by asking Robert Lewandowski to join him in moving to West London this summer.

La Información says Bayern Munich vice president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed yesterday that on April 25 - the day after Real Madrid's 4-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund and four-goal Lewandowski - he received a call from the Polish striker's agent, Maik Barthel.

Barthel told Rummenigge that Mourinho had rung him, urging him to spurn the advances of the Bavaria giant and instead to follow him to Chelsea.

Lewandowski is also a top target for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Pole is believed to be leaning towards a Premier League move with Manchester United and now Chelsea both keen.

Man Utd identify Klopp as ideal Ferguson successor

Manchester United chiefs see Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp as a candidate to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Mirror says United’s hierarchy are impressed by the job Klopp has done at Borussia Dortmund and he is the hot favourite to take over from Fergie when he decides to step down.

They are not jumping on the Klopp bandwagon as he has been earmarked for some time, with insiders revealing it is openly discussed among Fergie’s staff that he is THE manager in waiting.

Insiders believe Ferguson approves of Klopp as the kind of candidate who would be ideal to pass the reins to - and consult him if he stays on in some capacity as seems likely.