Man United agree 26m deal for Lucas Moura

Manchester United have agreed a £26 million deal with Sao Paulo for Brazil superstar Lucas Moura.

The youngster is currently in England for the Olympics and United are confident of reaching an agreement with his agents.

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that the 19-year-old will sign, after the two clubs finally reached an agreement.

Inter Milan and Chelsea have previously shown an interest in him, but according to The Metro, it is United who have won the race to sign the attacking midfielder.

It is likely that any deal won't go through until after the Olympics, with Brazil being favourites to win the gold medal.


by: football.co.uk

Fletcher - I will be back

Darren Fletcher remains confident he will make a comeback for Manchester United and says retirement is 'not really an option'.

The Scotland international has been sidelined since last December due to a chronic bowel condition and has not yet returned to training.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed earlier this month that Fletcher will miss the start of the new season and that the 28-year-old has 'great challenges ahead'.

The situation has prompted suggestions that Fletcher will have to quit playing on a permanent basis, but the midfielder remains eager to return to first-team action.

Taking time

"That's not really an option, I just want to keep playing," said Fletcher in the Daily Star.

"I know one day I will be back. I'm only 28 and want to give myself every opportunity.

"I've not started training yet, but I'm listening to the doctors and just taking my time. At the moment I feel like I'm capable of coming back."

Fletcher also revealed that United's priority this season will be to wrest the Premier League title away from local rivals Manchester City.

He added: "We'll try and win every cup we can but the main priority is the league. Obviously after Manchester City won the title we are determined to win it back."

by: skysports

Kagawa to start for United

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed new-boy Shinji Kagawa will start Manchester United's pre-season encounter with Ajax Cape Town on Saturday.

The £17million summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund was restricted to a couple of minutes as a substitute in Durban on Wednesday.

Although it was a disappointment for the supporters who had hoped to see Kagawa in action for the first time, Ferguson claimed because the 23-year-old had arrived for training slightly later that his team-mates, he needed additional work in South Africa this week.

However, with a full-house expected at the Green Point Stadium, Ferguson is ready to unleash the Japan midfielder.

Kagawa has already impressed Ferguson during his short time at Manchester United, and the Scot said: "He's been outstanding. His training performances have been very good. He was three or four days behind everyone else, but he'll play tomorrow."

Kagawa is already being compared to Park Ji-sung, the crowd favourite from South Korea who has now joined QPR.

A member of the Dortmund side that has won back-to-back German titles, Kagawa is a more accomplished ball player than Park. However, Ferguson revealed they share the same work ethic.

"There are similarities to Ji-sung Park. They're both disciplined, they work hard," Ferguson added. "Also, they are good professionals and excellent to work with. There will be no problems with him settling into the club.

"What we identified about Kagawa is exactly what I'm seeing now. The difference now is that our players are realising his qualities.

"He's got quick feet, is two-footed and had a good goal ratio with Dortmund. He's doing very well."

by: football.co.uk

City and United to battle for Van Persie with Juve also waiting

Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus are locked in a three-way battle to sign Arsenal captainRobin van Persie.

The three clubs have all declared their interest in buying want-away striker Van Persie but have so far failed to meet the Gunners' valuation of the 28-year-old.

United, City and Juve are said to be happy to pay somewhere in the region of £15million but Arsenal are thought to be demanding in excess of £20million for their star player.

The Gunners are said to be prepared to hold out for more than £25million for Van Persie, who they appear to have all but given up trying to convince to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium to replace the one that expires next summer.

They will announce on Friday afternoon whether last season's Barclays Premier League top scorer will join them on their pre-season Asia tour, which they leave for on Saturday.

According to widespread reports, manager Arsene Wenger will opt against including Van Persie, who this month went public with his desire to quit the club.

by: football.co.uk

United's Lucas bid rejected

Sao Paulo insist that they have turned down an offer from Manchester United for Lucas Moura.

The midfield ace, who is currently in England with Brazil's Olympic squad, was reportedly the subject of a €35million (£27million) offer from the Red Devils.

The Premier League giants are reported to have dispatched a delegation to Sao Paulo last week, led by chief scout Jim Lawlor, to try and broker a deal.

An offer is reported to have been made, but the Brazilian outfit say it is not enough, having already shunned approaches from Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Director Marco Aurelio Cunha explained that they consider only Neymar would be worth more in Brazil, and with his valuation over £50millon it shows how highly Lucas is regarded by Sao Paulo.

Important offer

"Manchester United made a very important offer of €35million but they would need to produce a little more," Cunha was quoted as saying by TMW.

"For us there is only Neymar worth more, after him is Lucas and we would not want to sell for less than this sort of value.

"For us it is still better to have a good player than lots of money in the bank."

Reports in Brazil suggested that Lawlor's delegation, as well as Sao Paulo, met Lucas' father with the permission of the club.

United, who are currently on tour in Africa, have not yet commented on the Lucas situation, either to confirm or deny an interest.

by: skysports

Porto hint over Moutinho

Porto coach Vitor Pereira has suggested that any club wanting Joao Moutinho would need to meet his release clause.

The 25-year-old was one of the stars of Euro 2012 and he has been strongly linked with a move to England with Manchester Unitedand Tottenham Hotspur credited with an interest.

Porto have always insisted they are not looking to sell - but coach Pereira admits that if somebody wants to pay Moutinho's buy-out clause of just over £30million, there is nothing they can do.

"We very much want him to stay and we are not looking to sell," he told Abola.

"But this is football and you have termination clauses, for us he has been great and helped us achieve the results we have."

by: skysports

Rio reveals title trauma

Rio Ferdinand has admitted he suffered sleepless nights after Manchester United missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.

The Red Devils lost their grip on the title on the final day of the season as Sergio Aguero's last-gasp strike secured victory for City over QPR.

That ensured Roberto Mancini's men finished top of the pile on goal difference, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson's men to lick their wounds over the summer.

Defender Ferdinand admits he will never forget that dramatic denouement and plans to use the pain of May to drive the Red Devils on to further success this season.

Waking up

"At first it was one of those things you couldn't get out of your mind," he told MUTV.

"You don't get over it but you put it to the back of your mind for the few weeks after that. It's hard, though, because you've always got people reminding you about it, whether it's fans of different teams or fans of United."For the first couple of weeks you're waking up in the middle of the night thinking about what happened and how it could have ended differently.

"But you use that as inspiration for the following season."

Sickening

Ferdinand suffered further disappointment this summer when he was left out of England's Euro 2012 squad and is happy to be back in pre-season action for United after a longer lay-off than usual.

"It's nice to be back training," he admitted. "I'm enjoying it. This has been the longest break I've ever had in my career so I was desperate to get back and see the lads and get training.

"Now things are a lot more scientific and a bit easier on the body, even though you're still able to get to the same level of fitness at the right time."That said, me and Giggsy were talking the other day about pre-season and how we remember, when we first started, how it used to be sickening when you came in for the first 10 days or so. The coaches used to beat the life out of your legs.

"But it's the games on tour I really enjoy. You get to gauge how far along you are in terms of fitness and what more you need to do. It also helps you get your eye back in, football-wise. We can't wait for the games to come now."

Macheda happy to be back

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is keen to put the frustrations of previous seasons behind him and enjoy what could be a pivotal campaign for him at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old Italian has made just 12 starts for United over the past three seasons, taking a back seat to star striker Wayne Rooney, as well as the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

His lack of regular playing time led to loan spells at Sampdoria in 2011 and QPR last term.

Frustrating

The youngster's stint at Loftus Road was cut short by a niggling ankle injury and the frontman has not played a competitive game since February 2nd after undergoing surgery.

But Macheda is happy to be back in Manchester and is determined to make a bright start to the new season.

He told the club's official website: "It's great to be back at Manchester United. When you go on loan you really understand how important it is to play for this club.

"I'm really happy to be back and I can't wait for the start of the season.

"Last season was disappointing. In the first six months I didn't get a lot of opportunities here so we decided it was best for me to go on loan.

"When I got to QPR things went a bit wrong, though, as I was feeling my ankle a lot. But now I feel a lot better and want to start the season well. It's a big season for me."

Macheda is excited for United's pre-season tour to South Africa, China and Europe after his lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Support

"I'm really looking forward to it," he added.

"It's always great to visit fans in different countries. You meet new people, you see new cities, you experience different cultures.

"I didn't know how big the club was around the world when I went away for the first time in 2009. But I was very impressed by Malaysia, China and Korea.

"We have great support all over the world and I love being part of this team."

by: skysports

Fergie - Park's "ultimate pro"

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he was sorry to see Park Ji-sung move on after the industrious midfielder left Manchester United to join Queens Park Rangers.

The 31-year-old had been at United for seven years, winning 11 trophies and playing over 130 games in that time, but Ferguson could not guarantee him the playing time he wanted for the next season.

United's midfield has been strengthened already this summer with the signings of Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and teenager Nick Powell from Crewe, with more signings potentially to come.

Park, who played 28 times for the league runners-up last season, would have had his opportunities limited for the next campaign and finalised a move to Loftus Road on Monday.

"He's been a fantastic servant to the club over the past seven years," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"He is the ultimate professional and such a nice lad; he never let us down on the big occasions. Unfortunately, I just couldn't give him the number of games he wanted.

"Everyone at Manchester United wishes him well for the future and I am sure he will be a great success at QPR."

Park won four Premier League titles while at United, and claimed a Champions League winners' medal in 2008 - with Ferguson often using the South Korean as a big game player.

by: skysports

Player of the day: Shinji Kagawa

oday’s player of the day is the latest Manchester United signing Shinji Kagawa. Having signed from Borussia Dortmund on a four year deal Kagawa became the first Japanese player to play for the Manchester club.

Kagawa boasts impressive statistics from the season just gone helping Dortmund to win the Bundesliga and DFB Cup double scoring 17 goals and 13 assists to become the league’s most efficient and best attacking midfielder. Kagawa will wear the number 26 shirt for Manchester United and will be keen to settle in and help United push for their 20^th league title.

Kagawa has won many plaudits during his time with Dortmund and has twice been named in the Bundesliga best XI. Having signed for the German club in the summer of 2010 from Japanese side Cerezo Osaka for €350,000 Kagawa went on to score 21 goals in 49 appearances in his 2 seasons at Dortmund.

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his delight at brining the Japanese midfielder to Old Trafford stating “Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United’s style of play and we are all looking forward to working with him.”

Kagawa made his international in May 2008 in a friendly against the Ivory Coast which Japan won 1-0 and has gone on to make 33 appearances scoring 11 goals. He was part of Japan’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and scored the only goal of the game in Japan’s 1-0 win over Paraguay. He was also a key part in Japan’s successful 2011 AFC Asian Cup win helping the team reach the final before breaking his metatarsal bone in the semi final. Japan went on to win the cup beating Australia in the final after extra time.

by: football.co.uk

Japans Kagawa heads to Manchester United

Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa on Tuesday left his home country for Britain to join Manchester United, vowing to secure a starting slot when the Premier League season kicks off in August.

'It is a big challenge for me. I have nothing but a positive mind now,' the 23-year-old told reporters ahead of his departure on a flight from Osaka in western Japan.

"I want to fight with confidence," he added.

Kagawa, on a four-year deal from German champions Borussia Dortmund, is to attend a team practice and hold a news conference in Britain on Thursday.

Kagawa, having been ruled out of the Olympic football tournament in London, is set to feature in United's pre-season tour of South Africa and China.

"First, I want to display what I have at the training camp and prepare myself so that I can firmly gain a position in time for the opening game," Kagawa said.

The Japanese player's arrival is expected to be a boost for United, who were within minutes of retaining their Premier League title last season until a late winner on the final day for Manchester City in a 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers saw their cross-town rivals crowned champions instead.

Kagawa helped Dortmund land successive German titles and scored 17 goals as they completed a domestic double last season.

by: football.co.uk

Park leaves with a heavy heart

Park Ji-sung admits it was a wrench to leave Manchester United after he completed his move to QPR for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old joined the Red Devils in 2005 from PSV Eindhoven and was an integral part of the squad that earned a multitude of honours.

His arrival at Loftus Road is an indication of Rangers' intent ahead of the coming season as they had to fend off competition from other clubs to land the midfielder.

Challenge

And after such a long period at United, the former South Korea captain needed time to ponder his next move.

"It was a very difficult decision, it's hard to leave such a big club, but QPR showed me what they are trying to be," he said.

"It is time for a new challenge. QPR want to be a bigger club, they want to improve and it's a great challenge.

"It was a difficult decision but they have great players and they are hungry to get to the next level. It's not about the money."

Forward

Park is Hughes' sixth acquisition of the summer and with the backing of their owner Tony Fernandes, the west London club are swaggering with ambition.

"I am joining a club that is very much on an upward curve, a club that has a bright future," he added.

"The manager Mark Hughes has a proven track record at Premier League level and I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the squad to help take the club to the next level."

by: skysports

Sao Paulo - No Lucas bids

Sao Paulo have stated that they are not currently considering any offers for Lucas Moura, whilst warning that a bid of €25million would be far too low.

Inter Milan are reported to have made a bid in that range (£19.8m), as a number of European clubs continue to be linked with a swoop for the highly-rated 19-year-old.

Midfielder Lucas says Inter have made contact with his agent and has admitted there is a chance he will not stay with Sao Paulo until his contract expires in 2014.

Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are also understood to be monitoring Lucas' situation, but Sao Paulo have reiterated that they will fight to retain his services.

Club vice-president Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes told Lancenet:"There are no bids, but €25million is ridiculous, they can't pay that for a player like Lucas [Moura].

"We refused better offers than that."

by: skysports

'Phenomenon' Park signs for QPR

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signing of Park Ji-sung from Manchester United on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old South Korea international has joined the Loftus Road club for an undisclosed fee after a seven-year stay with the Red Devils.

QPR's official website hailed the player as a "global phenomenon" as Mark Hughes attempts to strengthen the club having dodged Premier League relegation on the final day of last season.

"This is a real coup for QPR," he told the club's official website. "We are delighted Ji is going to join us because his record speaks for itself.And Hughes believes the signing is a significant one for the Hoops given Park's impressive record at Old Trafford - particularly in big games.

"He has been a big player for Manchester United and played a big part in their success in recent years.

Respected

"He is hugely respected there because of what he has achieved, his application to his work and the impact he has on games.

"He was always picked for the big matches because they could rely on him, and we are going to reap all those qualities.

"I think it is fair to say Ji has been attracted not to where QPR are, but where QPR are going.

"We were able to show him where the club is heading and he embraced it. Ji gets what we are trying to do. This is a huge signing for this football club."

Park echoed the sentiments about the direction the club are going and the 100-times capped midfielder is convinced QPR can become a force.

Park told QPR player: "The project was simply too good to resist and I am excited about getting started in pre-season and going on tour to Asia in the coming days.

"I am joining a club that is very much on an upward curve - a club that has a very bright future."

Overjoyed

QPR owner Tony Fernandes is much of the reason for that bright future and the enthusiastic investor was full of optimism about the signing.

"I am overjoyed and can't wait to see him in a QPR shirt," Fernandes added.

"Ji is a global star with a Champions League winner's medal to his name, and he is as excited about this move as we all are.""It shows our determination and our ambition to build this club.

Park was omitted from Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for the final of their 2008 UEFA Champions League success but collected a medal as a member of the 25-man squad.

But he did start in both the 2009 and 2011 finals in which United lost out to Barcelona and played more than 200 games for the club he joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2005.

Blades move for Utd starlet

Sky Sports understands Manchester United youngster John Cofie is poised to join Sheffield United on loan.

Cofie is highly rated at Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to continue his policy of farming out his best young talent on loan to gain some valuable first-team experience.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a spell out on loan at United's feeder club Royal Antwerp and he is thought to have impressed during his time in Belgium.

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in taking the powerful forward on loan this season, but it appears Sheffield United are set to win the race for his signature.

Blades boss Danny Wilson is keen to add to his attacking options and sees Cofie as someone who will boost their bid to win promotion from League One next season.

by: skysports

Giggs to lead gold rush

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs will captain the Team GB football side at the 2012 Olympics.

The veteran Welshman has been selected as one of three over-age players in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad.

The London Games will offer him a first taste of life at an international tournament at the age of 38.

Giggs has enjoyed a glittering career at club level and will be hoping to add an Olympic gong to his enviable medal collection.

He has been chosen to lead the gold rush, with it hoped that his vast experience will aid Britain's quest to land top honours on home soil.

Winner

"Stuart Pearce has today (Sunday) confirmed that Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs will be captain of the Team GB Men's football squad at London 2012," read a statement released on the Football Association's official website.

"Giggs, a winner of 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League competitions, will be competing at his first international tournament.

"Giggs is one of the three 'over age' players permitted under the Olympic football tournament rules, alongside fellow Welshman Craig Bellamy and Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards.

"Team GB will play their first match in half a century when they take on Brazil at the Riverside Stadium on Friday 20 July."

by: skysports

Fergie admits Drogba boost

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Didier Drogba's departure from Chelsea is good news for Manchester United as he has such a great record in big games.

Drogba inspired the Blues to UEFA Champions League glory at the end of last season before announcing that he had decided to bring his eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge to an end.

He has since secured a transfer to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, and Ferguson doubts whether Chelsea will remain as strong a force in the future.

Ferguson feels that Drogba was such a key player for Roberto Di Matteo's side that his summer exit can only be welcomed by the other Premier League title challengers.

"When you think of the season he's just had, I must say it is a big boost for us that Drogba is leaving Chelsea," Ferguson said in The People.

"He scored that fantastic goal in the final with two minutes to go and his goalscoring record in the big games, in big finals, is incredible.

"As far as I was concerned, he won the Champions League for Chelsea."

by: skysports