Man Utd add Japan date to Asian tour

Manchester United announced on Tuesday they will visit Japan as part of their pre-season tour of Asia, giving a chance for Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa to dazzle his home fans.

The Premier League giants will face J-League outfit Yokohama F. Marinos on July 23 in their first game on Japanese turf for five years.

"Manchester United has great memories of playing in Japan and our game against the Yokohama F. Marinos will play an important part of our pre-season preparations," said United chief executive David Gill in a statement.

"The Nissan Stadium (in Yokohama) is one of the best in the world and Manchester United has a connection with it, having become the first English team to win the FIFA Club World Cup there (in 2008) ."

The president of the Marinos, Akira Kaetsu, said the team was honoured to play against United, currently top of the Premier League.

"We will show our best performance during the 2013 season so that on July 23, as a team that represents Japan, we can make a great impact on the soccer fans of the world," he said.

Kagawa, one of the star names in the Japanese national side, signed for United last year in a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund and is keenly followed by Japan's media.

Japan is the third stop announced on United's pre-season tour, aimed at cashing in on the club's legions of fans across Asia. They will play in Australia on July 20 and in Hong Kong on July 29.

by: football.co.uk

Liverpool Just Cant Compete

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has admitted that his team are not capable of keeping up with the big clubs anymore.

Liverpool currently sit 26 points behind Manchester United in the league and despite the fact that they held Manchester City to a draw on their own patch on Sunday, he feels that they cannot compete anymore with the likes of United, City and Chelsea.

He fears that it is going to be a long, long time before fans see Liverpool claim a Premier League trophy.

Reina told reporters: "Right now we can't compete with the big guns. They have a big edge over us at the moment, both financially and squad-wise.

"There's a reason they are so many points ahead of us, and it's not because of one or two better players."

by: football.co.uk

Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart still confident about title

Goalkeeper Joe Hart insists heads will not drop in the Manchester City dressing room despite another setback in their quest to retain the title.

The Barclays Premier League champions drew 2-2 with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, their second draw in the space of five days. That meant another two points dropped and they now trail rivalsManchester United by nine at the top of the table, four more than a week ago.

But manager Roberto Mancini was quick to insist the title race was not over and Hart maintains the players will remain confident, saying: "We have got to be. There is no point turning up otherwise. We have got to win every game and look not to drop any points. It is a good challenge for us."

He added: "We will always be in it, but unfortunately it's a big gap, getting too big for our liking. You have to move forward, and that means we have to beat Southampton next week. We are nine points behind with 13 games to go, so we need the win."

City claimed a point from a pulsating match when Sergio Aguero sensationally rounded Jose Reina and chipped home from an outrageous angle 12 minutes from time.

That cancelled out an equally stunning long-range strike from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard which had put the Reds ahead five minutes earlier.

Edin Dzeko and former City striker Daniel Sturridge, the latter in controversial circumstances, traded goals in the first half.

City were unhappy Daniel Agger was not penalised for a foul on Dzeko, and that Liverpool did not put the ball out of play as the Bosnian lay injured in the build-up to Sturridge's equaliser.

Hart, 25, said: "It was a tough game. I thought Liverpool played really well. I imagine they'll argue we were lucky to get a result in the end. That's a shame but you have got to move forward. They are a good side and I think they have finally worked out what the manager wants from them.

"They are a really tough side to play against. It is not the result we wanted but I think a draw is a fair result."

by: football.co.uk

Manchester United tour to end in Hong Kong

Manchester United will conclude their 2013 summer tour in Hong Kong.

The club have confirmed that they will return to Hong Kong for the first time since 2005 for a fixture against local outfit Kitchee FC on July 29.

The announcement is set to be part of a series that will fill in the Red Devils' summer plans.

United have already announced a six-day training camp in Sydney, and a game against an A-League outfit on July 20.

It is also anticipated they will visit Thailand and Japan as part of their preparations for the 2013-14 season.

"The club has tremendous support throughout China and especially in Hong Kong," said chief executive David Gill.

"We have visited on a number of occasions and after an eight-year gap it's a pleasure for the team to be able to return to Hong Kong again this year."

by: football.co.uk

Pre match discussion: Premier League vs Everton (h)

Check out link below!
http://www.unitedlounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16519&p=514629#p514629&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

We're all behind De Gea - Rooney

Wayne Rooney has leapt to the defence of under-fireManchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

The former Atletico Madrid man has come in for heavy criticism in the past couple of weeks. De Gea was blamed by Gary Neville, among others, for a stoppage-time Tottenham equaliser a fortnight ago, prompting manager Sir Alex Ferguson to hit out at the opinions of "idiots".

But De Gea produced a series of excellent saves at Fulham on Saturday as United eked out a crucial 1-0 win, and Rooney said: "David has made some great saves over the last few weeks. I know he got a little bit of criticism after the Tottenham game but it wasn't the biggest mistake I've ever seen. We're all behind him. He's a great player for the future as well."

There are still issues to be addressed about De Gea's future.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is believed to be a fan and there have been suggestions the Primera Division champions will attempt to take Spain's Olympic keeper home in the summer, even if there is a change of manager at the Bernabeu.

And the certainty Jack Butland will join Stoke in the summer gives credence to speculation that Asmir Begovic will make the short journey north from the Britannia Stadium to Old Trafford at the same time.

Even Ferguson's post-match admission on Saturday that goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has been urging De Gea to enjoy his time at Old Trafford is an indicator all is not well with a player who cost £18million just 18 months ago.

But, for now at least, United are circling the wagons around someone, for good or bad, they will have to rely on for the remainder of the campaign.

"People underestimate the reflexes he's got," defender Jonny Evans said.

"We are used to seeing him do that. His shot-stopping ability is very good and his save from (John Arne) Riise was excellent."

by: football.co.uk

Ferguson has that winning feeling

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson got the same championship feel from Wayne Rooney's winner at Fulham that he experienced when Cristiano Ronaldo scored on the same ground six years ago.

On that occasion, United went on to claim the first of three successive Premier League titles. And with the Red Devils now 10 points ahead of Manchester City, who entertain Liverpool on Sunday, and a massive 16 clear of third-placed Chelsea, it is hard to see the outcome being any different this season.

"It was similar to when we played here a few years ago when Cristiano scored near the end and we went on to have an undefeated run after that," Ferguson said. "It was around the same time too. It was well taken and Rooney was unlucky before that, hitting the post and having a couple of shots saved by the goalkeeper."

United struck the woodwork three times before they were forced off the field just before half-time due to a floodlight failure.

The delay lasted less than 10 minutes but the visitors were never the same afterwards and Fulham could easily have claimed a shock win. Their hopes were dashed 11 minutes from time when they got in a muddle trying to deal with a long punt downfield, which Rooney seized upon to curl home his 13th goal of the season, and 10th in as many games.

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes United will go on to lift the title after claiming all three points at Craven Cottage despite a good performance from the home side.

"We did well in midfield and at the back," Jol said. "It was one of our better performances this season. But they are capable of creating something out of nothing, as Rooney did. Now, I think they will win it."

Fulham suffered an injury blow with the loss of key defender Brede Hangeland to an Achilles injury.

"Hopefully it is not a long one," added Jol, who did not feel the floodlight failure had much effect on the outcome.

"We did well to get the lights on again. Normally it takes a long time. I feared when we came back our concentration was down and we would end up conceding a goal but it wasn't a problem."

by: football.co.uk

Rooney effort enough for Fulham defeat

Wayne Rooney's solitary goal turned the spotlight onManchester United's Barclays Premier League title rivals after they beat Fulham 1-0 in a match which was interrupted by floodlight failure at Craven Cottage.

Rooney's 10th goal in as many games 11 minutes from time sent United 10 points clear of Manchester City, who entertain Liverpool on Sunday, and a massive 16 ahead of third-placed Chelsea.

And it all came after a whirlwind opening was halted by a break in play just before half-time when the stadium was plunged into darkness.

Robin van Persie's corner created the first chance of a bright opening, bouncing off Brede Hangeland and towards his own goal, forcing Mark Schwarzer into the first of a series of excellent saves.

Patrice Evra reacted quickest but could only scoop the ball against the bar before Sascha Riether cleared Rooney's shot off the line.

At the other end John Arne Riise tested De Gea with a dipping effort the under-fire Spain youngster tipped over before the Spaniard got nowhere near a Bryan Ruiz shot that thudded against a post.

Then a brilliant move involving Nani and Tom Cleverley created another opportunity for Rooney, which he stroked against a post.

For a while it appeared Fulham might claim a major scalp. Rafael cleared off the line from Ruiz after Jonny Evans had been forced to head away from underneath his own bar.

Rooney had other ideas, though, and when Fulham failed to get a touch to De Gea's long kick downfield, the England man picked his spot and, in front of England manager Roy Hodgson, calmly found the bottom corner.

Van Persie might have added a second only to volley over from close range, although the striker was required at the other end to clear Philippe Senderos' injury-time header off the line.

by: football.co.uk

The Ten best England goals of all time: 10 - Wayne Rooney v Switzerland

Wayne Rooney v Switzerland
Switzerland 1 England 3
Euro 2012 qualifier, Basle 2010 

Rooney, who had not scored in open play since September 2009 put England into the lead after 10 minutes with a wonderfully worked goal for England.Glen Johnson's cut-back was turned in by theManchester United player from a move that had been initiated by Theo Walcott.

CHECK IT!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTkUI1vVtlM&feature=player_embedded   

by: football.uk.com

Rooney thankful for quick treatment

The extent of Wayne Rooney's current injury was so severe that it could have cast a doubt over his future, according to the Manchester United striker.

Rooney is currently sidelined after the studs of Fulham's Hugo Rodallega left him with a deep thigh wound. It was an unsavoury incident and one that the England international now claims could have caused him even more trouble.

In an interview with national newspapers, Rooney said: "I was quite lucky it didn't cut my muscle. I was told it was just one millimetre away from severing an artery. It could have been a lot worse, so thank God for that. I could have been in serious trouble."

He added: "The doctors said a lot of players could have fainted. They tried to cover it up from me in the dressing room and put something in it to stop it being infected, but I told them I wanted to watch.

"Thankfully, their prompt action prevented serious and possible lasting damage."

Rooney's injury has stopped him developing a partnership with new signing Robin van Persie who, in Rooney's absence, scored a match-winning hat-trick at Southampton last weekend.

Some pundits have suggested Van Persie's arrival spells the end for Rooney at Old Trafford, but he thinks nothing of the sort.

"You can't assume you're going to play but I've always worked very hard to make sure the manager has got to play me," he said.

"It's great for us now. I'm looking forward to getting back in the team and trying to forge an understanding with Robin."

On leaving, he added: "Let's be honest, where else can you go from this football club? It's probably the biggest in the world."

by: football.co.uk

Jones injury blow for United

Manchester United defender Phil Jones faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Jones suffered the injury in training earlier this week and was sent for a scan which has confirmed he requires an extensive period of rehabilitation.

A statement issued by the club read: "Phil Jones has had surgery on a knee meniscus tear sustained in training that will require six to eight weeks' rehabilitation."

It is desperate news for the 20-year-old, who is yet to make an appearance this season.

After an extensive break following Euro 2012, Jones suffered a back injury that prevented him playing any part in pre-season.

He missed United's opening three Barclays Premier League games and the start of England's World Cup qualifying campaign, but Jones' return to training was supposed to be the prelude to his comeback.

by: football.co.uk

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is glad to have worked under Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger

Robin van Persie says it is a 'special' feeling being one of the only players to have worked under both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

Just a handful of players have featured for both Manchester United and rivals Arsenal over the course of their careers, while Holland international Van Persie and former France defender Mikael Silvestre are the only two to play under both managers.

The United striker, who left the Gunners for Old Trafford over the summer, has good memories of all of the coaches he has worked under, but says the experience of having been managed by both Ferguson and Wenger is particularly special.

"I have had special coaches all in their own way," he told OnsOranje, the official fanclub of the Dutch FA.

"(Bert) van Marwijk, Wenger, (Marco) van Basten, Ferguson. Piece by piece they are special.

"I think I have been (one of) the only players ever who has worked under Wenger and Ferguson. That's special."

Van Persie has announced himself at Old Trafford with four goals in his first three games but berated himself for his penalty miss against Southampton last time out.

However, the striker went on to redeem himself with two more strikes after that blunder to win the game and feels his response was a sign of his maturity as a player.

Disappointments

"A career won't be always a bed of roses. You have disappointments," he said.

"Look at my missed penalty kick against Southampton last Sunday. That is what you call a disappointment.

"Taking a penalty kick in that way when you are 2-1 behind. That's just bad.

"I couldn't explain it, not even to myself. And what you do next? Do you stay disappointed? Or are you going to hunt, and get over it?

"In the game I put it behind me, thankfully. Many people can get swept up after something like that. It's happened to me (before) and it's all over then.

"Someone who is 18 years old wouldn't score two times after it. I wouldn't have done a couple of years ago.

"You have to be lucky, but you also have to force it."

by: skysports

Bolt open to Man Utd charity game

Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt said he was open to playing a charity game for his favourite teamManchester United, following a statement to that effect by the Premier League club's manager Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson told Inside United magazine on Wednesday: "Usain's a character and a big United fan.

"But it's interesting he says he'd like to play in a charity game. It could be brilliant, and next year when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him up and see how he does."

Bolt, fresh from his second successive triple gold haul at the London Olympics and speaking ahead of his final outing of the season in the Brussels Diamond League meet, responded: "I heard Sir Alex Ferguson's proposal. I'm open to everything.

"The Olympic Games are behind me, they went well, which takes off a lot of pressure. So in 2013, I could take a few more risks. Charity football matches, why not?"

The charity game is scheduled for June 3, 2013, at Old Trafford, but comes in mid-season for Bolt ahead of several lucrative Diamond League meets and the August 10-18 world championships in Moscow.

Nastasic won't call on Vidic

Manchester City new-boy Matija Nastasic has no plans to seek advice on playing in the Premier League from fellow Serbian and Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic.

The 19-year-old centre-back, signed on deadline day from Fiorentina, has often been described as the "new Vidic" but he has not spoken to the United player.

Nastasic told City TV: "We didn't talk because I am aware of the rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United.

"Of course we can have a chat off the pitch but we never talked about matters on the field."

One Serbian that Nastasic feels more comfortable speaking to is his national team and now City team-mate Aleksandar Kolarov.

Nastasic said: "When I heard about the possibility of my transfer to Manchester City, we did talk. He told me a little bit about his experiences. But there is still time. We are playing together for the national team so we will talk some more."

Henriquez set for United

Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez is to join Manchester United by the end of the month, according to his club.

The 18-year-old is due to sign for a reported £3.5million after undergoing a medical at Old Trafford.

His team, Universidad de Chile, released a statement which read: "Angelo Henriquez will join Manchester United this month.

"The player is physically and mentally prepared to take this determining step in his career."

Universidad president Jose Yuraszcek said: "Manchester United's representatives told us that it was fundamental for them to take him now."

Henriquez made his Chilean league debut this year, scoring 10 goals in 15 games, adding another four in the Libertadores Cup.

Man Utd sign Van Persie from Arsenal on 4 year deal

United confirmed they had agreed a fee with Arsenalon Wednesday evening, and the Dutch striker underwent a successful medical on Thursday before the final elements of the transfer were wrapped up. The deal has been done in time for Van Persie to go straight into Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for Monday's opening Premier League clash at Everton.

United announced in a statement: "Robin van Persie has completed his medical, agreed personal terms and signed for Manchester United on a four-year contract until June 2016."

Manager Ferguson said: "Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. His talents need no introduction to our fans - he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club.

"His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding."

Van Persie said it was an "honour" to sign for United.

He said: "I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."

The news brings to an end one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer. Ferguson has fought off competition from Manchester City and Juventus to land Van Persie.

However, he also needed to break an impasse with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who did not want to sell last season's Golden Boot winner to a rival club.

Even a week ago, Wenger had not given up hope of persuading the 29-year-old to stay, but when Van Persie was booed by Arsenal fans at a pre-season game in Germany on Sunday, it signalled the end of his Gunners career.

RVP set to complete move

Robin van Persie underwent the first part of his Manchester United medical late on Thursday night and is expected to complete his move from Arsenal later today.

The Holland international is due for the second series of examinations on Friday morning before putting pen to paper on an anticipated £24million move to Old Trafford.

Last season's Premier League top scorer needs to have his switch from the Gunners ratified by midday if he is to make his debut for the Red Devils in Monday night's Premier League meeting with Everton.

The deal represents a major coup for Sir Alex Ferguson, who hopes the partnership between Van Persie and Wayne Rooney can fire United back to the Premier League summit.

However, the 21-year-old is as delighted as anyone that United have managed to prise Arsenal's best player away from Arsene Wenger's side.As a player who could see his first-team opportunities significantly reduced by the deal, Danny Welbeck could be forgiven a sense of trepidation.

Massive boost

"It's given the club a massive boost," said Welbeck. "He's a world-class striker who can score goals and create them as well. They are the type of players who do win you titles.

"Everyone is delighted to have him and I'm really looking forward to playing with him."

And midfielder Tom Cleverley is excited by the prospect of Van Persie the Red Devils and forging a deadly partnership with Rooney.

Cleverley said: "He is an exciting player to link up with as a midfielder. He just adds to our goalscoring ability with Welbeck, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov.

"I've admired him at Arsenal, he is a world class player, a goalscorer and is proven in the Premier League. All those three things will help us.

"I think Rooney and Van Persie were the top goalscorers in the Premier League last season and hopefully they can score as many this year."

Rooney keen on RVP arrival

Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal forward Robin van Persie would be a great addition to the squad if he joins him at Manchester United.

United are the favourites to sign the Holland international after the 29-year-old stated his intention not to sign a new contract with the Gunners.

The prospect of last season's Premier League top scorer arriving atOld Trafford is already exciting supporters and Rooney echoes those sentiments.

"Of course he's a player that I admire," said Rooney.

"He's a fantastic player. He's been amazing for Arsenal over many years. Last season was probably his best season of all. He scored a lot of goals.

"If he does come here he would be a great addition to the squad."

Partnership

Sir Alex Ferguson also has Danny Welbeck, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov as attacking options but it is the prospect of Rooney and Van Persie linking up that will concern their rivals.

Asked if he and the Dutchman could form a deadly partnership, Rooney added: "I'd like to think so - but you'd have to ask the manager about that.

"There's a lot of forwards here already with myself, Welbeck, Chicharito and Berbatov, who's still here.

"So there's a lot of forwards fighting for a place."

by: skysports

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