Manchester United

[abdulw11]

Lol, HB you beat me by a matter of seconds!

[Hatebreed]

Originally Posted by abdulw11
Lol, HB you beat me by a matter of seconds!

LOL

Double post for double swoop!

[abdulw11]

Don't know anything about these players, apart from what BBC have wrote, but this is what got me most excited:

"Nani has been compared to his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in his homeland, with pace and trickery similiar to that of the Footballer of the Year."

How brill would that be?

[Hatebreed]

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Nani, especially as he's from the same youth club as Ronaldo. Seeing as how Ronaldo turned out, I know Nani will fit into our style of football just fine - quick and attractive. Anderson I don't know too much about, just what I read on various sites. He's appearantly likened to be the next Ronaldinho! I'm really happy with both signings.

So who do you think we could sign as a striker? I think Huntelaar and Torres are both great options.

[abdulw11]

I would be delighted to get either. I've wanted United to buy Torres for quite a while, so I would prefer him. But I also think Huntelaar would settle into the Premiership very well, just like RVN.

I think it's great how United are moving fast in the transfer market this season. Lot's of players coming in...wonder if there will be any exits...

[Hatebreed]

Some people are saying Saha and Heinze might exit. I don't mind Saha, even though he's very injury prone. Heinze has been alright, but Evra is better. I think Silvestre is the worst of the lot, but he's staying.

[Mr-Cricket]

Great news. Hargreaves, Noni & Anderson are "likely to exceed the £40million mark", alone. Wonder just how much this leaves to sign "a big-name striker"? On a different note, I quite like Heinze. It would be a real shame to see him go.

[Hatebreed]

We could sell Richardson and Silvestre to raise the extra cash. Huntelaar would cost like £12m, and a cheaper alternative which I mentioned earlier, Afonso Alves is reported to be worth £8m.

Anyway, here's an article on our new signings-


Who are Anderson & Nani?

Manchester United have moved fast in the transfer market this summer, with Anderson and Nani set to be the latest arrivals at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz is credited for a big role in securing the services of Porto's Brazilian midfielder Anderson and Sporting flyer Nani, who are tipped for the top.

"They're both top players and among the top five in Portugal with Simao Sabrosa, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Quaresma," Portuguese football journalist Miguel Padayda told BBC Sport.

But what more do we know about them? BBC Sport gives the lowdown on United's latest signings.


ANDERSON

Full name: Anderson Luis De Abreu Oliveira
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 19 (Born: 13 April 1988)
Position Attacking midfielder
Fee: Reports vary between £15m and £20m

Still a teenager, the dreadlocked Brazilian has made a huge impact, is already in Brazil's national squad and is considered the heir apparent to Ronaldinho as his country's star player.

Born in the same town as Barcelona's buck-toothed wonder, Porte Alegre, Anderson also started his career at Gremio where he is held in high regard after scoring the goal that sent them back into the top flight in a brutal match against Nautico in 2005.

He moved to Europe later that year and made his Porto debut a little over 12 months ago in March 2006, helping the club land the Portuguese double.

This season his progress has been hampered by a fractured leg in October, but he returned to action to help Porto successfully defend their title.

BBC Sport columnist and south American football pundit Tim Vickery has described the strong, left-footed midfielder as having the acceleration of the Millennium Falcon.
And Manchester United have stolen a march on suitors such as Real Madrid and Chelsea to land a player many have already labelled as the long-term replacement for Old Trafford stalwart Paul Scholes.

Padayda's verdict: "He is very young, very skilled in the pass, very intelligent and very fast. Unfortunately, this season he had an injury that allowed him to play only half of the season, but he was still a very important figure at Porto. He could definitely go straight into the United first XI."

Anderson says: "I could not imagine I would ever get to work with a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson but it has happened. It is a dream the size of the world."

They say: "New players will show they deserve a chance to represent Brazil and we'll all see that as it happens. Anderson, like many other Brazilian players, is a valuable player and will get his chance in future for sure."

Brazil head coach Dunga
You say: "Anderson has the potential to be something special. When he's worth £30m on his own in two years this deal will look like a bargain."

Did you know? He was named player of the tournament at the 2005 Under-17 World Cup. Previous winners of the award include Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and former Liverpool striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle.



NANI

Full name: Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha
Nationality: Portuguese
Age: 20 (Born: 17 April 1986)
Position Attacking midfielder
Fee: Anything between £11.5m and £17m say the reports

Nani has long been linked with a move to Manchester United ever since he stated it would be a "dream" to play with Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Quieroz needed to move quickly when it became clear Tottenham were also stepping up their interest in the predominantly wide player.

Born on the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa, he came through the Sporting Academy, a route previously taken by Ronaldo and Luis Figo, once his family had upped sticks for Lisbon.

Having made his debut as an 18-year-old, Nani became a part of the first-team squad at the start of the 2005/06 season and soon got his chance to impress.

Since then the fleet-footed livewire, who celebrates goals with a back flip, has gone from strength to strength with club and country.

He scored on his first appearance for Portugal against Denmark in September and also caught the eye with a wonderful effort in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow this season.

Padayda's verdict: "He plays more or less in the same position of the pitch as Ronaldo does but he is not as fast. He had some problems this year at Sporting because he thought he was underpaid and wanted more money, but now he has a big contract. He will have to adapt to the English game and will need to wait a few months until he gets his chance."

Nani says: "The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and it will be a big challenge. I am prepared to go to England because I believe I will progress there."

They say: "He's one of the most gifted young players in Europe, and what's more, he's stronger than I thought he was."

Former Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath
You say: "Bringing Nani into the team will definitely give us more width across the pitch and in time will be a suitable replacement for Ryan Giggs."

Did you know: Everton midfielder Manuel Fernandes is a friend since childhood and the pair used to kick a ball about together on the streets of Lisbon.


BBC



Here's a compilation clip of these players-

[Mr-Cricket]

Really helpful, that article. Anderson certainly looks the goods. That highlights package was insane. Gotta love that thumping left boot! This too:

"Anderson has the potential to be something special. When he's worth £30m on his own in two years this deal will look like a bargain."

Not entirely convinced about Nani though. Looks like abit of a showpony if you ask me. Could probably do without some of those extravagent backflips too. This also worries me a tad:

"He had some problems this year at Sporting because he thought he was underpaid and wanted more money, but now he has a big contract."

Still, I can't wait to see these two in action next season. Exciting times ahead.

[Mr-Cricket]

Hargreaves to join United in July

Owen Hargreaves will complete his £17million move to Manchester United on July 1.

The England international's exit from Bayern Munich was confirmed by Franz Beckenbauer three weeks ago, since when Hargreaves' arrival at Old Trafford was viewed as inevitable.

Pictured at the Red Devils' Carrington training ground last week, the 26-year-old flew out to his native Canada on Tuesday, leading to speculation he would finally sign a five-year contract at some point over the next seven days.

However, a combined statement from United and Bayern revealed all the elements of the deal have now been concluded, with Hargreaves putting pen to paper when he returns from holiday at the end of June.

'Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with FC Bayern Munchen for the transfer of Owen Hargreaves,' said the statement.

'The player has also agreed terms with the club and passed his medical.

Owen will formally sign his contract with Manchester United when he returns from his holiday at the end of June and will join on July 1, 2007.'

Coming less than 24 hours after deals 'in principle' were announced for brilliant young Brazilian Anderson and Portugal winger Nani, it leaves Sir Alex Ferguson only requiring a senior striker to complete his squad for next season.

Samuel Eto'o would be Ferguson's first-choice should he get any indication from Barcelona that they were willing to part with the Cameroon international - who will be required for African Nations Cup duty in January.

The United manager is also an admirer of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Ajax, although both men appear settled at their current clubs.

Jermaine Defoe, currently on international duty with England, remains a possibility, although it does not appear Michael Owen is on United's radar at present.

Even if he eventually fails to solve his striking dilemma, Ferguson can look back with satisfaction on his close season business.

In securing the services of Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani on long-term contracts, not only is the Scot bolstering his current squad ahead of their Premier League title defence, he is also looking to a future without Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Hargreaves arrival will provide vital support for Michael Carrick, meaning Scholes can be used slightly more sparingly than he was this season.

Ferguson made a concerted effort to bring Hargreaves to Old Trafford after the World Cup, in which the midfielder turned out to be one of England's few success stories.

Hargreaves left no-one in any doubt he wanted to make the move, only for Bayern to block the deal fearing supporter unrest after losing Michael Ballack to Chelsea.

Ferguson was hopeful of resurrecting the deal in January but those plans were scuppered when Hargreaves - who has family from Bolton - broke his leg on club duty against Armenia Bielefeld in September.

However, there was little doubt the United boss was determined to push the transfer through once the season was over and Bayern's failure to qualify for next year's Champions League only made it more certain Hargreaves would end up at Old Trafford.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...435274&cc=3436

[SideWinder]

Originally Posted by Mr-Cricket

Has he gone crap after his good WC??

[Hatebreed]

Nicolas Anelka is the latest player linked to United for a reported £8m.

Anelka is said he's tempted by an offer from Manchester United.

"You can't say no to Manchester United," he admitted, before denying he had been involved in any negotiations with the club.

"There has been no contact. First of all we'll have to see if Bolton want to sell me. After that, it's down to the clubs. There's nothing concrete right now."

Bolton manager says he's not for sale, but we know anything can happen with transfers.

[SideWinder]

Anelka...the first ever muslim to play for Manchester United (if deal goes through)

[Hatebreed]

Man United confirmed they have no intention to buy Anelka.

Anyway here's a clip of Nani's recent goal at the Euro 2008 qualifier against Belgium-


Just so we know we are getting quality

[Hatebreed]

Reds eye striker signing

Reds chief executive David Gill says United may add a striker to the squad before the start of the season, despite already spending big in the transfer market this summer.

United have been linked with a host of strikers, including Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Ajax and Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres.

Gill did not name names, but he said that if the Reds spend further, the money will go on a striker.

"We have looked at it and we don't rule out another signing," Gill told Sky Sports News. "That area is a striker but we will see what happens.

"We're not desperate for it but if one came along that Alex and the team felt would improve the squad we are prepared to do that."

Having spent a reported £50million on Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani, Gill says there are also likely to be departures.

"There will be some changes but it would be wrong to comment as to that but I think they are discussions we will have internally," he added. "We have a got a large squad now, so there should be some people leaving, not many at all.

"There should be some leaving and don't forget we have some great players coming back who have been on loan. We want competition for places, we are looking to improve the squad and to take it on from last year

"We are not resting on our laurels, we want to do even better next year on the pitch. Alex is always looking to improve the quality of the team we have out there."

Manutd.com

[Beamer]

Why United is not pursuing David Villa? I think he is one the best finishers in the world at the moment. Anyone seen the goal last week for Spain? I was never that big of a fan of Hargreaves, specially not at that price, but I guess Sir Alex knows what he is doing. I hope he doesn't end up at Chelsea, worse yet, at Liverpool...

Heinze exit won't hurt one bit. Age is catching up with him...

[Hatebreed]

Any idea how much Villa might cost? I doubt we can get him without selling several players (Saha/Smith, Richardson, Heinze), and who knows what adverse affect it might have on the squad. Still, Fergie might yet have an ace up his sleeve.

Also we have Rossi returning from loan. I have hopes for him.

[abdulw11]

Hopefully Rossi will get more chances this season, he's a good prospect, but I feel he should beef up a bit more.

I think if David Villa moves to the Premiership, he'd go to Liverpool.

[Beamer]

Tevez to United boys? That will be unreal. I am worried about the goalkeeper situation though. Time up for van der sar..

[abdulw11]

Originally Posted by Beamer
Tevez to United boys? That will be unreal. I am worried about the goalkeeper situation though. Time up for van der sar..

Ooooh, Tevez at United, that would be sweeet. I think Inter Milan want him badly, though.

Van der Sar made a few errors during the last part of the season and I think Ben Foster might be the No. 1 goalie next season.

[Hatebreed]

Saha sidelined for several months
Manchester United striker Louis Saha could be out of action until December after undergoing knee surgery.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6748449.stm

[Hatebreed]

Possible false alarm regarding Saha

Following quotes attributed to Ranko Stojic in the Manchester Evening News last night, the Stellar Group and Louis Saha would like to make clear the following:

- Louis Saha is exclusively contracted to the Stellar Group who advise the player in all football and career-related matters

- Louis Saha has absolutely no ties with Ranko Stojic, who has no authority whatsoever to speak on behalf of the player or his management group

- Louis has successfully undergone knee surgery in America and is now undergoing rehabilitation in the South of France. He hopes and fully expects to be fit for the start of the new season and any claims to the contrary are completely false

Stellar Group


Saha will be fit for season start
Manchester United striker Louis Saha's agents have dismissed suggestions the player will miss the first few months of the coming season.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...td/6748449.stm

[Hatebreed]

Originally Posted by Beamer
Tevez to United boys? That will be unreal. I am worried about the goalkeeper situation though. Time up for van der sar..

Tevez would be great, but he's too much like Rooney. We could really use someone like Torres, Huntelaar or Berbatov.

[Hatebreed]

Ryan Giggs awarded OBE

United winger Ryan Giggs has been awarded an OBE for services to football in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Last season, the 33-year-old won a record ninth league title and became only the second player in United's history to pass the 700 appearance benchmark.

The first, Sir Bobby Charlton - himself a former recipient of the honour before receiving a knighthood - told ManUtd.com of his delight at Giggs' recognition.

"I couldn't have been more pleased if he was a close relative," he said. "Ryan is a fantastic member of Manchester United and the ultimate professional.

"Added to that his marvellous skills and his services to football make him a pleasure to watch. If only he'd have played for England!"

Ryan recently retired from international football after amassing 64 caps over 16 years for Wales.

The honour makes Giggs an Officer of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry. Other United players to receive the honour include Bryan Robson and David Beckham.

ManUtd.com

Congrats Ryan. I can't think of a more deserving player to receive this honour.

[abdulw11]

Giggs definitely deserves the honour. Good to hear Sheringham getting an MBE too.