Soccer The Manchester United SUPER Thread

[D0ggyStylz]

Carlos: We did game a favour

The Reds won the Premier League title with potent attacking football last season, and United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz believes it did the game a huge favour.

Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man says the Reds proved that it is possible to play entertaining football and win English football's top honour.

"Our expectation is always to win and to produce great football and entertainment," he told ManUtd.com. "Winning, playing great football, attacking football, that is the Manchester United culture. It has always been like that.

"It was very important, not just for Manchester United, but for the game, that we won the championship.

"For some time, the game has moved in one direction. The systems and the strategy and the way the teams approach the game, so defensive and cautious. We proved it is possible to win trophies with an attacking style of football."

Queiroz is not a believer in taking the cautious approach and insists United's style of play will go a long way to ensuring entertainment remains one of the key ingredients in the game.

"Sometimes, with so much competition from all the other sports and TV, football needs to find other innovative and creative situations to keep the title of the best entertainment sport in the world," he explained.

"We believe, and the manager is a great believer, that should be our direction. Based on that, of course we need to have different approaches against Bayern Minich, Real Madrid and Juventus.

"But we also need to play some great football, with fantasy, imagination and creativity. We need to produce attacking football and be sure when we have the trophies in our hands, it is because we deserve it."

 

[Hodgo007]

I thought we played some of our best football last season.

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Rossi and Pique staying on

Despite strong interest in United youngsters Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique, Sir Alex Ferguson wants to keep the pair at Old Trafford next season.

Rossi and Pique both shone during loan spells with Parma and Real Zaragoza last season. The Italian and Spanish clubs have both shown an interest in making the deals permanent, but Sir Alex has so far resisted their advances.

"The lads going away proved themselves," said the boss. "Giuseppe scored nine goals in 16 matches for Parma and the consensus is that he kept them up. Everyone says that.

"Gerard played 24 games for Zaragoza and did exceptionally well. We got all the videos of the players and watched what they did in training. They will certainly come back."

It will further bolster United's squad. As will the likes of, among others, Jonny Evans, Danny Simpson, Phil Bardsley and Chris Eagles, who all had loan spells away from the club. They could find themselves more involved in the first-team squad this season.

"Hopefully we now have a strong enough pool of players," adds Sir Alex. "That's one of the reasons I was keen to get the young lads who were away on loan last year back at the club. They will develop better with us. They may play more regularly away on loan, but training with us and being part of the squad brings them on immeasurably."

With United flat out in the title race last season, injuries proved troublesome towards the end of the campaign, particularly in the Champions League, where the Reds just ran out of steam.

"The really big test last season was when we got the injuries in March," says the boss. "When we got to the AC Milan game, we didn't have enough freshness in the team to prepare for a semi final. That was a blow. We hope now that if we do get those injuries again, this time we have better back-up."

---

Good news. Both are outstanding young players!

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Lets take a look at the place where dreams are made

OLD TRAFFORD - THE THEATRE OF DREAMS

They are thinking of expanding OT further. This would mean building over the train line. they would have to knock a few houses down though. Capacity would be extended to 96,000 if this was to happen...

Old Trafford total capacity: 76,212

(capacity numbers are not exact figures)

[SIZE=-1]North Stand: 25,500 = 102 rows of seats
Lower: 4,250 = 17 rows
Upper: 8,000 = 32 rows
2nd tier: 8,250 = 34 rows
3rd tier: 5,000 = 19 rows

East Stand: 11,500 = 89 rows
East Stand lower: 1,500 = 17 rows (disabled section)
East Stand upper: 4,000 = 32 rows
East 2nd Tier: 6000 = 40 rows

West Stand: 12,000 = 89 rows
West Stand lower: 2,000 = 17 rows
West Stand upper: 4,000 = 32 rows
West 2nd Tier: 6000 = 40 rows

South Stand: 11,500 = 48 rows
Lower: 2,500 = 11 rows
Upper: 8,500 = 37 rows

Lower corners: 1,500 = 48 rows x 4

Upper North East Quadrant: 4,000 = 33 rows (maximum)

Upper North West Quadrant: 4,000 = 33 rows (maximum)

Executive boxes: 1,000




(Determined by highest attendance of the period)

1910-1939: Capacity: 80,000

1945-1960: Capacity: 67,000

1960-1974: Capacity: 65,000

1975-1980: Capacity: 60,000

1980-1988: Capacity: 58,000

1988-1990: Capacity: 48,000

1990-1994: Capacity: 45,000

1994-1996: Capacity: 43,000

1996-1999 Capacity: 55,000

2000-2001 Capacity: 61,000

2001-2005 Capacity: 68,000

2006 Capacity: 76,212
[/SIZE]

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Humble beginings...

1910

1950-1966

1984

1996

Old Trafford as it stands today....

You can see how the left side can be expanded to be just like the right side.

 

[Faz]

CANTONA, I LOVE YOUR WORK!

This has my vote for best thread ever!

 

[Faz]

Despite strong interest in United youngsters Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique, Sir Alex Ferguson wants to keep the pair at Old Trafford next season.

Rossi and Pique both shone during loan spells with Parma and Real Zaragoza last season. The Italian and Spanish clubs have both shown an interest in making the deals permanent, but Sir Alex has so far resisted their advances.

"The lads going away proved themselves," said the boss. "Giuseppe scored nine goals in 16 matches for Parma and the consensus is that he kept them up. Everyone says that.

"Gerard played 24 games for Zaragoza and did exceptionally well. We got all the videos of the players and watched what they did in training. They will certainly come back."

It will further bolster United's squad. As will the likes of, among others, Jonny Evans, Danny Simpson, Phil Bardsley and Chris Eagles, who all had loan spells away from the club. They could find themselves more involved in the first-team squad this season.

"Hopefully we now have a strong enough pool of players," adds Sir Alex. "That's one of the reasons I was keen to get the young lads who were away on loan last year back at the club. They will develop better with us. They may play more regularly away on loan, but training with us and being part of the squad brings them on immeasurably."

With United flat out in the title race last season, injuries proved troublesome towards the end of the campaign, particularly in the Champions League, where the Reds just ran out of steam.

"The really big test last season was when we got the injuries in March," says the boss. "When we got to the AC Milan game, we didn't have enough freshness in the team to prepare for a semi final. That was a blow. We hope now that if we do get those injuries again, this time we have better back-up."

---

Good news. Both are outstanding young players!

Chris Eagles is a star mate, I say **** darren fletcher off and give young eagles some more time, The only thing keeping flether in manchester united is his nationality!

 

[Parra_Power]

You Know Cantona... Every Single Picture You've got their Is Copy Right... But Any ways it's a Great Recount on how the Stadium known to many people as the Theartre of Dreams even though I think that Bobby Robson was Completely High When He said that...

To be honest(Cantona)... the odds of Mancheter United scoring Deals with the Train Company & 3 Streets of Housing & Terraces is really a Tough Challenge... I've always thought that back in the 1999 Season when the Stadium was Begining to Really Boom in Capacity that 70,100 Seats was Enough... I was Wrong...

 

[Parra_Power]

It's Great to see how the Manchester United Fans are always out in Force... Just so No-One Knew... the highest Ever Attendance to a Manchester Match was 82,771 at their Enemies Former Home Ground at Maine Road.

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Scholes Surgery a Success

Paul Scholes should be back in action in three weeks after a successful operation to cure a knee complaint.

The Reds' midfielder flew home mid-way through United's Asia Tour on Monday after feeling some discomfort in his knee during the Reds' win against FC Seoul in Korea last week.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the operation has gone well and he expects to have the 32-year-old available in three weeks' time.

"Paul's exploratory operation was 100 per cent good news," said Sir Alex.

"There was just some bruising on the cartilage. He will be back in three weeks. He's had his pre-season and a few games, so I won't worry about that."

Providing his recuperation goes as planned, Scholes could be available for the Manchester derby at Eastlands on 19 August.

 

[Fict|on.x]

allan smith talking with boro for 6million pounds

 

[D0ggyStylz]

A pretty good read....

Fergie eyes Tevez-Rooney link

Simon Stone
25/ 7/2007

SIR Alex Ferguson is convinced Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney can prove to be the perfect striking partnership at Manchester United.

United's pursuit of Tevez is now heading for the courtroom as the Argentina international's representative Kia Joorabchian sets about trying to prove his move to West Ham was strictly a temporary affair.

Although Ferguson remains optimistic the case will eventually be resolved to his satisfaction, he can do nothing more than wait for a verdict and cross his fingers it is delivered by the August 31 transfer deadline.

For, once Tevez is signed, the United boss believes he will have an array of attacking talent capable of striking fear into any defence.

He has heard the words of the doubters, who claim Tevez and Rooney are too similar to appear in the same side.

But, not only does he refuse to give them any credence, he feels, with Rooney deployed in a slightly more advanced role than he has occupied previously in his career, the pair can be devastating.

"I know people say both players like to drop behind a mean striker but if you look at the FA Cup final against Chelsea, Wayne played up front on his own and was absolutely fantastic," Ferguson said.

"That is where I see his future anyway and that is why I believe he can play in the same side as Carlos Tevez."

Ferguson always felt Tevez could be a Premier League success but shied away from signing the 23-year-old 12 months ago because he was not sure about the precise nature of the transfer.

Strife

Given the strife West Ham have found themselves in, the Scot's judgement has been proved correct.

Feeling the complications had been smoothed out, Ferguson reignited his interest in Tevez towards the end of the season. And it was on the final day of last season at Old Trafford when the striker scored the brilliant goal that kept West Ham up, that United's illustrious manager was finally convinced a partnership with Rooney would be a match made in heaven.

"On that final day, Carlos showed against us, as he had done against plenty of others before, that he can be a real threat when he is pushed a bit further forward," said Ferguson.

"He can beat a man, which is a major asset. That is the real advantage of having someone like him on board.

"Of course, Wayne can also drop in and give defenders a problem, so between the two of them I think they can become a real handful."

Tevez's eventual arrival is likely to come at the expense of Alan Smith, who is part of United's Far East squad but is also mulling over a firm offer from Middlesbrough.

Departure

If Tevez is given the green light to complete his move to Old Trafford, Smith's departure appears inevitable.

In sending half a dozen promising squad men, including Giuseppe Rossi, Gerard Pique, Johnny Evans and Danny Simpson, out on loan last season to further their education, Ferguson was then hit by a spate of injuries which left him desperately short on numbers.

The United boss is adamant that had he been able to give some of his key men a rest, the outcome of his side's Champions League semi-final against AC Milan would have been markedly different.

So, having seen one European campaign wither away in such disappointing fashion, Ferguson is not about to make the same mistake again.

"I have to make sure we have a strong enough pool this season," he said.

"When we reached that AC Milan game, we didn't have enough freshness in the team to do ourselves justice.

"It was a big blow and one of the reasons why I am quite keen to get the young lads back who were on loan last year.

"They may not play quite as regularly if they stay with us but I actually think they will develop their game better by training with the first team.

"And, the added advantage is if we do get those injuries again, we will have a much better back-up."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...012/1012107_fergie_eyes_tevezrooney_link.html

 

[Faz]

allan smith talking with boro for 6million pounds

As soon as we get tevez he is gone mate! He is staying otherwise.

 

[BILLYA-BULLDOG]

Im a liverpool fan but hats off to ya Cantona grets thread well done champ
CANT WAIT FOR SEASON TO START

 

[Parra_Power]

I can't wait to see the Tevez Transfer Backfire, Hopefully It Does...

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Report: Guangzhou 0 Utd 3

United's pre-season tour of Asia ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in the Guangdong Olympic Stadium, with strikes from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Lee Martin.

Injuries to Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo meant Sir Alex was able to hand Lee Martin and Tomasz Kuszczak their first pre-season starts, while youngsters Phil Bardsley, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson also gained starting berths.

Dong Fangzhuo fulfilled his dream of starting for United in his home country and was cheered throughout. But it was a frustrating run-out for the China international, who so desperately wanted to find the back of the net. The game's first chance fell to Dong, when Martin's low ball flashed across the goalmouth. Dong was unable to make a connection on that opportunity but did go closer on 15 minutes when he headed wide.

The home team showed little ambition going forward, content instead to try and soak up the pressure. It was a risky tactic and the Reds made Guangzhou pay on 20 minutes when Michael Carrick was chopped down inside the penalty area. Guangzhuo weren't happy with the referee's decision to award a penalty – he'd initially signalled for a free-kick just outside the box – but Rooney ignored the protests to blast home from 12 yards.

The Reds scored three in 15 minutes against FC Seoul and three in 11 minutes in Macau, but there was no goal rush this time. United struggled to penetrate Guangzhou's defensive line, although the home side's negative tactics didn't help matters.

The first real chance from open play arrived in the 41st minute when a Michael Carrick cross was touched onto the woodwork by a Guangzhou defender. It was a timely intervention since Rooney was lurking at the back post and would surely have buried the chance. As it was, the ball bounced back into play and Rooney was penalised for a foul in the ensuing scramble.

It was left to Nani to brighten what had been a sloppy first period. The Portugal international, who scored on his debut against Shenzhen FC, added to his goal tally with a glorious chip from the left side of the penalty area, which drifted over Guangzhou goalkeeper Shuai and in off the far post. It was the kind of sublime piece of skill and ingenuity United fans will hope to see more of during his Old Trafford career.

Sir Alex made two changes at the start of the second half, with Gibson making way for John O'Shea and Tom Heaton coming on for Kuszczak… eventually. The referee actually blew his whistle to get the second period underway without realising the Reds had nobody in goal. The game was quickly stopped, however, to allow Heaton time to take up his position between the sticks.

The error drew ironic cheers from the crowd, which soon turned to celebrations as Martin fired United further into the lead with a brilliant swerving strike from 30 yards. Had it not been for Nani's spectacular first-half effort, Martin's goal would surely have grabbed all the headlines.

The game opened up somewhat as both teams made a string of substitutions. Alan Smith, Chris Eagles, Patrice Evra, Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown all saw action, but it was the 76th-minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo that drew most attention. Despite playing for only a quarter of an hour, Ronaldo still managed to pull out his tricks in what was a thrilling display of exhibition football. It was a lively end to the match, although, on the whole, Sir Alex will be delighted with United's pre-season form.

Team Line-ups

United: Kuszczak (Heaton 46); Bardsley, Vidic (Silvestre 58), Ferdinand (Brown 58), Simpson; Martin (Evra 58), Carrick, Gibson (O'Shea 46), Nani (Eagles 58); Rooney (Ronaldo 76), Dong (Smith 62)
Unused subs: Evans, Fletcher

Guangzhou: Shuai; Zhihai (Xichang 74), Dechao (Suozhi 83), Yan, Wenpeng (Zhixing 56), Z Lin (Xianrong 69); Pengfeng (Yong 56), Zhijie (Zhiyi 69), Oliveira, L Lin (Deen 56); Batista (Junyan 56).

 

[D0ggyStylz]

A star in the making

Summer signing Nani may have netted twice in his first two games for the club, but Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Portuguese youngster has more work to do before he hits his best form.

The 20-year-old winger fired a debut goal during United's 6-0 Asia Tour victory over Shenzhen FC in Macau last week.

He followed that impressive display with another good performance and goal in the Reds' final pre-season tour match against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical on Friday in China.

The United boss has been delighted by Nani's contribution to the team so far, but feels fans will see an even better player come the start of the new season.

"We're trying to give him football mixed with a training programme," explained Sir Alex at his post-match press conference in China. "That will help him get to our level because at the moment he's nowhere near that.

"The signs have been very promising - he's got great skills and has made a good start.

"I believe two weeks from now you'll see a different player."

 

[D0ggyStylz]

Guangzhou vs. Manchester United

The Goals...

Rooney Penalty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9Q8AYvmsI
Nani Chip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UQ7LT2o1AY
Martin Screamer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bClNj8BH7r0

 

[Parra_Power]

Manchester United mulls Vietnam tour
29/07/2007

VietNamNet Bridge - Following the incredible welcome received on their first visit to the Republic of Korea, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has floated the idea of touring Vietnam, the tribalfootball.com.website reported.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
“We consider ourselves a major global brand,” said Ferguson. “The club is prepared to travel anywhere to promote its image and the game.”

“I understand from a survey that was carried out recently that we have an enormous number of fans in Vietnam, so may be that is somewhere that we might look to visit in the future.”

(Source: VNA)

 

[Parra_Power]

I'm hoping that they take on the National Team soon... they might break the Australian Record of Goals by One Team in a Match... the current Mark is 33 Goals to 0. I reckon they could be able to put on atleast 40 Goals.