United hoping to land City teen

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Manchester United are reportedly on the brink of snaring former Switzerland Under-17 skipper Frederic Veseli from rivals Man City.

The 19-year-old is still to make his debut for the Blues and it appears United have stepped in to sign the defender.
While there has been no official comment from the Red Devils, it is thought the player has undergone a medical.
And his agent, Adam Bouskouchi - while not indicating where Veseli was heading for - did advise that news could be expected "very soon" on his Twitter account.
It is not known at this stage whether United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would regard Veseli as a member of his first-team squad.
However, beset by injuries at the moment, Veseli would be a useful addition.

Manchester United Transfer News: 10 Deadline Day Targets for Reds

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been one of the shrewdest operators in the transfer window in the world and has made several superb transfers which have helped the team win trophies over the years.
While any big transfer at this stage of the transfer window could be considered as unexpected, it cannot be ruled out, especially with a manager like Ferguson, who has made several surprise signings in the past.
This January transfer window has been relatively quiet with regard to the Premiership, but with time still left in the window, there could be some clubs who could splash the money.
The Red Devils could also spend the money to acquire one or two big signings before the close of the window in order to add both depth to their injury-ravaged squad and add quality in order to beat Manchester City to the league title.

Danger Dirk sinks United into fifth round

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FOOTBALL: A late Dirk Kuyt strike put Liverpool into the fifth round of the FA Cup at the expense of arch-rivals Manchester United following a fractious FA Cup clash.

Efforts from Daniel Agger and Park Ji Sung looked likely to take the tie to a replay as the bad blood between both sets of fans threatened to become the main talking point from what was far from a classic Cup encounter.
But the Dutchman's rifled finish two minutes from time saw Liverpool through to the delight of Kenny Dalglish.
"I think it was a fantastic effort from our players," he said.
"The commitment, the attitude, the desire to get results was fantastic, and I can't speak highly enough of them after that performance and result out there today.
"It's a great day for us to go through to the next round of the FA Cup and to beat Manchester United 2-1 is a great achievement for everyone."
Both clubs made explicit pre-match efforts to defuse the ill-feeling between their fans in what was their first meeting since the altercation between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra, and despite a spiky atmosphere and the relentless heckling of the French full-back, Dalglish praised fans and players alike for their conduct.
"I think both sets of the fans were magnificent adverts for the club, and both clubs can be very proud of the fans that they had here," he said.
"The media played this part in going through the process during the week to try to maintain dignity and respect on the football pitch and to concentrate on the football, and that's what we did. That's what the players did, and that's what the fans did.
"I don't think there was anything there that was untoward."
Agger headed Liverpool in front on 21 minutes as his effort eluded David de Gea, but the hosts otherwise struggled to threaten the calamitous Spaniard's goal as the hard-working Andy Carroll cut an isolated figure as a lone target-man.
United meanwhile struggled to convert their superior possession into chances, but levelled five minutes before the break through Park, who drilled in Rafael's cross after the full-back breezed past a weak Jose Enrique challenge.
Both teams struggled to impose themselves in a disjointed second half, but as a replay loomed the tireless Carroll flicked a towering header through to Kuyt, who escaped from Evra to slam home the winner.

Kuyt earns Liverpool FA Cup victory

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Man Utd beaten at Anfield and Chelsea win at QPR to reach fifth round

 

Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

Liverpool left it late to beat Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup in an entertaining contest at Anfield.
The Reds won it with only two minutes remaining, Dirk Kuyt latching on to an Andy Carroll flick-on and keeping his cool to fire past United goalkeeper David de Gea.
Liverpool had taken a first-half lead when Daniel Agger nodded in from a corner and though United levelled thanks to a fine strike from Ji-Sung Park, Kuyt popped up late on to win it.

Queens Park Rangers 0-1 Chelsea

Chelsea also booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to a second-half penalty against west London rivals Queens Park Rangers.
Spanish midfielder Juan Mata slotted in from the spot in the 62nd minute after QPR defender Clint Hill was adjudged to have fouled Daniel Sturridge in the penalty area.

Mata forced a fine save from Paddy Kenny and Joey Barton's shot that flew wide proved QPR's best effort, while Chelsea midfielder Ramires was stretchered off with a serious-looking injury towards the end.

 

Young making progress

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Ashley Young says he is making good progress in his bid to regain full fitness after being sidelined by an ankle injury.

The summer signing from Aston Villa has been out of action since the pre-Christmas win at Fulham and Sir Alex did not expect him back for around four weeks when addressing the media on 8 January.
"It's going well," he admitted at the Betfair presents Man Utd live webcast at Old Trafford on Thursday. "I've been in the gym most days but it's getting there and hopefully I'll be back soon.
The England international admits he is loving life in Manchester after moving from the Midlands to link up with the champions and feels his own game has developed over the past six months or so.
"I'm enjoying it," he added. "From the minute I stepped into the building, I was welcomed with open arms by everybody in the squad. All the staff have been brilliant and to play alongside so many world-class players was always a dream for me.
"It brings your game on and you go up to another level. You experience that straight away. There's competition for places all around the team so you've always got to be on your toes.
"I think my game has come on," he admitted. "I've added different things to my game. Obviously, we're playing a different style than it was at Aston Villa and I've had to adapt.
"When I've gone away with England and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, I've got to know the boys there and how they play. Straight away, I had a good pre-season under my belt and have been going out and wanting to do well."

Although Young is unlikely to be involved at the Emirates Stadium, he is looking for the Reds to pick up an important victory against Arsene Wenger's fifth-placed Gunners.
"It's going to be a tough game," he stated. "But I'm sure we'll go down there full of confidence and looking to get three points - as we do in any game.
"There's a lot of points to play for and everyone wants to be top of the table but there's plenty of games left and we've got to concentrate on ourselves and look to go down there and win."

Arsenal vs. Man United: Wayne Rooney Needs a Hat Trick to Hold off Gunners

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Wayne Rooney, your services are needed.

When Manchester United heads to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal, they'll be facing a Gunners squad with plenty of motivation to beat them.
Arsenal is coming off of two straight EPL defeats and needs a win to stay close with Chelsea, currently the last of the teams in the top four.
Then there's the 8-2 defeat Manchester United handed the Gunners back in August. Surely that embarrassment will be playing through the minds of Arsenal's players.
And let's not forget that Arsenal has only lost once in their home stadium this season, and that was back in August against Liverpool.
All of this to say, Arsenal is going to be very difficult for Manchester United to beat. Which is precisely why Wayne Rooney needs to have a huge game against the Gunners.
And he more than likely won't be able to rely on nearly as many dead-ball opportunities as he did the first time these teams met—Rooney finished with a hat trick on two free-kick goals and a penalty—seeing as the Gunners are drastically improved this time around.
It isn't a stretch to think Rooney can pull of the task—in six of the 11 games in which he's scored this season, he's contributed two or three goals.
Not surprisingly, Manchester United is 6-0 in those games.
Against a Gunners team with plenty of motivation to win, Wayne Rooney is going to have be the brightest star on the pitch, once again, and contribute a hat trick to lead his team to victory.
Without a huge performance from Rooney, Arsenal will have their revenge.

United offer Ferguson record-breaking deal

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Manchester United have offered Sir Alex Ferguson a lucrative new contract that would make him the highest paid manager in the history of the Premier League, according to goal.com.

Ferguson announced on Tuesday that he plans to manage United for a further three years and the Manchester club are willing to reward him with an enhanced salary of £6.5m per year.
The Scot has been on a one-year rolling contract since 2004, but the new contract would see Ferguson earn a 60 per cent pay rise. Ferguson could also earn a bonus of £1m if he guided United to a clean sweep of trophies.
The contract would move Ferguson ahead of Arsene Wenger as the league’s highest paid manager.

Ferguson looking for Solskjaer to replace him

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Manchester United, 12:27, January 18, 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could take over from him at Old Trafford.

The Norwegian hitman is a legend amongst United supporters given his prolific strike rate and after hanging up his boots stuck around to learn the ropes as a coach of the reserves.
Since leaving Old Trafford Solskjaer has returned to Norway to manage Molde, guiding them to their first domestic league title in his first season in charge.
With plenty of Ferguson's former charges having turned their hand to management there is a long list of potential greats who could succeed the current United chief.
However, Ferguson believes the best man for the job, when he finally calls it a day, is Solskjaer.
"The problem for a lot of footballers today is that when they get to the end of their careers they decide they want to become coaches because they have nothing else in their mind they think they can do," said Ferguson.
"Ole always wanted to stay in the game so was preparing early. He has given himself a better chance."

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand rubbishes injury rumours & declares himself fit for Arsenal showdown

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The 33-year-old has dismissed reports that he may miss out on Sunday's trip to the Emirates, after he suffered concussion following the 3-0 victory over Bolton at the weekend.

Rio Ferdinand has rubbished suggestions that he could miss out on Manchester United’s vital Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday through injury.

 

 Reports had suggested the 33-year-old could be sidelined for the clash after suffering concussion in the Red Devils 3-0 win against Bolton.

However, the England intentional has taken to Twitter to deny claims he will not be available for the visit to the Emirates, and revealed he has not missed any training sessions since the weekend win.

Ferdinand tweeted: “Just dispelling the rumours that I'm a doubt for sunday! Trained with the team as normal since the game saturday! Coaches ran us hard 2day !”

United visit the Gunners looking to win in order to stay within touching distance of local rivals Manchester City, who also host fellow title contenders Tottenham on Sunday.

 

Rooney left reeling by another card trick... but this time it's Dynamo Magician

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Wayne Rooney has a problem with card tricks; he said as much on Monday night when he hit out at Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini for brandishing an imaginary red during the Premier League match at the DW Stadium.
So when Dynamo Magician recently paid the United striker a visit at Manor House stables - where the star recently bought a horse - near his Cheshire home, Rooney looked more than a little shaken.
Joining the 26-year-old were team-mates Tom Cleverley and Michael Owen who, by the end of the belief-defying clip, wore the same stunned and shocked look on their face. 
Scroll down to see the video of Dynamo with the United stars

Card trick: The incredible Dynamo Magician leaves Wayne Rooney in a state of shock

Dynamo has amazed Tottenham players Jermain Defoe and Jermaine Jenas, Fulham's Bobby Zamora, Matthew Briggs, Philippe Senderos, Rafik Halliche, Stephen Kelly and Simon Davies, as well as Rio Ferdinand, Nani, Nemanja Vidic and Gary Neville from Old Trafford.
This video, the fourth and final instalment of Dynamo's 'Magic of Football' series, first sees Rooney seemingly transport a two pence piece from his hand into the that of the magician at the request of Cleverley. The trick finishes with a shot of smoke rising up from the striker's hand.
The conclusion is just as spectacular.
After unpacking a tightly sealed, brand new, pack of Manchester United playing cards, Dynamo asks Owen to think of a player from the club's illustrious history.
Then, with the deck face down on the table, Rooney is asked to point to any of the 52 cards. Despite being prompted he refuses to change his mind.
We'll let you see what happens next...........

Dynamo is working with Barclays Ticket Office, giving football fans the chance to win tickets to Barclays Premier League games every 90 minutes. Fans can enter via a code on the back of a Barclays ATM slip or online via BarclaysTicketOffice

Giggs Brother: 'Ryan Bedded My Wife Because He Was Jealous'

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Ryan Giggs' devastated brother has accused his sports superstar sibling of scoring with his wife because he was 'jealous' she wasn't his.
Rhodri Giggs was left heartbroken after he found out about his wife Natasha's eight-year affair with the Manchester United striker when the story broke in the tabloids last year.
Rhodri opened up about the scandal over the weekend, telling The Sun that he considers his brother nothing more than a 'worm' and that despite having plans to reconcile with his Celebrity Big Brother star wife, he refuses to have any contact with his brother.
He now claims that Ryan only wanted to bed his wife because she was the only thing the multi-millionaire didn't have.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: "He took Natasha despite him having everything and me nothing. She was the only thing I had and he did not - so he took it.
"[After the affair news broke] he said to me, 'We need to be brothers again, we have never been the same since we became so competitive against each other.'
"That made me think, 'Are you jealous of me? I don't understand. Look at me compared to you. I think you won.'"
And the 34-year-old admits he can't wait for Ryan to retire from footie so he can watch Manchester United again without catching sight of his estranged brother.
He adds: "I used to look forward to matches. Now I look at the team sheet to see if he's playing. If he is, I don't watch. I can't wait for him to retire.
"Knowing someone who has been your hero for most of your life has been sleeping with your wife just hurts too much."

Fergie eyes Honda swap

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Manchester United are believed to be weighing up a possible swap deal involving Dimitar Berbatov and CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda.

Honda has been linked previously with Arsenal and Liverpool but reports are now emerging suggesting that Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to trade the striker in for the highly-rated Japanese international.
United are rumoured to be willing to offer them Berbatov plus £4m to secure the 25-year-old's services before the close of the January transfer window.
The player has experienced injury problems this season but the former Nagoya Grampus and VVV Venlo man does have undoubted ability to make things happen, and his arrival would definitely add an extra creative spark to United's midfield.
Berbatov's future continues to be the subject of much debate despite his recent good form for the reigning Premier League champions, which has resulted in six goals and reports of a new one-year deal.
However, the Bulgarian knows he isn't guaranteed a place at Old Trafford, so may be keen to take up a new challenge if the move would suit all parties.

Wayne Rooney says he is stricter parent than wife Coleen

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London, Jan 15 : Wayne Rooney has revealed that he is a stricter parent than his wife Coleen and that he would love to have more children.

 

Rooney, 26, made the revelations in an ­interview about life as a dad saying that he had finally got the hang of changing two-year-old son Kai's nappies.

"I'm the stricter one out of me and Coleen," the Mirror quoted him as saying.

The Manchester United striker also said that he would love to have more children.

"I love being a dad and would like Kai to have a brother or sister.

"I enjoy having a kick-around with him.

"He makes me laugh every day," he added. (ANI)