Benzema: United keep trying to sign me

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Karim Benzema claims Manchester United have tried to sign him "for the past three or four seasons".
Benzema, 24, transferred to Real Madrid from Lyon for £25 million in 2009 having been strongly linked with a move to Premier League side United.
Speculation has continued to suggest the Red Devils have a maintained interest in the France international, and Benzema has confirmed those rumours.
He is quoted as saying in the Sun: "The rumours about my future are common, every summer it's the same that I will be going to this club and that club.
"But I am very happy at Real Madrid and the thought about leaving has never crossed my mind. I know Manchester United have tried to sign me for the past three or four seasons.
"When I was at Lyon they and a number of other English clubs wanted me but could not agree terms with Lyon. Besides, I wanted to go to Spain and I can honestly say I have never regretted that decision.
"I'm still young and I have a contract at Madrid until 2015. I still want to achieve things at the club. I have had a taste of success after winning the Spanish title but I want more."
While Benzema is currently content at La Liga champions Real, he admitted he could one day consider a switch to the Premier League.
He added: "I would never say never about coming to England and, to be honest, I have no real preference in terms of teams. But that is a long way in the future, not something I would even consider at the moment."

Ryan reflects on changing times

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"Now we’ve got Carrington and all the development going on there. Sports science is also taking on a bigger place in football and lots of things have changed. The one thing that remains, it seems, is good football."
- Jim Ryan


After more than two decades of distinguished service at United, Jim Ryan spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com about entering retirement.
The 67-year-old has vacated his final post as director of youth football but is still eager to track the progress of the young footballers he has left behind.
Are you looking forward to retirement? Yes, but I think there’s mixed feelings about it. Generally speaking, a football life is a good life so I’m giving up a lot of enjoyable things.
Is it a wrench to be leaving? I guess so but everybody has to retire at some time.
So you’ll miss the job? 

Japan boss backs Kagawa

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"I know Shinji will need results to be deemed a success at Manchester United. But I fully expect to congratulate him three years from now because he clearly has the mental strength and the technical ability to make it there."
– Alberto Zaccheroni


Japan boss Alberto Zaccheroni is confident Shinji Kagawa has what it takes to become a top player for United.
Kagawa is set to complete his move from Borussia Dortmund in the next few weeks, once he passes a medical and obtains a work permit.
He will become United’s first-ever Japanese player and Zaccheroni believes the midfielder can handle the responsibility.
The Italian said: "I haven't offered him my congratulations yet. I've only said to him 'good luck' because this is just the start for him. I know he'll need results to be deemed a success at Manchester United.
"But I fully expect to congratulate him three years from now because he clearly has the mental strength and the technical ability to make it there."
Kagawa himself is yet to comment on the proposed transfer, but Zaccheroni says it augurs well for Japanese football.
"I know he doesn't want to talk about it, but I also think it's an issue you can't ignore either," he said. "I think his transfer is great not only for himself but for all football in this country.
"I've been in Japan for almost two years now and in that short period of time, two players have signed with the biggest clubs in the world – [Yuto] Nagatomo went to Inter and now Kagawa to United. It's proof the Japanese are developing players the right way."

Ryan moves into retirement

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Jim Ryan's United carerer:
1965/66: 4 apps, 1 gl
1966/67: 5 (1) apps, 0 gls
1967/68: 8 (1) apps, 2 gls
1968/69: 7 apps, 0 gls
1969/70: 0 (1) apps, 0 gls


United's director of youth football Jim Ryan is retiring after giving great service to the Reds.
The 67-year-old is leaving the club he first signed for back in 1963 after returning to Old Trafford in 1991, following spells with Luton Town and Dallas Tornado.
Ryan also managed Luton and is highly regarded for his coaching skills - even taking charge of the Reds for the home match in the 1998/1999 season against Middlesbrough when Sir Alex Ferguson attended a funeral. The popular Scot worked closely with fellow countryman Brian McClair in helping to develop the young talent at Carrington.
"I think I have a lot of mixed feelings about it," he told ManUtd.com about moving into retirement. "Generally speaking, a football life is a good life so I'm giving up a lot of enjoyable things.
"I guess it's a wrench but everybody has to retire at some time. I'd like to think I'll still come to Carrington to watch the boys. Of course, you also become friends with the coaches and you don't just stop that friendship."
In his playing days, he was a wide forward and provided useful cover for United during the Sixties. Everybody at United would like to wish Jim a happy retirement.

Happy Kagawa keeps counsel

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A beaming Shinji Kagawa greeted reporters in Japan on Tuesday but wouldn’t be drawn on his move to United.
The Reds have agreed a deal to sign the 23-year-old midfielder from Borussia Dortmund, subject to him passing a medical and obtaining a UK work permit.
Until then, Kagawa is focused on his international duties and Japan’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, against Jordan on Friday and Australia on 12 June.
"I am yet to sign the contract," he told Soccer King. "For now, I need to focus on the final qualifiers so we can get good results against Jordan and Australia."
Arsenal’s Ryo Miyaichi, who was on loan at Bolton last season, is excited by his friend and Japan team-mate’s imminent move to Old Trafford.
"It would be great if us Japanese players could bring excitement to the Premier League together. I want to follow his lead. By learning what he is good at, such as playing in small spaces, I would like to become a better player."
Japan captain Hasebe Makoto added: "When I was a child, Japanese players only moved to big clubs in cartoons. It would be nice if more Japanese kids wanted to be like Shinji."

Kagawa can be a Reds star

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We spoke to Japanese football journalist Koki Harada, of Tokyo Chunichi Sports, about United's newest recruit...
Was United’s interest in Shinji one of football’s worst-kept secrets?I guess it was. The speculation has been all over the English and Japanese media for weeks and many fans have been waiting for the transfer to happen. Now it’s been confirmed and everyone in Japan will be really excited. There have been Japanese players in the Premier League in the past – Junichi Inamoto at Fulham, Hidetoshi Nakata at Bolton and, last season, Ryo Miyaichi at Bolton. But United is a bigger club than those and Kagawa has the potential to be a big star.
What sort of player is Kagawa and is he like any of the current United squad?United have no similar players. He’s a bit like Samir Nasri or Luka Modric and creates lots of chances, but scores more goals than either of them. His best position is just behind the striker, where he played at Dortmund, but he can also play on the left, though he’s not the quickest of players. I can see Sir Alex tinkering with his formation to play him in a 4-3-2-1. It’s brilliant that he’ll get the chance to work with a wonderful midfielder like Paul Scholes.
What kind of success did he have at Dortmund? He adapted very quickly after moving to Germany from the J-League in 2010 and has been instrumental in helping them to back-to-back Bundesliga titles, particularly in last season’s Double triumph. He’s shown a very high level of performance, scoring and creating plenty of goals. Dortmund were reluctant to let him go but for Shinji, it’s hard to turn down United.
And what about his impact at national level?He’s undoubtedly one of the stars of the current Japaneam, though you’re more likely to see him on the wing as Keisuke Honda usually occupies that role behind the striker at international level. With Kagawa in the side, Japan have an excellent chance of qualifying for the World Cup finals again. Nakata was once our country’s biggest star, then Honda, but now it’s Kagawa.
Can you see him having a long and career at United?Certainly. He doesn’t speak English very well yet and may struggle to understand Sir Alex at first, but if his time in Germany is anything to go by, he’ll adapt to the culture in England very quickly. His time with Dortmund will benefit him and I also think Ji-sung Park will be a big help. Park can be his role model, as an Asian player who moved to United and enjoyed success. The good thing about Kagawa is his attitude: he always wants to learn and that’s why I think he’ll do well at United.
Who will Shinji have spoken to about moving to the Premier League?He’s been on international duty recently and we know that he spoke to Miyaichi about what it’s like to play in England. Japan faced Oman in a World Cup qualifier last week and he also had a chat with their goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, who plays for Wigan.
What will the news mean to United fans in Japan?It’s huge. We know United have an enormous following in Japan. I think they’re the most popular European club for the older generation, while they’re perhaps second behind Barcelona for younger fans – though that might change now! You can expect to see plenty of United shirts with ‘Kagawa’ on the back in Tokyo! 

Hernandez scores again

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Javier Hernandez keeps scoring for Mexico, finding the net again in an impressive 2-0 friendly success against Brazil.
The match in Arlington, Texas, was played in front of 84,519 fans and the Mexicans did not disappoint with a polished performance.
Giovani dos Santos opened the scoring with a cross-cum-shot before Chicharito kept his cool from the penalty spot on 32 minutes after the Spurs forward was fouled by Juan.
The clinical marksman now has 25 goals in 36 games at international level and goes into the CONCACAF qualifier with Guyana on Friday in good form.
Hernandez was substituted in the 77th minute while Rafael did not get any game-time for Brazil.

Reds agree Chevrolet deal

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Chevrolet has agreed a five-year partnership to become Manchester United’s official automotive partner.
The U.S.-based car manufacturer has pledged that fans will be at the heart of the sponsorship, with a constant focus on bringing the club's supporters and football fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.
Details of the global partnership were due to be announced at a celebration event at the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum at 20:00 local time (13:00 BST) on Thursday.
United’s chief executive David Gill said: "Although part of two very different industries, Chevrolet and Manchester United share many of the same values.
"Like the club, it is steeped in history, having recently celebrated its centenary, and it has also grown to be a global brand, selling cars in more than 140 countries.
"Above all, it, too, strives to be the best in its field and I am delighted to welcome Chevrolet as our official automotive partner."
Richard Arnold, United’s commercial director, said: "With 659 million United fans and followers around the world, the commitment that Chevrolet is making to football and its plans to bring these fans closer to our club is very exciting for us.
"This is also the first time we have teamed up with a U.S. automotive partner and with the growing popularity of the club and English football in America, we are hoping the relationship will allow us to further expand our fan base in the country."
General Motors’ global chief marketing officer Joel Ewanick added: "Manchester United has some of the most passionate supporters of any sporting club in the world.
"The Chevrolet family is proud to partner with Manchester United and is fully committed to putting these fans at the centre of everything we do."
United’s head of marketing Jonathan Rigby said: "The plans and ideas we have for the partnership are truly refreshing and the benefits will be seen at the grass-roots level among our substantial fanbase as well as football fans generally.
"Chevrolet and Manchester United are two well-known, powerful brands with a worldwide audience and we are looking forward to working with Chevrolet to put together some unique global fan initiatives for the forthcoming season."

Keane: Hard graft got me here

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" I've worked so hard to get into this position. I've been in the gym a lot, getting stronger because that's one aspect of my game I needed to improve."
- Michael Keane












Michael Keane admits he is living the dream at Manchester United after rising through the ranks at the club he supported as a youngster.
The 19 year-old defender - non-identical twin brother of Reds striker Will - had a personally momentous campaign, making his first-team debut in the Carling Cup at Aldershot and helping United Reserves remain the top team in the country at that level. After being voted the club's Reserve Player of the Year, the season ended with more silverware after Manchester City were beaten in the Manchester Senior Cup final.
"I've been a United supporter since I can remember, with my dad having a season ticket for years," says Michael, in the new, July issue of Inside United, on sale next week.
"I remember when we were first scouted and I was so excited to come here. Ever since, I've worked so hard to get into this position. I've been in the gym a lot, getting stronger because that's one aspect of my game I needed to improve."
Keane admits that he could benefit from going out on loan next term but it all depends on what Sir Alex Ferguson has in store for him.
"You never know, it could be something I'd look to do," he added. "If the manager wants me to do it, I would be happy for it to happen, but I've just got to keep improving. Hopefully, it'll stand us in good stead and Will and I will have long careers at United."
The Keane twins have played together for England Under-19s in the past week, following Michael's first call-up after previously representing Republic of Ireland. The series of three matches was a
bitter-sweet experience for the brothers however - while Michael's sterling work helped club colleague Sam Johnstone limit the concessions to just one goal and Will scored twice in the opening game, the latter then suffered a long-term injury in the third fixture.
"The one bad thing for me was Keano [Will Keane] going off with his injury,” said coach Noel Blake, after his side qualified for the European Under-19 Championship finals.
"Whenever any of our lads go down, I feel hurt for them. It’s very much a family unit in the England squads and when one of us is hurting, we’re all hurting as well."

Internationals: Welbeck winner

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Danny Welbeck scored his first senior England goal as Roy Hodgson's side warmed up for Euro 2012 with a 1-0 victory against Belgium at Wembley.
The United striker, still only 21, pressed home his claims for a starting spot against France a week on Monday with a superbly-taken winner in the first half. After helping to hound Moussa Dembele out of possession, he raced onto a perfectly-timed through ball by Old Trafford colleague Ashley Young.
As Simon Mignolet advanced, Welbeck expertly lifted the calmest of left-footed finishes over his former Sunderland team-mate to the delight of the home crowd.
Young teed up Steven Gerrard for an opportunity that the Liverpool midfielder was unable to convert before Welbeck made way for Wayne Rooney eight minutes into the second half. Young was replaced by Jermain Defoe 13 minutes later and both sides hit the woodwork - Gillaume Gillet for Belgium and Defoe for the hosts.
Rooney produced a restrained but confident cameo performance, emphasising his authority with a relaxed header back to Joe Hart from the edge of the box. The striker, banned for the first two games of the tournament, took over the captain's armband for the final seven minutes when Gerrard was withdrawn.
Another United star, Nani, was also on the scoresheet for Portugal in their friendly with Turkey. The winger smashed a superb cross-shot past Volkan Demirel to reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the second half but the hosts' disappointing build-up to the finals continued with a 3-1 defeat.
Former Old Trafford idol Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty was saved by Demirel and things got worse as Turkey grabbed a third goal late on when Pepe put through his own net after Ricardo Costa's clearance cannoned off the Real Madrid man. To add insult to injury, Nani picked up a bad knock in the closing stages.
Elsewhere, Stephan Andersen was preferred to Anders Lindegaard in Denmark's 2-0 win over Australia.