KanoOnline.com Forum

Roy Keane has urged Sir Alex Ferguson to bring out the chequebook in the New Year to pep up Manchester United's quest for honours with added firepower.
The Red Devils captain is fearful the defending champions will struggle to retain their Premiership crown if fresh blood is not injected into the strike force.

Dutch hit-man Ruud van Nistelrooy has been leading the line largely on his own this season, with Diego Forlan only recently securing a spot in the side.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Paul Scholes injured, United have looked desperately short of alternative options in attack and Keane is concerned about the impact that will have on the club's challenge for silverware.

United boss Ferguson has not completely discounted bringing in a new recruit during January's transfer window but concedes his options are limited.

Keane is confident Ferguson will make the right decision but believes an extra striker is required after the team drew a blank against title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

"The biggest disappointment is we didn't score at Chelsea and I feel maybe the manager needs to buy a striker in the New Year," commented Keane.

"We're a bit short up front at the moment and if one or two are injured we could struggle.

"I am sure the manager is already taking care of that, particularly as we are looking to win The Premiership, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

"We know it's going to be tighter than ever this season and who is to say Chelsea won't go out and spend even more money in January?"

By Jostein Jensen
Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted he misses playing alongside Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
Solksjaer has been a long term absentee from United's side after picking up a knee injury - and his presence in the dressing room has been missed.

"I miss him a lot," van Nistelrooy told Norwegian television.

"As a footballer and as a person we all feel his absence from the squad.

"I couldn't say exactly what it is that we miss the most, but Ole has a special calm around him.

"We seemed to click right away."

Solksjaer is recuperating from knee surgery, and is not likely to rush back into action.

Sven Goran Eriksson admits Rio Ferdinand should have been banned while the Manchester United defender waits to learn his fate for failing to attend a drugs test.
Ferdinand will finally have his hearing on December 18, almost three months after the incident, to answer Football Association charges for missing the test.

During the intervening period, the centre half has not been prevented from playing for the Premiership champions although he is not being considered for international duty.

But The FA's decision to permit Ferdinand to turn out for The Red Devils has drawn criticism from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who feels the former Leeds stopper should be suspended while he awaits his hearing.

England coach Eriksson, who has previously revealed his desire to have Ferdinand available for Euro 2004, accepts Blatter's argument.

Eriksson concedes Blatter is correct but the Swede also stated that changes must be made in The FA's disciplinary procedures to prevent such an instance happening again.

"Sepp Blatter is right in one respect, you miss a drug test and you are banned," Eriksson is quoted in two Sunday newspapers.

"The Rio Ferdinand situation has been going on for 10 weeks, it is far too long.

"It is the system that is wrong but I think it will be changed now. It is no good for the game, it is no good for the player."

The Swede also believes The FA should take a leaf out of their Italian counterpart's book in dealing swiftly with disciplinary matters.

Eriksson noted the example of Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who waited eight months to be punished following an incident during his time at West Ham.

He added: "Look at Joe Cole. He's just been banned for something that happened last April. He was a West Ham player but now Chelsea are being punished.

"In Italy punishments are dealt with swiftly. If a player gets a red card he is sentenced on the Tuesday. If he requests a personal hearing it's dealt with in Milan on the Thursday."

Manchester United routed Aston Villa with two goals apiece for Ruud van Nistelrooy and, his replacement in the second half, Diego Forlan.

The Red Devils started brightly, despite having lost their previous two matches, and looked to have regained some of their old swagger with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo in mesmerising form at times.

Roy Keane had already seen a shot cleared off the line by Lee Hendrie when van Nistelrooy opened the scoring with a simple tap-in after exchanging passes with Kleberson on 16 minutes.

Keane had to defend well at the other end after Hendrie had skipped past the otherwise impressive Rio Ferdinand and former United man Dion Dublin hooked over from a corner.

Dublin was again involved when his dangerous effort was blocked by Ferdinand after Gary Neville pleaded in vain for a foul from his former team-mate, but United carried the greater sting in the tail.

Van Nistelrooy emphasised this point on the stroke of half time when Ronaldo's deep corner picked out Giggs. The Welshman deceived Dublin before crossing with his unfavoured right foot, allowing van Nistelrooy to display immaculate control with the tip of his boot before despatching a clinical finish past Thomas Sorensen.

Villa improved after the interval as United took their foot off the accelerator. Phil Neville and Giggs were substituted, as was van Nistelrooy later in the match, with Paul Scholes making his return from injury.

Hendrie had one good attempt palmed away by Tim Howard and substitutes Thomas Hitzlsperger and Marcus Allback spurned opportunities but United continued to press themselves with Kleberson and Ronaldo also wasteful in front of goal.

However, Forlan arrived on the scene to steal the show in the closing stages. The Uruguayan latched onto Howard's punt forwards to turn and run at the Villa defence before spearing a left-footed drive past Sorensen's despairing dive.

There was still time for Forlan to match van Nistelrooy's efforts as he pounced on a cheeky back-heel by Kleberson, steadied himself as Mark Delaney slipped, and calmly drilled number four into the net.

Sir Alex Ferguson felt his Manchester United side took their foot off the pedal in the second half despite recording an emphatic 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
The Old Trafford crowd witnessed a return to form for some of United's individuals with Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kleberson all impressing.

Yet the cutting edge was supplied, as ever, by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who delivered two clinical first half finishes and Diego Forlan, roundly criticised for a poor display against Chelsea, who replaced the Dutchman and grabbed two late goals of his own.

"The second half was disappointing," complained Ferguson afterwards. "We went into third gear.

"I'm not so sure about the second half performance.

"We took it too easy. It was very comfortable but give Villa credit. They worked hard and put us under pressure at times. I was looking for something better in the second half but didn't get it.

"Diego and Ruud looked terrific finishers. Ruud had done his job and we've got Tuesday night (against Stuttgart) and then the derby next Saturday.

"It's a great day as (Paul) Scholes is back too and he will play on Tuesday.

"Maybe people expected Arsenal and Chelsea to win today but it's a tough league and I'm happy we've been to those places (Leicester and Leeds)."

Ferguson again rejected the questions being raised about his health following the minor heart scare in midweek.

"It's a non-issue," he protested. "A simple thing happened and it's back to normal.

"The media make a sensation out of it. That happens. It's one of those unfortunate things but at least someone saw me down at the hospital and made a few bob out of it."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he has agreed terms over his new contract at Old Trafford and he could sign it as early as Sunday.
The new deal will keep the Scot at United until 2007, scoffing at claims the club might withdraw its offer following reports of his health scare.

Ferguson revealed the contract has been checked by his legal representatives and he was ready to put pen to paper.

"It was with my lawyer. He came down to the game on Saturday so we could go through it afterwards.

"We have agreed the details and I think it is basically straightforward. It wasn't going to be signed last night but we are ready."

Doubts were cast when he had hospital treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat on Thursday, but the Scot admits he had planned the visit for over two months.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed he is hoping to bring in a new striker when the transfer window reopens next month. Ferguson is keen to bolster his attack for the second half of the season to help take some of the burden off Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"We don't usually buy in January because the problem is usually getting someone who hasn't played in Europe but that is something we are looking at right now," said Ferguson.

"We have always been best when we have four strikers because you can freshen things up all the time.

"And I still think we need one more."

Both Liverpool and Manchester United are chasing PSV Eindhoven star Mateja Kezman according to officials from the Dutch side.
The Serbo-Montenegrin international is one of the most sought-after stars around in Europe and United and Liverpool have been linked with moves for him before.

PSV's technical director Frank Arnesen has now named Gerard Houllier and Sir Alex Ferguson as firm admirers of Kezman, and says that both the Reds and Red Devils are among the clubs clamouring for his signature.

The 24-year-old bagged four goals for PSV on Saturday to enhance his reputation and Arnesen says that they would reluctantly not stand in his way of a move if the money is right.

"Not only Manchester United and Liverpool, also four to five other clubs are interested," Arnesen told Canal Plus.

"If the money is good enough and if Kezman is happy with the club interested, it is very possible that he could leave (in January).

"We do not want to stand in his way, he has done so much for PSV over the past four years, and he has said in the past a few times that he would like to climb up the ladder a bit."

Kezman's agent Chiel Dekker was said to have had meetings with Barcelona and the player himself has said that he is ready to make the step to one of Europe's major leagues.

"I know that I am ready for the step. You have seen what has happened to Ruud van Nistelrooy," said Kezman.

"At a certain point you need to do that as a player."

I think that this game was probably the best way to give Man Utd a wakeup call, after narrowly losing to Chelsea last weekend. 4-0… now that really is typical Man Utd. It might sound like a thrashing, as Aston Villa tried to get back in the game after a phenomenal first half by Man Utd but a slack second half. Ruud is, as always, holding up the ball and getting in the right spot and scoring goals. How do you stop him from scoring? Forget it. Forlan's been really impressive - just think, he only began to break his goalscoring drought in the same fixture last season. Another player who I think deserves credit is Kleberson. He had a poor start to the season, he was troubled with his shoulder injury and he had his critics. But now, he's feeling more comfortable playing behind Ruud. Great game lads, and I actually guessed the score right!"

Nice Job Saraki....I just want to know, I heard rumours about ManU and Aimar, for January mid season transfers...Just how true is dat?

Ibro inever heard  something like that but keep on iwill let you know as soon as they release the news.

Sir Alex Ferguson admits anything can happen in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, and has stressed Internazionale could be just as difficult opponents as Juventus if they manage to scramble out of Group B.
Manchester United qualified as group winners after a 2-0 defeat of Stuttgart, surely the best course of action judging by the four teams who progressed as runners-up after Tuesday's action, but Ferguson feels there will be no easy games in the next round.

"The last 16 are close to being known and one thing is for sure - we will have the Champions League of dreams, with all the best teams in European football," Ferguson told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Who says that avoiding Juve to play Inter is better? You've seen how good Inter played in Turin after letting in five goals against Arsenal.

"In the last few years, Manchester United, in addition to Real Madrid and Juventus, have had an attitude in Europe probably more consistent than other clubs and there will probably be teams who hope not to meet us.

"But each draw is now difficult, and everyone can beat everyone."

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he plans to rest teenage winger Cristiano Ronaldo over the busy festive period in order to keep him fresh for the remainder of the campaign.
The Red Devils have seven matches in December followed by another four in January, but it is unlikely the former Sporting ace will be featuring regularly over that period.

Fergie plans to keep the Portuguese international out of the first team picture for up to three weeks before bringing back the fleet-footed ace.

"He's only 18 years of age, so we have to be careful how we use him and assess him," explained Ferguson to the club's official website.

"He's made great roads in understanding the English game. The secret will be when we rest him for a good long period.

"I'm talking about maybe three weeks, to allow him to come on again, particularly during winter. We have to really monitor him and be careful with him

By Vlatko Siljanovski
Crvena Zvezda president Dragan Djajic has dismissed suggestions that he has reached an agreement with Parma over Manchester United target Nemanja Vidic.
According to several Italian news agencies, the 22-year-old is poised to join the Serie A side following lengthy negotiations between the two clubs.

Vidic is regarded as one of Europe's most promising defenders and is being tracked by a host of top European sides. He is to lead Serbia & Montenegro into the Olympics as captain of the Under-21 team.

However, United are one of four clubs who have enquired about the tall centre back's availability, according to Djajic.

"There isn't the slightest possibility that any of our players might be sold before the season ends," he confirmed. "That includes Vidic.

"We will negotiate with any interested clubs in June, not before then.

"Until now, it is true that Manchester United, Parma, Olympique Marseille and Milan have made some enquiries, but nothing besides that."

Crvena Zvezda coach Slavoljub Muslin also insisted no deal had been agreed with Parma.

"It is absolutely untrue that Vidic's transfer to Parma is already arranged," said Muslin.

"We have an agreement inside the club that there will be no sales until the end of the season.

"During the summer, Vidic came very close to Parma, but it ended without a concrete deal."

United won their final Group E fixture against Stuttgart at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. This is what Sir Alex Ferguson had to say about finishing top of the group...

Ruud equals Denis Law's record
"It's a phenomenal record and he is a phenomenal player. Ruud is getting better and he's maturing. He works seriously at his football and you are seeing a more complete and rounded player than last year."

Important win
"It was important from one aspect to keep our home record going. Our home record has been outstanding. It may also get us an easier type draw, but you can't get a much easier draw as the second-placed teams are very formidable

Strong performance
"We kept good possession of the ball. We were economic with it. I'm very pleased."

European-style display
"They were marvellous goals. It was a real European performance - a professional and disciplined performance. Stuttgart are a good team and that says a lot for Manchester United to score two goals against them. Given their record this season we are very pleased about that."

Scholes' return
"You saw it tonight. His imagination and the composure on the ball. You need that player. It doesn't matter what kind of a team you, when a player like that comes back into the side and produces that sort of performance, you really know what you have missed."

Report by Ben Hibbs.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be angry with Real Madrid's alleged interest in star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The fiery Scot has told Real that there is not going to be a repeat of the situation with David Beckham last season, when the whispering campaign that began in the Madrid media, eventually led to fever-pitch speculation that the midfielder was on his way to El Santiago Bernabeu.

Of course, that was the case in the summer, but the speculation seemed to influence matters somewhat with the England captain left out of the second leg with Real at Old Trafford, only to enter the fray too late even for his two goals to have the desired effect of turning the tie around.

With van Nistelrooy in sizzling form in the UEFA Champions League, equalling Denis Law's European scoring record for the club, Ferguson is determined that the Dutchman will not be subjected to a similar frenzy regarding his future.

"We are progressing well with his contract," commented Ferguson, who is likely to clarify his feelings on Real's alleged interest in the former PSV Eindhoven striker in the near future.

A new deal is reportedly on offer for van Nistelrooy, which could double his wages, as United are understandably desperate to keep their attacking spearhead.

Madrid daily Marca, which has extremely good contacts with insiders at Real, claims the 27-year-old is president Florentino Perez's chief target for 2004.

The Spanish champions have promised to sign another 'Galactico' in the summer, and van Nistelrooy certainly falls into that category.