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I'll stay strong
Rio Ferdinand has had plenty on his mind recently. Tomorrow, he is having to mark one of the greatest strikers the English game has ever produced and it comes as a welcome relief. After the traumas of the last month, a game is where he is at his most relaxed. Ferdinand said: "I know how important it is that I concentrate on my football despite everything that?s been going on. This is a different time to what I?ve been used to in my career but you just have to deal with it. If I had let things get to me and hadn?t been doing the business on the pitch I?m sure the manager would have dropped me. I wouldn?t have expected anything else. When you are at a club like United there is no room for passengers."
Shaun Custis, The Sun

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Fergie to sign ?18m deal to keep him at Old Trafford until 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson will this week sign a two-year mega-bucks contract extension to keep him in charge of Manchester United until the summer of 2007. And in a dramatic declaration of his desire to continue his Old Trafford dynasty, Ferguson left the door open to follow Sir Bobby Robson's example and manage way beyond his 65th birthday. The United chief last night admitted he's hungrier than ever for success - and he wants to oversee the transformation of the next crop of youngsters into world-beaters. Fergie's current deal runs out in June 2005 but he'll stay on for at least another two seasons after agreeing in principle a revised contract that could be worth ?18million over the next four years. He will put pen to paper on a deal worth a staggering ?4.5million a season, including bonuses for Champions League qualification and Premiership performance. Fergie revealed last night: "I have had some good discussions with the board and my advisors and we are not far from agreement. I think it could be done some time in the next week."
Steve Bates, The People

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RONALDO: THINGS ARE GOING WELL
Wednesday 12th November 2003


 

 Ronaldo: Happy in Manchester
 


More Manchester United stories:

Neville still learning in midfield
Opta: Three-horse race
 



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Cristiano Ronaldo, in Portugal preparing for the Under-21 clash against France, has reiterated his happiness at having signed for Manchester United.

The precocious attacker has spoken about his last few months in England, which have seen him become a firm favourite at Old Trafford after he recently opened his goalscoring account for the club with a free kick against Portsmouth.

"Manchester United is everything I expected and I'm extremely happy because I recently scored by first goal for the club," he told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

"Things are going well for me, even though the adaptation process has been very difficult.

"With the help of the people I have around me, my integration has been easy.

"The weather and the food have been my biggest enemies."  

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Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is being cagey about any comeback date as he recovers from a knee operation.
The Norwegian international was playing through the pain barrier before going under the knife, and United have missed his cutting edge on occasions this term, despite the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson seems to be converting the former Molde marksman into a right-sided midfielder.

"It is five weeks since the operation," he told MUTV. "So it has been about patience, working in the gym and working hard.

"It had to happen because I was playing on with it and it wasn't doing me any good.

"I have been lucky with injuries in the past so it is a learning experience.

"I will just start with walking I suppose. And then it will be a case of taking it one day at a time."

Meanwhile, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to The Football Association's request for an explanation of his comments regarding Arsenal's hearing with the authorities and the suspicion that a deal was done between the two parties.

United themselves have also replied, and The FA are deliberating over the matter

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Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that United are set to make a new signing.
Sir Alex, in New York to promote United's 2004 US tour, told the American media: "We're signing a Chinese boy, hopefully in the next few weeks."

According to newspaper reports the player in question is 18-year-old Dong Fangzhou of Chinese side Dalian Shide, who will be available for around ?1million.

The teenager spent a fortnight on trial at United in September, and Dalian manager Lin Lefeng claims: "What United have offered is not meant to be disclosed, but I can assure you that it is more than a million we are talking about here."

Report by Steve Bartram.

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Phil Neville has insisted that England desperately need Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand back if they are to be a success in Portugal for the European Championships next summer.
Neville has been in fine form for his club at the heart of midfield and looks likely to start for his nation in the international friendly against Denmark.

The versatile star insisted that Ferdinand had performed superbly on the pitch despite the publicity over missing a drugs test that has forced him out of the national setup recently.

"His performances for Manchester United have been outstanding," said Neville. "He has even raised his game in the past couple of months.

"I'm sure when he's available he'll come back to the England squad.

"The sooner we have him back the better.

"The sooner we can put this behind us - Rio can start concentrating on his international career again, because he is one of the best defenders in Europe.

"We need to go into the summer's tournament with our best players - and Rio is one of our best players

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed a Chinese signing is on the horizon at Old Trafford, suggesting Dong Fangzhuo is indeed on his way to the club.
The Dalian Shide striker, as earlier reported last month, impressed during a trial spell with the Premiership champions and is on the brink of a move that could be worth in excess of ?1 million.

"We're signing a Chinese boy, hopefully in the next few weeks," revealed Ferguson during his trip to the United States to promote next summer's tour across the Atalantic.

"But we have to be careful how much we grow.

"Can we cope with another couple of million wanting to support us?"

Fangzhuo could initially join United on loan, but the 18-year-old is tipped for a bright future in the game and would bring huge commercial benefits with him should he join Ferguson's men

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Fergie: On the lookout for new signings?
 



The old adage that Christmas comes earlier each year could be borrowed, adjusted and applied to the transfer speculation in the UK's tabloid newspapers.

There are still seven weeks to go until the transfer window reopens on New Year's Day but the tabloids have already begun to crank up the rumour mill. They seem convinced that new faces will arrive at Old Trafford in January, but history suggests otherwise.

Diego Forlan came to United in January 2001 for ?7.5m. Andy Cole also signed in January, in 1995, whilst Eric Cantona came to Old Trafford in November 1992. Otherwise, mid-season signings have been somewhat sparse in Sir Alex Ferguson's 17-year reign.

However, it is perhaps telling that, when Ferguson has brought in players during the midst of a campaign, he has signed attacking players with a view to scoring the extra goals needed in the title run-in and / or the Champions League knockout stages.

Whether based on fact or the need to boost newspaper sales, the lead rumours in the papers recently have been about that all-important "business end" of the United team. West Ham?s Jermain Defoe and Fulham?s Louis Saha apparently top Fergie's list of transfer targets. Both are reasonably cheap by today's standards - Defoe has been touted at ?12m and Saha at ?5m by the tabloids - and both could play in the Champions League.

Moves for City?s Anelka and AC Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko have also been mooted, although neither seems likely ? Anelka swapping blue for red is nigh-on unthinkable. Equally implausible would be a decision to go for Shevchenko, who would be ineligible in Europe and in a price bracket unlikely to appear attractive to the United boss.

Many United fans are concerned about the threat of injury or suspension to Ruud van Nistelrooy. Such a catastrophe would severly dent United's goalscoring capability. But Ferguson may be faced with a different problem this January.

With the possibility of an FA ban hanging over Rio Ferdinand?s head and Wes Brown still on the sidelines (though a comeback is pencilled in for West Brom next month) the United boss may be forced to look at bolstering his defence. Speculation that he would move for Real Madrid?s Salgado again posed the problem of availability in Europe. That possibility was shot down by Salgado agreeing a new contract with the former European champions.

Ferguson has since been been linked with Anderlecht?s talented 17-year-old defender Vincent Kompany. Sir Alex recently went to Celtic Park to see Martin O?Neill?s Celtic beat the Belgian outfit and, reportedly, to run the rule over Kompany.

The United manager may decide that with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Wes Brown set to return in December, and Scholes hopefully fully recovered from a groin injury before November is out, he may have enough strength-in-depth in defence and attack to cope without new acquisitions. But then Sir Alex did admit earlier in the season that another forward might prove useful and of course, the famous number nine shirt remains vacant...

Here, ManUtd.com assesses the four main transfer targets United have been linked with in the UK's tabloid newspapers:

Jermain Defoe, 21, has been linked with United before. The West Ham striker put in a transfer request immediately after the London club were relegated from the Premiership last season. Defoe is a nippy striker with an astute eye for goal. He would provide the perfect foil for Ruud, or could even operate alongside Solskjaer, Forlan, Scholes or Giggs. Has no European experience but by the same token, this means he's one of the few talented forwards who isn't ineligible for the Champions League. Has 11 goals for West Ham this term. Perhaps lacks strength so he wouldn't be the best option for leading the line if Ruud was rested.

Louis Saha, 25, is a similar player to Defoe. His electric pace and calm finishing make him Fulham's top scorer so far this season with six Premiership goals to his name. Has played the lone striker role for Fulham so could fill in for Ruud if United rested the Dutchman. Eligible for Champions League football. Has more strength than Defoe and is still young enough to develop.

Vincent Kompany, 17, is a highly-rated central defender. Has Champions League experience this season so would be ineligible if signed by United. Ferguson watched Celtic beat Anderlecht 3-1 recently, reportedly watching to see how the youngster coped with British-style forwards Chris Sutton and John Hartson. Young and inexperienced, perhaps one for the future.

Daniel van Buyten, 25, has been linked, on and of,  with a move to Old Trafford for the past year. The Marseille central defender stands at 6ft 5in, but has played in the French club's Champions League campaign this season so again, he would be ineligible. It is unlikely he would leave with Marseille still going well in their group, and Ferguson would balk at an ?8million price-tag for a player he could not select in Europe. Any move for the Belgian international would seem more plausible during the summer.

Report by Ben Hibbs.

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed a Chinese signing is on the horizon at Old Trafford, suggesting Dong Fangzhuo is indeed on his way to the club.
The Dalian Shide striker, as earlier reported last month, impressed during a trial spell with the Premiership champions and is on the brink of a move that could be worth in excess of ?1 million.

"We're signing a Chinese boy, hopefully in the next few weeks," revealed Ferguson during his trip to the United States to promote next summer's tour across the Atalantic.

"But we have to be careful how much we grow.

"Can we cope with another couple of million wanting to support us?"

Fangzhuo could initially join United on loan, but the 18-year-old is tipped for a bright future in the game and would bring huge commercial benefits with him should he join Ferguson's men.

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has warned the Premiership champions will not be splashing the cash during January's transfer window.
Gill, who has replaced Peter Kenyon at the club, was expected to back Sir Alex Ferguson's search for a top quality striker to help inject added firepower to the team in 2004.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's injury has further highlighted United's reliance on Ruud van Nistelrooy, although Diego Forlan's burst of goalscoring form has helped keep The Red Devils in contention for honours both domestically and in Europe.

Beyond that trio, Ferguson can only call upon the likes of French rookie David Bellion and Eddie Johnson, with reserve hit-man Daniel Nardiello currently out on loan with Swansea City.

"I don't think we will be going into the transfer market in a big way in January," explained Gill.

"We have had some discussions about it and it is all still being reviewed by Sir Alex Ferguson, his staff and myself.

"I think whatever we do in January will be consistent with previous years.

"The manager doesn't normally do major transfer work in mid-season, even before we had the window," he told The Manchester Evening News.

"It is premature to reach any conclusions as to what we will be doing."

United are known admirers of West Ham hot-shot Jermain Defoe, who would be eligible to play in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League, but the East Londoners' reluctance to do business at anything less than a steep asking price and his collection of two red cards in Division One may further hinder any prospects of a switch to Old Trafford

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has warned the Premiership champions will not be splashing the cash during January's transfer window.
Gill, who has replaced Peter Kenyon at the club, was expected to back Sir Alex Ferguson's search for a top quality striker to help inject added firepower to the team in 2004.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's injury has further highlighted United's reliance on Ruud van Nistelrooy, although Diego Forlan's burst of goalscoring form has helped keep The Red Devils in contention for honours both domestically and in Europe.

Beyond that trio, Ferguson can only call upon the likes of French rookie David Bellion and Eddie Johnson, with reserve hit-man Daniel Nardiello currently out on loan with Swansea City.

"I don't think we will be going into the transfer market in a big way in January," explained Gill.

"We have had some discussions about it and it is all still being reviewed by Sir Alex Ferguson, his staff and myself.

"I think whatever we do in January will be consistent with previous years.

"The manager doesn't normally do major transfer work in mid-season, even before we had the window," he told The Manchester Evening News.

"It is premature to reach any conclusions as to what we will be doing."

United are known admirers of West Ham hot-shot Jermain Defoe, who would be eligible to play in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League, but the East Londoners' reluctance to do business at anything less than a steep asking price and his collection of two red cards in Division One may further hinder any prospects of a switch to Old Trafford

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed for the first time that the club were interested in signing Damien Duff before he left Blackburn Rovers for Chelsea.
There was plenty of speculation regarding the Republic of Ireland winger and a move to Old Trafford, which gathered pace as the player had seemed particularly interested in a switch to Manchester.

However, Gill has confirmed that United were priced out of a move for Duff by Chelsea's bid to sign the 24-year-old.

"That's exactly right," Gill told Sky Sports News. "The club didn't blow it (the Ronaldinho and Duff deals).

"It takes three people, the buying party, the selling party and the player.

"Ronaldinho, yes, we had numerous discussions with him and PSG but felt, in the end, whilst we made great offers to both parties, he was happy to go to Barcelona where he had friends and colleagues.

"There's similarities with Duff. There was interest but we felt the price paid by Chelsea and the player's terms wasn't the right deal for Manchester United.

"Clearly it was right for Chelsea, but not for Manchester United."

Gill confirmed that talks are ongoing with manager Sir Alex Ferguson over prolonging his illustrious managerial stint with The Red Devils.

"We are in discussions over an extension," he added. "Both parties want to do it and we'll see where it takes us.

"The important thing is he's one of the best, if not the best, managers in European football. We're delighted to have him and he is really enthusiastic and really driving on."

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed for the first time that the club were interested in signing Damien Duff before he left Blackburn Rovers for Chelsea.
There was plenty of speculation regarding the Republic of Ireland winger and a move to Old Trafford, which gathered pace as the player had seemed particularly interested in a switch to Manchester.

However, Gill has confirmed that United were priced out of a move for Duff by Chelsea's bid to sign the 24-year-old.

"That's exactly right," Gill told Sky Sports News. "The club didn't blow it (the Ronaldinho and Duff deals).

"It takes three people, the buying party, the selling party and the player.

"Ronaldinho, yes, we had numerous discussions with him and PSG but felt, in the end, whilst we made great offers to both parties, he was happy to go to Barcelona where he had friends and colleagues.

"There's similarities with Duff. There was interest but we felt the price paid by Chelsea and the player's terms wasn't the right deal for Manchester United.

"Clearly it was right for Chelsea, but not for Manchester United."

Gill confirmed that talks are ongoing with manager Sir Alex Ferguson over prolonging his illustrious managerial stint with The Red Devils.

"We are in discussions over an extension," he added. "Both parties want to do it and we'll see where it takes us.

"The important thing is he's one of the best, if not the best, managers in European football. We're delighted to have him and he is really enthusiastic and really driving on."

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Sao Paulo president Marcelo Portugal Gouvea has stated that no deal has been struck with Manchester United for their striker Luis Fabiano.
The Brazilian outfit are currently in England on a mini-tour and they play Bolton at The Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Sao Paulo are not playing their co-operation partners United, but they have been training at Carrington all week.

Speculation is rife in Brazil that United could tie up a deal for Fabiano, beating the likes of Milan to his signature.

However, it remains unknown as to whether Sir Alex Ferguson actually wants to add the Brazilian striker to his ranks.

Sao Paulo are keen to sell their prized asset to United to help cement their relationship and would be willing to strike a very favourable deal with the English champions.

They have already agreed a deal for young defender Carlos Eduardo de Castro Lourenco - who will be sent to one of United's other partners Sporting Lisbon on loan - and he could feature against Bolton.

Portugal Gouvea has now moved to deny that a deal is already in place for Fabiano, as reported in South America.

"When I return to Brazil I will talk and will be able to say something about Fabiano and he will be sold or if we have received an offer," he told TV Globo.

"At the moment the only thing that I can say is that Sao Paulo is not going to accept to negotiate Luis Fabiano for less than $13 million."

Sao Paulo coach Roberto Rojas added: "This exchange between both clubs is very important most of all for the youngest players.

"This trip will also be very important for getting a bigger unity in the group of players I command."

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Manchester United star Ryan Giggs has confirmed that he wants to finish his playing career at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old has been a Red Devil all of his career and is the club's most successful player having won 21 medals with them.

Giggs has now stated that he wants to finish playing at the top with United, and that may mean quitting in four years.

"At my stage of life, I think that the next couple of years will be the best of my career. If I have another three or four years left in me, I would like to retire at the top with Manchester United," Giggs said.

"I'm looking forward to adding to the medals I have already won with the club. And as far as I'm concerned, I still have a lot to achieve in football and that includes representing Wales in a major championship.''

"After another four years, I would have thought it would be difficult for me to reproduce the form that I am capable of. It is only then I would start thinking about my future off the field.

"I certainly do not want to get to 40 and start thinking I quit too early. By the same token, you do not want to be struggling round the pitch at 37