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Anderlecht striker Aruna Dindane claims to have already received an offer from Manchester United, although his primary desire is to follow close friend Kolo Toure to Arsenal.
The 22-year-old has introduced his abilities to the continent's elite during this season's UEFA Champions League and scored in both games against Celtic.

Dindane admits his fondness for Highbury, but it was Sir Alex Ferguson's United who have already made contact, according to agent Serge Trimpont.

"Anderlecht offered Aruna a rise and a longer contract but United wanted him to turn it down and sit out the last year of his present deal," explained Trimpont.

"But, after everything Anderlecht had done for Aruna, we didn't think that was fair to them."

The Ivory Coast attacker has seen his value soar after some tremendous displays this term, and his club are in a position to demand a sizeable fee for his services.

"The Champions League has taught me I need to play regularly at a higher level than Belgian football to improve my game," he told World Soccer.

"Ideally, it would be great to follow my best friend, Kolo Toure, to Arsenal, though the competition for places in attack there might be tough.

"I mean my great hero, Dennis Bergkamp, is there as well.

"But I can at least say I've had an offer from Manchester United, so I think I have a right to set my sights high."

Dindane is under contract in Brussels until 2006, but will be allowed to leave next year if a satisfactory bid is forthcoming.

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Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert claims his comments about his mis-firing partnership with Ruud van Nistelrooy were fabricated.

On Monday Kluivert was quoted as saying "At the moment it is clearly not working with Ruud and I - and that is a concern for us. I should have played up on my own from the beginning. We weren't doing things right and it's an awkward situation."

But the Barcelona forward has since claimed his comments were taken out of context. In an attempt to rectify the situation, Kluivert told the BBC: "I agree that the chemistry between me and Ruud was not very good. But I am pretty confident that I can play with him."

"At the moment it is clearly not working with Ruud. I should have played up on my own from the beginning."
Patrick Kluivert misquoted
"I agree that the chemistry between me and Ruud was not very good. But I am confident I can play with him."
kluivert's latest comment

The Dutch have a habit of being involved in petty in-squad squables before crucial international matches - Holland's sublime Totaal Voetbal of the 1970's was hampered by such behaviour.

Dissent in the ranks was soured their 1990 World Cup campaign, and a lack of team work has seen players like Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert and Ruud van Nistelrooy play in far too few international tournaments - the latter never having played in a major tournament for the Netherlands.

And with this latest string of events, Holland's last-ditch attempt at reaching Euro 2004 in Portugal have been plunged into disarray.

Ruud was given an unexpected start at Hampden Park alongside Kluivert, unexpected in that Ruud had only just been recalled following a one-game ban enforced by Dick Advocaat. But the partnership failed to spark as Holland were overturned 1-0 with a goal from James McFadden, partly engineered by United's Darren Fletcher.

Dick Advocaat is under pressure to produce a win back in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, and after his flagging forward line failed to produce at Hampden, he may be tempted to tinker with his strike-force.

Report by Ben Hibbs and Steve Bartram

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Manchester United plc chairman Sir Roy Gardner has revealed the club decided to sell David Beckham in the summer because his performances were not good enough.
The transfer of Beckham to Real Madrid in the summer sent shockwaves through the world of football, but Gardner believes United did a good piece of business in offloading the England captain.

"It didn't take us very long to come to the decision to sell him," said Gardner.

"He had two years left on his contract and we didn't think his performances were that great for Manchester United."

The United chief also aimed a swipe at Real Madrid, insisting they do not need Beckham to generate revenue.

"Real Madrid were envious of our position. They thought getting Beckham would increase their shirt sales," said Gardner.

"They sold 250,000 a year before Beckham but that is nowhere near the 2.6 million Manchester United can sell."

Gardner admitted selling the likes of Beckham and Juan Sebastian Veron had allowed United to bring in younger players.

"We sold Beckham and Veron and replaced them with five much younger players. We reduced the average age of the squad by two years," added Gardner.

Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted the club paid over the odds for Rio Ferdinand, but he has backed the player to prove his worth over time.

Ferdinand has failed to live up to expectations since his record breaking ?30 million move from Leeds in the summer of 2002, but Ferguson feels the 24-year-old will prove to be a bargain in the future.

"We do tend to pay over the odds for players most times," said Ferguson. "But look at someone like Roy Keane, he has certainly proved his worth over the last 10 years.

"Someone can judge the money spent on Rio Ferdinand now, but in 10 years' time I think the situation will be viewed differently."

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Manchester United moved top of The Premiership for a few hours at least with a hard-fought 2-1 win over unlucky Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

First half goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Kleberson - his first for the club - were enough to give United all three points although they were made to sweat for the victory after Brett Emerton's second half strike.

Blackburn started the brighter of the two sides, but they fell behind on 23 minutes as van Nistelrooy netted with United's first real worthwhile effort on goal.

Van Nistelrooy beat the Rovers offside trap to latch onto Quinton Fortune's clever flick-on into the box and the Dutchman clinically dispatched his shot past Brad Friedel for his first Premiership goal in five games

The visitors tried to fight their way back into the game and Matt Jansen forced Tim Howard into two routine saves with a lob from the edge of the box and a header from Barry Ferguson's cross.

The hosts doubled their lead on 37 minutes as Brazilian midfielder Kleberson marked his return from injury with his first goal for the club after a sweeping move by United.

Roy Keane started the move with a great ball to van Nistelrooy and the Dutchman sent a dangerous cross into the box to Fortune who expertly laid the ball into Kleberson's path for the South American to sweep his left foot shot past Friedel.

United were now in total control and Keane forced Friedel into a fine block at his near post with a blistering shot wide on the left-hand side of the box, four minutes before the break.

Blackburn came out in determined fashion in the second half and Howard had a lucky escape after 50 minutes when he spilled a shot from substitute Paul Gallagher, but Rio Ferdinand was on hand to clear the danger.

United went up the other end and almost added a third a minute later with John O'Shea rising highest to meet Gary Neville's cross with a powerful header, but Friedel produced a superb fingertip save to push the Irishman's header onto and over the crossbar.

Blackburn deservedly dragged themselves back in the contest on 62 minutes as Emerton brilliantly latched onto a slide-rule pass from Flitcroft to burst through on goal and the Australian ace kept his cool to fire past Howard.

The hosts missed a glorious chance to restore their two-goal advantage on 67 minutes as Ferdinand somehow blazed his shot from just six yards out over the crossbar after being set-up by van Nistelrooy.

Blackburn threw everything into attack in the final quarter, but United held firm to move one point clear of Arsenal at the top of the table and inflict a sixth defeat in seven games on unlucky Rovers.

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Blackburn boss Graeme Souness has saluted Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson for taking a gamble on American goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Souness has been impressed by the American custodian in his debut season in England, and knows his side face a tough task to beat Howard at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Ewood Park supremo knows all about Howard from Blackburn's own American goalkeeper Brad Friedel and he is surprised how quickly the former New York Metro-Stars keeper has settled into life in England.

"Fergie made the bravest decision of the season by signing Tim Howard and sticking him straight into the first team," declared the Scottish tactician.

"I spoke to Brad about Howard when United signed him and he admitted that he didn't know too much about him.

"The lad has come over to United without too much experience at the top level but he has been a real star so far.

"He hasn't made a mistake that I can recall and he has come from nowhere to establish himself as first choice.

"When you consider the level that United are continually operating at that's some achievement, and a real turn up in terms of previous history.

"Alex has set his stall out to win the Premiership and the Champions League and you've got to take your hat off to him for being bold enough to sign a player like Howard."

Meanwhile, Souness has called on former United striker Dwight Yorke to maintain his recent improvement in form at Old Trafford.

Yorke has won his place back in the side after being left out earlier in the season and, with Andy Cole suspended, there is more pressure on Yorke to deliver.

"Dwight was outstanding for us in his last game against Everton and I want more of the same today," added Souness.

"He's been a United player so he'll want to do well there. We all know the quality he has, it's just a case of application.

"If Dwight is at the top of his game, then I will be more than happy and we'll be in with a much better chance of a result."

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side were forced to hold on for their 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
First half goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Kleberson put United in control, but they were forced to hold on for the win in the second half after Brett Emerton pulled one back.

Ferguson was delighted with his side's first half display as they move top of The Premiership for a few hours at least and the Scot was content to wait and see how their title rivals did later in the day.

"In the first half we were superb. We then had some good chances to make it 3-0 and we lost a goal and were scrambling for home, which is disappointing on our part. It's a funny game football, a goal changes the game," said Ferguson.

"I think the first goal was a nice one-two with good play from Ruud and Quinton Fortune but that second goal was superb.

"We've won our game and we've just got to sit back and wait for the results. I think we'll be better than that."

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Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to the press after Saturday's lunchtime win over Blackburn at Old Trafford. The boss was in good spirits after the game, this is what he had to say...

Pleasing First Half Display
"In the first half we were superb. We then had some good chances to make it 3-0 and we lost a goal and were scrambling for home, which is disappointing on our part. It's a funny game football, a goal changes the game.

Two Impressive Goals
"I think the first goal was a nice one-two with good play from Ruud and Quinton Fortune but that second goal was superb."

Waiting on other results
"We've won our game and we've just got to sit back and wait for the results. But I think we can be better than that [the performance against Blackburn."

Report by Ben Hibbs.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to unleash Roy Keane in Sunday's battle royale with big-spending Chelsea, as he regards the West Londoners as being capable of 'buying the title'.
The United captain has been nursing a hamstring problem, and sat out the win in Panathinaikos on Wednesday.

However, Ferguson is banking on being able to recall the inspirational Irishman for the Stamford Bridge encounter on Sunday, a match the shrewd Scot perceives to be of utmost importance in the race for the title.

"I'm sure Roy will be desperate to play on Sunday," stated the Old Trafford boss.

"Hopefully, he will train today and, if he trains today, he should be okay.

"It wasn't a serious hamstring injury."

Ferguson was full of praise for the capital club and their likeable coach Claudio Ranieri.

"I think the three of us are looking very strong," he said of the top trio in the table, with Arsenal currently sitting pretty at the summit.

"None of us is making huge mistakes, which means that, when we play each other, they become vital.

"That's what may decide the league this year.

"Bringing new players in and getting the start they did is not easy.

"Claudio has done a great job at Chelsea, particularly this season, when he has managed to change his team around so well.

"In normal circumstances, I wouldn't have said you could buy the title but Chelsea are defying that by their own results.

"Just because you have the chequebook to buy anyone you want, it doesn't make it the easiest job in the world.

"You have to fit new players in and take out good ones to accomodate them.

"We've had some terrific successes over the years, and I think Sunday will be an absolutely brilliant game.

"With so many good players on the pitch, it can't help but be a good game."

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ROD'S PREDICTION

When the Premiership was founded, this was the sort of game that it had in mind.

It's a game with everything: great attackers, teams with flair, a spanking stadium and a highly, highly important fixture.

Though the three points for United will put them right on track, I think it's slightly more important for Chelsea.

If they beat the champions they can kick on from that and people will feel they are now genuine challengers.

On the flip side, if they lose it will be a huge blow. It is for the neutral a don't-miss game, a really fantastic match in the making.  



 
All over the pitch there are match-ups to make your mouth water. John Terry v Ruud van Nistelrooy, Frank Lampard v Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand v Adrian Mutu.

It will also be fascinating to see what United will do to counter the threat of Damien Duff, who's been magnificent.

There is a phrase that originates from America that I'm hearing more and more over here and it's particularly relevant to this contest: it's the points not the performance.

This rings true for Sunday. Chelsea wouldn't have a problem with being stuffed by United but somehow getting a lucky 1-0 win.

So all this nonsense about them having to prove themselves against United is wrong; it's all about the result.

ROD'S PREDICTION: I am going with United. The thing that makes them different is they win big games.

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Juan Sebastian Veron misses the opportunity to prove Manchester United were wrong to sell him when Chelsea take on the champions in the mouthwatering live Sky clash on Sunday.

The cultured Argentinian has been struggling with a back strain and will not recover in time to take his place in Claudio Ranieri's line-up.

However, Glen Johnson returns from suspension after sitting out the goalless draw with Sparta Prague in midweek.

Ranieri has a wealth of talent at his disposal, giving him plenty of selection posers, but one certain starter is Irishman Damien Duff, who was a long-standing United target in the past.

Both clubs progressed in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, although it could be argued they had more than half an eye on the Premiership game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson rested Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane in the win over Panathinaikos, but both are likely to return to the starting line-up.

Gary and Phil Neville are also available, and Diego Forlan, the goalscorer in Greece, is proving difficult to leave out during his hot streak in front of goal.

Although Paul Scholes, Wes Brown and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are still sidelined for The Red Devils, there will be two teams brimming with talent on show in West London, in what promises to be one of the matches of the season.



Opta Stat: Ryan Giggs has not been on the losing side against Chelsea in United's last 12 Premiership meetings with the Londoners where the Welshman has played.
Opta Stat: United have not lost in their last 11 visits to the capital.

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Manchester United have announced a new four-year lucrative sponsorship deal with Vodafone believed to be worth ?36million.
Their current ?30million agreement was due to expire at the end of May next year.

The new deal will see United enter into a new business relationship with Vodafone to roll out a wide range of club content, including results, news, still and video images, ring tones and games, to wireless devices around the world.

The news is a major boost to United and could provide more funds for Old Trafford chief boss Sir Alex Ferguson to make some new signings in January.

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Rio Ferdinand's Football Association disciplinary hearing date has been set for December 18, with The Reebok Stadium hosting the two-day affair.

Bolton Wanderers' home ground was the venue for Roy Keane's hearing, following his controversial comments aimed towards Alf Inge Haaland in his autobiography.

The Ferdinand saga has dragged on after he failed to undergo a routine drugs test at the Carrington training ground.

The media circus surrounding the England defender's situation has angered United, and Sepp Blatter's suggestion that the champions' results should be made void where the centre back has played since the charge was made against him have caused further consternation at Old Trafford.

A lengthy suspension is the likeliest outcome for world's costliest defender, who claims he forgot to attend the test.

If United appeal against any punishment, the matter could be prolonged yet further, and there is the worrying prospect for Sven Goran Eriksson that Ferdinand could be forced to miss England's Euro 2004 campaign.

Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo have their FA hearing on Monday afternoon following their part in the fracas that followed United's draw with Arsenal.

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Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo have been fined and warned by The FA following their conduct during The Red Devils' clash with Arsenal.
The hearing, which lasted almost five hours, was attended by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and club director, and solicitor, Maurice Watkins.

Giggs was handed a ?7,500 fine while Portuguese winger Ronaldo received a ?4,000 fine for the trouble that ensued following the club's 0-0 home draw with Arsenal.

The duo were found guilty of improper conduct, however their fines are significantly smaller then those handed down to Arsenal players Lauren, Martin Keown and Ray Parlour.

Both players insisted they were helping protect colleague Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been goaded by the Gunners' trio after the final whistle at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have yet to comment on the FA's decision, and could yet appeal against the wingers' fines.

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson felt his side were unlucky to concede a penalty which earned Chelsea a valuable 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Roy Keane appeared to up-end Joe Cole in the 28th-minute to allow Frank Lampard to bag the winner from the spot, but Ferguson did not feel the tackle warranted a penalty.

"We feel a bit unlucky about the penalty," said Ferguson.

"Their player [Cole] did not have the ball under control and was going away from goal.

"The players were upset. It was a major decision. It took us 10 minutes to get our composure back but we did rally in the second half and were in complete control.

"It's not easy when you are 1-0 down. You have to get at them all the time. We had to take risks."

Asked about Chelsea's title aspirations, Ferguson said: "I said before the game they are winning games 1-0 and one nils take you a long way.

"It is early, too early, to say at this stage. In February, March and April the games are really meaningful.

"If we lost this game in March it would be a major result for Chelsea. But it's not March, it's November. There is a long way to go."

Ferguson also believed that his side's finishing let them down and prevented them from getting anything from the game.

"In the end we were short of finishers. We let ourselves down on strikes on goal but we controlled most of the game," added Ferguson.

"It was a great game, an intense game. Four points is not a lot in this league now. If Chelsea were four points ahead in March it would be more of a consequential issue.

"I know my players and their character and it will surface at the right times."

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Manchester United have refused to rule out appealing against the fines dished out to wingers Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Football Association fined Giggs ?7,500 and Ronaldo ?4,000 after deciding the duo were guilty of improper conduct for their role in the ugly melee at the end of United's brutal September showdown with Arsenal.

The pair were also warned about their future conduct but have escaped serious punishment in comparison to Arsenal, who had four players suspended after the disgraceful scenes at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils, though, are disappointed with The FA's decision and have not discounted the option of appealing against the fines.

United director, and solicitor, Maurice Watkins revealed the wing duo are upset at the sanctions and that the club are considering their position on the matter.

"The players are disappointed because they weren't the aggressors," said Watkins.

"They are only here because of what happened to Ruud van Nistelrooy and what was meted out to him at the end of the game.

"Their position is that they only wanted to support and protect their team-mate.

"I hope we never see scenes like that again in a Premiership match."

Watkins also believes Welsh international Giggs' previous good conduct should have counted in his favour when The FA were deliberating over their verdict.

"Look at a player like Ryan Giggs and you will see he has an exemplary record," continued Watkins. "He has never been sent off or called before The FA.

"He has had only 16 yellow cards in 11 seasons in The Premiership. He wouldn't get himself involved in a situation lightly.

"An appeal is something we will have to think about in the next few days."