Monday's Newspaper Roundup

Sunderland to target Spurs' Alan Hutton in January (Daily Mirror)

What I Think? : It would be a great signing for Sunderland if it does happen. He's finally emerging from being on the sidelines due to an injury but Harry Redknapp has players coming back from their loan spells and he might look to strengthen himself. I see it happening.

Notts County chief executive doesn't know where the money is coming from (The Sun)

What I Think? : Magpies have dominated the news in the past few weeks with their high profile takeover, Sven Goran Eriksson becoming the director of football and thereafter Sol Campbell joining the club. (and then leaving it within a game!) Now their chief executive, Peter Trembling has told The Sun that he has no clue of where the money is coming from. This would certainly make things worse for the league two club.

Nani would call Ronaldo before facing Wolfsburg on Wednesday (The Sun)

What I Think? : Nani would definitely need some confidence boost but would he play is the real question? Or would they end up talking about Ronaldo's sexcapades in Madrid?

Walcott tells Wenger, I want to play against Olympiakos (The Sun)

What I Think? : Walcott returning to action would bring the swiftness and pace back to Arsenal and even step it up a notch. However, he shouldn't be made to play the whole game as of yet. Match practice is necessary right now rather than full frontal return.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett at loggerheads again. This time over Middle Eastern riches (Daily Mail)

What I Think? : Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been acting like a couple with bad understanding and yet not ready to budge and divorce the other. We witnessed it earlier and we're seeing it now again. Saudi prince, Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah, sat alongside Gillett and witnessed Liverpool thrash Hull by 6 goals to 1. The Saudi group want to invest £200-350 million and garner 50% stake in the club. Liverpool currently are under debt of £245m and plan to build a newer stadium. This would help the club and it would be better if one of Gillett or Hicks let go.

Image : Sir Alex as the fourth official

Everyone would have heard about the controversial late, LATE winner by Michael Owen in the Manchester derby last weekend. The fourth official indicated stoppage time of four minutes while the game went on until the sixth minute. Now there have been many comments made on the topic, some against the referee and some in favour. On the lighter side of things,

Spotted this funny image on Off The Post .

5 Reasons why City won't beat United

VS.

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby tomorrow and despite City having won all games I see their run ending.

1. Despite City's huge squad, Adebayor who is out suspended after his stupidity against Arsenal would be missed. Bellamy or the other attacking midfielders don't look like making any impact.

2. Rooney on the other hand has been in hot form along with his club who beat Spurs last week thus ending the Londoner's 100% record.

3. Mark Hughes' record against his former club as Rovers boss has been a dismal 2 wins out of 8 games in the Premiership.Of course, this is City with a different squad and truck load of money but the trend would continue.

4. There is no Tevez to do an Adebayor to his former club.

5. City have won at Old Trafford only once since 1974.

I would be shocked if it ended in a draw as well.

VoTD : Is Eduardo the only cheat?

Eduardo was banned for two games from UEFA Champions League after he was found to have dived to get a penalty for Arsenal against Celtic at the Emirates. However, this ruling came after video footage was analysed by people at UEFA. Arsenal have appealed against the ruling. Its actually a confusing matter as both the parties are correct on their parts.
1. Arsenal side - If he was found to have been cheating then why was there no action taken during the game? Also, the whole episode was blown out of proportion by Celtic and the Scottish Football Association.

2. UEFA's side - They need to maintain and keep the game clean which had not been the case for quite some time. There had been way too many play actings which probably was the reason why Chelsea-Barcelona semi final was marred with controversial decisions.

Nonetheless, in the following video we see a great compilation of cheating and diving by certain Manchester United players. Aptly created by ManUnitedCheat.



Disclaimer : This video is an indication of the views held by the user who created the video and not endorsed by me. Any rants of Anti-United chants against me will be treated with a strict scorn. :D

Diaby scores on the wrong end,Arsenal lose

Before the season started we expected Manchester United v Arsenal could be a close game but as the weeks progressed we saw Arsenal rampaging through opponents. Everton 6-1 away on the first weekend, Celtic 2-0 away in Champions League play offs, 4-1 against Portsmouth. On the other hand, Manchester United were lucky to get past Birmingham on the first weekend, lost to Burnley away and then came back strongly against Wigan with a 5-0 drubbing.

Arsenal were expected to run through Manchester United or at least dominate but there was a big difference for Arsenal to deal with. No Cesc Fabregas in the team. The Spaniard was out because of an injury and had missed second leg v Celtic.

Arshavin put the Gunners ahead five minutes from the half with a fantastic strike after only a few minutes of having a penalty shout turned down. The penalty should have been awarded in my view. Fletcher slid in on Arshavin but Mike Dean turned the appeal down.

Rooney equalised for Manchester United after Almunia brought him down in the box in the 59th minute. However, there have been allegations that Rooney was going down even before Almunia made any contact with the Englishman. Nonetheless, Rooney stepped up to convert the penalty and square the contest.

Five minutes later, Diaby headed a rather easy ball to deal with onto his own goal.A big blunder by the Frenchman to put the Champions ahead.

In the dying minutes, Van Persie netted the ball but it was adjudged to be offside. Everyone in North London celebrated along with Arsenal players and Arsene Wenger but it was shortlived. Arsene Wenger's frustration led him to do this ..
(Picture : The Sun)
and fourth official in consultation with Mike Dean sent him off.



Bizaree end to the game with Manchester United fans calling him a "paedophile". Something uncalled for and totally ridiculous.

The Day After : Referee's would apologise to Wenger for sending him off. Fair enough.

10 conclusions from Saturday games

1. Rooney scored his 100th (and 101st) goal for the club and its unlikely that he'd stop.

2. Altidore made his debut for Hull with a great assist and two glorious chances to get a goal as well.

3. Gary Givet scored his first for the season and new club, Blackburn Rovers.

4. Cesc Fabregas is injured (again!)

5. Adebayor has bought some very expensive shoes with his inflated salary, scoring two goals in as many games of the season.

6. Arsenal have now scored 10 goals in two games of the season. They mauled Portsmouth 4-1 at the Emirates.

7. With Birmingham's scoreless (and boring!) draw at home versus Stoke City we have the first drawn game of the season.

8. Manchester United put five goals past Kirkland at the JJB with two from Rooney and a well taken free kick from Nani. It would be relieving to see for Sir Alex Ferguson and the fans to see Berbatov and Owen score.

9. Hull's victory ends their woeful home run in the premier league. They hadn't won a game at the KC Stadium since December 6 against Middlesbrough.

10. After 3 games played, Paul Hart's Portsmouth are bottom of the table with three losses. He looks likely to be the first to get the sack this season.

Owen earns his first pound!

Michael Owen made a shock move to Manchester United after Newcastle United were relegated and Ronaldo moved to his dream club Real Madrid. The terms of the contract required him to earn as per his contribution and he sure did today in United's 5-0 mauling of Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium.

Owen came on as a substitute in the 71st minute and scored a vintage "Owen style" goal in the 85th minute to get his name on the scorers chart of the Premier League. After being put through by a Nani through ball Owen chipped it over the charging goal keeper to make it 4-0 for United. Owen had plenty of chances in the midweek against Burnley but failed to convert them.

Owen was highly delighted to earn his first pound of the season and said :

It was certainly a great feeling to score. I'd got a few in pre-season but there's nothing quite like doing it in a competitive game.

I'd be disappointed if people didn't think I could go on from here.I obviously believe I can as I have done throughout my career and I certainly expect to score more goals in the red shirt.

The RED shirt of Liverpool is now the RED shirt of Manchester.

5 conclusions from Community Shield

1. Manchester United don't have the firepower and speed without Ronaldo. Or its too early to say.

2. Luckily Berbatov was off and couldn't take a penalty. Evra made up for him.

3. First game to make the season and bad refereeing has started already.

4. Drogba and Anelka are a lethal duo. It would be hard for Sturridge to make a start. Also, make Anelka part of your Fantasy football team.

5.Manchester United are still the undisputed champions in late goals.

Girl would give sister for pic with MO7

Manchester United began their pre season campaign in Asia with a game earlier today against Malaysia XI which they won 3-2 courtesy a Michael Owen winner.

Michael Owen who would be wearing the lucrative number 7 jersey for the Red Devils replaces Cristiano Ronaldo who headed to Real Madrid in a world record £80million deal.

Anyway, in the pic above of a fan who had come to see Manchester United play has a little banner which reads

"Would give my sister 4 picture with OWEN"

All well and good to say Michael Owen has fans after his brochure was sent out to various clubs. But to give your sister for a picture? I think they mistook the new number 7 with the previous number 7. The previous one would have winked and obliged too!

Baby Tevez is born in Manchester

On the left is newly born who is 6days old and on the right is the guy who recently moved from the red side of Manchester to the blue.

What's common between the two? The newly born is called Tevez Thomas after his mom, a Manchester United fan, wanted to name her third child after her favourite player.

However, she had named the baby hours before Argentine took the switch to the Blue side of Manchester.

This did give the mother a little trouble as the whole family is full of Manchester United supporters but decided to continue as it is.

I wonder if Manchester United would allow him to be a season ticket holder!?

[Source : Manchester Evening News]

United cancel Indonesia trip due to blasts

[Source : Sydney Morning Herald]


Manchester United have canceled their trip to Indonesia after fatal blasts ruptured two luxurious hotels, Ritz Carlton and Marriott in Jakarta.

United were to play Indonesia Super League XI on Monday and incidentally were supposed to stay at the Ritz Carlton.

United's official website read :

Following the explosions in Jakarta – one of which was at the hotel the team were due to stay in – and based on advice received, the Directors have informed the Indonesian FA that the Club cannot fulfil the fixture in Jakarta on the 2009 Asia tour.

Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson was shocked to hear about the blasts as they touched down in Kuala Lumpur.

It was a bit of a shock. We got the news just as we landed and it’s very disappointing.

The organisers of the Indonesian FA have worked very hard to get Manchester United over there and it’s a terribly big disappointment for them. There’s no other decision we could have taken in regards to the safeguarding of our players. We feel we’ve made the right decision.

It has been hinted that there could be changes in United's tour dates with David Gill not ruling out the possibility of the Indonesian side traveling to Kuala Lumpur for the game.

Deepest sympathies go out to the families of the people inside those hotels and people of Jakarta.

Gibson extends United contract

Manchester United have extended the contract for highly rated midfielder, Darron Gibson until 2012.

The Republic of Ireland player made 14 appearances for the club last season and scored a beautiful long distance goal in the final game of the season against Hull.

Speaking to the official website, he said :

I am very happy to commit my future to United.

Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do. I hope to continue that this season.

Now Sir Alex would expect him to push for more first team action in the Premiership as well as then in Europe.

Burnley sign Uniteds Eckersley

Premiership's new boys Burnley have signed young Manchester United defender Richard Eckersley on a four year deal.

The 20 year old turned down a deal at Old Trafford and instead signed his future with the Turf Moor based club.

Since he's under the age of 24, Burnley would be liable to pay Manchester United some sort of compensation which both the clubs need to agree upon.

He becomes Burnley's fifth signing of the summer after acquiring Tyrone Mears, Steven Fletcher, David Edgar and Brian Easton.

Tevez joins City

Carlos Tevez has finally ended the speculation about his final destination after agreeing to a five year deal with Manchester City.

This also concludes a long time rumour mill that had been running over his future after talks broke through of his contract extension at Manchester United and the Argentine being linked to many clubs in England and abroad.He had been rumoured to join Liverpool as well but it was never confirmed by Rafa Benitez.

Tevez had earlier denied to any interest in making his loan deal with Manchester United permanent.

Manchester City's official website confirms he will be sporting the number 32 jersey for the Citizens after the formality of a medical is done with. Following which he will join his team mates in South Africa for pre season friendlies.

Manager Mark Hughes was delighted with the move after they ended their pursuit of Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

It is terrific news.Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward.

He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension.

I cannot wait to welcome him to City. This is yet another deal that shows the commitment of the owner Sheikh Mansour to make this club the very best it can possibly be. I am sure our fans will give Carlos an exceptionally warm welcome.

He would now form partnership with Roque Santa Cruz in the new look formation at Eastlands.

Sunderland sign Campbell

Sunderland have signed Manchester United youngster Fraizer Campbell for a fee of £3.5million.

The fee could rise to £6 million depending upon his performances for the Black Cats. The player has signed on for a period of four years.

Its a major setback for Hull City and its manager, Phil Brown who looked like the front runners to sign the player who had a season with the Tigers where they qualified for the Premiership.

He played last season for Spurs on loan as part of a swap deal that brought Berbatov to Old Trafford. He had to endure a disappointing season as he made only 9 starts for the London based club.

He would look for more playing time at Sunderland under former Wigan Athletic manager, Steve Bruce.The transfer in itself though seems bizarre as Hull City were reportedly offering £5-6 million for the player. What brought about Manchester United's decision to offload him for a reduced fee is uncertain.

Manchester United sign Obertan

20 year old Frenchman, Gabriel Obertan becomes Manchester United's third signing of the summer transfer window.

The Bordeaux player has signed a four year contract with the Red Devils.The fee of the transfer is not revealed.

He follows the previous signings of Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen to Old Trafford.

Speaking to the clubs official website, manager Sir Alex Ferguson said :

Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, but because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed.

We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years.

The Frenchman was equally delighted to make the move to the Premier League champions.

I am very happy to join Manchester United.

This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do.

He would however miss Manchester United's pre season tour of Asia due to a slight injury.

Ben Foster extends contract at United

Manchester United have extended the contract of England international Ben Foster by four years.

The player who is on the verge of a return after undergoing thumb surgery has also signed the contract for an extension which would keep him with the club until 2013.

He is seen as the one to replace Van der Sar, when the Dutchman hangs up his gloves.

He joined United in 2005 from Stoke and has spent 2 seasons on loan to Watford making 73 appearances in the process.

Foster told the official website:

I'm really happy to commit my future to the club.

The team spirit here is fantastic and working alongside Edwin and Tomasz (Kuszczak) has been a great influence on my career.

Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson was also delighted with the move :

We are delighted that Ben has signed a new four-year deal.

Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin Van Der Sar.

Manchester United sign Owen

In a shocking development and probably one of the most bizarre transfers you would ever see,Michael Owen has signed for Manchester United.

Owen who was out of contract at the end of June with relegated Newcastle United not keen to renew it.

There is no fee involved for the Englishman as he's been signed on a free transfer.The contract runs for two years.

The move by Owen to join Manchester United is considered to be motivated by desperation for Sir Alex Ferguson and Owen's desire to get back into the national side for the World Cup next year.

Owen who had been on the lookout for clubs in England and outside as well was first avidly approached by Hull but no deal took place.

On the transfer manager Sir Alex had to say :

Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question. Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish.

Michael Owen was delighted to be part of Manchester United's setup and join Wayne Rooney and recent signing Antonio Valencia.

This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here. I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from day one.

I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances.

Now this is a shocking move for Sir Alex to make despite the money that he has received by selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.Another equally shocking move was Garethy Barry moving to Manchester City.Which is a bigger shock for you? Do our poll and leave a comment. Thanks!

United sign Antonio Valencia

Manchester United have cashed in on their sale of Cristiano Ronaldo by signing on Wigan's Antonio Valencia for an undisclosed fee.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long time admirer of the Ecuadorian forward who has signed a four year deal with the club.

This is Manchester United's first signing of the summer transfer break after they made a whooping 68mn pound profit on the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for world record transfer fees of 80mn pounds.

The fee is expected to be in the region of £18million and the legendary Scotsman has put his faith in the player and expects him to shine next season.

Sir Alex spoke to the official Manchester United website :

Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan.

I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.

Valencia was also excited to have the opportunity to play alongside quality players like Rooney,Ferdinand and Rooney and not to forget the prospect of playing at a venue which can host 76,000 fans.

What do the fans think of this signing?Would he be as impressive for Manchester United as Ronaldo had been over the years?Is this really the direct replacement for the Portuguese winger?

Tevez to leave Manchester United

Manchester United have made it official, Carlos Tevez won't be renewing his contract with The Red Devils.

The Sun had reported yesterday(which we covered in our Gossip of the day) about Tevez's representatives and Manchester United reaching an agreement over the permanent transfer but couldn't agree on his weekly wages which the Argentine wanted increased to match with the high earners Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov.However that seems to have been the tumbling block between the two parties.

The matter had been going on for quite some time and we had covered it ourselves.Read here.

The statement on United's official website read :

The Club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5m and offered Carlos a five-year contract which would have made him one of its highest paid players.

Disappointingly however, his advisors informed the Club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the Club’s most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.

The Club would like to thank Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future.

Tevez had rubbished reports linking him with Liverpool and the other interested party looks like Manchester United's local rivals,City who would be able to pay the money to bring in the "Energizer bunny". Are the Man U fans happy to see him go or wish Sir Alex had done more earlier than later?