Ferguson "Sure" Midfielder will Sign Deal at United

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United have offered their South Korean midfield star, Park Ji-Sung, a new two year contract at United.

The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder joined United in 2005 for a fee of £4 million and next season will be entering his seventh season with the Old Trafford club. He has become a hugely popular player among the Manchester United fans thanks to his unbelievably tireless performances, and his excellent versatility thanks to being able to operate all over the midfield; in the centre and on either wing.

The 30 year-old retired from South Korean international duty last year to help to prolong his club career at Manchester United, and after recently stating that he can't possibly find a reason why he would want to leave the club, a new contract seems the obvious result. His current deal expired in 2012, so the new two year deal would keep him at the club until 2014, with his tireless work ethic no doubt contributing to further success.
Ferguson said:

"We have offered him a new contract and I am sure he will sign it. His career at United has been nothing but excellent. He is a tremendous professional. I am sure he will accept the new offer and tie himself down at the club for the next two years."

The United midfield is a fragile thing at the moment considering the departure of Paul Scholes, and while Sir Alex looks for a suitable replacement, he also has to contend with the current crops problems. Darren Fletcher has been suffering a virus for a while and as a result missed a large chunk of Manchester United's latter part of the season.

However, the United manager expects him to have recovered well enough to be back with the squad in time for July 31st, when United return to England from their pre-season tour of America.

"Sometimes viruses do take time. Darren has been into Carrington over the last few days. He is doing a weight programme at the moment and hopefully by the time we get back, he will be joining us."

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Nasri: I May Not Sign New Arsenal Contract

The possibility of Arsenal letting Samir Nasri go in the summer is increasing by the day, no thanks to the Frenchman and his delaying of signing a new contract with Arsenal. It isn't good news at all for Arsenal fans at all who would have liked to be concentrating solely on the arrival of new players instead of the departure of some of their best.

Arsene Wenger dismissed the reports suggesting that Arsenal may sell their key man to Manchester United this summer, saying towards the end of May that the one thing which is for certain is that they would not sell the player to Manchester United despite the contract disagreements. Now however, when questioned on a move to United, the Arsenal midfielder refused to rule it out whilst admitting he may not sign a contract renewal at Arsenal:

"I don't know if I will sign a new contract."

"Anyway, the discussions are ongoing. For the moment, I don't think about this. We will speak about it after the match with Poland." 

"Do I want to go to Man United? First, we should see if it's real and if it is concrete."

These are not encouraging words from an Arsenal fans perspective who witnessed Nasri have a superb first half to their season, showing stunning examples of top quality football that Arsenal need in their team to compete for the Premier League. It was telling when his form slipped, the rest of the Arsenal team faltered, ending up a hugely disappointing 4th place behind Manchester City.

Apparently, the deal on the table that has been offered to Nasri is a five-year deal in the region of £90,000-per-week - but the player is stalling on the signing of it. Nasri is trying to get himself a weekly payment of £110,000 which would bring him up the the payment of Arsenal's highest earner, Cesc Fabregas.

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Arsenal Interest In Hargreaves - United Offer New Deal

Manchester United have offered their unfortunate, injury prone midfielder, Owen Hargreaves a new deal to fend off interest from other clubs, which according to the Express, included United's rivals, Arsenal.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be celebrating another Premier League title at United, and will hope to get Hargreaves to sign the one year deal.

The new contract is a pay-as-you-play deal as United try to avoid having to pay the Canadian born England international even when he is injured. Hargreaves has had to undergo several operations in his time at Old Trafford since signing from Bayern Munich in 2007.

His knees have been the major problem, but a hamstring injury on a return during this season and then a shoulder injury in March ruled him out for yet more games.


There was some talk of possible retirement with the persistent injuries constantly nagging at the 30 year-old midfielder. He is at the age when the body doesn't recover as quickly, but he will surely be well up for a return to action once his current injury is over. His well known, tireless performances and tenacity in the midfield obviously still have their attractions - and rather surprisingly have attracted United's rivals Arsenal.

The Express reported Arsenal's interest in the player:

"But Sunday Express Sport can reveal that Arsenal are keen to land the 30-year-old on a free transfer."

Hargreaves will not join Arsenal however, and is expected to sign the new deal offered to him by United. He feels that the support that has been offered to him by United in his dreadful time out with injury needs repayment, and the only way to pay Sir Alex and United back is by fighting for a starting place and showing the quality that brought him to United in the first place.

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New Deal for David De Gea

He looks like Manchester United's top goalkeeping target now that Manuel Neur has completely ruled out a move to Old Trafford, but David De Gea was never going to be an easy signing for Sir Alex Ferguson. The Spanish goalkeeper had been given an ultimatum by his boyhood side - renew your contract or leave Athletico, and that new contract renewal has now been firmly set on the negotiating table for De Gea to consider.

The Athletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo said:

"De Gea is a magnificent player in the squad and has two years left on his contract. We [have] made a renewal offer." 

"But it does not depend on us. We will speak to him at the end of term and see what happens."

He seems an ideal replacement for United's retiring Edwin van der Sar, and at only 20 years-old, he can potentially be United's number one goalkeeper for the nest 15 - 20 years if he follows in his predecessors' footsteps. He will cost around £20 million due to his quality and age, but van der Sar has proved that having a decent, solid goalkeeper is vital in winning trophies - Arsenal have also managed to prove that fact over the last 6 years with the lack of a top 'keeper.

Manchester United have already brought in a new goalkeeper, in Anders Lindegaard who I was looking at yesterday. He is a very impressive shot-stopper and is brave in coming out for the ball and challenging the attacker. Whether he is number 1 Manchester United material is yet to be seen, but it is the general consensus that he will be a supporting act to a new goalkeeper that United will buy in the summer.

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Scholes & Hargreaves - Time to Say Goodbye?

Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves. Six years and 631 Manchester United appearances separate the two midfield maestros, but to the extreme misfortune of the latter, that is not the only thing that is different. Aside from the obvious difference in appearance; Scholes's distinctive short ginger hair and scruffy appearance compared to the Canadian's sleek, curly locks and pulled up socks, Paul Scholes has not suffered persistent, possible career ending injuries to the extent that his midfield colleague Hargreaves has.

Both players have been key in the teams they have represented - Scholes with England and United and Hargreaves with England, Bayern Munich and, whenever possible, United too. Hargreaves's gritty, hard-working, disciplined and precise attitude that helps him run the midfield like an engine when in top form and free from injuries has been starting to run out of petrol and chug to a halt for a while now. Those injuries have taken their toll on the 30 year-old, and as soon as he has recovered from one, he picks up another. It is pure, unrivalled footballing bad luck.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that we will not see Hargreaves play for Manchester United again this season, and that, regrettably could mean that we will never see Hargreaves play for United again, as his contract expires at the end of this season. Referring to a possible contract extension, Sir Alex said, in an unusual indecisive manner; "I don't know what is going to happen."

Talks with David Gill have been held, but that is all they are - talks - nothing more. It is understandable that Ferguson is unsure over Hargreaves's future. The player himself, or probably even his doctor are unsure over his future. His body, his injuries are just so unpredictable that a new contract would be a big risk, and one that could end up devastating an already shattered Hargreaves.

Ferguson concluded, "We have to make a decision." Indicating, rather hopefully that Hargreaves has something to cling to. There may yet be some optimism, some light at the end of the injury ravaged tunnel, the tunnel that Hargreaves has so often walked down, or hobbled down to receive some treatment. Sir Alex knows, as we all do, that if Hargreaves were to be free from his injuries, he would be a Manchester United regular, and would be driving the team forward every week to success, much like he did in his double winning first season at Old Trafford.


Scholes has been far from injury free himself, suffering blurry vision in the 05/06 season which ruled him out for a while, as well as knee ligament damage late in 2007 which saw him miss a good few months. But Scholes's end is not coming about because of injuries, but rather age, the thing that one day affects us all. Ryan Giggs is apparently immune from this thing called "age", but Scholes is not so lucky, and in a recent rare interview, the 36 year-old reiterated the uncertainty surrounding his future; "I really don't know what I am going to do yet. I've got these games to think about now and I will decide from there."

United are already looking for a replacement, with rumours circulating everywhere about the future of United's midfield, as to whom, or what will replace the passing, inspirational expert that is Paul Scholes. His ability, much like Hargreaves, in the past has been severely underrated, but those who truly admire the beautiful side of football, the precision perfect cross-field passes, the delightful dinks over the defence, the astounding forward thinking vision and the tenacity of a little man in love with football, will understand how truly great Scholes has been.

It isn't everyday that a footballer is called the "greatest player of his generation" by none other than Zinedine Zidane.

Scholes's age has limited his starts this season, and unfortunately, it is something that we will have to begin to get used to if he decides to hang up those legendary boots that have graced countless football pitches all over the world representing Manchester United. Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley may be his last Manchester derby, but it is by far, one of the most important.

Hargreaves may not have a starring role, but Scholes sure as hell will, and who knows, when he walks out onto that Wembley pitch and is greeted by cheers of 80,000 football fans, he may be overwhelmed by the great occasion and sway his mind into staying at his club for just one more year. His future is in his hands, but whatever the decision, he will have the support of Manchester United fans and footballing fans everywhere.

"The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real." - But...

It is no secret that Manchester United need reinforcements in midfield. The frailty's have been for all to see this season, and it is credit to the winning mentality at the club that they are at the top of the Premier League table by five points without playing their best football.

 Paul Scholes is still yet to sign an extension on his contract with the club, and if he does decide to retire or move on at the end of the season, Sir Alex will urgently need to find a replacement. Likewise, Owen Hargreaves' injuries continue to pester him, and whether or not Ferguson decides to stick with him and attempt to get his moneys worth for the Canadian is yet to be seen.

Nevertheless, it is no surprise that Inter Milan have confirmed United's interest in Wesley Sneijder. Last summer, Sir Alex dismissed the fact that he had made a bid for the 26 year-old Dutchman. He said:

“I don’t know where those reports about Sneijder came from. How can anybody turn me down when I haven’t even made a bid?”

The interest however has now been confirmed by the Inter Milan President, Massimo Moratti who said this:

“The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real. But I didn’t look into it. My only interest is seeing Sneijder play here for many more years to come.”

Sneijder is the creative spark that the United midfield would love to have. In 21 games this season, the Dutchman has scored 3, created 5 and unleashed an ambitious 93 shots on goal. He is quick, strong and powerful with accurate shooting ability but apparently out of United's reach.

Rooney: I'm Staying At United Into My Thirties

Wayne Rooney has dismissed any talk of a big money transfer this summer. Rumours have been circulating - as they so often do - that the contract troubles last summer are still very much present in the United camp and that the signing of a new 5 year contract was simply a way of making more money out of a sale in the summer. These rumours suggest that the bridges that Rooney burned with Sir Alex Ferguson over his contract saga are beyond repair and that the manager will look to sell in the summer. But Rooney says these rumours are simply not true. Firstly, he banished any idea that him and Sir Alex have fallen out:

“My relationship with Sir Alex [Ferguson] has no problems whatsoever."

Perhaps all of those doubters were looking too far into the situation, and not taking the contract he signed for face value. You can't really be blamed for that considering Rooney's poor form at the start of the season with his personal problems causing havoc on his on field performances. The England striker said:

“I’m enjoying my football here and, if I was going to leave in the summer, I wouldn’t have signed a new contract when I did. I’ve signed it and I intend to see it through to the end.”

Those questioning his commitment anger him too:

"Yes, you get angry. On Sunday I didn’t even know it was in a newspaper until I was on the way home from training. I stopped off at the garage to get petrol and a few people asked me if I was leaving in the summer. I’ll be here until I’m in my thirties though, that’s for sure.”

Rooney's form has certainly picked up in the last few games. He played very well against Marseille on Tuesday with his touch much improved and his cross field passing ability delightfully brilliant as well as clever, quick thinking passes to set up goal scoring opportunities.

"The last two or three weeks is the best I’ve felt all season. I feel sharp and, if the manager needs me to get up and down the pitch, then fine.

"I haven’t played as many games so I feel good, but the more you play, the more consistent you are and better you feel.

“Since I had my injuries, people have taken their chance when they’ve come into the side and done brilliantly, so I’m delighted that we are still in three major competitions and it’s going well.”

He isn't getting carried away however with the possibility of a Manchester United treble. United remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, but Rooney insists United must take one game at a time:

“We have to just take each game as it comes. We can’t look at that [The Treble].

“If you talk about that then it just puts pressure on ourselves, so we need to just concentrate on each game and see what happens.

"We didn’t win the league last year or the Champions League or the FA Cup, so we need to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing it.”

£30 million Stiker to Sign Man United Deal

Despite the loss to Wolves on Saturday, Manchester United have had an impressive season in front of goal, with their top scorer Dimitar Berbatov having grabbed a quite brilliant 19 goals in the League.

A man who was labelled "Berbaflop" after two disappointing seasons in front of goal at United has improved massively for United who paid over £30 million for him in 2008. He will now be rewarded for his efforts with a new deal worth another £20,000 a week on his current £100,000 a week contract.

The January player of the months' current deal has a year remaining, and the League leaders are keen to tie him to a new three year contract worth a massive £120,00 a week with negotiations expected to start before the end of the season.

Berbatov is unsurprisingly happy to stay at Old Trafford as he is clearly comfortably in his stride, showing the reasons Ferguson brought him to Manchester United or such a hefty fee in the first place from Tottenham.

Arsenal Target To Sign Contract

Christopher Samba has been heavily linked to Arsenal during this Januarys transfer window, as Arsene Wenger searched the footballing world for a possible centre back to replace the injured Thomas Vermaelen. He will however, still be searching if the Blackburn manager, Steve Kean is to be believed, as he said that he he is hopeful that Samba will sign a new contract with the club within the next 24 hours.

Samba was angry at the dismissal of Sam Allardyce after the Venky's sacked the manager after taking over Blackburn. But despite threatening to quit Ewood Park it seems that, along with Ryan Nelsen, his anger has been calmed and is more settled at the club. Kean said:

"I am hopeful that there will be a contract announcement about Samba in the next 24 hours. I have spoken to the owners and I am hopeful there will be some positive information with Ryan having already come to an arrangement over a new deal.

"There was massive confusion early on [after Kean replaced Allardyce] and now we have the team captain and the club captain signing for us. I have never felt I did not have the players with me but it is only now, after I have signed a new long-term contract as manager, that I can sit down with the players without them asking: 'How long are you going to be here?'

"Now I can start to talk to the senior players, including Ryan, Chris and Michel Salgado, about their long-term futures at Blackburn."

"The players we have are enjoying working together. At the training ground I have never seen a group as tight as they are. As for what we can achieve, whether we can get European football here, I want another three wins and then see how far we can go."

Blackburn have just moved up to seventh in the League table after beating West Brom 2 - 0. Probably a good reason to stay when your team is ascending the heights of the Premier League table.

Manchester United sign Anderson on New Deal

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has signed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2015.

The Brazilian had been quite a disappointment since his £17 million move to United in 2007 from FC Porto, as he struggled to find form or fitness - which cost him a regular first team place. However, after playing a couple of games in the first team, filling in for Paul Scholes and proving his qualities with some fine performances and a rare goal to his name, not to mention his obvious potential he has earned himself the new deal.

The 22 year-old, who had been linked to moves away from United said he is delighted with the contract renewal, as he told the clubs official website:

"This is the best club to be at and I would like to thank everyone for the great support I have received over the years"

"I am looking forward to winning many more trophies with this club and I am so pleased to have signed a new contract."

His manager was equally as happy, saying that Anderson "has fantastic potential" and is "going to be a really top player" for the club.

The player scored his first goal at Old Trafford against Valencia last week - doubling his overall goal tally for United, and the signs of improvement are clear to see. He is much more comfortable with his position -playing further forward seems to be a strong point, but his physicality and passion are still as strong as when he first joined as a teenager.

Things seem to be going United's way at the moment - top of the League with a game in hand after toppling title challengers Arsenal and they stand in the proud position of being the only unbeaten side in England. A shaky Chelsea team in next up for the Red Devils, and Anderson will be hoping to earn his money and play a big part in pushing the Blues of the edge in what looks like will be a thrilling game.

Madness in Manchester as Rooney signs New United contract

If you have burned your Rooney shirts already, it may not be a good idea to read this. Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson have persuaded the "adamant" Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United for another half-decade, as the striker performed an incredible u-turn to decide to sign a new 5 year contract at the Old Trafford club.

When a statement from Rooney was released earlier in the week suggesting that he wanted to be going forward and winning trophies, whilst claiming that the current players were not really good enough to do so, it seemed certain that he would be leaving. Even the mighty Sir Alex Ferguson whom Rooney incidentally called a "genius" in his statement, admitted that the player was adamant that he wanted out.

How then, can only a couple of days later, he completely change his mind, and decide to stay, after causing so much upset in the red half of Manchester? Sir Alex Ferguson left the door open to Rooney, even when the revelations about his future emerged. Simply because he is (or can be) too good for United to lose.

Rooney, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Sunday, said:

"I'm delighted to sign another deal at United.

"In the last couple of days, I've talked to the manager and the owners and they've convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the manager's a genius and it's his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.

"I'm signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history - which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.

"I'm sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they've read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it's up to me through my performances to win them over again."

Manchester United's only hope now, is that he can replicate the truly brilliant form of last season, and forget about his awful recent performance in the World Cup and the Premier League.