Who Put The Ball In The German’s Net? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “The Baby Faced Assassin” announced his retirement from football today. He joined Manchester United in 1996 for £1.5 million (that’s not a typo - it was only one and a half million pounds!) and went on to score 126 goals in 366 appearances for the club.

ManUBlog would like to pay our own tribute to a true Man United Legend. Ole’s finest hour came in the 1999 Champions League Final, I think you can guess what happens next…..

I know Alan Green is a Liverpool supporter but his commentary describing Ole’s winning goal still puts a huge grin on my face!

Solskjaer scored important goals in big games throughout his career, often coming off the bench late in games, he earned the reputation as a super-sub. He scored an unheralded late winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup in United’s treble winning season of 1999. Another highlight was when he scored 4 goals in the last 20 minutes as a second half substitute in a 8-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Ole has never put a foot wrong in his time at Old Trafford, showing unstinting loyalty to the team and his manager. There have been many occasions in his career where he could have felt a bit hard done to, being left on the bench when he deserved a starting place on merit. He’s a modest and unassuming man, not once did he moan or gripe to the press, he just let his feet do the talking by continuing to bang in the goals.

It’s a shame Ole has suffered so much with injury, he had shown tremendous strength of character to get himself fit and playing again last season and I hoped we would get to see him for one more season. In the eyes of United fans, Solskjaer is a true legend and his name will be sung loud at Old Trafford forever. It has been reported that Ole will stay at the club, possibly as reserve team coach and there’s sure to be a sell out testimonial in the near future.

Ole, thanks for the great memories, all of us at ManUBlog wish you every success in the future.

Ronaldo Sent Off Against Portsmouth

It seems like deja vu all over again as referee Steve Bennett showed Cristiano Ronaldo the red card for the second time in Wednesdays match against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Bennett had sent Ronaldo off in a previous game against Manchester City in January last year. This time the offense was an apparent head butt. The replays are inconclusive but there does seem to be some pushing and shoving between Ronaldo and Portsmouth’s Richard Hughes as they are waiting for a corner. Ronaldo then squares up to Hughes and moves his head towards the player who then goes down like a sack of spuds! This all took place right in front of the referee, even with my red tinted specs on you can’t stick the head on an opponent and expect to stay on the pitch, so Bennett had little choice but to send the Manchester United winger off.

Having said that, I agree with Sir Alex Ferguson that Ronaldo was the victim of provocation, the lad gets lumps kicked out of him week in and week out - the stats show that he is the most fouled player in the Premier League. On this occasion he has risen to the bait and paid the ultimate punishment. Fergie was quoted as saying:

“Steve Bennett sent him off at City and he will have loved this opportunity to send him off, I have tried to look at the replay and there is nothing conclusive either way,” he said. “My take on it was he was provoked and has fallen for it. Cristiano was responsible for falling for the intimidation and he only has himself to blame.”

Bennett will no doubt be making himself a few bob on the after dinner circuit when he finishes with his stories about how he sent Ronaldo off not once but twice! Cristiano Ronaldo is now banned for 3 games and will miss Sunday’s derby against Manchester City - I’ll bet the Blue Noses are pleased about that one!

To see the full match report and video of Paul Scholes great goal CLICK HERE 

Rooney Breaks His Foot

Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture to his left foot in Manchester United’s opening game of the new Premier League season against Reading at Old Trafford on Sunday. As if the frustrating goalless draw wasn’t enough it is likely that Rooney will be out for at least six to eight weeks.

Rooney looked very sharp in the first half against Reading with a couple of scoring chances and some terrific link up play. He hobbled away from a challenge with Reading defender Michael Duberry and was unable to run it off. The extent of the injury was clear when Rooney removed his boots and trudged off the pitch at half time. I feel sorry for him because we were all expecting Rooney to be a pivotal player for Man Utd this season, having completed his first full pre-season since arriving at the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson will now be forced to introduce Carlos Tevez earlier than expected, there is a shortage of cover in the striking department since Rossi and Smith left in the summer and Saha is perpetually injured. Having spent £50 million in the summer, John O Shea played 30 minutes as a makeshift striker against Reading.

Ferguson Should Have Signed Carlos Tevez Last Season

Carlos Tevez has become a Manchester United player at long last after the most protracted and exasperating transfer saga in history. He has signed on a preliminary two-year loan deal.

As previously reported on ManUBlog, Manchester United were offered the Argentina striker a year ago but declined due to concerns over the structure of any potential deal. This has proved to be a justifiable decision after what has happened with West Ham, but surely the Man Utd legal hot-shots would have been able to come up with an acceptable arrangement?

Sir Alex Ferguson, when commenting on his new summer signings has been quoted as saying:

“In his year at West Ham, Tevez proved himself to be an absolutely top player.

“Every time I saw him playing for West Ham last year, I thought to myself, I just wish we had done it last year.

“But there were too many complications at the time.”

Carlos Tevez Set To Make Manchester United Debut This Week

The most protracted Manchester United transfer saga ever has finally come to an end and it looks like Carlos Tevez will appear in a Red shirt for the first time in a friendly match this week, having trained with his new United teammates last Friday.

With the new Premier League season set to begin next weekend, Manchester United take part in two friendly matches on Wednesday 8th August, at Irish side Glentoran and in Scotland against Dunfermline Athletic. It is unclear which game Tevez will take part in - watch this space!

As previously reported on ManU Blog, we have concerns over the similarities between Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson has said that this will not stop the two players lining up together in the same team,

“Both are of a similar physique, both are two-footed, both are quickish, both can beat a man — I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have these similarities.”

This does remain to be seen but Tevez will certainly provide another dimension to the Manchester United squad.

Giuseppe Rossi Sold To Villarreal

It has been reported that Manchester United have sold Giuseppe Rossi to Spanish club Villarreal for a fee in the region of £6.7 million subject to a medical to be held later this week. Rossi follows in the footsteps of former United striker and Sally Gunnell lookalike Diego Forlan, who left Man Utd for Villarreal 3 seasons ago. He has recently moved on to Atletico Madrid as a replacement for Fernando Torres after having a hugely successful time with the Spanish side scoring a hatful of goals.

Manchester United signed Giuseppe Rossi as a 16-year-old and was hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as the future of the club. He is small in stature but is a natural goalscorer. In his first season he scored 13 goals in 19 starts for the reserves and his future looked assured but he has since struggled to make the breakthrough into the first team and has been sent on a succession of loan moves, including Newcastle United and Parma.

Wayne Rooney Can’t Wait For The New Season

Following his first full summer break in four years, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is raring to go for the new football season. Sir Alex Ferguson predicts that Rooney will take his game to a different level at United in the 2007/2008 season. He has looked very good playing a full part in United’s Far East Tour, showing strength, eagerness and an eye for goal with a sublime chip in the game with Shenzhen.

His international suspension which meant he couldn’t play for England in their Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in June meant he has not played football since the FA Cup Final in May. This augers well for Manchester United in the forthcoming season because he will have the benefit of his first full proper pre-season since he joined the club. Sir Alex Ferguson has been quoted as saying:

“Wayne’s incredible, a very strong character and he will be a big player next season, believe me. Wayne is the first to the training ground every morning. It’s unbelievable, but he just loves football and training.”

Rooney looks set to continue his stellar career with Manchester United, setting a great example with his work-rate and consistent performance levels. I think the fact he has been given the legendary Number 10 shirt with give him a bit of extra motivation as well.

Gabriel Heinze - Fan’s Hero To Zero

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze, voted supporters player of the year in 2005, could find himself plummeting from fans
favourite to hate figure in the blink of an eye if the player and his advisors continue to push for his transfer to Liverpool. It’s all very well for Heinze to say that it is a dream move but he obviously does not understand what the fans reaction will be to such a deal - transfers between Manchester United and Liverpool just do not happen.

Even though the Merseysiders have been on the slide in recent years, the bitter rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool remains as stronger as ever. Heinze has played for United for 2 years now so surely he must know this, if not he needs his head testing! Sir Alex Ferguson has made it his position on the matter crystal clear,

“Heinze is not going to Liverpool as far as I am concerned”

The United manager has also expressed concern over the actions of Heinze’s agent, reading between the lines it seems there has been some tapping up going on.

Liverpool are growing more frustrated with United standing firm by continuing to block the transfer deal. Great news! Manchester United chief executive David Gill has said today,

“He is a contracted player for two years and unless we receive an offer which is acceptable to us as a club, he will remain with us.”

As United fans we all know that Heinze is a good player, and we should not sell any of our good players to Premiership rivals. But selling players to Liverpool - no way! It is great to see the club standing firm on the issue and not giving in to player power.

Will Ryan Giggs Break Appearance Record?

Ryan Giggs looks like he will get the chance to break the Manchester United all time appearance record currently held by Sir Bobby Charlton. Giggs is currently 43 behind Sir Bobby’s total of 759 games, but at 33 years of age he isn’t getting any younger and he has only 12 months left on his current contract. It is unlikely that he would be able to notch up the appearances required next season because he is sure to be rested more than in previous seasons to give the new summer signings more games.

Although United have said that there are no plans to open up any new contract negotiations with Giggs or team mate Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped some strong hints that both will be staying at the club for a long time to come, saying:

“The situation with them both is straightforward, they are both fantastic professionals who have looked after themselves properly. I don’t have any doubts about them. They are both going to be playing at a very high level well into their mid-30s, certainly next year and the year after.”

So how long can Ryan Giggs carry on? He has been a terrific player for Manchester United, a true legend and it will be great to see him beat Sir Bobby Charlton’s appearance record. He deserves a new contract to give him the opportunity to carry on playing as long as possible. What do you think?

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Paul Scholes Knee Injury

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been forced to fly home from the clubs pre-season Asian Tour with a knee injury picked up during the friendly match with FC Seoul last week. A scan has showed some possible cartilage damage and Scholes is to undergo an exploratory operation on his knee to see the extent of the problem.

Paul Scholes was instrumental in United winning the Premiership title last season but it looks like he will be ruled out for the start of this campaign, missing the rest of pre-season, the Community Shield match with Chelsea and possibly the opening match of the Premiership at Old Trafford against Reading.

Although Scholes will be a big miss in midfield for Manchester United, it will give Michael Carrick and new summer signing Owen Hargreaves a chance to play together in a run of games. What do you think?

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Nani Scores on United Debut

Nani scored in his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt. His excellent low shot from the edge of the penalty area helped in United’s 6-0 demolition of Shenzhen in the latest match of their Far East tour in Macau.

Nani celebrated his first Manchester United goal with a fantastic double somersault that is sure to become a regular attraction at Old Trafford when the new Premiership season begins in a few weeks time.

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FC Shenzhen 0 - 3 Manchester United (Nani)
Uploaded by MiP-1709

Alan Smith Gets Late Call Up For Tour Squad

Manchester United striker Alan Smith has been given a surprise call-up for the club’s tour of the Far East. He was widely expected to move on this summer but this seems to be last chance saloon for Smith to secure a new contract with United. Smith is one of only two strikers included in the Manchester United squad so he is virtually guaranteed a game alongside United’s new number 10, Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson has included several young players in his touring squad including Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans, who made such an impact in Sunderland’s promotion season together with Darron Gibson, Danny Simpson, Chris Eagles and Phil Bardsley. New boys Nani and Owen Hargreaves are also named in the squad for the tour, which takes in Japan, Korea, Macau and China. A list of the upcoming friendly fixtures can be found here.

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Heinze Says He Wants To Move On

As previously reported on ManU Blog, there have been persistent rumours regarding the future of Manchester United left-back at Old Trafford. He has been linked with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Juventus. Why would he want to go anywhere when he is at the best club in the world?

The 29-year old defender played for Argentina yesterday in the Copa America final and finished on the losing team. Argentina were favourites to lift the title and were well beaten 3-0 by a powerful Brazil side. The Argentine defence could not cope with the speed and power of the Brazilian counter attacks.

Heinze’s agent has apparently told Manchester United that he wants to move to another club, but United have had no firm offers for the player. Although it has been reported that Liverpool have matched the £6.8 million asking price. If he does want to go I wouldn’t like to see him transferred to another English team - least of all Liverpool! He is a versatile player and a solid defender though he has some short-comings going forward, I’m sure United will look to move him on to Spain or Italy rather than sell him to one of their Premiership rivals.

Following Argentina’s defeat in the Copa America final, Heinze is taking an extended holiday. He joined Manchester United from Paris St Germain in 2004 for a fee of £6.9m and has made a total of 75 appearances, scoring 4 goals.

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Park Injury Nightmare Continues

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji Sung is set to be sidelined for at least 6 months with a long-term knee injury. The hard-working South Korean international had an operation performed by well-known knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in the United States at the end of last season on the knee injury he picked up in a match against Blackburn Rovers on 31st March. He now faces a long battle to regain his fitness and will not be available until December or January at the earliest.

This is a further blow for Park who had shown signs of becoming a regular in the Manchester United first team with some dynamic performances in midfield during last season. His fantastic work rate combined with increased goal scoring made him a good option for Sir Alex Ferguson, but Park has been persistently dogged by injury over the past couple of seasons.

Park has still travelled with the United squad for their tour, which takes in Japan, Korea, Macau and China. A list of the upcoming friendly fixtures can be found here.

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Manchester United Leg-Ends Lounge

Amidst the summer transfer rumours we are seriously suffering from Manchester United football withdrawal symptoms. It’s time for a bit of Red Devils related fun. I heard this feature on TalkSport yesterday and it got me thinking….

Old Trafford has several hospitality lounges where ex-United players entertain the corporate diners on match days with stories of days gone by. We would like to create the alternative ManU Blog Leg-Ends lounge. Amongst the many players who have flattered to deceive at Old Trafford over the years, who would you like to see (or not) entertaining the prawn sandwich brigade at the Theatre Of Dreams? Here are a few ideas to start you off.

In the International Suite we have the goal keeping leg-end that is Massimo Taibi (Mark Bosnich couldn’t be bothered to turn up).

In Salford Suite 1, so good they named him twice, Eric Djemba-Djemba.

In the Stretford Suite, David May gives a run down on celebrity poker tips!

I’m sure you can come up with some better suggestions than these. Who would you like to see in the United Leg-Ends Hall of Fame? Have your say and leave a comment!

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United’s Best Ever Squad?

Manchester United captain Gary Neville has accused the Reds’ Premier League rivals of underestimating them last season and goes on to fire a warning shot over their bows for the new season to come. With new arrivals Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and the likely signing of Carlos Tevez, Neville feels that Sir Alex Ferguson has assembled United’s strongest ever squad saying,

“The manager knew what he was doing over a period of two years in building a new team and now we are in a fantastic position. Last season we played the best football, the most attacking and entertaining football - and we deserved to win the trophy. I don’t think a United fan could ever be as excited about the players, the team and about the way the club is, as today.”

He is desperate to be fully fit for the start of the new season following several months out with an ankle injury. Having undergone an operation six weeks ago, Neville is training hard, pushing himself through a rigorous fitness schedule in an attempt to get himself in top shape for Manchester United’s first match against Reading at Old Trafford on the 12th of August.

There is no doubt that the transfer acquisitions made by Manchester United over the summer have increased the strength in depth of the young squad, especially in the midfield positions. But will the current squad prove to be the best United squad ever? Leave your comments and have your say.

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Ole’s Final Season?

Could this be the final season with Manchester United for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? The legendary baby-faced assassin has had to endure more knee surgery during the summer break following some discomfort he felt during training. He expects to be fit for the start of the new season but does accept that this may turn out to be his last campaign.

Having played an important role in securing the Premiership title last term, his season was still blighted by injury. Ole admits that he may not be able to play twice a week but when he regains full fitness he hopes to build on what he achieved last year, saying:

“The knee will never be 100 per cent again, but as long as it doesn’t hurt I’ll continue to play. I don’t know how long I can continue. It might be over after this season or I might be able to play another season.”

Solskjaer is a fan’s favourite and a true United legend, cementing his place in United fokelore by scoring the last-minute winner in the European Cup final in 1999 during the Red Devils triumphant treble winning season. He has proved to be one of Sir Alex Fergusons greatest ever signings, a fantastic squad player and has shown the strength of character to overcome 2 career-threatening knee injuries which kept him out of football for two years.

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Au Revoir Mikael Silvestre

It looks as though defender Mikael Silvestre will leave Manchester United to go back home to France. Reports suggest that French Division 1 club Bordeaux are preparing a £3 million offer for him. Incidentally, Bordeaux are managed by Laurent Blanc, he was a classy centre back who had an all too brief stay at United.

Silvestre has lost his place in the team with the arrival of the likes of Patrice Evre and NemanjaVidic and although he seems happy to see out the remaining 2 years of his contract it looks as though Manchester United are ready to offload him.

Mikael Silvestre joined United in September 1999 for £3.5 million, and after a shaky start he became a versatile member of the squad, able to play left back or central defence. He has proved to be a great servant to the club winning 4 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 League Cup and 1 Intercontinental Cup. His pace and strength in the tackle were vital assets during his long run in the United team. Having watched him in most of his home appearances for the Reds, the things I will remember most will be his inconsistency and the left-foot 60 yard, raking diagonal balls he would play from the back to no-one in particular! He has been one of the most frustrting players to watch in recent years; one game he is superb then the next he’d have an absolute nightmare, unable to trap a bag of sand!

But I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing Mikky all the best, he has been a longstanding member of Fergie’s squad and the number 27 shirt won’t look right without him in it!

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Ronaldo Bets His Hair On Scoring 20 Goals!

Ronaldo has upped the ante in United goalscoring stakes for next season. The Portuguese winger won a £400 bet with Sir Alex Ferguson last year when he scored 17 goals in the Premiership, two more than the target Fergie set for him. This year Ronaldo has bet his hair on scoring 20 Premiership goals!
Here’s what Ronny might look like if he loses the bet! If he doesn’t score 20 times in the Premier League he will shave his off his carefully sculpted locks, if he scores more than 20 goals Sir Alex will have to shave his head! Somehow I think there is only one winner in that scenario! Sir Alex managed to get out of last seasons wager by discounting all the penalties that Ronaldo scored, so I’m sure he’s got plenty up his sleeve to get around this one.

The 22-year old United superstar has got a lot to live up to in the 2007/2008 season, following a breathitaking league campaign last term that brought with it a hatful of accolades including PFA Player of the Year. The fact that Ronldo has set his sights higher for next season shows that he still has the hunger and desire to win more trophies and speaks volumes about the motivation and man-management skills of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Alan Smith For Middlesborough?

There are some reports today stating that Manchester United have agreed a £6 million fee with Middlesborough for Alan Smith. It appears that Gareth Southgate wants Smudge to inject his team with some grit and battling qualities. I suppose it’ll give the Boro fans something to cheer about, they haven’t had much to be happy with with their mediocre team over the past few seasons.

Smithy hasn’t made a decision yet because he’s still on holiday in Dubai but I certainly don’t want to see him go because he still has a place at Old Trafford and he really is a fans’ player. He has said he doesn’t want to leave and he proved this with his recovery from injury last season, staying on to train hard forcing himself back into the first team when he could have gone out on loan. This shows Smudge’s strength of character but if the club shows no sign of a new contract he may well move on. Also, his good mate Jonathan Woodgate plays at Boro so this may well have a bearing on his final decision.

Rooney Gets Number 10 Shirt

From next season Wayne Rooney will wear the Manchester United number 10 shirt, immortalised in years gone by by such United striking legends as Denis Law, Mark Hughes and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Having worn the number 8 shirt since arriving at the club, Rooney is said to be honoured to be given the number 10 shirt, saying:

“When I was offered the chance to wear the No 10 shirt I jumped at it. Some of the game’s greatest players have become legends wearing No 10, none more so than Denis Law. He was crowned the King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it.”

Another master stroke by Sir Alex Ferguson, even though us United fans that watch him week in week out know exactly what he can do, I think that this will spur Rooney on to greater things and cement his place as one of the legends of Manchester United Football Club.

United New Boys - Nani and Anderson

I hadn’t heard much about Nani and Anderson until a few weeks ago.

Nani is a 20 year old winger from Portugal (haven’t we got one of those already?), who won’t officially sign from Sporting Lisbon until next month. Anderson is 19 years old from Brazil, he’s already signed from Porto and I’m looking forward to watching him play for Brazil in the Copa America. I just hope they can settle in well, maybe Ronaldo can take them both out on the town in Manchester a couple of times to help them along!!

If you want to see what Nani and Anderson can do check out this video clip - these boys can play….

Quadruple next season anyone??