Images from Everton Vs Manchester United. #mufc

Just a quick update here, it seems the press are now pedalling Rooney in midfield like crazy.  I find this a bit daft to be honest, Rooney is too valuable as an attacker to play the position and to be honest I don't think he was all that impressive against Otelul.  I felt he was our best player in a poor performance but Galati didn't provide a great enough test for Wayne to be heralded as Scholes' succesor.  Hopefully we can get back some of our injured midfielders, unfotunately Tom Cleverley was injured again soon after his injury comeback in the match against Everton. Here are some more images from HQworld.net to keep you going:

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Glazers ownership is a financial blessing according to some. #mufc

Well what a long day Saturday was,  I was in the pub for around 8am ready for the trip to Everton.  Things got a little blurry by the time kick-off arrived!  From what I recall, I haven't watched the full game again yet,  we were fairly comfortable in possesion and I never really doubted the the Three points were gonna be gained.  I have to say it was a bit more low-key than I expected and I only saw one argument between fans as we left the ground.  Some old scouser telling my 18 stone pal how hard he was; it was funny actually.  Tonight we play Otelul at home and we need to win really so it should be a good game.  I am hoping to see Tom Cleverley again as I feel he really gives our midfield something different with his energy and short passing.  Tom likes to shoot from range too and can turn his man- something I feel only Anderson can do from our remaining midfielders.

Here's the latest finance story from the world press:

Glazers labelled as faultless.

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has told Manchester United fans to lay off the Glazers and start thanking them for the success they have delivered since their takeover.

Malcom Glazer and his family, who also own NFL club the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have been criticised for the way that they have financed their purchase of United with loans partly secured against the club's assets. Ticket prices at Old Trafford have soared since the Americans took over.

Kroenke, who maintains he has no plans to secure loans against Arsenal in the way that Glazer has done at United, said: "Since they took over they have won and they have increased revenues by a huge amount.

"If I was a fan of that club, I would go there and go 'Wow!' because how could you do it any better?

He added: "We have a whole different philosophy I think in the States, maybe, but I think it's time maybe for everybody to think a little bit. I think they ought to think about who invests in these clubs.

"He (Glazer) took money out of the club. So what? (LA Lakers owner) Jerry Buss takes money out of his club. A lot of owners in the US do. No-one ever says anything about it.

"Did the Lakers win anything? Well, yeah. They did. How big's their revenue? Pretty darn good."

Before leaving a media briefing, Kroenke was keen to make one more point clear - his unwavering support for manager Arsene Wenger - a man whose future was called in to doubt after the club's shaky start to the season.

"Arsene Wenger is an unbelievable manager. I think he's a tremendous person. He is as good as there is," Kroenke added.

"You lose some games, you have some tough losses. It happens. You can't judge a manager on one game or on one stretch of games.

"You judge him over time. That's how the really good ones are judged."

Ticket prices at Old Trafford have soared since the Americans took over - a move which has caused the birth of a widespread protest movement against the family, who they want to see out of the club.

In Kroenke, however, the Glazers have a big fan. The American businessman, who became Arsenal's majority shareholder in May this year, thinks there is a big difference in how sports clubs are run either side of the Atlantic.

The 64-year-old maintains he has no plans to secure loans against Arsenal in the way that Glazer has done at United, but admits he is baffled at the way United fans have taken a severe dislike towards his compatriot given that United have lifted four league titles since they took over six years ago while also boosting revenue at the club.

The Glazer family have confirmed their commitment to Manchester United and insist they have no interest in selling the club.

United's owners made a short statement to accompany the release of second quarter financial results, in response to growing speculation about a massive offer for the club from the Qatar Royal Family.

It has always been stressed the Glazers view their United status as long-term, a point they are keen to emphasise.

"The board notes recent press speculation regarding a possible bid for Manchester United," said the statement.

"The owners remain fully committed to their long-term ownership of the club.

"No discussions have taken place, Manchester United is not for sale and the owners will not entertain any offers."

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Manchester United Images Vs Aldershot Town #mufc

Man United pics from the Carling Cup match.

Well I cannot wait for this Everton trip tomorrow!  There are 12 of mymates on the coach and we'll be setting off from the Bishops quite early.  Breakfast and a pint I think!  This will be my first trip to Goodison park and I've heard it can be very partisan.  I am literally bouncing around my house at the thought of this.  My throat has recovered from a life threatening case of man-flu so I am fully ready.  I reckon I'll be singing till the sun goes down if we can get the right result.  COME ON THE REDS!!!!

Here are some images from the midweek fixture in which the youngsters got to play.

 

Images courtesy of HQworld.net

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The recovery begins admidst debuts for youngsters. #mufc

Well last night United began to repair some of the damage sustained at the weekend. A quick and decisive recovery is needed and I was happy to see a determined performance. What made me even happier was to see young players like Fryers, Morrison, Pogba and Keane make appearances. These young lads are the future stock that will hopefully take us forward as others have done in the past. It's always exciting for me to see new talent like these.

Ravel Morrison had a great debut in the League cup last night; he seemed to be given a free role and he was all over the pitch for the final 20 minutes of the game. He reminds me of Wayne Rooney in a few ways. He is very aggressive and strong, he loves to run at defences as well as shoot from range. His short passing is sublime too and he linked up beautifully with Dimitar Berbatov who might I say put in a top draw performance; chasing lost causes and creating and scoring a goal.


Paul Pogba is another favourite of mine and had a good game once settled down from a couple of mis-timed tackles early on. Pogba is a central mid-fielder who has great composure on the ball and is always looking to recieve in space. I think the future is bright for both us and them.

Tom Cleverley also played an hour in his return from injury- He damaged a ligament in his foot I believe.  The injury was caused by an idiotic Kevin Davies' tackle at Bolton.  That was a great away day despite Davies being a w@#ker as usual.

In other news, Manchester Uniteds shirt sponsor; AON is to announce Third quarter results.

Aon Announces Third Quarter 2011
Earnings Release and Conference Call

CHICAGO, IL - October 17, 2011 - Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON) plans to announce third quarter 2011 results on Friday, October 28, 2011 in a news release to be issued before the market opens. Greg Case, president and CEO, will host a conference call at 7:30 am Central Time on Friday, October 28, 2011. The conference call will be broadcast live through Aon's website at www.aon.com. Windows Media Player is required to listen to this webcast. A replay will be available shortly after the live webcast. The earnings release will be available on Aon's web site at www.aon.com.

About Aon
Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing. Through its more than 59,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to deliver distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon's industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally in over 120 countries. Named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008, 2009 and 2010 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance's listing of the world's insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008 and 2009. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary 2007-2010, best reinsurance intermediary 2006-2010, best captives manager 2009-2010, and best employee benefits consulting firm 2007-2009 by the readers of Business Insurance.

For those who don't know- here's some footage of the highly talented Ravel Morrison:- the next United Star.

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Animated GIFs of Manchester United and opponents. #mufc

Rooney reaction :

Anderson blesses Tom Cleverley pre-match :

Anderson celebration dance :

Szczezny Cruyff turn :

Anderson makes a surging run :

David De Gea penalty save :

Fanzone reaction to Michael Owen derby winning goal :

Phil Jones' epic sliding tackle denies Gareth Bale :

Nani thunderbolt Vs Chelsea :

Gifs created by Olly from RedCafe.

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Youth Team Fixtures List 2011/12 #mufc

Manchester United YouthTeam has, over the years produced many top footballers.  Paul Scholes, David Becham, the Neville brothers and more recently the likes of Tom Cleverley and Danny Wellbeck.  More youngsters like Ravel Morrison and Ryan Tunnicliffe are tipped to make the step up to the first team over the next couple of seasons and just watching the United youngsters you can already see the special talents they have to offer.

I'll be trying to watch the youth games on MUTV this season as they play delightful, attacking football in the true United way.

Fixture list:

U18s: Fixtures 2011/12

Sat Aug 20 Portsmouth H 1-2
Sat Aug 27 Southampton A 2-4
Sat Sep 3 Leeds United H 3-1
Sat Sep 10 Sheffield United A 2-0
Sat Sep 17 Middlesbrough H 1-1
Sat Sep 24 Blackburn Rovers A 2-3
Sat Oct 1 Manchester City H 1-3
Sat Oct 8 Wolves A 2-5Fri
Oct 14 Liverpool A 12:00
Wed Oct 19 Crewe Alexandra H 13.30
Sat Nov 5 Bolton Wanderers A
Sat Nov 12 Stoke City H
Sat Nov 19 West Bromwich Albion H
Sat Dec 3 Everton A
Sat Dec 10 Liverpool H
Sat Dec 17 Crewe Alexandra A
FAYC 3rd Rd to be played by 17 Dec
Sat Jan 7 Bolton Wanderers H
Sat Jan 14 Stoke City A
Sat Jan 21 West Bromwich Albion A
FAYC 4th Rd to be played by 21 Jan Sat Jan 28 Everton H
Sat Feb 11 Blackburn Rovers H
FAYC 5th Rd to be played by 11 Feb
Sat Feb 18 Manchester City A
Sat Feb 25 Wolves H
FAYC 6th Rd to be played by 25 Feb Sat Mar 3 Barnsley A
Sat Mar 10 Sunderland H 12:00
Sat Mar 17 Sheffield Wednesday A
FAYC SF (1) to be played by 17 Mar Sat Mar 31 Newcastle United H 12:00
FAYC SF (2) to be played by 31 Mar Sat Apr 21 Huddersfield Town A
FAYC Final (1) to be played by 21 Apr
Sat May 5 Premier Academy League SF
FAYC Final (2) to be played by 5 May
Sat May 12 Premier Academy League Final (TBC)

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Injury claims yet another victim as Manchester United struggle to cope. #mufc

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Injuries, injuries, injuries. That's all I keep hearing from the United press releases!  A hamstring injury for Wayne Rooney, a groin injury for Chris Smalling. Rafael has been trying to recover from a shoulder injury for weeks now.

Nemanja Vidic too has been injured, a calf muscle strain this time.  Chicharito suffered a blow to the leg and it looked as though he hit his head too in the same incident on Saturday at Stoke City.  This following a comeback after sustaining a head injury in a training ground accident at the start of the campaign.  Also injured: Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson,  Tom Cleverley ( foot ligament damage ), Michael Carrick ( Achilles' tendon injury ) and let's not forget Bebe who had to return from his loan deal in Turkey after sustaining an Anterior cruciate ligament injury.

I don't mean to be a pessamist and I think we shall still have enough to beat FC Basle tomorrow night.  As usual I'm sure Fergies' boys will do what's needed and I will be singing my heart out from the Stretty as we try to will the ball into the net!

24/09/2011 20:31, Report by Steve Bartram

Rooney blow 'not serious'

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the hamstring injury which kept Wayne Rooney out of Saturday's draw at Stoke isn't serious, but was reluctant to pencil in a return date for the striker.
Rooney was among three players who suffered injuries in training on Friday, while the Reds' plans were further dented when Javier Hernandez sustained a dead leg after just three minutes at the Britannia Stadium.
"Jonny Evans got an ankle injury in training yesterday," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We had a nightmare of a training session - Evans, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney all got injured. Jonny thought he'd be okay but in the warm-up it was no use. With Chicharito in your team he gives you that penetration and speed, that was a loss."


"It's difficult to say [how long Rooney will be out for]. It's not a serious hamstring injury but I don't think he'll be available for next week. I think he'll be out for more than a week."

 Rooney, Carrick, Evans and Hernandez join a lengthy injury list which already includes Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Rafael, Tom Cleverley and Darron Gibson, although Rio Ferdinand and Danny Welbeck both returned to Premier League action against Stoke.
"We are Manchester United and we don’t like to make excuses but it is difficult to come to a place like Stoke without those types of players," admitted Patrice Evra. "We have many players who are not here tonight."

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Ligament injury to the foot of Tom Cleverley was the only black spot of the day. #mufc

Tom has reportedly damaged ligaments in his foot and will be out injured for around 4 weeks. Apart from seeing the clumsy tackle the injury to his foot resulted from, what a long and fun-filled weekend I have had. As I got up on Saturday morning I was absolutely buzzing.  Since the amazing performance against Arsenal I'd been waiting for the away trip to Bolton Wanderers. I was booked on a coach trip that set off from near Old Trafford at 10am so it was an early start. I had no idea where the coach was taking us until I got to the meet point, so the mystery tour began!  We ended up in Blackpool which was a surprise but whatever, I was on the ale with 5 mates and about 50 other reds.  A good few pints later and after warming our voices up we really started to get ourselves hyped up for what was always going to be a blast of a day.

We got to the ground on time after a couple of 'hiccups' not worth mentioning and I was seated behind the goal which was great.  We were right next to the Bolton fans so we had some good banter and I spent a lot of the match, well the whole day really just laughing my head off.

Here's the ManUnited.com match report and some images from the game.

10/09/2011 18:20, Report by Steve Bartram

Bolton 0 United 5

United's mesmerising start to the Barclays Premier League season continued with a five-goal stroll at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, as Javier Hernandez struck his first goals of the campaign and Wayne Rooney extended his fine form with a second successive hat-trick.
The Reds turned in a devastating showcase of finishing, bagging three goals inside the first half-hour and a further pair after the break, and also demonstrated promising defensive resolve in the face of a characteristically direct bombardment from the hosts.
The only sour note of the afternoon was a derivative of the Trotters' trademark vigour, as Tom Cleverley left the Reebok Stadium on crutches after a heavy challenge from Bolton skipper Kevin Davies, having apparently suffered a damaged ankle.

Hitherto, Sir Alex Ferguson had enjoyed good news with injuries after the recent international break, and made only minimal changes to the line-up which started last month's romp against Arsenal. Danny Welbeck, who suffered a hamstring strain against the Gunners, was replaced by Hernandez, while Rio Ferdinand returned at the expense of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones shunted over to right-back.

As had been the case in the Reds' opening three league games, United began in proactive fashion. Indeed, it took the visitors just five minutes to forge ahead. As a United attack built on the right wing, with Rooney releasing Nani, Chicharito outwitted Gary Cahill by shaping to move to the near post, feinting to the back and then sprinted forward just in time to redirect Nani’s centre past the sprawling Jussi Jaaskelainen.

United had actually taken the lead without a full compliment of players. At the time of the goal, Cleverley was receiving treatment for an ankle injury after a poor challenge from Davies. Bolton had their best opening of the half while Cleverley was en route to the dressing room, but Rooney was on hand to hack Chris Eagles’ volley off the line after a goalmouth scramble. Michael Carrick was duly introduced to restore equality in personnel.

 Bolton skipper Davies was booked for a lunging challenge on Evra and Ivan Klasnic brought a spectacular save from De Gea with a stinging effort from the edge of the box, but the hosts’ defiance was soon doused by a devastating spell of attacking from United.
Jones took a quick throw-in and, upon receiving the ball straight back from Chicharito, arced an unplayable cross into the heart of the Bolton area, where the onrushing Rooney needed only brush the ball with the studs of his right boot to double United’s lead.

Jones was the epicentre of the Reds’ celebratory huddle, and the makeshift right-back was again the hub of joy five minutes later. Having swapped passes with Nani, the marauding youngster strode through the Bolton midfield and defence and, although his shot was saved by Jaaskelainen, Rooney carefully tucked the rebound between the desperate lunges of Cahill and Dedryck Boyata to heap further misery on the hosts.


Fresh from the eight-goal salute to Arsenal, another attacking frenzy was underway. Hernandez appeared to have turned in United’s fourth just two minutes later, but his neat finish applied to a Nani cross was correctly rendered illegal by an assistant’s flag.
The game lulled for the final third of the half, as rampant visitors and shell-shocked hosts drew breath. Kevin Davies swiped air rather than ball after a decent Martin Petrov cross and Nani fired into the side-netting from close-range, but the interval came with United exuding comfort.

Were any reminder required that Bolton can never be taken lightly, especially at home, it was served by Klasnic within two minutes of the restart. Fortunately, De Gea had the smart reflexes and handling to field the Croatian's low snapshot.

At the opposite end, Jaaskelainen did well to flick Anderson's wicked free-kick wide of the post, but relied on his defenders to dig him out of a hole after Hernandez had stolen possession outside the area. The Mexican didn't have to wait long, however, to double his tally, sliding home from close range after Michael Carrick's shot had rolled through a thicket of bodies.
Bolton's response to the fourth goal was positive, as Nigel Reo-Coker crashed a shot against De Gea's crossbar, before both sides rang the changes. Kevin Davies made way for David N'gog and Darren Pratley replaced ex-Red Chris Eagles for the hosts, while Sir Alex introduced Ryan Giggs and Smalling at the expense of Ashley Young and the limping Evans.

The amendments did little to stifle the flow of the game, as United popped passes around with abandon. Nor did it stem the tide of goals, as Rooney smashed home his second successive hat-trick. A raking ball from Giggs found Nani, who rolled the ball across the edge of the area for Rooney to curl an unstoppable shot into Jaaskelainen's bottom right-hand corner.
Hat-trick secured, Rooney soon attempted to serve up another treble for Chicharito, but his centre was narrowly behind the Mexican striker. Late on, Chicharito was played in by Nani, but unselfishly attempted to square for the excellent Anderson, who couldn't quite convert into the gaping goal.
No matter, five more than sufficed to prolong the early-season excitement surrounding this United team. There's enough experience in the Reds' ranks to avoid getting giddy just over a week into September, but the verve and swagger about this bunch of twinkling talents renders caution harder by the week.

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