Tag Archives: Ferguson

Ferguson foiled in search

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Manchester United supporters are likely to take a dim view of Sir Alex Ferguson’s admission that the “type” of world-class midfielder needed to fill the void created by Paul Scholes is “not available” (Man United 7/4 – Premier League 2011/12 Outright).

It means United will set off in pursuit of a record 20th domestic title without one of Luka Modric and Samir Nasri of Tottenham and Arsenal respectively, as well as top summer target Wesley Sneijder from Internazionale (West Brom 9/2, draw 11/4, Man United 1/2 – match prices).

The news will disappoint the match-going Stretford End faithful desperate to be moved out of their seats akin to when a flash and young Cristiano Ronaldo first lit up Old Trafford on his debut against Bolton close to a decade ago.

It will also mean United will almost certainly be caught short when it comes to closing the gap on Barcelona at Europe’s top table (Barcelona 2/1 – Champions League 2011/12 Outright).

Ferguson explained: “We lost five players in their 30s this summer. That helped finance the three younger players – Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea – I have brought to the club.”

He added: “At this moment, I can’t see another addition. The type of player we might have been looking for is not available. I am happy with the players I have got at this moment in time.”

United were humbled by the all-conquering Catalans for the second time in three seasons in May in the final of Europe’s elite club competition. It was a one-sided game in which Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia and Ji-Sung Park were cruelly exposed.

How Ferguson would have loved for Scholes at his peak to have squared up against Camp Nou maestro Xavi – and it is the gap he leaves which is certain to cause the game’s longest-serving manager his biggest headache.

Players of Scholes’ undisputed class are once-in-a-generation types, which makes the fact that Ferguson is now likely to close the purse strings – with options available – all the more frustrating.

Modric, Nasri and Sneijder are all game-breakers with the rare talent of controlling matches at the highest level in a role which Scholes mastered with distinction.

All three would surely have surely flourished at the peak of their careers under Ferguson’s stewardship, in the same way Eric Cantona needed a stage to showcase his talents.

The Scot has made no secret of his frustration that United have not won more Champions League trophies – and without a creative lynchpin, the wait could go on.

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Ferguson looks to next generation

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Sir Alex Ferguson made clear his intentions at the end of the season by insisting there is a “responsibility and expectation” about moving 13/8 Premier League title favourites Manchester United forward – and it would appear the game’s longest-serving manager has been true to his word.

The Scot has put the building blocks in place for the next generation of title contenders by gazumping bitter rivals Liverpool to sign Phil Jones from Blackburn for £16m and the summer spending is unlikely to stop there.

Ferguson told Inside United: “There’s a responsibility as the manager of Manchester United. It doesn’t go away.”

He added: “We have to carry on, there’s nothing else you can do. We have a responsibility and expectation to live up to and that carries on next season.”

Highly-rated Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea and Aston Villa flyer Ashley Young feature on a burgeoning wish-list, while Ferguson is also considering entering the race to sign Udinese’s £30m-rated Alexis Sanchez.

The signing of England Under-21 defender Jones (4/1 England – U21 Euro Championships 2011 Outright Winner) makes sense given that Rio Ferdinand, now 32, made only 19 Premier League appearances for the champions last season.

Ferguson has taken the view that the Ewood favourite, also a target for title rivals Arsenal (7/1 – Premier League Outright 2011/2012 Winner), is the perfect foil for emerging talent Chris Smalling and the pair, on paper at least, look an exciting future partnership.

It also adds weight to the theory that the likes of Wes Brown and John O’Shea, targets for Sunderland, could be shown the door, while Jonny Evans’ future at Old Trafford is also unclear.

Ferguson revealed at the club’s annual awards ceremony in May that he hoped to bring in at least three new players in the close season and the guessing games continue.

The interest in Sanchez is curious, if not speculative, given that seasoned United fans have been crying out for a midfield game-breaker not seen since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid.

Paul Scholes has announced his retirement and Ryan Giggs is almost at the end of his illustrious career, so Ferguson is left to plug a creative gap.

The likes of Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Antonio Valencia can be relied on in the Premier League but are unlikely to scare the cream of Europe, as was illustrated in the Champions League final defeat by the Xavi-inspired Barcelona.

It opens the door for Ferguson to renew his interest in Internazionale playmaker Wesley Sneijder in what promises to be a fascinating summer.

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Ferguson plots Barca downfall

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The countdown is well and truly on for the biggest game in the European football calendar this season, with Manchester United ready to try to stop the might of 10/11 favourites Barcelona in the Champions League final.

United and Barca contested the final back in 2008-09 in Rome but it was a night to forget for the Red Devils after they fell behind to an early Samuel Eto’o strike and never really recovered their composure.

Superstar Lionel Messi put the game to bed 20 minutes from time as United failed to cause too much trouble for keeper Victor Valdes and his patched-up defence which included Manchester City’s FA Cup hero Yaya Toure as Dani Alves was suspended forcing captain Carles Puyol to right-back.

The final two years ago was set up for Cristiano Ronaldo, who at the time was on the verge of  a switch to Real Madrid, but he failed to deliver in a free role as Sir Alex Ferguson opted to push Wayne Rooney out to the left wing.

Ferguson’s reasoning  – and who can really criticise the all-conquering United boss? – was to pack the midfield and try to use the pace of Ronaldo to expose Puyol, Toure, Sylvinho and Gerard Pique, but it simply did not work.

Michael Carrick and Anderson failed to get to grips with Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta so much so that Carlos Tevez was introduced for the Brazilian at half time, to little effect though in the grand scheme of things.

Ferguson is wily enough a character to have taken all of those points on board while he will also be contemplating the fitness of Scotland captain Darren Fletcher who missed the 2009 final through suspension.

Ferguson trusts the all-action midfielder in the big games – seemingly in contrast to laidback striker Dimitar Berbatov – but his countryman has only just returned from a medium-term lay-off through illness and so will need to be monitored this week.

It is something of paradox that for all the money United have lavished in the transfer market over recent years that Fletcher, who came through the ranks, could be key to Saturday’s midfield battle.

He might not win the game but he can certainly have a say, if fit, in how long United are able to stay in it which would give them a chance of overturning the odds (United 3/1 – 9-0 Minutes).

And perhaps there is a danger of over-stating Barcelona’s chances at Wembley based solely on two years ago in the Italian capital as the season before United accounted for the Catalans in the semi-finals without Frank Rijkaard’s side scoring a goal.

“We showed fantastic concentration in those two ties,” said Ferguson. “That is the key for us. It is an important issue in terms of Saturday.”

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Ferguson rejects transfer talk

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out making any new signings in the January transfer window (United 9/2 to win the Premier League).

Ferguson saw his side beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday to sit five points behind leaders Chelsea. And he insisted he is happy with the squad he has, and is not considering adding to it this season.

“We won’t be buying in January, definitely not,” said Ferguson in the Independent. “If you want someone to play in Europe, you are limited right away. There are hundreds of players cup-tied.”

The United boss added: “You have five months left of the season, I will have Antonio Valencia back hopefully towards the end of February, which is a new player coming back.

“If Michael Owen gets back, it is another new player coming back. So with the squad I’ve got, I don’t see any reason for us to buy anyone.”

Ferguson is not panicking over the size of his squad, or the fact that Wayne Rooney may not be back in action until mid-December (United 1/14 Top Four Finish).

Rooney was on hand at Old Trafford yesterday after returning from a mid-season break to Dubai with his wife Coleen.

“I think Wayne Rooney will be out for another five weeks,” Ferguson said in the Sunday Express. “He’ll have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right.”

Rooney could miss a total of 15 games for club and country, after initially having targeted the Manchester derby against City next week.

United’s match at Blackpool on December 4 is now his comeback target, though the Champions’ League visit of Valencia three days later could also be in his sights (United 9/1 to win 2010-11 Champions League).

Ferguson went on to add: “With any player who has been out a few weeks, you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down. That is what happened to Ryan Giggs – he came back and trained a full week and maybe did too much.

“He lasted only 25 minutes against West Brom and it was a loss, because we didn’t have real cover for the wide positions.”

Ferguson said that Rooney would have to battle to regain his place in the team because of the form of Javier Hernandez, who has scored seven goals in 13 games for United.

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Ferguson drops Rooney hint

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could be fit to face Montenegro in England’s Euro 2012 qualifier on October 12 (England 9/1 Euro 2012 outright).

The 24-year-old striker has been struggling with an ankle problem and aggravated the injury during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bolton.

He was substituted just after the hour mark and Ferguson revealed that he would be out of action for at least three weeks, ruling him out of England’s third Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

However, speaking on United’s in-house TV station, MUTV, and on local radio the veteran tactician revealed that the former Everton man is progressing well and could be ready to return for Fabio Capello’s side in under two weeks’ time.

Rooney has struggled so far this term, with Ferguson admitting that tabloid reports about his private life have affected the talented hit-man, and he was left out of the United side that drew 3-3 with Rooney’s former club Everton back on September 11.

He also cut a peripheral figure at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa and failed to make the expected impact during England’s woeful campaign.

England, and Rooney in particular, are still trying to win back the England fans who have become less forgiving after seeing their heroes put in such abject displays last summer.

Two victories from their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers have gone some way to building a bridge back to the supporters but they will need to put in another improved display against Montenegro, who have also garnered six points from their opening two games in Group G.

The United manager revealed that Rooney was keen to play against Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light but he will not be in the squad as the boss is keen to make sure the injury is 100 per cent before a return to action (United 4/6 to beat Sunderland).

“Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow,” he told local radio station Key103. “But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.

“I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing because Wayne has not been doing himself justice. I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don’t play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to.”

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Ferguson hails new ‘genius’

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Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has now joined Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez as a 7/1 shot for the 2010/11 Premier League Golden Boot.

The Bulgarian boosted his tally for the campaign thanks to a match-winning hat-trick against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday – the Red Devils won the game 3-2 despite seeing a two-goal lead cancelled out by Steven Gerrard – following strikes against Newcastle, West Ham and Everton.

Berbatov’s treble was his first for United following his switch from Spurs two years ago and it was also United’s first against Liverpool in over 60 years, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men bounced back from draw against Everton and Rangers, the latter of which was in the Champions League.

Berbatov has struggled to justify his £30m price tag since swapping White Hart Lane for Old Trafford and while he stole the headlines, the 29-year-old will also be aware he must back up his performance.

Ferguson admits fans were right to be sceptical about the former Bulgaria captain’s ability to slot into United’s side, but the Scot now hopes a corner has been turned.

“Lots of questions were asked about him last season and he was made something of a whipping boy, to the point where he must have wondered whether he had a future at Old Trafford,” said Ferguson.

“But the man has real ability and he is a Manchester United kind of player.

“I concede at times he seemed to struggle but if you are satisfied about a player’s credentials you must persevere and trust your judgement.

“You must have faith and I think we are being rewarded this season for our confidence in a player who has a touch of genius about him.”

Ferguson added: “We paid a lot of money for him and we should have understood that for whatever reason players do not always settle quickly after a big transfer, especially at a club of our stature.

“Certainly this is a big season for him that could determine the rest of his career.”

Meanhile, Tevez was also on target at the weekend, opening the scoring in City’s 2-0 win at Wigan which also saw summer signing Yaya Toure get off the mark for the Blues.

City are now up to fourth place ahead of Saturday’s home clash against champions Chelsea who have won all five games so far in the Premier League (City 4/6 – Top Four Finish).

Before that, boss Roberto Mancini takes City (4/6 – 90 minutes) to West Brom (7/2) on Wednesday for a Carling Cup third-round clash.

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Ferguson on future spending

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Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United may well have to dig deep to replace the players who are coming to the end of their careers at Old Trafford (United 1/6 – 90 minutes v Rangers).

United have never been shy to spend big and land quality players, with £29m spent on the acquisition of Rio Ferdinand from Leeds back in 2002, but they have also brought a number of quality players up through the ranks over the past 15 years.

The likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, were all nurtured by Ferguson, who was blessed with an incredible pool of home-grown talent developing at pretty much the same time.

Gary Neville, Giggs and Scholes are still playing their trade at the Theatre of Dreams in the mid-30s, but Ferguson is aware that they will not go on forever, and it may be that transfer fees will have to be paid to replace the legends of United’s golden era.

“There may be a time in the next couple of years where we have to stretch ourselves, particularly when Ryan, Paul and Gary retire,” he said. “Then, it is a possibility we would need to get really top players in to galvanise the younger ones coming through.

“But at the moment we have the experience. We have players who have been through the whole gamut of emotions at this club and know how to deal with it.”

Whether or not funds will be available to buy the best players in the world is open to question as doubts surround the long-term involvement of the Glazer family amid rumours of huge debts at the club.

But the 68-year-old tactician was quick to point out that he had money to spend in the transfer window but preferred, by and large, to keep his power dry and trust the current crop of players at his disposal.

“We have no financial restrictions,” he added. “If I hadn’t been confident maybe we would have done something. But there was only one player I would have brought here and that move was sealed off quite early by the club he went to.”

United begin their Champions League campaign with the visit of Rangers on Tuesday evening and are strong favourites to take all three points (Rangers 18/1 – 90 minutes v Man United).

Star striker Wayne Rooney looks set to play some part in the match after missing United’s weekend trip to Goodison Park as the manager opted to protect him from the spotlight due to his current off-field problems.

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Ferguson keeps Rooney counsel

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England and Manchester United striker Wayne RooneyManchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to discuss Wayne Rooney’s personal life in the wake of tabloid allegations ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton, the striker’s former club (Rooney 21/5 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

The 24-year-old has turned out for England since Sunday’s claims, but attention is now focused on Rooney’s return to Goodison Park and whether or not Ferguson will take him out of the firing line.

But, predictably and understandably, the Scot has played a straight bat to reporters’ questions over the ins and outs of Rooney’s alleged off-field activities.

Ferguson stated: “Let’s put it to bed straightaway. I am not discussing any of my players’ personal lives.”

Rooney is certain of a hot reception if he does turn out for the Red Devils at Everton and Fergie is wily enough to know that ‘resting’ the hitman would be counter-productive in the long run.

United will definitely be without midfielder Michael Carrick for the game after the midfielder’s long-running battle against an Achilles problem flared up again.

The former West Ham and Spurs star has been forced to undergo a painkilling injection and will miss around a month “at most”, according to Ferguson.

“It has been bothering him for a few weeks now, so we sent him to a specialist in London yesterday and he had an injection,” said Ferguson.

“We are hoping that settles it down. We have been considering what we should do about it. The best thing is to get it treated and out of the road now because everyone in the squad is fit.”

However, United are boosted by the return of centre-half Rio Ferdinand who has not been seen in a United first-team shirt since the end of last season (United 11/8 – To Keep A Clean Sheet).

The defender suffered a knee problem in England’s first training session at the World Cup in South Africa in the summer and so played no part in the tournament.

Ferdinand has been back in reserves action to build up his fitness and could have turned out for the second string again on Thursday night, but Ferguson saw no reason to make him available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“He wanted to play but his training performances are so good I didn’t see any point,” added the Old Trafford chief.

“He is in the squad. With three games this week, it is good that he is back in the fold.”

United are in Champions League action on Tuesday night when Ferguson’s former club Rangers make the trip to Old Trafford (United 2/7 – Group C Winner).

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Ferguson will keep his cash

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is happy with his squad and has no plans to make any more signings in the transfer window (12/5 Manchester United – Premier League outright).

United have made only two signings this summer, bringing in young Fulham defender Chris Smalling and Mexico World Cup star Javier Hernandez.

But though Ferguson has money available, he insists he will not make signings just to please supporters.

United have been strongly linked with Germany ace Mesut Ozil and Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard. But as Ferguson prepared his squad for the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday, he insisted his squad was strong enough as it stands (Chelsea 6/4 draw 11/5 Manchester United 15/8 – Community Shield).

“I don’t see the value in adding to our squad,” Ferguson said.

“I am happy with what we already have and I don’t see any reason to add to that just because people want me to buy someone.

“Supporters want you to buy players. They like to see a big signing every year. Sometimes the players like to see a big signing.

“But we have to be sensible about it. We look at our own squad and ask what do we need?

“I look at the players everyone says are available and they don’t excite me.”

United have only five strikers on their books, having allowed Danny Wellbeck to join Sunderland on loan and yesterday agreed to farm out Mame Biram Diouf to Blackburn.

But Ferguson is not concerned at the situation. “We are pleased with the young strikers we have,” he said.

“Welbeck and Diouf will go on loan, which leaves us with five; Berbatov, Rooney and Owen along with Macheda and Hernandez. That is sufficient.”

Federico Macheda has shown glimpses of talent, while Javier Hernandez has scored three times in three matches since linking up with his new team-mates at the end of their recent tour of North America.

Hernandez could be used as Wayne Rooney’s strike partner, with United moving away from the policy of playing the England international as a lone forward.

“We have not tried anything like it yet but we have played two strikers in the past,” Ferguson said. “It doesn’t mean it will happen every week but it will happen on some occasions.

“Hernandez has had a good start. He is an intelligent player with tremendous pace and penetration. The Mexican league is tough, so bringing players to England from there is not going to be a problem.”

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Ferguson happy with Hernandez deal

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Mexico and Manchester United star Javier HernandezManchester United (5/2 to win the Premier League) boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the club did well by signing Mexican striker Javier Hernandez before the World Cup took place this summer.

Hernandez had a good tournament in South Africa as he helped his side reach the second round of the competition. He also scored against both France and Argentina.

The 22-year-old looks like he will make his debut for United when they face the MLS All Stars on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

Henandez signed from Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara before the start of the World Cup which has ultimately saved the club millions due to the attacking player’s impressive performances.

United have been the victims of inflated prices of players after they have had successful international tournaments in the past.

When Rio Ferdinand signed for the Old Trafford club from rivals Leeds United, the West Yorkshire club received a far healthier price for the defender after a successful World Cup in 2002.

Ferguson has hailed his scouting staff and Hernandez’s former club after they managed to secure the player’s services before the World Cup.

He said: “I think our scouting people deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying him before the World Cup  and I think if we had been trying to negotiate after the World Cup it would have been very difficult.

“I think a lot of teams would have been after him and it would probably have cost us two or three times more.

“Our relationship we have built with Chivas has been excellent, they really were very accommodating in everything, the amazing thing was that no-one in the club said a word,” he added.

Hernandez joined his new team-mates on Monday ahead of their next pre-season fixture in America and Ferguson wants to get the player sharp ahead of the upcoming campaign, when United will be looking to win back the Premier League title from their rivals Chelsea.

The match against the All Stars will be played in Houston, Texas which has a large Mexican population and the Red Devils (15/2 to win the Champions League) boss wants to excite the crowd by giving the new striker a run out.

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