Rooney is a Devil

Manchester United have completed the signing of Wayne Rooney from Everton in a deal worth up to £27m.



United will pay Everton a guaranteed £20m, with that rising to as much as £27m according to the 18-year-old's strikers appearances and achievements.

Rooney, the young stiking sensation, has signed a six-year contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until 30 June 2010.

"I'm excited to be joining a club as big as Manchester United. I feel this can only improve my career," said Wayne Rooney.

Although Manchester United sit seven points behind Arsenal and Chelsea after just four games of the new season, the future looks very bright.

Rio Ferdinand is edging ever closer to the end of his suspension and Gabriel Heinze will join up with the squad after the weekend's World Cup Qualifiers.

Ruud van Nistlerooy and Wes Brown are both close to fitness and Ronaldo has returned from the Olympics.

Add a certain Wayne Rooney and the rest of the league won't be looking down on Sir Alex Ferguson's team for long.

Newcastle Force Robson Out

Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has been sacked by the club after their poor start to the Premiership season.



Robson, who was set to leave at the end of the season after five years at the club, was devastated by his dismissal.

"I am massively disappointed not to be able to finish the job I came here to do," said Robson."

"I have immensely enjoyed my time here as manager, and I wish the club all the best of success in the future."

"At the present moment, I have absolutely nothing to say except to thank the Geordie fans for their tremendous enthusiasm, loyalty and support."

It is still uncertain how the Newcastle fans will react to this news but it is thought they may protest against such an incompetant board.

It could be argued that Robson's position at St James' Park was given the kiss of death back at the start of August by Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Shepherd confirmed to the media, apparently before telling his manager, that he would not extend Robson's contract when it expired at the end of the 2004-2005 season.

In recent weeks Sir Bobby Robson has been let down by two of the players he signed during his tenure; Kieran Dyer and Craig Bellamy.

It is a tragic shame that two mediocore players can have such an affect on the manager's position.

On Saturday, Robson left talismanic striker Alan Shearer sitting on the bench at Villa Park. Five years and three days earlier his predecessor Ruud Gullit had done the same against Sunderland, and he was forced out immediately afterwards.

Early speculation has also placed Alan Shearer as favourite and also linked former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, Celtic's Martin O'Neill and Birmingham's Steve Bruce with the vacancy.

United Make Improved Rooney Bid

Everton have confirmed that Manchester United have made an improved second bid for England striker Wayne Rooney.



With Tuesday's midnight transfer deadline looming ever closer, any deal needs to be concluded quickly if Rooney is to move.

Asked about the timescale of a move, Ferguson said: "It only takes a second to say yes. The difficulty is getting the medicals but at the moment it is not at the stage where we are talking about it.

"We are waiting for an agreement before doing anything else.

"Rooney's a fabulous player - he showed that at Euro 2004 - and is a young player.

"He's not the finished article yet, but we've got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on."

"If we do sign him I will be very happy with the squad we have got," he said.

"I believe it will be just as strong as we had in 1999. Both squads have really good talent, although it is difficult to compare players.

"But what I will have again is four top strikers to chose from. It will give us strength and a lot of options."

Goodbye Goodison

Everton's teenage sensation Wayne Rooney has handed in a formal transfer request as Newcastle and Manchester United battle for his signature.



The 18-year-old England international held talks with manager David Moyes before stating: "I hope Everton's fans will understand my decision".

Rooney added: "This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career."

"The Euros were a fantastic experience for me. It made me realise I could play at the highest level."

"To do that I need to be with a club that is playing in Europe every year. I hope the Everton fans can come to understand my decision and I hope the transfer fee Everton Football Club receive will help the club move forward."

"The Everton fans have always been fantastic in their support of me. I hope they respect my decision and I also hope that some day in the future I could be welcomed back to watch the team I have supported since boyhood."

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to bring the teenage striker to Old Trafford after adding: "Rooney's a fabulous player - he showed that at Euro 2004 - and he is a young player."

"He's not the finished article yet, but we've got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on."

If both Newcastle and Manchester United offer the same price, Toffees manager David Moyes will have the final say over where young Rooney ends up.

Manchester United are thought to be willing to offer David Bellion as a makeweight whereas Newcastle will offer Shola Ameobi.

Personally, I would consider offering Louis Saha as he has yet to prove his worth.

Chelsea Face Porto

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will return to his former club Porto for the group stages of the Champions League



As first seeds, Manchester United and Arsenal received favourable draws after avoiding ties against Italy's elite four - AS Roma, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

As second seeds, Liverpool and Chelsea were also fortunate but Celtic weren't quite as lucky. The Glasgow giants will face Barcelon and AC Milan in a group of death.

GROUP A
Deportivo La Coruna (Spain)
Liverpool (England)
Monaco (France)
Olympiakos (Greece)

GROUP B
Real Madrid (Spain)
AS Roma (Italy)
Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine)

GROUP C
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Juventus (Italy)
Ajax Amsterdam (Holland)
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

GROUP D
Manchester United (England)
Olympique Lyon (France)
Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)
Fenerbahce (Turkey)

GROUP E
Arsenal (England)
Panathinaikos (Greece)
PSV Eindhoven (Holland)
Rosenborg Trondheim (Norway)

GROUP F
Barcelona (Spain)
AC Milan (Italy)
Celtic (Scotland)
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)

GROUP G
Valencia (Spain)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Anderlecht (Belgium)
Werder Bremen (Germany)

GROUP H
Porto (Portugal)
Chelsea (England)
Paris St Germain (France)
CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Rooney in the Balance

Newcastle have upped their offer for Everton's teenage striker Wayne Rooney to £22m.



The Magpies, who had a £20m offer rejected on Monday, could be willing to pay up to £28m for the star of England's Euro 2004 campaign.

I expect Manchester United to enter the bidding war if they successfully overcome Dinamo Bucharest in Wednesday's Champions League qualifier.

Qualifiying for the Champions League will provide the Old Trafford club with a bonus of more than £20m.

Following Alan Smith's perfect start to the season, Alex Ferguson may be tempted to keep the purse strings tied until the new year.

After witnessing Smith's wonder goal, Ferguson said: "Alan's a similar player to Mark (Hughes), a brilliant leader of the line, tough and resilient.

"Mark could score goals like Alan and that was a Mark Hughes goal he scored in this match."

"If he can continue to score goals like that it will endear him to the fans."

Farewell Forlan

Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is set to join Spanish side Villarreal.



"Forlan has agreed a five-year deal," said Villarreal spokesman Mariam Solsona. "He will be presented on Saturday after his medical."

The Uruguayan endured a mixed spell at his time with United after taking 27 games to score his first goal.

Forlan will be remembered fondly by the Old Trafford faithful after last season's one man demolition of Liverpool.

United's injury crisis looks set to be easing with the news that both Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistlerooy are approaching a return to fitness.

With Ole Gunnar Solksjaer out for the season, it leaves Sir Alex Ferguson with only three recognised strikers.

Could this spell an approach for Wayne Rooney before the August transfer deadline?

Ronaldo's Return

Manchester United could be boosted by the surprise return of Christiano Ronaldo for Saturday's game against Premiership newboys Norwich.



The 19-year-old winger has returned to Old Trafford sooner than expected after Portugal's shock exit from the Olympics at the hands of Costa Rica.

Although Sir Alex Fergusson had said he wished to rest Ronaldo for three weeks due to fears he was close to burn-out, he may be thrown straight into United's injury-hit side.

"We are asking the same players to play the most important games all the time and that could have a wearing effect," said Ferguson.

"This has been the worst pre-season I have ever known in terms of players being injured and unavailable. It's been a real headache."

Real British Steel

Real Madrid have signed Newcaslte defender Jonathan Woodgate for £13.4m.



The 24-year-old defender will join England team-mates David Beckham and Michael Owen to form the backbone of a star studded line up.

"Newcastle United and Real Madrid wish to announce that terms have been agreed today for the transfer of Jonathan Woodgate," a United spokesman said.

"The player passed his medical examination and will join Real Madrid on a four-year contract, plus an optional one year, today."

"Newcastle United record their appreciation at the manner in which Real Madrid have concluded negotiations, which speaks well of the relationship between the two clubs."

Injury prone Woodgate played just 37 out of 128 games for Newcaslte since his move from Leeds in January 2003 and doubts were expressed as to whether he would pass his medical.

Real Madrid endured a disastrous run of form after the turn of the year that led to coach Carlos Queiroz losing his job.

The Spanish giants made it their number one priority to add a fighting spirit to their world class playmakers.

Poor Fortune

Quinton Fortune is the latest Manchester United player to join the Old Trafford injury list.



Manchester United's injury jinx reared its head once again as the South African star will miss Saturday's home game against Norwich with a thigh strain.

With Ruud van Nistlerroy, Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Wes Brown and Kleberson all sidelined through injury, Darren Fletcher and Rio Ferdinand suspended and Christiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze on international duty, Sir Alex Ferguson faces a selection headache for Saturday's game.

Dyer Straights

Kieran Dyer has finally apologised to Newcastle manager, Sir Bobby Robson over their recent bust-up.



Dyer's apology seems to have saved his Newcaslte career after midweek reports that Birmingham lined up a shock loan deal.

"My refusal to play in the position the manager asked me was wrong," said Dyer in a statement on Thursday. "I sincerely regret the whole incident."

The 25-year old midfielder was booed and jeered every time he touched the ball during England's friendly win over Ukraine at Newcastle's St. James' Park on Wednesday.

Dyer's rejection of the captain's armband in Newcastle's win against Middlesbrough, after refusing to play right-midfield is the latest chapter in a series of controversial events surrounding the former Ipswich star.

Last season, he was involved in a police probe over rape claims at a London hotel

In 2001 he lost his driving license after speeding and was also sent home from a club break in Spain and in 2000, a newspaper revealed his drunken antics while on holiday in Cyprus.

Although Newcastle's vice-captain has issued a formal apology to Sir Bobby Robson, he has a lot of work to regain the support of the Geordie faithful. He can start by keeping his mouth shout and off staying off the front pages.

Blatter's Blunder

Sepp Blater, the president of FIFA, never fails to amuse.



Blatter weighed in on the Sven Goran Eriksson affiar by saying: "It's just a minor bit of news, which seems to create a lot of amusement."

"It is to enrich the summer, non-footballing season in England and Great Britain. It is not an incident, it is something good."

"It is human relations. Football is also human relations. It is better than violence or stripping shirts on the field of play or tackling from behind."

"It is part of our life, football is part of our life. In life, if you have attractive people in the room, then such things can happen."

He has a fair point about bad tackles and violence but stripping shirts? Is an affair really better than taking your shirt off on a football field? I think not.

Chelsea 1 - 0 Manchester United

Eidur Gudjohnsen's early goal gave Jose Mourinho a winning start at Chelsea.



Gudjohnsen took advantage of Tim Howard's hesitantcy by scrambling home the winner after 14 minutes.

Although neither team played particularly well, Alex Ferguson's depleted side, enjoyed the majority of possession but could not cash in.

Manchester United will need to improve their play in the final third of the field and deliver more quality crosses if they wish to regain the Premiership title.

With the absence of Ferdinand, Brown, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Saha, Ruud and Solksjaer, United's injury problems saw captain Roy Keane forced into central defence.

Miller enjoyed a sucessful Premiership debut but Paul Scholes overshadowed him to win my man of the match for the way he orchestrated Manchester United's attacks.

Alan Smith started the game brightly but due to poor service, faded as the game progressed.

An out of depth John O'Shea played in an unfamiliar midfield role.

Drogba looked frightening in his Chelsea debut and there is no doubt he will be a big hit in the Premiership this season.

It hurts to loose the first game of the season when Arsenal won so emphatically but United fans need not worry. So long United don't lose many more players to major injury's and suspensions, the future is very bright.

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Geremi, Makelele, Lampard, Smertin, Drogba, Gudjohnsen. Subs: Cudicini, Mutu, Kezman, Parker, Ricardo Carvalho.

Man Utd: Howard, Silvestre, Gary Neville, Keane, Fortune, Miller, O'Shea, Djemba-Djemba, Giggs, Scholes, Smith. Subs: Ricardo, Phil Neville, Bellion, Richardson, Forlan.

United's Secret Weapon

Roy Keane believes new boy Liam Miller can become Manchester United's secret weapon this season.



Keane insists Miller, who came off the bench to play an excellent cameo for United in their 2-1 defeat of Dinamo Bucharest, has the ability to surprise the opposition in the forthcoming campaign.

Keane said: "We saw against Dinamo what he is capable of. He gets into dangerous situations and we have seen with Celtic what a danger he can be.

"I think he can do really well for United because not many people really know about Liam and there's no big pressure on him. So, please God, I think he can be very good for us."

Cork-born Miller, is expected to be in the starting XI for Sunday's curtain raiser with Chelsea.

Selection Headache

With the season yet to begin, Manchester United's injury list grows increasingly large with the news that Louis Saha may be out until 2005 with a medial ligament injury.



When United kick-off the new season at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, they will be without nine first team players.

Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Rio Ferdinand
Christiano Ronaldo
Gabriel Heinze
Kleberson
Louis Saha
Wes Brown
Darren Fletcher

Although I don't fancy Manchester United's chances of beating Chelsea in the first week, I am confident the Old Trafford club will end the season above their London rivals.

Vieira Stays

Patrick Vieira will stay at Arsenal after rejecting the approaches of Real Madrid.



Arsene Wenger had given the French talisman a deadline of Sunday to make up his mind regarding his future.

It was thought by many that Vieira would move to Real Madrid in a £23m but Arsenal's captain revealed: "The ties that I have here were too strong for me to break."

"I'm staying at the club. I'm proud to be captain of the club and I'm looking forward to achieving my ambitions."

It's certainly refreshing to the Galaticos miss out on their star man. Maybe there is a shift of power in football's world elite?

Owen Goal

New Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that England striker Michael Owen will sign for Spanish giants, Real Madrid.



The deal is believed to involve a fee of £8m plus midfielder Antonio Nunez.

"Michael will have a medical with Madrid before the deal is completed," said Benitez.

With just one year left on his Liverpool contract, Owen would have been able to leave the club he has been at since he was 11-years-old for free at the end of the season.

In a summer of speculation surrounding Patrick Vieira and Wayne Rooney, no one expected Michael Owen being the biggest move of the close season.

With the recent departures of Michael Owen and Danny Murphy, Liverpool's first XI contains just two scousers - Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher

"Liverpool have lost some camaraderie with more English players leaving and other players coming in," said Murphy as he left Anfield last week.

I wonder if Steven Gerrard regrets the change of heart he had over his £31m summer move to Chelsea?

Defiant Wenger

As much as I loath Arsene Wenger, I have the deepest respect for him.



"I don't want to convince him to stay, I want him to stay because he's convinced he wants to be part of this club.

"If a player comes to me and says he can't win things here and wants to leave, that's fair enough.

"But simply to want to leave to see something different is not enough for somebody who wants to win.

"Why does Michael Schumacher stay at Ferrari? Because he knows he can win there."

Wenger added: "I believe every player who leaves Arsenal makes a mistake.

"Frankly, I find change for the sake of change unacceptable, the basic desire of a player is to win and everything else is artificial and superficial."

Sven Limps On

Sven-Goran Eriksson remains England manager after the Football Association decided he had no case to answer over his affair with secretary Faria Alam.



An FA statement read: "In the case of Sven-Goran Eriksson, the board decided on the basis of the report and on legal advice that there is no case for him to answer."

"This entire episode has been regrettable for the reputation of football in this country."

The news comes as no surprise as the FA would have been forced to settle Eriksson's £14m contract had they relieved him of his duties.

Ruud Operation

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistlerooy will miss the start of the new season due to injury.



The prolific centre forward, who has scored 116 goals in 145 games, will have an operation next week and is expected to be out of action for a month.

Alex Fergusson must choose between Louis Saha, Alan Smith and Diego Forlan for Sunday's Charity Shield.

Judging by the performances in pre-season friendlies, Alan Smith looks likely to take the first berth.

Champions League Deadline

The registration deadline for players to play in the Champions League qualifiers is Thursday so if Manchester United want new blood, expect it arrive in the next two days.



However, if they qualify for the main part of the competition Alex Fergusson would have until later in August to sign new additions so expect a flurry of Rooney speculation around that time.

Scholes Quits England

Paul Scholes has retired from international football to concentrate on his career with Manchester United.



The 29-year-old Mancunian, who scored 14 goals in an illustrious 66 appearances said: "This is a decision I have not taken lightly".

The midfielder added, "I have been considering retiring form international football for a while."

Scholes' best England performances came under Kevin Keegan's tenure, when he was played in a central position. In recent years he was required to fill the left midfield void which often hindered the trade mark runs he makes for Manchester United.

If a player does not enjoy his football, it will tell on his decision to play.

I whole heartedly support Paul Scholes' decision to retire from international football. The critisism he received prior to Euro 2004 was disgraceful considering his performances.

Alex Fergusson will be very happy that he came to this decision. You just have to look at Alan Shearer to realise the benefits early retirement can reap for club football.

Robson's Rage

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson insists he wants to remain in football management even if he is no longer manger at St. James' Park



Freddy Shepheard recently claimed that this will be Robson's last season in charge of the Geordie club.

It is widely expected that former England captain Alan Shearer, who retires at the end of the season, will step into Robson's shoes and coach his beloved club.

Freddy Shepheard is no stranger to controversy and this latest act is sure to further infuriate the Toon faithful.

He once famously bragged about the amount of profit he made from the sale of replica shirts which were sold to fans for up to £50 but cost around one tenth of the cost to manufacture.

He also allegedly described club captain, Alan Shearer, as "Mary Poppins", mocked ex-manager, Kevin Keegan, detailing his sexual exploits and called Newcastle's women "dogs".

Rivals silent on Vieira bid

Arsenal and Real Madrid have refused to comment on reports the Spanish club have bid £18m for Patrick Vieira.



Rivals silent on Vieira bid

"Spanish newspaper Marca reported: 'Real Madrid have made a formal offer.'"

"But an Arsenal spokesperson said: 'It is the club's policy that we do not comment until as and when a player signs or leaves the club.'"

"And likewise a Real representative said: 'We have no information available concerning Patrick Vieira and Real. We cannot say if there has been a bid.'"

"Reports suggested Real had made a faxed bid for the 28-year-old, with Marca adding: 'The transfer talks are in the final stages.'"

Hammers Nail Chadwick Deal

West Ham United have completed the signing of Manchester United winger Luke Chadwick on a free transfer.



The former England Under-21 international was unable to win a regular place in the United midfield despite a handful of impressive appearances as a teenager.

Chadwick is not a stranger to Hammers boss, Alan Pardew, who first took him on loan when he was at Reading.

"Luke did well for me when I took him to Reading and I expect him to become an exciting and important part of the squad."

"He is certainly a player the fans will enjoy watching."

FA in Turmoil

Mark Palios has resigned as chief executive of the Football Association, despite insisting he did nothing wrong by having an affair with the same secretary as Sven-Goran Eriksson.



From the moment Mark Palios stepped into office in July 2003, the most influential man in English football promised to shake things up.

"A lot of very good things have been achieved in the past 13 months. I have had the privilege to work with an outstanding leadership team." said Mark Palios.

While Palios, a former Tranmere midfielder, helped overturn financial issues, he was far from successful as FA supremo.

From the shambolic handling of the Rio Ferdinand affair, to the threat of player strikes, Palios has endured it all. The FA is a mockery and I am very pleased to see the back of him.

I hope the resignation of Palios does not affect Eriksson's position for as far as I am concerned the England manager should be judged by the performance of the England team and NOT his private life. England have only lost two competitive games under Sven's reign, once to Brazil and once on penalities to beaten Euro 2004 finalists Portugal.

If Sven-Goran Eriksson loses his position, it will be the FA's biggest blunder yet. I fearfully await Wednesday...

Smith Impresses on Tour

New £7m signing Alan Smith has staked his claim for a first-team spot after impressing during the recent friendlies in the US.



"He has been away with the team and shown the type of player he is," said Ferguson.

"He plays with great heart, is a busy centre-forward and I think he will do well. He has great confidence and that is impressive."

I can't wait to see Alan Smith play compete in the Premiership. Manchester United have lacked such a tenacious striker since Mark Hughes left for Chelsea in 1995. The former Leeds icon has the potential to be the perfect foil for Ruud van Nistlerooy.

Although a good player, Louis Saha has yet to convince me he is worth his £12m price tag. Hopefully he can do so this season.