Shepherd Sets Sail

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has blasted Manchester United for losing Martin Edwards and David Beckham.



The outspoken Shepherd pointed to the exit of former chairman Martin Edwards, saying the club "was like a ship without a sail".

"First they lost the captain of the ship in Martin Edwards, then they suffered from losing David Beckham. They lost two characters there."

Shepherd's comments come at a time when Newcastle languish in tenth place, having spent £300m.

"We've spent £300m in the last 10 years and we run the club as a business but at the end of the day we are fans." said Shepherd.

Shepherd would be wise to get his own ship in order before critisising others especially considering the amount of money he has wasted on his "beloved" club.

O'Shea To Stay

John O'Shea has denied rumours that he may leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.



The Republic of Ireland defender lost his first team place following the summer arrival of Argetine international Gabriel Heinze.

"I am definitely staying, without a doubt, and, fingers crossed, I will be here for a long time to come." said O'Shea.

"When you are playing for Manchester United, you are going to face pressure. I have faced it before, no doubt I will face it again in the future."

He added: "What you have to do is make sure when you get a chance, you put the manager under pressure not to leave you out."

Heinze Plane Scared

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze has revealed that he is more scared of flying than he is of Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous “hair-dryer” treatment.



The Former Paris Saint-Germain defender admitted experiencing Ferguson’s temper on several occasions during his first few months at Old Trafford but declared the sight of a red-faced Fergie does not scare him as much as his fear of flying.

Heinze said: "I've seen one or two examples of it but it's just part and parcel of football. Does it scare me? No, the only thing I'm scared of is aeroplanes."

Make That A Double – Heinze

Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze predicts that Manchester United have got what it takes to triumph in Europe and the Premiership.



The 26 year-old is enjoying a excellent form following his team’s disastrous spell of one win in five matches.

Heinze said: “We are going for trophies on all fronts. We’re going out to win the Premiership just as hard as we are trying to win in Europe — and the team is capable of winning both."

Ferguson Celebrates 1,000th Game

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his 1,000th game in charge of Manchester United when they beat Lyon 2-1 in Tuesday's Champions League clash.



"All day I was a bit nervy but I kept saying to myself that it was the 999 before it that mattered," said Ferguson.

"It was a fantastic night for me and I was very pleased with my players."

During Ferguson's 18-year reign he has guided his team to eight Premiership titles, five FA Cups, one League Cup, the Cup Winners Cup and the Champions League Cup.

In total, he has won 564 games, drawn 188 and lost 248 in arguably the most successful period of Manchester United's history.

Sir Alex Ferguson joins legend Sir Matt Busby in reaching the 1000 game milestone for Manchester United.

Rooney Won't Be Bullied

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to protect Wayne Rooney following his recent criticism for his behaviour while playing for England.



Ferguson declared: "Players want to kick him and at 19 he'll react to that. In two or three years he won't because he'll let his feet do the talking."

"We'll settle him down, don't worry. But Wayne won't be bullied by anyone."

"As Wayne spends more time with us he will develop the way we want. He will learn how to handle things." added Ferguson.

"Wayne is a 19-year-old thrust into the focus of the England team as saviour and salvation," said Ferguson.

The United manager insists that too much pressure has been bestowed upon the striking sensation and he is expected to deliver every time he pulls on an England shirt.

"The Spanish recognised that and very time he went into a challenge they surrounded him and the referee. It was obvious they wanted him out the road, they knew fine well he was the main danger to them."

Ferguson added: "England wanted him too quickly and his first real games were in the European Championships."

"But at 19 it is beyond expectation to think he is going to be 100% right all the time."

"He is starting a process of development and we are going to help him."

Paul Scholes; He Scores Goals

Paul Scholes ended his barren scoring run as Manchester United brushed aside Charlton at Old Trafford.



Ryan Giggs opened the scoring for the home side courtesy of a deflection from Addick's defender Luke Young but there was nothing lucky about Paul Scholes 50th minute strike.

Darren Fletcher provided the cross and the former England international struck a spectacular volley for his first Premiership goal in seven months.

After the game Sir Alex Ferguson singled out Scholes and predicted a run of goals.

"I am absolutely delighted for Paul. He is a natural finisher and that goal will do him the world of good."

"I expect him to go on and reach double figures for us now because that is what he has always done."

"Hopefully we can go on a run now. We will have a look at the table on New Year's Day and then see how the picture looks."

Man Utd Support Rooney

Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz has claimed that too much attention has been placed on Wayne Rooney's antics during the recent England international.



The young striker was substituted before half-time in an ill-tempered match and Queiroz commented that: "Once again it seems a player from Man Utd becomes the bad guy."

"It happened three few weeks ago when we played Arsenal."

"Ruud van Nistelrooy became the bad guy and all the others seem to become the nice guys."

Queiroz insisted that Rooney was not the only player to learn from the 1:0 defeat to Spain.

"Every time we play we learn, and I am sure the lessons from Wednesday night are not only for Rooney," he added.

"They are for the whole England team. The tackles were not only from Rooney."

Queiroz's comments come after the condemnation that caused Wayne Rooney to apologise for his behaviour.

O'Shea To Follow Butt

Newcaslte manager Graeme Souness has reportedly bid £4m for Manchester United defender John O'Shea.



John O'Shea has struggled to hold down a regular position at Old Trafford since the arrival of Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze.

Souness sees the Irish international as the perfect player to answer his defensive frailties but Sir Alex Ferguson will not let the player leave for less than £6m.

The Daily Mirror claims that the Newcaslte manager tried to sign O'Shea while he was still in charge of Blackburn.

Rooney Settles Down

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he found it difficult to adjust to life at Manchester United following his high-profile £27m move from Everton.



The England star revealed he had problems dealing with the reaction of Everton fans, the club he supported as a boy, but admitted he loves his new club.

"I'm settling in well," he said. "Obviously, there was a bit of trouble at the start but I'm fine now and want to do my job."

The Manchester United striker predicts his team will push for the title in a bid to close Chelsea's 11-point gap.

"I think we can do it. It's obviously going to be difficult but we all believe in ourselves.

"With Chelsea and Arsenal winning on Saturday, it was an important win on Sunday to keep ourselves in the race.

"All the players knew that before we went out, we had to go out there and give a good performance."

Silvestre Lambasts Domenech

Mikael Silvestre has critisised France national coach Raymond Domenech for his poor communication.



The 27-year-old France international was dropped for Wednesday's friendly against Poland.

"I am not disappointed (about not being called up), I am infuriated," Silvestre told cable channel TPS Star."

"There is a lot of communication between the coach and the press but none within the team. I went to see the coach but there was no communication."

The Manchester United defender's comments followed complaints from Arsenal midfielder and fellow countryman Robert Pires.

Pires admitted he had a "turbulent" relationship with Domenech, who dropped him for the Poland friendly.

Domenech refused to comment directly on either player, insisting: "Everyone has a right to express himself. My conscience is clear."

Glazer &@*$ Off

Reports claim that US tycoon Malcolm Glazer is preparing to relaunch his take-over bid for Manchester United.



Newspaper reports claim that Deutsche Bank may be willing to broker a deal and that the new deal "could have legs"

Manchester United appeared to have survived the threat of a hostile takeover when Glazer's bankers JP Morgan dropped him as a client but he now has new backers.

Bank Drops Glazer

Malcolm Glazer's audacious bid to buy Manchester United has suffered a serious setback after American bankers JP Morgan dropped him as a client.



Investment bank JP Morgan were critical of Glazer's decision to block the re-election of Maurice Watkins, Andy Anson and Philip Yea.

Giggs Rejects Contract

Ryan Giggs has rejected a one year extension to his current contract at Manchester United after declaring he wants a longer deal.



The 30 year-old Welsh international has played more than 500 games for the Old Trafford club in his 14 year career.

"I have been offered a one-year extension to my current deal but I turned it down." said Giggs.

"I hope that they come back to me with a longer deal. For the moment, I'll just have to wait and see."

The Old Trafford legend has spent his entire career at United, but his current contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

Chief Executive David Gill recently announced that he would consider introducing wage cuts and placing players on appearance-based salaries.

It is believed that Giggs rejected the deal as he is unprepared to take a wage cut.

United Again

Manchester United will entertain Arsenal in the quarter-final of the Carling Cup following their 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.



In the other games Watford will entertain Portsmouth while Tottenham are at home agaist Liverpool and Chelsea take a short trip to Fulham.

All games will take place on either 30 November or 1 December.

European Footballer Of The Year

Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Christiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy have made the shortlist for the European Footballer of the Year award.



Former Manchester United player David Beckham has also been nominated as have Chelsea's Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard while Arsenal's Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Jose Antonio Reyes also make the list.

Rooney and Lampard were both outstanding for England in Euro 2004, scoring four and three goals respectively while Christiano Ronaldo also made a huge impact.

Following his recent poor form, it seems unlikely that Paul Scholes will win the award but Wayne Rooney has an excellent chance following his explosive debut for Manchester United in the Champions League.

Although Thierry Henry is in incredible form for Arsenal, he has been unable to reproduce the same form for France so it appears unlikely that he will win.

Of the English contingent, my money would be on Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard or Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Emlyn Hughes Dies

Former England and Liverpool captain Emlyn Hughes has died from a brain tumour at the age of 57.



In a glistening career that spanned three decades, Hughes won almost every honour in the game and his boundless enthusiasm and 100% commitment will be sadly missed by all.

Hughes had been battling a brain tumour for the last 15 months but his condition deteriorated in the last few days.

His wife Barbara said: "He died at his home in Sheffield with his family around him."

United Not Good Enough

Sir Alex Ferguson has conceeded that Manchester United are not good enough to win the Premiership following his team's goal-less draw against arch rivals Manchester City.



"We are not good enough to win the title on that display - we have dropped another two points," he said.

"One win in our last five games is not championship form and I cannot excuse anyone in the club for that."

The Old Trafford club now trail league leaders Chelsea by 11 points and defending champions Arsenal by 9 points.

We Got Wesley Brown...

Wesley Brown has agreed a new deal with Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2008.



The 25-year-old England international initially rejected the club's offer of a new contract and could have walked away on a free transfer in the summer but the defender has now signed an improved deal.

Brown said: "I've always wanted to stay at Manchester United, I've grown up here, I've developed my career here and I'm delighted to be staying."

He added: "United is the best club in the world and I want to continue being a part of that."

"I am looking forward to winning more trophies and competing in the best tournaments."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed the deal, which had broken down over Brown's wage demands.

"I couldn't bare to lose him, I didn't want to lose him. I am thrilled that Wes has decided to commit his future here and I hope that he will enjoy his career at Manchester United," said Ferguson.

Carroll's Future In Doubt

Roy Carroll has lost only one game with United this season but his future remains uncertain following stalls in contract talks.



The Northern Ireland international's contract expires in the summer and he has so far refused the club's offer of a new contract.

Carroll was first offered new terms during the summer but his representatives are at loggerheads with United over the details.

"He has had an offer and it is up to him now. He is just the same as the rest of them, " said Sir Alex.

The United goalkeeper knows that while he occupies the first team jersey he is in a strong negotiating position but it is expected that a compromise will be reached in the coming months.

US Invasion

American billionaire Malcolm Glazer has revised his bid to buy John Magnier and J P McManus' 28.9% stake in Manchester United.



Talks between the two parties broke down last month but it has emerged that Glazer has told the Cubic Expression group that he is prepared to make a full payment one due diligence has been completed, which would be within seven days of any deal being done.

The news will be greeted with strong opposition from United fans all over the world as they bid to secure their club against the threat of the US tycoon.

A massive demonstration was held prior to the recent Premiership victory over Arsenal and it is sure to intensify following today's turn of events.

Keane Enters Hall Of Fame

Roy Keane will be officially confirmed as of the Britain's best ever players as he is set to be inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame.



The Manchester United captain joins an elite band of eight former and present players including Alan Shearer, Wilf Mannion, Billy Bremner, Geoff Hurts, Viv Anderson, Tony Adams and Sue Lopez.

Museum spokesman Richard Cuthbert said: "Roy has turned out to be one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most important signings.

"He is an inspirational figure, his never-say-die attitude has carried Manchester United to victory on so many occasions."

Ruud Awakening For Sparta

Sir Alex Ferguson praised Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Dutch striker scored all four goals in United's 4-1 victory against Sparta Prague.



"Ruud is just unbelievable. He is definitely the most clinical finisher we have seen here," said Ferguson.

"The Champions League is a true test of all footballers in Europe."

"Over the last 40 years the great players, the likes of Di Stefano, Puskas, Cruyff and Muller, have used this competition as the big platform."

Van Nistelrooy played down his peformance while heaping praise on his team-mates.

"It's great, a good feeling to have won the game," said Van Nistelrooy.

"We played very well and the lads were looking for my movement a lot."

Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are finally learning how important Ruud van Nistelrooy is to Manchester United.

If they are able to release him and the ball early, he will punish any team just as he did last night.

Ruud Return

Sir Alex Ferguson will place Ruud van Nistelrooy back into his side for the Wednesday's Champions League clash with Sparta Prague.



The Dutch man is serving a 3-game domestic ban following his tackle on Arsenal's Ashley Cole but the suspension does not cover European games.

"Ruud will be back. I can guarantee he will be playing," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

"We need Van Nistelrooy up there again because we missed some incredible chances at Portsmouth. He's the best."

Ferguson is keen to bounce back after Saturday's dissappointing defeat at Portsmouth but he will be careful not to make wholesale changes for Wednesday's game.

"It is important not to be too drastic with changes after a defeat like Saturday," Ferguson added.

"You can get caught up in a disappointment."

"I could make 10 changes from Saturday easily but that could be counter productive."