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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has exclusively confirmed to MUTV that Nemanja Vidic agreed a new long term deal four weeks ago and will put pen to paper when he returns from holiday in early August.
Best bit of news we’ve had all summer and will now surely put an end to all those rumours of him leaving for Real Madrid.
Manchester United go into their second pre-season friendly on their Tour of America after a less than comfortable 3-1 victory over Celtic in Toronto last Friday.
Goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley saw off the Glasgow giants but it wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggests.
Leading 1-0 at the break, United were put under pressure at the start of the second half. Substitute Geogios Samaras was on top form as he dazzled his way past United on a number of occasions and not long after drew Celtic level from the spot after Chris Smalling gave away a penalty on what was otherwise an impressive first outing for the young defender. Second half United subs Welbeck and Cleverley wrapped up victory as Berbatov shined for the Red Devils.
Tonight/early morning, United play Philadelphia Union in Philly in their second friendly. United will be giving a run out to most of the squad as they continue to build on their fitness ahead of the new season. One absentee from the squad will be Darron Gibson who has returned home to Derry for his grandmothers funeral, but will be arriving back in the States in the next 24 hours.
Looking forward to see the likes of youngsters Welbeck, Macheda and Cleverley again. All very exciting and also hoping Corry Evans gets a run out. Need to get these youths experience in case we need to call on them during the season.
Celtic, as always, will be tough opponents and there have been many battles between the two sides in recent years, most notably in the Champions League. This is Celtic’s second pre-season game, having already lost 1-0 to Philadelphia Union, who United face next week.
After ten days of tough fitness tests and training, Manchester United’s 22 man travelling squad are ready to get down to business on the pitch when they take on Scottish giants Celtic at the Rogers Centre in Toronto today (July 16, 2010).
New signing Chris Smalling will be looking to play a part as he gets set to begin his career as a Manchester United player.
These games aren’t about results. They are about players getting fitness and being ready when the new season kicks off.
Man Utd travelling squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Rafael, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, Darron Gibson, Chris Smalling, Nani, Fabio, Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez (will join in Houston on 27 July), Mame Biram Diouf, Tom Cleverley, Ritchie De Laet, Corry Evans, Ben Amos, Gabriel Obertan.
Premier League Trophy - Who will lift it tomorrow?
The day that all English Premier League fans hate has come – the last day of the league season. Although there is World Cup football this season, it will seem a long time before we see our team take the the field again in August.
After an intense battle for the title, and a three horse race for most of the season, it has come down to two teams with just one game to play.
Chelsea go into their game against Wigan at Stamford Bridge knowing a win will guarantee them their first league title since 2006. Arguably the best team throughout the whole season, they still remain just one point ahead of title challengers and reigning champions Manchester United.
Manchester United are also at home on the final day against Stoke City and will go out and concentrate on their side of things knowing all they can do is win and hope Chelsea slip up. A win for United and a draw or loss for Chelsea will see Manchester United lift the title for the fourth consecutive year.
After losing Cristiano Ronaldo and all the goals he gave the team over the last few seasons, United will see this as a transitional period but they will be hugely disappointed going so close if they don’t end up as champions.
It’s all to play for tomorrow at 4 pm and there are sure to be some up and downs and twists and turns during the 90 minutes.
Manchester United to tour USA
Manchester United have officially announced their pre-season plans as they prepare for next season with a tour of America.
It is six years since United last played in North America and Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is looking forward to going back.
It all kicks off with a training camp in Chicago, the home of new sponsors Aon, where they will unveil next season’s new shirts. They get down to business on July 16th when they face Glasgow giants Celtic in a friendly at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada.
Five days later they travel to Philadelphia to face Philadelphia Union and four days later stop off at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to play the Kansas City Wizards. The final friendly in North America will be in Houston as United face an MLS All-Star side on July 28th.
As part of the tour, United will then head on to Mexico for the first ever time where they will open Chivas’ new 45,000 capacity stadium. This is part of the deal that sees Javier Hernandez move to Old Trafford next season.
It is unlikely any of the United team going to the World Cup will be present on the tour but there will still be plenty of star names on show along with some of United’s most exciting youngsters.
Evans set for long-term deal
Manchester United central defender Jonny Evans is set to earn a new five year deal with the current champions.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson let it slip last night at the annual awards dinner that Evans has proved his worth and deserves a new long-term deal that will tie him down and end rumoured interest from Barcelona.
Evans has had a stand out season for United, deputising in the absence of Rio Ferdinand but also Nemanja Vidic at different stages of the season.
United see Evans as a future club captain. An official announcement on the deal is expected in the coming days.
Everyday there are dozens of names linked with summer moves to Manchester United. 99% of them don’t materialise but when a big name is linked fans remain hopeful that their team can bring that star player to the club.
Enter David Silva.
The majority of football fans will be aware of Valencia’s financial position. Last summer they did incredibly well to keep hold of star players Mata, Silva and Villa but as they continue to be crippled by debt, time may have come to cash in these stars.
Last night, after scoring and helping his team qualify for Champions League football next season, David Silva was quoted as saying he is aware of interest from Manchester United and that when they come calling you can’t knock them back.
If ever there was a “come and get me” to Sir Alex Ferguson, this was it.
All United fans will be hopeful this is a deal that can be completed over the summer to give us even more attacking options.
Ben Foster admits he may have to leave Manchester United to get career back on track
Ben Foster today spoke of how he may have to leave Manchester United in order to get his career back on track.
After starting the season as Manchester United’s number one due to injury to Edwin van der Sar, Foster has since found himself out in the wilderness with Tomasz Kuszczak being preferred at number two.
With lack of first team opportunities, Foster has also admitted defeat in representing England at the World Cup in South Africa.
Wayne Rooney won the three top awards at Manchester United’s annual awards night winning goal of the season for his goal away to Arsenal, Fans Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year.
Wayne Rooney with his goal of the season award
Rooney voted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by the fans
Wayne Rooney voted Players Player of the Year
On winning the Players Player of the Year, Wayne was asked had he got a speech prepared to which he answered “No.. but it makes a change from Ronaldo winning everything..”
-Brilliant!
From SkySports.com
Sky Sports News understands the Red Knights consortium has agreed the basic terms of a formal offer to buy Manchester United.
It is believed the terms were agreed at their latest strategy meeting and the Red Knights will meet again this week to continue negotiations.
Sky Sports News’ chief news reporter Bryan Swanson
understands the consortium has agreed what each Red Knight will receive for their investment but the group has not yet agreed a date for any bid.
The group is not expected to make any offer until June, after Manchester United
Negotiations with potential investors have included the possibility of keeping the ₤500m bond raised by Manchester United supporters.
The group believe a credible bid will be put together and they have not been put off by the Glazer family’s insistence that the club are ‘not for sale’.
Drew's Football Blog 