January Transfer: Fergie Says No!

| Wednesday, December 3, 2008


(source: dailymail.co.uk)

Fergie rules out January transfers

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is unlikely to sign any players when the transfer window reopens in January.

Ferguson, who has been linked with a move for Serbian youngster Zoran Tosic, insists there will be no new faces arriving in the New Year.

The United chief says he is happy with the squad at his disposal, but he believes Manchester City, backed by the Abu Dhabi United group, will be flexing their muscles when the transfer window reopens.

"There definitely won't be anyone coming here but I'm pretty sure City will do some business," Ferguson told the club's official magazine Inside United.

"You don't talk about having all this money and then not use it. They'll have plenty of ideas - the fact that they tried to buy four or five player in an hour on deadline day gives you an indication of what they want to do.

"But at the end of the day you can't buy them all."


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I'm quite surprise if there is no new player coming in this January considering that we have a poor start this season. At this very moment, I'm hoping that Real Madrid would buy Tevez on January and we take Klaas Jan Huntelaar as the replacement.

I said this from the beginning that we don't need Tevez in United's shirt because we have Rooney that plays similar roles. Look at what happen at the beginning of the season when Cristiano didn't play due to recovery. The problem with United this season is that we don't have a natural striker like we used to be when we had Nistelrooy or Yorke or Andy Cole. 

I know some people would say, "We won double last year, our team is good enough plus we have Berbatov now". Yes, we won EPL, we won the Champion League but who scored the most? It's not our strikers and please don't expect Ronaldo to keep scoring 40 goals every single year.

Although we have player like Berbatov, he don't have stamina to stay 90 minutes on the pitch. I believe that he is a good investment because without Park Ji Sun's stamina, he still manages to score several goals for United this season, which mean we can keep him until 33-35 years old.

I rather we spend £30 million on Robinho but of course we missed that chance. Now, we have another chance which is Klaas Jan Huntelaar. I think he would cost around £20 - £25 million which is cheaper than Tevez. Plus, look at his record last year and he's United fan. I hate to say this but Fergie did made mistake when he didn't go for Torres, and then Robinho and soon Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Another problem we have right now is Nani. I think he could be another Veron/Kleberson disaster. He's not another Ryan Giggs and I personally don't think he will improve like Ronaldo. The problem with Nani is that he is an arrogant, selfish, "Ronaldo Wannabe" type and not Ronaldo's "I learn from my mistake" kind of guy.




Zaki For United?

| Friday, November 14, 2008


(source: http://www.egyptianplayers.com)

Zaki will be sold to 'highest bidder'

Wigan are unlikely to sign Amr Zaki on a permanent deal as his club Zamalek have revealed he will be sold to the highest bidder next summer.

Zaki, currently on loan with Latics for the Premier League season, has scored eight goals in his first 12 games in England's top-flight.

Latics boss Steve Bruce is eager for the loan move to be made permanent in the summer, but could lose out with a bidding war set to ensue.

A host of clubs have been alerted to Zaki's abilities after his impressive start to life at the JJB Stadium.

And his parent club Zamalek insist they will have the final say on Zaki's next destination and will listen to bids from all interested parties.

A statement on Zamalek's official website read: "Amr Zaki has been in the limelight for a while, and the mass media have been fuelling speculation over his next move and whether Wigan would let him seal a new deal or not and so forth.

"We hereby assure that we have the legal rights to either accept or reject offers for the aforementioned player, and no other club are authorised to interfere in potential negotiations.

"We would accept the highest bid for the player."

- source: TeamTalk.com

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Last year we have Roque Santa Cruz who performed very well throughout the season and now we have Amir Zaki (so far). I personally never have thought that he could perform in a small club like Wigan. He’s big player like Tevez but way taller. He maybe not as skillful as Tevez but he surely know how to score and probably way cheaper than him.

Did anyone see how he scores against Liverpool? It’s probably one of the best goals for EPL this season.



What do you think guy? Can you see him wearing United's shirt next year?

Enjoy this video - Rooney vs Zaki: -





It's Tevez Again...

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(source: soccernet.com)

Tevez 'worried' by United standing

Carlos Tevez is concerned about his lack of first-team action at Manchester United, according to new Argentina coach Diego Maradona.

Maradona is quoted in The Sun as saying Tevez - who has only started four league games for United this season - is worried after falling behind new signing Dimitar Berbatov in the Old Trafford pecking order.

Maradona, who met with the striker on a trip to United's Carrington training complex last week, said: "Tevez is worried about not being in United's first-choice team.

"He's got a challenge ahead of him to win himself a place among lots of extremely good players, including Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

"But I saw he was in good shape and told him that the best way of showing his ability is to win the arm-wrestle against all the other players.

"Then he'll give himself a good chance with the Argentine team."

United still do not own Tevez outright, and must find around £25million to make his move to Old Trafford permanent.

And with reports on Wednesday suggesting Real Madrid might try and sign the striker, there is a chance United could lose him.

However, Maradona added: "I believe in his ability and I know he features in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans."

Source: TeamTalk.com

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It's been awhile since the last time I post anything at this blog. I've been busy lately. During that period, we have lost to Liverpool and last week to our arch rival, Arsenal. Also, I kind of sick and tired listening to rumors surrounding Carlos Tevez. It’s like Ronaldo’s case all over again.

We all know that Sir Alex will not sign Tevez on permanent contract because the price (£25million-£30million) is way too high for a striker who has decent scoring records. We have spent too much money on players over the last few years and we are not going to pay that much for him. If they can lower it for less than £20million, it may be possible but until then we have to say good bye to Carlos.

Plus, Carlos is dropped third in striker’s pecking order behind Rooney and Berbatov. Rooney is a fan favorite while Berbatov is not young anymore to stay on the bench. I reckon, Sir Alex will find a replacement with lower price range or maybe another wonder kid.




3 Top Strikers Against Celtic?

| Wednesday, October 22, 2008



THE SUN

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson will axe Cristiano Ronaldo for the Champions League clash with Celtic.

Carlos Tevez is determined to show Sir Alex Ferguson that he should be Wayne Rooney's long-term partner at Manchester United.

DAILY MIRROR

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed it would be a travesty if Cristiano Ronaldo was not crowned World and European Player of the Year.

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the "torment" of trying to devise a system for Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov to play together.

DAILY STAR

Tormented Sir Alex Ferguson is set to unleash Manchester United's three top strikers on Celtic on Tuesday night - and leave out Cristiano Ronaldo.

DAILY RECORD

Sir Alex Ferguson says the loss of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is the biggest blow Celtic could have suffered before facing Man Utd in the Champions League.

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Tonight's game will be interesting if Sir Alex decided not to use Cristiano Ronaldo and unleash Tevez, Rooney and Berbatov all together at the same time against Celtic. I'm sure that Sir Alex is going to use this opportunity to experiment and see whether Manchester United can survive without Ronaldo.

This test could be vital especially for Tevez to show what he’s made of in order to convince United to sign him permanently. We have seen during the first few games without soon to be crowned “the best player in the world” which gave us a nightmare after a poor start to the season.




Sir Alex to Axe Owen?

| Sunday, October 19, 2008


(source: http://dailymail.co.uk)

SUNDAY MIRROR
Carlos Tevez's proposed move to Manchester United will collapse unless the Argentine's owners reduce their £34million asking price.

NEWS OF THE WORLD
Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to off-load Owen Hargreaves after becoming fed up with his inconsistency and constant injuries.

SUNDAY EXPRESS
Manchester United are trying to renegotiate the fee which will turn Carlos Tevez's loan move into a permanent Old Trafford deal.

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This is really bad. I really like Owen because he reminds me of Roy Keane but we knew from the beginner that he's injury prone. Maybe we should swap him with Miguel Veloso who plays the same position at Sporting Lisbon. At the same time we can convince Ronaldo to stay by signing another Portuguese player.

"Kill two birds with one stone"




Rooney: Overrated?

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(source:http://www.teamtalk.com)

Sorry guys, I know there are lots of Rooney's fan out there but I don't think that he's qualify to be called the best in the world just yet. I've been reading all the news and comments this week comparing Rooney and Ronaldo which I don’t think is fair enough.

Just because the guy scored goals for England, doesn’t make him a world class material. Look at Ronaldo stats for the past 3 years compare to Rooney’s. Plus, right now Ronaldo is still in recovering process. I’m not saying that Rooney is a bad player but he’s inconsistent performer throughout the years.

I know some of you might say, "being a striker is not only about scoring". Come on, grow up people. Sir Alex knows better and thats why he bought another striker (Berbatov) because he's not convince enough that Rooney or Tevez could get things done.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney

If Rooney can maintain this form for at least 5 league games in a row, then I’ll change my mind about him. Plus, he's 23 this year and no longer a "wonder kid", so stop treating him like a golden child.




Bye Bye Tevez?

| Saturday, October 18, 2008

Real Madrid eye Old Trafford star Tevez

Real Madrid are planning a double swoop on Manchester United's strike force, having set their sights on Old Trafford frontman Carlos Tevez, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, claims The Daily Mirror.

The Spanish giants' Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain says Tevez is a target for the Primera Liga side, with Real hoping to take advantage of United's failure to thrash out a deal with Tevez. The striker is still on loan to United, and the Manchester club have yet to agree a new contract with the forward and advisors MSI.

"I hope Carlos comes. He's a great player and, if he comes, he will be welcomed," said Higuain this week.

Tevez, meanwhile, claims he is happy in the Premier League. "I love playing in the Premier League and I am very happy at Manchester United," he said. But with United reportedly weighing up a move for 18-year-old, £20m-rated Gremio wonderkid Douglas Costa, it is possible United may be unwilling to fund a £30m permanent move for the former Boca Juniors player, who scored 19 times for the Red Devils last season.

The Spanish giants' interest in Ronaldo continues, and it is widely anticipated they will resume their dogged pursuit of the Portuguese star next summer. Last weekend saw coach Bernd Schuster say he expected to land Ronaldo for the 2009/10 season.

- source: soccernet.com

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(source: http://freekicker.files.wordpress.com)

I be honest here, I am not a big fan of Carlos Tevez. I like him as a person, but as a player not so much. Although the report above is just a pure speculation but deep down me I believed that if Sir Alex manage to seal Douglas Costa’s deal, then Carlos Tevez will not wearing United shirt next year.

Let me tell you the reason why United haven’t finalize the deal with Tevez: -
  • Although Tevez is a striker, most of the time he play a role of a supporting striker. More to attacking midfielder or centre forward which is what Wayne Rooney has been doing for the past few years for United.
  • We’ve bought Dmitar Berbatov as a main striker.
  • Sir Alex saves no. 9 jersey for Berbatov rather than giving it to Tevez which mean he is still under "trial".
  • Tevez can't play a lone striker because he's not quick enough, and I know some people admire him because of his efforts (hard-working player) but we also have Park Ji Sung who running all over the place.
  • After seeing a great start for Robinho at Manchester City, Sir Alex knows that a small player can adapt very well in EPL as long they have great skills and that’s why he wanted to bring Douglas Costa who has almost similar physical as Robinho (just 3 centimeters different) plus great dribbling skill (watch the video at the bottom of this post)
  • And of course, as the report above says £30 million is way too much for someone like Tevez and trust me, he aren't capable to score more than 30 goals per season in all competition like Fernando Torres.
Of course, Sir Alex won’t say it in public because he doesn’t want to demoralize Tevez and we need him to give 110% until we get Douglas Costa or at least until the end of the season.

What do you think? Should Sir Alex keep Tevez or not?




Ballon d'Or: Who Actually Deserve It?

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(source: http://www.tournoi-pes.com)


Del Piero And Raul Deserve The Ballon D'Or - Mijatovic

Real Madrid sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic believes Raul and Alessandro Del Piero are the symbols of football. What he can't believe, however, is that neither player has ever won the Ballon d'Or...

The two giants of the game lock horns on Tuesday night in what is arguably the best fixture of match day three in the Champions League.

Juventus vs. Real Madrid always promises fireworks and many will remember the 1998 final when Mijatovic won it for the Spaniards. It was Del Piero who inspired Juve to beat Los Merengues in the 2003 semi-final.

Mijatovic believes Del Piero should have won the Golden Ball as he looks back on two of the game's greatest players.

"Alex and Raul are football. The biggest injustice is that they both haven't won the Ballon d'Or," Mijatovic told Tuttosport.

"I think each player would have deserved to have won it at least once if not twice during their careers. I really hope that both players can win it sometime as they are the guarantee that the beautiful side of football will never go away."

Real are currently leading Group H having won twice from their first two games. Juve are in second having won and drawn. Claudio Ranieri's men could leap-frog the Spanish Champions with a win.

Source: Goal.com

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Another crappy news. We all know who the best player in world is right now. 

When Kaka won it last year, nobody said anything about it. When Cannavaro won it in 2006, nobody said anything about it. When Ronaldinho won it in 2005, nobody said anything about it.

Why people making too much noise right now when it’s clearly that Cristiano Ronaldo deserve the award? Is it because he’s not Brazilian? Or is it because he’s playing in EPL? Or is it because he’s Manchester United player?


(source: http://www.manunitedpies.tv)

Maybe it’s true that he didn’t deserve it last year because we failed to win the Champion League although I still don’t understand why Messi finished as a runner up for FIFA World Best Player award ahead of Ronaldo. Messi didn’t win the La Liga title and Barcelona only managed to reach last 16 in the Champion League for 2006/07 season.

If the evaluation of the “best player” is based on player’s individual skills, then Zinedine Zidane should’ve won it back in 2006 ahead of Cannavaro but instead the Italian captain received the prestigious award because Italy won the World Cup.

If let say someone else other than Cristiano Ronaldo won either the FIFA World Best Player or Ballon D'Or this year, FIFA will have a lot to explain.




The "New Ronaldinho": Douglas Costa

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Looks like Sir Alex has found another Brazilian star so that we don't have to rely too much on Ronaldo because he could leave us at anytime soon. So far, we already has Rafael and Fabio, Passebon, and of course Anderson.


(source: http://www.yahoo.com)

Here's the news that I found from TeamTalk: -

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Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United have appointed two full-time scouts in Brazil to keep tabs on the latest Samba stars.

Ferguson already has four young Brazilians on his books, with twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, plus Rodrigo Possebon joining Anderson in the Old Trafford first-team squad this season.

Now reports have emerged linking United with the 'new Ronaldinho', 18-year-old midfielder Douglas Costa, who is earning rave reviews at Gremio.

And while Ferguson is refusing to comment on that specific speculation, it is no coincidence United are starting to get linked with more Brazilians.

"We have invested in two full-time scouts in Brazil," said Ferguson.

"It is a country you should pay attention to. Historically, it has always been a country that produces fantastic footballers and players who can play in big games all the time.

"They have ability and enthusiasm."

While it may seem odd to cast the youth net so wide, Ferguson feels he is only following a trend that brought Sir Bobby Charlton down from the north-east in the 1950s and George Best across from Northern Ireland a decade later.

"It goes in cycles," said Ferguson.

"The north-east used to be a great hunting ground for scouts for many years.

"We had a spell in 1993. France had a great spell and are still producing some fantastic young players.

"Our scouts go to games and might get seen. It doesn't mean we are signing anyone."

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So, I went to YouTube and discovered this video: -



From what I heard, this kid is going cost us at least £20million to prise him away from Gremio. Personally, I don't think we need him so much consider that we already have lots of good midfielder right now (Carrick, Owen, Scholes, Giggs, Ronaldo, Park, Possebon, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani) but this could be a good buy for the future.