TOTTENHAM 1 - MAN UNITED 3

Premier League champions Manchester United overcame the second-half dismissal of Paul Scholes to end Tottenham Hotspur's 100% start to the season with a 3-1 win at White Hart Lane. Jermain Defoe gave Spurs the lead after 47 second but couldn't hold off United.

 

Jermain Defoe gave Spurs, who had won their previous four matches, a dream start by scoring inside the opening 60 seconds before Ryan Giggs curled home a delightful free-kick.

 

Anderson's first goal for United put the visitors ahead and Wayne Rooney wrapped up the points after Paul Scholes had been sent off for two bookable offences.

 

Man Utd moved up to second in the table after inflicting a 3-1 defeat on Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

CAMPBELL JOINS SUNDERLAND

Sunderland have signed England Under-21 striker Fraizer Campbell from Manchester United for an initial fee of £3.5m, potentially rising to £6m.

 

The 21-year-old was also being tracked by Hull City, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell during the 2007/08 season, but signed a four-year deal with the Black Cats.

 

Campbell spent most of last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where he helped the team reach the Carling Cup final before being ruled ineligible to face United - who went on to win on penalties.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

OWEN TO OLD TRAFFORD

 

Michael Owen has been confirmed as a Manchester United player. The striker has signed a two-year deal to play at Old Trafford and no transfer was paid as the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle forward was a free agent.

 

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson happily confirmed the deal and recognized him as a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level.

 

Owen himself was similarly happy, and admitted that Sir Alex had breakfast with him one expressed about United's interest to sign him. And he agreed immediately.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

REAL MADRID SIGNS BENZEMA

 

Lyon have accepted an offer from Real Madrid for striker Karim Benzema. The striker becomes Real's third major signing after Brazil's Kaka and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

Madrid and Manchester United have been vying for the services of the 21-year-old but Lyon continued to insist before today that the France international would remain at the Stade Gerland for another season at least.

 

However, Les Gones announced on their official website this afternoon that they have accepted a fee of at least 35m euros (£30m) from Madrid for the player, with performance clauses set to see that fee rise to 41m euros.

 

BOLA BOYZ

DOOR IS OPEN FOR RIBERY

 

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has left Real Madrid with a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of Franck Ribery, but reiterated that it will take "something crazy" for them to consider a sale.

 

Speaking on the day Louis van Gaal was officially unveiled as the Bavarians' new coach, Hoeness revealed what he had told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in their last telephone conversation.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

LYON CONFIRM BENZEMA BID

 

Lyon have confirmed that they have received a bid for Karim Benzema from an unnamed club, but insist that any agreement over the France international's transfer is yet to be reached. The side in question is thought to be Real Madrid with strong reports in both Spain and France linking them with a £35million move for the 21-year-old.

 

The striker is also been rumoured to have interested Manchester United with manager Sir Alex Ferguson said to be a big admirer of the gifted youngster. The Premier League champions have £80million burning a hole in their pocket after the confirmed sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real and know that they must find someone to take on the scoring burden left by the Portugal winger.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

SIR ALEX HAILS VELENCIA

 

Sir Alex Ferguson believes new signing Antonio Valencia can help Manchester United to a record fourth consecutive league title. Having sold World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a record £80m, United are believed to have reinvested around £16m on the Wigan Athletic winger.

 

Valencia, 23, is likely to be the first of a handful of new arrivals at Old Trafford as Ferguson seeks to replace the attacking threats of Ronaldo and striker Carlos Tevez, who has opted not to join the Red Devils permanently.

 

But despite the prospect of more new names on the way, Ferguson is already convinced he has secured a player who can have a big impact on next term's title defence. If nothing else, Valencia's arrival ensures Wayne Rooney should be given the more central berth he craves next season as the Ecuador star is unlikely to venture into the middle quite as much as Ronaldo.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

MAN UTD KEEN ON BENZEMA

 

Karim Benzema's agent has claimed that Manchester United are keen to sign the Lyon playmaker this summer. The talented young France international has been strongly linked with a move to both Old Trafford and Real Madrid, although Lyon are keen to retain the services of their prized asset.

 

The Ligue 1 side admitted on Thursday that Real had made an enquiry, while United have remained silent on their transfer targets as they look to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure for Santiago Bernabeu. But Karim Djaziri has now insisted that Sir Alex Ferguson has earmarked his client for a move to the Premier League and believes it is inevitable that Benzema will leave Lyon in the future.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

BERBATOV ARRIVAL SIDELINED TEVEZ

 

Carlos Tevez claims he knew his days at Manchester United were numbered when Dimitar Berbatov joined the club. The Argentina striker will be playing for a new team next season after turning down a five-year contract to remain at Old Trafford.

 

And he felt Berbatov's arrival from Tottenham last summer, which provided further competition for places up front, proved to him his future did not lie at Old Trafford. Though, he claimed that he had given his life for United's shirt.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

RONALDO'S READY FOR REAL LIFE

 

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will need time to adapt to the different style of the Spanish game, but is confident he can quickly match the Real Madrid fans' high expectations as he closes in on a world record £80m move to the Bernabeu.

 

Having reportedly passed a medical over the weekend, the Portuguese star knows that even the FIFA World Player of the Year can struggle to adapt to new surroundings.

Ronaldo is also aware of the weight of expectation that will come with his staggering transfer fee but he insists he is comfortable carrying the burden. 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

BENZEMA MAY JOIN UNITED FROM BIG-MONEY DEAL

 

Lyon could be tempted to sell Karim Benzema to Manchester United if the Premier League side put in a big-money bid, according to director Bernard Lacombe.

 

Benzema is one of the world's hottest properties and speculation is rife that United are ready to use some of the money from the impending sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid to bring the young striker to Old Trafford.

 

Lacombe claimed recently Benzema would remain at the Stade Gerland, but has now revealed the 21-year-old could be sold if the price is right.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

MAN UTD IN PURSUIT FOR RIBERY & VILLA

 

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona have all made offers for France playmaker Franck Ribery.

 

Sir Alex Ferguson is also hoping to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign David Villa, who is almost certain to be sold this summer by debt-laden Valencia.

 

Ribery is also a target for big-spending Real Madrid but Rummenigge revealed three of their European rivals have stolen a march in their pursuit of the 26-year-old.

 

Villa is one of the most coveted strikers in the world game and with Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid all chasing the 27-year-old it would be a major coup if Ferguson were successful in luring the Spanish international to Old Trafford.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

TEVEZ SAYS NO TO ANFIELD

Carlos Tevez has reportedly ruled out a summer move to Liverpool. The Argentina international has spent the last two seasons on loan with Manchester United, but has made his desire to quit the club this summer clear after failing to start games as regularly as he would like.

A trio of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in the bullish forward - with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea reported to be considering bids of around £25m - but the player has himself ruled out a move to Anfield because of 'emotional ties'.

 

The Argentine international isn't prepared to make a move that would strengthen the side that was the biggest threat to the Old Trafford supremacy last season, despite pleas from international team-mate Javier Mascherano to join him at the club. Manchester City are now favourites to land his much coveted signature before the start of next season.

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

RONALDO DEPARTURE NOT WORRYING UNITED

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United had done well to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford for as long as they did before finally succumbing to Real Madrid's advances. Ronaldo's desire to leave the reigning three-time Premier League champions had become all too apparent in recent months, and Ferguson insists it was out of the question to expect the player to stay any longer.

Despite Glazer's heavy debt to service, Sir Alex has been assured that he can pursue the likes of Antonio Valencia and Franck Ribery without worrying too much about the cost. The Glazer family spokesman also eplained that the manager is having their full support.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

RONALDO TO REAL FOR £80M

 

Manchester United have confirmed they have accepted a bid from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's future at United has been the subject of constant speculation, with Real having trailed his signature for the last three summers. Real president Florentino Perez has made no secret of the fact that he would like to lure Ronaldo to El Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish titans have now agreed an £80million offer for the Portuguese ace and United have given the World Player of the Year permission to talk to the capital club. Ronaldo will head to the Spanish capital to hold discussions with Real and undergo a medical.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

ENGLAND 6 - ANDORRA 0

England need just one more victory to be assured of qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa after beating Andorra 6-0 at Wembley. Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe both scored two goals, with Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch also on target, in a one-sided game.

For the record, Rooney also equalled Gary Lineker's record for the most goals in a single international season, 10. Meanwhile, David Beckham made his 100th start for the three lions squad. Overall, the current England's ability under Fabio Capello, can only humiliate the previous manager, Steve McClaren. Ha.. Ha.. Ha...

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD  CHELSEA

ROONEY TRANSFORMED BY CAPELLO

England striker Wayne Rooney has hailed the team's new-found goalscoring prowess after they plundered another four against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

It means England are the top-scoring nation in the European qualifying section with 20 goals from their six games, two ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Germany and Poland. Rooney himself has found a rich vein of form under Fabio Capello with six goals in the campaign, one fewer than Edin Dzeko of Bosnia who tops the charts.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: BARCELONA 2 - MAN UTD 0

FC Barcelona were crowned European champions for a third time, and the second in four seasons – as a vibrant display of pass and move, capped by goals in either half from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, defeated Manchester United in Rome.

United, bidding to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era, began an open contest at breakneck speed as Cristiano Ronaldo threatened three times. After ten minutes, however, Eto'o put the Spanish champions ahead and they never looked back.

The second goal did not arrive until the 70th minute via, unusually, the head of Messi – Josep Guardiola's side were worthy winners. The 38-year-old becomes the sixth man to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup as player and coach; United are the sixth club to lose the final as holders.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

PARK JI-SUNG'S FINAL MISSION IS ON

The quality within Sir Alex Ferguson's ranks means all but a select few will be unsure of a starting berth on Wednesday, but one man who can rest assured that he will at least make the squad is Park Ji-sung.

Ferguson's decision to leave the midfielder out of his squad for last season's final against Chelsea left Park devastated, especially when taking into account he had figured and impressed in both semi-final legs against Barcelona. However this year, Ferguson has given Park his word that he will figure.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

MAN UTD IS THE KING OF ENGLAND AGAIN!

Manchester United were crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time at Old Trafford after a goalless draw with Arsenal ensured Liverpool cannot now catch their north-west rivals.

After over three decades as the unquestioned kings of English football, Liverpool now have someone else to share the title with. And, if Ferguson is to be believed it will not be long before the Anfield outfit lose it altogether.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

MAN UTD 0 - ARSENAL 0

Sir Alex Ferguson's side might not have given Usain Bolt a goal to celebrate on his first visit to the Theatre of Dreams but the Premier League trophy will do as consolation. The match ended with a goalless draw but enough destroy Liverpool's dream.

While the first half ended with United still on course for the 11th league title of Ferguson's illustrious reign, Arsenal had every reason to be pleased with themselves. After two dire displays with the Red Devils, plus a hammering on home soil by Chelsea, it was feared the Gunners would suffer yet another embarrassing mauling.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

SIR ALEX WANTS TO KEEP TEVEZ

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied rumours suggesting that Manchester United will try and free Carlos Tevez from his contract with Kia Joorabchian.

Some newspaper reports have suggested that the club have tried to find a loophole in Tevez deal to sign Tevez for free. The United manager confirmed on Wednesday after the 2-1 success at Wigan that the club had opened talks with the Argetina striker over the possibility of him remaining at Old Trafford beyond this summer when his loan deal expires.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

CASILLAS NOT INTERESTED IN RONALDO

Iker Casillas has urged Real Madrid to dampen their lingering interest in Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spain shot-stopper also suggested Real turn to home-grown talent, rather than spend lavishly on targets from abroad.

Portugal international Ronaldo was strongly linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer but a move failed to materialise as boss Sir Alex Ferguson stood firm over the winger's future.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

TEVEZ ON DEMAND

Carlos Tevez's agent claims the striker will have no shortage of options if his spell at Manchester United ends at the end of the month. The 25-year-old claimed he had not been treated as ''one of the family'' at Old Trafford.

Agent Adrian Ruocco confirmed Argentina international Tevez is attracting interest from Italy and Spain, plus clubs from within the Premier League. Ruocco has been surprised that United have not moved to sign Tevez permanently. 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

MIDS'BORO 0 - MAN UTD 3

Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung increased Manchester United's stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League title as Middlesbrough`s relegation fears increased following a 2-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium.

 

The Welshman and his South Korean team-mate fired their side to a fifth successive league victory in front of the biggest crowd of the season at the Riverside and established a six-point lead over closest rivals Liverpool, who do not play until Sunday.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

RYAN GIGGS BAGGED PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the first ever time. He had also won the PFA Young Player of the Year twice in his early career in the Premier League. The former Wales international's club honours include 10 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League medals.

The 35-year-old, who will make his 800th appearance for United if he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday evening, was quick to praise Sir Alex Ferguson who has guided him through his entire career at Old Trafford.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

RONALDO BAGGED FIFA WORLD BEST PLAYER

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008 during a glittering awards ceremony in Zurich. The Portuguese superstar sees his achievements from the 2007/08 season rewarded with football's most prestigious individual honour.

 

The 23-year-old becomes the first player from the English top-flight to take the award and succeeds AC Milan playmaker Kaka as the best player on the planet. He fended off competition from the likes of second-placed Lionel Messi, third-placed Fernando Torres, Xavi and Kaka.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

MAN UTD 3 – CHELSEA 0

Manchester United has issued an early warning to Liverpool as they destroyed Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils begin the match nervously as the Blues seem to have made the earlier impact. Park Ji Sung and Berbatov missed the chances to open the scoring.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Cavalho were shown yellow cards as both Portuguese argued with each other. Nemanja Vidic scored from a corner right after Ronaldo's goal was disallowed.

 

Things were just not right for Felipe Scolari's team as Didier Drogba missed golden opportunities to bring them back into the game. Big names like Deco, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole also failed to impress. Wayne Rooney scored a second from Patrice Evra cross and Berbatov completed the Devil's feast with a lightning tap in from Ronaldo's cross,

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD  CHELSEA

TIME IS GOLD FOR SIR ALEX

Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson feels the job security he has at Old Trafford gives him the edge over his Stamford Bridge counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari. The main difference between Chelsea and Manchester United is that Chelsea has changed their management structure three times in recent seasons.

 

He added that the longevity he is having at Old Trafford gives him the ability to look at the bigger picture all the time. Sir Alex admit that he can look and plan for maybe three of four years ahead, whereas a manager coming into another club doesn't have that same time.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

DERBY 1 - MAN UTD 0

Manchester United have plenty to do in their Carling Cup semi-final with Derby County after a 1-0 first leg defeat to the Championship strugglers. A Kris Commons blockbuster in the first half separated the sides and the Rams, with newly appointed boss Nigel Clough having only a watching brief in the stands, were good value for their lead. United need far better in the second leg at Old Trafford.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

GIGGS MAY RETIRE IN MAY

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has dropped a strong hint that could retire from football at the end of this season. The United winger, who holds the club's all-time appearance record and recently overtook Bill Foulkes as the player with the longest spanning United career, told The Sun: "I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me".

 

"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring. It could be at the end of this season."

 

Giggs' 28 winners medals include two Champions League victories, a record 10 Premier League championships and four FA Cup wins. "I am at the end of my contract in May," said Giggs. "So we will see. At the minute there hasn't been any contact with United.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

SOUTHAMPTON 0 – MAN UTD 3

World Champion, Manchester United cruised in style to the FA Cup fourth round as they snatched a 3-0 victory at Southampton. Sir Alex Ferguson took it easy for the match as he rested Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Park Ji Sung and captain, Rio Ferdinand. Johnny Evans and Danny Welbeck were on the starting line up.

 

The Red Devils dominated the through the match with Southampton struggling to find their ground advantage. Danny Welbeck break the deadlock with a header after John O'Shea efforts denied by Davies. Southampton was then reduced to 10 men for a reckless tackle on Nemanja Vidic. Nani and Darren Gibson added more goals in the second half to complete a miserable night for the home side.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

TEVEZ WANTS TO REMAIN A RED DEVIL

Carlos Tevez has revealed his disappointment over speculation suggesting that he had rejected a new contract to stay at Old Trafford. The Argentina striker insists he wants to stay with Manchester United and he could not explain where the media reports were coming from.

 

Tevez declared that they have not started talks with the club yet, though he is keen to stay. Sir Alex Ferguson has told him that he wants him to remain a Red Devil and that is certainly Tevez's desire too.

 

Carlos Tevez's economic rights are owned by an investment fund headed by Kia Joorabchian. The striker's contract ends in the summer and both parties have agreed to sit down at the end of the season and discuss a new contract.

 BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD