Manchester United are showing an interest in CSKA Moscow's Serbian defender Uros Cosic, a player that the Russian club believe will be better than compatriot Nemanja Vidic.
Cosic is just 17 but has already been tipped for stardom by the CSKA hierarchy and the club are keen to ward off any interest in the defender.
President Yevgeni Giner claims United have made repeated approaches for the player, possibly with their extensive injury problems in mind.
"I must stress that we would like to keep Cosic," Giner told B92. "I have not seen such a great central defender before, not to mention that he is only 17. But Manchester United would also love to have him.
"They have already made several attempts to approach me about him, asking if I was ready to negotiate. They can see - the boy is going to grow into a bigger star than Vidic."
United have also been linked with Simon Kjaer of Palermo as well as Sol Campbell, although Sir Alex Ferguson has firmly ruled out a move for the former England international, who is available on a free
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson furious with referee
Ferguson was incensed that Darren Fletcher was booked for diving by Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca instead of a penalty being awarded in the thrilling 3-3 draw against CSKA Moscow.
Antonio Valencia scored the equaliser in stoppage time at Old Trafford to secure United's place in the last 16. Ferguson, however, rounded on the official and said: "You can't appeal a yellow card. I can understand in domestic football that it could get lost in the system.
"But in European football it is crucial because, later in the tournament, to miss a really important game because of that is unfair. They should look at that but they won't. I cannot believe the decision (of the referee). Okay, it is human error, but it was one of the worst in my lifetime.''
United were facing their first home defeat in 23 Champions League games after finding themselves two goals down to the Russians early in the second half. Wayne Rooney, whose wife Coleen gave birth to baby boy Kai yesterday, was then introduced and - according to CSKA coach Leonid Slutski - changed the face of the game.
Paul Scholes pulled a goal back in the 84th minute and Valencia secured a vital point when his shot took a deflection to wrong-foot superb goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Ferguson said: "Wayne hadn't had much sleep. I would have preferred to leave him on the bench. He was a safety player that we knew we could have played if we needed him - he was there.
"I think his energy and confidence was very high. He makes an impact. He is such a good player and is always capable of scoring. He was a wee bit unlucky.''
Slutski added: "Rooney is one of the best players in the world. He has a high level of skill as well as aggression. He made a difference as I thought United were moderate before he came on.''
Alan Dzagoev opened the scoring for the visitors only for Michael Owen to pull United level with his fifth goal of the season. However CSKA regrouped and extended their lead with goals from Milos Krasic and Vasili Berezutski. It looked curtains for United, only for last season's beaten finalists to raise their game despite the sterling efforts to Akinfeev to keep them out.
Ferguson said: "If you want excitement, come to Old Trafford. One of the great pleasures of being a manager here is when you get finishes like that. We went very open and kept being caught on the counter attack - but having said that, we should have been 4-0 up before they even had an effort on target.
"When they got their third goal it knocked us back a bit because we couldn't get our momentum back for ten to 15 minutes and their goalkeeper was fantastic.''
Slutski said: "My team played well and our plan worked but there was no joy in the dressing room after the game.''
Antonio Valencia scored the equaliser in stoppage time at Old Trafford to secure United's place in the last 16. Ferguson, however, rounded on the official and said: "You can't appeal a yellow card. I can understand in domestic football that it could get lost in the system.
"But in European football it is crucial because, later in the tournament, to miss a really important game because of that is unfair. They should look at that but they won't. I cannot believe the decision (of the referee). Okay, it is human error, but it was one of the worst in my lifetime.''
United were facing their first home defeat in 23 Champions League games after finding themselves two goals down to the Russians early in the second half. Wayne Rooney, whose wife Coleen gave birth to baby boy Kai yesterday, was then introduced and - according to CSKA coach Leonid Slutski - changed the face of the game.
Paul Scholes pulled a goal back in the 84th minute and Valencia secured a vital point when his shot took a deflection to wrong-foot superb goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Ferguson said: "Wayne hadn't had much sleep. I would have preferred to leave him on the bench. He was a safety player that we knew we could have played if we needed him - he was there.
"I think his energy and confidence was very high. He makes an impact. He is such a good player and is always capable of scoring. He was a wee bit unlucky.''
Slutski added: "Rooney is one of the best players in the world. He has a high level of skill as well as aggression. He made a difference as I thought United were moderate before he came on.''
Alan Dzagoev opened the scoring for the visitors only for Michael Owen to pull United level with his fifth goal of the season. However CSKA regrouped and extended their lead with goals from Milos Krasic and Vasili Berezutski. It looked curtains for United, only for last season's beaten finalists to raise their game despite the sterling efforts to Akinfeev to keep them out.
Ferguson said: "If you want excitement, come to Old Trafford. One of the great pleasures of being a manager here is when you get finishes like that. We went very open and kept being caught on the counter attack - but having said that, we should have been 4-0 up before they even had an effort on target.
"When they got their third goal it knocked us back a bit because we couldn't get our momentum back for ten to 15 minutes and their goalkeeper was fantastic.''
Slutski said: "My team played well and our plan worked but there was no joy in the dressing room after the game.''
Saturday, September 12, 2009
THE DOWNFALL OF THE GUNNERS
Andrei Arshavin has been ruled out of Arsenal's games against Manchester City and Standard Liege with a groin injury after aggravating the problem playing for Russia against Wales.
The Russian risked the anger of Arsene Wenger by returning from injury to play for his country - having been forced to miss the victory over Liechtenstein in the World Cup qualifying match on Saturday - and it has come at a price after playing the full 90 minutes in Cardiff.
The forward has been troubled by a groin problem and has now inflamed his previous injury, which will not please Wenger who is known to be unhappy with his stars playing international fixtures after several, such as Robin van Persie and Johan Djourou, were injured while on national duty.
Wenger said: ''All the players are not back yet, so we have to wait a bit to see what damage has been done by the international games.
''We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia last night and should not have played. He will be out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan. I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem.
''He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against Wales. He should not have played and is injured. You can say a lot about it, but it does not do a lot.''
Guus Hiddink, the Russia coach, apparently allowed Arshavin to decide himself whether he was fit to play in the group four match at the Millennium Stadium, having said: "If [Arshavin] cannot play, then he won't play. His improvement has been significant but he doesn't take stupid risks."
With a mammoth clash against unbeaten City at Eastlands on Saturday, before starting their UEFA Champions League group campaign in Liege on Wednesday, Wenger may disagree - although may have a fitness boost in the shape of Tomas Rosicky, who played for the Czech Republic against San Marino
The Russian risked the anger of Arsene Wenger by returning from injury to play for his country - having been forced to miss the victory over Liechtenstein in the World Cup qualifying match on Saturday - and it has come at a price after playing the full 90 minutes in Cardiff.
The forward has been troubled by a groin problem and has now inflamed his previous injury, which will not please Wenger who is known to be unhappy with his stars playing international fixtures after several, such as Robin van Persie and Johan Djourou, were injured while on national duty.
Wenger said: ''All the players are not back yet, so we have to wait a bit to see what damage has been done by the international games.
''We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia last night and should not have played. He will be out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan. I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem.
''He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against Wales. He should not have played and is injured. You can say a lot about it, but it does not do a lot.''
Guus Hiddink, the Russia coach, apparently allowed Arshavin to decide himself whether he was fit to play in the group four match at the Millennium Stadium, having said: "If [Arshavin] cannot play, then he won't play. His improvement has been significant but he doesn't take stupid risks."
With a mammoth clash against unbeaten City at Eastlands on Saturday, before starting their UEFA Champions League group campaign in Liege on Wednesday, Wenger may disagree - although may have a fitness boost in the shape of Tomas Rosicky, who played for the Czech Republic against San Marino
Monday, September 7, 2009
Man United deny Pogba inducement
Manchester United have threatened to take action against Le Havre if they continue with "unfounded" allegations that the Premier League club made payments to the parents of French starlet Paul Pogba in order to entice the player to Old Trafford.
United have grown angry at the sustained assault by the Ligue 2 club, which came in the wake of a transfer ban imposed on Chelsea last week for an infringement of the rules when signing French youngster Gael Kakuta from Lens.
Now Old Trafford officials have written to French club Le Havre, and made them aware in the strongest terms that they must either put up, or shut up.
"In response to the wholly unfounded comments widely reported in the media of Le Havre AC President, Jean-Pierre Louvel, Manchester United wish to categorically confirm that as a matter of club policy and in accordance with the applicable football regulations, we do not offer inducements to the parents of players who sign for the club such as monetary payments or the purchase of houses," United said in a statement.
"Manchester United have today written to Le Havre AC to put it on notice that action will be taken if such allegations are repeated in relation to the transfer of Paul Pogba."
Louvel alleged that the Red Devils paid a total of €200,000 to Progba's parents, plus a house. And insisted the player was promised bumper wages once he turned 17.
Le Havre demanded that FIFA take action against United, and want to see a repeat of the punishment handed out to Chelsea, who have been banned from signing players until 2011.
Louvel said: "They got to the parents, it was simple. €100,000 to the mother, €100,000 to the father and a house.
"I don't see why the Pogba case should not set a legal precedent. There was an agreement that no-one should poach young players. French clubs respect that rule but English clubs do not respect anything.
"FIFA does not allow contracts longer than three years before a player has reached 18. We respect that in France, in seems that in England they don't abide by that rule. "
The club's managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have proof that United offered sweeteners to Pogba's parents, and is ready to present it to FIFA, although as yet, the world governing body have not acknowledged receipt.
When the Pogba issue was first raised last week, United officials suggested that there was no contract for the 16-year-old to break, therefore the Red Devils could not be offering inducements to do so.
However, they have been annoyed by Le Havre's allegations of impropriety, which has prompted Monday's stinging outburst.
"Manchester United is entirely satisfied that the transfer of Paul Pogba has been conducted in accordance with the regulations set down by the world governing body, FIFA,'' the club's statement added.
"Manchester United is ready to defend any claim brought against it by Le Havre at FIFA.
"It is to be noted that all contractual documentation relating to the player's registration with the club has already been fully ratified by the Football Association and the Premier League.''
Le Havre claim Pogba's parents paid €200,000
Le Havre president Jean-Pierre Louvel has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United over the signing of Paul Pogba this summer, claiming the player's parents were paid.
The French club are furious with the Premier League champions over what they see as the theft of one of their brightest young talents.
It is alleged that United paid a total of €200,000 to his parents, plus a house. And the player was promised bumper wages once he turned 17.
Le Havre have demanded that FIFA take action against United, and want to see a repeat of the punishment handed out to Chelsea over their signing of Gael Kakuta from Lens. The Blues have been banned from signing players until 2011 though they are sure to appeal.
United have strongly denied any wrongdoing over the signing of Pogba.
Louvel said: "They got to the parents, it was simple. €100,000 to the mother, €100,000 to the father and a house.
"I don't see why the Pogba case should not set a legal precedent. There was an agreement that no-one should poach young players. French clubs respect that rule but English clubs do not respect anything.
"FIFA does not allow contracts longer than three years before a player has reached 18. We respect that in France, in seems that in England they don't abide by that rule. "
The club's managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have proof that United offered sweeteners to Pogba's parents, and is ready to present it to FIFA.
"We are still pursuing our case," he said. "It is a very serious case. We are confident that we'll win because it is in the best interests not just of our club but of sport. We spend €5m on our academy every year out of a turnover of €12m. It is a huge investment.
"We do that to give a chance to our players to develop for our first team, not to be an academy for others. What is the point of investing in an academy if the players leave at 16? This is clearly a message from FIFA to protect the education system."
United have grown angry at the sustained assault by the Ligue 2 club, which came in the wake of a transfer ban imposed on Chelsea last week for an infringement of the rules when signing French youngster Gael Kakuta from Lens.
Now Old Trafford officials have written to French club Le Havre, and made them aware in the strongest terms that they must either put up, or shut up.
"In response to the wholly unfounded comments widely reported in the media of Le Havre AC President, Jean-Pierre Louvel, Manchester United wish to categorically confirm that as a matter of club policy and in accordance with the applicable football regulations, we do not offer inducements to the parents of players who sign for the club such as monetary payments or the purchase of houses," United said in a statement.
"Manchester United have today written to Le Havre AC to put it on notice that action will be taken if such allegations are repeated in relation to the transfer of Paul Pogba."
Louvel alleged that the Red Devils paid a total of €200,000 to Progba's parents, plus a house. And insisted the player was promised bumper wages once he turned 17.
Le Havre demanded that FIFA take action against United, and want to see a repeat of the punishment handed out to Chelsea, who have been banned from signing players until 2011.
Louvel said: "They got to the parents, it was simple. €100,000 to the mother, €100,000 to the father and a house.
"I don't see why the Pogba case should not set a legal precedent. There was an agreement that no-one should poach young players. French clubs respect that rule but English clubs do not respect anything.
"FIFA does not allow contracts longer than three years before a player has reached 18. We respect that in France, in seems that in England they don't abide by that rule. "
The club's managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have proof that United offered sweeteners to Pogba's parents, and is ready to present it to FIFA, although as yet, the world governing body have not acknowledged receipt.
When the Pogba issue was first raised last week, United officials suggested that there was no contract for the 16-year-old to break, therefore the Red Devils could not be offering inducements to do so.
However, they have been annoyed by Le Havre's allegations of impropriety, which has prompted Monday's stinging outburst.
"Manchester United is entirely satisfied that the transfer of Paul Pogba has been conducted in accordance with the regulations set down by the world governing body, FIFA,'' the club's statement added.
"Manchester United is ready to defend any claim brought against it by Le Havre at FIFA.
"It is to be noted that all contractual documentation relating to the player's registration with the club has already been fully ratified by the Football Association and the Premier League.''
Le Havre claim Pogba's parents paid €200,000
Le Havre president Jean-Pierre Louvel has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United over the signing of Paul Pogba this summer, claiming the player's parents were paid.
The French club are furious with the Premier League champions over what they see as the theft of one of their brightest young talents.
It is alleged that United paid a total of €200,000 to his parents, plus a house. And the player was promised bumper wages once he turned 17.
Le Havre have demanded that FIFA take action against United, and want to see a repeat of the punishment handed out to Chelsea over their signing of Gael Kakuta from Lens. The Blues have been banned from signing players until 2011 though they are sure to appeal.
United have strongly denied any wrongdoing over the signing of Pogba.
Louvel said: "They got to the parents, it was simple. €100,000 to the mother, €100,000 to the father and a house.
"I don't see why the Pogba case should not set a legal precedent. There was an agreement that no-one should poach young players. French clubs respect that rule but English clubs do not respect anything.
"FIFA does not allow contracts longer than three years before a player has reached 18. We respect that in France, in seems that in England they don't abide by that rule. "
The club's managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have proof that United offered sweeteners to Pogba's parents, and is ready to present it to FIFA.
"We are still pursuing our case," he said. "It is a very serious case. We are confident that we'll win because it is in the best interests not just of our club but of sport. We spend €5m on our academy every year out of a turnover of €12m. It is a huge investment.
"We do that to give a chance to our players to develop for our first team, not to be an academy for others. What is the point of investing in an academy if the players leave at 16? This is clearly a message from FIFA to protect the education system."
HOW CAN WE WIN BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE BLUES NO HOPE FOR U GUYS
Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben believes some of the club's current stars could quit the club due to the 16-month FIFA transfer ban imposed as a result of the Gael Kakuta investigation. The Dutchman believes this could signal "disaster" for the Blues.
And Robben, who left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid and now plays for Bayern Munich, believes the issue could spark an exodus. "It would not shock me if players left," he told the Daily Mirror. "Players like John Terry and Frank Lampard love the club and they will probably stay.
"But I think players who have no long-term relationship with the club may leave. The top clubs in Europe will be looking at Chelsea players now, and if they want to leave there is not a lot the club can do to stop them. For one of Europe's super powers not to be able to sign a player for two years would be a disaster."
The Dutchman also suggested that FIFA were right to investigate the recruitment practices of big clubs.
"I don't know if they are guilty but if they are I agree with FIFA," he said. Big clubs think they are above the rules. In football there are lot of people trying to take advantage of you when you are a young boy and it is important the authorities do all they can to help protect
And Robben, who left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid and now plays for Bayern Munich, believes the issue could spark an exodus. "It would not shock me if players left," he told the Daily Mirror. "Players like John Terry and Frank Lampard love the club and they will probably stay.
"But I think players who have no long-term relationship with the club may leave. The top clubs in Europe will be looking at Chelsea players now, and if they want to leave there is not a lot the club can do to stop them. For one of Europe's super powers not to be able to sign a player for two years would be a disaster."
The Dutchman also suggested that FIFA were right to investigate the recruitment practices of big clubs.
"I don't know if they are guilty but if they are I agree with FIFA," he said. Big clubs think they are above the rules. In football there are lot of people trying to take advantage of you when you are a young boy and it is important the authorities do all they can to help protect
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Gunners lose Djourou
Arsenal defender Johan Djourou is expected to be out of action for around six months after undergoing knee surgery
The Switzerland international has had an operation on his left knee and the Swiss FA have announced he will not be ready to return until March.
Djourou sustained the injury on international duty last month, ahead of the friendly against Italy and the 22-year-old has missed the chance to stake a claim for a first-team place at the Emirates in the absence of Kolo Toure, sold to Manchester City this summer.
Though £10m Belgian signing Thomas Vermaelen has slotted in alongside an in-form William Gallas, Djourou's injury may leave Arsene Wenger short of defensive options, even though Philippe Senderos has returned to the club after a spell on loan at AC MIlan
The Switzerland international has had an operation on his left knee and the Swiss FA have announced he will not be ready to return until March.
Djourou sustained the injury on international duty last month, ahead of the friendly against Italy and the 22-year-old has missed the chance to stake a claim for a first-team place at the Emirates in the absence of Kolo Toure, sold to Manchester City this summer.
Though £10m Belgian signing Thomas Vermaelen has slotted in alongside an in-form William Gallas, Djourou's injury may leave Arsene Wenger short of defensive options, even though Philippe Senderos has returned to the club after a spell on loan at AC MIlan
Don't expect to hear Fergie criticising Rooney
Sir Alex Ferguson is the winner of the first managerial "Foot In Mouth Award".
To be fair, it was a close-run opening prize. There have been quite a few candidates already. But you just knew that as soon as Sir Alex - someone I have immense respect and admiration for - opened his mouth on the Eduardo diving affair, it would rebound on him. No-one could imagined it would have been so soon.
So, Sir Alex, you wouldn't tolerate diving, feigning a fall, or anything like the tricks those jolly old foreigners specialise in. Of course not.
I cannot wait for the Manchester United manager's take on the Wayne Rooney controversy at Wembley while playing in an England shirt. But don't hold your breath. I shall explain why.
Let's have a look at the early-season banter between Fergie and that front man for SpecSavers, Arsene Wenger.
Sir Alex was quick to condemn his old mind-game foe Arsene on the Eduardo affair. Remember what he had to say just days ago? Ferguson staunchly defended UEFA's decision to ban Eduardo da Silva for two matches for diving only days after Wenger reignited their longstanding rivalry by claiming that the champions went out to systematically foul his players at Old Trafford.
Fergie responded by claiming that the Arsenal forward's behaviour in the Champions League play-off tie against Celtic at the Emirates Stadium was "not acceptable" and warranted punishment. "Quite rightly something should be done," Ferguson said. "You hope that message gets across."
Having spoken respectfully of Wenger in the build-up to United's 2-1 league victory last Saturday, Ferguson's tune changed after the Arsenal manager accused his team of "anti-football" tactics. Wenger singled out Darren Fletcher, who was not punished for what he felt were deliberate and persistent fouls.
Ferguson and Wenger subsequently spent part of the week at UEFA's elite club coaches' forum in Switzerland, but while the United manager supported his rival's decision to back Eduardo publicly, the Scot insisted that the authorities need to take firm action to eradicate diving from the game.
"I would not have been pleased if it was my player that did that," Ferguson said of Eduardo's dive to win a penalty. "I wouldn't say it publicly but I wouldn't be pleased. Not one coach is proud of the fact that they have players who simulate to get decisions. Coaches can't be proud if they have won the game that way."
However, Ferguson added: "When you make a public criticism of your players you are in danger of losing the morale of the dressing room. Your job is to protect the dressing room and keep it solid. You become insular and protective of your own players in your team. We're all selfish that way."
So, no forthcoming comment about Rooney, one suspects. Here's the moral of this tale - managers, like anyone else, should think very carefully before they speak and that's hardly something they are renowned for.
To be fair, it was a close-run opening prize. There have been quite a few candidates already. But you just knew that as soon as Sir Alex - someone I have immense respect and admiration for - opened his mouth on the Eduardo diving affair, it would rebound on him. No-one could imagined it would have been so soon.
So, Sir Alex, you wouldn't tolerate diving, feigning a fall, or anything like the tricks those jolly old foreigners specialise in. Of course not.
I cannot wait for the Manchester United manager's take on the Wayne Rooney controversy at Wembley while playing in an England shirt. But don't hold your breath. I shall explain why.
Let's have a look at the early-season banter between Fergie and that front man for SpecSavers, Arsene Wenger.
Sir Alex was quick to condemn his old mind-game foe Arsene on the Eduardo affair. Remember what he had to say just days ago? Ferguson staunchly defended UEFA's decision to ban Eduardo da Silva for two matches for diving only days after Wenger reignited their longstanding rivalry by claiming that the champions went out to systematically foul his players at Old Trafford.
Fergie responded by claiming that the Arsenal forward's behaviour in the Champions League play-off tie against Celtic at the Emirates Stadium was "not acceptable" and warranted punishment. "Quite rightly something should be done," Ferguson said. "You hope that message gets across."
Having spoken respectfully of Wenger in the build-up to United's 2-1 league victory last Saturday, Ferguson's tune changed after the Arsenal manager accused his team of "anti-football" tactics. Wenger singled out Darren Fletcher, who was not punished for what he felt were deliberate and persistent fouls.
Ferguson and Wenger subsequently spent part of the week at UEFA's elite club coaches' forum in Switzerland, but while the United manager supported his rival's decision to back Eduardo publicly, the Scot insisted that the authorities need to take firm action to eradicate diving from the game.
"I would not have been pleased if it was my player that did that," Ferguson said of Eduardo's dive to win a penalty. "I wouldn't say it publicly but I wouldn't be pleased. Not one coach is proud of the fact that they have players who simulate to get decisions. Coaches can't be proud if they have won the game that way."
However, Ferguson added: "When you make a public criticism of your players you are in danger of losing the morale of the dressing room. Your job is to protect the dressing room and keep it solid. You become insular and protective of your own players in your team. We're all selfish that way."
So, no forthcoming comment about Rooney, one suspects. Here's the moral of this tale - managers, like anyone else, should think very carefully before they speak and that's hardly something they are renowned for.
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