Michael Owen joins Man Utd

Michael Owen completed a shocking move to Manchester United earlier today joining for a two year contract.

This move is all of a sudden as Owen was wondering a move to Hull City or Stoke. But last night United announced the capture of the former Liverpool striker on a free transfer.

Owen signed a two year deal with the option of a third year after passing medical test at a south Manchester Hospital yesterday afternoon.

Owen is now determined to prove that he was once an European Player of the year.

“I had just begun to talk to other clubs when, out of the blue, Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning, during which he told me that he wanted to sign me,” Owen said. “I agreed without a moment’s thought.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.

“I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from Day One. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances.”

Ferguson was thinking of signing Owen in 2005 before Newcastle United signed him. “Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question,” Ferguson said. “Coming to Manchester United, with the expectations that we have, is something that Michael will relish.”

Now we will have to wait to see how Owen's career at Manchester United goes.

Breaking News: United Recieved Real's Ronaldo Offer!

It is now confirmed that Manchester United recieved an official offer from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo. The deal is said to be a world record £80million. United has given Real Madrid the permission to talk to Ronaldo.

According to the Manchester United Official Site:

"Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

At the request of Cristiano - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Liverpool's Tevez bid for £50m?

According to reports Liverpool will bid a £50m bid for Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez .

Tevez is now on a loan deal at Old Trafford but his contact ends this summer. After that he will be free to go anywhere. Liverpool are reported to offer a whooping £50m to Tevez's owner ,Kia Joorabchian's Media Sports Investment (MSI) company.

Liverpool also ready to offer the striker an initial £26 million for his services.

Yesterday, reports claimed that Tottenham Hotspur also ready to bid for Tevez.

Manchester United still believe Tevez will stay with them, but everything now depend on Tevez.

See also:

Manchester United retain Barclays Premier League

Ronaldo set to stay at Old Trafford as Real eye Ribery

Manchester United go to next week's Champions League final with a firm grip on their winger. Real Madrid's attemp to confirm a deal with Bayern Munich winger Frank Ribery might confirm Ronaldo's staying at Old Trafford.

Ribery's indication to leave Bayern may lead to a exciting transfer period this season. 

Real Madrid were unable to lure Ronaldo to Santiago Barnabue and had been expected to make a big effort this season to bring him to the roster.

But Real's interest for Ribery, along with their interest in Wigan Athletics winger Antonio Valencia, indicates that their plans to bring Ronaldo from Old Trafford are likely to be shelved for another 12 months.

And it will surely end the saga for a while.

See Also:

Manchester United retain Barclays Premier League

Manchester United retains Barclays Premier League

Manchester United secured Barclays Premier League for three succesive year in a row and became the first British team to win hattrick title for the 2nd time.

Manchester United now level Liverpool with 18 titles each and Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his 11th title in 17 seasons, an achievement unlikely ever to be equalled.

Manchester United started the match agaisnt Arsenal in quest for a draw on a win to clinch the title with one game remaining and succeded. It would have been more fascinating if United won the match but nevertheless they drew and won the title.

A relieved Ferguson said: 'That was the longest 90 minutes in history! It was a cautious game and there was hardly a save to make until the last five minutes. But we got there.'

Ryan Giggs agreed, 'The second half was agony to be honest,' he said. 'I'm sure it was for the fans as well. The one team you don't want to play is Arsenal as they keep the ball so well, and they came to spoil the party.'

'Win or lose, I think you should show respect,' said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger pointedly. 

'The best answer is to play better on the pitch, but when you are young, it's understandable when players are sensitive about this.'

United will now settle their mind on the upcoming Champions League Final against Barcelona and hope to clinch the 4th title on the season.

Fletcher misses Champions League Final

Darren Fletcher's hope to play in his first Champions League Final against Barcelona disapear today when UEFA's deciplinary body rejected United's attempt to overturn the red card against Arsenal in the semi final.

Manchester United submitted a written report to UEFA about the red card to overturn it as the replay showed the tackle on Fabregas was indeed played on the ball.

Manchester United decided not to apeal. A United spokesman said: "Darren is an honest player and we felt we should do what we could to try to help him become eligible for the Champions League final by initially protesting his dismissal. However, we respect Uefa's decision not to admit the protest and we will therefore not be appealing against today's ruling."

Explaining the suspensions, Uefa said: "In reaching its decision, the control and disciplinary body concluded that the protests had not been submitted within the required 24-hour deadline of a match for filing protests – as specified in the disciplinary regulations – and even if they had been admitted they would have been rejected as unfounded as there were no grounds for contesting the referee's original decisions."

Meanwhile Barcelona's Aric Abidal also remain suspended for the Final.

Giggs Wins PFA Award for the First Time

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs wins this years PFA Player of the Year for the first time in is his 12 years career. He had twice won the Young Player of the Year award but now it increases his amount of trophies with United.

"It's right up there, with personal accolades it's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players", Giggs said.

"I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies, I won the young player award twice, but this is the big one."

Giggs also gave a special thanks to his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson for the career he has had.

"The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met him when I was 13," Giggs said.

"That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.

"I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many great teams, it's not even worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager," he added.

Giggs, whose current contract expires at the end of next season, said of his future: "As long as I'm getting picked, enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can.

"At 35 you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't."

This years PFA team of the year also include 6 Manchester United players. Others are 2 from Liverpool, 1 from Portsmouth, 1 from Aston Villa and 1 from Chelsea.

PFA Team of the Year:

Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd)

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)

Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)

Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd) 

Patrice Evra (Man Utd) 

Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

 Ryan Giggs (Man Utd) 

Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) 

Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

 Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Can Manchester United Win Quadruple?

Manchester United's dream of achiving quadruple recieved a big blow when they agianst Everton on the semi final of the FA Cup. But there are still two more trophies to go. Can United win the remaining tournaments?

United are now in a hanging possition in the Barclays Premier League. They are 1 points clear to Liverpool with a game in hand. But more matches are yet to come and who knows what could happen. But we are still the favourites.

And in the Champions League United are now in the semis tagged up with Arsenal. It will be a difficult last month of the season.

What do you think? Can United win the remaining trophies? Post your comments below.

Referees are wary of give us penalties: Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand believes referees are reluctant of giving penalties to Manchester United. He told after referee Mike Riley refused to give penalty when Danny Welbeck went down under Phil Jagielka's challenge.

"I don't know how the referee didn't give the penalty but that is the way it goes," said Ferdinand. "We don't get many penalties these days. Referees are reluctant to give them to us. Maybe they are being put under pressure by people in the media but that is the way it goes.

"We are not going to harp on about it because, in the end, we were not good enough in the penalty shoot out. There was always going to come a day when you don't have a good time in that situation and this was it."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes David Moyes' comments has an affect on this. "I think it might have been. I'm not saying that for certain. I've no idea if it affected the decision but you never know. It may have. It can prey on a referee's mind.

"I've seen the video and it looks a penalty kick but in the importance of the game the referee probably has to be dead sure. Why would he [Welbeck] go down when he had the goalkeeper stranded out of his goal? It was a major decision and unfortunately it has gone against us. Nothing you can do about it. We have to move on now.

"When he [Mike Riley] sees it he'll probably realise he's made a mistake but I can't say that's the reason for us losing."

But now United should go forward to win the quadruple after this big blow.

Manchester United wants Kaka and Ribery to replace Ronaldo!

Manchester United are set to offer a world record £70million to get AC Milan's Kaka to Old Trafford for replacing the departing Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Daily Mail.

It says Ronaldo might demand a move to Real Madrid in the summer. So Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a bid for the Brazilian superstar Kaka with a whooping £70million.

Also wanted is Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery, with Wigan winger Antonio Valencia completing a trio of summer signings, report the News of the World.

Five Red Devils in the PFA Award Nominees

Manchester United dominates this years PFA award nominees with five players out of six. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Nimanja Vidic, and Edwin Van dar Sar are on the list with Liverpool powerhouse Steven Gerrard.

Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to become the first man to win the Professional Footballers Association accolade three times in successive seasons.

Ronaldo was the overwhelming favorite last season, scoring 42 goals to lead the club to the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Defenders Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva represent United in the young player of the year shortlist. They are competing against Aston Villa duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, Tottenham's Aaron Lennon and Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.

Manchester United in Talk with Prudential Over Shirt Sponsorship

Manchester United are close to complete a new shirt sponsorship deal with international financial services company Prudential after AIG announced it would not be renewing its current deal because of their financial crisis.

The company’s new chief executive, Tidjane Thiam, is a Arsenal supporter but is willing to reach an agreement with the Old Trafford club.

A spokesman from Prudential confirmed that the company had been approached by United and talks have been ongoing for some time with a final agreement imminent. 

Edward Brewster, head of group media relations at Prudential, said: "We can confirm we have been approached by Manchester United. We are one of several [companies], we believe, to have been [talking to Manchester United]."

Brewster added that, from Prudential's viewpoint, there was no timeline on a potential deal.

The current deal with AIG, which expires at the end of the 2009-10 season, is worth around £56 million and once the American company announced that it would not be looking to extend the agreement beyond that time, United began actively seeking a replacement.

Macheda's late winner get united back on top

Manchester United are back on top after beating Aston villa by 3-2. Ronaldo scored twice and Macheda's late winner secured United the 3 points they needed to back on top.

Ronaldo opened the scoring from an indirect free-kick inside the box. John Carew's header restored the match to level.

Gabriel Agbonlahor then headed from a lovely little cross from Carew and the next moment they were ahead of United.

United, beated two consecutive matches against Liverpool and Fulham scared of a three consecutive lose then gambled by replacing Nani with debutent Macheda.

United than regain pace and attacked Villa one after one. And then Ronaldo's low shot passed Friedel to the bottom corner of the net and drag United to level.

Sustitute Danny Welbeck then denied by Friedel from 6 yards. But United were not to be denied and Macheda produced a moment of magic to win the game when he turned and curled a peach of a shot into the far corner in the injury time.

Mourinho Manchester United's Next Manager?

Will Jose Mourinho be Manchester United's next Manager after Sir Alex retires? At least Mourinho has no problem.

Jose Mourinho has said he would be interested in taking charge once Sir Alex Ferguson retires.When asked if he would consider the role, the Inter Manager said: "Who can say no? Nobody could say no. Manchester United belongs to a small group of clubs around the world where nobody can say no."

But Mourinho does not believe Ferguson will be leaving very early. "First of all, I don't believe in 2010 he is leaving – I don't believe," he said. "I think year after year he is the same ... healthy, happy ... so I don't see a reason for him to quit. And in a very fair way, I hope he still goes on, because he's good."

Samsung latest for United Shirt Sponsor Talks

South Korean electronic giants Samsung are the latest talks for Manchester United's shirt sponsor for 2009/2010 season. 

United's £56.5m agreement with American insurance giant AIG expires at the end of this season and they are now looking for a new deal before the end of the year.

A Samsung spokesman said: "Manchester United has recently sent an official letter asking if it's possible to seal a new shirt sponsorship deal. Nothing has been decided yet. The club has approached other companies as well."

Indian companies Sahara, Tata and Saudi company Saudi Telecom have already claimed advances from United with a shirt deal with the Premier League leaders.

AIG still owe £14 million to United said they will not renew their contract with United.

Related:

Manchester United in talk with Prudential over shirt sponsorship

United are still title favourites: Alonso

Liverpool midfielder Xavi Alonso admitted that Manchester United are still the favourite to win the premier league this season.

Alonso spoke to Sky Sports News on Thursday, said: “It’s going to be difficult because we can't afford to drop many points and we know that United have a very good team.

“They are the main favourites, of course, but we are going to be doing our best to be challenging until the final weeks of the season.”

“They are the champions,” continued Alonso. “They are in the best position and they have that advantage. We have to do our job and try to make things difficult for them.

“At the moment the team is playing and defending well as a team. “The partnership between Stevie [Gerrard] and Fernando [Torres] is working well for us.

“Of course [Torres] is really important for us. When he’s fit he’s a threat for all the defenders and that’s a boost for us.”

Champions League Draw: Man Utd vs FC Porto

Manchester United have been paired with FC Porto in the Champions League quarter final. The first leg will be played at Old Trafford on April 7. Manchester United will also play the first leg of Semi Final at home. 

Quarter Final Draws:

Villareal vs Arsenal

Manchester United vs FC Porto

Liverpool vs Chelsea

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

Semi Final Draws:

QF2  vs  QF1

QF3  vs  QF4

The Ronaldo saga goes on again!

Although United told a million times that they will not sell Ronaldo for any amount the saga still on. Former Real Madrid Chairman Ramon Calderon claims that the United Winger will join Real Madrid next summer. Guillem Balague told Revista De La Liga that a deal has been agreed between the club and the player.

"Ramon Calderon is suggesting that is the case," said Balague. 

"Ramon Calderon went on the biggest radio show there is on Monday to say, 'thanks to our work one of the best players in the world will play for Real Madrid next season.'

"A deal has been struck between the player's representatives and Real Madrid. Of course Manchester United has got a say on that, but now it is primarily down to Florentino Perez - who will announce soon his candidacy to be a president of Real Madrid - to accept that deal. 

"Vicente Beluga, the president of Real Madrid, has shown him the papers already and said 'if you want him you can take him'. 

"It's agreed that Cristiano Ronaldo will earn 12million euros, Jorge Mendes will earn 8million euros as a commission, they reckon, as well, they will need 100 million euros or so to get Ronaldo from Manchester United."

Ronaldo wants Man Utd vs Liverpool in Champions League

Even thought United lost the match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on saturday Ronaldo wants them again in the Champions League. He said United will not fear if they draw with Liverpool in the quarterfinals.

"We are the best team in the competition so why should I worry about who we play?" said Ronaldo.

The draw will be made on Friday, 20th March.

Ferdinand and O'Shea fit for Inter

Rio Ferdinand was limped off the track with an ankle injury during the FA cup quarter final match against Fulham on saturday. O'Shea was also reported to have a heel problem.

But they are reported to have trained this morning to face Italian side Inter Milan in the second leg of Champions League round 16.

Ferguson said: “They’ve both trained for the first time and we’re pleased about that. It was an important time after the injuries on Saturday but they're both fit and they'll play. 

“The games are coming thick and fast now and as it happened we picked up injuries with Ferdinand and O'Shea. 

“O'Shea was more precautionary but with Ferdinand's injury we had to start thinking about alternatives and that's what happens when you're playing Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday. 

"Once we got Saturday out of the way we had two teams, one with Ferdinand in it and one without him in it and that was on Sunday afternoon.”

 

Two down, Three to go

Manchester United's quest for five silvers this season goes on as they got their second cup of the season. Beating Tottenham on tiebreaker to be crowned the Curling Cup.

United also won the last years Club World Cup by defeating Gamba Osaka.

In the remaining three competitions they also remain in good position. United are now at the top of premier league with 10 points ahead of Chelsea and other rivals.

In FA cup United is now on quarter final and play Fulham this Saturday.

Also in the Champions League Manchester United face Inter Milan in the second leg of round 16 at Old Trafford this week.

So we can hope that United will win all the remaining tournaments and achieve five trophies this season.  

 

Man United best counter attackers: Mourinho

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho hails Manchester United as the best counter attackers in the world. United will face Inter in the UEFA Champions League in San Siro next tuesday.

Mourinho is under no illusions as to who the favourites are. But he wants his team to relax and go out to express themselves when Sir Alex Ferguson's team arrives in town.

"I don't want my players to feel under pressure, I want them to enjoy themselves and the first thing I will tell them is that I have great belief in their ability to win it," said the Portuguese boss.

"I've known Manchester since 2004, they're the best counter-attacking team in the world and can kill their opponents in transition (from defence to attack).

"They have (Dimitar) Berbatov, who has fantastic technical qualities and then (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Wayne) Rooney, (Carlos) Tevez or Park (Ji-sung) who can make the difference, give them width and pace. Our concentration will have to be spot on."

"From now we are totally focussed on the challenge against Manchester United," said Mourinho.

"I will tell the players that I have great belief in their ability to qualify for the next round and like the derby (against AC Milan) I expect it to be a great match.

"It's a challenge that has arrived at an ideal time for us from both a physical and mental point of view.

"It should be a pleasure to play in this match and we'll appraoch it with calm and without any added pressure."

Manchester United Second in World Richest Club

Manchester United placed second in the list of World's wealthiest club while Real Madrid top again for fourth year in a row.

Deloitte's Football Money League, based on financial information for the 2007/08 season, features seven English clubs in the top 20 positions. 

The authors said that United would have been top of the Money League if the pound was still at June 2007 levels. 

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

"If the exchange rate value of the pound had not depreciated, there would have been nine, rather than seven English clubs in the top 20 and Manchester United would have topped the Money League ahead of Real Madrid," said Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte.

WORLD'S WEALTHIEST CLUBS BY REVENUE 

1) Real Madrid: £289.6m

2) Man Utd: £257.1m

3) Barcelona: £244.4m

4) Bayern Munich: £233.8m

5) Chelsea: £212.9m

6) Arsenal: £209.3m

7) Liverpool: £167m

8) AC Milan: £165.8m

9) AS Roma: £138.9m

10) Inter Milan: £136.9m

Source: Deloitte: 2007/8

Vidic Misses the San Siro Clash

Manchester United central defender Nemanja Vidic will miss the clash against Inter Milan after getting one match ban by FIFA.

The Serbian International has been banned for his red card in Club World Cup final success against LDU Quito in December.

Vidic was sent off for swinging an elbow into the face of the Ecuador side's Claudio Bieler in Yokohama.

He had been facing the possibility of a three-game suspension but a FIFA disciplinary panel have confirmed a one-match ban. 

But this suspension should have been performed in a FIFA organized match. But why he is suspended in a UEFA organized tournament? Thats  a question.

Man United can win Quadruple

Manchester united former Asst. Manager Carlos Queiroz says Manchester United can win all the compititions this season.

Queiroz said: "For me there are no doubts. Manchester United can win all the titles this season.

"They are already in one final and they are the league leaders and will do well in the other competitions. 

"They are definitely my favourites to be the league champions - I mean no harm to Liverpool but I am backing my former club. 

"This can be a magical year for United and I am quite happy because I've been involved in this project for many years and I will always have the club in my heart."

Well, Thanks Queiroz for your comments. We all hope United will do that.

West Brom 0 Man United 5

Manchester United had no problem washing away 10-man West brom to go three points clear at top. Goals from Berbatov, Tevez, Vidic and double from Ronaldo see off Albion by five goals to nil. 

United also registered a new record of 11 consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League. Van der Sar now has taken the charge of the  record as he overtook it from Petr Cech.

West Brom will point to the 40th-minute dismissal of Paul Robinson as a turning point. But United were in control long before they turned victory into a rout.

Berbatov and Tevez scored in the first half to go ahead while Vidic scored in 60th minute and Ronaldo showed his class by adding two more goals to his tally.

Manchester United were a bit shaky at first. Van der Sar was given a couple of reasons to worry as on-loan striker Marc-Antoine Fortune and Jay Simpson both won early corners.

But since than United 'united' themselves and attacked one after one. So they got five goals in the West Brom net.

WEST BROM: Carson 5, Hoefkens 4, Pele 4, Donk 5, Robinson 3, Zuiverloon 5 (Morrison 5), Borja Valero 5, Koren 5, Brunt 5, Simpson 6 (Bednar 5), Fortune 5 (Cech 5). Subs Not Used: Kiely, Kim, Dorrans, Filipe Teixeira. Sent Off: Robinson. Booked: Koren, Bednar, Carson, Donk. 

MAN UTD: Van der Sar 6, Neville 7 (Eckersley 5), Ferdinand 7 (Brown 5), Vidic 8, O’Shea 7, Park 7, Carrick 7, Giggs 9, Ronaldo 7, Berbatov 7 (Tosic 5), Tevez 7. Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson. Booked: Park, Carrick.

Ferguson happy with Ronaldo scoring 20 goals

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said his winger Ronaldo could still have a brilliant season even if he scores only 20 goals this season compared to 2007-08's 42 goal.

"You do have these exceptional seasons," said the Scot referring to the last one (Ronaldo scored 42 goals). "Ronaldo is a very confident lad and has belief in his own ability. At the end of the season I am sure he will be over 20 and that is a fantastic return for a winger".

"It is very hard to replicate them every year. I remember Ruud van Nistelrooy got 44 one year - the next it was 30, and he is a centre-forward".

Anderson and Evans out for three weeks

Bad news again. Manchester United now have their 9 first team player out of the show. United's injury list increased on Friday with the news that defender Jonny Evans and midfielder Anderson will be out of action for three weeks with ankle injuries.

This pair were both injured during the league cup semi final against Derby County on tuesday.

Anderson was carried off on a stretcher after the final whistle while Evans limped through the latter stages of United's 4-2 win at Old Trafford.

Rio Ferdinand has now missed eight matches with a recurring back problem, Wes Brown and Patrick Evra are both out with ankle injuries and Rafael is expected to be out for up to month having torn his hamstring.

John O'Shea and Nimanja Vidic are now only senior defenders left for Ferguson.

Ryan Giggs remains doubtful and Wayne Rooney is not expected back for another fortnight while he recovers from a hamstring problem.

With these players out of the action United will have to face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup today.

Ronaldo: My only true happiness is United

Ronaldo again relishes his happiness at Old trafford. He said about it after the match against Derby County in the semi final of Carling Cup.

“I’m very happy at Manchester United. I am at home here,” said Ronaldo. “For all I have achieved and won, for the friendships I have made with supporters and the United family—I’ve been very well treated by everyone.

"I feel this is a very beautiful cycle in my career that I will always remember. Alex Ferguson has supported me a lot. I feel part of the furniture here and this is my home. Everything I do generates a certain interest but the only true thing is that I am happy at Manchester United.

"To be honest, I never imagined playing at a club like United. I dreamed of Benfica, Porto and Sporting, but never arriving at this level. I always wanted to be a professional footballer but even when they came to see me I thought nothing would come of it.”

Manchester United go top after win over Bolton

Manchester United go top of the Premier League as they defeated Bolton on Reebok stadium by 1-0. Dimiter Berbatovs 90th minute goal was enough for United to secure 3 points.

Berbatov headed home from close range after a fine cross from Carlos Tevez on the right in the 90th minute just as the game was heading towards a draw. 

For the preceding 89 minutes United had been thwarted by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Bolton keeper saved superbly from two Cristiano Ronaldo free-kicks and also a header from the United winger.

United also equal Chelsea's record of 10 consecutive clean sheet they set on 2004-05 season.

United are top of premier league with 1 point ahead of liverpool. But liverpool will play thier game on Monday against Everton, though United have one game in hand.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Davies, Basham, Muamba, Gardner (Puygrenier 83), Taylor, Makukula (Obadeyi 64). 

Subs Not Used: Bogdan, Smolarek, Riga, Shittu, Sinclair. 

Booked: Makukula. 

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Vidic, Evans, O'Shea, Fletcher (Giggs 69), Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 69), Ronaldo, Tevez, Berbatov. 

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Park, Nani, Welbeck, Chester. 

Booked: O'Shea. 

Goals: Berbatov 90. 

Att: 26,021 

Ref: Andre Marriner (England).

Ronaldo crowned FIFA Player of the year

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the FIFA player of the year for 2008.

The portugal and Manchester United player has become the first premier league player to win the title.

Ronaldo beat Lionel Messi, Torres, Kaka and Xavi to win the award.

"It's an overwhelming moment in my career and I'd like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues," said Ronaldo.

Ronaldo also won the European player of the year in December and FIFPro footballer of the year in October 2008.

He paid special tribute to his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson.  "It's also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him."

"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager. 

"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won. 

"I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."

The coaches and Captains of 155 national teams took part in voting were Messi placed second and Torres third.

Ronaldo in only the second Portuguese player to win the title as Figo won it in 2001.

Tevez ready to fight for his place at Manchester United

United striker Carlos Tevez insists he his ready to fight for his place at Old Trafford on a permanent contract.

Tevez is now in the second year of the loan deal but the agreement expires at the end of the season. United still haven't offered him a permanent contract.

Despite losing his position to Berbatov he is determined to stay at Old Trafford.

"I am not preoccupied about my future," Tevez said to the Daily Mail. "My instincts are to stay with the club and in the next week or so I think there will be more contact with regards to sorting out my contract. That is what we've been told.

"My agent is in touch with United all the time and he tells me that everything is very positive now. So it is up to the club.

"Other clubs have asked about me but I see my future at United."

Although Real Madrid is thought to be ready to pay the 32 million pounds transfer fee but Tevez said he is determined to stay.

"Some people say that 32 million pounds is high but I cannot comment on that. Those are the figures that were agreed at the start. I am not responsible," Tevez said.

"It has been a complicated season for me, there is no point denying that. I have not been able to get as many minutes on the field as I would like because the quality of the forwards at the club is incredible.

"It is not easy for forwards to get into this team and I have suffered. But that does not make me want to leave. I have no urge to run away."

Manchester United signed two Serbians

Manchester United completed signing up the two Partizan Belgrade players Zoran Tosic and his team mate Adem Ljajic on friday. The deal is thought to be worth 17 million pound.

Tosic, capped 12 times by Serbia, will fly to Manchester immediately while 17-year-old striker Ljajic will spend the rest of the season at Partizan on loan.

But although Tosic will be ineligible for Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Southampton, United manager Ferguson is confident that the left winger will quickly challenge for a place in his starting line-up at Old Trafford.

"We have been watching Tosic for over a year and in that time, he has become a regular in the Serbia national team."said Ferguson.

"He's a winger and we like wide players here at Manchester United, so we are very hopeful that he will do well for us.

"He hasn't played since December 10, however, so he will need some time to adjust to the speed of the game over here and get used to the training.

"But once he gets himself accustomed to the pace, then I am sure he will play a part for us this season. Ljajic is another good player with real quality and he will come over to Manchester in time for next season.

"That is it for Manchester United in this transfer window, though. We are done now with our business for this season."

And that closes all the transfer saga going on.

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Ronaldo relishes his happiness at Old Trafford

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo said he is happy to stay at Old Trafford, ending speculation about an eventual move to Real Madrid at the January transfer season.

The Portugal international told MUTV he was happy and settled in Manchester.

"There's always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world," the 23-year-old said.

"People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season.

"What people are saying now is not true.

"Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here."

Ronaldo said the United fans are very amazing and they are always supportive.

"I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester."

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said there was no agreement between the two clubs on a transfer.

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