Gill Complains of Unfair Treatment

Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes the club has been unduly punished by the Football Association as a result of their success.

United were at the centre of controversy on a number of occasions last season, withWayne Rooney picking up a two-match ban for swearing at a TV camera as he celebrated a goal in the 4-2 victory against West Ham.

Sir Alex Ferguson was also given a five-match ban for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson in his post-match interview after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in March, and he was given a warning for praising Howard Webb's abilities as a referee.

In the previous season, Rio Ferdinand was given an extended ban after denying a violent conduct charge and, although Rooney controversially escaped a similar charge in February after his apparent elbow on Wigan's James McCarthy, Gill believes the club is being treated unfairly.

"I do genuinely believe there have been some poorish decisions that, in my opinion, wouldn't necessarily have hit other clubs," he said in new book Champ19ns. "That's not to say I'm condoning Wayne's comments, because I don't think they were correct, or what Sir Alex said [about Atkinson] because it wasn't helpful.

"At the same time, the actual punishments were harsh. We're possibly being caught up in being one of the biggest clubs and the 'Respect' agenda being there. What better way to demonstrate the authorities are being tough than by hitting one of the biggest clubs the hardest?"

Neville Sees Jones as Future Captain

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has backed new recruit Phil Jones to one day wear the armband at Old Trafford.

Jones, an England Under-21 international, agreed a five-year contract to move from Blackburn earlier this month and Neville, who retired last season, believes he is destined for great things.

"I think this lad's going to be a star, I really do," he told Singapore's The New Paper. "I think he's going to be somebody who could potentially be a captain of Manchester United in the future.

"He looks really solid and he's somebody who can be a huge player for the club for the next ten years. There's a lot of potential there and the performances he's put in over the last two years have been outstanding, particularly against us.

"For a 19-year-old that's excellent. He's a great signing for us."

Ramos Agent Denies Quotes

Sergio Ramos' agent has said that quotes attributed to him claiming his client "merits better treatment" at Real Madrid, are false.

Ramos, 25, was said to be unhappy with Madrid after the club reneged on an agreement to offer him improved terms in a report in The People, however the right-back's brother and agent, Rene Ramos toldAS: "I did not say that and I do not know them. I normally do not make any comments, let alone comments as explosive as those.

"I am very annoyed because they are looking for controversy where it does not exist. I will talk to my lawyers to study the case."

Nani Happy at 'world's best club'

Manchester United winger Nani has dismissed talk of a move to Barcelona by insisting that he is currently playing for the best club in the world.

There has been growing speculation about Nani's future at Old Trafford following the arrival of Ashley Young, but the Portugal international has already stressed his determination to fight for his place.

More recent reports had claimed Barca could make a move for Nani, but the Portugal international insists there is no question that he could move on.

"I am absolutely certain that I will stay in Manchester," he said. "The interest of clubs like Barcelona makes all players think, but right now I am in the best club in the world, I am happy and I am not thinking about leaving."

De Gea Agrees United Move

Manchester United have signed David de Gea from Atletico Madrid for a fee in the region of £18 million.

De Gea, 20, has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions to become Edwin van der Sar's successor.

He joins Phil Jones and Ashley Young in moving to Old Trafford to take Sir Alex Ferguson's spending to £50 million this month.

The move comes just four days after De Gea helped Spain's Under-21 side win the European Championships in Denmark.

"I feel very proud and I can't wait to start playing here," De Gea told MUTV. "When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability. It's a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do."

De Gea won the Europa League and the European Super Cup with Atletico, but he is yet to win a senior cap for Spain with the tough competition of Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes ahead of him in the pecking order.

De Gea profile

Born: 7 Nov 1990
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Goalkeeper

HonoursAtlético Madrid
UEFA Europa League: 2010
UEFA Super Cup: 2010

Spain U17                
UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship: 2007
FIFA U-17 World Cup Runner-up: 2007

Spain U21         
UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship: 2011

De Gea Signs On

United have confirmed a third new signing of the summer after reaching agreement with Atlético Madrid for the transfer of David de Gea.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper passed a medical this week and has agreed a five-year deal with the club.

“I feel very proud and I can’t wait to start playing here,” said De Gea in an exclusive interview with MUTV, to be shown on the channel at 18:30 BST today.

“When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability.

"It’s a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do.”

De Gea follows Phil Jones and Ashley Young in signing for the Reds and will join up with his new team-mates next month.

The young stopper, who was part of Spain’s victorious squad at the UEFA European Under-21 Championships last weekend,

came through the ranks at Atlético before making his senior debut as an 18-year-old in the Champions League clash with FC Porto in September 2009.

He helped Atlético win the Europa League later that season and the 2010 UEFA Super Cup, and occupied the No.1 spot on a regular basis last season.

Macheda Prefers Premier League

Federico Macheda has revealed he wants to stay in the Premier League after his ill-fated loan stint with Sampdoria.

Macheda, 19, was tipped as a star of the future after his breakthrough at Manchester United in 2009, but he has since had limited first-team action and was allowed to return to his homeland for a loan spell in January.

However, his time in Serie A proved disastrous, with the striker failing to score a single goal in 14 appearances as Sampdoria suffered a surprise relegation.

"Psychologically it was not easy because to go from United to Sampdoria and to fight to avoid the drop was a difficult situation," he told Sky Italia.

"I wanted to have an experience in Italy but now I want to remain in the Premier League. England is better suited for young players."

He added: "I arrived in Genoa with great enthusiasm. The first few games the team and I did very well but after the defeat to Napoli [a 4-0 loss on January 30] I did not find continuity."

De Gea Undergoes United Medical

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea was undergoing a medical at Manchester United on Monday afternoon.

De Gea, 20, has long been expected to complete a move to Old Trafford and, following the conclusion of his successful European Under-21 Championship campaign with Spain, he is now due to complete the switch, which will reportedly cost £17.8 million.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina had toldLa Gaceta: "I very much welcome this news because David is a great keeper. When it becomes official he is going to start working to prove in the Premier League what a good goalkeeper he is."

De Gea arrives to replace Edwin van der Sar, who retired at the end of the season after a six-year spell at Old Trafford in which he won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and League Cup.

Nani Not Worried by Young

Manchester United winger Nani has welcomed Ashley Young to Old Trafford despite the threat he poses to his position.

Young, 25, last week completed a £16 million move to United, where he is expected to compete with Nani for a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

On the eve of Young's signing, it was reported that Nani was perturbed and considering his options, but the Portuguese has insisted he is not concerned by the new arrival.

"Of course I have to welcome everyone they sign," Nani said. "I think Man United is a fantastic club.

"When they bring in new players, they know if it is good for the team or not, and this [Young signing] has to help them. It is good for the team - we want more [players] to help us to win trophies."

Nani also said he had the fight in him to keep Young on the substitutes' bench, pointing to his experience jostling for playing time with former United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I've been there when Cristiano was there," Nani said. "Cristiano was one of the best players in the world."

Izaguirre Says He is Man United Target

Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre says he is a target for Manchester United. The 26-year-old Honduras international was a revelation last season after moving to Parkhead.

He said: "Regarding possibilities, I prefer to stay silent as I did when Celtic signed me. This is a job of my agent. I have to confirm it's 100% true that Manchester United were following me and were interested in me.

"It was Alex Ferguson directly who made contact with the Celtic directors. I am aware also that Manchester United and Celtic agreed for a meeting in July. We have to see what happens if I stay or I go.

"If I have the chance I welcome the move with open arms. If that is the case I will thank God and I will take my opportunity."

Meanwhile, Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists there has been no approach for Izaguirre or Israel midfielder Beram Kayal.

Lennon said in the Daily Record: "You're always going to get speculation about your best players. I understand that.

"But there's been no interest expressed in Beram or Emilio and I've had no one on the telephone enquiring about any other player if it comes to that.

"Every player has his price but I'm not prepared to sell my better ones and Emilio certainly comes into that category."

Nani to Stay at United

Manchester United winger Nani will not be forced out of the club by the arrival of £17 million Ashley Young, contrary to reports.

Nani topped the assists chart in the Premier League last season, and he was voted United's Players' Player of the Year. However, as the season neared a climax, the Portugal international increasingly found himself on the bench for big games, culminating in the Champions League final loss to Barcelona.

With Antonio Valencia producing the best form of his career upon return from serious injury, there is a feeling of three not fitting into two following the signing of Young from Aston Villa.

Park Ji-sung, the man who took Nani's place against Barcelona at Wembley, also declared on Friday that he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford, so Sir Alex Ferguson finds himself with a plethora of options for his wide positions.

Nani has been linked in the media with a move away from United, with Real Madrid a mooted destination. The player fanned flames over a possible move when stating recently: "I am fine at Manchester United, but it is good to hear there are other clubs interested. Would I like to work under [Jose] Mourinho? Yes, but at this moment I am fine at Manchester United."

However, sources close to Old Trafford are now stating that the 24-year-old will fight for his place, having just enjoyed his best season at the club, yielding 10 goals.

Ferguson is expected to seek a meeting with Nani in the near future to assure the winger of his place in the United squad, as the Red Devils attempt to win a 20th Premier League crown.

Money will need to be generated from somewhere though, with United expected to take their spending past £50 million with the purchase of David De Gea, but it is believed Wes Brown and Darron Gibson are closest to the exit door.

Valencia: I Don't Fear Young Competition

Antonio Valencia has welcomed the arrival of Ashley Young at Manchester United, with the Ecuador winger insisting he has no intention of leaving the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson continued his summer shopping on Thursday when wrapping up the deal to bring Young to Old Trafford from Aston Villa.

The arrival of the England international has prompted suggestions that Valencia, who performed well towards the end of last season after battling back from serious injury, could be vulnerable.

But while Valencia is aware of the challenge he faces, he insists it is one that he will take on with relish.

"I heard about this on the news," Valencia said. "I do not fear his arrival. "The season is long and under Alex Ferguson everyone will get their chance in United's key matches.

"Ashley is a good footballer and I believe he will help us towards more success. As for myself, I have two more seasons left at United and I am convinced I will fulfil those. And maybe a few more years too."

Commenting on reports linking him with Real Madrid and Juventus, he said: "There are rumours about other clubs but I have no news on that."

Park Stresses United Commitment

Park Ji-Sung has stressed that he wants to remain at Manchester United after his recent remarks about moving on.

Park, 30, recently made headlines for suggesting he would have to consider joining another side before long as he would not be able to continue at the highest level.

However, he has now made clear that he is not looking for an exit and would be delighted to continue his career at Old Trafford.

"It would be honour for me to keep playing for Manchester United," Park told reporters in Hong Kong. "I have nothing to say about any transfer rumours - I just want to stay at Manchester United.

"As an Asian player, it's honour to play for the biggest club in the world. I and other players want to achieve 20th league title for United."

Nasri Says Wenger Meet Yet to Happen

Samir Nasri has asked Arsenal fans to forget the many rumours surrounding his future.

With a new contract yet to be signed, the France midfielder has been heavily linked with a summer move to Manchester United. His current deal expires next summer, and Arsenal and the player have been said to be miles apart in their wages valuation.

"There is not much to say apart from don't listen to all the rumours and everything that is written or said," Nasri said to Arsenal's official club magazine. "Earlier in the season I spoke with the boss and we said we would talk during the summer, which is what we are going to do."

"As a player, it is hard to stay at the top of your game," he said after his best season at the Emirates, which nevertheless suffered a lapse in form as the season went on. "I don't want last season to be just a one-off. I want to continue playing at my best and be consistent at the level I was at the start of last season.

"This is the difference between a good player and a great player - and I know the expectations will be higher on me too."

Blackburn Confident of Samba Stay

Blackburn are eager to hold onto defender Christopher Samba this summer despite accepting that he wants to join Arsenal.

Samba, 27, revealed last month that he was "very close" to joining Arsenal in January and, although he signed a contract extension until 2015 in February, he has suggested that he would welcome a move.

Venky's chairperson Anuradha Desai has now stressed that she is confident Samba will remain at the club next season but acknowledged that he is keen on a move to Emirates Stadium.

"We don't want to let Chris go," Desai told the Mail on Sunday. "I'm confident that we can keep him and I hope he'll stay. I know he has an ambition to play for Arsenal but I hope we can keep him for another year at least and prove our own ambition."

Meanwhile, Desai has claimed Blackburn decided against making an official complaint over Phil Jones' move to Manchester United out of concern for the player's welfare.

United made a £16.5 million bid - matching Jones' release clause - but Rovers considered taking action as they felt he may have been tapped up. United eventually agreed to pay an extra £4 million in add-ons to ensure the deal went through.

Desai said: "We have reasons to believe that the player's agent and maybe the player had been in touch [with United] for two to three months before permission was granted.

"I was ready to take Manchester United on, ready to go to a tribunal if that's what it led to, but we spoke at length to Steve Kean and we knew Phil wanted to go to United.

"We concluded that the person who would be most damaged by a delay and legal action was Phil. That wasn't fair on him. There was a release clause for £16.5 million and the total deal was £4 million more with the add-ons. We wish Phil well.

"Phil is an outstanding young English player and I'm proud of the role Blackburn played in developing him. We made him an enormous offer to stay with us and we wanted to keep him."

Manchester United have denied any wrongdoing over the transfer.