The Reds may have bolstered their attacking options with the deadline day recruitment of Dimitar Berbatov, but Sir Alex Ferguson will soon have another striker to add to the mix.Angolan striker Manucho joined the club at the end of last year after impressing during a three-week trial.He helped his country to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup in January - firing four goals - before heading off on loan to Panathinaikos for the remainder of the 2007/08 campaign.Now in possession of a valid work permit, Reds' chief executive David Gill says it won't be too long before United fans see Manucho in action."We couldn’t get a work permit for him straight away, but when we looked at the rules and regulations we found that he actually qualified for one automatically. We’re delighted to have him," Gill told MUTV."He’s 25 years-old and has got a lot of great attributes. You only need to look at the goals he scored at the African Nations Cup to see that and I think he brings something different to the team."He’s got a little injury at the moment, but we’re looking forward to him getting fit and showing us what he can do. He’s a great prospect."
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Friday, 25 July 2008
Trophy show at Juventus game
All four stands will give fans a vantage point for photos of the team with the trophies. This display will follow the first action on the pitch, the Manchester United Premier Cup '08 final - featuring some of the world's best under-15 footballers. United will then take on a Juventus squad featuring players like Del Piero, Trezeguet and Buffon from 20:00 BST.Tickets are on open sale online or on 0161 868 8000. Prices start at just £10 for adults and £5 for seniors while all junior seats are £5. Hospitality packages are also available priced at £150 + VAT including a South Stand seat, 2-course chef's table and access to a cash bar. For more details, please call 0161 868 8000 (option 2 then 3).Boss to help choose successor
Since arriving in Manchester in 1986, Sir Alex has overseen the most successful chapter in the club's history. With time ticking away and the issue of his eventual replacement becoming more impending, chief executive David Gill admits it would be foolish not to consult Ferguson when the time comes."The owners, myself and the relevant people involved will obviously get Alex's views," said Gill. "He's somebody who has managed the club for so many years, knows the club inside out and knows what is required."So his opinion would be invaluable. It would be remiss of us not to have a discussion with him and involve him and get his views. He will be a key part of the process and the board will make the decision. I know Alex wants to make sure he does what he can to ensure the club is successful after he has gone."You don't work at a club like United for more than 20 years without falling in love with it, and he won't want the work he's done going to waste.""The owners will expect me to do the work and then they would get involved in the process of choosing the right man. The manager is a key employee of the club and we need to get it right."Papers: Glazers Want Ronaldo
United chief executive David Gill has revealed the decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on board was taken with the full blessing of the Glazer family. He said that a "short, quick conversation" with the owners took place at the Champions League final in May when there were already rumours about Real Madrid's interest in the Portugal winger. The Spanish club have continued to court the 23-year-old, who scored 42 goals last season, but United are adamant he is not for sale. Gill said: "We saw them (the owners) at the Champions League final and the speculation was already present then. It was a short, quick conversation. Under the PLC regime, we would not have had to sell him but we would have had to be more public. We would would have had to consult major shareholders a lot more. Ultimately it would have been a more public situation. As it is we have had one phone call, one chat in Moscow and the decision was made. Full stop."Manchester Evening NewsAccording to The Sun, Ronaldo has told "close pal" and Real defender Pepe that he still harbours hopes of a move to the Bernabeu.Meanwhile, Gill is quoted in The Mirror as saying that India is the next country in which United want to increase their influence. Gill said: "We've worked on our global position for many years but it would be wrong to think we're impregnable. India is interesting. We've been approached to go there and we're looking at some Soccer School opportunities."In other news, Sir Alex Ferguson has said he believes South Africa has "a lot to offer" and will be equipped to host the World Cup in two years. United play the final game of their tour of the country against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.Thursday, 8 May 2008
Live: Awards Night 2008
The polls are closed, the votes are counted. All that remains is to reveal who the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year is for 2008.The prestigious award will be one of several trophies presented to United players at a special evening on Sunday 11 May. The event is sold out but you can still watch it live thanks to MUTV and MUTV Online. will be free to air, meaning all cable and satellite TV viewers in the UK and Ireland can watch the ceremony without subscribing to the channel.subscribers will also be able to watch the presentations - the club's official broadband service will stream MUTV's coverage live on the night. are priced from just £3.50 per month.The Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, Goal of the Season and Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year have all been decided by fans voting on ManUtd.com between 1 and 30 April.Other awards being presented on the night will include the Players' Player of the Year and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.
Papers: Rooney to Return?
Roon’s fit for crunchWayne Rooney will be back to help Manchester United gun for the Premier League crown on Sunday. The Old Trafford star came through a tough session at their Carrington training ground yesterday and is available for the final-day trip to Wigan. Striker Roo was feared to have suffered a hernia, but a United insider said: “There was nothing Wayne could not do. He was whizzing around and flying into tackles. Not once did he wince. He’s a tough cookie and this is not going to keep him out.”
Phil Thomas, The Sun
The Sun also claim Nemanja Vidic has declared himself fit to face Wigan on Sunday after sitting out the Reds’ last two matches with concussion.In Moscow, the grass pitch, grown specifically to replace the artificial surface at the Luzhniki Stadium for the Champions League final, had to be ripped up almost as soon as it was laid, the Daily Mail reports. Another pitch has been bought from Slovakia at a cost of £160,000 and was hastily imported last week.In transfer news, the Daily Express claim Sir Alex has his eye on Dutch striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar. The 24-year-old currently plies his trade for Ajax in the Eredivisie.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
The Reluctant Hero
While a host of jubilant United players stopped to address the world's media after Tuesday night's Champions League victory over Barcelona, there was no sign of match winner Paul Scholes.Having scored the tie-settling goal against the Catalan giants, the softly-spoken midfielder typically shunned the limelight and disappeared to be with his family after the final whistle.His team-mates, however, were more than happy to heap praise on Scholes, who now seems guaranteed to start a Champions League final after missing the 1999 final through suspension."You could see his reaction, it was a big relief for him," Mikael Silvestre told MUTV. "He wasn’t involved in ’99, but now he is taking the team with him to Moscow. It’s good for him, he fully deserves it. He is a great professional. He is a local lad so it means a lot to him."Scholes swung the tie in United's favour with a scorching 25-yard drive which faded into the top corner of Victor Valdes' goal, and his colleagues were far from surprised by the moment of brilliance."I was talking to Patrice Evra about Scholesy in training before the game," said Ji-sung Park. "He was unbelievable. We said that he would do something big in the game and he did.""It was a great goal, unbelievable," added Wes Brown. "I’m just glad it was Scholesy, he deserves it. He’s got us into the final."
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Vidic Doubtful For Blues
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Nemanja Vidic is a major doubt for Saturday's Premier League showdown at Chelsea.The Serbian defender missed Wednesday night's draw in Barcelona with a stomach bug and, although he is on the road to recovery, Sir Alex is not hopeful of having Vidic available at Stamford Bridge."I think he’s doubtful, but we’ll do our best," the United manager told Sky Sports."He’s back at the hotel, he’s taking plenty of fluids, he had a bit of soup this afternoon for the first time in 36 hours – that’s promising, I suppose.Let’s hope we can get him there on Saturday morning – we’ve only got 72 hours to do that, but he’ll want to have a go. He’ll be desperate to play and if we do get him, it’ll be a bonus to us."Wes Brown deputised in central defence against the Catalans, with Owen Hargreaves excelling as a makeshift right-back.With Gerard Pique, John O'Shea, Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre all fit, however, Sir Alex has no shortage of options if he opts to shuffle his pack.
Barcelona 0-0 ManUnited
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-minute penalty as United held Barcelona to a goalless draw in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, first leg.The Portuguese winger blazed wide from 12 yards after Gabriel Milito had been penalised for handball, while Michael Carrick smashed a shot into the side netting with the Reds’ best second-half opening.Samuel Eto’o wasted Barca’s best opportunity as a superb defensive display from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side neutralised the Catalans’ potent attack.The prudent nature of the first leg could well have been blown out of the water as early as the second minute, however, had Ronaldo converted a golden opportunity from the penalty spot.From a Wayne Rooney corner, Milito blocked Ronaldo’s diving header with his hands, and referee Massimo Busacca immediately awarded the spot kick.After lengthy protests from the home side, the Portuguese winger placed the ball on the spot, adopted his trademark stance, sidled up and sidefooted his effort off target.A huge let off for Barca, and a missed opportunity for United. Despite that glorious early opening, the game failed to descend into the anticipated slugfest where both sides would wantonly deploy their rich attacking arsenals.With the stakes so high, the two teams opted instead to remain at arm’s length. Barca cagily probed.Monday, 14 April 2008
Boss Ready To Spend
United may be embroiled in a fascinating climax to the current campaign, but Sir Alex Ferguson is already planning to strengthen his squad for next season.The United manager has assembled a squad of sufficient strength in depth to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League this term, but he has earmarked areas which need further reinforcements."I don't need to spend, but I will," Sir Alex is quoted as saying in the News of the World. "I think there is an area where we are short and we can stock up on that a bit."It is not easy getting the best players here. But we have to because when you have a lot of quality in your squad you have to be absolutely correct on who you bring in."A player has a chance to come to a club like United and he would say 'that's my challenge to be in the team.' That's what good players do."Sir Alex brought in Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani last summer and, after the quartet's unquestionable success this season, the Scot admits he will have one eye on the future when he re-enters the transfer market."I don't think I will bring in as many as last season and if we buy players it will probably be young ones," he said. "This year Tevez, Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson have been really fantastic for us. Those four players have made a big contribution to our season."Thursday, 3 April 2008
Sir Alex and Queiroz Charged
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant, Carlos Queiroz, have been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association. The charges relate to comments made after United's 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth at Old Trafford last month. United were aggrieved that referee Martin Atkinson did not award a penalty for what the Reds saw as a clear foul on Cristiano Ronaldo by Sylvain Distin. There were further fouls on Ronaldo that the United boss and his no.2 felt were not dealt with sufficiently by the officials. A statement on the FA's website said: "Ferguson's charge concerns comments about referee Martin Atkinson and PGMO General Manager Keith Hackett. Queiroz's charge relates to comments about referee Martin Atkinson." Sir Alex and Queiroz now have until 17 April to respond to the disciplinary charges.
Ronny Does The Double
Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted ManUtd.com's Player of the Month for March and also picked up the Man of the Match award against AS Roma.
The 23-year-old winger was in sparkling form once again last month, scoring six goals in six starts. But he was up against stiff competition for the official website's monthly accolade. Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have all been consistently good in recent weeks.
Tevez ran Ronaldo closest for the title. The striker scored only once in March (against Aston Villa), but his energy and selfless hard-working attitude have endeared him to Reds supporters. However, it was Ronaldo who ran away with the result, notching a colossal 48% of the vote.
And the Portuguese winger began April exactly where he left off in March. Ronaldo put the Reds in front against Roma on Tuesday just before half-time with a towering, powerful header. His performance, as a lone striker for much of the match, has given United an excellent chance of making the semi finals for a second year running.
The 23-year-old winger was in sparkling form once again last month, scoring six goals in six starts. But he was up against stiff competition for the official website's monthly accolade. Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have all been consistently good in recent weeks.
Tevez ran Ronaldo closest for the title. The striker scored only once in March (against Aston Villa), but his energy and selfless hard-working attitude have endeared him to Reds supporters. However, it was Ronaldo who ran away with the result, notching a colossal 48% of the vote.
And the Portuguese winger began April exactly where he left off in March. Ronaldo put the Reds in front against Roma on Tuesday just before half-time with a towering, powerful header. His performance, as a lone striker for much of the match, has given United an excellent chance of making the semi finals for a second year running.
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Carrick Not Complacent
Michael Carrick insists the Reds won't rest on the laurels of victory over Liverpool, even if Sunday's win has sealed United's status as strong title favourites.
The midfielder believes the fixture list still looks difficult, telling MUTV: "We’re playing well at the moment but we’ve still got a tough run-in and it’s not going to be easy.
"We’re not getting carried away by any means but we’re happy with our position. Three or four weeks ago we were a few points behind Arsenal and aware that we needed to get points on the board fairly quickly.
"We’ve managed to do that and obviously Arsenal have slipped up a little bit and opened the door for us."
When United opened the door against Liverpool, the identity of the first scorer caught Carrick by surprise.
"It was mad to see Wes (Brown) up there, I was a bit shocked it was him when the goal went in," he laughed.
"It means a lot to Wes to score against Liverpool, being a local lad, and his goal got us up and running. We played some good football after that."
The midfielder believes the fixture list still looks difficult, telling MUTV: "We’re playing well at the moment but we’ve still got a tough run-in and it’s not going to be easy.
"We’re not getting carried away by any means but we’re happy with our position. Three or four weeks ago we were a few points behind Arsenal and aware that we needed to get points on the board fairly quickly.
"We’ve managed to do that and obviously Arsenal have slipped up a little bit and opened the door for us."
When United opened the door against Liverpool, the identity of the first scorer caught Carrick by surprise.
"It was mad to see Wes (Brown) up there, I was a bit shocked it was him when the goal went in," he laughed.
"It means a lot to Wes to score against Liverpool, being a local lad, and his goal got us up and running. We played some good football after that."
Anderson Aiming High
Brazilian starlet Anderson can already lay claim to an unforgettable debut season. As he told United Review, there's still time to make it even better...
How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?
I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.
Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?
If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!
You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?
I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.
The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?
I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure the manager
How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?
I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.
Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?
If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!
You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?
I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.
The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?
I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure the manager
Important Date
| March 2008 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Mar | UEFA Champions League | United Vs Olympique Lyonnais | 19:45 | H | 1 - 0 | ||||||
| 08 Mar | FA Cup | United Vs Portsmouth | 12:45 | H | 0 - 1 | ||||||
| 15 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Derby County | 15:00 | A | 1 - 0 | ||||||
| 19 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Bolton | 20:00 | H | 2 - 0 | ||||||
| 23 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Liverpool | 13:30 | H | 3 - 0 | ||||||
| 29 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Aston Villa | 17:15 | H | |||||||
April 2008 | |||||||||||
| 01 Apr | UEFA Champions League | United Vs Roma | 19:45 | A | |||||||
| 06 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Middlsbro | 13:30 | A | |||||||
| 09 Apr | UEFA Champions League | United Vs Roma | 19:45 | H | |||||||
| 13 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Arsenal | 16:00 | H | |||||||
| 19 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Blackburn | 17:15 | A | |||||||
| 26 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Chelsea | 12:45 | A | |||||||
May 2008 | |||||||||||
| 03 May | Barclays Premier League | United Vs West Ham | 15:00 | H | |||||||
| 11 May | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Wigan | 15:00 | A | |||||||
Blues Are Title Threat
Sir Alex Ferguson will take great comfort in United's five-point lead after a potentially decisive weekend in the title race, but he remains alert to the threat posed the Reds' now closest challeners Chelsea.
Avram Grant's men leapfrogged Arsenal with a 2-1 win over the Gunners on Sunday, hours after United defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.
The Reds go to Stamford Bridge on 26 April, which Sir Alex feels will be crucial. "I think Chelsea hold the key," he said, "especially as we go to their place where they've got a formidable record.
"We've established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted, we have to carry on playing the way we have been. I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league."
The dominant performance against Liverpool has given the United boss plenty of confidence and belief going into the final seven league games of the season.
"We've developed this season and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool," he said. "We've retained last season's consistency, we're challenging for the league and we're in the quarter-finals of Europe."
Rio Delight at England Armband
Rio Ferdinand will lead England out against France in Paris on Wednesday night a very proud man.
The 29-year-old United defender is the latest player (after Steven Gerrard) to be chosen to skipper his country as new England manager Fabio Capello attempts to find the right man for the job ahead of this year's World Cup qualifiers.
Many had expected Chelsea skipper John Terry to be given the armband for the Stade de France friendly. But Ferdinand, who has captained United in the absence of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, will earn his 66th England cap as the team's leader.
"As a kid I grew up wanting to play for England and to lead my country. Now I have been given the honour to fulfil that dream, so I am very happy," says Rio.
"I have done it for United in the past, I lead by example and if something needs to be said I'm not afraid to say it, it is just a matter of going out there and doing what I do for Manchester United and bring it up to international level."
Ferdinand says he will take inspiration from one of Old Trafford's greatest leaders of recent times.
"Roy Keane was a fantastic captain," he said at a press conference on Tuesday evening. "He led by example and got marks of seven, eight or nine out of 10 every game.
"If questions need to be answered, he was normally the first to do it. He was a great captain and symbolic of Manchester United. Now for me to get the captaincy for my country is a dream come true and this is the biggest honour I've ever had."
The 29-year-old United defender is the latest player (after Steven Gerrard) to be chosen to skipper his country as new England manager Fabio Capello attempts to find the right man for the job ahead of this year's World Cup qualifiers.
Many had expected Chelsea skipper John Terry to be given the armband for the Stade de France friendly. But Ferdinand, who has captained United in the absence of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, will earn his 66th England cap as the team's leader.
"As a kid I grew up wanting to play for England and to lead my country. Now I have been given the honour to fulfil that dream, so I am very happy," says Rio.
"I have done it for United in the past, I lead by example and if something needs to be said I'm not afraid to say it, it is just a matter of going out there and doing what I do for Manchester United and bring it up to international level."
Ferdinand says he will take inspiration from one of Old Trafford's greatest leaders of recent times.
"Roy Keane was a fantastic captain," he said at a press conference on Tuesday evening. "He led by example and got marks of seven, eight or nine out of 10 every game.
"If questions need to be answered, he was normally the first to do it. He was a great captain and symbolic of Manchester United. Now for me to get the captaincy for my country is a dream come true and this is the biggest honour I've ever had."
Final Stories
Duo make England debuts
Fraizer Campbell and Tom Heaton made their international debuts for England U21s on Tuesday evening, but were unable to prevent a frustrating goalless draw with Poland.
The United duo were introduced as second half substitutes, replacing Cameron Jerome and Joe Hart respectively, and both caught the eye in the friendly stalemate.
Goalkeeper Heaton made a spectacular save from Radoslaw Majewski’s dipping shot to keep England's clean sheet, while the lively Campbell, who has excelled on loan at Hull this season, came close to winning the match with a late header which was scrambled clear.
Manager Stuart Pearce was philosophical after the match, but was particularly impressed with Heaton's contribution on his international bow.
"We didn't do enough to win the game, and a draw was probably a fair result," he said. "Once again we've been very difficult to score against and when we needed, the goalkeepers have helped us out.
"I know what Joe Hart can do, so when Tom Heaton came on to make his debut he looked assured, pulling off a good save, which would have given him confidence, too.
"We've got another friendly against Wales on 15 May in Wrexham and that game, and tonight, could be invaluable to us as we look to the final stages of qualifying for next summer's European Championship."
Transfer Speculation
The transfer window may have long since slammed shut but still the rumour mill touts players for a future move to Manchester.
A link with Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni follows the more-publicised speculation surrounding Lyon striker Karim Benzema and his team-mate in midfield Hatem Ben Arfa.
Watch this space for more rumours as the season enters its final phase...
ARRIVALS
| Player Name | Current Club | Position | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Kameni | RCD Espanyol | Goalkeeper | Not stated | |
| Hatem Ben Arfa | Olympique Lyonnais | Midfielder | Not stated | |
| Karim Benzema | Olympique Lyonnais | Striker | £30million |
DEPARTURES
| Player Name | Linked With | Position | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Barcelona | Winger | £40million |
Boss: Shades of Best
Sir Alex Ferguson admits Cristiano Ronaldo reminds him of George Best.
The Portuguese winger rewrote Best’s club record for goals in a season from midfield when he notched his second against Bolton last Wednesday.
It took Ronaldo’s 07/08 tally to 33, a figure he added to on Easter Sunday in United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.
“There are certainly similarities [between Ronaldo and Best], “ Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.
“When George played as a winger I don’t think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side – he played on the right, the left and through the middle.
“I’ve looked at Best’s goals and a lot of Cristiano’s are similar. He starts from wide positions before cutting inside. The boy’s in tremendous form right now."
Ronaldo may have eclipsed Best’s tally, but United’s club record for goals in a season still belongs to Denis Law. In the 1963/64 campaign, Law found the net an incredible 46 times.
“Denis was a fantastic player – he was my hero – but I didn’t know that,” Sir Alex said. “That even beats my record! I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965/66.”
The Portuguese winger rewrote Best’s club record for goals in a season from midfield when he notched his second against Bolton last Wednesday.
It took Ronaldo’s 07/08 tally to 33, a figure he added to on Easter Sunday in United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.
“There are certainly similarities [between Ronaldo and Best], “ Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.
“When George played as a winger I don’t think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side – he played on the right, the left and through the middle.
“I’ve looked at Best’s goals and a lot of Cristiano’s are similar. He starts from wide positions before cutting inside. The boy’s in tremendous form right now."
Ronaldo may have eclipsed Best’s tally, but United’s club record for goals in a season still belongs to Denis Law. In the 1963/64 campaign, Law found the net an incredible 46 times.
“Denis was a fantastic player – he was my hero – but I didn’t know that,” Sir Alex said. “That even beats my record! I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965/66.”
Good News
27/03/2008 09:40, Report by Nick Coppack
International Reds
Rio Ferdinand lived the dream of leading England out as captain on Wednesday night, but there was no fairytale ending as the Three Lions slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the Stade de France.
A first-half Frank Ribery penalty was enough to hand the home side victory in a match that also saw David Beckham win his 100th England cap.
Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves completed 90 minutes in Paris, while Wayne Rooney (45 minutes) and Wes Brown (63 minutes) also turned out for England. Patrice Evra was an unused substitute for the French side.
In London, Reds midfielder Anderson came on for the last half-an-hour as Brazil beat Sweden 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. A large section of the crowd, presumably Arsenal fans, booed Anderson’s every touch.
Darren Fletcher was also involved in international action, with Scotland coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.
Elsewhere, Tomasz Kuszczak was an unused substitute as the USA ran out 3-0 winners in Poland, while Nemanja Vidic played 74 minutes in Serbia’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ukraine.
Ji-sung Park played in South Korea's World Cup Qualifier against Korea DPR, which ended 0-0
A first-half Frank Ribery penalty was enough to hand the home side victory in a match that also saw David Beckham win his 100th England cap.
Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves completed 90 minutes in Paris, while Wayne Rooney (45 minutes) and Wes Brown (63 minutes) also turned out for England. Patrice Evra was an unused substitute for the French side.
In London, Reds midfielder Anderson came on for the last half-an-hour as Brazil beat Sweden 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. A large section of the crowd, presumably Arsenal fans, booed Anderson’s every touch.
Darren Fletcher was also involved in international action, with Scotland coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.
Elsewhere, Tomasz Kuszczak was an unused substitute as the USA ran out 3-0 winners in Poland, while Nemanja Vidic played 74 minutes in Serbia’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ukraine.
Ji-sung Park played in South Korea's World Cup Qualifier against Korea DPR, which ended 0-0
Hot News
Papers: Foster stays put
Foster Bid Blocked
Ben Foster's bid to go out on loan to the Championship has been blocked by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The once-capped England keeper asked if he could drop down a level and sign on loan for the rest of the season, but Fergie has refused despite Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuzszack being fit. Foster had been given the go-ahead to leave before making a shock debut at Derby County but now Fergie has told him to wait for his chance.
Staff reporter, Daily Mirror
In other loan news, The Times claims Sir Alex Ferguson has told Hull City to forget about trying to sign 13-goal striker Fraizer Campbell permanently, insisting that he has a future at United.
Meanwhile, widespread coverage is handed to Gary Neville's interview with Manchester United Radio, in which the club captain admits he faces a battle to break back into the Reds' senior team at such an important stage of the season.
Round up by Steve Bartram
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