Graham Poll expects Man Utd striker Rooney to escape action over elbow incident

Former ref Graham Poll believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be let off over his elbowing incident against Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy.

In his column for the Daily Mail: "If the Football Association charge Wayne Rooney, they will be going against previous recent cases and will possibly justify Sir Alex Ferguson’s claim that Manchester United are harshly treated because of their profile.

"Once Mark Clattenburg gave Wigan a free-kick — surely after some advice from his assistant referee, hence the delay in blowing his whistle —there was no possibility he could say that none of the officials saw the challenge, and that is what’s required for video evidence to be used.

"Rooney did not trip, pull or push James McCarthy, yet a free-kick was awarded — so it must have been awarded for use of the arm. As Rooney was not even cautioned, this incident will not be mentioned by Clattenburg in his report."

Rooney: Asking for transfer was wrong

Wayne Rooney says he feels back to his best.

Rooney's form has been inconsistent this season.

But he said: “This is usually the time of year when we really go for it. We’ve got the experience to ­really kick on and put pressure on the other teams.

“I feel really good, personally. I have to say it’s been a difficult ­season for me – probably the ­hardest I’ve ever had. That week when I asked for a transfer was something I wouldn’t want to go through ever again, but I feel I made the right ­decision to stay ­because this club is always going to be challenging for trophies.

“I picked up a few niggles earlier in the season as well and missed a few games, so I didn’t really feel like I was playing a part. But the good thing is that I feel fresh now when most players are injured or feeling jaded.”

He added: “We don’t talk about winning the ­Treble or the Double – or even just one ­trophy. The thinking here is that you must win the next match and, once you’ve done that, you think about winning the next one.

“We want the title back because it was hard losing it to Chelsea. We can make it really hard for them by beating them, but they will be thinking the same thing about us because those two games will have a big say on where the title goes.”

Fan backing his club with his HUGE tattoo! Really huge!

Manchester United fan John Retter is backing his Old Trafford idols all the way with this huge tattoo.

Trucker John, 51, paid nearly £1,000 to have the Red Devils' crest etched.

The work took 16 hours and he spent the time reading boss Sir Alex Ferguson's biography to take his mind off the pain.

But John, who never misses a game on TV, insists it was worth the discomfort to have a tattoo that covers most of his back.

He said: "It's a brilliant badge with so much history. I'm proud to wear it."

Referring to the club's famously rivalry with Liverpool, John, of Paignton, Devon, added: "As soon as the sun's out, I'll be flaunting it on the beach - although I'll probably get chased by a load of Scousers."

His partner Liz Brady, 44, said: "I think it looks great."

Tattooist Tony Gallon said: "It's the biggest football badge I've ever had to do."

Carroll: Man Utd boss Ferguson always good with me

Roy Carroll says Man Utd boss Sir Alex was always good to him.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper is back in England after leaving Denmark's Odense.

He won a Premier League medal in 2003 and an FA Cup medal 12 months later and admitted to The Sun: "Sir Alex brought me on against Millwall with five minutes to go because he said I'd done well in the semi-final.

"He actually offered me a new four-year contract in 2005 but would not guarantee first-team football.

"Yet he was always fantastic with me and, even when I left, he always said if I ever needed anything I should ring."

Marseille Stephane Mbia: The club of my heart, it's Manchester United!

Olympique Marseille midfielder Stephane Mbia has again confessed an ambition to play for Manchester United.

The Cameroon international is tied to l'OM until 2014.

"I do not look at Manchester United in the same way as other teams. They are a dream. A dream that has become feasible. More than ever, thanks to my performance and that of my team. I want to go as high as possible," said Mbia.

"Real Madrid is a very good team too. But the club of my heart, my dreams, it's Manchester. I feel good in Marseille but we must be ambitious."

Ferguson: We have not discussed Lloris, Valbuena

Sir Alex Ferguson says it's too soon to talk up his summer transfer plans.

Olympique Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Marseille playmaker Mathieu Valbuena have both been linked with United.

But yesterday, Ferguson told French reporters: "I've heard these rumours in England as in France.

"But this is just speculation, we have not lifted a finger in this direction (transfer market)."

Ferguson sees €40M Pastore as Scholes successor

Manchester United are lining up a bid for Palermo star Javier Pastore.

United had scouts check on Pastore a fortnight ago in action against Napoli.

Corriere dello Sport says United are ready to make a €40m bid for the Argentine as Paul Scholes delays signing a new contract.

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini might be prepared to cash in on El Flaco if the offer is commensurate with his valuation.

Zamparini has repeatedly said that he considers Pastore to be worth as much as €70m, which, if true, means Manchester United will have to up

Cantona fears for Man Utd when Ferguson steps down

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona fears for the club when Sir Alex retires.

Speaking to the New York Times, Cantona insisted Ferguson is crucial to United when asked whether he is staying away from the club until the Glazers are no longer the owners.

Cantona said: “All I will say is that I think Ferguson will stay as the manager, after that, there will be more problems. Today, he is like Gandhi on the game side. With Manchester, I prefer to say, to think, to realise that Ferguson is a kind of genius.

“He had so many different generations of players now. He’s 70 (later this year) and works with players 18 years old, but adapts himself to all generations.

“This one is especially different. With [Dimitar] Berbatov, he worked hard and waited because he knew he had a great player.

“Ferguson takes strong personalities and works with them psychologically. It is very important. It worked for me, 100 per cent. It was for the team. I accepted everything because he gave me freedom on the pitch.

“He gave me the No. 7 shirt and it became important to me, though I might not have realised its importance in the beginning.

“I never felt the pressure. He had a kind of confidence in me to give me the No. 7. It was an honour.”

Ferguson: Heinze agent engineered him out of Man Utd!

Sir Alex Ferguson blames Gaby Heinze's agent for his controversial exit.

The Marseille defender faces his former club tonight.

Ferguson avoided any further acrimony last night by blaming Heinze's agent for the fall-out.

"I had no issue at all with Gabby when he left," insisted the United boss. "He was a fantastic player for us, a warrior.

"I thought he had a bad agent who engineered the situation and tried to trick (chief executive) David Gill.

"We then proved it had no foundation and stopped the agent's attempts to get him to Liverpool at the time."

Macheda might stay with Sampdoria!!

The agent of Kiko Macheda says the striker could extend his stay at Sampdoria.

Macheda is on-loan at Samp until June.

Giovanni Bia told TMW: "In June we will assess everything and we'll see. Kiko could stay another year because Sampdoria is the right club.

"But give him time."

Lindegaard: Man Utd coaches told me I was too fat!

Anders Lindegaard admits Manchester United coaching staff ordered him to lose weight upon his arrival.

The Danish goalkeeper joined United in December from Aalesunds.

Lindegaard told Tipsbladet: "The first thing that happened when I came is that I was put on a diet.

"In short, they told me I was too fat. I have been instructed when to eat and that it is only proteins, carbs and vegetables from now on.

"There are rules that need to be followed, or, as the manager (Sir Alex) says, 'it is worth it (the dieting regime) when your career is over and you are standing there with a lot of medals hanging around your neck'."

Sunderland striker Gyan confesses his love for Man Utd

Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has confessed an ambition to play for Manchester United.

The Ghana ace has been linked with United and Real Madrid since his arrival at Sunderland in the summer.

“Of course I’m a big fan of Manchester United and will like to play for them if the chance comes my way," Gyan told GHANAsoccernet.com.

"But at the moment I’m at another great club and will want to concentrate on that and help repay the faith the club and the fans have reposed in me."

Obertan accepts he has long way to go at Man Utd

Gabriel Obertan accepts he has a long way to go to being a Manchester United first teamer.

The French attacker cites both Ryan Giggs and Nani as perfect examples of what being a winger is all about and he is aiming to follow their lead.

"I hope to become a real Manchester United player but the most important thing is to keep working hard," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"I try to learn from players like Giggsy and Nani. Playing alongside players like them is very important.

"It may take a while, but I'm going to keep working hard. I'm focused on doing my best for the club and then we'll see.

"Hopefully I'll get some time on the pitch to show what I can do."

Evra deal will not end Man Utd pursuit of Celtic fullback Izaguirre

Manchester United remain keen on Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre.

The Scottish Sun says United have not dropped out of the race even though left back Patrice Evra signed a new deal at Old Trafford yesterday.

Sir Alex was at Ibrox to run the rule over Izaguirre in the previous Old Firm game.

The Parkhead club now rate Izaguirre at TEN TIMES the £1m fee they splashed out for him last August.

Kia wants to deliver Anderson to Corinthians

Kia Joorabchian wants to bring Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez back to Brazil.

Joorabchian has claimed a trio of big name Premier League stars could soon be on their way to South America - with Manchester City  striker Tevez leading the way.

Speaking to Brazilian TV station TV Gazeta, Joorabchian - who represents Tevez - outlined his ambitious plans for the club he used to run,Corinthians:

"I want to help Corinthians in their sporting quest and I can guarantee that Carlos Tevez would be happy to return to Brazil and play for Corinthians," said Joorabchian.

"Ideally I would like a deal to be done swiftly, but in reality it will probably take time. I also want to bring in three more players to make this the best club in the Americas. My desire would be to get Huerelho Gomes [of Tottenham], Anderson [Manchester United] and Nilmar [Villarreal].

"Money will not be a problem. Carlos loves Brazil and I think this is all very feasible," the agent finished.

Ferguson: I would be proud to call Giggs my son

Sir Alex Ferguson says he would be proud to call Ryan Giggs his son!

Giggs penned a new deal with United last week.

Ferguson said: “Ryan always had the potential to be a special player and was richly endowed with speed, balance, touch and a courage that, whether he was dribbling with the ball or sprinting past opponents to receive it in areas of maximum threat, he could leave the best defenders with twisted blood.

“He’s had a brilliant career, he’s still making an outstanding contribution and still has an influence on the young players in the dressing room.

“He’s a fine man who has been a credit to his family and this club and is someone you’d be proud to call your own son.”

Heinze: I regret falling out with Man Utd manager Ferguson

Olympique Marseille defender Gaby Heinze admits regrets over the way he left Manchester United.

Heinze fell out with Sir Alex as he pushed to join Liverpool before eventually being sold to Real Madrid.

"I don't have many regrets from my career as a footballer, but that episode with Ferguson [has] to be one of them," said Heinze. "I'm impulsive and strong-willed and this has got me into trouble at times, which was the case at the time when I left United.

"On reflection, it is easy to see that Ferguson was a major influence on my career, in a positive way. I thought my mind was set to be a winner before moving to United, but I had only completed part of the journey. Sir Alex makes every player he comes into contact with so much more driven and committed. He demands that his players dig as deep for the cause and I'm sorry that we fell out in the final days because I still have so much respect for him."

Manchester United prepare triple summer swoop for Luka Modric, Jordan Henderson and Jack Rodwell

Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a £35 million bid for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, as a replacement for Paul Scholes – according to a report in The News of the World

.

The Scot is said to be looking to reshape his midfield with three key new signings in the next transfer window, and apparently has his sights set on Modric, Everton’s Jack Rodwell 

and Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson.

Modric is enjoying a phenomenal season at White Hart Lane, and is one of Tottenham's prime assets - but also a top target for the Manchester United manager.

The interest from Old Trafford will not suit Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, but Tottenham may be forced to give in to a big enough bid from United if they fail to re-qualify for the Champions League next season.

Sir Alex knows how difficult it will be to prise the Croatian international away from the capital, but may offer a player in part-exchange, including out-of-favour former Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick in a whopping deal which could see 25-year-old Modric tear up the six-year contract he signed with Spurs last summer.

Meanwhile Henderson has been on Ferguson’s radar for some time now, and may join the Red Devils in the summer for a fee predicted to be around £15m.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has already expressed his delight with the 20-year-old's form so far this season, and his hoping to keep him at the Stadium of Light - but realises that his talent may be just too big for the Black Cats to hold on to for much longer.

Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck and Johnny Evans may see their Manchester United careers come to a sudden halt as one or more of them could also be included in a part-exchange deal.

Everton will look for a full £25m return if they cash in their most prized asset, Rodwell, as they look to free up much-needed capital to fund future investment in the squad.

Manager David Moyes has openly bemoaned the club’s financial position in recent weeks, and it may require the sale of Rodwell to enable Everton to make a summer move for the striker they need.

Aston Villa's Ashley Young is also on Ferguson's radar as a long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs, despite the 37-year-old Welshman having signed a new 12-month contract extension this week.

Giggs still not immune to Fergie ‘hairdryer treatment’

Ryan Giggs may be an established part of the Manchester United scene after more than 20 years at Old Trafford but that does not mean the 'hairdryer treatment' from Sir Alex Ferguson does not still come his way on occasions.

The 37-year-old knows that he can never afford to drop his standards or he will feel the full force of his manager's wrath.

"The relationship between myself and the manager has got closer, but there are still clear boundaries," Giggs explained in the News of the World.

"Players are more fragile now so the manager has had to adapt. The hairdryer doesn't come out as much but I have still seen him go crazy loads of times over last few years.

"He still loses it with me. The last time was at Fulham in August because I didn't take the penalty.

"Nani did, and he missed it, so we ended up drawing. Oh, he can still give it."

Not surprisingly Giggs is not looking forward to the day when he will eventually have to hang up his boots.

He said: "I will miss this life so much. Against Rangers in the Champions League at Ibrox this season I had 40,000 Glaswegians screaming at me, but I love it all.

"I walk over to take a corner and people are abusing me from all angles. I will miss that feeling, because it makes you feel alive."

Ravel Morrison avoids jail sentence after admitting witness intimidation

Manchester United starlet Ravel Morrison has escaped a jail sentence.

The Mail on Sunday reports Morrison - a promising 18-year-old midfielder - admitted witness intimidation and was told he would be jailed for a year if he was in trouble again.

Morrison, who made his first team debut against Wolverhampton in November, was sentenced earlier this year - but the details can only now be revealed because he has since turned 18.

Trafford Youth Court heard how Morrison and two of his friends - Daryl Garwood, also now 18, and a teenager who cannot be named for legal reasons - intimidated a teenager who had been robbed at knifepoint by two other boys, described in court as 'friends or associates' of Morrison, in September 2009.

Over the course of two days, Morrison contacted the boy - who had his trainers and music player stolen in the attack - a 'number of times' by mobile phone.

The court heard how the calls began to take on a more threatening nature and Morrison offered to buy goods to replace the stolen items - in return for the victim dropping the charges.

Morrison - who signed professional terms with United on his 17th birthday, just days before he was arrested - was sentenced to a 12-month referral order and ordered to pay £1,445 in costs and compensation. District judge Wendy Lloyd warned Morrison he would be jailed for 12 months if he put a foot out of line.

She said: "I have a straight-forward choice - send you away or give you a referral order. I've decided to give you a referral order but you will be spending 12 months in a young offenders institute if you breach it."

A United spokesman said: "The club does not in any way condone Ravel's actions, but he is a very talented player with a bright future ahead of him. The right thing to do now is to support him and help him in the process of his rehabilitation."

Welbeck seriously thinking turning back on England

Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan is working on Danny Welbeck about committing his international future to Ghana.

The on-loan Manchester United striker is seriously considering turning his back on England.

Gyan said: “We have to pursue him to play for the national team but I cannot decide for him. If he comes to the national I will be happy to play with Danny.

“He will decide but for now the ball is in his court. He loves Ghana and watches our matches but said they are few things for him to decide on so we have to wait.”

 A source close to Wellbeck told the Sunday Mirror. " He loves Ghana and is proud of his Ghanian heritage but he also loves England.

“It looks like he has a genuine chance to play for either national side and with the upcoming fixture between Ghana and England; the decision doesn’t get any easier. He is genuinely torn.”

First right-back given twisted blood by Man Utd legend Giggs

Neil McDonald was the first right-back to face Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs in his senior career.

On that Saturday afternoon in 1991, Everton’s Neil McDonald was the first defender in the League to suffer ‘twisted blood syndrome’ after coming up against Giggs. And he wasn’t the last.

Even now McDonald, coach alongside Sam Allardyce at Blackburn before Rovers’ new Indian owners rang the changes, still remembers how his game-plan to handle the young Welshman quickly ran into trouble.

“We’d heard about this young lad called Giggs who was making his debut but when I saw him before the game in the warm-up I just saw this frail looking wiry kid,” McDonald told the People.

“My first thought was ‘well, if he comes my way I’ll just smash him and put him in his place’. The reality, though, was a lot different! For such a skinny lad he was quite strong but his real strength was that he was a free spirit.

“He had tremendous poise and balance, and he could weave in either direction. I remember trying to force him down the line because he wasn’t the finished article at that point and his crossing wasn’t great.

“His final ball into the box to pick out a man was a bit erratic but he had genuinely terrifying pace and because you didn’t want him going past you, it seemed you were giving free-kicks away all the time because he panicked defenders with his speed.”

Ferguson ready to sell Bebe, Obertan

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to sell Bebe and Gabriel Obertan.

The Daily Star says Ferguson is set to wield the axe on Manchester United flops Bebe and Obertan.

Fergie was left fuming with the duo in the wake of United’s woeful FA Cup win over non-league Crawley at Old Trafford.

United avoided the biggest shock in their history to scrape through first half header. But the result left Fergie seething and he tore into his stars after the final whistle.

Now he looks set to give Bebe and Obertan the boot at the end of the season after deciding they are not fit to wear the United shirt.

Lindegaard: I am still getting lost at Carrington!

Anders Lindegaard admits he's still getting used to his new club.

The Dane made his home debut in their FA Cup victory over Crawley Town.

"I feel more like a Manchester United player now but I am still making my way around and sometimes I get lost at Carrington," he laughed, emphasising the sheer scale of the Red Devils' training complex.

"I would like another FA Cup tie or two. We are close to Wembley now which is nice and when you get a little experience of playing for this club, it gives you a taste for more."

Evra inks new Man Utd deal to 2014

Patrice Evra has signed a new deal to 2014 with Manchester United.

The France left-back confirmed the agreement today.

"Ever since I arrived at United, it's been a dream come true playing here," he said.

"The fans, the players, the manager and the staff all work hard to make this club the best in the world.

"I have won a lot in the last five years, but I want to win more and I know that's the mentality of everyone here."

United boss Sir Alex is delighted Evra's future is sorted.

"Patrice is unquestionably one of the world's best left-backs," said the Scot.

"He has developed into a key character in the dressing room and it is great that he has committed himself to the club.

"His experience and skill will be increasingly important to us."

Kuszczak tells Fergie: I'm your No 1

Tomasz Kuszczak insists he can be Manchester United's long term No1.

The Pole has told boss Alex Ferguson: "Play me and I'll prove I'm your real No 1."

But his outburst - on a US TV show - may cost him his job at Manchester United if Fergie takes his words the wrong way.

Kuszczak has vowed to fight for his place despite the arrival of Anders Lindegaard.

He said: "To play well I need to be play regularly. I've shown when I get a run my form gets better. Now I'm waiting for my manager's decision."

Hugo Lloris: I have no problem with Man Utd rumours

Olympique Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris admits talk of interest from Manchester United is turning his head.

Lloris has no problem with the transfer rumours.

Lloris, who is under contract with Les Gones until June 2012, told L'Equipe: "I am fully committed to the OL.

"After these announcements, the rumours, I have no problem with that.

"It's flattering, yes. But that does not mean I'm going to stop working and function as I always have."

Everton favourites to land Man Utd striker Owen

Michael Owen is attracting rival Premier League interest.

The People says Everton boss David Moyes wants to sign Owen – and will take on Steve Bruce’s Sunderland to get him.

Owen is set to quit Manchester United this summer.

And signing for Everton, who chased him before he signed for United, would make sense for Owen who lives locally and has growing interests in horse racing, with stables in the area.

Aston Villa fighting to keep kid Graham away from Man Utd

Aston Villa are battling to keep hold of youngster Jordan Graham.

The People says Villa are fighting to keep their 15-year-old whizz kid Graham – with Manchester United and Chelsea interested.

The midfielder doesn’t sign his first contract until he turns 16.

Villa – who would receive compensation – are twitching as the big guns line up.

Ferguson promotes four youngsters to senior squad

Manchester United have promoted four youngsters to their first team squad.

The club confirmed on Friday afternoon that Joshua King (41),Paul Pogba (42), Ryan Tunnicliffe (46) and Oliver Norwood (47) have all been registered with the Premier League, and are therefore now eligible to play at senior level.

Norwegian striker King is the only member of the quartet with a first-team appearance - he was also registered as number 41 in the early part of last season, 2009/10, when he made his debut as a substitute in the Carling Cup win over Wolves at Old Trafford.

Oliver Norwood

Norwood won his first senior Northern Ireland cap earlier this month, while fellow midfielders Pogba and Tunnicliffe have played key roles in steering the Reds to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals.

Ferguson: Nani ahead of Ronaldo at same stage of Man Utd career

Sir Alex Ferguson says Nani is ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo at the same stage of their Old Trafford careers.

While Nani may not yet be at Real Madrid ace Ronaldo’s level, the United boss believes the Reds’ number 17 has adapted to Premier League football sooner than his former mentor.

"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime player," Ferguson toldmanutd.com. "But it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game.

"I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."