Forlan told De Gea with a legend on Sir Alex

Diego Forlan has told David de Gea to join Manchester United, insisting: "You'll be working for a legend."

Despite a disappointing four-year spell at Old Trafford under boss Alex Ferguson, hitman Forlan raved about the Scot when Atletico Madrid team-mate De Gea asked for advice.

The Uruguay star said: "David is a very good keeper with a bright future. He asked my advice about moving to United and we talked about it a lot.

"It is a great place to experience as a player.

"The manager is a legend, the staff are all really good and the fans were always very supportive of me, even when I wasn't scoring."

Tottenham alerted as Man Utd defender Brown puts home on market

Wes Brown could be on the move this summer.

Brown has been linked with a move away, with Sunderland and Tottenham among clubs keen.

The Sun says striker Mario Balotelli is planning to move out from the city centre and his house list includes Brown's pad, which is on the market.

The defender has struggled for form and fitness this season.

Berbatov delighted with Golden Boot

Dimitar Berbatov was delighted to finish the season with the Premier League's Golden Boot.

The Bulgarian’s 20 goals were enough to share top spot in the scorers’ chart with City’s former Red Carlos Tevez and pick up the Golden Boot award from Barclays.

In a season where the classy striker hit three hat-tricks, including an incredible five-goal show against Blackburn, the prize is certainly well merited.

“On a personal level I’m delighted to win this award,” he told ManUtd.com. “To finish as the joint-top scorer in the best league in the world is a huge honour and something I’ll always be very proud of. I love scoring goals and providing entertainment for the fans – I hope I’ve done that this season.

“Most importantly, though, I feel happy knowing that my goals helped the team win the league. We made history this season by winning the title for the 19th time and it was a great feeling to be involved in that achievement. Individual awards are fine, but they mean nothing if you don’t win trophies as well.

“I want to thank the United fans for their support and, of course, my team-mates, who make it very easy for me to enjoy my time here and score goals.”

Ryan Giggs tops league table of most decorated Manchester United and Barcelona players in Champions League final

Collectively, the stars of Manchester United and Barcelona have won everything there is to win in football - and plenty more besides.

Indeed for many of those involved at Wembley this weekend, it will be another Champions League final, rather than the Champions League final.

Multiple domestic leagues have been won, international honours have been scooped, age group success preceded senior triumphs - you name it, they've won it.

For example, Ryan Giggs has won 12 Premier League titles. That's more than every other English club put together.

Lionel Messi has picked up 12 major titles, and he's only 23. That's not counting the 17 (yes, 17) major personal gongs that have come his way.

Not content with winning one Champions League medal, Gerard Pique has won two - in consecutive years, with the second coming against the club he won his first with. Confused? It's a wonder Pique knew which way to shoot in Rome in 2009.

And it's not just club honours - the combined list includes World Cups, European Championships, Copa Americas, Under-20 World Cups, plus Under-19 and Under-17 European Championships.

Park Ji-sung is the most popular player at Old Trafford

It might surprise you that Park Ji-sung receives more fan mail than any other player at Manchester United. And that some of it, addressed to a midfielder earning £60,000 a week, contains money and clothes sent from South Korea.

Park will be the only Asian player on show in Saturday's Champions League final at Wembley if he makes Sir Alex Ferguson's 18-man squad. He didn't get in against Chelsea in Moscow three years ago and the 2009 final ended in disappointment when he played in United's 2-0 defeat by Barcelona in Rome.

The 30-year-old midfielder knows that millions of Koreans will get up before dawn to see him take on the Spaniards again. And after scoring in the semi-final win over Chelsea, his huge popularity back home would hit even greater heights if he were to grab the winner against Barca.

'I actually don't like being a famous person,' said Park, who had to contend with suggestions that it was little more than a marketing stunt when United signed him from PSV Eindhoven for £4million in 2005.

'I just want to be a normal person but I play for Manchester United and there aren't many Asian players in Europe or the Premier League, so I get that attention.

'I have to play better than other players in Europe. That's why a lot of people support me in other countries. I get a lot of parcels coming over from South Korea. They send me everything from food and clothes to sweets.

'I have been sent money before because the notes in South Korea changed and they sent me the new ones so that I could see them because I'm living here. Maybe they're worried I'll forget about home!

'I have to make people from my country happy and that means I have to win and perform very well. Many people will get up to watch the game because the day after is Sunday so they can rest then.

'Asian culture is that people are quite excited about the players. It's difficult to deal with being stopped in the street and I can walk around more easily here. But David Beckham has that all over the world, so it must be more difficult for him than me.'

Park's performances on the left side of United's midfield have made him almost a guaranteed starter. But it was not always that way and he remembers the pain of missing out when United were crowned European champions in 2008.

'It was a very hard time for me,' said Park. 'I had played in the semi-final and I missed the final - I wasn't even in the squad. The manager told me in the morning. He came to me and explained. 

He said that he felt sorry. But managers make hard decisions and he had many great players. If I had been capable of playing in the final, he would have put me in the squad, so it meant that I had to improve.'

Park missed a great chance to score in Rome 12 months later as Barcelona took United's crown.

'If that chance had gone in maybe it would have been a different result, but it didn't and it wasn't. 'Now I have a chance to maybe play and win the game and that would be perfect. It would be the best moment in my career.'

Man Utd awarded with cool £15m

Manchester United were given a financial reward of more than £15million as they clinched the Premier League title this season.

The Red Devils finished nine points clear of second-placed Chelsea to notch up a record 19th English league title as Sir Alex grabbed his 12th top flight premiership.

Down the other end of the table,West Ham United were given a paltry £756,000 as they finished last to be relegated along with Blackpool and Birmingham City.

Of the London clubs, Chelsea received the biggest prize fund for their runners-up finish whilstLiverpool edged Everton to win the Merseyside clash.

2010/11 Premier League prize funds

Manchester United 15,120,000
Chelsea – 14,364,000
Man City – 13,608,000
Arsenal – 12,852,000
Tottenham – 12,096,000
Liverpool – 11,340,000
Everton – 10,584,000
Fulham – 9,828,000
Aston Villa – 9,072,000
Sunderland – 8,316,000
West Bromwich Albion – 7,560,000
Newcastle United – 6,804,000
Stoke City – 6,048,000
Bolton – 5,292,000
Blackburn Rovers – 4,536,000
Wigan – 3,780,000
Wolves – 3,024,000
Birmingham – 2,268,000
Blackpool– 1,512,000
West Ham United 756,000

Lindegaard still trying to settle at Man Utd

Anders Lindegaard admits he's still bedding down at Old Trafford.

Lindegaard admits he does not yet feel part of the team, although a place on the bench on Saturday would certainly help the process, but he is keen to work hard to prove his worth.

"I am still aware that it hasn't been my championship we have just won and I haven't been a big part of the Champions League yet," he said.

"But it is a very nice thing to be a part of the team and to see United doing well.

"It is about trying to suck experience out of everything I see."

Park never takes Man Utd place for granted

Park Ji-sung says he never takes his place for granted.

After suffering the ultimate disappointment in the Moscow Champions League final, Park admits he still gets a buzz when Sir Alex picks him - which he invariably does nowadays for the major matches.

"It is great when I hear the words 'You are playing'. Everyone wants to play for a big club in big games," he said.

"When I was young I couldn't believe [it would happen] but it has come true and now I just have to do what the boss wants me to do."

Owen: I am better player for Man Utd experience

Michael Owen feels he's a better player for his bit-part role at Man Utd.

Owen is hoping to win a new deal at United.

"You can drop your level and play more regularly in a team that is not of as high a standard as Man Utd," observed Owen.

"But your level stays high when you are training with top players and you enjoy your football much more when you are playing in a good team.

"It depends which side of the coin you look at.

"I have certainly enjoyed my time here even though I haven't played as much this year and I have still felt part of it.

"I have played in 11 Premier League games and qualified for a medal and loved every minute of it."

Josh King pens new Man Utd contract

Josh King has signed a new contract with Man Utd to 2013.

Earlier in the campaign, the 19-year-old picked up some valuable experience during a loan spell with Preston in the Championship.

King is a versatile forward with explosive pace and was on the substitutes' bench for the first team's 4-0 victory at Wigan.

Although showing a real eye for goal when playing through the middle, the teenager was also deployed in a wider role towards the end of the term.

Park admits Man Utd teammates say he can stop Messi

Manchester United players want Park Ji-sung to stop star Lionel Messi on Saturday, admits the South Korean.

Park could man-mark the Argentine ace at Wembley.

Park said: "He is one of the best players in the world - everyone knows that and everyone knows one defender can't stop him so we have to defend as a team.

"We have to keep an eye on him in the game. Some players have said to me that I can stop him - that sounds great but one man can't stop him, we have to play as a team.

"Everyone will give 100% to stop him."

Ferguson already decided on Man Utd starting XI against Barcelona

Sir Alex Fergusson has already decided his starting XI for the Champions League final against Barcelona.

The Sun says he has gone for the line-up that won 2-0 in the semi first leg in Germany.

That means top scorer Dimitar Berbatov and Nani, voted players' Player of the Year, will both be on the bench.

Antonio Valencia gets the nod on the right wing after impressing following his return from a long-term ankle injury.

Michael Carrick's excellent second half of the season has nailed down his place in central midfield ahead of Paul Scholes, Anderson or fit-again Darren Fletcher.

Despite Ryan Giggs' off-field problems his form has not suffered and he will take up the central midfield role he has adapted to so well.

Ji-Sung Park will be on the left and Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez start up front.

United tore Schalke to pieces in Germany and Fergie said: "We've had some fantastic performances in Europe but I think it's certainly one of the best."

Da Silva twins would never dare try to trick Ferguson

Rafael da Silva says even their mum can't tell him and brother Fabio apart!

Sir Alex could only tell the 20-year-old apart by Fabio's wedding ring- but now rafael is married too he is  struggling again.

Rafael told The Sun: "Even our parents sometimes get confused, but I guess there are personality clues that set us apart.

"The guys at Man Utd used to be able to tell the difference between us by checking for Fabio's wedding ring. But I'm also married now, so...

"Even Sir Alex struggles a bit, but we would never dream of tricking him. The man is a father figure for us and a father can get angry with naughty kids!

"Having said that, we have exchanged shirts a couple of times to get the lads confused during training!"

Rafael believes there are certain differences people can look out for.

He said: "I've got some marks on my face that Fabio hasn't.

"I think I'm probably more aggressive than him whereas he's calmer than me."

Ravel Morrison avoids jail time

Ravel Morrison has avoided a jail sentence.

The Daily Mail reports Morrison was yesterday fined £600 by a court for throwing his girlfriend's mobile phone out of a window in a row after she read his text messages.

Morrison, 18, admitted a single charge of criminal damage to the phone but denied assault by beating his girlfriend, Reah Dixon.

A not guilty plea was entered on the assault count which was accepted by the prosecution at Salford Magistrates Court.

Morrison, wearing a black jumper, white shirt, dark trousers and a red and white tie, spoke only to confirm his name and address during the brief hearing.

The youngster, who gave his address as Urmston, Greater Manchester, is highly regarded at Old Trafford, where he is reportedly compared to the likes of Wayne Rooney.

As well as representing England at under-18 level, he has appeared for the United first team in the Carling Cup this season and scored twice in his club's victory in the FA Youth Cup final second leg against Sheffield United on Monday.

Morrison already has one caution for common assault dating from 2008 and an incident described as a "domestic assault" in 2009 where his girlfriend did not want to press charges, the court heard.

He is also the subject of a 12-month referral order imposed in January, and must report to probation and the Youth Offending Team in Trafford.

Rafael hopes he and Fabio can share Brazil glory

Rafael hopes he and twin brother Fabio will soon be part of the Brazil national team.

While neither he, nor twin brother Fabio, are in Brazil's preliminary 28-man squad for this summer's Copa America, he hopes it is only a matter of time before they make the breakthrough.

Rafael said: "The Champions League is a world competition.

"Because we have played in it, the national team recognise me and my brother much more now.

"I was with the national team at the beginning of the season and the more I can play for United, the more chances I hope to get."

Ferguson delivers Fletcher Champions League heart-break hat-trick!!

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to leave Darren Fletcher out of his Champions League final line-up.

Fletcher has only just returned to action following seven weeks out with a serious virus, says the Daily Star.

The Scotland international is desperate to face Barca and Fergie is equally desperate for him to play.

But the United boss is worried Fletcher’s lack of game time will leave him off the pace against Pep Guardiola’s men and is therefore set to name him among the substitutes.

The decision will compete a hat-trick of Champions League disappointments for Fletcher.

He was an unused substitute for United’s 2008 triumph against Chelsea in Moscow.

The following year he was suspended for the 2009 defeat in Rome to Barcelona.

Glazers tell Ferguson he has £160M to spend in summer

Sir Alex Ferguson has been assured by the Glazers he can spend big this summer.

Ferguson has spoken about finding at least three major signings during the close-season transfer market.

The Guardian says Ferguson has a substantial transfer budget at his disposal for big-name targets during a summer in which the club's bank account is expected to swell to more than £160m.

Club insiders say that any acquisitions will have to fit the template followed by Man Utd under the Glazers, with an emphasis on younger players who will retain value. The club has bought one player in the past 14 years who was over 27 and cost more than £3m – Dimitar Berbatov for £31m.

According to Man Utd's most recent accounts, the club have £113m in the bank. That has fuelled suspicions that the owners will withdraw some of it in dividends but insiders claim it is there for transfers and to guard against unforeseen events.

Usain Bolt no fan of Man City striker Balotelli

Sprint champ Usain Bolt is no fan of Man City striker Mario Balotelli. 

Bolt is a huge Manchester United fan and was presented with an AC Milan shirt yesterday.

He was told he looked like Balotelli, but Bolt smiled: "Everyone says that, but he plays for Man Cityand I cheer United.

"Balotelli is a bit 'too aggressive' for my taste."

Ferguson tells Udinese to delay Sanchez decision

Inter Milan fear missing out on Udinese star Alexis Sanchez to Man Utd next week.

Mediaset says Udinese supremo Gino Pozzo met with Inter officials this week to discuss Sanchez, but ended the meeting with no agreement struck.

It's understood Pozzo has been urged by United intermediaries to wait until next week - after the Champions League final - before making a decision on Sanchez's sale.

Sir Alex wants to discuss a deal for the Chile international, but will not move until the season is over.

van der Sar: Losing makes me more determined

Edwin van der Sar has revealed that losing has made him a far more determined player.

Ahead of this weekend’s Champions League final against Barcelona, the veteran Dutchman said that negative performances always stay with you whereas victories are quickly forgotten.

"You do think more about things you lose than what you win," he said.

"When you have won, your medal goes into the cupboard or the safe in the bank.

"But when you lose, you know something has slipped through your fingers. It makes you more determined.

"If we win I won't want to go home. If I lose I won't want to leave home.

"Maybe it sounds strange but I just wouldn't want to see anyone."

van der Sar added that the United squad will prepare for Barcelona just as they would for any other opponent.

"You hope to bring your 'A' game to a final," he added. "For that you need everything, saves, communication skills, experience and motivation skills.

"It must all go together to make sure you defend well.

"In that sense, preparation is the same as if you were playing Wigan. The difference is in the intensity because nothing beats this game."

Ferguson plans shock bid for unsettled Arsenal star Nasri

Manchester United are being linked with a sensational move for Arsenal star Samir Nasri.

The France international has little over a year to run on his existing deal and been warned by Arsene Wenger  that he will be sold if he refuses to pen a new deal this summer.

L'Equipe says Sir Alex is well aware of the situation and ready to move for the midfielder.

Arsenal will be desperate not to sell Nasri to a Premier League rival, but are at a disadvantage with the midfielder just over six months away from being able to sign a pre-contract with United.

Ferguson sees the midfield schemer as the ideal replacement for Paul Scholes, who is likely to hang up his boots after Saturday's Champions League final.

Evra pinpoints Bursaspor win as moment that turned the season

Patrice Evra says that Manchester United’s victory over Turkish club Bursaspor in October was a monumental moment in the season.

The Red Devils got over Bursaspor 1-0 in an unconvincing performance in the Champions League group stage but it was the events prior to the game which really brought the squad together.

Wayne Rooney had announced that he wanted to leave the club, later rescinding those comments, but at the time Evra said it was a point where the champions really kicked into gear.

"The year twisted on that game against Bursaspor," he said.

"We won but everyone was criticising us. [But] for all the trouble that was around the club, I felt then the team was more of a unit.

"I just knew Man Utd were going to come together."

But besides that, Evra felt that United were always in control in the run-in to the title.

"Although we were dropping points I never felt anyone was better than us," he added.

"It was always our fault. Every time it was us making the mistake.

"I wasn't sure about Chelsea. They won their first two matches easily [6-0 against both West Brom and Wigan] and it led people to say they would win the title.

"I wanted to see what happened when they had their first real test. They got it at Man City, and they lost.

"After that I thought we would do well."

Peter Schmeichel warns incoming David De Gea: This isn't just any old club

David De Gea should be ready to "step up" when he signs for Manchester United, believes former Red Devils shot stopper Peter Schmeichel.

De Gea is seen as a replacement for the retiring Edwin van der Sar and it was revealed the Spaniard is expected to move to Old Trafford in a £17.5 million deal on June 1. 

But Schmeichel believes he will need to be ready for the pressure that come from playing for the Premier League champions.

"De Gea has done very well at Atletico but now he has to step up a level because he is not just signing for any old team, he is signing for Manchester United," he said, according to the Daily Mirror.

"This is not just by chance. Ferguson does not sign anyone like that. When he signs someone it is because he has followed them for a long time.

"When he arrives there in July, Ferguson will tell him everything he needs to know."

Ferguson confirms Owen Hargreaves's exit

Manchester United have called time on Owen Hargreaves' career at Old Trafford and will not offer him a new contract.

The decision almost certainly brings an end to the midfielder's playing days after a terrible time with knee problems.

The United manager has refused to write off the rest of his career. 

'This has been a difficult decision knowing how hard the lad has worked to win back his fitness,' said Ferguson. 'But we have made it in the hope he will be able to resurrect his career elsewhere.' 

His football nightmare began at the start of his second season with United when tendinitis, which first struck at Munich, deteriorated badly.

Not even the skills of famed Colorado knee specialist Richard Steadman could find a cure.

Vidic named Premier League Player of the Season

Nemanja Vidic has been named the Barclays Premier League Player of the Season.

The 29-year old star was a rock in the centre of defence for the champions, making 34 appearances in the third-best defence in the country.

The award is the second of the like awarded to the Serbia international, following on from his 2008/09 triumph and is a nice reward for a campaign full of dedication and hard work towards the Premiership cause.

Nani and Chicharito win Manchester United Player of the Year awards!

Nani and Javier Hernandez have picked up Manchester United's Player of the Year awards.

Portugal international Nani won the club's Players' Player of the Year prize after scoring nine goals and setting up a further 18 in the Premier League this season, helping the club to a record 19th title.

Rio Ferdinand was quick to congratulate his team-mate onTwitter, revealing that he had voted for the former Sporting Lisbon man.

“I voted for Nani for my player of the year, 18 assists+about 10goals speaks for itself! Well done @luisnani on players player of year award!,” Ferdinand wrote.

Nani has found greater consistency than in previous campaigns, a factor he alluded to when picking up his honour.

“This has been my most consistent season for United,” said the 24-year-old, who almost beat Hernandez to the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, which is voted for by fans, but fell just one per cent short in the vote.

“Every year I’ve been here I have improved and this one was fantastic for me. I created a lot of goals and scored more than last season, so I’m very happy. I hope to do even better next season.”

Hernandez won his award after a debut season in which he notched 13 Premier League goals, with highlights being his first-minute opener against title rivals Chelsea and an audacious header away at Stoke City.

The Mexican picked up 21% of the vote, and said upon receiving his award: "I dreamt about playing for Manchester United and thought perhaps in my first season I’d play for the Reserves with maybe a few minutes in the first team. But thanks to the boss and all my team-mates I have played a little bit more!”

Upon news of the youngster’s success, Ferdinand tweeted: “Chicharito won fans player of the year...fully deserved, has fitted in so well here + scored many vital goals. Huge future!”

Other award winners on the night were Ryan Tunnicliffe, who picked up the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for helping United to the Youth Cup Final, and Oliver Gill, who received the title of Reserve Player of the Year 2011.

Villarreal players tweet: Diego Lopez is joining Man Utd!

Joan Capdevila set the Twitter-sphere into overdrive by claiming Villarreal teammate Diego Lopez had signed with Manchester United.

The Spanish goalkeeper has long been linked with United.

And fullback Capdevila tweeted last night: "Diego has recently signed by Manchester United! We are wishing him the best."

The news spread like wildfire and forced Capdevila to come clean.

"Uyyyyyy forget the tweet with Diego Lopez. It was a bachelor party prank I hope we did not upset anyone. Diego stays with Villarreal!"

Messi says Chicharito would fit in easily at Barcelona

Lionel Messi feels Javier Hernandez would settle quickly at the Nou Camp.

Chicharito has been linked with Barca's bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Messi told the Telegraph: "Hernandez could fit us. He speaks Spanish and has a great style. It is difficult to predict what he does in a fight next, and that's what we see as a strength of our team.

"Wayne Rooney could also be possible. He has been playing at the highest level of recent years – I am sure that his style in no time he could adapt to the Spanish conditions."

Cleverley: Past loans set me up for Man Utd action

Wigan Athletic winger Tom Cleverley says Sir Alex expects him to be part of his squad next season.

Cleverley revealed a series of past loans have set him up to be 'United ready'.

Asked if he would be part of Ferguson's plans next season, Cleverley replied: "Yes, from what he's been saying. I feel fully part of the team there and the squad, and hopefully I can just hit the ground running in pre-season and play my way into the team.

"That is what the plan has been for the last few years. I went out in League One, the Championship and now the Premier League, so it has been building up to next season when hopefully I can start featuring for the side and that will save the club from going out and having to buy another midfielder."