Some are going to think this is a dig at the manager, but it isn't. It is actually a poke at those that think that, because it is the way it is.
It is the way it is because of the manager we have. He doesn't know how to win games and his specialty is the draw. I'm very disappointed. I'm not surprised.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists there is no chance of Luka Modric leaving the club before the transfer deadline passes on Wednesday night.
They say nothing is forever. They say all good things must come to an end. As the shocked world watched open-mouthed at the dismantling of the once great Arsenal FC, it was awe tinged with a certain level of humility. You could not revel in such utter desolation.
As good as Manchester United undoubtedly were at it, Arsenal were rather fine architects of their own downfall. Some of the defending, at times, from the Gunners—shorn of their defensive stalwart Tomas Vermaelan—was bordering on the Blackpool.
Admittedly, this was a side for whom injury had decimated their available line-up. Yet the inexperience exuded from the Gunners' starting board was paralleled in their opponents squad.
Age should not be used as a crux, as on the day it was the United rather than the Arsenal line-up that had the youngest average age (23 over 23.6). This was a Red Devils side without their first choice defensive duo, without the man whom would have been considered the first choice right-back at season curtain-raise (Rafael) and Darren Fletcher, who could raise a valid case for central-midfield supremacy.
The difference is that in the wake of these injuries, the United players have stepped into the breach and accounted themselves excellently, where Arsenal’s youngsters have floundered.
It is a depressing trend that has seen three consecutive sending offs in the Gunners first three games of the season. The trio have an average age of under 21, and were making their Arsenal bows this season. The idiocy of Gervinho, the lunacy of Frimpong and the sheer desperation of Jenkinson have set a rather unnerving precedent heading forward, a precedent that has yielded one points from three games.
Last season, almost half of this United side weren’t at the club. It is a team supposed to be in transition. A team in the making.
Alex Ferguson has set his stall out most vehemently this term, placing his faith very definitely in the clubs abundance of youthful talent.
Logic and Alan Hansen would purvey that such faith would take time to reap the fruit of the boss’ labour. The last four games have slapped logic across the face.
Chris Smalling, to me, embodies United this season. Just over two years ago, he was plying his trade in non-league football, and last season, he was recognised in rather rigid terms as a central defender. Following the injury to Rafael, Smalling has been presented with a chance on the right flank. Duck to water would really be unfair on young Chris, who will almost certainly form the basis of United, and quite probably England’s, right flank for some time to come.
Smalling is only one amidst a plethora of United youngsters who have seized the chance presented by their manager's faith. Learning from the winning mantra that bisects this current squad, despite its relative youth, the confidence of their play is palpable.
In comparison, after the high profile departures of key-men Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and the rather onerous lack of subsequent re-investment, a huge onus has been placed on the Gunners own youth.
It is a recipe that has come to define Arsene Wenger's Arsenal era, in which young players plucked from obscurity flourish amidst the North London side’s delectable technical repertoire. It is also is a recipe that has yielded almost un-paralleled success for the professor, as Fabregas, Alex Song and Jack Wilshere, along with scores of other lay, testament.
Yet there is a figurative line that must not be crossed if a team is to remain competitive. Hope and expectation placed in youth and obscure signings from the continent can get you so far, but in a climate in which money literally talks, Arsene Wenger’s stringency is no longer conducive to progression.
Established world stars are being sold and not replaced. The baton of hope is therefore placed upon the shoulders of young men for whom the task is simply too much. They are not ready.
In Manchester United’s system, the youth is being used a supplement to a squad that revels in its abundance of match winners. It is not an antidote or remedy for the loss of one that had far more to give.
At the end of last season, United lost three stalwarts to the annals of yesteryear. Years of servitude had wearied legs that were no longer what they were. This was accepted, not necessarily welcomed, but accepted as a necessity amidst the frenetic pace of modern football.
The situation with Arsenal, however, is bi-polar to this. Nasri and Fabregas, disillusioned with the transfer policy so castrating the progression of their club, left in search of clubs that could match their ambition. They have yet to be replaced.
With three days of the window to go, Arsene Wenger may well dip his toe tentatively into the transfer water, but it will be a move born more from desperation than anything, and as such, value will be at a premium. With the boss’ well documented ostentation to overtly inflated fees I for one would not be surprised if no new additions are made.
It is a sad indictment on the state of the once Invincible club. The club who made the names of Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Viera. The Nasri and Fabregas transfers were not bolts from the blue; there was ample opportunity for replacements to be sought more than three days before the transfer window closed.
So as good as United’s kids were today, for all the hyperbole I could ram down the face of desolate Gunners fans about that’s how to do it with kids, such idle boasting would seem somewhat hollow.
For today, I witnessed the culmination of years of false hope, failed promise and lost superstars. A club for whom my admiration for their technical brilliance has, over the years, superseded the logical boundaries of our rivalry, reduced to mere bystanders.
Going forward, the future of Manchester United appears to have never been in better health as the second coming of the fledglings matures and grows together.
To me, though, the rich tapestry of the sport I love is given its colour by the rivalries that we enjoy with teams like Arsenal. I can accept and delight in a smashing victory any day of the week, but today goes way beyond a simple victory, beyond eight goals even. It highlights the warning signs of a club in decline. And to glory in that, well, it just isn’t football.
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
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Jessica Ennis got the defence of her world heptathlon title firmly back on track with a personal best in the shot put on Monday evening in Daegu.
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Sometimes all a player has to do is something simple. Mellberg did it with a comment and Jean Makoun might have done it by appearing in a video with his Aston Villa shirt - you can check it out below - not a bad song either.
But this isn't about a YouTube video as there is every chance the opening match of the season might be called off, so this is about something else.
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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has launched a stunning £40 million bid for Tottenham ace Luka Modric.
The Mail on Sunday says Abramovich has launched one last �40million bid to prise Luka Modric from Tottenham and add more guile to Chelsea's stuttering midfield.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has rejected offers of �22m and �27m but Chelsea's Russian owner is determined to test the north London club's resolve to the limit before Wednesday night's closure of the transfer window.
Abramovich made Modric one of his top targets and the player publicly pushed for a lucrative move to Stamford Bridge and the chance to play Champions League football.
It's the home stretch! 24/7 click for the best coverage of Chelsea's final transfer market moves
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Ireland have called flanker Shane Jennings into their World Cup squad as a replacement for David Wallace, who sustained a knee injury in Saturday's 20-9 defeat by England at the Aviva Stadium.
The best matches and bets from the latest round of matches, plus our pick from the Football League blogosphere
? Almost nine years since Jefferson Louis settled their last meeting, the Thames Valley/M4/Didcot Triangle (with Reading, apparently) derby rivalry between Swindon Town and Oxford United will resume on the field in League Two this Sunday. And if you needed a reminder of the ill feeling between the pair, vandals broke into the Kassam Stadium at 5.36am last Saturday to provide it, burning the initials 'STFC' on the playing surface, upon which United were held to a 1-1 draw by Bradford. Swindon have lost twice in a week, the second defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge prompting boss Paolo Di Canio to say: "We are a bunch of good fellas, but we are not a team." QPR striker Leon Clarke could be added to their number in time for the game, one that the Oxford manager Chris Wilder is looking forward to. "We will go there and try and play," said a bullish Wilder after the 2-0 win over Shrewsbury in midweek. Game on.
? "I wouldn't have thought they can get much better than they were tonight." So said Sam Allardyce after West Ham's 4-0 stroll at Watford on Tuesday, a second away win in four days to help stop any post-relegation rot set in, having lost to Cardiff on the opening weekend. Allardyce ? for now ? can call on the likes of pre-deadline day targets Robert Green, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole, not to mention fly-tipping's Fr�d�ric Piquionne as Leeds come to town on Sunday, themselves coming off a victory with four goals after a drab first two matches. Boss Simon Grayson, who has been linked with a move for Roque Santa Cruz, faces a selection dilemma over Jonathan Howson and Max Gradel, who were suspended for the 4-1 beating of Hull.
? While Charlton put their 100% League One record on the line at home to Scunthorpe, the only other team with nine points from nine ? Sheffield United ? head for Tranmere, themselves off to a decent start in sixth. A 97th-minute Notts County winner ended Rovers' unbeaten league start in midweek and Les Parry will be looking for his team to respond as the Blades come to town, having avoided any lingering hangover from last season's relegation. "They don't come any harder," is Parry's assessment.
? Rob Elliot: the Charlton goalkeeper has conceded just a solitary goal en route to the top of League One. But now the rub: manager Chris Powell faces losing his No1 before the end of the month, with Newcastle leading the chase. "I can't stop anyone from having ambitions to play higher because I've been there as a player in my past," admitted Powell.
? Marvin Emnes: topping the Championship scoring charts after three goals in as many games (plus a hat-trick in the Carling Cup last week), the Dutchman is showing some of the finishing form that first persuaded Middlesbrough to part with �3.2m for him in 2008. Emnes, who recently signed a new contract amid rumoured interest from Wolves, looks a rejuvenated player under boss Tony Mowbray. Next up: Birmingham, on Sunday.
Plenty of contenders, but Ross Draper's lob in Macclesfield's 4-0 midweek win at League Two basement side Hereford nicks it.
"We're like a bottle of lemonade at the moment. Once it goes pop I think we will be very good, but we have got to make it go pop" - looking up from the foot of the Football League, Bulls boss Jamie Pitman searches for some positives.
And, with apologies to anyone with an imagination:
"The rebuilding of Leeds United is a bit like sex. In an age of instant gratification, Leeds United is having a long, drawn-out affair with plenty of foreplay and slow arousal" - Ken Bates channels the spirit of Swiss Toni in his programme notes on Tuesday.
? Brighton to beat Blackpool at 6-5: the Seagulls and Saints rolled through League One last season and they're doing likewise one tier above. Brighton's win at Cardiff was eye-grabbing enough to make them still worth backing, even against a decent Blackpool side, but one that lacked a spark in defeat to Derby.
? Morecambe to beat Aldershot at 6-4: after being undone by a Mark Randall screamer on opening day, the Shrimps have pocketed six points from two road wins since; Aldershot have lost two in a row at home this week without scoring since a win at Bradford. Their current (very early) placings of sixth and 18th could well pan out the longer the season goes.
We'll monitor the "best bets" progress through the season, with a set stake of �10 per bet. Current loss: �18.70.
Again, there's no tipping contest this season, but that doesn't stop you posting your best bet suggestions below the line. And for those that would like to take part, we have set up a private Championship Fantasy League, the pin for which is: 12647. Phil Day currently leads the way with Sunny Roath City.
? From The Two Unfortunates on Portsmouth's squad:
Twenty minutes in to the match between Portsmouth and Reading at Fratton Park, I had made my conclusions. Far from the basket case of lore, the home side were actually looking pretty damn resilient - yes, they are a typically muscular Steve Cotterill side, unfraid to employ a height and weight advantage; but also one with a waggon load of experience and a lashing of dash.
? From No Nay Never on new Burnley signing Danny Ings:
Eddie Howe more than anyone else should know what Danny Ings is all about. Eddie was head of AFC Bournemouth's Centre of Excellence when Danny joined at Under-15 level. He had moved on to be boss of the reserves when selecting Ings to make his 'stiffs' debut whilst still a schoolboy.
? You can read much more from our Football League blogosphere, which should now have been updated to include more of your recently suggested blogs.
Harry Redknapp once famously said, "In those days, the usual wear and tear of playing football was hardly noticed. Players would stomp their feet if they found out it was broken and continue playing. You'd only get sent off if you went after someone with a hatchet!"
These slides will assemble the roughest, toughest and meanest players to have donned a Manchester United shirt, one which could batter any team in its prime, in an attacking 4-3-3 formation.
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The day has come and I've had my bet. �10 on Aston Villa and Sunderland to win and I think it is possible. I think the long shot is Sunderland, but I'd just love it for that snake Stewart Downing to lose today, so the bet is mostly icing on the cake.
I shouldn't be bitter, but I am today. It will pass, regardless of the result and as long as he loses at Villa Park, that is all that matters.
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Southampton and Brighton continued their impressive starts to life in the Championship, while Torquay took revenge on Paul Buckle
? Click here for all of Saturday's scores and scorers
? The Championship is going south. Well, two of the three clubs sharing the lead are from that end of the country, at least. David Connolly scored his second goal of the season in Southampton's 1-0 win at Barnsley, while fellow promoted side Brighton won by the same margin at Portsmouth ? the club-record signing, Craig Mackail-Smith, scored the winner, though Portsmouth's Liam Lawrence did hit the post with a penalty in injury time. Saints are top by virtue of goal difference, though Nigel Adkins has yet to challenge anyone to "keep up" with them.
? Southampton gave Leeds a chasing last week and Simon Grayson's side slumped to another defeat, this time to to 10-man Middlesbrough at Elland Road ... though the home side did win the red card count, with two of their own. Could Leeds struggle, after such a bright return to the second tier last season?
? It was a miserable day for the Championship's two former England managers ? though both Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren are probably inured to the pain of defeat by now. Reading maintained the momentum of their comeback draw on the opening weekend to pull the plug on Leicester at the King Power stadium, while Nottingham Forest lost by the same 2-0 scoreline at Millwall. Sam Allardyce, once interviewed as a potential successor to Eriksson for England, was smiling, however, after West Ham put Cardiff and Kenny Miller behind them to record victory at Doncaster thanks to Kevin Nolan's first goal in claret and blue.
? Charlton made it two wins from two at Notts County to sit top of the early standings in League One. The Addicks lie ahead of Sheffield United, who have yet to concede, on goals scored, while Tranmere are also on six points after their second consecutive 1-0 win ? a result which leaves Leyton Orient still searching for their first point of the season and optimism at Brisbane Road rapidly dissipating.
? Colchester and Wycombe again could not be separated following their 3-3 Carling Cup draw in midweek (from which Wycombe progressed on penalties). The Us followed up their opening-day raid of Deepdale with a 1-1 draw at home to their not-so-local rivals. Preston, meanwhile, were denied a morale-boosting victory by Andy Barcham's late equaliser at Scunthorpe but Bournemouth, Yeovil and Carlisle all won to collect their first points of the season.
? In League Two, new Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle watched his side fall to a shock home defeat, undone by Buckle's former club Torquay. Rotherham, meanwhile, crushed Plymouth 4-1 after going behind ? Gareth Evans and Adam Le Fondre each scoring a brace ? and they were joined on six points by Gillingham and Southend. Port Vale and Crawley, who shared the points last Saturday, also won.
? After an impressive victory in his first game in charge, the Swindon manager, Paolo Di Canio, discovered the flipside of life in the lower divisions, as his side lost at unfancied Cheltenham. AFC Wimbledon also saw their fortunes reversed, with a 2-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge giving them their first points in the Football League. Down at the bottom, Crewe Alexandra and Hereford are propping up the other 90 League clubs, after both fell to home defeats.
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Second-half goals from Danny Welbeck, Anderson and Wayne Rooney helped United maintain their 100 percent record, and put United level on points at the top of the table with Manchester rivals City.
An even first half ended goalless, before Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock on the hour mark, heading home a Tom Cleverley cross.
Welbeck then turned provider, delivering a neat backheel into the path of Anderson, who calmly finished a flowing move to double the champions’ advantage, and Wayne Rooney rounded off the night with a well-placed header from a Ryan Giggs’ cross.
Spurs have now gone 22 years without a win at Old Trafford, and their attempt to break that run was dealt a blow before the game even begun when Harry Redknapp ruled Luka Modric out of the contest.
The want-away midfielder was not deemed fit enough to feature in Manchester, but Redknapp’s concerns about his frame of mind dominated the press in the build-up to the game, as Chelsea continue to monitor his availability in the hope of striking a deal.
The Spurs boss selected Jake Livermore over Tom Huddlestone, while Niko Kranjcar replaced his compatriot Modric, but both struggled to get a real foothold in the game, with Rafael van der Vaart’s impact limited to a few long-range efforts.
Sir Alex Ferguson continued to turn to youth in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, with Jonny Evans and the very impressive Phil Jones deputising, while Chris Smalling continued in place of long-term absentee Rafael.
Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley were again given an opportunity to showcase their talents under the watchful eye of England coach Fabio Capello, and it was Cleverley who had the first meaningful opportunity in the game.
Ashley Young, who again excelled for his new club, led a counter-attack from which Cleverley’s curling effort brought an excellent fingertip save from Spurs debutant Brad Friedel. The 40-year-old keeper was twice the age of his opposite number, but shows no signs of regressing, starting in place of the unpredictable Heurelho Gomes.
The fast-paced opening showed no sign of letting up, and at the other end, David de Gea was quickly called upon, saving a Gareth Bale shot low to his right, as he continued in goal despite a rough start to his United career.
The young Spaniard was composed for the most part, dealing with long-range efforts before employing some fancy footwork to turn van der Vaart in a moment that brought back perhaps hair-raising memories of Fabien Barthez.
Harry Redknapp looked to have told his players to shoot on site in a bid to take advantage of de Gea’s early struggles, and Van der Vaart happily obliged, but De Gea, watched from the stands by his predecessor Edwin van der Sar, dealt with them comfortably.
Young, meanwhile, came close with a looping header which dropped just wide of the post, and shortly after, Rooney headed a cross from the winger straight at Friedel.
United enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first period, but the game was evenly matched overall and the teams went into the break scoreless.
Just minutes into the second half, Spurs wasted a glorious opportunity to take the lead.
After Aaron Lennon got the better of Patrice Evra, the England winger failed to find a teammate with his wasteful cross, and van der Vaart showed his frustration by pulling his shirt over his head in anger.
The moment could have been a game-changer, but United then took control of the contest, with Cleverley and Anderson combining nicely in midfield as the home side began to dominate possession.
Friedel was called upon again, when he made an excellent double save from Anderson and Rooney, but the pressure began to build, and shortly afterwards, United broke the deadlock.
Tom Cleverley found space on the right, and delivered an inviting ball into the area, where Welbeck scored his first Premier League goal for United since 2008, glancing a header past Friedel into the Spurs’ net.
Suddenly, the champions looked rampant, and the American keeper was again called into action, making a fantastic save from Rooney’s goal-bound free-kick.
Danny Welbeck, with new-found confidence after his goal, began to look lively, and forced a save with a well-executed overhead kick, before playing a key role in United’s second goal just minutes later.
Anderson freed Welbeck inside the area, and the Ghanaian-born striker returned the ball into the midfielder’s path with a perfectly weighted backheel, allowing Anderson to score his first goal of the campaign.
It was no more than the Brazilian deserved either, as he kept United ticking over while on the ball, and displayed fantastic determination and endeavour when his team weren’t in possession. His increased goal-threat is also a bonus, as he is now consistently displaying the box-to-box characteristics which first attracted him to United.
Tottenham were looking for a way back into the match, and Jermain Defoe was given an opportunity when De Gea failed to hold a cross under pressure. The striker’s powerful effort struck the post, and with it, Spurs’ hopes of salvaging something from the game were put to bed.
United confirmed their dominance in the final minutes as Rooney headed home a third, before celebrating by patting his well-publicised new head of hair. The header came from a Ryan Giggs’ cross, as the Welshman, making a brief 10-minute cameo, reminded the Old Trafford faithful that it wasn’t just the youngsters who are capable of making an impact.
The final score was a reflection of United’s second-half dominance, even if it seemed a little harsh on a Tottenham side that was equal to the champions for nearly an hour.
Spurs lacked creativity and guile in attack, two characteristics of their play which are regularly provided by the notably absent Modric.
Van der Vaart was often wasteful in possession, Kranjcar failed to make an impact, and Defoe was largely isolated in attack, struggling to create chances against the dominant Phil Jones.
United’s youthful lineup again impressed though, with de Gea finally achieving a morale-boosting clean sheet. Cleverley and Anderson looked a formidable partnership in midfield, particularly in the second period, while Young has made to transition to United’s style with consummate ease.
Welbeck showed he can be the perfect foil for Rooney in attack, and grew in confidence after his goal before being replaced by the returning Javier Hernandez, who will now look to usurp him from his current starting spot.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the way his side has begun the season, having built a squad with a terrific blend of youth and experience, which will stand them in good stead as the season progresses. If they can continue their second-half form over the coming weeks, then they will be a very hard team to beat.
An injury, and suspension, hit Arsenal side visit Old Trafford on Sunday, and United will hope that they can pile more misery on Arsene Wenger’s depleted squad. Based on the early season showings, it is difficult to bet against them.
Player Ratings
Manchester United
De Gea (6), Smalling (7), Jones (8), Evans (7), Evra (6), Nani (6), Cleverley (7), Anderson (8), Young (7), Rooney (8), Welbeck (8); Subs: Park Ji-Sung (6), Giggs (7), Hernandez (6)
Friedel (8), Walker (6), Kaboul (7), Dawson (7), Assou-Ekotto (7), Lennon (6), van der Vaart (6), Kranjcar (6), Livermore (6), Bale (5), Defoe (6); Subs: Corluka (6), Pavlyuchenko (5), Huddlestone (6).
Man of the Match: Phil Jones (Man Utd) - Outstanding throughout, and although there were a number of candidates, most notably Rooney, Jones didn’t put a foot wrong all game, even starting a number of attacking moves after breaking up play. Looks like an inspired signing, and a more than worthy replacement for Vidic and Ferdinand.
Referee: Lee Probert (7)
Attendance: 75,498
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
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Ally McCoist claims he does not feel under any extra pressure after Rangers crashed out of the Europa League to Maribor at Ibrox on Thursday.
Stoke cruised into the Europa League group stages as Kenwyne Jones helped them wrap up a comfortable 5-1 aggregate victory over FC Thun with a brace in Thursday's 4-1 play-off second leg win at the Britannia Stadium.
Manchester City avoided a group of death in their first Champions League draw but Roberto Mancini's side still face something of a baptism of fire.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear that he is still scouring the transfer market with hopes of adding depth to his Red Devils side. The two most popular names being tossed around the rumor mills are Wesley Sneijder and Mario Götze and either one would be a nice addition.
Sneijder is in the middle of an intense battle with Internazionale president Massimo Moratti to complete a move to Manchester United, according to The Sun. Sneijder has even offered to take a 43 percent per week pay cut over his previous demand to complete the transfer.
Moratti has stood firm behind his assertion that Sneijder is going nowhere. That stance is disappointing to both the club and the 27-year-old midfielder. Sneijder's ability to find the back of the net from the midfield position is one thing the Red Devils are lacking.
He scored 14 goals in 50 games last season across all competitions, including five times in seven games in the World Cup with the Netherlands. He has already scored three goals in four games with his home country and Internazionale in Super Cup play this season.
While it is clear that two of the three sides think a deal would be a perfect match, Moratti shows no signs of budging and letting the talented midfielder bolt for the Premier League. Ferguson would be wise to keep tabs on Sneijder while moving on to his backup plan.
Right now, that backup plan is Götze.
Often compared to Lionel Messi, Götze currently plays for the Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. Like Sneijder though, it appears his team has no plans on letting the midfielder go, according to Bild (h/t UK International Business Times).
When news first surfaced about the interest from Manchester United, the price on Götze was rumored to be £20 million. That would have been a steal for the Red Devils when considering the unlimited potential of the 19-year-old German.
Manchester United weren't the only team turned away when inquiring about Götze's availability, Bayern Munich were also told to look elsewhere. It's not totally surprising considering Borussia Dortmund's first-place finish in the Bundesliga last season.
Even though both Sneijder and Götze appear to be staying put for now, don't totally discount a move before the transfer window closes on Aug. 31. It's no secret that teams act like a player is not available to drive up the price and that could definitely be the case here.
Mame Biram Diouf could be on his way out of Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mail. After spending last season on loan with Blackburn, he returned to Manchester United and still had no clear lane to playing time.
Ferguson has set the price on Diouf at £6 million. That's a heavy price tag for a wildly inconsistent striker, but with so many teams desperate for goal scorers, it wouldn't be a major shock if the Red Devils convinced somebody to pay full price.
Blackpool, Fulham, Blackburn and Everton have all inquired about the 23-year-old Senegal international. Everton have said they would have to shed even more payroll if they were going to sign any more players, however.
In non-transfer news today, it was leaked that Manchester United will be floating in the Singapore Stock Exchange in order to pay off debts, according to Sky Sports. The move is also an attempt to help increase the popularity of the team in Asia.
The process leading up to the Initial Public Offering can last as long as 12 weeks, but the report says the team is hoping to raise at least £400 million once the procedure is finished. That would take a major chunk out of the team's current debt, estimated at slightly more than £500 million.
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
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DAKAR, July 28 (Reuters) - Senegal have suspended controversial Blackburn Rovers striker El Hadji Diouf for five years from all soccer-related activity in his home country.
"I can confirm Diouf has been suspended for five years during which he will not take part in games organised by the federation," secretary general Victor Cisse told Reuters.
Diouf, who has been involved in several on and off the field disputes during his career, was critical of Senegal after they failed to select him for African Nations Cup qualifying matches.
The former Liverpool, Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers player was recently summoned to a meeting with Senegal football federation officials after he told Radio France International "the whole system of African football is corrupt".
Diouf also said he would "go to war" with the federation if they took action against him.
The 30-year-old started his career in France with Sochaux, Stade Rennes and Racing Lens.
Diouf then shone for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup to earn a big-money move to Liverpool. He ended last season with a loan spell at Scottish champions Rangers.
LONDON, July 18 (Reuters) - Manchester City have agreed to sell Carlos Tevez to Brazilian side Corinthians although a fee for the 27-year-old has yet to be finalised, City's manager Roberto Mancini said on Monday.
Mancini, speaking in Vancouver where City are continuing their pre-season North American tour, told Sky Sports News: "We have an agreement with Corinthians but Carlos now is still a City player."
The Brazilian window for foreign transfers closes on Wednesday.
Last week, City rejected a 40 million pounds ($64.47 million) bid from Corinthians, where the Argentinian played for 18 months between 2005-06 helping them win the Brazilian championship in 2005.
Reports have said the English Premier League side want around 50 million pounds for the player who joined them two years ago from Manchester United.
Tevez says he wants to return to South America to be closer to his family and his two young daughters.
Brazilian championship leaders Corinthians, one of their country's most popular clubs, confirmed they were considering City's terms.
"Corinthians president Andres Sanchez said that there is nothing concrete regarding Tevez at the moment and that the terms will be analysed by himself and the board," said a statement on the club's website (www.corinthians.com.br).
Mancini said he did not know the current status of the negotiations or whether personal terms had been discussed. Tevez was widely reported to be earning in excess of 200,000 pounds a week at City.
"I don't know this. I repeat, at the moment, Carlos is still a City player," he added. "I want to wait. At the moment we are here, we are working with the other guys. We should think about this."
CUP WINNERS
The player's advisor, Kia Joorabchian, said last week a deal with Corinthians was "close" with Tevez happy to return to one of his previous clubs, even though he was under contract to City for another three years.
Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott said he would be disappointed to see his team mate leave but understood if he did.
"We'll be disappointed if Carlos leaves but it was down to the club and Carlos and what was best for each other and they have come to an agreement so I wish both parties all the best," he said.
"Carlos is his own man. Last season he played to 110 percent every game so none of us will be holding any grudges towards him and we'll wish him all the best if he does leave."
Tevez had indicated he wanted to leave City last October but was tempted to stay and played an influential part in guiding the club to third place in the Premier League and a berth in the Champions League for the first time.
City also won the FA Cup last season, their first major trophy since 1976, and have made no secret of their desire to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
With the spending power of the club's billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi behind him, Mancini has already said he wants to sign Argentine Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid as Tevez's replacement if he leaves.
City also confirmed on Monday that left back Jerome Boateng had completed his move to Bayern Munich.
($1 = 0.620 pounds)
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United and Wednesday find themselves together in the third tier for the first time in 31 years. Danny Wilson and Gary Megson are the men charged with finding the escape route
Danny Wilson greets inquiries about his new life at Bramall Lane with a stock, deadpan, reply. "I haven't had my nose broken yet ? so that's a start," says Sheffield United's manager. Considering United rank among the League One promotion favourites and Wilson is the man who, back in 1997, famously had Barnsley fans singing "It's just like watching Brazil" as he steered their swashbuckling team into the Premier League, it seems an extraordinarily downbeat response.
Wilson, though, has history in Sheffield ? as a player and later manager at Wednesday. In certain red-and-white-tinged and generally southern and western areas of the city the antipathy towards him remains almost as visceral as the day, late in May, when his arrival at Bramall Lane was greeted by vociferous carpark protests.
Anyone who expected the 51-year-old to receive more genteel treatment has clearly not read the following passage from Roy Hattersley's brilliant book Goodbye to Yorkshire. "As a boy I genuinely believed in the man who never ate bacon because its red and white stripes reminded him of Sheffield United," wrote the retired Labour politician. "Indeed in my blue and white Wednesday heart I applauded and supported his loyalty."
Loyalties of both persuasions remain intensely tribal in Steel City but have latterly been severely strained. Last season, United exited the Championship while, after dallying with administration, Wednesday struggled horribly in League One. It is 31 years since the famous old pair last both, ignominously, occupied English football's third tier. Then, as now, Sheffield derbies represented the only consolation. Not that either of this season's encounters are likely to match the so-called "Boxing Day Massacre" in 1979 when a 49,309 crowd at Hillsborough ? still a record for this rung of the domestic game's ladder ? watched Wednesday prevail 4-0.
With Milan Mandaric's boardroom takeover having secured the Owls' financial future, Hillsborough regulars are now hoping Gary Megson will prove the right manager to restore similarly rude on-field health. As a former Wednesday player and lifelong fan, no one doubts Megson's devotion to the cause but some supporters fear the 52-year-old may be too "old school". At a time when many other managers have long since abandoned regular, lengthy running sessions in favour of shorter sharper workouts, the Ginger Mourinho's players are still expected to cover the hard yards.
"There are lots of things that are seen as old-fashioned but they work," says Megson. "Once pre-season finishes the fitness work won't end. The players will run once a week. Some clubs don't do that now and I hear people questioning why footballers need to run but I firmly believe in it. You've got to be as good at running as you can."
United's attempts at global expansion have been, at least partly, blamed for the team's decline. In 2006 Kevin McCabe, the club's PLC chairman, acquired the Chinese team Chengdu Wuniu, renaming it Chengdu Blades as he strove to establish a commercial foothold in Asia. Hungary's Ferencvaros was also purchased and links were established with Belgium's White Star Woluwe, Australia's Central Coast Mariners and Brazil's S�o Paulo, the aim being to share and jointly develop young players. Unfortunately such international ventures coincided with a downturn in the fortunes of the core business culminating in last spring's plunge into League One.
Suddenly the accent is very much back on parochial issues, most notably the peculiar passions provoked by Wilson's installation. "I just have to get through it," he says. "We decided it would be a good idea if I attended a few supporters' meetings in pubs and talked to them. Not to justify my position but to get them to understand."
At least he has inherited some talented young players, several of whom reached the final of last season's FA Youth Cup in which, despite losing to Manchester United, they impressed greatly, with Jordan Slew and Harry Maguire, already first-team regulars, catching the eye.
Big on entertainment ? which is where his football philosophy clashes with Megson's ? Wilson has ordered players to "express themselves" and "not be afraid to try things" as he endeavours to banish the Blades' lingering "long ball" image while succeeding in style.
"I've always believed you can play good attacking football, proper football, and do well," he says. "This club should really be in the Premier League so I want ? and expect ? to win promotion back to the Championship this season. I'm not bothered where Sheffield Wednesday finish ? but if they're second and we're first I'll settle for that."
Although Megson has spoken darkly of "attitudes having to change" and "standards needing to move upwards" in the Hillsborough dressing room this summer, an expansion of his still small squad is likely to be bankrolled by Mandaric. Already Wednesday boast an excellent goalkeeper in Nicky Weaver and can only be strengthened by, among other recruits, signing the former Nottingham Forest left-back Julian Bennett and midfielder David Prutton.
Significantly, Imre Varadi, who has played as a striker for both clubs, believes Megson's task is the easier. "Danny has definitely got the toughest job of the two," says Varadi. "Blades fans will only forget Danny's past if he hits the ground running. The fact he's been at Wednesday as both a player and a manager is a major thing. As a manager crossing this city you have to win games. There are no grey areas."
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Look, I predicted 4-0 and I got it wrong, I'm sorry. But if you followed my prediction you'll be owing me a beer and why was I confident of three points; because it was Blackburn.
My point: it was a banker game, we were always going to win this one. Next week will be tougher, but we should win that too.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists they go to Manchester United tomorrow determined to win.
Spurs have been hit hard by injuries.
But Redknapp stressed: ?We will go there and be positive. We will definitely give it a go.?
Redknapp is not intimidated by Tottenham?s wretched record against United on their own patch ? their last win coming way back in �December 1989.
?It is true that we don?t have a good record there ? but who has?? asked �Redknapp.
?No, we are going to be positive in our approach and we haven?t got any �defensive midfield players available anyway. We will certainly have a go.?
It's the home stretch! 24/7 click for the best coverage of Tottenham's final transfer market moves
I've had a busy week. Alex McLeish has too. Not in the real transfer market but he's changed his fantasy football team around more times than Martin O'Neill changed where Emile Heskey was going to play.
That is a selfless plug because our game starts in a couple of days and you really do have to have a team. It is free, super easy to pick a team and even a trained monkey could join our league and there is a joke in that, but I'm staying clear of it for now. To top it all off, we are also going to have prizes again.
