Theatre Of Dreams #28 - One United!

[Rupert G]

Salam.

Sambung sini Red-Devils!!!

[Rupert G]

TV deal to cause kick-off time turmoil

The traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off is likely to become a minority occasion in top-flight football after broadcasting restructuring deals were announced yesterday. Live Premiership matches will be screened on most Saturday afternoons at 1pm and 5pm from August 2004, the Premier League revealed.

Under the new arrangements there will also be live games at 2pm and 4pm on Sundays and 8pm on Mondays.

The way the deals are structured will also mean that the broadcasters, not the clubs or the League, will specify the day on which most teams play their games. Supporters' groups reacted furiously to the plans, accusing the League of acting with "complete and utter contempt" for fans.

The scheduling details were announced as the League launched its tendering process for match rights between 2004 and 2007. The total number of live games will rise from the current 106 per season - which includes 40 games on pay-per-view - to 138 from 2004. And instead of being sold in two packages (Sky currently has 66 games per season, with 40 on various PPV platforms), the live rights will be sold in three packages. This change has been made in an attempt to placate the European Commission, which feels the current deals are anti-competitive.

Under the new deals one live package will contain 38 "first pick" games to be screened mostly at 4pm on Sundays. Whichever broadcaster buys this package will choose the best game of the week and it will be moved accordingly.

The second package will contain 38 "second pick" games, to be played mostly on Sundays at 2pm or on Mondays at 8pm. The third package will contain 62 "third pick" games, which will be screened mostly on Saturdays, either at 1pm or 5pm. Some if not all of these games will be on PPV depending on who buys the rights.

There are no rules preventing one bidder, Sky for example, buying all the packages. There is also nothing to stop broadcasters combining to buy a package and then splitting the games. In theory the BBC and ITV could buy one package and then share it. Highlights packages are also available.

Sky, the BBC and ITV are expected to be the main bidders for all the packages. Sky paid £1.1bn for its current deal, which expires at the end of the coming season with ITV paying £183m for highlights.

A League spokesman said the rights being offered were "good for the fans." Supporters' groups, unhappy with awkward kick-off times and troublesome journeys, begged to differ.

Steven Powell of the Football Supporters' Federation said the movement of more games away from the traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off showed "complete and utter contempt" for fans. "This is the death knell for the game at its traditional time," he said. "The people who run the League are basically saying they can do what they like and the fans can get stuffed. The League doesn't give a monkeys about ordinary fans and they're abusing the inherent loyalty of supporters."

Meanwhile, Manchester United learned yesterday that they will begin the defence of their Premiership title on 16 August at home against Bolton. Next season's opening fixtures will also see Arsenal hosting Everton, Newcastle visiting Leeds and Liverpool at home to Chelsea.

Portsmouth will play their first top-flight game since 1988 at home to Aston Villa, Wolves will travel to Blackburn and the third promoted side, Leicester, will start their season at home against the FA Cup runners-up Southampton.

If evidence were needed of the nation's appetite for the game, it came from Premium TV, the NTL subsidiary that operates 80 official club websites. PTV said 3.6m people had tried to access its sites between 10am and 11am yesterday to view next season's fixture lists.

PREMIER LEAGUE RIGHTS: WHAT IS ON OFFER

LIVE RIGHTS

Package of 38 "first pick" games to be shown on Sunday at 4pm.

Package of 38 "second pick" games to be shown on Sunday at 2pm, or Monday at 8pm.

Package of 62 "third pick" games on Saturday at 1pm and 5pm.

Packages can be bought and split between broadcasters.

HIGHLIGHTS

Package of rights to screen games from Saturday, after 7pm on Saturday.

Package of rights to screen Sunday and Monday games on Sunday or Monday evenings.

Package of "near-live, long-form transmission" of games to be shown after the highlights.

sumber: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/story.jsp?story=417209

[Mayamulisha]

ni gambar jersey MUFC ngan sponser baru utk tahun 2004.

kenapa ?? tak percaya ke??

[Man_United]

Assalamualaikum ..

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Manchester United lost out in the David Beckham transfer due to the player's rift with Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Premiership champions agreed a deal worth up to £25million with Real for the England captain this week, having also agreed a fee understood to be around £30m with Barcelona.

Beckham's determination to join the nine-times European Cup winners gave United little choice but to sanction the cheaper deal, but Wenger believes relations between manager and player had become so poisoned that the final fee was lowered.

Wenger, whose team finished runners-up to United in the Premiership last season, told Eurosport TV: 'I think that the personal problems (which resulted in) Manchester United's desire to transfer Beckham at any price certainly lowered the fee.'

But the Frenchman admitted Ferguson was now in a position to consolidate his team's place at the top in England by strengthening the Old Trafford squad.

'But Manchester have the means to buy big,' he continued. 'Even if Beckham had stayed they could have afforded to buy big, so with Beckham going, Manchester will lead the way in England now.'

Meanwhile Wenger has seized upon Beckham's move to Real as marking the beginning of the end for a generation of stars at United.

The 28-year-old is one of a core of players, including Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, who helped turn the Red Devils into English football's overwhelming power in the last decade.

But the Gunners boss believes that the transfer could mean the end of an era at Old Trafford.

'One of the things that made Manchester great is going and with the togetherness that that group of players had, and the things they had achieved, well, it is the beginning of a break-up for that group. For me, it was a surprise,' Wenger added .. :confused:

[Man_United]

Assalamualaikum ..

The brother and agent of Paris St Germain's Brazilian international star Ronaldinho will hold talks with Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell on Thursday.

Assis, who has been the 23-year-old's guardian since their father died when Ronaldinho was eight, also revealed that no announcements would be made before the end of the Confederations Cup but that Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris St Germain are the only clubs still in the race.

That confirms speculation that Real Madrid will drop their interest after signing David Beckham from Manchester United.

Assis will meet with Rosell at the Stade de France as a spectator at the Brazil versus Cameroon match.

'I will meet the people I have to meet,' said Assis.

'Tonight the vice-president of Barcelona (Rosell) will be at the Stade de France for Brazil v Cameroon and we will have talks.'

United have also been firmly linked with the member of Brazil's World Cup winning team, who joined PSG from home town club Gremio of Porto Alegre in 2001.

However, the arrival at the club of a new management team of president Francis Graille and coach Vahid Halilhodzic has further complicated the situation.

Ronaldinho had had a difficult relationship with former coach Luis Fernandez and claimed that Graille's predecessor Laurent Perpere had a gentleman's agreement to let the player contracted to the Parc des Princes club until 2006 leave this summer.

Both Graille and Halilhodzic have vowed to hang onto the player but have insisted he will be punished should he continue to breach club discipline - Fernandez was overruled by Perpere when he tried to act last season.

'Manchester, Barcelona and Paris are still interested in Ronaldinho,' said Assis, who confirmed that the decision would not be announced until after the tournament finishes on June 29.

'Either he will leave or he will stay at Paris but we will say nothing earlier than that because we want to protect Ronaldinho,' said his brother. 'There will be nothing before June 29.'

[Man_United]

Assalamualaikum ..

Rio Ferdinand has hinted David Beckham only decided to quit Manchester United after the club accepted a bid for him from Barcelona.

Many feel Beckham was already resigned to leaving when he waved a tearful goodbye to fans after United's final home game against Charlton last season and then later went back onto the Old Trafford pitch for a kickabout with son Brooklyn.

However, Ferdinand insists he had no inkling of the England captain's impending departure at that time and, in fact, was sure he would stay with the Premiership champions.

'Even when he was applauding the fans at the end of the season I did not think he'd be leaving. It did not seem possible,' Ferdinand told The Sun. 'My friends asked me what was happening but I didn't have a clue.

'People think we're lying when we say that but, honestly, players are the last to know. A week ago, it hit me when United said they had accepted an offer from Barcelona for Becks.

'I spoke to David on the phone and, while it wouldn't be right to go into the details of our conversation, I think all footballers realise that once a club says it is prepared to sell you there is no going back.

'From that moment, you want to get things sorted out and get on your way. Whoever you are, a drawn-out transfer is a stressful experience and the longer it drags on the more it drives you nuts.

'I felt a huge relief when my move to United went through and, although David will be sad to leave us, I'm sure it's a huge weight off his mind that it is done and dusted.'

Beckham's father Ted has also once again reiterated his belief that the 28-year-old midfielder would have preferred to stay on at Old Trafford.

He told the Daily Express: 'I feel choked that he's going and the way he's had to go. David doesn't want to go. He's being forced out. He would have signed an extended contract if the club had wanted him to.'

Even Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano claimed United had made the first move in instigating Beckham's switch to Spain.

He said: 'We didn't take Beckham out of Manchester United. They opened the door for him to leave. All we have done is receive him with open arms.'

Ferdinand was also keen to dismiss suggestions that a rift with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was the reason behind Beckham's transfer.

He added in The Sun: 'Nobody will convince me that Becks and the gaffer have fallen out. I just cannot believe that. Their statements prove the mutual respect they have for one another. I saw the famous flying boot but I've no doubt that was an accident.

'The manager treats every player the same. Of course there are arguments but players have those all the time, whether they are in the Premiership or kicking around on Sunday morning.

'David is one of the most popular players I've ever come across with fans, team-mates or backroom staff.'

Gary Neville, meanwhile, believes Beckham's move can benefit both the player and the club.

Neville told The Times: 'There is a sadness in seeing him go, but I do not see any reason why his move should not benefit Manchester United and David Beckham.

'The club has got more than a decade of brilliant service out of him and a massive profit at the end of it. Our manager is the best in the world and I know he will have spent a lot of time thinking about what he is going to do with the money.

'I know Becks will not mind me saying that the club can survive the departure of any player, whether it is Cantona, Schmeichel, Robson or Hughes.

'We will move on from Beckham, but he leaves some great memories and takes some amazing ones with him.'

[Rupert G]

Kiriman asal oleh Mayamulisha
ni gambar jersey MUFC ngan sponser baru utk tahun 2004.

kenapa ?? tak percaya ke??


Salam.

Aku percaya dude...itu jeysi MUFC cawangan Kg. Dato' Harun punya sponser...aku percaya...aku percaya...:D

[Rupert G]

Graille plays down Ronaldinho rumours


Francis Graille, the Paris St-Germain president, believes that Ronaldinho is still coveted by Real Madrid but he has no intention of selling.

The 23-year-old World Cup winner with Brazil, currently on national team duty in the Confederations Cup, has been linked with a move to Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United. Real were thought to be out of the picture after agreeing a £25m deal for the England captain David Beckham - pending a medical on 2 July - but Graille has confirmed he is still in contact with the La Liga leaders.

"We have remained in phone contact with Real Madrid in the past few days," he said. "They [Madrid] have taken information on Ronaldinho. This is normal, great clubs talk to each other, but there was no mention of an actual sale to Real Madrid. We talked about many things, not only about Ronaldinho."

Roberto Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, met yesterday with Barcelona's new vice-president, Sandro Rosell, after Brazil's 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in Paris. Assis hinted Ronaldinho could still move after the Confederations Cup final, adding his final destination will be revealed on 29 June.

Graille, who pledged not to sell Ronaldinho when he took over from Laurent Perpère at the end of the season, is determined to keep him in the French capital.

"I don't know what Roberto Assis means by giving Ronaldinho's club destination on 29 June," he said. "Our position remains unchanged. For us he stays with PSG."

Graille added he was aware Rosell was present at the Stade de France to talk with Assis, but shrugged the meeting off as "normal interest in a World Cup winner".

The club now plan to meet Assis next week to discuss the situation, although Graille insists there is no tension between either party. "I am going to call him today to arrange a meeting for next week," he said. "There is no arm-wrestling between us. At the moment Ronnie's entourage are thinking about the player's interest while we are thinking about the club's interest."

The Birmingham City manager, Steve Bruce, remains determined to bring the midfielder David Dunn on board, but he has ruled out a bid for the striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.

Dunn is set to leave Blackburn if Graeme Souness can get the right price for the former England Under-21 captain.

"I am still very much in the chase and talks are ongoing," Bruce explained. "We tabled a bid for him three weeks ago and it is a little bit of a stalemate, so we need to be patient. There is still a long way left in the transfer window, something like nine weeks. There will be more movement around the start of July."

Bruce says Feyenoord's van Hooijdonk - who played with varying success for Celtic and Nottingham Forest - is not on his wish list. "For me the deal was never on. He is a player we have shown an interest in before and things have been drummed up again," Bruce said.

sumber: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/story.jsp?story=417474

[Rupert G]

Forlan to fight for Man Utd spot


Manchester United striker Diego Forlan will not be leaving Old Trafford this summer, according to the player's agent.
The Uruguayan forward has been linked with a move to Spanish First Division club Seville, who were reported to have taken the first steps to sign him.

But both Forlan's representative, Daniel Bolotnicoff, and Seville said the speculation was way off the mark.

"Diego is very happy at Manchester United," Bolotnicoff told this website.

"No offer has been made for Forlan and he does not want to leave Manchester United in any case.

"He wants to see out his contract with the club and feels very well there.

"Diego is prepared to be patient and wait for his first-team opportunities.

"He knew that when he signed for United he would face stiff competition from some great players.

"But he is training hard and is improving all the time. He has been treated very well by the club and gets on well with his team-mates.

"And Diego is ready to fight for his chance and hopes to be an important part of the team next season when he expects to play more."

The 24-year-old has scored only nine goals in 63 appearances for the Premiership champions since arriving for £7.5m in January 2002.

Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be scouring the continent to find a regular strike partner for Ruud van Nistelrooy.

And the United manager is already planning to strengthen his squad following the £25m sale of David Beckham to Real Madrid.

But Forlan will not be swapping England for Spain like Beckham.

A Seville spokesman added: "It's not true that our technical director, Ramon Rodriguez, said that the club wanted to sign Forlan.


"That came from an Italian newspaper.

"It's true that Seville are looking for a forward but we have not made an official move for Forlan."

sumber: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3006384.stm

[Rupert G]

Ron's on


MANCHESTER UNITED are back leading the race for Ronaldinho - even though he prefers a move to Spain.

Their financial power has pushed them clear of Barcelona after 24 hours of intense negotiations.

Ronaldinho's club Paris St Germain want virtually all the £10million transfer fee up front.

And United have agreed to that - as well as offering the Brazilian star £55,000 a week.

They are also close to a deal with Ronaldinho's company Sport 5 over his image rights, a contract worth £13.5m.

Ronaldinho has told Barcelona he wants to sign but they are not prepared to match the new terms.

Barca have offered around £40,000 a week and want to pay the transfer fee in instalments over the length of a four-year contract, conditions not acceptable to PSG.

New Barca president Joan Laporta, who missed out on David Beckham, hoped his deputy Sandro Rossell could swing the deal. Rossell is the former Brazilian chief executive of Nike, the national team's £100m sponsors, and spent last summer with the World Cup-winning squad.

He tried to finalise personal terms when he met Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto Assis on Thursday - then United raised the stakes.

Now Ronaldinho is waiting to see whether Real Madrid follow up their tentative interest while Barcelona turn their full attention to Leeds' Aussie star Harry Kewell.

If Real's interest fails to develop, Manchester United will win the day unless PSG president Francis Graille insists the player stays put.

Graille is adamant the Brazilian is going nowhere. But the fact PSG have indicated how they want the transfer fee paid suggests they know his departure is inevitable.

Graille also admitted he had recently talked to Real. He said: "We have been in phone contact with them in the past few days."

Ronaldinho is playing for Brazil in the Confederations Cup in France and says he will not decide until after the competition on June 29.

sumber: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2003281924,00.html

[Rupert G]

Man Utd close in on Djemba-Djemba


Manchester United are poised to make a £3m offer for Cameroon international Eric Djemba Djemba.
Talks for the the 22-year-old Nantes midfielder are said to be at an advanced stage as Sir Alex Ferguson starts reshaping his side following the exit of David Beckham.


"The clubs have been in talks over Eric for a while," said the player's agent Willie McKay.

"United have made their intentions clear and Eric is desperate to go."

A Nantes spokesman added of any potential deal: "It could certainly happen next week."

Djemba-Djemba is an industrious holding player and is renowned for his ability to break down attacks.

As a result of his tough-tackling style, he picked up one red and 11 yellow cards during the course of last season

A boyhood United fan, Djemba-Djemba could be the long-term replacement for Roy Keane, who has been beset by injury and is not expected to play in every game next season.

sumber: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3006034.stm

[Rupert G]

Ronaldinho honoured by Reds interest

Ronaldinho says to take over David Beckham mantle on the right side of United's midfield - and to wear the number seven shirt - would be a "great honour".

According to the Brazilian's agent and brother, Roberto Assis, a move away from Paris St Germain is growing increasingly likely - and it would appear the Premiership will be his next stop.

For the PSG star the decision is a difficult one - reports suggest offers from United, Barcelona, Newcastle and Real Madrid have all been made, although the latter's interest seems to have cooled since the signing of David Beckham, and Newcastle appear out of the running.

The exciting 23-year-old is quoted in Saturday's Daily Mirror as saying: "It's the biggest decision of my life. It's between two clubs now and I have two fantastic offers to consider, so it is a very important thing for me to get right.

"Everybody is talking about a substitution - Ronaldinho for Beckham and for me to wear the number seven shirt. That would be a great honour of course," he added.

But a deal has by no means been completed according to the Brazilian, and the player reiterated his agent's proposed decision-day of 29 June as the date he will decide his future.

"Manchester United are a great club and have great tradition and knowing they want to sign me makes me proud, but nothing has yet been signed.

"We have had very good, positive meetings with Manchester United and now we will see what happens in the next few weeks, but I will not make my decision until after the Confederations Cup," added the Brazilian attacker.

Assis, Ronaldinho's agent, said: "I think he is closer to England than Spain now. The transfer is just a matter of days away."

sumber: http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=37889

[Man_United]

Assalamualaikum ..

LONDON, June 21 (Reuters) - Manchester United's Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan will be fighting for his place in his two favourite teams over the coming months.

Forlan's Argentine agent Daniel Bolotnicoff said on Saturday that the 24-year-old striker is keen to stay at United and fight for a place alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy in the English champions' attack.

'Diego is very happy at Manchester United,' Bolotnicoff told the BBC . 'No offer has been made for Forlan and he does not want to leave Manchester United in any case.

'Diego is ready to fight for his chance and hopes to be an important part of the team next season when he expects to play more,' said Bolotnicoff who denied Forlan might be heading for Spanish side Sevilla. Sevilla also denied a report that they had made a bid for the Uruguayan.

Since joining United 18 months ago for £7.5million, Forlan has generally started on the bench, scoring nine goals in 63 appearances. He netted 36 times in 77 league games for his previous club Independiente of Buenos Aires.

Forlan is also hoping to lead Uruguay's attack in the South American 2006 World Cup qualifiers, which start in September with a home match against Bolivia.

He is mixing a holiday back home in South America with Uruguay training sessions having helped his country beat South Korea 2-0 in a friendly in Seoul on June 8, coach Juan Ramon Carrasco's first match in charge.

Uruguay meet arch-rivals Argentina in another friendly in the Argentine city of La Plata on July 16, but Carrasco has yet to announce which players he will be taking with the majority likely to be home-based.

[Man_United]

Assalamualaikum ..

LONDON, June 21 (Reuters) - Former Real Madrid coach John Toshack is not convinced that the club had to sign David Beckham or that the England captain will settle easily in Spain.

'The signing doesn't make too much sense unless of course Luis Figo moves on,' the Welshman, who steered Real to the Spanish title in 1990 and had another short spell with them in the late 1990s, said in an interview broadcast on Saturday.

'I think most coaches in Spain would tell you that the Real Madrid side needs strengthening in other areas,' the Welshman told Sky Sports.

'The president Florentino Perez has gone in for this (sort of singing) over the last three years, Ronaldo, Figo, (Zinedine) Zidane. Unless there are one or two changes I think he might have just gone a bit too far.'

Figo plays on the right of midfield for Real, the same position Beckham has occupied for Manchester United for a decade.

Toshack doubts whether Beckham, signed from United this week for £24.5million, has the footballing and psychological armoury to do well in Spain.

'I'm not so sure that Beckham has got the character and kind of qualities to play in that central midfield role that this Madrid side needs,' Toshack said.

He said the Real fans were notoriously hard to please, as Brazil striker Ronaldo found early last season following his move from Inter Milan.

'They're an unforgiving crowd you know, I mean 60 to 65,000 every week and if you hit a couple of bad passes then they'll let you know.

'You have to go to the Basque country, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, they can be very hostile, difficult matches, Valladolid on a cold evening in December, so it's not all roses in the garden,' Toshack said.

'It will be a big task for him but it's an opportunity that he has to take.'

[Rupert G]

Howard gives United watchers reasons to be cheerful

There may not be too many eyes on the Confederations Cup, but you can be sure that someone, somewhere, from Manchester United will be keeping a watch on their latest acquisition. He goes by the name of Tim Howard, and he is here in France, keeping goal for the United States in this maligned tournament.

Howard, 24, is set to be unveiled at Old Trafford in the next fortnight, although while he is on duty with his country, the £2.5m signing has not been formalised. Whoever has been watching Howard will not have been disappointed. Although the US lost their opening group game 2-1 against Turkey on Thursday in St-Etienne, Howard was in impressive form, and was again in action here last night against Brazil.

Howardis confident of his ability, as he will need to be if he is to replace Fabien Barthez, who has been linked with a move away this summer but who professes to be "200 per cent" happy to remain at Old Trafford.

Barthez, however, let in a goal from a free-kick that went in at the post he was guarding against Japan on Friday, and was helpless when another free-kick crashed against his crossbar. The Japanese felt they had spotted a weakness in his game, and maybe Alex Ferguson feels he has too, especially after Barthez's performances ag-ainst Real Madrid in United's Champions' League defeat.

Not that Howard has anything but admiration for his counterpart. He said: "Fabien is a tremendous goalkeeper and he has won a World Cup, and not many players can say that. I like his style, he is aggressive and fast. I'm aggressive too, but we are different in other ways."

Howard, who has eight caps and will join United from New Jersey Metrostars, has Tourette's syndrome, which most people associate with uncontrolled swearing. Defenders with experience of Peter Schmeichel may be accustomed to that, but Howard clears up any misconceptions. "Only four per cent of people with Tourette's have the swearing," he said.

"I never have done and never will. It is a neuro-logical disorder and I have the tics, but people have been miseducated about it."

Howard's education about Manchester United has been limited to what he can glean from the sports networks in his home state of New Jersey, but he has seen enough to be in awe of his future captain, Roy Keane. "I know I'm going to be yelled at, but he is a tremendous leader," Howard said. "Roy Keane is more fiery than me, but I like to get ferocious for 90 minutes as well. I go after everything in the game."

The man who has played for his country at every level, including the Olympics, has his chance at this tournament thanks to Blackburn's Brad Friedel, the first choice, being rested and Kasey Keller, of Tottenham, recovering from surgery. But the national manager, Bruce Arena, was not worried. He said: "Tim has the tools to be as good as Brad and Kasey. He is mature already, and going to United can only be good for him."

After France struggled to beat Japan 2-1 on Friday, Robert Pires, who captained a reshuffled side, called on fans to be lenient. The holders reached the semi-finals after a Pires penalty was cancelled out by Shunsuke Nakamura and Sidney Govou hit a 66th-minute winner.

The Arsenal winger said: "I think you have to be indulgent with France tonight because the team had a new face, with new players. It's the first time we've played together, so you can't expect the world."

sumber: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/story.jsp?story=417777

[Rupert G]

Real target Ronaldinho may yet follow Howard's way

Brazil's victory here in Côtes du Rhône wine territory was enough to keep them in the Confederations Cup, but nine days before the first anniversary of their World Cup triumph, this was far from their 2002 vintage. It does, however, mean their final group game tomorrow against Turkey is a play-off for a semi-final spot, while the USA were eliminated with their second defeat.

Since the season ended, the transfer market has been awash with rumours about Ronaldinho, as if the Brazilian striker has been trying to create some sort of record with the size of the clubs interested in him. First it was Manchester United, then Barcelona, and currently Real Madrid.

Yet in the opening skirmishes of this Confederations Cup group match at the Stade Gerland it was more a case of Ronaldin-who, as the Paris St-Germain player drifted around from side to side, trying some fancy touches that did not come off. Only one scooped pass to Ricardinho, whose shot was underhit, was worthy of a player who is so coveted.

This Brazil side, and even the whole squad, is a more experimental and certainly a weaker one than the manager would have liked. Carlos Alberto Parreira, who took his country to victory in the 1994 World Cup, is charged with the responsibility of making sure they retain, in 2006, the trophy they won last year.

He has partly had his hand forced with Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos still in action for Real Madrid, but he has called up only six of the squad who won the trophy in Japan last June. And no matter whom he uses, they can still pass a side to distraction, as the United States discovered here. When the Americans, whose anthem was roundly booed by the local fans, did cross the halfway line they did nothing with the ball.

Instead, Ronaldo's replacement, a dead-ringer for the last World Cup's top scorer, had one chance before half-time and took it very well. Adriano is only 21 and plays in Italy for Parma and pressed up on a defender with the ball. He robbed him and although Tim Howard, himself United-bound, blocked the first effort, Adriano's left foot made no mistakes with the rebound.

Howard, 24, is the States' first choice goalkeeper here, thanks to the absence of Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller, although he is not short of experience having played for his country at every age group leading up to the full national side. Based in New Jersey with the Metrostars, he is set to confirm his move to United next month for around £2.5m. Whether he will instantly challenge Fabien Barthez as first choice is uncertain, but with four goalkeepers at United, something will have to give and it could be the Frenchman.

He put in an uncertain display for France against Japan on Friday, while here, Howard pulled off several fine, athletic saves. Five minutes into the second half, Adriano's header forced Howard, who has Tourette's syndrome, into a full-length dive, and he later did the same to prevent a Kleberson shot doubling Brazil's lead. On a good night for goalkeepers, Brazil's Dida then stopped Landon Donovan's goal-bound shot at full stretch.

Howard signed off with yet another excellent save 15 minutes from time. In what could be a cameo of training ground routines at Manchester United next season, the American denied Ronaldinho, whose free-kick was heading for the top corner from 25 yards out.

sumber: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/story.jsp?story=417831

[Rupert G]

Kewell weighing up options


The Australian has been given permission by Leeds to speak with other clubs.

Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United have all signalled their interest in the forward, who has also not ruled out signing a new deal on offer from Leeds.

But Mandic said: "I have said from day one that I expect things to be sorted out by the end of the month, one way or the other."

Barcelona have signalled their interest in Kewell after missing out on David Beckham, but Arsenal appear to be the front-runners as they are able to offer Kewell Champions League football.

Kewell has held discussions with Leeds chairman John McKenzie about extending his current contract, which runs out at the end of next season.

Despite reports claiming Kewell had dismissed their offer, Mandic has insisted the 24-year-old could still be an Elland Road player next season.

"The bottom line is that we have not ruled out extending his contract with Leeds," Mandic earlier said.

"The door is open for a new deal to be done. He's not ruled out extending his contract and we have not rejected an extension of contract.

"The talks with John McKenzie have gone very well. It's a case of Harry making sure he looks at all his options before he makes a decision.

"Leeds have not tried to restrict us in any way.

"The way things stand I think all issues will be resolved in the next few weeks."

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Mandic said Kewell's decision will not be based on money.

He added: "Harry is not a player who has chased money in the past and he is not a player who will chase money in the future.

"The next phase of Harry's career is one that will be the best for him and make him the best possible player he can be.

"It will not be money driven otherwise he would have left for Old Trafford by now."

sumber: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/2996940.stm

[Rupert G]

Gunners fire the first shot of 2003/04

For a club, and a manager, supposedly above all the mind games, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger couldn't resist a jibe at United after David Beckham's £25million transfer to Real Madrid.

For all that Ferguson is often described as pugnacious, even petty, by his detractors, Arsenal are never too far behind in joining in the mind games.

And so today (Friday) two key figures from the marble-halled Highbury have been quoted in the tabloid press having a dig at United's decision to sell Beckham.

Wenger is first up - quoted in most of the papers - saying the departure of Becks could see the end of United's dominant era of English football.

Wenger said in the Sun: "The personal problems between Beckham and Ferguson certainly lowered the fee.

"One of the things that made Manchester great is the togetherness the group of players had and what they had achieved. Well it is the beginning of a break-up for that group. For me, it was a surprise," he added.

And Pires, too, was keen to cast a question mark over the decision, saying: "Beckham has got a good deal for himself at Real Madrid and good luck to him. But maybe it is not so good for Manchester United.

"I think they have done good business by selling him but whether it is good for the team we will have to see. I do know that Arsenal will be stronger nest year and we will be close to them," the Frenchman added.

sumber: http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=37813

[Rupert G]

Kenyon confronts "bunkum" reports

United’s chief executive Peter Kenyon has derided suggestions of a rift between Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham.

Beckham’s £25million transfer to Real Madrid has been shrouded by suggestions that the two had fallen out.

But having written an article in Thursday’s Manchester Evening News to clear up the reason for selling the England captain, Kenyon moved to reassure fans there was no personality clashes between manager and player.

“It’s easy to talk about personality clashes, splits in the camp and so on,” Kenyon told MUTV. “We’re a very high-profile club and have high-profile individuals and there’s no way a personality split has led to this decision being made. That is bunkum.

“The headlines about a clash of interests are not true. Sir Alex manages the team and, as a consequence, has to make decisions about who plays and who doesn’t.

Players do come and go from a club and do so at various stages of their careers. Our job is to ensure United continue to be successful. On this occasion we’re doing that with David moving on,” he added.

United’s chief executive went on to describe the necessity to avoid losing David Beckham on a free transfer in two years’ time when his contract was due to expire.

And In an attempt to draw a line under what has already been a drawn out affair, Peter added: “We shouldn’t build up that there was a squabble or a fight, or that we were forcing him out or he was backing us into a corner.

"None of those things happened. But we did reach a point whereby, with two years to go, an offer of extending his contract was made and, with no answer forthcoming, we, in conjunction with his advisers, took the decision,” he concluded.

sumber: http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=37828

[Rupert G]

Figo prefers England to Italy

Real Madrid winger Luis Figo claims he would rather move to England if he leaves the Bernabeu this summer, than join an Italian club.

Serie A side Inter Milan look set to bid for the Portuguese international, whose future at Real is in doubt following the transfer of David Beckham from Manchester United.

Madrid's director of sport Jorge Valdano insists there is still a vital role for Figo to play at the Primera Liga leaders, but the 31-year-old is unlikely to accept anything less than a starting role after a fantastic season.

Figo has two years left on his current contract, meaning only Arsenal and Manchester United could realistically afford the fee and his high wages in the Premiership.

Ideally, Figo wants to stay where he is and challenge Beckham for a place on the right side of midfield.

He told Marca: "I am not worried by Beckham's signing; there is one thing certain and that it's not going to have me losing sleep nor will it provoke any wars.

"Italian Football doesn't interest me at the moment. If I did leave, I would rather move to England - it would help me improve my English."

sumber: http://www.4thegame.com/news/breakingnews/14075

[b]Komen: Figo ni bagi bunga-bunga dia nak mai England...manalah kelab yang bertuah dapat beli dia...:D

[Rupert G]

Salam.

Jangan lupa Red-Devils...Jeysey "Away" baru MUFC...Black Is Back

[Rupert G]

Ronaldinho's keeping mum on transfer

LYON, France, June 21 (AFP) - Ronaldinho, tackled for the umpteenth time on the speculation surrounding a big summer transfer, declined diplomatically to get drawn into revealing his hand here on Saturday.
"I'm concentrating 100 percent on this competition, that's all I'm thinking about at this time," said the smiling Brazilian World Cup winner after his country's 1-0 win over the United States.

The Paris Saint Germain star was reported to have met Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson in Paris this week. Other reports link him to Barcelona.

On the prospect of meeting France in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup however he was more forthcoming.

"That would be a dream, I love France, I live here, it's my home."

On Monday's Group B decider against Turkey he said: "It's going to be a very hard game, we'll be doing everything to win."

sumber: http://www.totalsportsasia.com/afp/english/topics/fblpremier/030621215701.ymq7gg9y.html

[Rupert G]

Beckham: commodity or conquistador?

Sale of the century kickstarts Fergie's regeneration game as the debate over the new boy's role consumes the Bernabeu

By Nick Townsend
22 June 2003


To universal relief - except maybe for the grandmother who contacted the Sun "grief line" claiming the news had her crying herself to sleep, and various young males questioning their sexuality - the deed is done. The Premiership's most recognisable, if not its most adroit, footballer has departed the English game to what will be a daunting challenge to his debatable abilities.

Seated among the dodgems of Spanish football, he can anticipate more than a few shunts to his ego from the current luminaries of Real Madrid before he sustains the faith of his advocates.

Nevertheless, for bad-hair Dave, this figure of ragged-trousered prosperity, it was a move that just had to be made to satisfy his own ambitions and provide an adequate response to those who maintain that the sum of his talents, stripped of his panache with a right-wing cross and a dead ball, and his celebrity as the husband of the singer formerly known as Posh, don't, as the man said, add up to much more than a hill of beans.

There is talk of Move Over Makelele, with Beckham stoking the team's engine alongside, or maybe just in front of the highly regarded Frenchman at right-side midfield. That would offer him a role which has long been his quest at both club and international level, but would also place him under a fearsome Spanish inquisition from the home faithful at the Bernabeu.

The Englishman is unlikely to be exiled on the right wing, because a man named Luis Figo, a character blessed with pace and skill, already has residence there. But that depends upon the future of the Portuguese player, who, by his own extraordinary standards, is adjudged by some to have reached a plateau.

Already Roberto Carlos has staked his claim to continue taking Madrid's free-kicks, which is absurd given that the Brazilian's success rate is on a par with a drunk in a shooting gallery. Anyway, that is one of Beckham's prime raisons d'être. Office politics notwithstanding, it would be a gross self-inflicted error for his team-mates not to hand the dead ball to "Mr Bend It" and demand that he gives an exhibition of his finest art.

While the Spanish conquistadors debate such weighty matters, and the vexed question of his shirt number, the man himself is in the Far East doing his damnedest, although with not spectacular success, to tread warily through a diplomatic minefield. To be apologising to your future team-mates already, and then backtracking on your attitude towards your former club, is not too clever. Best that he confine himself, along with Mrs B, to the relatively uncontentious area of pedicures and manicures.

Back home, there is every reason to believe that Sir Alex Ferguson will not be chewing his - nails, that is - at the reality of losing the England captain. He readily discarded him on occasions last season. In the context of one man having an almost spiritual influence over a team, Beckham's departure cannot begin to compare with the loss of Eric Cantona, whom Ferguson stalked to Paris in an effort to persuade him to postpone retirement.

Ferguson believes that the revitalisation of his team is as necessary as Blair's reshuffle. With an apparent £20m at his disposal, the Scot has bank-notes to burn on acquisitions. A goalkeeper is essential, despite Fabien Barthez's protestations. Paul Robinson from Leeds is the obvious contender and the Yorkshire club would probably sell, but Brad Friedel, who impressed Ferguson greatly last season, should not be overlooked.

If United's rearguard are regarded as a movable feast, then the team will tend to go hungry. They concede too many goals, particularly in Europe. It would hardly rock Old Trafford to its foundations if Gary Neville followed his pal Beckham out of the club, considering that Ferguson's first-choice of back line is likely to be Rio Ferdinand, Mikaël Silvestre, John O'Shea and Wes Brown (when fit). That provides much versatility.

The 21-year-old Philippe Mexes, of Auxerre and France,is the obvious contender to supplement that quartet. But could Gareth Southgate be a possible target to reinforce the defence? It is understood the England man would relish a move from Middlesbrough to feature alongside Ferdinand.

Midfield is the most contentious area of regeneration. Not only is Beckham gone, but Roy Keane's powers appear on the wane, hence the apparent interest in the young Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba. The manager still possesses an indisputably powerful collection of performers in Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, that eternal conundrum Juan Sebastian Veron and Ryan Giggs. The latter has confirmed his loyalty to United, but their inter-est in Leeds' Harry Kewell suggests that the Welshman may not necessarily conclude his career at Old Trafford.

Ronaldinho has been considered the direct replacement for Beckham, but the Brazilian's likeliest destination now appears to be Barcelona. Damien Duff could remain a target, if he can be wrested from a reluctant Blackburn.

The clear evidence is that Ferguson believes United's future does not necessarily rest with 4-4-2. Not in Europe, anyway. The likelihood is that we shall see the champions less dependent on wingers, and more prepared to encourage surging runs into the heart of the opposition from behind Ruud van Nistelrooy.

With the Dutchman in mind, one cannot prophesy whether the striker will have such a prolific season again, but even if he does, injury could intervene. In his absence, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a formidable figure, although arguably he operates rather more effectively in a role on the right. United require another forward, and Jermain Defoe may be the answer, although there is still a sense of potential unfulfilled about the West Ham player.

It is an expression which brings us back to Beckham. A strange thing to be saying about a 28-year-old who is the England captain. But, in a world context, there is a certain truth in that, none the less. While the club he has left behind attempt to benefit from his transfer, Beckham has it all to prove if he is to show he truly is the Real thing.

Rough guide to blending in like the Beckhams

In his Handbook for Travellers in Spain, Richard Ford damns the country's capital with faint praise: in his opinion, "the less time you spend in Madrid, the more you'll like it". Fortunately for the Beckhams, he was writing in 1845, and things have moved on a little since then. It is in the interests of every England supporter that the national team captain and his family feel at home as soon as possible, so we hope the following hints and tips will help:

Shopping

Milan it isn't, but Posh 'n' Becks will find all the usual international suspects - Versace, Gucci, Dolce et Gabbana et al - many of them clustered in the Salamanca district. After his White Period in the States (was this choice of Real's colours, or rather non-colours, a clue as to his final destination?) Beckham might fancy indulging his penchant for dressing up with something a little more colourful, a little bit ethnic. How about a traje de luces (matador's suit of lights)? The cost, around £2,000, wouldn't make much of a dent in the weekly wage, but there are only half-a-dozen or so tailors in the country with the requisite skills, and the process takes several months. A quicker option is a visit to El Flamenco Vive in Conde de Lemos, which specialises in traditional garb for flamenco dancers. And a little thong at twilight? Asuntos Internos ("Internal Affairs") in calle Fuencarral specialises in men's lingerie.

Schools

Runnymede College, an English-speaking school, seems to be the front-runner as an Alma Mater for young Brooklyn and Romeo, but the timetable displays a distinct absence of games periods. Given the Beckhams' desire to conquer the USA, plus Brooklyn's name and place of conception, The American School might be a better bet, because they offer among their facilities a "grass soccer field" - which David will doubtless agree is by far the best kind.

At the hairdresser's

Honorin, also in the calle Fuencarral, are Madrid's original Afro-style hairdressers, specialising in dreadlocks, braiding and extensions. Need we say more? And when that inevitable change of style comes along, it might be useful to know about Narciso Martinez in calle Espo y Mina - it's one of the world's top purveyors of moustache combs.

Eating out

Plenty of choice here. El cocido madrileño, sort of a three-course hotpot, is the most well-known local dish. But given the saga of his transfer, and some of the reporting of it, David might like to try another two of Madrid's traditional dishes: callos a la madrileña (tripe) and oreja (pig's ear).

Useful phrases

"Por favor, no patee esa bota en mi cara" (Please don't kick that boot in my face).

"Que significa usted, soy una reserva otra vez?" (What do you mean, I'm on the bench again?)

"Puede usted me dirige al distribuidor del Ferrari mas cercano?" (Can you direct me to the nearest Ferrari dealership?)

By Simon Redfern

sumber: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/story.jsp?story=417779

[AG]

assaLamuaLaikum, peminat Mu, cik rupert dan cik kaZam, sapo2je La..
sayo nk tny pasaL bekem ke m'sia, nih..


- berapa hari dia di sini?
-kat mana lokasi dia singgah..(kecuaLi klia)
-ada kenakan bayaran?/pas masuk?
-ada tak aturcara ke, program apa, ker yg menarik?
-ada can tak peminat mesia bermesra ngn bekem, etc..dgr kata, penganjur menghadkan komukisainya, ye ke?

pLs, ya..secepat mungkin...grazie.

[kaZam]

AG.. aku x tau.. x silap aku 3 ari jer.. dia nanti main 5 aside game.. tempat, aku x tau.. ermm.. aku dah x amik kesah pon laie pasai dia dah..

[Rupert G]

Kiriman asal oleh AG
assaLamuaLaikum, peminat Mu, cik rupert dan cik kaZam, sapo2je La..
sayo nk tny pasaL bekem ke m'sia, nih..


- berapa hari dia di sini?
-kat mana lokasi dia singgah..(kecuaLi klia)
-ada kenakan bayaran?/pas masuk?
-ada tak aturcara ke, program apa, ker yg menarik?
-ada can tak peminat mesia bermesra ngn bekem, etc..dgr kata, penganjur menghadkan komukisainya, ye ke?

pLs, ya..secepat mungkin...grazie.


Salam.

AG, setahu aku, Beckham ada kat M'sia tidak sampai satu haripun. Esok - 24hb Jun 2003, dia akan berada di Stadium Badminton Cheras dari pukul 11pg. Ini anjuran Castrol. Tiket masuk RM6 dan bab mesra dgn peminat itu terpulang kepada penganjur dan Encik Beckham...:D

Berita lanjut:

Becks to play five-a-side in Malaysia

David Beckham is expected to make a brief return to action when his promotional road show hits Kuala Lumpur.

The England captain arrives in the Malaysian capital comforted in the knowledge that his new employers Real Madrid clinched the Spanish title just days after his £25 million move from Manchester United was confirmed.


Beckham will unveiled on July 2 providing there are no problems with his medical 24 hours earlier.

For the moment he is on personal business in the Far East. He is expected to play in a five-a-side match against a number of celebrities, according to The Star newspaper in Malaysia.

Beckham says he is looking forward to the trip. He spent three days last week in Japan where he was mobbed.

Beckham said: `Not many footballers get the chance to visit Malaysia or much of Asia.

`It's so nice to visit new places and meet new people who have such a wonderful passion for football and winning.'

In a tour sponsored by Castrol UK, Beckham will move on to Vietnam and Thailand on Wednesday before returning home and preparing for a new life in Spain.

sumber: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=270325&cc=4716

[Rupert G]

Press Watch: Laporta linked with bid for Van Nistelrooy


Despite his failure to land David Beckham, the new Barcelona president Joan Laporta is clearly unabashed about launching another ambitious scheme. According to the Mail on Sunday, Laporta now has his sights set on Ruud van Nistelrooy and is prepared to offer Patrick Kluivert plus £15m to persuade Manchester United to exchange one Dutch striker for another.

Sir Alex Ferguson appears unlikely to be tempted, however. The People says the United manager is to return from his summer break this week to give Ronaldinho a personal tour of Old Trafford and is also ready to tempt Harry Kewell from Leeds after being given permission to talk to the Australian. The Sunday Mirror, which says United's £10m bid for Ronaldinho is likely to win Paris St-Germain's favour ahead of Newcastle's offer of cash plus Laurent Robert, reckons Ferguson is ready to move for Blackburn's Damien Duff and the Tottenham full-back Stephen Carr, while the News of the World believes United have clinched the signature of Nantes's Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba.

The Mail reports that Newcastle are to turn to Charlton's Paul Konchesky after rejecting Tottenham's demand that the striker Shola Ameobi be part of any deal for Carr and are close to agreeing a £3m deal with Feyenoord for Brett Emerton. The same paper reckons Newcastle have turned down a West Ham bid to swap striker Frédéric Kanouté for Carl Cort and says they are open to offers for the winger Nolberto Solano.

Liverpool will switch attention to Internazionale's Uruguayan striker Alvaro Recoba if they fail to land Duff, according to the News of the World, which says Arsenal are favourites to land the 22-year-old Brazilian striker Ilan from Atletico Paranense, with another Brazilian, the Bayer Leverkusen defender Lucio, on Arsène Wenger's shopping list if he cannot land Philippe Mexes from Auxerre. The People says Arsenal are talking to the Barcelona midfielder Philip Cocu and reckons Blackburn have lined up Sunderland's Claudio Reyna to replace Duff. Tottenham are eyeing Charlton's Scott Parker and Manchester United's Diego Forlan, the News of the World reports.

sumber: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/story.jsp?story=418025

[Rupert G]

ALEX FERGUSON is in trouble with Paris St Germain after secret talks with Ronaldinho.

Manchester United boss Fergie broke off his holiday in southern France to meet the Brazilian in a hotel on the outskirts of Paris.

Ronaldinho, 23, is in France with Brazil for the Confederations Cup.

PSG officials refused to comment publicly but are understood to be furious.

Ferguson is anxious to clinch a £10million deal with PSG for Ronaldinho to beat off competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

sumber: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2003282254,00.html

[Rupert G]

Ferguson faces Ronaldinho fight

Manchester United face a straight fight with Real Madrid to sign Brazil's World Cup winner Ronaldinho after Barcelona admitted they had been priced out of the deal.

Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell revealed United and Real had both offered £13.9m for the Paris St Germain star, who is Sir Alex Ferguson's top target following the sale of David Beckham.

United are understood to remain favourites to clinch a deal because Ronaldinho fears he may not get regular first-team football at The Bernabeu.

Barcelona have appointed Frank Rijkaard as their new coach and are hoping to bring in a collection of high-profile signings.

But Rosell said: "We want Ronaldinho but our offer is lower than Manchester United and Real Madrid, who have both offered £13.9m, and we are not going to enter into a fight between them.

"Paris St Germain now have new owners as well who want to keep the player, which makes it more difficult."

PSG are also alleged to be angry with United's approach to the deal and sources in France claim Real preesident Florentino Perez was scheduled to arrive in Paris on Monday to discuss the deal.

sumber: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/2997700.stm

[Rupert G]

Ronaldino fits Ferguson's bill

Sir Alex Ferguson may have shown one of soccer's socialites the door after tiring of David Beckham's cult of celebrity - but he is hardly seeking out a shrinking violet in Ronaldinho.

It was clear that Beckham's glitzy lifestyle had worn thin with Ferguson and contributed in some measure to Manchester United's decision to sell him to Real Madrid.

And Ronaldinho is Ferguson's first choice to step into the breach and fill Beckham's number seven shirt at Old Trafford.

Ronaldinho may not enjoy Beckham's A-list lifestyle, but he is hardly renowned for enjoying a quite night in contemplating his next professional fixture.

Indeed, he has made almost as many headlines off the pitch as on it since he broke England's hearts on the way to winning the World Cup in Japan last summer.

He has had a stormy relationship with his club Paris St Germain since the World Cup, appearing to be in constant conflict with their hierarchy and forever linked with moves away.

Ronaldinho is a glorious individual talent who will bring a South American swagger and match-winning quality to Old Trafford, but Ferguson's man-management skills may be put to the test again.

He was a thorn in the side of former coach Luis Fernandez, who never managed to tame a character who was as colourful off the field as on it.

Ronaldinho returned late from France's winter break - and his excuse was not executed quite as slickly as some of his best moves on the pitch.

He assured PSG he was unable to report in time because of surgery to his teeth.

But at the same time as he was meant to be making a date with the dentist's drill he was also getting closer to the females in his home town of Porto Alegre, dancing the night away.

And in March he was jostled by angry fans as he stepped out of his car to greet autograph hunters following PSG's 4-2 home win against Troyes.

Ronaldinho has been the target of supporters' frustrations, a situation not helped by his season being played out against the backdrop of constant transfer speculation.

But one thing is certain - and that is if Ferguson pulls off the deal and reins in Ronaldinho's wild streak, he has a player who could soon make Beckham a distant, albeit happy, memory.

Ronaldinho joined PSG from Brazilian side Gremio in a £5m deal in 2001, rejecting advances from Lazio and Barcelona.

But he shot to prominence last summer with a string of outstanding performances in the World Cup as Brazil reclaimed their crown.

He is a versatile talent who fits Ferguson's bill as he tried to add variety to his Manchester United line-up in a bid to return the Champions League trophy to Old Trafford.

Ronaldinho can play on either flank, and is also able to play off Ruud van Nistelrooy should the opportunity arise.

He is a talent fitting the Old Trafford stage, and while no-one can re-create the circus that surrounded Beckham, Ronaldinho is capable of adding his own dash of South American colour in his place.

sumber: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3012620.stm

[Rupert G]

Best blasts Becks sale

United legend George Best says Sir Alex Ferguson will live to regret selling David Beckham to Real Madrid, in a deal he describes as a "monumental mistake".

The £25million transfer has been the hot topic amongst Reds fans - and former players - since the deal was officially announced last Tuesday on ManUtd.com.

Best, a big fan of the England captain, believes the club have short-changed themselves in letting Becks move to the Bernabeu.

In his column in the Mail on Sunday, Best writes: "How on earth can David Beckham be sold off to Real Madrid for £24.5m when Manchester United paid Leeds £30m for Rio Ferdinand? It makes no sense at all. The whole thing is a shambles."

And in an amazing attack of principles, Best says Ferguson's decision to offload Becks is one instigated by "letting emotions rule his head".

Best added: "They have let him go far too cheaply - he is worth at least £35m-£40m. It's a monumental mistake, and one that Alex Ferguson will come to regret."

But as far as David is concerned, George Best feels he is making a step-up by joining Los Galacticos.

"David is now at the best club in the world," added Best. "Real are in a different class to United - deep down, we all know that. He will be surrounded by the best players in the game; Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Raul. That can only make him a better player."

Scathing of Ferguson, Best concluded: "At some point I am sure fate will show its sense of humour and pitch United and Real against each other in the Champions League. If that happens, Real will surely emerge victorious - and that will really wipe the smile off Fergie's face."

sumber: http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=37943

[Rupert G]

What The Papers Say: Monday 23 June

Best raps Ferguson
George Best last night accused Sir Alex Ferguson of making "a monumental mistake" in selling David Beckham to Real Madrid. Manchester United legend Best branded Beckham's £25million move "a shambles" and insisted the England skipper should never have been allowed to leave Old Trafford. "How on earth can David Beckham be sold to Real Madrid for a paltry £25m, when United paid Leeds £30m for Rio Ferdinand?" said Best.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

PSG fury at Fergie
Alex Ferguson is in trouble with Paris St Germain after secret talks with Ronaldinho. Manchester United boss Fergie broke off his holiday in southern France to meet the Brazilian in a hotel on the outskirts of Paris. Ronaldinho, 23, is in France with Brazil for the Confederations Cup. PSG officials refused to comment publicly but are understood to be furious.
Sports Reporter, The Sun

Juve bid for Ron
Juventus have emerged as surprise contenders in the bid to snatch Ronaldinho from the grasp of Manchester United. United believed they had only Real Madrid and Barcelona as competition for Paris St Germain's £25m Brazilian, but the Italians could also be in the race. A friend of the striker revealed: "Ronaldinho is not talking about the transfer in public but he has made his intentions clear to his friends. His fist choice would be Juventus and he hopes they will come back to talk to him."
George Scott, Daily Star

Broken Gallas: I will quit Chelsea
William Gallas has stunned Chelsea and alerted Arsenal by turning down a new contract and revealing he is ready to quit Stamford Bridge. The French centre back, who cost £6.2million from Marseille two years ago, has demanded talks with manager Claudio Ranieri and looks certain to ask for a transfer. Gallas, 25, is fed up with being asked to play at right-back and even left-back and finding himself second choice behind Marcel Desailly and John Terry. He said: "I am not very happy at Chelsea and I don't know if I will stay or not." Gallas's statement could well spark off a transfer battle. He has already been linked with a move to Arsenal, who need a partner for Sol Campbell. Manager Arsene Wenger has targeted another Frenchman, Philippe Mexes of Auxerre, as his first choice but could switch options now that Gallas has thrown his cards on the table. Manchester United are also interested and if they join the auction it could push the asking price towards £10m.
Lee Reynolds, Daily Mirror

Here come Man U in black
Beckham’s former team-mates look like they’ve gone into mourning for the departing idol - by donning a funereal black kit. It replaces a third-choice blue kit launched just 12 months ago. Fans will have to fork out £39.99 for a short-sleeve top. That should see them nicely in the red.
News Reporter, The Sun

Who needs Becks? He'll be real-ly lucky to play
Real Madrid 3 Athletic Bilbao 1
David Beckham was last night given a stark reminder of the test that awaits him at Real Madrid as his new club clinched the Spanish League title in style. The England captain was thousands of miles away in Japan but after Real's display in their 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao he will be in little doubt that a first team place is by no means a certainty. The time difference between the Far East and Europe means it was unlikely Beckham was able to witness Real's triumph at the Bernabeu, but the former Manchester United star will soon find out just how much he must raise his game to become a permanent fixture in the most expensively assembled side in the world. The Brazilian connection in the form of Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos helped clinched the La Liga title with the goals here, but it was the extraordinary all-round team performance which will have left Beckham with much to ponder before he officially signs on July 2. Some of the one-touch football and almost telepathic understanding between the Real midfield and attack was little short of breathtaking. Ronaldo scored twice and was in imperious form, while Roberto Carlos scored with a trademark free-kick to remind Beckham there is more than one dead-ball specialist at Real.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

United they fall
David Beckham's father Ted has revealed how he believes Sir Alex Ferguson has stabbed his son in the back. He says Beckham didn't want to rot in the reserves under Fergie, and be treated like Dwight Yorke was by the Manchester United manager. This simply proves that United have to come clean and answer some big questions.
Brian Woolnough, Daily Star

Becks has been learning lingo for two years
Soccer hero David Beckham has secretly been learning Spanish for two years, it was revealed last night. University tutor Prof Ellis Cashmore said he "knew for a fact" the England captain had been having private lessons at his Beckingham Palace mansion in Herts. The revelation has cast new light on the mystery of exactly how long ago the former Manchester United ace's £25million transfer to Real Madrid was planned. The Staffordshire University sociology lecturer, who wrote the biography Beckham, published last year, said: "I was told on very good authority he has been studying Spanish for at least two years. It would all fit into place about how this deal has been done - and it's a deal that's been in the making for a lot longer than any of us ever knew. To believe this has all happened in the last couple of weeks is nonsense."
John Mahoney, Daily Star

Becks must seize chance to make Real reputation
This may come as a surprise to many of you but there is also a footballer called David Beckham. This David Beckham is not to be confused with the Beckham range of commodities, the Beckham Advertising and Marketing Corporation, the Beckham World Travel Consortium, BeckSpice Music Inc, Beckham Hair and Nail Products Ltd, the Beckham Foundation for Sick Children or Beck and Call Communications. Without so much as a by-your-leave, David Beckham the footballer has been sold by Manchester United FC to Real Madrid CF, where he will be required to take a pay cut of approximately £10,000 a week. Beckham is pleading for time to acclimatise to the white heat of Madrid but he will be given scant tolerance by the aficionados if any compromise with their traditions fails to deliver immediate results. There are all manner of commercial motives for Beckham's signing but once the mania has come to its crescendo in September, a Spanish game for macho men will be waiting to pass judgement. He travels with our hopes and best wishes. Not forgetting our thanks.
Jeff Powell, Daily Mail

Madrid masterplan has Eastern promise
It is only now that the people of Madrid are beginning to understand just what is coming their way next month. Beckhamania is sweeping across the Far East and the journalists sent from Spain to cover this extraordinary event are looking on with increasing amazement. In Tokyo on Friday, Real Madrid's latest signing found himself mobbed by hordes of screaming kids in scenes that reminded Juan Castro, a senior reporter from Spanish sports daily Marca, of watching the Pope on TV. "I'm not sure the readers will believe me, but it is incredible how many people appear to love David Beckham," he said with a shake of the head.
Matt Lawton, Daily Mail

Becks plays keepy uppy
David Beckham showed off his world-class ability up front yesterday - by playing an unusual version of keepy uppy with his baseball cap. He looked like he was up to some bizarre ball-juggling as he flew into Bangkok. But in fact, Becks had just decided to dangle his cap from his waist as he and Posh jetted into the Thai capital. The couple were heading for a famous Thai health resort to recharge their batteries after a hectic five days in Japan during their Far East tour.
Thomas Whitaker, The Sun

Dodgy spell for new baby Becks
A soccer-mad couple from Transylvania have named their baby David Beckham - or rather, David-Becham. For dozy officials stumbled over the spelling and missed out the K on his birth certificate. Dad Joo Imre, 35, said: “I’ll change it to Beckham, but the procedure is expensive and takes a long time. Even without the K, Becham is OK. You can’t tell the difference when speaking.” Factory worker and weightlifter Joo and his girlfriend Viorica Precup are big fans of the England captain. They watched Manchester United games on TV at home in Cluj, Romania, and hope to see him play for Real Madrid after his £25million move to Spain.
Philip Cardy, The Sun

If you love sushi so much Becks, why eat burger and chips 3 times in 4 days?
He told the locals he loved their national dish sushi, but David Beckham preferred to tuck into burgers while he was in Japan. The England skipper reckoned his favourite delicacy was California rolls. However, on his first day he said: "I couldn't get sushi in the hotel so I had cheeseburger and chips." The next day he reiterated his fondness for the healthy raw fish on Japanese TV, but claimed this time he was far too busy to get to a restaurant to buy some. So he had to settle for burger and fries at his hotel again. The Japanese were beginning to smell a rat in the former Manchester United star's claim that sushi was high on his list of culinary delights. So the next day a group of jokers surprised him on live TV by producing a portion of the food. To be fair to Becks, he wolfed it down, then had the audience in fits of laughter by pretending to gag. But 24 hours later he was back on the high-calorie burgers, this time at McDonald's.
Rosa Prince, Daily Mirror

sumber:http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsId=37970&itype=466&icategoryid=365

[Rupert G]

Djemba-Djemba - I'm coming to United

Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba has claimed he has met Sir Alex Ferguson and will be a Manchester United player next season.

The 22-year-old claimed in The News of the World: "I got some phone calls telling me United were interested - and I'm thrilled such a big club have come in for me.

"I have already met Sir Alex Ferguson at Nantes and it was great to meet such a famous manager. I was stunned when I heared a deal had been agreed. I'm so excited about playing in England."

Djemba-Djemba is currently playing for his country in the Confederations Cup - and if the move goes ahead it is unlikely to take place until after the competition is completed.

sumber: http://www.4thegame.com/news/breakingnews/12107

[Mayamulisha]

Barca: United outbid us for Ronnie

Barcelona have admitted defeat in their attempts to sign Ronaldinho from Paris Saint Germain.

The Catalan side, who failed in a bid for David Beckham, have been outbid by Manchester United and arch-rivals Real Madrid.


Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to have made the Brazilian his main summer transfer target but the World Cup winner is believed to favour a move to Spain.

And Ferguson is willing to spend more than half of the income from the sale of Beckham - almost £14 million - to bring Ronaldinho to Old Trafford.

`We want Ronaldinho but our offer is lower than Manchester United and Real Madrid, who have both offered £13.9million, and we are not going to enter into a fight between them,' said Barca vice-president Sandro Rosell.

`Paris St Germain now have new owners as well who want to keep the player, which makes it more difficult.'

As Madrid are not thought to be serious contenders for Ronaldinho with president Florentino Perez ruling out a move after clinching the Beckham deal, Rosell's comments would appear to put United into pole position in the race for the former Gremio forward's signature.

Meanwhile, Barca defender Frank de Boer could be headed to England after admitting he had received offers from Premiership clubs.

The Holland international's future at the Nou Camp is uncertain with a new president installed recently and a new coach also expected following Raddy Antic's fire-fighting job.

`I've not spoken to the new president yet so I don't know what his philosophy is,' said De Boer, whose brother Ronald plays in Scotland with Rangers.

`I have not set any deadline for a decision over my future. I was stay here, this is my first choice for me and my family. I would even consider taking a pay cut, it depends on what the offer is.

`I have had offers from other clubs including from the Premiership, but I have told them that at the moment my priority is to remain here.'


sumber : http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=270321&cc=4716

[Rupert G]

Salam.

Aiseyyyy Maya, lupa nak kasi lu tiket tengok Beck...takpelah, biar aku "frame" saja :D

[Mayamulisha]

tak per la...apa apa pon TQ aaaa..aik camner leh memalam ni ada ni...

apasal Ym tak nyala??

[Rupert G]

Salam.

Laaa...kenapa? Tak percaya ke? Takan lu sorang je yang boleh masuk malam? :p

[Mayamulisha]

percaya percaya...kalu tak percaya takkan tanya.... :)

[Rupert G]

Salam.

Hehehe...ni si delete pon ada...korang kat cc kaa? Atau, masih kat opis?

[delete]

Memang kami kat 'opis ' lagi ni..... line 1 Mbps ni tapi sayang firewall redirect url bincang.net ke website baik punya.... hahahah

[Rupert G]

Salam.

Heh...heard about that...aku kat cc nih, tapi asyik kerap kena "refresh"...kalau tak IE tak kemaskini...walaupun aku dah "post"...:D