Manchester United Thread

[opsmonkey]

In a season where Liverpool have


Beaten Manchester United 2-1
Beaten Everton away 2-0
Beaten Manchester City 3-2, after being 2 goals down..
Beaten Chelsea at their own ground, ending their home run, 1-0
Beating them again 2-0 later on in the season
Getting last gasp winners to beat Pompey, after they looked down and out..
Beating Real Madrid away 1-0
Beating them again, this time 4-0
Coming to Manchester United, and winning 4-1
Beaten Aston Villa 5-0


All these impressive results, and what have they got to show for it? not even a Carling Cup, not even a sniff of any final at all

We have got a geniune title challenge from it.. and as i know.. nothing scares you all more than the thought of your friends from down the East Lancs being genuine challengers..

I'm not going to dispute the fact that after 9 months you generally finish where you deserve..

In 1991-92 season we laughed all the way home when you threw the league away.. but you had a genuine challenge.. your first for 25 years..

We all know what happened after that..

So i think we have got a lot from this season.. a lot more than you think

[young]

opps you may be right you may be wrong but since 92 you have spent 11 million less on players than united and what have you won compered to united

and rafa has spent more than fergi since he joined
Transfer League
The table below represents the clubs per season net spend on purchasing players from the beginning of the premiership season 1992/93 to date. Purchases is the total spent on buying players, sold is the total received from the sale players and net is Purchased minus sold giving a total of the money spend on players . The per season column gives an average of the money spend in each season in the corresponding period. If you click on the teams name in the left hand column of the page you will get a precise breakdown of each individual clubs transfer details.

# Net Spend 92 - 09 Purchased Sold Nett Per Season

1 Chelsea ?538,690,000 ?185,750,000 ?352,940,000 ?20,761,176
2 Liverpool ?380,115,000 ?177,670,000 ?202,445,000 ?11,908,529
3 Manchester United ?391,150,000 ?190,565,000 ?200,585,000 ?11,799,118
4 Manchester City ?274,380,000 ?80,553,000 ?193,827,000 ?11,401,588
5 Tottenham ?356,600,000 ?174,317,500 ?182,282,500 ?10,722,500
6 Newcastle ?304,195,000 ?175,225,000 ?128,970,000 ?7,586,471
7 Aston Villa ?218,190,000 ?92,225,000 ?125,965,000 ?7,409,706
9 Sunderland ?152,765,000 ?52,480,000 ?100,285,000 ?5,899,118
8 Middlesborough ?179,285,000 ?86,770,000 ?92,515,000 ?5,442,059
10 Arsenal ?259,940,000 ?180,724,000 ?79,216,000 ?4,659,765
11 Everton ?194,745,000 ?139,270,000 ?55,475,000 ?3,263,235
12 Portsmouth ?108,100,000 ?91,195,000 ?16,905,000 ?994,412
13 Blackburn Rovers ?164,650,000 ?151,335,000 ?13,315,000 ?783,235
14 West Ham ?148,582,000 ?173,282,000 -?24,700,000 -?1,452,941

Leeds United ?145,780,000 ?135,345,000 ?10,435,000 ?613,824

The table below represents the clubs net spend per season from the beginning of season 04/05 to date. This was the season that Rapha Benitez became Liverpool manager. Purchases is the total spent on buying players, sold is the total received from the sale of players and Nett equals the Purchased minus Sold giving a total of the money spend on players.

The per season column gives an average of the money spend in each season in the corresponding period season 04/05 to date

# Net Spend 04 - 09 Purchased Sold Nett Per Season

1 Chelsea ?248,450,000 ?117,300,000 ?131,150,000 ?26,230,000
2 Manchester City ?171,020,000 ?49,900,000 ?121,120,000 ?24,224,000
3 Liverpool ?212,490,000 ?102,030,000 ?110,460,000 ?22,092,000
4 Tottenham ?235,500,000 ?137,250,000 ?98,250,000 ?19,650,000
5 Manchester United ?169,450,000 ?76,050,000 ?93,400,000 ?18,680,000
6 Aston Villa ?95,150,000 ?21,255,000 ?73,895,000 ?14,779,000
9 Sunderland ?80,580,000 ?11,650,000 ?68,930,000 ?13,786,000
7 Newcastle ?120,750,000 ?83,400,000 ?37,350,000 ?7,470,000
8 Middlesborough ?62,200,000 ?32,500,000 ?29,700,000 ?5,940,000
10 Everton ?80,100,000 ?56,200,000 ?23,900,000 ?4,780,000
12 Arsenal ?102,050,000 ?81,720,000 ?20,330,000 ?4,066,000
11 Portsmouth ?85,200,000 ?71,010,000 ?14,190,000 ?2,838,000
13 West Ham ?75,145,000 ?61,625,000 ?13,520,000 ?2,704,000
14 Blackburn Rovers ?36,100,000 ?36,290,000 -?190,000 -?38,000

Leeds United ?5,900,000 ?13,050,000 -?7,150,000 -?1,787,500

any one wishing for more info click the link its all there for you .

[opsmonkey]

Now whose banging on about the past..

[young]

Not banging on about the past ops just thought he would have won the league with what he spent and as rafa says we onli won it because you have not got the same amount of money to spend as united have got well maybe rafa should read the facts

[opsmonkey]

Not banging on about the past ops just thought he would have won the league with what he spent and as rafa says we onli won it because you have not got the same amount of money to spend as united have got well maybe rafa should read the facts

he's bought some poor players.. but he's off loaded them just as quick when they havent worked to his credit..

TBH we havent got your money.. your home gate brings in nearly twice as much income per game..

It shouldnt be an excuse though..

I'm looking forward to next season just to prove that we are still on our f'ing perch..!

[young]

to be honest ops this has prob been the best prem league for a long time you give us a good run for our money. and it was a north west 1 and 2 which was a good thing for the northwest i suppose. personaly i cant wait for next season because i expect liverpool,arsenal and chelsea to be even stronger and it can only be good for the premier league pal

[radioham]

Well said!!!!!!!!!!!!Cheers Chas.

[gmb45]

CRISTIANO RONALDO EXCLUSIVE

'This United team will go down in history'

FORGET THE tantrums, forget the flirtation with Real Madrid, forget the longing in those Spanish eyes.

Today, Cristiano Ronaldo nails once and for all the idea that he will conquer Barcelona on Wednesday - and then head off to the Bernabeu.

Sure, we've heard it before. But never this definitive, never this passionate, never this convincing. If he leaves Old Trafford after this proclamation of loyalty, Ronaldo will go down as one of the most insincere, double-dealing football superstars. A man whose word means nothing.

The European and World Player of the Year has chosen the build-up to this week's epic Champions League showdown in Rome as the moment to pledge his heart, body and soul to Manchester United.

Ronaldo declares: "This is my home now. I think even when I say my heart is here, people are still going to speak and make things up. But this is where I want to play.

"We are part of an era that can go down in history for the way we are playing and for the trophies we are winning. The boss believes in this team and so do I. And this is where I want to be. Manchester United is now my house."

Ah, the boss. The one who would no longer have been with us had Portuguese looks been able to kill during the Manchester derby just a fortnight ago.
Bond

That, it seems, was just a tiff between dad and lad. Famously, Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted his holiday last summer to have a heart-to-heart with Ronaldo as the pressure from Madrid seemed sure to pay dividends.

At the time, it was suggested Ronaldo was not happy with Ferguson's stance. Now, it seems to have strengthened the bond between the two.

Ronaldo explains: "He is two different people and they have both helped me become who I am today. Firstly, he is probably the most knowledgeable football coach in the world. I learn from him every day.

"No matter how good I become, I know he is a man who will always be able to teach me that little bit more. I don't get tired of learning from him because I know every bit of advice he gives me will make me a better player.

"The second person he is, is a father to me. Ever since I joined Manchester United, he has been like a second father to me. And I don't just respect him, I have the affection for him a child has for his father.

"When he gives me advice that is non-football, I listen because it will make me a better person."

Ronaldo's prolonged, often intense, dalliance with his persistent Spanish suitors appeared to have affected his form for a short but worrying while.

But he has quickly returned to his imperious best, two magnificent goals at The Emirates sealing United's passage to a second successive Champions League final. And he is convinced that - under the guidance of Ferguson - there is a lot more to come from a player who has already established himself as the outstanding talent of his generation.

He explained: "That is the goal, to always get better. And the manager we have here is not the sort of man to say 'right you are good enough now, don't try and get any better'.

"He is a winner and he wants all of us to get better and works with us all individually to make sure that happens.

"If you look at somebody like Ryan Giggs, he keeps working to get better even at his age and he keeps winning.

"Maybe as you get older your game changes and you have to adapt your style but I don't think I am quite there yet.

"I don't know how much better I can get but I do know every day I turn up for work will be a day I am trying to improve as Cristiano Ronaldo the football player."

And his dedication is matched by an unshakeable self-belief, a confidence that was instilled in him by his country's most celebrated player
He recalled: "When I was growing up, Luis Figo was the biggest player in Portugal. Luis was his own player who had belief in himself and that is what he has taught me.

"When I was 17 and with the national squad, he came up to me after the first training session and said that some of the things I did with a football, he had never seen anybody in the world do before.

"It is that sort of belief in you that gives you the confidence. I decided then only to have my own style of play. I don't want to imitate anybody, individuality is everything to me."

But it's not all instinct. He goes on: "Most things on the pitch come naturally, without even thinking about it. But at times you might be in training and think 'I would like to try this in a match'.

"Nothing comes easy. When you see the best players in the world, they, of course, have natural ability. But you still have to work, work, work."
Deny

And Ronaldo's work ethic, allied to his prodigious ability, has already brought him three Premier League medals and a Champions League medal.

But most people still thought this would be his last season at Old Trafford and, two days ago, Real were forced to deny reports that they had signed a pre-contract agreement with the player.

However, although they are now playing down the prospects of capturing the World Player of the Year, Real are sure to come calling as soon as their presidential elections are complete.

But such is the emphatic nature of this commitment to the United cause, the more likely happening is Ronaldo's advisers will call United officials to the negotiating table this summer and try and thrash out a new, extended contract. The Premier League top scorer still has three years of his current deal left to run, on a wage believed to be in the region of ?120,000 a week.

But in return for his long-term pledge, Ronaldo's agent is likely to look for a hefty pay rise to make him the Premier League's top earner.

In the not too distant future, he could become the first Premier League player to earn ?200,000 a week.
Respect

But, for the moment, all that matters to Ronaldo is silverware rather than silver coins - and the small matter of the showdown with Barcelona.

And having already wrapped up the domestic title, Ronaldo is convinced United can secure successive Premier-Champions League doubles.

He said: "This year, it is the final between the two best teams in the world and I think it is the showpiece that, perhaps, the football fan wanted to see.

"They have an excellent player in every position on the pitch but so do we. We know how well we have to play to beat them and we know how much respect we need to show them by playing to the top of ability.

"But we are full of confidence at the moment and believe we can be the first team to win it back to back."

RONALDO ON ROONEY

YOU look at Rooney on the pitch and just one word springs to mind - WINNER. You will never see him have a game where he doesn't give 100 percent.

You can see the pain and frustration on his face when results don't go right. Every team wants players who play with their heart and soul - and he is one of those.

Our understanding on the pitch has even improved from last season. As we get to play with each other more we know where the other one is going to run - it has become like second nature now.

RONALDO ON FANS

THEY are fantastic and they are another reason why Manchester is now my house.

They are so loyal and it is nice to be able to reward them with a trip to Rome and another European Cup final.

We hope to win it again for them. We know how hard it is to win it back to back but, if any fans deserve to see their team do that, then it is them.
RONALDO ON FAMILY

THE first European Cup final I remember was AC Milan v Juventus and then I was not thinking about playing in European Cup finals - my aim was just to make a living out of being a professional football player.

It is a dream come true and I owe so much of it to my parents.

Last year - after we won the semi-final - my mother called me up right away and I thought she was calling up to congratulate me. But she said ... 'Don't forget, your mama wants tickets for the final.

I said 'Don't worry Mama - of course you are coming'.

It will be the same this year and it makes me feel so good to know she wants to watch me and is proud of me.
RONALDO ON MESSI

IT is not good to go on to the pitch in awe of somebody but I very much respect Lionel Messi as a player.

He has a great style of play and I am sure he will be as excited about the final as I am.

[radioham]

Well if he signs that massive contract with NIKE,he won't be going to Real Madrid anyway because they are signed up to ADIDAS!!!!!!!!!!!!Cheers Chas.

[gmb45]

GIGGS:dont go, ron !

RYAN GIGGS has pleaded with Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United.

The Portuguese superstar, 24, has told close friends tonight's Champions League final against Barcelona will be his last game for United.

Real Madrid are desperate to land Ronaldo this summer but Giggs insisted: "He is at the best club.

"Cristiano has proved he is the best player in the world over the last couple of years and he has done that at United, so why leave? He's still a young player, still learning the game and can still improve. He can do that at United."

Ronaldo sees the challenge of reviving Madrid's fortunes as too good to turn down.

But Giggs said: "Real Madrid will come back purely because of the club they are and the history they have got.

"But United are more stable in the fact there are no presidential elections and the manager's been here so long."

Giggs, 35, believes Ronaldo will thrive in the pressure-cooker atmosphere against Barca in Rome tonight.

He added: "He's a big-game player. He was brilliant last season in the final and scored and he thrives on those games."

[koppit]

opps you may be right you may be wrong but since 92 you have spent 11 million less on players than united and what have you won compered to united

and rafa has spent more than fergi since he joined
Transfer League
The table below represents the clubs per season net spend on purchasing players from the beginning of the premiership season 1992/93 to date. Purchases is the total spent on buying players, sold is the total received from the sale players and net is Purchased minus sold giving a total of the money spend on players . The per season column gives an average of the money spend in each season in the corresponding period. If you click on the teams name in the left hand column of the page you will get a precise breakdown of each individual clubs transfer details.

# Net Spend 92 - 09 Purchased Sold Nett Per Season

1 Chelsea ?538,690,000 ?185,750,000 ?352,940,000 ?20,761,176
2 Liverpool ?380,115,000 ?177,670,000 ?202,445,000 ?11,908,529
3 Manchester United ?391,150,000 ?190,565,000 ?200,585,000 ?11,799,118
4 Manchester City ?274,380,000 ?80,553,000 ?193,827,000 ?11,401,588
5 Tottenham ?356,600,000 ?174,317,500 ?182,282,500 ?10,722,500
6 Newcastle ?304,195,000 ?175,225,000 ?128,970,000 ?7,586,471
7 Aston Villa ?218,190,000 ?92,225,000 ?125,965,000 ?7,409,706
9 Sunderland ?152,765,000 ?52,480,000 ?100,285,000 ?5,899,118
8 Middlesborough ?179,285,000 ?86,770,000 ?92,515,000 ?5,442,059
10 Arsenal ?259,940,000 ?180,724,000 ?79,216,000 ?4,659,765
11 Everton ?194,745,000 ?139,270,000 ?55,475,000 ?3,263,235
12 Portsmouth ?108,100,000 ?91,195,000 ?16,905,000 ?994,412
13 Blackburn Rovers ?164,650,000 ?151,335,000 ?13,315,000 ?783,235
14 West Ham ?148,582,000 ?173,282,000 -?24,700,000 -?1,452,941

Leeds United ?145,780,000 ?135,345,000 ?10,435,000 ?613,824

The table below represents the clubs net spend per season from the beginning of season 04/05 to date. This was the season that Rapha Benitez became Liverpool manager. Purchases is the total spent on buying players, sold is the total received from the sale of players and Nett equals the Purchased minus Sold giving a total of the money spend on players.

The per season column gives an average of the money spend in each season in the corresponding period season 04/05 to date

# Net Spend 04 - 09 Purchased Sold Nett Per Season

1 Chelsea ?248,450,000 ?117,300,000 ?131,150,000 ?26,230,000
2 Manchester City ?171,020,000 ?49,900,000 ?121,120,000 ?24,224,000
3 Liverpool ?212,490,000 ?102,030,000 ?110,460,000 ?22,092,000
4 Tottenham ?235,500,000 ?137,250,000 ?98,250,000 ?19,650,000
5 Manchester United ?169,450,000 ?76,050,000 ?93,400,000 ?18,680,000
6 Aston Villa ?95,150,000 ?21,255,000 ?73,895,000 ?14,779,000
9 Sunderland ?80,580,000 ?11,650,000 ?68,930,000 ?13,786,000
7 Newcastle ?120,750,000 ?83,400,000 ?37,350,000 ?7,470,000
8 Middlesborough ?62,200,000 ?32,500,000 ?29,700,000 ?5,940,000
10 Everton ?80,100,000 ?56,200,000 ?23,900,000 ?4,780,000
12 Arsenal ?102,050,000 ?81,720,000 ?20,330,000 ?4,066,000
11 Portsmouth ?85,200,000 ?71,010,000 ?14,190,000 ?2,838,000
13 West Ham ?75,145,000 ?61,625,000 ?13,520,000 ?2,704,000
14 Blackburn Rovers ?36,100,000 ?36,290,000 -?190,000 -?38,000

Leeds United ?5,900,000 ?13,050,000 -?7,150,000 -?1,787,500

any one wishing for more info click the link its all there for you .

Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez at loggerheads over spending | Premier League - Times Online

[aftermath]

Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez at loggerheads over spending | Premier League - Times Online

thats 4 month old news.

[koppit]

as is all talk of who spent what and when, its not about how much you spend but what you spend it on

[gmb45]

Manchester United close to pipping Real Madrid for ?17million Wigan star

Manchester United are ready to clinch a ?17million deal for Wigan winger Luis Antonio Valencia in the next few days.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has given the thumbs-up to bid for the Ecuador star and United are confident that rivals Real Madrid can be seen off in the chase because the player wants to join them.

Chief executive David Gill is trying to agree a fee with Latics but does not want to get involved in an auction ? and the Old Trafford club believe that their offer is fair.

United have been discussing player exchanges in the talks but this is now complicated because Steve Bruce has left and Roberto Martinez is set to take over as boss. Wigan may now prefer straight cash.

Real sent a delegation to Wigan last month ? as Mirror Sport revealed ? and were willing to pay around ?18m.

However, Valencia is only second-choice at Real behind United?s Cristiano Ronaldo and he is more interested in staying in the Premier League.

Valencia is on World Cup duty with his country, but can return to England at the end of the week and hopes to have a medical at United as soon as possible.

His capture is not seen as meaning an exit for Ronaldo inside United. He is more of a potential replacement for the disappointing Nani, but he could also become a right- wing regular ? with Ferguson planning to mix and match next season.

Ronaldo could play a central role more often, while Valencia can also be used in midfield.

[andy4]

i'd like to see luis go to utd so ronaldo can ~~~~ off outta the epl & we don't av to put up with his crybaby antics.