Owen, a busted flush or another inspirational Ferguson signing
July 5, 2009
Most Manchester United fans will not have been excited when they heard of the club’s plans to sign Michael Owen. The experienced England striker certainly did not fit the usual profile of Alex Ferguson’s signings, at too old and far too injury-prone.
But could Owen prove to be another one of Ferguson’s transfer masterstrokes to rank alongside the likes of Eric Cantona and Henrik Larsson?
The departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have left United very short of attacking options, leaving Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov as the only experienced forwards at Old Trafford.
Danny Wellbeck and Federico Macheda are promising players but surely not ready to play regularly at the highest level. So why not bring in Owen to help their development, a player with 40 international goals and despite his recent injury problems, a good scoring record throughout his career even in a poor Newcastle side over the last four years?
Ferguson surely has nothing to lose. Owen cost nothing, is on a salary dependent on the number of games he plays and the number of goals he scores. He is desperate to play at next year’s World Cup and, after a few years in the wilderness, has everything to prove at the age of 29. He could barely disguise the grin on his face during interviews on Saturday.
Owen to Manchester United could be a disaster on both sides. But, equally, it could be a match made in heaven.
PHOTO: Michael Owen (L) leaves the Bridgewater hospital in Manchester after undergoing a medical before signing for United, July 3, 2009. REUTERS
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Rangers willing to sell players, says Smith
July 5, 2009
GLASGOW (AFP) – Rangers manager Walter Smith has confirmed that the Glasgow club will listen to bids for any player currently on its books.
Ibrox officials made it clear back in January they could be forced to sell key players in a bid to balance the books, although no big names left at that time.
Rangers fans had hoped winning the Premier League – and securing automatic entry into the lucrative group stages of the Champions League as a result – would mean holding on to their top stars.
But Smith told the Sunday Mail: “What happened in January is still there. Every player is susceptible to a bid.
“We told them circumstances meant we had to sell a player and we’re still in that situation.
“I know there’s a feelgood factor after winning the double but this doesn’t go away.
“Yes, it’s far less of a problem than in January. But the problem most teams out of the big leagues have is still at Rangers’ door.”
Smith has also revealed there will be no major signings ahead of the new campaign.
“We won’t be spending a lot on players just because we’re in the Champions League. We still have to be prudent.”
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Xabi and Masch will be staying, says goalkeeper Reina
July 5, 2009
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is confident the club will keep hold of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
Reina’s Spanish team-mate Xabi Alonso has been strongly linked with Real Madrid, while Barcelona are thought to be courting Mascherano.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has rejected speculation linking the pair with moves out of Anfield and Reina believes his manager has no plans to sell the pair as he builds a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title.
“I believe that he [Benitez] has his mind very clear and his idea in these moments is to not sell,” Reina told EFE.
“He wants to continue with a team he has known for a long time, with an already fundamented base and where we know almost everything.
“Whoever wants to touch this team or this structure [Liverpool] will have to pay a lot of money.”
Meanwhile, Reina has hit out at Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez for snubbing moves to Liverpool this summer.
Long-term transfer target Barry left Aston Villa to join City earlier this summer and Tevez looks set to join him at Eastlands after ruling out a switch to Liverpool.
Reina believes the pair have made a mistake in shunning Liverpool feeling money was the motivating factor in their decisions to spurn a switch to Anfield
“Apparently, they moved for the money. That is their decision but I also think it is their problem if they cannot see that Liverpool is a bigger club,” Reina is quoted as saying in the News of the World.
“It’s up to them what they do but let me tell them that I am very proud to play for Liverpool. We can offer European football and I think that should have been a consideration for them.”
“Everybody knows what it is to play for Liverpool. It’s a pleasure and a tremendous honour. I am surprised they didn’t consider these things.”
“Some things in a player’s career should be more important than money.”
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Berg set for Premiership, says Groningen manager
July 5, 2009
Groningen manager Hans Nijland has conceded he expects highly-rated striker Marcus Berg to leave for the Premier League this summer.
The 22-year-old is wanted by two Premier League clubs, believed to be Tottenham and Aston Villa, after impressing for Sweden in the European Under-21 Championship in his homeland.
The promising striker won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals, after netting a hat-trick in Sweden’s opening match against Belarus and scoring twice against England.
“Soren Lerby, the agent of Marcus Berg, has informed us there is a really serious interest from two clubs in the Premier League,” explained Nijland.
“We have his replacement already lined up.”
Villa and Spurs are reportedly leading the chase for the striker’s services, although Everton have also been credited with an interest.
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Gers squad for sale, admits Smith
July 5, 2009
Scottish League Champions Rangers’ boss Walter Smith has admitted that the title winning squad is still up for sale at Ibrox for the right price.
Smith, who ended rivals Celtic’s reign as SPL champions, admits that every player has a price, as the club look towards financial stability.
The Glasgow club, who have booked a seat in the lucrative group stages of the Champions League, would consider any bids for their top players, Smith conceded.
“What happened in January is still there. Every player is susceptible to a bid,” Smith told the Sunday Mail.
“We told them circumstances meant we had to sell a player and we’re still in that situation.”
“I know there’s a feelgood factor after winning the double but this doesn’t go away.”
With no big-money spending this summer, Smith is confident that the current squad can still achieve success.
“We know we won’t have a big-name buy but we do have a team that can be successful,” added Smith.
“We’ve lost players like Carlos Cuellar and Alan Hutton and still managed to get success.”
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Carlos believes that he is not a traitor
July 5, 2009
Ex-Manchester United player Carlos Tevez believes that he will not be viewed as a traitor by the Old Trafford faithful if he completes a transfer to the club’s cross-city rivals.
The Argentine International, who turned down a permanent deal at United last month after a two-year loan deal, has been linked with a lucrative move to Manchester City.
But big spenders London club Chelsea FC aren’t far away and are reportedly tracking the 25-year-old’s availability
However, the Eastlands is believed to be Tevez’s likely destination this summer.
Tevez told The People: “If I play for Manchester City I don’t think the United fans will feel I am a traitor.”
“They have to remember that at least as far as I know I have been thrown out of the club and I have to study the best offers available.”
Tevez’s decision to turn down the offer of a five-year deal at United has been defended by his adviser Kia Joorabchian, and the player himself insists manager Sir Alex Ferguson left him with little choice but to move on.
“It has come about because I could not stand my sporting situation at Manchester United any longer,” he continued.
“My first year was good in all senses. I played in the games and felt respected by the coach but in my second year some strange things happened that I still do not understand.”
“After the game at Old Trafford where Liverpool beat us [4-1, in March], Ferguson ignored me almost as if I was to blame for the defeat when really Liverpool dominated us all over the pitch.”
“After that the fans called for me to be in the team but he never took the advice on board because he always knows best.”
“I gave everything for Manchester United and people know that. For that reason I don’t deserve the way things have ended up.”
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Sunday’s transfer rumours
July 5, 2009
‘Manchester City are said to be preparing a final £35m bid for England captain Terry.’ – Daily Mail
‘Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.’ – News of the World
‘Mascherano’s departure looks imminent after he fell out with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez towards the end of last season.’ – Daily Mail
‘New Manchester United striker Michael Owen has revealed how he would have taken a £100,000 pay cut to rejoin old club Liverpool.’ – News of the World
‘Manchester United winger Nani fears for his future at the club following the arrival of Antonio Valencia. Both Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are interested in the Portuguese 22-year-old.’ – News of the World
‘New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to be handed a transfer kitty of £60m when he officially takes over on Monday.’ – Daily Star
‘Chelsea could use some of that cash to make a move for Real Madrid winger Wesley Sneijder.’ – News of the World
‘And the Stamford Bridge club could make a last-ditch attempt to sign Argentine forward Carlos Tevez who is on the verge of joining Manchester City.’ – News of the World
‘Newcastle United are lining up a double swoop for Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell and Manchester City forward Ched Evans.’ – News of the World
‘Liverpool will have to battle it out with Real Madrid for Valencia midfielder David Silva.’ – News of the World
‘Real Madrid are set to bid £55m for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. Frenchman Ribery is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United.’ – Daily Star on Sunday
‘AC Milan are ready to offer £20m plus former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini for Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor.’ – Sunday Mirror
‘But Adebayor’s agent Stephane Courbis has said the 25-year-old will remain at the club, ending speculation of a move to Italian side AC Milan.’ – The Observer
‘AC Milan are pursuing Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who is also a target for Manchester United.’ – Sunday Times
‘Everton manager David Moyes is lining up a move for Manchester United’s veteran midfielder Paul Scholes.’ – Daily Star
‘Everton’s Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has told friends he fancies a move to Italy or Spain as he is fed up with the rain in England. ‘ – Sunday Express
‘Fulham are set to battle it out with Sunderland and AC Milan for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.’ – Daily Star
‘But Sunderland appear to have won the race for £14m rated England striker Crouch.’ – The People
‘Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is keeping tabs on Athletico Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who has been dubbed Spain’s Peter Crouch.’ – News of the World
‘Birmingham are interested in taking Tottenham left-back Gareth Bale on loan next season.’ – Daily Star
‘Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is lining up a £4m bid for Norway striker Moa Abdellaoue from Valarenga.’ – News of the World
‘Wigan are battling it out with Sunderland for Reading winger Stephen Hunt.’ – News of the World
‘Former Arsenal and Portsmouth defender Lauren is wanted by Hull City.’ – News of the World
‘Hull are also keeping tabs on Fulham striker Bobby Zamora having lost out in the race to sign Fraizer Campbell.’ – News of the World
‘Bolton manager Gary Megson is preparing a £3m bid for Manchester City’s Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes.’ – News of the World
‘Middlesbrough are lining up Preston keeper Wayne Henderson as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Ross Turnbull.’ – News of the World
‘Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o will drop his wage demands to join Manchester United for £25m.’ – News of the World
‘Chelsea are prepared to sell captain John Terry to Manchester City for £45m.’ – News of the World
‘But central defender Terry will only be allowed to leave if he hands in a written transfer request.’ – News of the World
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Costly header lifts Honduras over Haiti 1-0
July 5, 2009
SEATTLE — Carlo Costly headed home a free kick in the 76th minute to give Honduras a 1-0 victory over Haiti in the Group B opener of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Despite controlling possession for a large portion of the game, Haiti conceded a needless free kick in the corner, which led to the game-winning goal.
Haitian substitute Markdrel Sampeur challenged Marvin Chavez near the corner flag as he ran away from the goal, drawing the referee’s whistle. On the ensuing restart, striker Carlo Costly beat James Marcelin to the cross and headed inside the far post.
“The match was very tight. There were chances for both sides,” Honduras coach Reynaldo Rueda said. “It’s important to start winning, and today Honduras won.”
It was a tough blow for Haiti, which had the majority of the chances.
“We saw (our) team playing very well tactically but with the set pieces it was very poor,” said Haiti coach Jairo Rios through a translator, saying that he believed a tie would have been a fair result. “I don’t think we needed to have conceded that foul but it happened.”
Both teams had opportunities early, but neither seriously threatened. Perhaps the best chance came from a low cross by right back Sirin Vaniel, but none of the Haitian attackers were able to beat Honduran goalkeeper Jean Zephirin to the ball.
Haiti looked more active and energetic in the first half, moving the ball with relative ease and committing players forward. Fabrice Noel led Haiti’s attack, causing problems with his speed. He had one of the better chances of the half, lashing a shot wide of the near post from distance.
Outside backs Frantz Gilles and Vaniel made several runs forward as the Haitian defense looked in control in the first 35 minutes of the game.
The final 10 minutes of the half, however, belonged to Honduras.
In the 38th minute, Honduras finally got their first real chance. Carlos Martinez collected a cross at the far post and launched a knuckling drive from a tough angle that Zephrin blocked at the near post with his legs.
Martinez, who directed much of the Honduran offense, led a counterattack a couple minutes later but failed to connect on the final pass to Costly.
Honduras looked dangerous to take the lead before halftime, with defender Nery Medina’s blast from 35 yards parried over the bar by Zephirin.
With the United States playing the second match of the doubleheader, the crowd started to fill in during the second half. The fans watched Haiti maintain pressure in the second half.
Leonel Saint Preux forced a save at the far post from Honduran keeper Donis Escober with a strike from distance. Neol and Saint Preux combined nicely for Haiti as the underdog continued to test the favored Hondurans.
The pace of the match slowed as the second half approached the midpoint and neither team looked threatening. Haiti had a penalty appeal turned down a few minutes later while Saint Preux controlled and shot into Escober’s midsection.
Then came Costly’s goal, which deflated Haiti.
Honduras had two excellent chances to double the lead, but Pierre Richard Bruny saved a ball off the line for Haiti after George Welcome had beaten an onrushing Zephirin with a lofted shot. Honduras granted Haiti another reprieve minutes later as Costly had a promising breakaway but failed to control the ball.
Both teams are back in action in four days. Honduras plays the United States in Washington on Wednesday, while Haiti will hope to rebound against Grenada. In the post-match press conference, the Miller Lite Player of the Match Costly said he thinks his team can advance.
“We want to win more and hopefully we will be able to,” Costly said. “The team is always pushing to go forward.”
On the other side, Haiti’s Rios liked what he saw from his team despite the loss.
“We are progressing and implementing our proposed plan,” Rios said. “In the next game we probably have a better result.”
By Andrew Winner
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Adu, Holden Rogers lead USA past Grenada 4-0
July 5, 2009
SEATTLE – Stuart Holden struck for one of two first-half goals to help lead the United States to a 4-0 win against Grenada on Saturday in both team’s CONCACAF Group B opener in front of 15,387 fans at Qwest Field Saturday.
Freddy Adu, Robbie Rogers and Charlie Davies also scored for the Americans, who moved ahead of Honduras on goal difference after the opening day of group play. Los Catrachos edged a feisty Haitian side 1-0 in the first game of the doubleheader.
It took just seven minutes for the U.S. to go ahead as Adu scored his second career international goal. Rogers won the ball on the left side of midfield, dispossessing Ricky Charles and made a darting run into the box. The Columbus Crew midfielder cut inside of his defender and laid the ball back to Adu, who beat Grenada goalkeeper Desmond Noel to his left from 12 yards.
Charles attempted the equalizer, firing from distance, but his shot from 35 yards was just wide of the far post in the 15th minute.
Two minutes later, Rogers headed wide of the six-yard box and then took a pass from Adu and put a ball off the side netting. In the 22nd minute, Rogers again found some space down the left and served a perfect ball to Davies, who forced Noel into a difficult save.
Rogers again was the provider in the 31st, serving a perfectly weighted ball across the face of goal. Holden slipped past Grenada captain Anthony Modeste to beat Noel with a downward header inside the six-yard box to double the Americans’ advantage.
Just prior to the goal, Holden attempted to set up Davies, but his cross went awry. Rogers collected the ball and served it back across where the young Houston Dynamo midfielder struck.
Rogers continued to terrorize the Spice Boyz, playing a perfect cross to Adu five minutes later, but Noel parried the header over the crossbar for a corner kick.
Rogers then switched roles and scored his first goal for the U.S. on the hour mark. Logan Pause slipped the ball through and Rogers pushed the ball past a helpless Noel to give the United States a 3-0 lead.
Davies completed the scoring in the 68th with his third international goal. Marshall found Heath Pierce down the left and the 24-year-old fullback sent a one-time cross to Davies, who took a touch and beat Noel inside the far post.
The group moves to Washington, where the United States and Honduras, the two favorites to move out of Group B, will clash after Haiti and Grenada meet in the opener of a doubleheader on Wednesday.
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US blanks lowly Grenada in soccer Gold Cup opener
July 5, 2009
SEATTLE, Washington (AFP) – The United States, who are fresh from their Confederations Cup success, got their Gold Cup tournament off to a successful start with a 4-0 blanking of lowly Grenada.
The defending champion Americans got goals from Freddy Adu, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers and Charlie Davies.
The US, which was permitted to carry a 30-man roster compared to just 23 for Grenada, outshot world No. 88 Grenada 25-3.
They will also face Honduras on Wednesday and Haiti on July 11 in Washington, D.C. and Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The American are trying to become the second team to win three-straight Gold Cups. The last team to do it was Mexico which won three straight in the 1990s.
The 12th ranked US has won three of the last four events and four times since the tournament began in 1991.
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