Gill insists ‘every bit of work’ is being done to keep Rooney at United next season
0 View comments Outgoing Manchester United chief executive David Gill expects Wayne Rooney to start the 2013-14 season with the Barclays Premier League champions.
The 27-year-old striker has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after retiring manager Sir Alex Ferguson – who will be replaced by Everton boss David Moyes in July – claimed the player had submitted a second transfer request in nearly three years.
The club later revealed the request had been turned down with talks over a new contract well under way, with new UEFA member Gill insisting ‘every bit of work’ is being done to prolong the England international’s nine-year stint in Manchester.
Doing all he can: David Gill (left) is pulling out all the stops to keep Wayne Rooney at Manchester United Speaking to Sky Sports News at UEFA’s Congress in London today, Gill said: ‘As Alex said at his last press conference, that’s an issue for David Moyes and the new team but I’m confident he’ll be there next season.
‘I think he’s a great, great player at a great, great club and the club doesn’t want to lose its star player.
‘I’m sure every bit of work is being taken with Wayne and his advisors to ensure that happens.
I’m not a betting man but I’m confident I’ll sit at Old Trafford next season and see Wayne Rooney running out.’ Liverpool-born Rooney agreed a five-year contract running to June 2015 after changing his mind over leaving the club in October 2010.
Out with the old…
Sir Alex Ferguson takes a drive with his replacement, David Moyes Limited: Rooney found himself out of favour in the last few weeks of Ferguson’s tenure
The Fiver | 300,000 a week to play second fiddle to a better striker somewhere else
Eiffel power? Photograph: Matthew Ashton/AMA/Corbis THE ROONEY BLUES With all that fuss over Lord Ferg’s retirement, the Fiver kind of forgot about Wayne Rooney’s transfer request.
It’s easily done.
It’s not so much that the news is irrelevant, it’s just that, well, with other stuff going on, it’s just kind of hung around like an aimless prog-rock album track.
Only now that there is ABSOLUTELY EFF ALL ELSE HAPPENING, is it actually making itself heard, so it’s handy Rooney’s Mr 15% has piped up to remind the world that his client still exists.
And having spent the last week busy thinking of another boy’s name that began with K that wasn’t Kai, apparently Rooney is still very much interested in being paid 300,000 a week to play second fiddle to a better striker than him somewhere else.
Namely, baguette-swinging, garlic-peeling, cool-electro-music-producing nouveau riche Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain and Mr Zlatan.
Now the Fiver’s not saying that PSG wouldn’t want Rooney or be willing to entice him to the banks of the Seine by buying him the Eiffel Tower and cladding it in mock tudor boards.
It’s just that you get the feeling that Rooney was probably hoping that there was going to be a little more interest from some other clubs.
Perhaps even in England.
But here’s the problem.
There probably won’t be.
Rooney is vast becoming the new Norman Whiteside.
He’s 27, but to this tired old tea-timely email’s eyes, seems older than time.
He’s perhaps a more rounded footballer these days but lacks the Va Va Voom of the barrel-chested street-footballing crew-cutted Croxteth wunderkid who scored those goals what feels like a long, long, time ago.
He’s worth buying, at the right price.
But the price won’t be right.
Not in England.
So it’s probably Paris or Salford.
And the Fiver’s guessing it will be Salford.
Maybe David Moyes could remind him of how it used to be.
When he had a Ford Ka the vehicle, not a child at Everton and played like he even enjoyed himself.
Anyway, in Manchester United news that has definitely happened, Rio Ferdinand signed a one-year contract deal to stay at Old Trafford.
“Who wouldn’t want to play in this fantastic team in front of 75,000 fans each week,” whooped Ferdinand.
“I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years.” It’ll work better for him than Ferdinand and his new broadcast colleague will for the Fiver, that’s for sure.
QUOTE OF THE DAY “Sport is sport.
It is not war” Robert Mugabe wades in to the old Luis Su rez biting row.
Where to start? FIVER LETTERS “According to everyone’s favourite Murdoch-owned UK tabloid, Sergio Ramos is quoted as saying that Gareth Bale is ‘in the right mould’ for Real Madrid.
I presume by that he means that Bale doesn’t turn up for the big matches, dives a lot and looks poor for most of the time but gets away with it with one shot or free-kick (against the smaller teams)” Noble Francis.
“I wanted to thank Noble Francis for suggesting the link on procrastination (yesterday’s Fiver letters).
I spent most of the afternoon thinking about owls that look like Rafa Ben tez and vultures that look like Paolo Di Canio.
It’s OK, it’s not like I needed to work” Bruce Cooper.
“Re: the productivity puzzle.
Noble Francis may have overlooked the Fiver’s contribution.
The last five Fivers had five contributors, whereas the five before that only had three.
Employment appears to be rising but output (mercifully) is a flat line; unless output is defined not just by quantity but also quality, in which case there has been a marked decline” Guy Mawson.
Send your letters to the.boss@guardian.co.uk.
Also, if you’ve nothing better to do you can also tweet the Fiver.
Today’s winner of our prizeless letter o’ the day prize is: no-score draw.
JOIN GUARDIAN SOULMATES We keep trying to point out the utter futility of advertising an online dating service “for interesting people” in the Fiver to the naive folk who run Guardian Soulmates, but they still aren’t having any of it.
So here you go sign up here to view profiles of the kind of erudite, sociable and friendly romantics who would never dream of going out with you.
BITS AND BOBS Former Stoke boss Tony Pulis has thanked the club’s fans for their support by writing a farewell letter to them in the Stoke Sentinel paper.
“I am grateful for this opportunity here to express my gratitude because, unlike Roberto Mancini in his local paper last week, I can’t afford to take out a full-page advert,” he sobbed.
Litex Lovech coach Hristo Stoichkov has been fined 3,000 for threatening to attack Bulgarian Football Union president Borislav Mihaylov, after his team’s 2-1 defeat to Lokomotiv Sofia.
“I just don’t care about the fines,” sniffed Stoichkov, who had told reporters: “I’ll catch Mihaylov somewhere and I’ll beat him up.
This will happen.” Today’s Countdown conundrum: sillier crackers relate.
Hull fans beware: knack-prone, big-boned, defensive disaster man, Titus Bramble, has put Steve Bruce on alert after confirming he has left Sunderland and is now a free agent.
The Macedonian Cup final between Teteks and Shkendija was abandoned to stem rising tensions after rival Macedonian and ethnic Albanian fans began exchanging nationalist chants.
And Espanyol fans are rightly ticked off after Barcelona council dressed up the city’s statue of Christopher Columbus in Bar a’s new shirt.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING Why you shouldn’t put an American football goal right behind a football goal.
STILL WANT MORE? Ahead of Saturday’s Big Cup final, we’re celebrating six of the great European Cup teams.
The latest men to put their nostalgia hats on are Paul Wilson, who recalls the Liverpool side from 1977-84, and Raf Honigstein, who discusses the golden, but unloved Bayern Munich side of 1974-76.
Paul Doyle sticks up for plucky Gibraltar: Uefa’s new kids on the Rock? It’s Classic YouTube time, with this week’s offering including Alessandro Del Piero’s dead-ball deliciousness, George Best’s This is Your Life episode, and Levski Sofia fans going pyro-manic.
And our data team have made a snazzy interactive guide to every single game of Lord Ferg’s Manchester United reign.
Rather them than us.
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‘WELL, THE LOOK OF THE CAKE, IT AIN’T ALWAYS THE TASTE’
Three and in not just another football blog What does future hold …
Norwich City captain Grant Holt has been named the club s player of the year for the last three seasons, but have we seen the last of him in a yellow shirt?
With Ricky van Wolfswinkel s 8.5m transfer from Sporting Lisbon done and dusted, Holt could find himself muscled out of the top dog position at Carrow Road. In truth, this season has been confusing for Holt. As he put it himself recently:12
This season has been topsy turvy. It has been indifferent.
I enjoyed it at times and at other times no.
Holt s recent indifference to life at Norwich stems from the more defensive playing style implemented by manager Chris Hughton following Paul Lambert s move to Aston Villa last summer.
The previous season was a huge success for Holt. He finished the season as the second highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League, his 15 goals only bettered by Wayne Rooney. Holt ended the 2011/12 season feeling empowered, maybe realising he had hit his peak after many years of hard work.
His surprise transfer request was turned down by Norwich, who then gave Holt a new contract.
The striker then publicly declared his displeasure at not being given an England call-up.34
This season, Holt has been brought back down to earth. There is no doubt Holt has talent and works hard, often chasing the lost causes and working the channels as well as scoring. He is no world beater though.
To be fair to Holt, you can understand his dissatisfaction.
Norwich certainly played more attractive football last season and he flourished in that system. However, Premier League survival was so important this season that no risks could be taken. The Canaries have secured this aim with a game to spare.
What does next season hold?
The question now for Holt is: Should I stay or should I go? Holt could almost certainly continue to play in the Premier League, even if Norwich feel the time is right to move him on. It appears that Holt see s the acqusition of Wolfswinkel as a positive thing rather than a threat.
He has publicly voiced his preference towards playing with a strike partner in the past.
Hughton may want to consider partnering the two next season as Norwich look to build on another season in the Premier League. This may make the three time Norwich player of the year happy once again.
About the author: Jordan Harris View all posts by Jordan Harris5
21 years old, sports writer and aspiring musician from Wolverhampton. Support Manchester United.
I enjoy watching football, reading about football, writing about football and making music.
References
- ^ Ricky van Wolfswinkel s 8.5m transfer from Sporting Lisbon (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ As he put it himself recently: (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ surprise transfer request (www.bbc.co.uk)
- ^ declared his displeasure at not being given an England call-up. (www.telegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Posts by Jordan Harris (threeandin.com)
- ^ Twitter (twitter.com)
- ^ Facebook (facebook.com)
Figuring Out Fernando Part 1
Figuring Out Fernando Part 1 | Chelsea FC 360
The Champions of Europe
Home 360 Analysis Figuring Out Fernando Part 112
By chantallebyron3 May 19, 2013
El Ni o hasn t exactly regained his Liverpool form since joining our London Club, but what s more ridiculous than this is people actually expecting him to. Yes, I can see how that sounds insulting to him. The complete opposite actually, I am easily one of the biggest Nando fans, dating back to his time at Atletico.
However there have been a series of unfortunate events that have changed his game style. Waiting for the Torres of Liverpool will make us blind to our Torres. The Torres of Chelsea.
The first thing that happened to the beast was the injury he picked up in Spain s stunning World Cup victory.
He didn t feature much in the campaign as he was recovering from a previous injury. Upon his return to Liverpool, he was cleared probably before he should have been, returning to the league a different player. The injury caused him to loose his trademark pace which allowed him to pick up one of Alonso or Gerrard s passes, sprint around defenders, into the box and score.
Even before he handed in his transfer request, when he scored goals, he would drift out wide and score from an angle.
It s pretty unreasonable for Chelsea to have been expecting the 2008 target man taking into consideration his changing playing style. Factor in the difference in the teams. Let s be honest, Torres was brought in as a backup for Drogba, not really to be their star man, the kind of treatment he was accustomed to at Anfield.
Next was the huge transfer fee.
Torres definitely IS a class player and deserves a good bundle of millions to his name. But 50 million? That price tag will raise unrealistic expectations on any player.
With that kind of price, fans were expecting a goal a game, even if he is introduced in the 80th minute. It s not like Torres demanded this fee, Roman all but threw the money after him. For a confidence player , having the huge expectations of the 50 million man placed on him before the name on the back of his shirt has time to dry, must have been tough.
Not to mention the abuse he received from the Kopites who once praised him greatly affected Torres who, by all accounts seems to be a genuinely nice guy.
Let s get straight to this season! Take a quick look at our midfield and take a deep breath along with that. Our entire team knows they can score goals, and our midfielders are more likely to try a shot at goal than pass to Torres or Ba.
Of course it s common for Mata and Hazard to get into goal scoring positions, but if holding midfielders and defenders like Lampard, David Luiz, and Cahill are able to rack up their own goal count, what chance does a lone striker have of getting the service he needs? This dilemma has been one of the main reasons for Torres change in his playing style. Suddenly Torres wasn t lurking around the last opposing defender waiting for a clearance to come his way.
He was running back, defending even at times, winning balls and overall being a real team player. This gave him the opportunity to provide assists to his team mates. A memorable one was his perfect through ball for Ramires goal against Wigan earlier this year (which he did again against Spurs).
From the point of view of a Torres fan, it may be preferable to see him on the end of those passes rather than providing them. But personally I think it shows great character and drive that he is willing to selflessly give a ball up if it increases the possibility of his team scoring. He himself has said he feels more a part of Chelsea than he did at Liverpool and I think this has played a major part in that sentiment.
It s important for him to regain just a tad bit of that selfishness (you may call it) that he had at Liverpool.
And here comes the confidence talk. Maybe he gives those balls up to his teammates because he no longer feels he is good enough to dribble through defenders and score. With his long droughts one may be able to understand his slouched shoulders and that I give up body language.
What you d expect out of Chelsea fans is some hard-core chanting and encouragement sent Torres way like, and I m sorry to mention it again, the Kopites. Those fans scream for you if you score a hat trick or of you miss a hat trick worth of goals. If it s one thing that can be said about Liverpool fans, it s that they stand behind their players even if they don t deserve it (ahem, Suarez).
Regardless, a select group of fans took to ridiculing him rather than supporting him. They began using Torres as a verb for miss especially after that unfortunate miss-hit against Manchester United. May I just say there have been worse misses than that?
Thank god for the true fans that have just cheered him on through his droughts, spells of greatness, hits and misses. It can t be denied that he has scored some extremely important goals, and has saved Chelsea more times than I care to count.
Let s look at that Barcelona semi-final. I understand the concept of away goals and that at 2-2 we were going through thanks to Ramires goal.
But with a few minutes left of the game, a ten man Chelsea team was struggling to defend against apparently the entire Barcelona team which seemed determine to squeeze into the 18 yard box. We were parking the bus just fine up to that point, but I find it hard to imagine one of the Spanish starts wouldn t have found a way through. Lampard s clearance was picked up by the late sub, Torres who created the goal to seal our place in the finals with only a few minutes left.
He also got us into the quarters of Europa this season by scoring the winning goal against Steaua Bucure ti. He may have missed a penalty later on, but which is more important? Missing a penalty that didn t affect the game in the end, or scoring earlier on and having the confidence to take the penalty on the absence of Lampard?
And his equalizing goal against the Corinthians in the Club World Cup was unfortunate to be called offside.
And that Europa League final goal? Amazing! He did well, made a long run, fought off a defender and goal keeper and still managed to finish from a tight angle.
Going round the keeper after long runs seems to be his forte after witnessing a similar goal at Camp Nou and in the final for Euro 2008, a goal which won that generation of Spanish their first major title. His confidence was high despite the lack of many opportunities. We owe our win to Fernando as much as we do to Brana.
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Tagged as: Branislav Ivanovic, Fernando Torres45
Follow Chelsea FC 360
Figuring Out Fernando Part 1 | Chelsea FC 360
The Champions of Europe
Home 360 Analysis Figuring Out Fernando Part 178
By chantallebyron9 May 19, 2013
El Ni o hasn t exactly regained his Liverpool form since joining our London Club, but what s more ridiculous than this is people actually expecting him to.
Yes, I can see how that sounds insulting to him. The complete opposite actually, I am easily one of the biggest Nando fans, dating back to his time at Atletico. However there have been a series of unfortunate events that have changed his game style.
Waiting for the Torres of Liverpool will make us blind to our Torres. The Torres of Chelsea.
The first thing that happened to the beast was the injury he picked up in Spain s stunning World Cup victory. He didn t feature much in the campaign as he was recovering from a previous injury.
Upon his return to Liverpool, he was cleared probably before he should have been, returning to the league a different player. The injury caused him to loose his trademark pace which allowed him to pick up one of Alonso or Gerrard s passes, sprint around defenders, into the box and score. Even before he handed in his transfer request, when he scored goals, he would drift out wide and score from an angle.
It s pretty unreasonable for Chelsea to have been expecting the 2008 target man taking into consideration his changing playing style.
Factor in the difference in the teams. Let s be honest, Torres was brought in as a backup for Drogba, not really to be their star man, the kind of treatment he was accustomed to at Anfield.
Next was the huge transfer fee. Torres definitely IS a class player and deserves a good bundle of millions to his name.
But 50 million? That price tag will raise unrealistic expectations on any player. With that kind of price, fans were expecting a goal a game, even if he is introduced in the 80th minute.
It s not like Torres demanded this fee, Roman all but threw the money after him. For a confidence player , having the huge expectations of the 50 million man placed on him before the name on the back of his shirt has time to dry, must have been tough. Not to mention the abuse he received from the Kopites who once praised him greatly affected Torres who, by all accounts seems to be a genuinely nice guy.
Let s get straight to this season!
Take a quick look at our midfield and take a deep breath along with that. Our entire team knows they can score goals, and our midfielders are more likely to try a shot at goal than pass to Torres or Ba. Of course it s common for Mata and Hazard to get into goal scoring positions, but if holding midfielders and defenders like Lampard, David Luiz, and Cahill are able to rack up their own goal count, what chance does a lone striker have of getting the service he needs?
This dilemma has been one of the main reasons for Torres change in his playing style. Suddenly Torres wasn t lurking around the last opposing defender waiting for a clearance to come his way. He was running back, defending even at times, winning balls and overall being a real team player.
This gave him the opportunity to provide assists to his team mates. A memorable one was his perfect through ball for Ramires goal against Wigan earlier this year (which he did again against Spurs). From the point of view of a Torres fan, it may be preferable to see him on the end of those passes rather than providing them.
But personally I think it shows great character and drive that he is willing to selflessly give a ball up if it increases the possibility of his team scoring. He himself has said he feels more a part of Chelsea than he did at Liverpool and I think this has played a major part in that sentiment. It s important for him to regain just a tad bit of that selfishness (you may call it) that he had at Liverpool.
And here comes the confidence talk.
Maybe he gives those balls up to his teammates because he no longer feels he is good enough to dribble through defenders and score. With his long droughts one may be able to understand his slouched shoulders and that I give up body language. What you d expect out of Chelsea fans is some hard-core chanting and encouragement sent Torres way like, and I m sorry to mention it again, the Kopites.
Those fans scream for you if you score a hat trick or of you miss a hat trick worth of goals. If it s one thing that can be said about Liverpool fans, it s that they stand behind their players even if they don t deserve it (ahem, Suarez). Regardless, a select group of fans took to ridiculing him rather than supporting him.
They began using Torres as a verb for miss especially after that unfortunate miss-hit against Manchester United. May I just say there have been worse misses than that? Thank god for the true fans that have just cheered him on through his droughts, spells of greatness, hits and misses.
It can t be denied that he has scored some extremely important goals, and has saved Chelsea more times than I care to count.
Let s look at that Barcelona semi-final. I understand the concept of away goals and that at 2-2 we were going through thanks to Ramires goal. But with a few minutes left of the game, a ten man Chelsea team was struggling to defend against apparently the entire Barcelona team which seemed determine to squeeze into the 18 yard box.
We were parking the bus just fine up to that point, but I find it hard to imagine one of the Spanish starts wouldn t have found a way through. Lampard s clearance was picked up by the late sub, Torres who created the goal to seal our place in the finals with only a few minutes left. He also got us into the quarters of Europa this season by scoring the winning goal against Steaua Bucure ti.
He may have missed a penalty later on, but which is more important? Missing a penalty that didn t affect the game in the end, or scoring earlier on and having the confidence to take the penalty on the absence of Lampard? And his equalizing goal against the Corinthians in the Club World Cup was unfortunate to be called offside.
And that Europa League final goal?
Amazing! He did well, made a long run, fought off a defender and goal keeper and still managed to finish from a tight angle. Going round the keeper after long runs seems to be his forte after witnessing a similar goal at Camp Nou and in the final for Euro 2008, a goal which won that generation of Spanish their first major title.
His confidence was high despite the lack of many opportunities.
We owe our win to Fernando as much as we do to Brana.
Like this:
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Tagged as: Branislav Ivanovic, Fernando Torres1011
Follow Chelsea FC 360
References
- ^ Home (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ 360 Analysis (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Posts by chantallebyron (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Branislav Ivanovic (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Fernando Torres (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Follow (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Home (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ 360 Analysis (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Posts by chantallebyron (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Branislav Ivanovic (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Fernando Torres (chelseafc360.com)
- ^ Follow (chelseafc360.com)
Arsenal close to signing Sanogo
Ars ne Wenger described Yaya Sanogo as “a young striker who is promising, and has a big talent.” Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images Ars ne Wenger has revealed Arsenal are close to signing striker Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre.
The France Under-21 international is out of contract with Auxerre but Arsenal would need to pay compensation under the Bosman ruling.
“We are advanced with him, but it is not done,” said Wenger.
“I am very confident.
He is a young striker who is promising, and has a big talent.” Arsenal are expected to strengthen the squad during the summer, with a reported 100m to spend in the transfer market.
It has been suggested that Wenger is considering a move for Wayne Rooney, but the manager refused to be drawn on whether Arsenal would be moving for the Manchester United striker, who has put in a transfer request.
Asked if his club could afford Rooney, Wenger said: “That is not even a question at the moment.
We have not gone into that.
At the moment we have no interest in anybody, we have only one interest and that is of course Sunday’s game.” Arsenal knowing victory at Newcastle United will secure qualification for Champions League next season and leave Tottenham in the Europa League.
“I know for a long time that for us, when we were seven points behind, we would all be happy that it goes to the last day,” Wenger said.
“We are in a position where nobody expected us to be.
We have our destiny in our hands, our fate in our hands and that’s what you fight for in the game.
It is a game that we will now want to win but at least we fought back to be in a position where we master our own fate.” Arsenal look set to be without the midfielder Mikel Arteta, who is struggling with a calf injury.
Jack Wilshere, the England international set for summer surgery to clear up a niggling ankle problem, is on stand-by.
“I have a few options.
I’ve not made a decision yet because I have to see how everybody responds in training,” Wenger said.
“I will make a very late decision on that problem.
First I have to wait if Arteta is completely out and after that I will decide how I build the team certainly very late.” The striker Olivier Giroud will return for selection following his three-match suspension.
Newcastle United In Talks to Seal Shock Move to Sign Man United …
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St James Park side look to pull off coup of the summer with move for want-away Old Trafford star.
Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal1
Man United striker Wayne Rooney is apparently the subject of an audacious approach from Newcastle United according to the Metro2.
This source states that a news site owned by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, SportsDirect News, claims that the 27 year old England man has been earmarked as a stunning summer transfer target and an ideal man to lead the Magpies attack.
Talks between Newcastle United representatives and Rooney s agent are said to have already taken place and it should be noted that the North-East side did make a 25m offer for the attacker during his time at Everton and prior to his big money move to Old Trafford.
There is a chance that the story has been invented by SportsDirect News3 to generate traffic and interest in the site but one would imagine that the long term results of such a fake claim would be do more harm than good.
Man United have confirmed that Rooney has made a transfer request and there is bound to be a great deal of interest in the club s fourth highest goal-scorer of all-time, though it should be noted that Bayern Munich have denied reports that they are keen on the wantaway star.
Newcastle United have experienced a disappointing campaign this season, which is in marked contrast to last term s efforts that so nearly yielded a Champions League berth.
Alan Pardew has brought in a number of new additions over the past two transfer windows and would no doubt be thrilled with the prospect of a possible deal to sign a player of Rooney s undoubted ability.
Wayne Rooney has been used in a more withdrawn striking role since the arrival of Robin Van Persie but has still managed to score 16 goals in all competitions and is the club s top assist maker to boot.
With Demba Ba moving to Chelsea in January and Papiss Cisse s form being up and down for much of the season it s clear that Rooney would be an excellent, and much needed, attacking addition.
References
- ^ Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal (eventid)
- ^ Metro (metro.co.uk)
- ^ SportsDirect News (www.sportsdirectnews.com)
Papers Ryan Giggs to be offered new role
15/05/2013 08:26
David McDonnell writes in The Mirror…
Coach trip: United will offer Ryan Giggs new roleRyan Giggs is set to be offered a coaching role at Manchester United by new boss David Moyes. Moyes, who officially takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1, wants Giggs to combine a playing and coaching role in what is expected to be the United legend’s final season in the first-team. Incoming boss Moyes wants to get the most out of the unique experience and enduring popularity of Giggs in the Reds’ dressing-room to ensure the transition from Ferguson to him is as seamless as possible.
Giggs, who turns 40 in November, has signed a one-year extension to play on for United next season but is expected to play a peripheral role, with more emphasis on him helping out behind the scenes as Moyes settles in at Old Trafford. Midfield legend Giggs, who picked up his 13th Premier League winner’s medal following United’s latest title triumph, has completed his coaching badges and is understood to be ready to take up a coaching role under Moyes, only playing occasionally next season. Moyes sees Giggs as an invaluable link to the United dressing-rooom and is also said to want to find a coaching role for midfielder Paul Scholes, who retired from playing for the second time on Sunday following Ferguson’s farewell game at Old Trafford.
The Times claims that Wayne Rooney “is likely to perform a dramatic about-turn by committing his future to Manchester United under David Moyes.” The paper adds: “The player is believed to view the appointment of Moyes as a chance to reinvigorate his career at Old Trafford.
Rooney is expected to hold talks with Moyes next week, when the incoming United manager will begin work.” Since Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that Rooney had a transfer request refused1, the UK press has talked up various possible moves across Europe. But the sports pages today carry quotes from Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer stating that the Bundesliga giants will not make a move for the striker. “We have great respect for Wayne Rooney but there has been no contact with him,” says Sammer. “There is no contact and he’s not on the agenda.
No, no.
Absolutely not.”
More: The Gossip: May’s transfer rumours2
Round Up By Ben Hibbs
References
- ^ Rooney had a transfer request refused (www.manutd.com)
- ^ The Gossip: May’s transfer rumours (www.manutd.com)
Bayern deny Rooney interest
Sky Bet Football Betting Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds Football Betting 10 Free Bet Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insists his club have no interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed at the weekend that Rooney had made a transfer request, heightening speculation over the England international’s future.
German champions Bayern have been amongst a number of club’s linked with the England striker but Sammer has firmly denied any interest.
“I don’t know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga,” Sammer is quoted by the Daily Telegraph.
“I can’t answer that.
“I can answer that we have great respect for Wayne Rooney, but there has been no contact with him.
“He’s not on the agenda.
No, no.
Absolutely not.”
Manchester United Premier League title parade Sir Alex Ferguson
Parade began at 6pm outside Old Trafford Bus left Old Trafford at around 6.40pm after a speech from Ferguson Wayne Rooney boarded the bus for parade Bus reached Albert Square at around 8pm Rio Ferdinand tweeted picture of him and team-mates drinking pints in a pub in the early afternoon ‘To be continued’ poster featuring Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford taken down Sir Alex Ferguson’s final title parade saw 20,000 Manchester United fans turn out to salute their heroes as the team bus took to the streets to celebrate winning the Premier League title.
All eyes were on wantaway striker Wayne Rooney, who looked in good spirits as the bus toured the roads to the adulation of fans.
Rio Ferdinand, having sealed Ferguson’s final home win with his first goal since 2008, led the celebrations, leading the fans in chants and tweeting pictures of him and his team-mates in the pub in the early afternoon.
Ferguson, who called time on his career in management last week after 27 years at the United helm, said: ‘I thought that 99 could not be beaten but you’ve beaten it today.
Thank you for the fantastic support.
I hope we’re here to win this many times again.
‘You always think about it (whether you are doing the right thing).
But I think it is the right time.
I really do.
‘We have a young squad, with a lot of good young players, who are going to get better.
‘The big test is to win it three times in a row.
‘I hope the boys can do it.’ Short and sweet: Sir Alex Ferguson makes a brief speech on stage in Albert Square Silverware: United lift their Premier League trophy once more in front of a packed Albert Square But there was no word on whether Wayne Rooney will still be around for the start of their title defence.
Ferguson confirmed on Sunday that the England striker had submitted a transfer request, although added that it had been turned down.
Rooney received a mixed reception when he boarded the open-top bus at Old Trafford for the start of the parade, although he did play an active part in the celebrations as it made its slow way along the route into the centre of Manchester, where huge numbers of United fans turned out to acclaim their team.
But, speaking to MUTV, Rooney did not answer directly a question about what the retiring Ferguson had done for him, and was not asked whether he would be staying or not.
‘He has been brilliant for us all,’ Rooney said.
‘He is a great manager.
He is a winner and to do it for so long is incredible.
‘He is a fantastic manager and a fantastic person.’ We’re here! The Manchester United bus arrives in Albert Square Smoking: The crowds gather in Albert Square as the Manchester United players close in Wild: The United bus makes it’s way through Deansgate, where spectators gathered in their thousands All smiles: Sir Alex Ferguson punches the air in celebration Having fun: Robin van Persie waves a scarf as he gets into the party spirit All aboard: United fans greet their heroes as the bus sets off towards the city centre Party spirit: Javier Hernandez joins in the scarf waving outside Old Trafford Leading from the front: Captain Vidic holds on to the Premier League trophy and waves to the adoring fans Sod off: A child holds a sign with a message for Wayne Rooney Not enjoying it? Rooney looks downbeat on the bus With 20,000 fans packed into Sir Matt Busby Way, roads had to be closed prior to the Red Devils’ departure.
And whilst there was space along the main route into the city centre, once the bus headed down the main shopping area, Deansgate, supporters found a variety of vantage points to see the team drive past.
Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young, who at times ditched the crutches he is supposed to be using to nurse an ankle injury that has ended his season, led the singing, with Ferguson also joining in, and even forced Paul Scholes onto centre stage for a rare interview.
There was a moment of humour, as defender Jonny Evans was asked by MUTV interviewer Helen McConnell, who also happens to be his fiancee, whether he was going to have a good summer.
‘Yes,’ Evans replied.
‘I am getting married, to you Helen.’ Paul Scholes, who also announced his retirement, said: ‘It means everything.
We set out each year to try and win the league and most of the years we do it.
It is great to see this turnout and I’m so proud to play for this club.’ Ryan Giggs also admitted the reception topped the one in 1999: ‘Thanks for coming out.
I thought I’d never see anything like the treble again but this beats it,’ he admitted.
‘It is just brilliant.
It gives us a chance to share with the fans a great achievement this season.
It is an amazing atmosphere.’ Finale: Manchester United fans gather in Albert Square to greet the bus Thank you: One fan in Albert Square gets ready to greet the retiring legend Ferguson Poised: United fans wave flags in Albert Square as they wait for the team bus Entrance: Sir Alex Ferguson arrives at Old Trafford to board the bus Room for one more? Sir Bobby Charlton joins the players on the bus Crowd pleaser: Ryan Giggs signs autographs for supporters Let the party begin: Manchester United players celebrate on board the bus outside Old Trafford Champion: Robin van Persie lifts the trophy Holding it aloft: Nani gets his hands on the trophy Snap: Robin van Persie takes a picture of the crowds outside Old Trafford First on the bus: Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra lift the Premier League trophy Words of wisdom: Sir Alex Ferguson addresses the 20,000 strong crowd gathered outside Old Trafford Legend: A fan displays a tribute shirt to outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson Time to celebrate: United fans, undeterred by the weather, get ready for the main event Tribute: A banner dedicated to Sir Alex Ferguson Joke: One United fan revels in City’s problems Record breakers: United parade their 19th league title in 2011.
They had just surpassed Liverpool’s record of 18 Glory season: United parade the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999 Soaking it up: Manchester United fans wait for their champions parade at Old Trafford in the pouring rain Wet: A Manchester United wipes rain from her face as she waits for the parade to begin Robin Van Persie celebrated his first Premier League title following his move from Arsenal.
‘It’s incredible,’ he said.
‘It is even nicer than I expected – there are so many people.
‘It (winners medal) didn’t leave my neck since yesterday.
It is a heavy trophy but it is great to win it.
This is for the players, fans, staff, every single one here.
It has made so many people happy and I’m very pleased to see that.’ Michael Carrick added: ‘I’ve been getting a bit carried away.
I’ve nearly fallen off three times.
This turnout is just amazing, the whole week has been special.
‘Celebrating winning the league but with Scholes and the manager retiring it is a fitting send off.
I never thought we would get anything like this.
I have been singing quite a bit lately – you can probably tell by my voice.’ Almost time: Manchester United supporters gather for the parade outside Old Trafford Company: Rio Ferdinand tweeted this picture of him and ‘big dog’ in a pub Cashing in: A stall holder sells Manchester United merchandise in the rain Dampening the mood? Stewards brave heavy rain and hail stones in Manchester Party time: Rio Ferdinand tweeted this picture of him and his team-mates in a pub first pic VIDEO: United prepare for their title party
Manchester United better when Wayne Rooney plays
David Moyes first job may be to convince Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United once he sees how influential the England striker is at the Old Trafford club.
Rooney has made his desire to leave Manchester United clear after handing in a transfer request but the stats show that United are a better side when he is in the side.
Former England striker Gary Lineker made the point on Sunday and the Opta Stats back it up.
Is this the end? Wayne Rooney did not play in the match against Swansea Title winner: Rooney played his part in Manchester United wining their 13th Premier League title Lineker tweeted: Manchester United are not quite the same when @WayneRooney doesn’t play.
Food for thought.
This season, Manchester United have won 77 per cent of the games in which Rooney has started, while they have won 73 per cent of games when he has been missing.
Over his Manchester United career the gap is wider, of the 252 games in which Rooney has played United have won 72 per cent of them, while they are 10 per cent worse off when he is missing.
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