Sporting Lisbon winger Nani also looks to be on the move to Old Trafford as Man Utd seek to build on their league success
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Man Utd swoop for Anderson & Nani
Manchester United have agreed "in principle" deals to sign Anderson from FC Porto and Nani from Sporting Lisbon.
The Premiership champions are set to recruit Brazilian midfielder Anderson, 19, and Portuguese winger Nani, 20, in a deal that could cost about £30m.
"Terms are agreed with both players and an announcement will take place once a medical and other procedures are done," said a statement on United's website.
Owen Hargreaves will join United on 1 July from Bayern Munich for £17m.
"Terms are agreed with both players and an announcement will take place once a medical and other procedures are done," said a statement on United's website.
Owen Hargreaves will join United on 1 July from Bayern Munich for £17m.
Anderson has described the proposed move to Old Trafford as " a dream come true".
He said: "I cannot wait to play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a great player, as well as Wayne Rooney and many more.
"I could not imagine I would ever get to work with a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson but it has happened. What can I say? It is a dream the size of the world."
Anderson has been named in Brazil coach Dunga's squad for the Copa America in Venezuela next month but not Friday's friendly with England at Wembley.
The teenager, whose full name is Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira, started nine matches for Porto this season, scoring twice, and came on as a substitute six times.
He joined Porto from Gremio in December 2005 and played against United in a pre-season friendly last August at the Amsterdam Tournament.
Nani had also been linked with a move to Tottenham, but recently said he would only leave Portugal to play for a club like United.
He said: "I cannot wait to play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a great player, as well as Wayne Rooney and many more.
"I could not imagine I would ever get to work with a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson but it has happened. What can I say? It is a dream the size of the world."
Anderson has been named in Brazil coach Dunga's squad for the Copa America in Venezuela next month but not Friday's friendly with England at Wembley.
The teenager, whose full name is Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira, started nine matches for Porto this season, scoring twice, and came on as a substitute six times.
He joined Porto from Gremio in December 2005 and played against United in a pre-season friendly last August at the Amsterdam Tournament.
Nani had also been linked with a move to Tottenham, but recently said he would only leave Portugal to play for a club like United.
Nani, whose full name is Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, was born in the Cape Verde islands and has been compared to his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, with pace and trickery similar to that of the Footballer of the Year.
He has played five times for Portugal, scoring once in the process. This season he featured 29 times for Sporting Lisbon, scoring five goals and he will be viewed as the long-term successor to Ryan Giggs.
He has played five times for Portugal, scoring once in the process. This season he featured 29 times for Sporting Lisbon, scoring five goals and he will be viewed as the long-term successor to Ryan Giggs.
Man Utd seal deal for Hargreaves
Manchester United have confirmed that England midfielder Owen Hargreaves will join them from Bayern Munich on 1 July.
United have not yet disclosed the fee for the 26-year-old but it is believed to be in the region of £17m.
Hargreaves has agreed personal terms and passed a medical so now he only has to officially put pen to paper on what is expected to be a five-year deal.
"Owen will formally sign his contract when he returns from a holiday at the end of June," read a United statement.
Hargreaves has agreed personal terms and passed a medical so now he only has to officially put pen to paper on what is expected to be a five-year deal.
"Owen will formally sign his contract when he returns from a holiday at the end of June," read a United statement.
Hargreaves, who is taking a family break in his native Canada, has been a long-time target for United.
The Premiership champions failed with bids to sign him last summer and in January.
He enjoyed an illustrious 10 seasons at Bayern, winning six league titles and the 2001 Champions League.
The Premiership champions failed with bids to sign him last summer and in January.
He enjoyed an illustrious 10 seasons at Bayern, winning six league titles and the 2001 Champions League.
But his final season was plagued by injury and ended with Bayern finishing fourth in the Bundesliga, thereby missing out on Champions League qualification.
Hargreaves had a four-month lay-off at the start of the campaign because of a broken leg and went on to play in only nine league games.
He will also miss England's matches against Brazil and Estonia in June because of a knee problem.
The announcement of Hargreaves' arrival at Old Trafford comes less than 24 hours after it was revealed that United had agreed "in principle" to sign Brazilian midfielder Anderson, 19, from FC Porto and Portuguese winger Nani, 20, from Sporting Lisbon.
The deal for the duo could amount to a total of £30m.
Hargreaves had a four-month lay-off at the start of the campaign because of a broken leg and went on to play in only nine league games.
He will also miss England's matches against Brazil and Estonia in June because of a knee problem.
The announcement of Hargreaves' arrival at Old Trafford comes less than 24 hours after it was revealed that United had agreed "in principle" to sign Brazilian midfielder Anderson, 19, from FC Porto and Portuguese winger Nani, 20, from Sporting Lisbon.
The deal for the duo could amount to a total of £30m.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ferguson has three summer targets
Sir Alex Ferguson has identified three players he wants to sign for Manchester United before the start of next season.
"We've outlined three targets and chief executive David Gill is aware of them," said the United manager.
"When there is competition for the best players, it costs, so we will just have to wait and see."
The Premiership champions have been linked to Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Southampton defender Gareth Bale and Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov.
But Ferguson expressed his concern that United could be outbid by Chelsea if the London club moved for one of the players the Scot wants to sign.
"Manchester United has always been an attraction," added Ferguson, who has led United to nine top-flight titles.
"We have 76,000 people watching us every week and have a celebrity status, which means we are known throughout the world.
"It is not a question of attracting players. The real competition comes when Chelsea pay £27m for someone like Michael Essien. They can outbid us all."
"We have 76,000 people watching us every week and have a celebrity status, which means we are known throughout the world.
"It is not a question of attracting players. The real competition comes when Chelsea pay £27m for someone like Michael Essien. They can outbid us all."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Tempers fray as United make their point
LONDON, May 10, 2007 (AFP) - Manchester United emerged with a 0-0 draw from a bad-tempered clash against Chelsea on Wednesday that could have ended with both sides down to 10 men. Sir Alex Ferguson's side had delivered a knockout blow in the title race by taking Chelsea's Premiership crown, but these bitter rivals were intent on giving no ground ahead of their meeting in the FA Cup final on May 19.
Several of the key participants in the battle for the league were rested at Stamford Bridge, but their replacements ensured there was no shortage of needle as the teams who had been sparring for supremacy for the past 10 months went head to head.
Chelsea's John Obi Mikel and United's Chris Eagles were fortunate not to be sent off for ugly tackles as seven players were booked and Ferguson and Jose Mourinho both incurred referee Graham Poll's wrath for furiously protesting his decisions.
Ferguson made eight changes to the side that had won at Manchester City on Saturday, with China striker Dong Fangzhuo handed his competitive debut in place of Wayne Rooney.
In making so many changes, Ferguson had deprived Chelsea of the chance to gain a small measure of revenge by beating a full-strength United team just four days after surrendering their title.
And, with Mourinho leaving out Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, a match that had for so long been billed as a title decider bore more than a passing resemblance to a reserve fixture.
As Mourinho had promised, Chelsea's players lined up to give United a guard of honour, replicating the respect shown to the London club at Old Trafford two years ago.
John Terry and company were grim-faced as they applauded the visitors onto the pitch and United's travelling fans rubbed salt into their wounds with persistent chants of 'champions'.
But Chelsea still started brightly and Shaun Wright-Phillips should have given them the lead in the fifth minute. The winger's surge through the middle gave him a sight of goal, but Tomasz Kuszczak blocked his scuffed shot.
Wright-Phillips was closer to beating the United keeper inadvertently moments later with a cross that dipped just past the far post.
Chelsea were snapping into tackles as though the title was still on the line and Mikel was booked for a rash tackle on Eagles.
Ferguson was furious and sprang from his seat to berate Mikel and then Poll for his failure to send off the midfield enforcer.
Inevitably United lacked a cutting edge without Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Gabriel Heinze had a half-chance when he beat Carlo Cudicini to a loose ball in the six-yard box, but the Argentina defender stabbed his effort wide.
As a dress rehersal for the FA Cup final, this was a phoney war. Chances were at a premium and Scott Sinclair wasted one of the few to come Chelsea's way when he failed to turn in Claude Makelele's shot.
Mourinho replaced Mikel at half-time, presumably to save him from a dismissal, but United's Wes Brown picked up where the Nigeran left off with a scything challenge on Sinclair.
After going through the motions in the first half, United briefly found some momentum and Dong nearly beat Cudicini with a looping shot that just cleared the bar.
Then Eagles was unlucky not to win a penalty after being tripped by Michael Essien. Eagles reacted to that perceived injustice with a nasty two-footed lunge on Wright-Phillips that Poll could have punished with more than a booking.
Wright-Phillips tested Kuszczak with a stinging drive as Chelsea tried to raise their tempo. Salomon Kalou brought the Poland international into action again with a low strike from the edge of the area.
The undercurrent of malice that ran through the clash came to the fore again when Makelele blocked Rooney's run. Mourinho sprang to the touchline to make a point to Poll before being told to calm down by the official.
Several of the key participants in the battle for the league were rested at Stamford Bridge, but their replacements ensured there was no shortage of needle as the teams who had been sparring for supremacy for the past 10 months went head to head.
Chelsea's John Obi Mikel and United's Chris Eagles were fortunate not to be sent off for ugly tackles as seven players were booked and Ferguson and Jose Mourinho both incurred referee Graham Poll's wrath for furiously protesting his decisions.
Ferguson made eight changes to the side that had won at Manchester City on Saturday, with China striker Dong Fangzhuo handed his competitive debut in place of Wayne Rooney.
In making so many changes, Ferguson had deprived Chelsea of the chance to gain a small measure of revenge by beating a full-strength United team just four days after surrendering their title.
And, with Mourinho leaving out Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, a match that had for so long been billed as a title decider bore more than a passing resemblance to a reserve fixture.
As Mourinho had promised, Chelsea's players lined up to give United a guard of honour, replicating the respect shown to the London club at Old Trafford two years ago.
John Terry and company were grim-faced as they applauded the visitors onto the pitch and United's travelling fans rubbed salt into their wounds with persistent chants of 'champions'.
But Chelsea still started brightly and Shaun Wright-Phillips should have given them the lead in the fifth minute. The winger's surge through the middle gave him a sight of goal, but Tomasz Kuszczak blocked his scuffed shot.
Wright-Phillips was closer to beating the United keeper inadvertently moments later with a cross that dipped just past the far post.
Chelsea were snapping into tackles as though the title was still on the line and Mikel was booked for a rash tackle on Eagles.
Ferguson was furious and sprang from his seat to berate Mikel and then Poll for his failure to send off the midfield enforcer.
Inevitably United lacked a cutting edge without Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Gabriel Heinze had a half-chance when he beat Carlo Cudicini to a loose ball in the six-yard box, but the Argentina defender stabbed his effort wide.
As a dress rehersal for the FA Cup final, this was a phoney war. Chances were at a premium and Scott Sinclair wasted one of the few to come Chelsea's way when he failed to turn in Claude Makelele's shot.
Mourinho replaced Mikel at half-time, presumably to save him from a dismissal, but United's Wes Brown picked up where the Nigeran left off with a scything challenge on Sinclair.
After going through the motions in the first half, United briefly found some momentum and Dong nearly beat Cudicini with a looping shot that just cleared the bar.
Then Eagles was unlucky not to win a penalty after being tripped by Michael Essien. Eagles reacted to that perceived injustice with a nasty two-footed lunge on Wright-Phillips that Poll could have punished with more than a booking.
Wright-Phillips tested Kuszczak with a stinging drive as Chelsea tried to raise their tempo. Salomon Kalou brought the Poland international into action again with a low strike from the edge of the area.
The undercurrent of malice that ran through the clash came to the fore again when Makelele blocked Rooney's run. Mourinho sprang to the touchline to make a point to Poll before being told to calm down by the official.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Reds eye summer swoop for Eto'o
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly taken the first steps towards signing Samuel Eto'o for £27million this summer.
According to reports, Ferguson has identified the Barcelona striker as his number one transfer target as he begins his quest for three major signings in the close season.
It is understood Israeli agent Pini Zahavi, who has links in Barcelona, is behind the deal while Eto'o's friendship with Rio Ferdinand is also a factor in United's favour.
Only last week the United boss spoke of his desire to add more pace to his attack and the Cameroon international clearly fits the bill.
"Speed is important to us," said Ferguson as he talked about his plans for next season's title defence and Champions League challenge.
"At the moment that's what we're looking at. Whether we can get more speed."
Eto'o has been unsettled at the Catalan giants since his fall-out with coach Frank Rijkaard and Brazilian star Ronaldinho after he returned from four months out with a knee injury.
At the time he was accused of refusing to play and wounds between the trio have never fully healed.
In recent weeks however, Eto'o has let his football do most of the talking having scored 10 goals in his last 14 games and this kind of form has sparked interest from a host of European clubs.
AC Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea are also rumoured to be in the hunt for the three-times African Player of the Year but sources indicate he would prefer a move to Old Trafford.
Assuming Ferguson manages to also land Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves for £20million, United will have spent nearly all of their summer budget of £50m on just two players.
Ronny ready to relax
Cristiano Ronaldo insists United will enjoy playing without the burden of pressure in Wednesday night's trip to Chelsea.
The newly-crowned Premiership champions go into the Stamford Bridge clash buoyed by the knowledge that the result is inconsequential.
Winning the title with two games to spare gives United the added luxury of being able to focus on the looming FA Cup Final against Jose Mourinho's side.
Ronaldo told MUTV: "Now that we are champions, there will be no pressure when we go to Chelsea so we'll enjoy the game.
"The only pressure now is for the FA Cup final. We have a great chance to win the Double. Everybody in the dressing room has worked for this and wants to win it. Then we can go on holiday and rest after a great season."
Arguably the star of United's triumphant campaign, Ronaldo admits he is delighted that the club's hard work has yielded rewards.
To be champions now, after ten months of work, is amazing," he said. "Everyone at the club is very happy, the staff, the players... everyone. I am very proud. I feel great.
"I was at home on Sunday, watching the Arsenal-Chelsea game with my friends and family. It was very exciting. I was very nervous during the game but afterwards I opened a bottle with my friends. I called some of the players to ask what we should do, then everyone met up and it was a great night.
"This feeling, this experience of being champions in England is amazing and we want to win it again next season."
Fergie hails Jose reaction
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has thanked his Chelsea counterpart, Jose Mourinho, for his praise of the Red Devils after their Premiership title success.
With the two sides set to meet at Stamford Bridge tonight, Ferguson is grateful for the Portuguese accepting, with good grace, that his side's two-year reign as champions has ended.
He commented: "Jose understands winning and losing are twins in a way.
"You have to deal with them in the same way. When you win, you don't gloat and when you lose you don't go bananas.
"He was very complimentary after their draw at Arsenal and I'll bring him a decent bottle of wine to make sure his tastes are looked after.
"There's a lot of satisfaction in the way we have won it, Chelsea were the most resilient opponents we have ever come across.
"I thought the signings of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevcheko were designed to win them the European Cup and I just kept hoping that was what they were concentrating on.
"We tried to instil into the players' minds that we needed to get off to a good start and stay with Chelsea. It was something nobody else had done in the previous two years.
"Not only did we do that, we got in front and stayed there, which was a fantastic achievement because this is a relatively new team, which will hopefully get better."
Monday, May 7, 2007
The Most Valuable Soccer Teams
Forbes, 2007.
Manchester United is the most valuable soccer team despite $64 million less in revenue than Real Madrid due to superior growth prospects for Premiership teams-witness the hefty multiples paid for the Premiership's Aston Villa and Liverpool during the past year. Top value gainer Olympique Lyonnais went public in February.
Complete list.
1. Manchester United
2. Real Madrid
3. Arsenal
4. Bayern Munich
5. AC Milan
6. Juventus
7. Internazionale Milan
8. Chelsea
9. Barcelona
10.Shalke 04
Manchester United is the most valuable soccer team despite $64 million less in revenue than Real Madrid due to superior growth prospects for Premiership teams-witness the hefty multiples paid for the Premiership's Aston Villa and Liverpool during the past year. Top value gainer Olympique Lyonnais went public in February.
Complete list.
1. Manchester United
2. Real Madrid
3. Arsenal
4. Bayern Munich
5. AC Milan
6. Juventus
7. Internazionale Milan
8. Chelsea
9. Barcelona
10.Shalke 04
Ferguson admits he wants Mourinho to stay
LONDON, May 6, 2007 (AFP) - Alex Ferguson admits he would be sorry to see the back of arch-rival Jose Mourinho despite the two managers' recent war of words.
Mourinho's future has been thrown into doubt at Chelsea following the London club's exit from the Champions League and failure to keep track with Ferguson's Manchester United in the Premiership title race.
Failure to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium 24 hours after United beat neighbours City in the Manchester derby will bring an end to Chelsea's two-year reign of champions ahead of Ferguson's side's visit to face Mourinho and his players on May 9.
Chelsea's recent slips have been accompanied by a growing number of Mourinho outbursts that prompted Ferguson to hit back angrily in response to the Portuguese's claim that United were being favoured by the football authorities and referees.
Then the Scot delivered an even stronger rebuke when his opposite number indulged in a verbal spat with United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ferguson is convinced Mourinho's job is safe and while he wants to draw a line under the current row, he admits that the Chelsea manager's public mutterings bring an added dimension to the battle for supremacy in the Premiership.
"I think that you should always leave it to the players to settle things," Ferguson said. "But sometimes with Jose there is a continual dialogue that you quite enjoy having a wee go back. Maybe it adds more to the actual game.
"Sometmes we can get to intense about matches and get too focused on the game itself. He maybe brings another agenda which you can join in if you want to or you can sit back and admire what he has got to say.
And he added: "I don't pay attention to the talk about Jose's future. I don't think there is a great substance to these reports. I think he will be there next year."
Ferguson insists he will be happy to enjoy a post-match drink with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge no matter what the outcome and believes that the challenge from Chelsea will be even stronger next season - although he warned a repeat of the big money deals of the past will be no guarantee of success.
"I don't know what they will do this summer but I am sure they will buy three or four players like they have every year. And they have not been short on paying out incredible sums of money. So I don't know what they will do but I am sure with the money they have behind them they will not be left short in that respect.
"I think it's been proved time and time again that buying big doesn't always work. Bbut if you are buying real quality players then you expect to get success."
Mourinho's future has been thrown into doubt at Chelsea following the London club's exit from the Champions League and failure to keep track with Ferguson's Manchester United in the Premiership title race.
Failure to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium 24 hours after United beat neighbours City in the Manchester derby will bring an end to Chelsea's two-year reign of champions ahead of Ferguson's side's visit to face Mourinho and his players on May 9.
Chelsea's recent slips have been accompanied by a growing number of Mourinho outbursts that prompted Ferguson to hit back angrily in response to the Portuguese's claim that United were being favoured by the football authorities and referees.
Then the Scot delivered an even stronger rebuke when his opposite number indulged in a verbal spat with United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ferguson is convinced Mourinho's job is safe and while he wants to draw a line under the current row, he admits that the Chelsea manager's public mutterings bring an added dimension to the battle for supremacy in the Premiership.
"I think that you should always leave it to the players to settle things," Ferguson said. "But sometimes with Jose there is a continual dialogue that you quite enjoy having a wee go back. Maybe it adds more to the actual game.
"Sometmes we can get to intense about matches and get too focused on the game itself. He maybe brings another agenda which you can join in if you want to or you can sit back and admire what he has got to say.
And he added: "I don't pay attention to the talk about Jose's future. I don't think there is a great substance to these reports. I think he will be there next year."
Ferguson insists he will be happy to enjoy a post-match drink with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge no matter what the outcome and believes that the challenge from Chelsea will be even stronger next season - although he warned a repeat of the big money deals of the past will be no guarantee of success.
"I don't know what they will do this summer but I am sure they will buy three or four players like they have every year. And they have not been short on paying out incredible sums of money. So I don't know what they will do but I am sure with the money they have behind them they will not be left short in that respect.
"I think it's been proved time and time again that buying big doesn't always work. Bbut if you are buying real quality players then you expect to get success."
Fergie makes United stars wait to party
MANCHESTER, England, May 6, 2007 (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson has slapped an alcohol ban on his players until after Wednesday's trip to Chelsea, regardless of whether they have clinched the Premiership trophy by then.
Saturday's 1-0 victory over derby rivals Manchester City at Eastlands meant Chelsea had to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to keep the title battle alive.
But after watching Cristiano Ronaldo notch his 23rd goal of the season with the match-winning penalty on Saturday, Ferguson informed his players that he did not want any celebrations ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
The Scot, who cancelled a trip to Spain in favour of spending the rest of the bank holiday on the golf course, said: "Hopefully Arsenal can do us a favour now and we can get the result we want. A draw would be fine.
"If we have to go to Chelsea and get a result then we'll look forward to it, but we have a great chance (of winning the title)".
United, meanwhile, will ask the Premier League and the Football Association to launch an investigation into a crude challenge by Michael Ball on Ronaldo in the second minute of the game.
Ball waited until referee Rob Styles had turned his back before stamping on the chest of the Portugal international.
Ferguson was furious that the incident went unpunished and is keen for the matter to be dealt with this week.
Ronaldo left the field with a stud mark across his stomach and Ball will now face a trial by video.
If charged with violent conduct and subsequently found guilty, the former Everton and Rangers defender will face a ban for the start of next season.
City manager Stuart Pearce said: "People have mentioned this tackle to me but I've not seen it. These things can happen in football matches like this one.
"We will review the incident by video and take a decision from there. I'm also sure the authorities will do what they have to do."
Provided Pearce remains in charge for next season he will be desperate to clear-out some of his strikers and make new signings in the wake of a poor season.
Georgios Samaras, Paul Dickov, Bernardo Corradi and Darius Vassell could all find themselves surplus to requirements this summer.
City have set a new club record for the lowest number of home league goals scored in a season with just ten, including just one since New Year's Day.
Pearce could be handed a significant transfer kitty should chairman John Wardle sell the club to a Thai consortium and he said: "Scoring goals has been our Achilles heel all season. We haven't had enough cutting edge in attack and this is something we will have to look at."
Ferguson, meanwhile, has warned Ronaldo that he wants a chance to win his money back from the bet he lost to him over how many goals he would score this season.
Ferguson added: "I want my money back so it all depends on what I set my target at for next season, but he's had a wonderful campaign."
Saturday's 1-0 victory over derby rivals Manchester City at Eastlands meant Chelsea had to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to keep the title battle alive.
But after watching Cristiano Ronaldo notch his 23rd goal of the season with the match-winning penalty on Saturday, Ferguson informed his players that he did not want any celebrations ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
The Scot, who cancelled a trip to Spain in favour of spending the rest of the bank holiday on the golf course, said: "Hopefully Arsenal can do us a favour now and we can get the result we want. A draw would be fine.
"If we have to go to Chelsea and get a result then we'll look forward to it, but we have a great chance (of winning the title)".
United, meanwhile, will ask the Premier League and the Football Association to launch an investigation into a crude challenge by Michael Ball on Ronaldo in the second minute of the game.
Ball waited until referee Rob Styles had turned his back before stamping on the chest of the Portugal international.
Ferguson was furious that the incident went unpunished and is keen for the matter to be dealt with this week.
Ronaldo left the field with a stud mark across his stomach and Ball will now face a trial by video.
If charged with violent conduct and subsequently found guilty, the former Everton and Rangers defender will face a ban for the start of next season.
City manager Stuart Pearce said: "People have mentioned this tackle to me but I've not seen it. These things can happen in football matches like this one.
"We will review the incident by video and take a decision from there. I'm also sure the authorities will do what they have to do."
Provided Pearce remains in charge for next season he will be desperate to clear-out some of his strikers and make new signings in the wake of a poor season.
Georgios Samaras, Paul Dickov, Bernardo Corradi and Darius Vassell could all find themselves surplus to requirements this summer.
City have set a new club record for the lowest number of home league goals scored in a season with just ten, including just one since New Year's Day.
Pearce could be handed a significant transfer kitty should chairman John Wardle sell the club to a Thai consortium and he said: "Scoring goals has been our Achilles heel all season. We haven't had enough cutting edge in attack and this is something we will have to look at."
Ferguson, meanwhile, has warned Ronaldo that he wants a chance to win his money back from the bet he lost to him over how many goals he would score this season.
Ferguson added: "I want my money back so it all depends on what I set my target at for next season, but he's had a wonderful campaign."
Saturday, May 5, 2007
United win penalty duel to close in on title
LONDON, May 5, 2007 (AFP) - Manchester United moved to within touching distance of the Premiership title after Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty clinched a 1-0 win at Manchester City on Saturday. United are now eight points clear of second placed Chelsea and will be crowned champions for the first time since 2003 if Jose Mourinho's men fail to beat Arsenal on Sunday.
Even if the Blues win at Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson's side can seal the league title on Wednesday if they avoid defeat against Chelsea.
Ronaldo's spot-kick and a late penalty save from Edwin van der Sar gave United the win over their local rivals at Eastlands.
The league leaders went in front in the 34th minute with a goal that was especially sweet for Ronaldo.
Michael Ball had been guilty of a vicious stamp on Ronaldo early in the first half, but the Portugal winger was quick to exact revenge as he drew the left-back into a rash lunge that earned a penalty.
Ronaldo picked himself up to send Andreas Isaksson the wrong way from the spot for his 23rd goal of a superb season.
City hadn't scored a home league goal since New Year's Day, but they had a glorious chance to end that barren run in the 81st minute when Ball won a soft penalty after colliding with Wes Brown.
Darius Vassell took the spot-kick, but his shot struck van der Sar's legs and deflected to safety as United held on for a potentially decisive victory in the title race.
At the other end of the table, West Ham moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a match-winning display from Carlos Tevez, who has been at the centre of a bitter row over his eligibility to play for the Hammers.
West Ham's relegation rivals are considering legal action against the Premier League after the London club were only fined rather than handed a points penalty for playing Tevez even though he was not registered properly.
So it was inevitable that Tevez would play a major role in his side's 3-1 win over Bolton at Upton Park. The Argentina striker opened the scoring with a 10th minute free-kick and added a second in the 21st minute.
Mark Noble got the third and Gary Speed's second half strike couldn't stop Alan Curbishley's side edging closer to a great escape with their sixth win in eight matches.
Curbishley, whose team face Manchester United next week, said: "It's given us a great opportunity and we've got to grab it. We've come this far and not to grab it would be devastating. We couldn't wish to go to a tougher place but we are full of confidence."
West Ham's victory plunged Wigan into the bottom three after Paul Jewell's side lost 1-0 against Middlesbrough.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has led the protests against West Ham and it is his side who are in danger of slipping into the Championship instead after Australia striker Mark Viduka's 29th minute goal at the JJB Stadium.
Clint Dempsey virtually secured Fulham's Premiership status as his second half goal snatched a vital 1-0 win over Champions League finalists Liverpool.
Dempsey turned in Liam Rosensior's cross after 69 minutes at Craven Cottage to give Lawrie Sanchez's side, who had Papa Bouba Diop sent off in the last minute, their first win in 12 matches.
The American match-winner said: "We have put ourselves in a good position and hopefully it will be the goal that keeps us up.
"The manager has come in and he is a man on a mission. He wants to get the job done and we have to believe in him."
Sheffield United missed a chance to confirm their survival as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Villa the lead in the 25th minute and goals from Ashley Young and Patrick Berger either side of half-time set up a crunch final match for Neil Warnock's Blades at home to fellow strugglers Wigan.
Mikel Arteta kept Everton on course for a UEFA Cup place as his second half penalty set up a 3-0 win against Portmouth.
Arteta struck from the spot in the 59th minute, then Joseph Yobo added a second three minutes later and Gary Naysmith scored in the last minute to lift David Moyes's team into fifth place.
Benni McCarthy spoiled Michael Owen's homecoming as his goal put Blackburn on course for a 2-0 win at Newcastle.
Owen was making his first appearance at St James' Park since December 2005 after recovering from a knee injury, but South African striker McCarthy scored in the 14th minute and Jason Roberts' 73rd minute strike ensured Rovers stole the spotlight.
Already-relegated Watford landed just their fifth league win this season as goals from Danny Shittu and Marlon King secured a 2-0 success at Reading. Tottenham travel to relegation-threatened Charlton on Monday.
Even if the Blues win at Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson's side can seal the league title on Wednesday if they avoid defeat against Chelsea.
Ronaldo's spot-kick and a late penalty save from Edwin van der Sar gave United the win over their local rivals at Eastlands.
The league leaders went in front in the 34th minute with a goal that was especially sweet for Ronaldo.
Michael Ball had been guilty of a vicious stamp on Ronaldo early in the first half, but the Portugal winger was quick to exact revenge as he drew the left-back into a rash lunge that earned a penalty.
Ronaldo picked himself up to send Andreas Isaksson the wrong way from the spot for his 23rd goal of a superb season.
City hadn't scored a home league goal since New Year's Day, but they had a glorious chance to end that barren run in the 81st minute when Ball won a soft penalty after colliding with Wes Brown.
Darius Vassell took the spot-kick, but his shot struck van der Sar's legs and deflected to safety as United held on for a potentially decisive victory in the title race.
At the other end of the table, West Ham moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a match-winning display from Carlos Tevez, who has been at the centre of a bitter row over his eligibility to play for the Hammers.
West Ham's relegation rivals are considering legal action against the Premier League after the London club were only fined rather than handed a points penalty for playing Tevez even though he was not registered properly.
So it was inevitable that Tevez would play a major role in his side's 3-1 win over Bolton at Upton Park. The Argentina striker opened the scoring with a 10th minute free-kick and added a second in the 21st minute.
Mark Noble got the third and Gary Speed's second half strike couldn't stop Alan Curbishley's side edging closer to a great escape with their sixth win in eight matches.
Curbishley, whose team face Manchester United next week, said: "It's given us a great opportunity and we've got to grab it. We've come this far and not to grab it would be devastating. We couldn't wish to go to a tougher place but we are full of confidence."
West Ham's victory plunged Wigan into the bottom three after Paul Jewell's side lost 1-0 against Middlesbrough.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has led the protests against West Ham and it is his side who are in danger of slipping into the Championship instead after Australia striker Mark Viduka's 29th minute goal at the JJB Stadium.
Clint Dempsey virtually secured Fulham's Premiership status as his second half goal snatched a vital 1-0 win over Champions League finalists Liverpool.
Dempsey turned in Liam Rosensior's cross after 69 minutes at Craven Cottage to give Lawrie Sanchez's side, who had Papa Bouba Diop sent off in the last minute, their first win in 12 matches.
The American match-winner said: "We have put ourselves in a good position and hopefully it will be the goal that keeps us up.
"The manager has come in and he is a man on a mission. He wants to get the job done and we have to believe in him."
Sheffield United missed a chance to confirm their survival as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Villa the lead in the 25th minute and goals from Ashley Young and Patrick Berger either side of half-time set up a crunch final match for Neil Warnock's Blades at home to fellow strugglers Wigan.
Mikel Arteta kept Everton on course for a UEFA Cup place as his second half penalty set up a 3-0 win against Portmouth.
Arteta struck from the spot in the 59th minute, then Joseph Yobo added a second three minutes later and Gary Naysmith scored in the last minute to lift David Moyes's team into fifth place.
Benni McCarthy spoiled Michael Owen's homecoming as his goal put Blackburn on course for a 2-0 win at Newcastle.
Owen was making his first appearance at St James' Park since December 2005 after recovering from a knee injury, but South African striker McCarthy scored in the 14th minute and Jason Roberts' 73rd minute strike ensured Rovers stole the spotlight.
Already-relegated Watford landed just their fifth league win this season as goals from Danny Shittu and Marlon King secured a 2-0 success at Reading. Tottenham travel to relegation-threatened Charlton on Monday.
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