Nani's new deal to ward off Italy interest

Papers: New deal for Nani?

Phil Thomas in The Sun writes..Nani's new deal to ward off Italy interest
Nani is to be given a mega pay-rise by Manchester United to see off interest from Italy. United plan to move the Portuguese winger, already on £90,000 a week, up to the next tier of their pay-scale alongside the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand on a reported £130,000 a week. Both Milan clubs and Juventus are showing interest in a summer raid. But United top brass have pencilled in talks with Nani's representatives for early in the New Year, when the 24-year-old has 18 months left on his contract. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson will resist any attempts to cash in on the £30million- rated star, who he signed from Sporting Lisbon for £18.5m in 2007. That is likely to mean an improved four-year deal. The Old Trafford chief is convinced Nani can develop along the same lines as Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Daily Mirror believe United and Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid and AC Milan in a race to sign Sao Paolo youngster Lucas.
The Hull Daily Mail report Nick Barmby's elevation to caretaker manager of Hull City, indicating that a move to appoint United Reserves boss Warren Joyce as Nigel Pearson's successor fell through. It is claimed that Joyce decided to remain at Old Trafford instead.

Round Up By Adam Marshall

Scholes ready to move up managerial ladder

Papers: Step up for Scholes?

Scholes ready to move up managerial ladderPaul Scholes is ready to move up the Manchester United managerial pecking order – as his ‘boss’ Warren Joyce heads back to Hull City. Reserve team manager Joyce, 46, will be allowed to return to Humberside, where he was Tigers gaffer from 1998-2000. And assistant Scholes is set to step into his shoes at United. Hull could snap up Joyce without paying compensation, with Sir Alex Ferguson using the move to promote Scholes. Joyce takes charge of United reserves while Scholes listens and learns from the vociferous coach. Now the Old Trafford legend could assume control to see if he can cut it at that level. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously did the job before moving to Norway. Hull have considered MK Dons boss Karl Robinson, but are swaying towards Joyce – with Nick Barmby, 37, likely to be in his backroom team at the KC Stadium.
Alan Nixon, Daily Star
Meanwhile, the Guardian report that there has been a delay in the row involving Patrice Evra and Liverpool's Luis Suarez. The FA have told Evra he may not be able to prove his racism claims against Suarez due to linguistic subtleties. Suarez has categorically denied racially abusing the Frenchman and the FA's investigators are having to consider the different context with which words that would be considered offensive in England are commonly used in Uruguay and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Round Up By Gemma Thompson

When Sir Alex Ferguson dubbed Wayne Rooney "The White Pele"

Papers: Pele puts boot in

Stuart Pink writes in the The Sun...
Pele sticks the boot in
When Sir Alex Ferguson dubbed Wayne Rooney "The White Pele", the real deal was flattered but was hardly in agreement. Typical of the attitude that made him the world's greatest footballer, Brazilian legend Pele feels Rooney, 26, has a long way to go before he can be talked about in the same breath as him. Pele, 71, told The Sun on a visit to London: "I am a very big fan of Rooney. He always fights for the team. He is not too technical, his strength is his heart. He's a good player. But you can't really compare him to me. I scored a lot of goals. I don't know if Rooney has." The England striker shouldn't feel too disheartened — just look at what he has to say about Lionel Messi, the most breathtaking star in the game today and a contender to his status as the finest player ever. He said: "I think a 'great' player is defined by their performances at the World Cup. For example, watch Lionel Messi play for Barcelona. He is very good. Exceptional. But for Argentina, he's completely different. Compare him to Zinedine Zidane. He won the World Cup and was at the top for 15 years. He was a more complete player than Messi. Before Zidane there was Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini and Bobby Moore. Great players who won World Cups or, in Cruyff and Platini's case, starred in them. Wayne's aggression is a big part of his game - you cannot take that away from him. In my time we didn't have many yellow cards and red cards. Now, the players are very well protected. But a player does have a responsibility to behave himself. It's hard to change the personality of the player but maybe they can adjust."
The Times pick up on the story that Great Britain will open their London 2012 Olympic football campaign at Old Trafford.

Round Up By Adam Marshall

Vidic next in line for Alex

Papers: Vidic to Madrid?

Ian Ladyman writes in the Daily Mail...

Vidic next in line for AlexSir Alex Ferguson is prepared to rip the heart from his defence next summer and sell Nemanja Vidic to Real Madrid. Real coach Jose Mourinho continues to eye Vidic as he looks to build a team that can wrest the Champions League crown from their great rivals Barcelona. Ferguson understandably will not countenance letting his club captain go in the forthcoming January transfer window. But Sportsmail understands that, remarkably, Ferguson will consider selling Vidic next summer if his old friend Mourinho comes up with enough money to enable United to buy a replacement. With doubts over Rio Ferdinand’s long-term future at Old Trafford, selling Vidic at a time when young defenders such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are still developing would appear to be a huge risk. However, it is understood that Ferguson is no longer convinced that Vidic is 100 per cent committed to life at United and has been less than impressed with the Serb’s efforts so far this season.
Elsewhere, the Daily Star carry quotes from goalkeeper David De Gea, who's warned Manchester City that the Reds are good enough to continue winning silverware. And plenty of it. “United can still win it all,"he said. "It is still not decided that City will finish first.” De Gea also praises Sir Alex Ferguson, calling him "an incredible coach, without doubt the best in the world.”
The Mirror report Rio Ferdinand has received a boost after being left out of Fabio Capello's current England squad. Despite his absence, Ferdinand has been reassured by the manager that he will definitely be going to next summer's European Championships.

Round Up By Nick Coppack

United have got Poz-itive vibes

Papers: Reds target Pozuelo

United have got Poz-itive vibesAccording to The Sun, United are keeping tabs on Real Betis striker Alejandro Pozuelo with the 20-year-old hitman rated in the £4.5million class. Barcelona and Villarreal have also been trailing the Seville-born starlet, who has played only 218 minutes of football in La Liga. United's scouts were spotted at recent matches and Alvaro Vadillo has already been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The same newspaper claims Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Theatre of Dreams to play in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial next year, although the event has not been confirmed.
Tomasz Kuszczak's interview in the Polish media has been picked up by several newspapers, including The Daily Mail. "I don't want to slander or criticise Sir Alex Ferguson," he stated. "It's not my style. I've talked to Ferguson recently and asked him to let me leave the club now, before the January transfer window." Sheffield United boss Danny Wilson has confirmed making an enquiry for the Pole and Doncaster are also admirers, it has been revealed in The Sheffield Star.
Andreas Pereira's suggestion that he has sealed a move to United in January is also covered in a number of newspapers. The Guardian pick up on the PSV Eindhoven teenager's comment that the personal touch from Sir Alex helped convince him to head to Manchester when he turns 16.
Finally, Luis Suarez has had his say on the on-field row with Patrice Evra during the recent 1-1 draw with Liverpool. His quotes are repeated in The Daily Telegraph as he says: "The FA will have to clear it up with him, because there is no proof at all that I have said anything racist. I didn’t say anything like that to him. Depending on who ends up in the wrong, one of us will have to apologise."

Round Up By Adam Marshall

Boss can stay for another five season

Papers: Five more years

David McDonnell writes in the Daily Mirror...
Nev: Boss can stay for another five seasonGary Neville reckons Sir Alex Ferguson has the hunger and desire to carry on in charge of Manchester United for another five years. Former United skipper Neville, who retired last season, paid tribute to Fergie ahead of his former manager’s 25th anniversary in charge at Old Trafford this weekend. And, far from slowing down, Neville said he could see the Scot - who turns 70 on New Year’s Eve - continuing until he has racked up 30 years at the club. “He has now done 25 years in the job and is still here, why should he leave?” said Neville. “He feels as determined as ever and it’s a continual challenge to be at United. “I know that from being a player. I know that from being a fan. That will keep him young. There was a period when people were talking about him retiring, but that has gone away. He knows the club, he knows how to make it successful. We have been developing a new side with a lot of young players coming into the squad and hopefully we can continue to bear the fruits of that. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was to go on for even five more years.”
The Mirror claims Wayne Rooney is "ready to be the next Paul Scholes," after his run-out in midfield against Otelul Galati.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star report that Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones have been left out of Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 squad for the European Championship double-header against Iceland and Belgium, which suggests the pair will be named in Fabio Capello’s full squad for the friendlies against Spain and Switzerland.
The paper also features quotes from former Red Kieran Richardson says Sunderland are ready to gatecrash Sir Alex's anniversary celebrations this weekend. “Going back is a big event for me. We’ve been to Old Trafford before and taken something from the game and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do again," he said.

Round Up By Gemma Thompson

Manchester United are tracking Udinese’s Kwadwo Asamoah

Papers: Asamoah tracked

The Daily Mail writes...
Manchester United are tracking Udinese’s Kwadwo Asamoah. The Ghana midfielder, 22, can play on the left or in the centre and is valued at £8million by the Serie A club.
The Mail, who have gone a little transfer crazy today, also claim Nani is a target for Juventus, Schalke are vowing to keep Klaas-Jan Huntelaar supposedly from United's clutches and Leeds want Tomasz Kuszczak, even though Alex McCarthy looks set to join the Yorkshiremen from Reading.
The Sun, and others, claim as an exclusive that Fabio Capello will pick star striker Wayne Rooney for Euro 2012 - despite his suspension. However, the United ace looks unlikely to be included in the squad for the friendlies with Spain and Sweden as the Italian tries out other options. Rooney regrets his red card in Montenegro: "Obviously it's devastating for me but it's something that's my own fault so I can't really complain," he is quoted as saying in The Times. "It was stupid by me - I regretted as soon as I did it. It's no excuse but I still feel the punishment is a bit harsh. All the details we have been waiting on have come through, so we'll be making a decision as to whether we will be appealing. Even if it's reduced by one game, it will be a bonus for me."
Finally, L'Equipe reveal that Laurent Blanc left Patrice Evra out of the France squad because of a personal issue that could also lead to the left-back missing the Reds' game with Sunderland on Saturday. "He needs rest," said Blanc. "He has been hit by a family drama that will prevent him from being with us." It's reported that one of Evra's brothers died at the age of 42 from a heart-attack before the derby match against City.

Round Up By Adam Marshall

Vidic: United over City woes

Papers: Vida warning

Martin Blackburn writes in The Sun...
Vidic: United over City woes
Nemanja Vidic has warned Manchester United's rivals the champions are feeling more like their old selves again. Sir Alex Ferguson's men have responded to their 6-1 derby humbling against Manchester City with back-to-back wins and clean sheets. And they will be looking to make it three in a row when they tackle Romanian outfit Otelul Galati in the Champions League on Wednesday. Vidic revealed how United went back-to-basics to get back on their feet after the embarrassing show against City. The centre-back, 30, said: “It was important to show the 6-1 didn't affect the players and I think we showed that at Everton. It was important to defend like a team and get back to playing as a team. In the last 20 minutes against City we didn't do that. That's why we were disappointed. But since then we've come back to the way we used to play. When you lose a derby, especially by that scoreline, it is difficult to take — but we have shown character.”
Elsewhere, The Guardian features news of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first title win as manager of Molde. The United legend sealed the club's first championship in a century with a 2-2 draw against Stromsgodset at the weekend. “The club has waited 100 years for this,” said the former Reds striker.  “We have been close several times so this was well deserved.”
In transfer news, the Daily Mirror’s gossip column claims Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will bid for Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen during the January window.

Round Up By Mark Froggatt

Sunderland want Kuszczak

Papers: Tomasz deal?

Sunderland want KuszczakSunderland are considering an emergency loan move for Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Manager Steve Bruce has admitted the club may seek special dispensation after Simon Mignolet underwent surgery on the badly broken nose he suffered during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Keiren Westwood came on at Villa, but Bruce is still short of keepers with Craig Gordon yet to resume training and Trevor Carson out with a back injury. Kuszczak, 29, also a target for Doncaster, is frustrated at becoming fourth choice at United behind David de Gea, Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos.
Sportsmail Reporter

The Mail have also run news that came out of Sir Alex's press conference last Friday. They claim defender Rafael could return from three months out with a shoulder problem with United's Reserves meet Everton on Thursday. He's not played since picking up an injury on the training ground in the week following the Reds' August Community Shield win.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star claim Rio Ferdinand is "facing a losing battle to save his Manchester United career". Jeremy Cross claims: "Ferdinand is no longer one of Fergie’s first-choice defenders and the veteran is facing up to the prospect that this season could be his last with the champions."

Round Up By Nick Coppack

Suarez denies racism allegations

Papers: Evra claims denied

Chris Bascombe writes in The Telegraph...
Suarez denies racism allegationsLiverpool's Luis Suarez has strongly denied accusations of racism aimed at him by Manchester United’s Patrice Evra following Saturday's draw at Anfield. The Football Association have asked to meet Evra to discuss his assertion, that Suárez subjected him to persistent racial abuse. If it is decided there is no case to answer, Liverpool expect Evra to be subject to disciplinary measures and banned due to the seriousness of his accusations. Suárez strenuously denies any wrong doing, and last night released a statement expressing his hurt at being caught up in the controversy. “I’m upset by the accusations of racism,” Suárez said in a statement released on his Facebook page. “I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody. We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts.” Liverpool have offered their full support to the player and their already frosty relations with Manchester United threaten to deteriorate even further as a consequence of Evra’s statements. A fresh Anfield statement said: “Luis is adamant that he has not used language of that nature and the club is totally supportive of the player.” United are making no comment on the affair following the start of the FA investigation.
Other angles on the Anfield match include praise for David De Gea after he helped prevent United's first defeat of the season. Daniel Taylor writes in The Guardian, "The Reds goalkeeper showed that he has overcome his uncertain start to life in the Premier League."
The Daily Express quotes Roberto Mancini on telling his Man City players to forget United - for now. "All our thoughts must be concentrated on Villarreal. Then we can think about the derby."

Round Up By Adam Bostock

Wayne Rooney's three-game ban for England

Papers: Rooney ditched?

14/10/2011 09:00

Capello could ditch Rooney
Wayne Rooney's three-game ban for England is front-page news in some papers as the debate starts over whether to take the talismanic striker to the Euro 2012 finals, even though they are still a whopping 238 days away. The Daily Mirror report that Fabio Capello's first words on hearing the news were: "Oh my God" with Rooney left "shocked and disappointed". The Daily Mail take things a bit further and claim Capello could ditch Rooney for the tournament after only expecting a two-match suspension. Phil Neville described the length of the ban as a "joke" on Twitter and that's reported in the newspapers while the prospect of an FA appeal is also discussed - even if The Independent indicate it could lead to further punishment if it fails. Expect this one to run and run with Danny Welbeck obviously forwarded as a potential replacement in the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden, with Capello set to try out some new ideas.
You could almost be forgiven for forgetting the Barclays Premier League returns with a bang this weekend with United's trip to Liverpool kicking it off in spectacular fashion in the lunchtime game. Anfield owner John W.Henry has paid tribute to Sir Alex with The Telegraph relaying his comments: "We are still a long way behind them. They were well set up going into this year and then were able to insert great, young players. Mr. Ferguson is a genius."
The Daily Mail have delved into the schoolboy career of Phil Jones and carry quotes from some of the people involved in his upbringing. Former Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce says his nickname for the defender was 'John Terry' and he feels his long-term position will definitely be at centre-back.

Round Up By Adam Marshall

Javier Hernandez has agreed a new five-year contract

Papers: New deal for Chicharito

13/10/2011 09:30

Hernandez signs new five-year dealJavier Hernandez has agreed a new five-year contract that moves him into Manchester United's higher bracket of earners and continues the club's policy of ensuring all their more valuable players are confirmed as long-term assets. United have not officially announced Hernandez's new contract but the club have been keen to finalise terms since the summer, rewarding the Mexican for scoring 20 goals in his first season since signing from Chivas de Guadalajara. "We have renegotiated Javier's contract and he is now committed for five years with Manchester United," the player's agent, Eduardo Hernandez, said. "The initial contract was good for Manchester and for Javier because it enabled them both to see if they could fit together and if he could achieve what was expected of him. Both sides have met their expectations and United were happy to reward Javier after his very good performances last season." Hernandez has been linked with Real Madrid but his representative said there had been no contact from the Spaniards. "It was never likely that Javier would leave. Talks began some time ago and United came up with a very good offer and I have nothing but praise for the way they have recognised Javier's performances."
Daniel Taylor, The Guardian
The Guardian also reports that United and Chelsea are among several clubs who have moved to distance themselves from Liverpool's proposal to break from the Premier League's model of collecting television rights revenue.
In other news, the Telegraph says Wayne Rooney faces the prospect of missing the entire group phase if his red card against Montenegro is deemed to be an 'assault.' The striker will discover the length of his ban at Euro 2012 on Thursday.

Round Up By Gemma Thompson

Manchester United have confirmed they are monitoring Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Papers: Forward on radar

12/10/2011 09:30

The Daily Mail reports...
United lead £11m chase for Sporting wonderkidManchester United have confirmed they are monitoring Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Sportsmail revealed United’s interest after they watched the Dutch striker score against Lazio in the Europa League tie on September 29. The 22-year-old only joined in the summer from Utrecht for £5.5m but is now valued at £11m after scoring six goals in his first eight games. United assistant manager Mike Phelan said: "We’ve known Van Wolfswinkel for a long time. He’s a young striker, very talented, who has developed well in the last few seasons."
All the papers feature quotes from Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre who says his club should be allowed to pursue their own international television rights deal. The £1.4billion contract, which expires in 2013, is currently shared equally between the 20 top-flight clubs. But Ayre insists his club must consider going it alone if they are not to be left in the slipstream of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In other news, David Beckham tells The Sun he wants to make a dream return to United in a sporting director role. Pointing to former Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane's current sporting director position at the Bernabeu, Beckham says: "I'd love to do that."

Round Up By Gemma Thompson

Javier Hernandez is a shock £30million target for Real Madrid

Papers: Madrid eye Hernandez

11/10/2011 09:30

Neil Custis writes in The Sun...
Wanted: Real want JavierJavier Hernandez is a shock £30million target for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have put the Manchester United striker top of their wanted list. But boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to keep the 23-year-old Mexican at Old Trafford. United want him to sign a new five-year deal, tripling his wages from £25,000 to £75,000. But Real would be prepared to double that again and pay a transfer fee which represents five times what United bought the striker for when they took him from Chivas for £6m just 18 months ago. Real boss Jose Mourinho could make his move in the January transfer window but believes his best chance of getting the player will come next summer. Fergie will hope that, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Hernandez does not have his heart set on the Bernabeu.
All the papers report that Wayne Rooney has personally written to UEFA in a bid to limit his European Championship ban for his red card in Montenegro to a single match. His hearing is on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Express say Steven Gerrard is set to make his return to Liverpool’s starting line-up against United on Saturday.

Round Up By Gemma Thompson

Valencia will make a renewed £12m bid for Manchester United flop Dimitar Berbatov

Papers: Valencia want Berba

The Daily Star reports...
Valencia target Dimitar BerbatovValencia will make a renewed £12m bid for Manchester United flop Dimitar Berbatov in January. The Spanish giants made an offer for Berbatov during the last transfer window, which was rejected by Sir Alex Ferguson. But the Bulgarian striker has fallen behind the pecking order at old Trafford behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen. Berbatov has stated more than once that he will quit Manchester United in the next transfer window unless the champions hand him a new deal. He is in the final 12 months of his current £100,000-a-week deal and can open talks with new clubs in January. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also monitoring his situation. United have the option of extending his deal by a further 12 months between now and the end of the season. And they are considering triggering the option of adding another season to Berbatov’s deal to stop the £30.7m signing leaving for nothing next summer. But the former Tottenham hitman knows he could secure a more lucrative deal elsewhere as a free agent and will tell United he wants out unless a new offer is put on the table.
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes has revealed that the occasionally toe-curling tackling which underscored his career was, indeed, often deliberately exuberant. The freshly-retired midfielder is quoted in the Mirror as saying: "Of course I can tackle. There's plenty of evidence of being able to tackle. I was just getting people back. If someone got me early in the game it was always in the back of my mind that I needed to get them back. I didn't always do it on purpose, some of it was just bad timing, I suppose."

Round Up By Steve Bartram

Manchester United are keeping an eye on Sporting Lisbon striker

Papers: Reds eye Ricky

The Daily Mail reports...
United keeping tabs on Van Wolfswinkel Manchester United are keeping an eye on Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel. The 22-year-old Dutch striker only joined in the summer from FC Utrecht but has scored six goals in seven games. He would cost United around £11million.
The Guardian reports that Sir Alex Ferguson has sent a letter to all United fans who have tickets for the Liverpool game on 15 October, urging them to "respect the stewards and follow ground regulations". The Reds boss says: "Despite intense lobbying by the club on your behalf, there will only be just over 1,900 United fans at Anfield. We can't allow this situation to continue. I've said many times that your support is a vital part of our success and, trust me, the players do notice when your numbers are cut."
The Mirror claims Paul Scholes may "abandon his fledgling coaching career". "I’ve started my badges - whether I finish them is another question," he is quoted as saying. "If I feel I can succeed and be half decent, I’ll carry on. If I feel I don’t think it’s the thing for me and I won’t be any good at it, I won’t pursue it. I don’t want to be just average at it."
Stewart Downing is targeting his first Liverpool goal against the champions, saying in The Sun: "Maybe that will happen against Man United — that would be perfect."
The Telegraph states England coach Fabio Capello is considering picking Phil Jones alongside John Terry against Montenegro on Friday.

Round Up By James Tuck

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Fergie urges trio to be fit for Liverpool crunch

Papers: Boss wants trio back

03/10/2011 09:13

The Daily Mail reports...
Fergie urges trio to be fit for Liverpool crunch
Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his injured players to get back to match-fitness for Manchester United's clash at Anfield when the international break ends. United have three players - England duo Chris Smalling and Tom Cleverley, plus skipper Nemanja Vidic - who have a chance of being fit for the crucial Premier League visit to Liverpool on October 15. Vidic has been out since suffering a calf strain in the opening day triumph at West Brom in August, whilst Smalling and Cleverley are battling to overcome groin and foot injuries respectively. "The most important thing is the work they do before the internationals finish," Ferguson said. "We really want to have Vidic and Cleverley doing some really strong work, and Smalling too, that would bring them on to a level that they could play at Anfield. You can't go there with players who are semi-fit or just coming back from injury. You need players who are fully focused and up to speed in terms of fitness and sharpness."
As United prepare to face a post-internationals test of their title credentials at Anfield and against Manchester City, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas wants his side to take advantage of any slip-ups. "Next game, two title contenders play each other — Liverpool and Manchester United," says the Portuguese. "Then the two Manchester clubs play each other the week after that. It is important for us to continue to win and close the gap."
Elsewhere, plenty of column inches are devoted to England's squad selection to face Montenegro - especially the omission of Reds defender Rio Ferdinand after his injury-hit start to the season.

Round Up By Steve Bartram

Scholes: I understand Tevez

Papers: Scholes on Tevez

Jim White writes in The Telegraph...
Scholes: I understand TevezIn the white noise brouhaha surrounding the Carlos Tévez affair, Paul Scholes offers a quiet word from another perspective. One which seeks to understand the player. “I can see his point of view, yeah,” says the recently retired Manchester United midfielder. “His state of mind will be that he’s being messed around by the manager. And you could say he’s got a case. He was far and away City’s best player last year. And he hasn’t featured this season. He’ll look at the Napoli game when they were struggling and he’s only been brought on with 10 minutes to go, he’ll see he’s been left out of the Everton game, he’ll watch [Mario] Balotelli coming in to the team instead of him and all that will rile him. He’d have thought he should be playing against Bayern Munich after the Manchester City forwards didn’t play well against Everton. He is someone who wants to be playing... The state of mind he’s in he’ll think what he’s done is the only way to get his manager back. I’m not saying it’s right, of course it isn’t. But I understand it.”
Scholes' quotes - gleaned to promote his new autobiography - appear in most papers. He goes on to recall when he declined to play in a League Cup tie away to Arsenal 10 years ago after he'd been omitted from a couple of Premier League games. "I regretted it immediately," he says. "It was a stupid thing to do. And I’m sure over time Carlos will come to regret what he did."
An extract from Scholes' book in The Sun recalls Sir Alex's fondness for taking part in training. The Reds legend writes, "You could see he had a nice left foot and he loved taking penalties. Nobody could ever save them - or perhaps I should say nobody dared to save them!"

Round Up By Adam Bostock