Manchester United - 2012/2013 Thread

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Manchester United have confirmed they will start their pre-season tour with two matches in South Africa next month. The Red Devils will take on AmaZulu FC in Durban on July 18 and Ajax Cape Town in Cape Town three days later. Always popular in that part of the world, it will be United's first visit since 2008 and will be sponsored by MTN, the club's mobile telecommunications partner in Southern Africa. The opening match will be particularly poignant as it will take place at the 54,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium, venue for Spain's World Cup semi-final win over Germany, on Mandela Day. "The training camp and matches in South Africa will be an important part of our preparations for the 2012/13 season and an excellent chance to renew our acquaintance with our loyal and enthusiastic fans in South Africa," said Red Devils chief executive David Gill. "Everyone has fond memories of the visits there in 2006 and 2008 and, of course, of the exceptional organisation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup."

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-n...p-3137907.html

Pre-season fixture list so far

18/07/2012 AmaZulu
21/07/2012 Ajax Cape Town
25/07/2012 Shanghai Shenhua
05/07/2012 Vålerenga

[Geordie Ahmed]

Surprised they are not going to Japan after signing Kagawa

[saeed-sohail]

I am excited by Kagawa signing and imminent arrival of Modric.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Imminent? We have a 10% chance of signing him but if/when Harry leaves it will probably rise to 50%.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez Imminent? We have a 10% chance of signing him but if/when Harry leaves it will probably rise to 50%.

He will leave spurs no matter what and OT is his destination.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail He will leave spurs no matter what and OT is his destination.

Senior sources at #MUFC telling me they're not after Modric, which is a surprise. Only way it might happen is if Spurs offer him up, big if.

James Ducker, Man Utd ITK.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Shinji Kagawa has finally spoken about his transfer to Manchester United, saying he can't wait to play in the Premier League for Sir Alex Ferguson, who he described as a legend. Dream come true: Shinji Kagawa is ready for the challenge of playing for Manchester United. Shortly after returning on Wednesday from international duty in Australia, Kagawa lifted his self-imposed ban in talking about the most high-profile move in Japanese football history. Kagawa did not go into details about his contract with United, but did speak at length about his transfer to the Red Devils whose fee has been said to be as high as €22 million (£17 million). "When you look at the football scene, it's the best league in the world," Kagawa told Kyodo News. "You've got the world's biggest clubs like (Manchester) City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea all in the same league which is fascinating. "In the Bundesliga, the only games that compare are the ones against Bayern. I feel like I'd be able to gain so much by playing big games on a regular basis, including the Champions League. I can't help but be excited." Kagawa, who had been linked with European champions Chelsea as well as Arsenal and AC Milan, said United were the first team to make him an offer. The 23-year-old, coming off a league-and-cup double season with Borussia Dortmund, said meeting Ferguson was a huge factor in his decision-making. "There was some talking going on with other clubs, but Manchester were the first to make me a formal offer," Kagawa said. "And the more I talked to them, the more I felt Manchester was the place for me to be. "I met (Ferguson) and contacted him a few times afterward. I thought we hit it off, which meant a lot to me. He told me, 'Don't worry about a thing, trust me. I would love it if you could take on this huge challenge' " "And when a legendary man like him says that to you, it carries a lot of weight." Kagawa shot down stories of him being offered the No. 7 shirt worn by club legends George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kagawa said he does want to play in central attacking midfield as he did at Dortmund, a position currently occupied by England striker Wayne Rooney. He plays on the left wing for Japan because Keisuke Honda has cemented his place in the hole. "I want to play (in the hole)," Kagawa said. "I feel like that's where I play my best football. I plan on working hard so I can win my place at the position." "They're one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I was given a chance to play for them. I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they've got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn't an easy decision." "But I wanted the challenge."

I'm loving this guy already.

[ozzy_07]

Looking forward to the new season and seeing the impact Kagawa can make, he looks a class act and is only 23.

We've also signed promising youngster Nick Powell from Crewe although he is one for the future.

Berbatov will probably leave so would like to see us sign Lewandowski and also a right back (possibly Debuchy).

[ozzy_07]

Not really liking the chequered design on the new kit

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Originally Posted by ozzy_07 Looking forward to the new season and seeing the impact Kagawa can make, he looks a class act and is only 23. We've also signed promising youngster Nick Powell from Crewe although he is one for the future. Berbatov will probably leave so would like to see us sign Lewandowski and also a right back (possibly Debuchy).

Would hate to see Lewandowski join us as Kagawa joining may mean we play 4231 with only one striker. Chances will already be limited for Welbeck and Chicharito and if he joins...

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

- http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7814382/?

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Former Manchester United defender and current England coach Gary Neville has been spending some free time walking around Polish city Krakow, where England are based, like other members of the national set-up. The relaxed atmosphere and contact with travelling fans is in stark contrast to what happened at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where the squad were kept away from fans and stayed out of the way of the action at a luxury resort hotel in Rustenberg. He's no doubt been stopped for many photos with fans and been happy to oblige but when a group including a young man in a Manchester City shirt asked for a photo, Gary Neville cheekily covered up the badge on the guy's shirt. A good bit of fun from a smiling Neville and another notch on his 'How to be a United legend' wall chart. An interesting photo, but perhaps Neville's actions mean the main point is overlooked. Just what is that in-between Neville and the chap in the Manchester City shirt?

http://api.ning.com/files/s*zyunzqKP...ecitybadge.JPG

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez http://www.independent.ie/breaking-n...p-3137907.html Pre-season fixture list so far 18/07/2012 AmaZulu 21/07/2012 Ajax Cape Town 25/07/2012 Shanghai Shenhua 05/07/2012 Vålerenga

Its 5th August.

Im going to this match!!

Have bought tickets

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Manchester United announced earlier this month that an agreement with Borussia Dortmund had been reached for the transfer of Shinji Kagawa for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old Japanese midfielder has now passed a medical, obtained a UK work permit and has agreed a four-year contract commencing 1 July 2012. Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to be bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford. He told ManUtd.com: “Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal. "I am delighted he has chosen to come to United. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United’s style of play. We are all looking forward to working with him." Kagawa himself can't wait to get started as a Red. He told us: “This is a challenge I am really looking forward to. The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is such a massive club. "This is a really exciting time for me and I can’t wait to meet the team and start playing."

It's official, from the MUFC website.

[PetroDollars]

Two great signings so far, i am looking forward to seeing Nick Powell, he has been rated very highly and has a great shot on him.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Kagawa has allegedly turned down the #7 shirt!

[Amir]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez Kagawa has allegedly turned down the #7 shirt!

It's cause he knows Ronaldo is coming back.

[/PakFan2010]

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

[Amjid Javed]

United did very well to finish with the same number of points as city last season. In longterm united need to replace scholes and Giggs because this probably will be last season for both of them i reckon.

[Pakistaniboy]

I think 4-1-3-2 Would suit Man Utd As well.

This way both Rooney and Welbeck/Hernandez can play.

[James]

Sir Alex needs to buy well this summer or City are going to win the title again.

[PetroDollars]

Not at all.
Had Vidic not got injured last season we would have won the league months before it was decided.

[James]

Hahah. If this but that. Course you would.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy I think 4-1-3-2 Would suit Man Utd As well. This way both Rooney and Welbeck/Hernandez can play.

That is WAY too attacking.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Originally Posted by PetroDollars Not at all. Had Vidic not got injured last season we would have won the league months before it was decided.

City will strengthen.

[Bilal7]

Anderson should not be sold. The guy is talented and he needs to be given a long run in the team as a holding mid-fielder alongside Scholes, IF we are playing with the 4-2-3-1 formation.

If the 4-4-1-1 is still preferred by Ferguson, then he should play in the centre with Scholes or even Cleverly.

This may be harsh but Kagawa better be good. Hernandez had a brilliant first season but then faded away which suggests that he may not be the quality we thought he was afterall.

[saj001]

Kagawa is quality signing.

We need another midfielder though.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Originally Posted by Bilal7 Anderson should not be sold. The guy is talented and he needs to be given a long run in the team as a holding mid-fielder alongside Scholes, IF we are playing with the 4-2-3-1 formation. If the 4-4-1-1 is still preferred by Ferguson, then he should play in the centre with Scholes or even Cleverly. This may be harsh but Kagawa better be good. Hernandez had a brilliant first season but then faded away which suggests that he may not be the quality we thought he was afterall.

We payed 25M for Anderson, he is NOT worth that.

[amateurdentist]

Fergie got to change our formation and needs to buy a proper midfielder a creative passer like modric. the thing is united usually finish their business early in the market and i fear fergie might play kagawa as a deep lying midfielder and ruin his game. and we also need a winger because ashley young is crap. evra is going downhill with no replacement. and also i agree with bilal 4-2-3-1 is the formation. dont think united will be beating any continental sides with 4-4-2.
My team would be
degea
jones, smalling, vidic, evra
carrick/pogba, MF(modric?)
Valencia, kagawa, nani
rooney.
if we are to attack bringing on welbeck for either valenica and nani moving kagawa to the wings with rooney playing in the hole behind welbeck. still dont think this team has the quality to beat the likes of madrid or barca

[Riff]

Lmfao at signing the kid from Crewe

We are definitely going to win the PL and Champions League this year

[Riff]

Why not Moutinho or someone like Reus?

Or are these players out of our budget?!!

[PakCrikNeedsFixin]

Reus just signed for Dortmund I think

Would love it if we got Moutinho

[Riff]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail I am excited by Kagawa signing and imminent arrival of Modric.

Modric?

He's destined for Chelsea or City if he leaves

[Riff]

I heard that we have now set our sights at Zhi Peng Wong. He is dubbed to be the next Asian megastar


l have also heard rumours that we are in hot pursuit of John Stevenson- The wonderkid from Scunthorpe United

[amateurdentist]

Originally Posted by Riff I heard that we have now set our sights at Zhi Peng Wong. He is dubbed to be the next Asian megastar l have also heard rumours that we are in hot pursuit of John Stevenson- The wonderkid from Scunthorpe United

ferguson taking a leaf out of wengers book?

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Valencia to wear#7 shirt next season! Legend

[PetroDollars]

So it seems Berbatov would continue and stay here for another season then leave for free next year.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Kagawa - #26
Powell - #25

[Geordie Ahmed]

Kagawa was always going to wear a double digit shirt, think of the money that extra number will generate

[PetroDollars]

eerrrr, NO, he was offered the number 7 shirt and rejected it.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by PetroDollars eerrrr, NO, he was offered the number 7 shirt and rejected it.

aye

[amateurdentist]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...-moura-1132834

Fergie's going for a Brazilian: United delegation jet out to sign Moura

Chelsea and Real Madrid are also chasing the small but skillful Sao Paulo attacking midfielder who is now the Reds' No.1 target

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to make Brazil's next big thing - Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura - his big summer signing.

Fergie has sent a delegation headed by chief scout Jim Lawlor to thrash out a deal for the 19-year-old, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Ferguson is pleading with United's owners, the Glazer family, to spend up to £30million on the youngster who tops his hit-list as he aims to improve his side after a trophyless season.

United have been on the Moura's trail for months and invited his father to Old Trafford for talks - as Mirror Sport revealed in April.

Now, they have gone to Brazil in a bid to seal the massive transfer.

Moura, who has already capped by his country, is valued at £35m by Sao Paolo, but United are looking at ways of bringing down the price while also winning over the player and his loved ones.

The youngster's contract is part-owned by his family. If they back a move to Old Trafford, it could give Ferguson's hopes of pulling off the coup a real boost.

Fergie hopes the fact that United see Moura as their top priority will also give them a leg up on Chelsea and Real.

However, the real key will be getting the financial backing of United's American owners, by using the argument that Moura will have re-sale value as he is younger than alternative targets such as Tottenham's Luka Modric.

Chelsea have had a bid for Moura turned down, while Spanish champions Real are already in talks with his camp.

Moura is a small but super-skilled attacking midfielder who made his debut as a 17-year-old and has now played 80 times for Sao Paolo.

United would have no hesitation spending the money and putting Lucas into their side from the start, with Ferguson desperate for an injection of something fresh after a season of disappointment.

[amateurdentist]

i have seen videos of moura and he is very good. i really hope fergie signs him up.

[SempreSami]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed aye

Most shops have a standard rate for all names/numbers, no?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by SempreSami Most shops have a standard rate for all names/numbers, no?

I have no idea, I just want to have a dig at them

I have always been of the understanding double digit costs extra BUT I have never gotten a name/number on my top

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

^ From Sports Direct it's £4 per digit, but the rest have a fixed price.

[sully3]

Ji Sung Park joins QPR for £5 million


Thanks Park for all the memories, but I'm happy he has left he looked out of dept last season at United and was hampering some younger players development

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Nani says he is 'very happy' at United.

PetroDollars?

[PetroDollars]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez Nani says he is 'very happy' at United. PetroDollars?

Still no contract extension been signed and he mentioned a week ago that he thought Fergie wants to sell him. It seems to be about money and Nanis agents have asked for 120k/week which has been rejected.

[Riff]

Lmfao at us competing with Madrid for a player and succeeding.

If Madrid are serious about signing Moura then we have no chance!

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Has anyone heard about Kagawa's bird?

[amateurdentist]

she is beautiful but her profession is going to give fergie a heart attack

[amateurdentist]

machester still need a midfielder, moutinho, modric, martinez etc. the team isnt complete

[PetroDollars]

Originally Posted by Riff Lmfao at us competing with Madrid for a player and succeeding. If Madrid are serious about signing Moura then we have no chance!

Its not just about money but playing time aswell.

BTW. I dont even think RM are interested in him, its seems to be a race between Inter and MU

However we need to fill the areas which need filling, LB and CM.

Lucus would turn into a great player but his positions are already occupied unless Nani is leaving. Fergie does love wingers and has been eager to find a replacement for Ronaldo and has already lost out on Sanchez, Hazard, Bale and probably Rodriguez so i wouldnt be surprised if he does buy Lucus.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Originally Posted by amateurdentist she is beautiful but her profession is going to give fergie a heart attack

I don't get Kagawa, why go out with someone who gets banged every other day?

[saj001]

^He probably gets it every other day as well.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by saj001 ^He probably gets it every other day as well.

Or Maybe Twice a Day

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez I don't get Kagawa, why go out with someone who gets banged every other day?

Its A Win-Win Situation for all the Man Utd Players.

[amateurdentist]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez I don't get Kagawa, why go out with someone who gets banged every other day?

Its all acting isnt it? maybe thats how he justifies it

[amateurdentist]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy Its A Win-Win Situation for all the Man Utd Players.

John terry has just handed in a transfer request. in talks with fergie and kagawa

[mufassir]

Can we all just please keep terry out of this!

[amateurdentist]

relax man i wasnt serious. i would have mentioned giggs but kagawa isnt his brother. its all fun

[Amir]

Originally Posted by mufassir Can we all just please keep terry out of this!

lol. Why so sensi?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by amateurdentist John terry has just handed in a transfer request. in talks with fergie and kagawa

lol

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by mufassir Can we all just please keep terry out of this!

we tried BUT he put his match kit on (including shin pads) and barged into this thread

[SempreSami]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez I don't get Kagawa, why go out with someone who gets banged every other day?

Isn't she just a gravure idol?

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

He better keep her well away form Giggs.

[Canistani Hero]

In what capacity can we expect Nick Powell to be used this season. A squad player, getting a few sub opportunities here and there? United needed a youthful talented midfielder coming in with the departures of Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. Hoping Ryan Tunnicliffe and Davide' Petrucci also get a few first team opportunities this season.

[PetroDollars]

Originally Posted by Canistani Hero In what capacity can we expect Nick Powell to be used this season. A squad player, getting a few sub opportunities here and there? United needed a youthful talented midfielder coming in with the departures of Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. Hoping Ryan Tunnicliffe and Davide' Petrucci also get a few first team opportunities this season.

Looking at Fergies press conference it seems he would be given a shot in CM as a replacement for Scholes.

Would also love to see Petrucci given his chance this season, has been brilliant in the youth squad and deserves the chance.

[SempreSami]

Originally Posted by PetroDollars Looking at Fergies press conference it seems he would be given a shot in CM as a replacement for Scholes.

Thus ruining another player.

[PetroDollars]

He is only 18 and has probably not settled into a position yet, many players change positions all the time, Scholes started off as a striker, Modric was in AM so there is no harm in grooming an 18 year old AM as a CM.

[justarslan]

Originally Posted by amateurdentist machester still need a midfielder, moutinho, modric, martinez etc. the team isnt complete

Manchester City have best midfielders in the league unless you are talking about the team from Salford.

[amateurdentist]

Originally Posted by PetroDollars He is only 18 and has probably not settled into a position yet, many players change positions all the time, Scholes started off as a striker, Modric was in AM so there is no harm in grooming an 18 year old AM as a CM.

so was scholes
but i think united really do need to buy a proper playmaker from the deep. cleverly powell are good prospects but surely arent mature enough to face City, chelsea or the big clubs from europe

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Kick off: Manchester United vs Amazulu FC.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

1-0, Macheda.

[Afrid1]

United are dominating this game.

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

[Geordie Ahmed]

What was the point of bring Kagawa on for the last 2 mins?

[PakFan2010]

So Japanese fans get excited and buy shirts.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by PakFan2010 So Japanese fans get excited and buy shirts.

They were playing in China though weren't they?

I found it quite bizarre