Manchester United

Manchester United edged Everton and chase Arsenal

2007-12-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

The talented Cristiano Ronaldo netted two goals for Manchester United as it beat Everton 2-1 in English soccer's Premier League to maintain pressure on first-place Arsenal.

Indeed, Ronaldo converted a penalty kick in the 88th minute to give United a ninth straight victory at its Old Trafford stadium, ending Everton's 13-game unbeaten run.

Defending champion Manchester United moves to 42 points from 18 matches, one point behind Arsenal. Chelsea, which is at Blackburn later today, has 34 points from 17 games, ahead of Manchester City because of a superior goal difference. Everton, in sixth spot, has 30 points.

Ronaldo got the opening goal today in the 22nd minute after collecting a pass from argentine star Carlos Tevez. The Portugal winger stepped past a challenge from Lee Carsley before firing a shot past ex- United goalkeeper Tim Howard.

We can say that Everton tied the game five minutes later when Tim Cahill rose above Patrice Evra to head into the net from a cross by Steven Pienaar.

United pressed after halftime, with Tevez and Anderson both testing Howard. Striker Wayne Rooney hit a 20-yard effort which just cleared the bar.

The exciting clash appeared set for a draw until Pienaar tripped Ryan Giggs in the penalty area with two minutes remaining. Ronaldo scored from the spot-kick for his 16th goal of the season.

Carlos Tevez is closer to sign for Manchester United

2007-07-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

According to many sources, Manchester United are very close to signing talented forward Carlos Tevez from West Ham. And the club manager confirms the issue.

Sir Alex Ferguson said that Tevez is really close to the Old Trafford. But the player is currently at the center of a major transfer wrangle with the Premier League refusing to sanction the £30mil move even though terms have been agreed with the player's agent Kia Joorabchian.

But the Premier League claims the transfer must be “done directly” with West Ham rather than his agent.

“I am sure the outcome will be that we will be taking him,” said the Manchester United coach.

In fact, the club is sure that a deal can be reached by the time Tevez's current commitments with Argentina at the Copa America are concluded at the weekend, if Argentina reach the final.

Gary Neville says rivals underestimated their potential and helped them win the Premiership

2007-07-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

Veteran defender Gary Neville is convinced that one of the major factors, which led to his club being crowned the Premier League champions last season, was that the rival teams underestimated the Red Devils' strength.

“I think nobody thought Manchester United would win the Premier League last season,” expressed the England international player.

“And in the end, it seems that they underestimated us. They underestimated the knowledge and class of our manager. For two to three years we had been in suffering. At the start of the season we added Michael Carrick to our team and lost Ruud van Nistelrooy. But Chelsea added Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack from Bayern.

“However, the coach knew what he was doing over a period of two years in building a new team and now we are in a fantastic position.

“Indeed, last season we played the best football, the most attacking and entertaining football - and we deserved to win the title.

It's relevant to say that Neville, 32, who had an ankle injury and a subsequent surgery, is targeting a return to perfect shape for the first encounter against Reading on home turf on August 12.

Manchester United have moved swiftly in the summer transfer market to sign in Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to stay at the Old Trafford

2007-03-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's star Cristiano Ronaldo is showing the most important level of his career this season, but has persistently been linked with the Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona.

However, he has an existing contract at Manchester United that takes him to 2010, and he has now said: "It is a good sign to know I have so many important clubs interested in me, such as Real Madrid."

"That means that I am valued. But I am absolutely happy where I am and I hope to stay at Manchester United for many years."

Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is with the Portuguese team preparing for their Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia on Wednesday.

His amazing form this season was maintained for his country at the weekend when he cored twice for Portugal in a resounding 4-0 triumph over Belgium.

What's more, Ronaldo has already netted 16 Premiership goals during United's assault on the title, plus two more in the FA Cup.

Asked if he was the best player in the world at the moment, the talented Portuguese replied: "The United players are by my side - but of course I believe I am one of the best."

"I think I have a good contract, in financial terms, but what really matters to me is to show my best form," he concluded.

Manchester United was beaten by Arsenal

2007-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

Premier League leaders Manchester United had a bad night and lost to Arsenal FC. However, their rivals in the race for the title, Chelsea, also got a bad result.

Indeed, United was beaten 2-1 by Arsenal on Sunday. That result, along with Chelsea's game, who went down 2-0 at Liverpool on Saturday, have left England's top four clubs separated by a modest 12 points -- with another 42 to play for.

Ferguson's team just couldn't beat Arsenal and seize a probably decisive nine-point lead over Chelsea was certainly galling for their coach, but the last 10 minutes were heart-stopping stuff to watch.

Young talent Wayne Rooney headed United in front early in the second half and it seemed they were on course to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership to nine points.

However, substitute Robin van Persie equalised with seven minutes of normal time remaining and French star Thierry Henry headed the winner three minutes into injury-time.

But Unfortunately van Persie's celebrations were cut short when he sustained a "partial fracture" to his foot after scoring the equaliser. The hospital comfirmed the fact.

Now, Manchester United remain six points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table, while Arsenal are one point behind Liverpool in fourth positon of the English Premier League.

Red Devils win over Reading and get a six point lead

2006-12-31T02:59:00.000-08:00

Once again, Cristiano Ronaldo had a great performance. The Portuguese player netted his sixth goal in three games, and host Manchester United beat Reading 3-2 on Saturday to move six points ahead of Chelsea in the Premiership.

In the other game, Chelsea, the two-time defending champions, tied Fulham 2-2 in London. Now Mourinho's team have dropped four points in two home games in five days after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Reading.

The game we are talking about took place at Old Trafford, where Ole Gunner Solskjaer also scored for the Red Devils' 17th league win this season, one day before manager Alex Ferguson's 65th birthday. Ibrahima Sonko and Leroy Lita scored for Reading.

"It's been a really good day for us," Ferguson admitted. "Some of our football was very good. The play was excellent at times."

"Despite that, I saw that we had our worst defending of the season. It was a slack goal for us to lose," he expressed of Reading's 89th-minute goal. "We resorted to playing safe football instead of playing the football we like to create."

Smith stays at Manchester

2006-12-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has strongly denied that one of his strikers, Alan Smith, will leave the Manchester United in 2007.

Actually, Smith is undergoing an intensive fitness programme in his effort to return to peak condition after his double leg fracture in February this year.

We must consider that that Everton are plotting a £6million bid for the striker when the transfer window reopens. However, Ferguson with his statement today has certainly cleared the air over the 26-year-old England international’s future.

“The player remains part of United's plans for the second half of the season,” Ferguson said.

“Alan is doing very well at the moment and our speed programme has had an immediate effect. We have seen a tremendous improvement in him over the last month.”

“And he is certainly not far away now. I wanted to take him down to West Ham, but he didn't want to go. He just wanted to stay and train on his own. He deserves great credit for that because it is not simple.”

“He doesn't want to travel again tomorrow, so he will be training again.”

The manager who was favouring a loan stint for Smith at Cardiff City earlier in the season, felt that the striker had perhaps made the right decision in rejecting the transfer.

But Ferguson announced: "He did the right thing. He could have gone and played games, but not been 100 per cent to play in them, whether it is the Tournament or the Premier League. Instead we worked out a programme to improve his speed that he has really taken to.”

Manchester United beat Benfica to advance in the Champions League

2006-12-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

In a really important game, Manchester United stormed back from a goal down to assure thier presence in the Champions League knockout phase with a 3-1 triumph over Benfica on Wednesday.

Indeed, Ferguson's team, who were knocked out at this stage of last season's competition by the Portuguese side, were trailing to a superb 27th minute strike by Nelson before Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic headed an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

The home squad came out fighting after the break and capitalised on some poor defending as Ryan Giggs headed them in front in the 61st minute and French forward Louis Saha sealed the win with their third goal in the 75th minute.

It's important to say that defeat for Benfica dumped a stylish team out of the competition, with United finishing top of Group F and joined in the next round by Scotish side Celtic.

The Derby ended 1-1

2006-11-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

It was a really tough game for both squads. But the most incredible part was when Ricardo Carvalho muscled in a second-half header to earn visiting Chelsea a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

In the most important derby of the week, Louis Saha gave United a first-half lead in the 29th minute with a wonderful piece of skill, bending the ball past Carlo Cudicini.

In fact, the encounter developed an intriguing ebb and flow in the second half as Saha twice went close, while Frank Lampard rained in a series of shots in reply.

That's when Carvalho earned Chelsea that point when he powered a header past Edwin van der Sar from a Lampard corner in the 69th minute.

We have to say that if Manchester United had the better of the first half, Chelsea were well worth the draw given their impressive second-half display.

What's more, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho brought on Arjen Robben for Geremi at the restart, a switch that entailed Michael Essien dropping to right-back.

That lineup provided Chelsea with greater attacking fluidity, with Essien superb in the way he surged forward from his defensive place on the pitch.

Saha is becoming a vital striker

2006-11-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

French striker is becoming important for Manchester United. And this time it was against Blackburn Rovers, scoring the only goal to get a tough victory.

When United coach, sir Alex Ferguson, is willing to allow Alan Smith to leave Manchester United on loan, the vital role to be played by Louis Saha in this season's title race was underlined here when the French international forward scored a really good winning goal while his partner Wayne Rooney squandered three incredible chances.

Indeed, Saha struck his eighth goal of the season, with an accomplished 63rd-minute hooked shot from six yards - a superb, predatory finish after Rooney, who had been denied for a third time by Brad Friedel from close range just a minute earlier, played a wide ball to John O'Shea whose centre was brilliantly turned across goal by midfielder Ryan Giggs.

We must say that Ferguson thought the performance praiseworthy: "Louis is in good form. He's a threat with good pace and power and he's a great balance to the squad.

"It was a feisty match with a lot of challenges and tackles, and a good result and a great performance by us because in the past we have come here and played better and lost - last season we scored three times and lost 4-3."

Finally free of injury, French striker Saha looks a devastatingly effective finisher, in stark contrast to the efforts of Rooney yesterday, although Ferguson's decision to allow Smith to leave Manchester, at a time when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out injured and Saha and Rooney both have a long history of their own injury troubles behind them, looks a calculated gamble.

However, as long as Saha is in such form, Ferguson's hopes of continuing his team's impressive start to the season and maintaining the pressure on defending champions Chelsea look fine.

"The important thing is Chelsea have done fantastic the last two years, winning the league early on and making it difficult for us all," Ferguson admitted. "But at least this good start must give us a chance"

"A lot of things come into consideration. You've got to get through December, which is always tough, and by January you have a great idea of who's going to contest and who's going to be involved in relegation. That's a pivotal time. Hopefully, if we can keep our good performance and keep the injury situation low, we will be there."

Powerfull attack in the Carling Cup

2006-11-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

Manchester stars Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo could be unleashed on Southend on Tuesday as the team look to book a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

Indeed, Manchester United needed a late extra-time goal to get past Crewe a fortnight ago, and Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to field a much stronger side at Roots Hall, with only Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar missing the game.

It's important to consider that Ryan Shawcross, David Jones, David Gray and Crewe hero Kieran Lee will all be involved but apart from those youngsters, the remainder of United's line-up will be from his first-team squad. Even if Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo do make the trip, they seem certain to start on the bench.

In the other side, Southend will be without Matt Harrold when they host the holders.

The talented forward, who scored Southend's goal in the 3-1 defeat by Wolves at the weekend, is cup-tied having turned out for former club Yeovil in round one.

According to the club, with fellow forwards Lee Bradbury (hip) and Billy Paynter (hamstring) still on the injury list, Gary Hooper is likely to partner Freddy Eastwood in attack.

What's more, defender Adam Barrett is a doubt after missing the Wolves match with a stomach problem, with Spencer Prior ready to step in.

United lost a game and a player

2006-11-03T01:42:00.000-08:00

One of the most beloved players in Manchester, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has been ruled out for a few weeks after injuring his hamstring in his team's Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen.

In fact, the Norwegian striker only recently returned from serious knee problems that had sidelined him for two years.

That's why Sir Alex Ferguson expressed: "It's unfortunate for Ole but I am actually quite happy. Given his previous history of knee problems, I was a bit concerned but, fortunately, it is only a hamstring. He will be out for a few weeks."

It's important to mention that Solskjaer is currently United's leading scorer with six goals this season.

Rooney's hat trick help United beat Bolton

2006-10-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

Talented striker Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick to end a 10-match drought to lead Manchester United to a 4-0 Premier League victory against Bolton.

It's great to know that Rooney’s goals were his first for club or country since he scored twice in United’s season-opening 5-1 win over Fulham on August 20.

“I think there has been a lot of talk by a lot of people over the last few weeks saying I couldn’t do it any more, stuff like that, so the feeling when the first goal went in was brilliant. To finish the hat-trick was nice. I am really happy just to be back among the goals again and to have secured the three points in what was a big match for us.”

Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo got the other goal as United stayed top of the league with 25 points, leading champion Chelsea on goal difference.

Now, Bolton is third with 20 points, followed by Portsmouth on 19 and Arsenal on 18.

“Chelsea FC have laid down a marker but we want to challenge them,” Manchester United bossman, Sir Alex Ferguson, said. “There is a growing confidence within the club, we are looking very strong and we will have a great go.”

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a cross by Michael Carrick and made it 2-0 six minutes later when he curled the ball into the corner of the net beyond the reach of keeper Jaaskelainen.

And Cristiano Ronaldo scored before Rooney completed the scoring in the 89th from a cross by Darren Fletcher.

“Apart from the third goal, there was very little we could do to stop him,” Bolton coach Sam Allardyce claims. “The first two were magnificent goals made of outstanding quality.”

For the records, it was the second hat-trick in the 21-year-old Rooney’s career. His first was two years ago on his Champions League debut against Fenerbahce.

Manchester United and Liverpool will heath up the Premiership

2006-10-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Old Trafford stadium will host the biggest game of the weekend in the English Premiership. Indeed, first place Manchester United face their first true test of the season against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Ferguson's team, top on goal difference from champions Chelsea, have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and made it three wins out of three in the Champions League in midweek.

We must consider that with Wayne Rooney looking more like his old self, United should be at full strength, with Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand likely to return after missing the win over FC Copenhagen.

But though their start has been impressive, they have played just two teams in the top half of the table. Liverpool, on the other hand, have made a faltering start with just 11 points from their first eight clashes, and their away record has been really bad.

But a 1-0 midweek win in Bordeaux will have lifted their confidence and defender Sami Hyypia is convinced that Liverpool have turned a corner.

"Sometimes you need to go back to basics and make it the main objective not to allow the opposition to score," the Finn admitted.

"This was an example of that, to make sure we get the defending right and then take whatever opportunity came our way.

"We know it is a big game and how important it is for the fans.

"I know we're a long way from the top, so it's even more important, but you never want to take extra pressure into a game like this. We're not going to go there thinking we must not lose. We go into every match thinking we want to win."

United is after Nani

2006-10-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Manchester United are eyeing a move for Sporting Lisbon new talent Nani - but have been warned he is not for sale in January's transfer window.

The British club swooped to take Cristiano Ronaldo from the same club for £12.25million in 2003.

And now boss Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz has identified the 19-year-old Nani as another potential top star of the future.

The right-sided midfield footballer was a key figure in Sporting's second-place finish in the league last season and has already netted three times in six games this term.

He is contracted to the Lisbon outfit until 2008 and his club want to extend it by two or three years, while also eager to insert a clause stating that he cannot be sold for less than £17.5million during that period.

Sporting president Filipe Soares told The Manchester Evening News: "Nani is not for sale today - and neither in the winter market. At this moment we are not interested in any business."

Nani himself is fired up by the interest from United and wants to move at some point.

"If I leave at any time it would be to go to a great team. I am young and very ambitious," he expressed.

The Reds ready to beat Newcastle

2006-09-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Manchester United is fighting to get the title of the Premiership, and this time they will have a really tough rival to beat: Newcastle United.

Manchester United have started strongly and despite failing to pick up a win in their last two Premiership outings, they too achieved a hard fought victory in Europe in the week and will be looking to rediscover the impressive early season form that has ensured they remain within touching distance of championship favourites Chelsea. Defeat at home by Arsenal and a draw at Reading marred what had been a perfect start after four games, and they will be anxious to re-establish winning momentum against the Magpies.

So, is important to mention that Sir Alex Ferguson is without defender Mikael Silvestre for six weeks as he Frenchman recovers from a broken metatarsal, while midfielder Ryan Giggs – in such good form until he injured his hamstring - is expected to be out of contention for a further two weeks. The coach is likely to select the same eleven he started with against Benfica on Tuesday.

Tough victory over Tottenham Hotspurs

2006-09-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

This time, the victory was not so clear. Manchester United actually suffered to continue their perfect start to the Premiership season by beating Tottenham 1-0. They have a record of fourth straight victories.

In fact, it should have been a great game given the star players on both teams. But, in the end, the game went a bit stale after Ryan Giggs' goal in the ninth minute.

But there is no denying that Ferguson's team have made a superb start to the season. They deserved the 1-0 triumph over Tottenham. They showed pace and skill in their build-up play and they certainly have more ideas when it comes to attacking.

But if it's about admitting faults, they have to be more ruthless when it comes to converting their opportunities.

French striker Louis Saha was the biggest culprit and he wasted two great opportunities late on to wrap up the result. In the 83rd minute, Park Ji Sung picked him out on the edge of the box but he selfishly went for glory instead of passing to available team-mates.

And in the last minute, he beat the offside trap but in an one-on-one confrontation with Paul Robinson, he was unable to beat the goalkeeper. Perhaps Saha was trying too hard to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson that he can be the man to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Obviously, Man U were caught napping towards the end and could have paid a heavy price for the lapses in concentration. Sir Alex Ferguson will have alot of work to do to remain in the winning path.

Ferguson admits Keane contact

2006-09-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, assured Roy Keane has been in constant touch with him since taking charge at Sunderland Football Club, and he has been in touch with his former mentor at Manchester United several times already.

"In fact, Roy must have rung me up half a dozen times already in the first week at Sunderland," Ferguson told the media. "The first thing he said was 'I never thought it would be like this. I've never been off the telephone'.

“I repeated: 'I told you it's a difficult job'. I've spoken to him several times and I said the same thing to him that I said to my other former players like Steve Bruce.

“You've got to deal with and navigate the problems of today like player power, agents and the media. I wished him well and told him he will have to learn to tolerate some things in football that he just doesn't agree with.

"Don't forget that the most important thing he has to do is find a way of enjoying the job. Some players think they know what it's like to be a manager but they don't know, they can't do.

“I think you've got to be prepared to learn and you've got to find a way to enjoy it. If you can't deal with the pressure, and can't enjoy the job, then you're going to be in big trouble.

"It's true, in management, you've got to accept that challenge. You've got to try and enjoy the job because if you're not enjoying it, you're not going to do the job right any way."

Rio Ferdinand's toe is not broken

2006-08-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

It was a very scary moment for him. Rio Ferdinand pulled up in the final minute of the Reds 2-1 win at Watford on Saturday afternoon, with initial fears he was to spend a spell on the sidelines.

But it's good to know that a scan on Sunday suggested the injury may not be so bad, and further examinations has confirmed the damage is just superficial bruising.

Not only is this a boost for Manchester United, but it also means Ferdinand will link up with the England squad for their Euro 2008 qualifiers facing Andorra and Macedonia. He must be back in one week

Giggs scored in win over Watford

2006-08-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand might have damaged a toe but his team rarely broke sweat as they continued their sanguine start with a matter-of-fact win against an innocent Watford who failed to produce the intensity of performance the occasion demanded.

It's fair to mention that fate and the fixture list have decreed that Sir Alex Ferguson's latest attempt to regain the title, which last went to Old Trafford three years ago, should begin amid the Premiership's foothills. Apart from home encounters with Arsenal and Liverpool United's early opponents are of the type more likely to seek survival than glory.

But lets talk about the match. Goals by Mikaël Silvestre and Ryan Giggs on either side of an equaliser by Damien Francis maintained United's 100 per cent record in a match they should have won more comfortably. Sitting on top of the Premiership for the first time in 32 months, they may appear to be missing neither the departed Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy nor the suspended Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, but must be well aware that there are much tougher challenges to come than those provided so far by Fulham, Charlton or Watford. Indeed, Tottenham and Arsenal are next up after the international break as United attempt to continue their capital punishment.

Manchester United demolished Fulham in their first Premier League match

2006-08-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Manchester United players want to win everything this season and they proved it on Sunday. The "Red Devils" demolished Fulham 5-1 with two goals scored by Wayne Rooney.

French striker Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo also found the net for Man United, which led 4-0 after 19 minutes. Fulham defender Ian Pearce deflected Saha's cross into his own net.

"It was a really good start for us," Rooney expressed. "Getting four goals in the first half an hour was good for us because we could afford to relax. But we know it's a long season and we have to continue like that."

Forward Brian McBride entered in the 64th minute for Fulham. He became the seventh American footballer to play in the Premier League on the opening weekend, joining Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann and Bobby Convey (Reading), Brad Friedel (Blackburn) and Jay DeMerit (Watford).

Despite they lost Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ferguson's team showed it is still an attacking force. Saha gave the hosts the lead in the seventh minute when he headed in a cross from Ryan Giggs.

Rooney, who will miss United's next three encounters after getting a red card in a preseason game, scored his first goal in the 16th minute. Fulham keeper Antti Niemi blocked a shot from Saha but the ball ran to Rooney, who scored with the side of his foot.

The England player then set up the fourth in the 19th with a cross to Ronaldo, who half-volleyed the ball to score the goal.

Manchester United defeated Porto

2006-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Manchester United performed in a very good way as they beat beat Porto 3-1 in the opening game of the Amsterdam pre-season tournament on Friday, although they ended the game with nine men after Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes were sent off.

Indeed, Rooney was shown a straight red card four minutes before the break after he caught Pepe in the face with his forearm while jumping for a high ball.
Scholes followed midway through the second half after a clumsy tackle.

"I think it was a ridiculous decision," United coach Alex Ferguson said of Rooney's sending off when talking to Sky Sports.

wayne Rooney was also sent off during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal in June for stamping on Chelsea FC defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Scholes had opened the scoring for United after 10 minutes when Ryan Giggs picked him out from a corner and he shot into the net from just outside the penalty area.

Rooney then doubled the lead eight minutes later with a fine chip over Porto's goalkeeper Helton.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who played just three league matches in the last three seasons because of injuries, added a third goal after 74 minutes.
Central defender Pepe scored Porto's consolation goal four minutes later with a potent shot form 20 metres.

We must mention that United's new signing Michael Carrick, who cost an initial 14 million pounds ($26.49 million) from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, played his first game with the red jersey.

Spanish Valencia is after Cristiano Ronaldo

2006-07-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Unofficial Spanish news assure that Valencia's president Soler will go for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. They want to sign the player because of his fantastis soccer skills.

He assured: "Until they tell us no several times we will not give up. At the moment it's a priority and we have until 31 August."

In fact, Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. But Manchester United have stressed the player is going nowhere.

Soler, who has already signed Fernando Morientes and Asier Del Horno from the Premiership, is not going to give up: "First we will negotiate with the English club and then the player."

Portuguese Ronaldo's future has been in doubt this summer after he was quoted as saying he wanted a move to Spain after his World Cup incident with Wayne Rooney.

And according to people of the club, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists the winger is going nowhere.

Indeed, last week Ferguson expressed: "Without any question, Ronaldo will be our player next season and for the rest of his contract.

"I admit that I haven't paid much attention to what Cristiano is supposed to have said about his future.

We must mention that Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m in August 2003, is under contract until 2010.

Manchester United will not sale Cristiano Ronaldo

2006-07-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Portugal's World Cup greatest player Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, according to his English club Manchester United.

"The club confirms that there is no possibility of Cristiano being sold," United said in a statement. "Cristiano recently signed a new deal until 2010 and the club fully expects him to honour that contract," the statement posted on the club's official Web site said.

"The team board will not listen to any offers for Cristiano."

In fact, British newspapers have speculated that Ronaldo might want a move away after at least partially blaming the 21-year-old for the sending-off of his club team mate Wayne Rooney in Portugal's World Cup clash against England.

According to those newspapers, Ronaldo is linked with a move to Real Madrid, quoting the Spanish giants' new coach Fabio Capello as being interested in the 21-year-old.

"Manchester United has noted the increasing media speculation over the possible trade of Cristiano Ronaldo," the statement continued.

"We all know that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest young stars in world football as demonstrated by his performances at the World Cup in Germany and Manchester United is not in the business of selling their best young players."

We must remember that Portugal beat England on penalties, then lost their semi-final 1-0 to France.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to move away from Manchester

2006-07-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Portugal talented player Cristiano Ronaldo has said he sees no future for himself at Manchester United and wants to sign for a Spanish club as soon as possible.

"I'm not going to stay at Manchester United," Ronaldo was quoted as saying in a newspaper.

It's very important to mention that Ronaldo said the aftermath of the incident with club mate Wayne Rooney during Portugal's World Cup win over England made it impossible for him to remain at United.

"After what happened with Rooney I can't remain there. I will soon have my future sorted out and I want to go to Real," the player expressed.

Portuguese newspaper Record quoted Ronaldo as saying: "To be honest it has been difficult to think about continuing in England. They're making a storm in a teacup. It's really hard to return to a country where you're not welcome."

Another rumour says that wanted to quit the Premier League but leaving open the possibility of moving to Real's arch-rivals Barcelona.

In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo joined United from Sporting in 2003 for $20.63m. He signed a contract extension last November that tied him to the club until 2010.