Real mad-rid star players out of their clubs.

 

Enter Florentino Perez, the return of the Spanish Darth Raider cast football Storm over clubs around the world especially EPl clubs as he aims to shatter the global dominance of the English Premier League, after successfully luring ace striker Cristiano Ronaldo to his club. With £250m war chest to spark a second 'Galactico era' at the Bernabeu

 

Tornado originated from Madrid area made a brief touch down in Milan, currently moving swiftly to England damaging local football club and uprooting their property

 

Real Madrid has the financial muscle to sign these big names in one swoop thanks to Perez who introduced the first crop of 'galacticos' to the Bernebeu nearly a decade ago. The first 'galacticos' era was seen as a part of the campaign he vowed to erase the club's debt and modernize the club's facilities. Real's merchandising and commercial revenues have more than trebled on the back of signing the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and especially Beckham. Real may have spent £340m on buying players in that time, and some £540m in wages, but the investment is paying dividends.

The galactico theory is seen as "Perez's riddle", how the most expensive players in the world were actually the cheapest. "The reason is that they generate the greatest profits," Perez said. "The best players are the most profitable players in every sense."

"We married a well-known brand with top players," Calderon says. "That made something attractive for sponsors." Lovely philosophy indeed

And this has been most true in the case of Beckham (cheaper players among the other galacticos palyers), bought from United in 2003 in a deal that would only ever cost Real a maximum of £22m, Sanchez assured Perez that Beckham was worth €500m in commercial income.

 

It helps to have a very popular brand. According to two different studies, about 500 million people have heard of Real Madrid, and about 150 million are considered serious fans who would purchase products and watch and attend matches.

That idea really took shape about five years ago. The club at the time was underperforming financially. It was saddled with about $300 million in debt and only 5% of total revenues came from sponsorship money. That's when the club brought in professional management to run the business. They sold off club property to clear the debts, it earned Real Madrid a reported £206m and meant the club could hand money over to players and then made a conscious decision to recruit the world's best players to elevate the club's style of attractive, attacking soccer.

The key to this financial transformation has been a business model that is unlike almost any in modern professional sports.

"Real Madrid takes about 400 million (euros) a year, the fruit of three sources of income - a third from ticket sales, a third from television rights and a third from merchandising."

 

1.Matchday- Ticket sales

Matchday revenue has also increased significantly in the past couple of years after the reconfiguring of areas of the club's stadium to increase corporate hospitality capacity and hence revenues.

Average attendance at their home ground, (80,354--capacity Santiago Bernabéu football stadium) is the third-highest average attendance in Europe. They have been extremely aggressive in pursuing sponsorship opportunities, including overseas tours (on several occasions they have held pre-season training camps in places such as Vietnam and China).

Touring the Far East, making named Madrid jerseys ‘must-buy’ items all around the globe, negotiating towering TV rights, demanding £2.5m per friendly match .

Arrigo Sacchi, a former Real director of football, said: “We once went on a tour of Japan and China and earned £20m for it – Florentino is like King Midas.”

2.Broadcasting: Television rights

In 2006 they signed a seven-year deal with MediaPro guaranteeing £956 million for their domestic league TV rights

Real Madrid have an individual domestic TV rights contract with MediaPro that pays an

astonishing £135m a season. With Barcelona at £130m a season, It gives the two 'super clubs

more room to manoeuvre in Europe.

A relative pittance with figures of United (£52m), Liverpool (£51m), Chelsea (£48m) and Arsenal (£47m).

 

3.Commercial: The Real Madrid brand

Merchandise licensing, sponsorships, and other commercial sources.

Real's revenue from club merchandise, such as shirts, jumped 67 per cent in Beckham's first season alone, and climbed another 6.5 per cent in the year to June. Overall commercial income, which includes money from deals with the likes of Siemens, adidas and Pepsi, which have all grown in value with the "Beckham effect", now stands at around £80m a year.

David Beckham's four-year stay in Spain boosted sales of shirts and memorabilia by 137 per cent, according to club estimates. Forbes magazine reported that he had been the party primarily responsible for the team's huge increase in merchandise sales, a total reported to top US$600 million. It was like transfer of income from Man Utd to Real Madrid. It was within 36 hours after launch of No. 23 T-shirt of Beckham in Japan--the whole of transfer fee was gained back by Real.

He vowed the new squad would include footballers who “would turn each Real Madrid match into a fascinating rendez-vous.”This time it seems he is gambling on the increased revenue that Ronaldo, Kaka and whoever else he fancies may bring to the club.

The benefit of a unique system

Real Madrid is owned by its thousands of members, known as "socios", who elect the president. Real Madrid's 'non-profit' status means it elects a president for a term of office, who must commit a deposit of 15 percent of the club's budget. This means they do not need to generate £30 million a year just to service their debt. (So what do you need to do to get elected? To stand for election you have to be a Spanish citizen who has been a club member for at least ten years. And, crucially, you have to submit a deposit equal to 15 per cent of the club's budget, or about £50 million). (But you don't need to come up with the cash yourself, you just need a bank to vouch for you.) Once that's done, you campaign, just like in any other election, and, ultimately, it's the members who decide.

Real Madrid is run as a sort of trust, rather than a plc. Real are an institution in Spain; political and business. The banks in Spain will lend to Real and support them; so Real have financial latitude in how they can run their business. They have more constraints in terms of their financial management. It also helps that Real - from before the 1950s heyday of Di Stefano - is considered the "establishment team" and can call on close links with the government or city authorities when cash is tight.

It may still owe money, but only a fool would call in these debts and risk social and political isolation. Being the club of Castillian Spain, they have the support of institutions. It is worth noting that while they also have huge debts, it is mostly from local banks, not international institutions as is the case of United. Unlike the majority of European football clubs,

That leaves it free of all the ramifications for takeovers and potential debt issues that being a listed company could involve

The club also has the advantage of owning their own stadium, unlike their counterparts in Serie A, and earned £80m in matchday revenue in 2007-08.

 

Whatever debt they hold is with local banks, many of whom are under political and social pressure not to tighten the screws. Real are too big and too important to fail or to come under the kind of debt pressures that affect traditional clubs. The club's social, political and economic significance dwarfs that of any other club in the world, they play by a different set of rules.

 

Another benefit, one that helps attract top name players, is the fact that tax legislation allows their foreign players to pay tax at about 23% for the first five years that they are in the country.

This means that, in headline figures, if they want to pay Kaká £8 million after tax, it would cost them less than £10 million a year, whereas it would cost United £16 million (thanks to the new 50p top marginal rate introduced at the last Budget). Over five years, that's a difference of £30 million

 

'Fickle allegiance'

In a recent survey by branding agency FutureBrand, a third of the fans said that they supported Beckham rather than the football club, Reuters reported.

The UK media made much of David Beckham’s departure to Spanish football giants Real Madrid, suggesting that the Beckham brand had formed a key element of Manchester United’s appeal, and that the club would suffer as a result of his absence. In fact, marketing chief Draper took the initiative to measure the “Beckham effect” and argues that it only really impacted the brand in a single market: “The only area where we’ve seen a noticeable wavering of interest in the club as a result of Beckham leaving is Japan. We commissioned MORI to do a survey at the end of 2003 to examine the effect of the departure, and it showed that there had been a bit of defection in Japan as measure against the last two years. Everywhere else shows improved or static brand loyalty,” he says.

But it is not always the case:

Ronaldo's departure was thought to be bad news for the millions of Asian supporters, particularly those in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea and China who had been expecting to the see the 24-year-old during United's Far East tour in July.

But Taewoon Park, a journalist for the Sports Seoulnewspaper, says that Ronaldo's departure will actually be welcomed. He said: "I am convinced that Ronaldo leaving will not affect United' popularity in Korea.

"Actually, some Korean supporters are pleased about it because Ronaldo's attitude and desire to leave for Real Madrid made them so tired. Such character-collapsing team chemistry cannot be allowed in Korea, which has very strong organisational or community culture.

"Sure, Ronaldo is very popular, but he is not the single most favourite football personality. In Korea, it is Ji-sung Park. Recent research demonstrated that 75 per cent of Korean football fans selected United as their favourite European club, ahead of Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan.

"The United supporters will continue to support United, just as they did when Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy left."

United's supporters in the region are also sanguine. "It certainly would disappoint many Man U fans here because lots of them love him and want to see him in Jakarta," said Yudi Prihartano, of an independent fans' group in Indonesia. "But there are lots of other stars in the team so it won't matter much."

 

Real Madrid signed one high-profile player in four successive summers from 2000 during their first galáctico period:

Luís Figo (Barcelona, £37.3 million) from 2000-05; 

Zinédine Zidane (Juventus, £45.6 million) from 2001-06; 

Ronaldo (Inter Milan, £33 million) from 2002-07;

David Beckham(Manchester United, £23.3 million) from 2003-07.

When possessing at least three of those four galácticos (2002-06), Real won only one significant trophy, the 2002-03 Spanish league title. With the four of them, they won nothing

 

It worked, for a while, until it became clear that the galácticos could not carry the weight on their own without a supporting cast of quality veterans. Real Madrid won two league titles and the 2001-02 Champions League in the first three years of the galáctico era, then nothing until 2006-07, after Pérez was forced to resign his position.

Legendary Fernando Hierro also criticised Perez for both Makélélé's departure and the manner of his departure, saying:

I think Claude has this kind of gift –“ he's been the best player in the team for years but people just don't notice him, don't notice what he does. But you ask anyone at Real Madrid during the years we were talking about and they will tell you he was the best player at Real. We all knew, the players all knew he was the most important. The loss of Makélélé was the beginning of the end for Los Galacticos... You can see that it was also the beginning of a new dawn for Chelsea. He was the base, the key and I think he is the same to Chelsea now.”

Pérez has told everyone who will listen that he has learnt from the mistakes.

-No more would he construct unbalanced teams (the other characteristic of the galáctico era, of course, was a disregard for defensive-minded players).

-No more would he rush ill-prepared youngsters into the first team.

-No more would he force his highly paid superstars to appease sponsors or embark on punishing tours to the Far East in an attempt to recoup his investment.

-No more would he sack coaches on a whim, as he did after that fateful 2002-03 season, when Vicente Del Bosque was released and Real went on to have five coaches in 2½ seasons.

 

With CR7, kaka David Villa, David Silva, Raul Albiol, Xabi Alonso and Franck Ribery — there is no guarantee they will win anything, but Real generated enough revenue to cover these massive transfer market investments, with more expected to come.

Increasing ticket sales, increasing bank loans and increasing the club's economic value.

They are looking to make money from these signings by maximising their future overseas TV rights.

There will be massive TV deals coming up for them overseas in the next few years, that is the big carrot.

With the developments this week Real Madrid will already have restored their profile and status to number one in these emerging markets.

And the team that has the most marketable players, and the most supporters, will get the best TV deals.

They seem to be more interested in generating more revenues than aiming to be winner in games. Until recently they are on the frame to battle with Barcelona for Mascherano, where defensive midfield is their weakest spot since the departure of Makalele.

Kaka and CR7 are 2 of the biggest names/brands in world football, madrid own about 40%-50% of their image rights. They will recoup the money spent on them in a season.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo is the new David Beckham, according to Real Madrid’s presiden Florentino Perez.

“Madrid should have brought Cristiano Ronaldo as Beckham’s replacement two years ago,” Perez told the Sunday Times.

“There are specific footballers who can turn out to be very profitable, because of the commercial benefits they bring the club.

“For instance, we once brought in €15m for playing two matches in Japan. That would not happen in the current climate but they did it then because we had Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham.

Perez added: "If Cristiano Ronaldo comes in, we would have a Nike-endorsed player putting on an adidas shirt every week,”

“In the previous time, we established a model which allowed us to pay off our debts and raise our income, and we did it by investing in great players.

“They brought money in, the model worked.

Manchester United MF Cristiano Ronaldo has “lucrative endorsement contracts” with Nike, Coca-Cola and Espirito Santo, a bank based in his native Portugal, and is “understood to be weighing up offers from a number of other companies,” according to the LONDON TIMES’ Oliver Kay, who writes under the header “Ronaldo is the New Beckham.”

Among the brands that have used Beckham’s image are Adidas, Castrol, Vodafone, Marks & Spencer and Pepsi”

 

A new galaxy of superstars

 

The arrival of Kaka and Ronaldo guarantees replica shirts will fly off the shelves at the Real Madrid superstore and an increase in television and marketing fees, but those lines of credit aren't endless, especially in the current economic climate. If Perez has done his sums right maybe everything will be fine, but what if he hasn't? What if one of them breaks a leg in pre-season?

If Ronaldo sells 2 million shirts then he would have made up the transfer fee already. There is no doubt IMO that he will sell more than that amount all over the world.”

2 million shirts at 50 Euros = 100 million (give or take what Ronaldo is going to cost in Transfer Fee+Salary).

However, Real Madrid doesn’t make all those 50 Euros in profit. It would be more likely that about 20 Euros are net profit. So instead of 2 million shirts, you’d need to sell 5 million.

5 million shirts, again, not that big a deal. Except that Real only makes 20 Euros profit off shirt sales in their stores complete with the printing of CR7 on the back. Unlicensed copies make 0 Euro profit, and blank shirts sold in retail centres probably only net about 5 Euro profit to Real.

It’s not impossible that Ronaldo will pay for his transfer in shirt sales. But the breaking even point is a lot, lot higher than 2 million shirts. It’s more like 20 or 30 million, IMO, and they’ll all have to be “official” sales, since copies bring exactly nothing to Real’s coffers.

For Real, perhaps 20 to 50 million official shirts. Player signings need to be counted as how much they “increase” shirt sales. This is extremely difficult when more than one signing is made in the same season, because most fans don’t buy a shirt for each player they like that has joined the club, but just… one shirt for the club. Kaka and Ronaldo as a “duo” would need to sell about 150 million extra official shirts to pay back their transfer fees if Real made 1 euro/dollar/pound per shirt sold.

This is where the problem is: most markets for clubs are quite limited. Africa, large parts of Asia (China, India, Thailand, Indonesia), large parts of South America (Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador) and some areas of North America and Europe (Mexico, East Europe) are very hard to sell “official” shirts because of how expensive they are, and the great ease to acquire good quality copies at a fraction of the cost. In markets where the shirts aren’t considered extremely expensive (Western Europe, Japan, USA), there’s the problem that quite a lot of people are either not interested in football enough to buy shirts, or support another club.

A core group of supporters will buy one or more official shirt/kit per season, but most supporters only buy one shirt every two or three seasons, official or not. If the total market potential for Real Madrid official kits is about 200 million (IMO generous, but why not), then if Real sell 20 million to “core supporters”, the only improvement Ronaldo/Kaka can bring is in sales to the other 180 million supporters. Since about 30 million of them would have been due to buy a new shirt since it was two or three years since they bought their last kit, they also aren’t part of the equation. All in all, it’s how well R/K manage to sell to the other 150 that’s important. Will their arrival force 100 million of them to buy a kit this year? 120? All 150? With all these people though there’s the risk of copies being more available (i.e. it’s easy to guess a lot of people around Madrid will be wanting to buy a CR9 kit, so copies of CR9 will be more available than, say. And thus sold at a lower price.), so even if all 150 million go and buy Real Madrid shirts, half (or more) could end up -willingly or not- buying copies. So the total increase in sales would be 75 million.

People are saying $80 million pounds is too much for CR7, in truth "Peanuts! They're asking peanuts," is how Real's director of marketing, Jose Angel Sanchez, memorably informed Perez of the price United were seeking for Beckham. Figo had cost £37m, Zidane had cost £47m and Ronaldo £29m, and here was Beckham, already an icon in lucrative Far East markets that Real wanted to exploit, being given away for a maximum of £22m.

Before the deal was done, Perez asked Sanchez: "So how much is Beckham worth to you?" Sanchez estimated the England captain could be worth €500m (£340m) of business. It was a no-brainer. Don’t see a reasons to why peoples are making a fuss of the $80 million pounds since last year the price is consistent.

24 Jun 2008 - Real Madrid not to pay 80 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo.

£22m. and £80m respectively for Beckham and Ronaldo are only sums of money quantified by their quality alone not including the future

 

Art of war: Respect your opponent, learn their method and surpass them.

Real Madrid success in merchandising and commercial revenues are indirectly linked to Man Utd Real Madrid end United reign as the game's biggest earner 

-José María Gay believes that the Man Utd’s model has been shown to be the most profitable in the world of football, and an example for the rest of its competitors to follow. “

Real Madrid is also playing to exploit its image through means of the attraction power of its great stars,” he notes.

And follow United's lead and conquer the Asian market.

-United's global reach, particularly in the far east, is astonishing. In 2000 they opened a superstore in Singapore, with plans for similar operations in Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei. The previous year 10 million Thais entered a competition to win a trip to Old Trafford. On the day the club's new Nike strip was launched it was available in 58 countries. That reach is what Perez covets.

 

The difference between them, one need to win CL and League title to be the richest in the world, the other club did not have to win, and still the richest club in the world. This is due the individual tv rights Real Madrid enjoy, a difference of $80 million pounds and other EPL clubs should be thankful to United..,

-Manchester United is famous for building up a team of players who love playing for the club and will do anything to make them succeed - it just so happens that most of the players are high quality as well. 
-Real Madrid is famous for building up a team of superstars and failing because they cannot gel, don't care for the team and only care about the winning element of that team.

Ferguson has a sure touch when it comes to sensing a player's era is over at Old Trafford, and he will have detected all the vital signs from Ronaldo last season that it was time to part.”

“SAF will no doubt have something up his sleeve but you make him sound like he has some special gift for knowing when to get rid. Anyone with a gram of intelligence knows it was time for Ronaldo to go. No club will ever let a player get bigger than the institution itsel.”

-Not fully correct…agree to certain extent…true despite Ronaldos quite obvious talent, he has expressed a desire to leave on numerous occasions in the past years. This season there has also been a noticable dip in his work rate, if not his contribution in the final third. $80m pounds is a lot of money, and it is important SAF makes some important signings and does not indulge in luxury players (Veron). But CR7 is only 24 years old and a vital players helping for United to advance to CL final despite not emulating 2007-2008 STAGGERING 42 GOALS. I don’t think Sir Alex willing to let his 2^nd golden goose going going gone, he already regretting transferring his golden goose named “beck beck” as he passed the baton of the title richest football clubs from United to Real Madrid, no wonder he was more keen to sell Beckham to Barcelona . This was proven with his later statement, insistsing it was out of the question to expect the player to stay any longer, telling The Mail on Sunday; "He wanted to leave, it's as simple as that. He was going to go some time." Without the $80 million pounds, they still manage to gamble on Benzema by not renewing Tevez deal and postponing Valencia deal.  There hasn’t concerete sign of United next signing, this was due to their effort to renew Tevez contract, of course they won’t show Tevez challenger for the forward role.
SAF didn't state that he "wouldn't sell 'real madrid' a virus" but that he wouldn't do business with 'that mob' referring to then president Ramon Calderon. Had Calderon still been president I think SAF would have refused to sell, though we shall never know either way!

 

United survived without Van Nistelrooy, they survived without Cantona, and they will survive without Ronaldo. Ferguson can invest in three quality players this summer giving a better balance to his midfield.

-Sir ALEX due respect they are shown the door. Remember Beckham, Van Nistelrooy, Stam etc. They were all really good players who had played their hearts out for Man. Utd. but made that fatal mistake and paid the price. They were expendable. Sir ALEX has had to bite his lip and squirm for two seasons before he could be bought.

 

The amount of support for the sale in these posts suggests Ferguson has called it right again. United fans also know he said goodbye to the likes of Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy and did not live to regret it. Jaap Stam was the one he does regret, but I suspect he is very comfortable with the decision he has taken over Ronaldo.

 

Who will fill the missing link, losing CR7 is like losing two importants players?

A player with great pace, skill, a fantastic shot, powerful and great in the air

-a winger

-a goal scorer

A deal was struck last year then that means that Sir Alex has had a year to think about a replacement and will already have his options in mind but are they avaliable this year round? Sir Alex likes to spring the odd surprise (remember the Cantona deal) and has a history of finding unknown or unfashionable players (Solskjaer, Ronaldo, Rafael)

Who will come?I wonder what the point of having large sum of money when there is no stock?

 

1^st option: The French connection

United have successful story of United’ French Revolution from Eric to Evra.

United are now pinning their hope for glory from them once more.

I wonder what the point of having large sum of money when there is no stock?

Big Benz- goal scorer

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said last week that his club will struggle to hold on to 21-year-old Benzema and club adviser Bernard Lacombe admitted: ‘I f United
want to buy Karim then what can you do?’

Lyon sporting director Bernard Lacombe said: "Nobody knows what is going to happen. What should we do if Manchester, who have a lot of cash to spend, want to sign Benzema?"–suggested their willing to sell him! Just money talks
want to buy Karim then what can you do?’

United expected to step up Benzema bid once Tevez is out of Old Trafford, especially when their target is still a fresh talent , they would not mind spend large chunk of the money on him.

Scar face- winger

Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer has admitted Ribery could be sold if he does not extend his current deal at the Allianz Arena, but Manchester United sources have hinted the fee, combined with Ribery's age, could put Ferguson off making a bid.

 

2^nd option: The Spaniard’s david

Utd sold their beloved David to spain now They request 2 more David back from them.

 

3^rd option: no messiah but there is Etopiah and Kum Kum

Sergio aguero

-A player with dazzling skills and highly marketable-definitely my favourite player, he is young, with $45 million pounds, United might be looking for his service.

Eto’o

- the man who killed man utd in cl final....but will have to battle Rival Man city for a huge amount of weekly fees of about $195,000 pounds 

 

4^th option: British talent

Ashley Young and Aaron Lenon

 

5^th option: old guard return

Beckham and Ruud Van Nistelroy

Who knows sweet memories flow back once more and the heart of stone melts.

They might have played their best career and end their career in united shirt to repay their mistake and debt. Just like Sheringham playing his best career at his his last year.

 

other name links

Arjen Robben, Mirko Vucinic

 

Last resort

Spend all the transfer fund available and buy Newcastle! And you hava a huge resource, deplete their resource.

 

Warchest 
Even with the £70m double capture of Benzema and Ribery, Ferguson would still have a massive warchest with which to plunder the transfer market - especially now that the £25m earmarked for Tevez is back in the kitty.
Gremio's Brazilian starlet Douglas Costa is a £20m target, while Wigan's Antonio Valencia is expected to sign for £16m.

Too good to be true…If this happen…no one definitely will miss CR7

 

Who will take over the mantle of the sacred number 7?

Ljajic? Perhaps if ribery sign on…it will be like cantona(ribery) passing the mantle to beckham.

Respect:

                         

 

 

 

Friendship:

 

United and Red Star: friends forever

It’s an intimidating place, nothing like the tourist attraction Old Trafford is these days. A small door in the main stand was open so I had a look inside to see Red Star’s souvenir shop. Aside from one assistant, there wasn’t a soul around. Few tourists do Belgrade these days. The girl behind the counter suggested the club museum.

The museum curator was waiting for his first visitor of the day. His eyes lit up, he switched the lights on and welcomed me in. The museum was superb and there was a significant amount of United memorabilia.

The first item you see is the pennant which Roger Byrne presented when Red Star visited Old Trafford in January 1958 when United won 2-1 in front of 60,000. It’s beautifully woven with details of the game and shames the pennants from other English clubs – like Newcastle’s cheap plastic one. Given that match programmes from the game in Belgrade are worth over �2,000, the pennant must be worth five figures. “We’d never sell it,” said the curator. A second pennant was from the European Super Cup game in 1991, again intrinsically woven.

A silver plate, presented by United’s Oxford and Banbury branch to Red Star in 1983 as an appreciation of their continued friendship, is also in the museum, as is a ceramic tankard from United to mark a friendly game played at Old Trafford in 1987 – and not to thank them for our first foreign signing, Nicola Jovanovic, who came from the Red Star in 1980.

This game was organised to sate the appetite of United fans denied European football after Heysel, yet it was a flop with just 10,000 attending. “It used to be that Manchester United fans would turn up at Old Trafford to watch the shirts dry,” wrote David Meek in the Manchester Evening News the following day, “not any more.”

Another piece of memorabilia is a gold football, inscribed with both club badges. It was sent on February 6 2003, the 45th anniversary of Munich and is inscribed ‘Friends Forever’. United excel at gestures like this. And Red Star have surpassed themselves by selflessly giving over large chunks of their own museum to Manchester United. There’s a glass case dedicated to Munich, with ticket stubs and original autographs from the United players on display.

Red Star and United are unlikely to meet as frequently in the future. The Balkans has always produced great footballers, but the best players now leave Serbia by the time they are 23, with Red Star’s wages unable to compete with even second tier European leagues. The Champions League favours the richest leagues, the coefficient method of ranking meaning the rich will get more games and get richer, the poor fewer.

What can’t be altered though, is United’s long standing friendship with Red Star, borne out of tragedy and built on mutual respect and sympathy.

 

They were called �Busby's Babes�. Talented boys selected from school teams. Patient and persistent work resulted in a team that grew into the Champion of England. The oldest among them was Captain Byrne (26), and the youngest – Colman (18) and Morgans (18). The most prominent ones among them were already playing for the national team: left back Roger Byrne, half-back Duncan Edwards, centre-half back Bobby Charlton and centre-forward and goal getter Tommy Taylor. Of the four, only Bobby Charlton survived, debuting for England only a few months later. The �Busby's Babies� were buried for good. Their youth was wiped away, the most beautiful dreams gone for ever.

It all began on 14th January, 1958. It was a cold, January day, and fog had engulfed Manchester and all of England. Only about one third of the pitch was visible. In any other place the match would have been cancelled. But not here – not in England, not in Manchester.

That night, Manchester United beat Red Star, 2:1, in front of 60.000 spectators at Old

Trafford. Tasic scored in the 35th minute, putting our team ahead, but MU was much better in the second period. Charlton equalized in 64th minute and Coleman put the host ahead for good at 80. minutes.

The Red Star people had no reason to be disappointed. Out of many opportunities Manchester United realized only two, mostly because of our phenomenal goalkeeper, Vladimir Beara, the great Vladimir.

Belgrade was filled with anticipation as the second leg approached. A minimal loss away was giving Red Star enough hope that, with the help of its fans, it could progress to the second consecutive semi-final in the European

On 5th February, 1958, 52.000 spectators greeted Red Star’s eleven:
Beara, Tomic, Zekovic, Mitic, Spajic, Vl. Popovic, Borozan, Sekularac, Tasic, Kostic, Cokic

On the other side, Manchester United fielded this lineup:
Gregg, Foulkes, Byrn, Colman, Jones, Edwards, Morgans, Charlton, Taylor, Viollet, Scanlon

Before either team could even warm up, Manchester went ahead. It was Violet who opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. Before half-time, Charlton was able to net two more goals, in 29th and 33rd minutes

Dreams of another semi-final were thus shattered. Nevertheless, Red Star managed to pull even in the second half, after goals by Kostic (46. and 58.) and Tasic (50.). That was as good as it got for Red Star.Manchester

United deserved to go into the next round.

After the game a banquet and a dinner were organised. It was very enjoyable, English were thankful for a welcome and finally the two clubs sealed a lasting friendship.

The next day, the dreadful news reached Belgrade. Then-captain of Red Star, Rajko Mitic, speaks of that day with still felt grief:

"The tragedy that hit Manchester United is a tragedy of an international import. Manchester United was at the peak at the time, they were the Champions of England, they played excellent football, in terms of both style and quality. After the score of 2:1 at Old Trafford, the first half-time in Belgrade ended with 3:0 in favour of Manchester, and any chance of our playing semi-finals was gone. However, the second half-time brought the change in play; Bora Kostić scored two goals, Laza Tasić equaled the score to 3:3. We almost made it, but we had a great club playing against us, and deserving all the congratulations. Next day, at noon, an English reporter rang me up and told me the sad news that the “Busby’s Babes” had met with a disaster at Munich. I was shocked, and so were all others when they heard of it from me, because a really great team disappeared, perhaps the greatest in the world at that moment. The Red Star then proposed for Manchester United to be declared a commemorative winner of the Championship Cup that year".

From the ashes of Munich, the �Babies� soared into legend. From the very same ashes a new Manchester United emerged, even more radiant and more celebrated.

This tragedy brought the two clubs even closer as Red Star’s governing committee suggested for Manchester United to be pronounced a honorary winner of Champions Cup. On the 45th anniversary of the sad event, Red Star published a becoming graphic “Remembrance Day”, that was accepted by the Great Brittain Ambassador for our country, Charles Crawford.

Andy Mitten

www.redstarbelgrade.com

 

Belgrade dinner menu autographed by all Manchester Utd players

 

Memorial Day

 

 

 

 

Eyes left: Mourinho refuses to be charmed by the Italian Moulin Rouge dancer

 

I wonder what the Portugal score is? Jose is miles away as the beauty continues to strut her stuff

Nothing to see: Even when the substitutes come off the bench Jose is imperious

..But England boss Fabio Capello couldn't resist a cheeky look when on the same show

 

Cheeky glance: At one point he struggled to keep his eyes front

 

Back of the net: Happily married Capello allowed himself a quick look

 

 

 

 

 

Who am i gonna be...The Next Ronaldo or The Next Rooney?....maybe both of them.. Tehee...

My Country's pride and hero..but  i am not gonna point my index fnger on his shirt...i am not playing on his position..okay...

With United Legend that i am gonna to emulate but who is the better dresser between us ?

The 2nd half and the 1st half signing...you might not like his style...but you definately like mine...hohoho

My bench debut..next year..you will see me sitting here often...don't be suprise

WoW  the Theater of Dreams....camera...cheese...

Interview time...c'mon throw me questions : ).....i will be sitting here often next years on...

Closeup with United badge on the background....I am the Man United future SuperStar! 

 

Ssst.. i stole their Shirts on display at the Old Trafford dressing room....they wouldn't be angry with me..i'm the Little Kaka  U know and they won't be bothered anyway since there are ton of them kept there...hehehe

 

so am i downloading this pictures from his thumbdrive...tehee

  

TOTAL WAR: ROME

 

Manchester United vs. Barcelona

May 27 09Champions League final

 

It might not be the “perfect final” as the media dubbed it to be, as Chelsea players and fans will disagree.

But it will be safe to label it as the “dream final” the most anticipated one-night sporting events since UEFA introduces the prestigious Champions League.

In which the present two best footballers on Earth will face off against each other for the first time ever in a Champions League final.

The final of this season European, Champions League final is an epic showdown not only between the two between players but also between two of the world's biggest and most iconic football clubs. Both teams are arguably having vast array of top quality players in the squad ahead of the other teams participating in CL to showcase an admirable commitment to beautiful attacking football. We have already wished that the pair would meet in final in this site, after the CL’ last 16 round and the dream come true.

 

 

This pairing is the perfect match made in football heaven.

It will be an unofficial match of the England's Premiership League and Spain's La Liga, since both are the reigning champions of their domestic league.

Coincidently both teams just need a draw to secure the domestic title and are crowned champion on the same week along with Inter Milan.

Perhaps this year, Manchester United is destined to represent England's Premiership against the other two domestic champion of Italy Serie A (Inter Milan) and Spain's La Liga (Barcelona), having already defeated Inter at the last 16 round in emphatic fashion.

United are still unbeatable in this season Champions league games whereas Barcelona has lost twice on the second leg of the 3rd qualification against Wisla Krakow (1-0) and Group C matchday 6 against the reigning UEFA Cup champions, Shakhtar Donetsk (3-2).

 

 

The attractions of Rome, the Eternal City

The perfect city for the gladiators battle of the two titans club, if not of the so called

‘Stabbing city’. The once ancient glory city, Rome hosted glamorous entertainments at the world 7 wonder in the past.  Colosseum with the template for modern

sporting stadiums, featuring on the event logo

Rome's Stadio Olimpico  is the perfect choice for such an occasion, with its historic setting. It has hosted three previous European finals, two European championships and the 1990 World Cup final. It is also where Gazzella Nera, won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympic. Let’s hope another historical moment are made here and remain optimistic, the match will be entertaining unlike last year semi-final between the two.

 

The battle of the two different generations Boss for tactical supremacy

Sir Alex Ferguson (67) is old enough to be the father of Josep Guardiola (38).When Ferguson won his first title as a club manager, Guardiola was only six years.

This season both have already won at least two silverwares, with Barcelona hoping to achieve the ‘Treble’ and Manchester United for the ‘Quadruple’

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola maintains his side will go out to attack holders Manchester United and likely to deploy the same formation 4-3-3.

Only the back four there will be decision to be made, he may opt to shift midfielder Seydou Keita to left back ahead of Silvinho, with Yaya Toure continuing to fill in at centre back and captain Carles Puyol possibly shifting to the right.

 

(Asked how he would compare himself to Ferguson, Guardiola told reporters: "Well, he's got a few years on me as a coach. And he has a lot more titles.

"But I just admire his career so much. He has overhauled his team and turned them into champions. So it's a great honour for me to play a final against Alex Ferguson."

One difference between the two men, apart from the generation gap, is that Guardiola was a great player at the highest level while Ferguson, although he played for Rangers for a spell, has been far more successful as a coach than he ever was as a footballer.

Guardiola was in the Barcelona team that won the European Cup in 1992 and lost to AC Milan in 1994, but is in no doubt where Wednesday's game ranks.

"This is the most important match of my life as a player and a coach," he said.

Ferguson's ruthless drive for success is well documented and while Guardiola is also a driven man he regards himself as extremely fortunate to be part of Barcelona's achievements.

"We have our way of playing but there are other ways of playing that are equally valid. So we don't feel superior. We are just going to focus on our tactics," he said.)

 

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson have variety of option this season, he has opted different formation for

(4-4-2) Inter Milan:

Van der Sar, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (c), Rooney, Berbatov.

(4-3-2-1) Arsenal 2nd leg:

Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney.

(4-2-3-1) Porto  2nd leg:

van der Sar; ï¿½Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Cristiano Ronaldo, Scholes, Rooney; Berbatov.

(4-4-2) Chelsea:

van der Sar, Neville, Vidic, Evans, Evra, C. Ronaldo,  Fletcher, Giggs, J. Park, Berbatov, W. Rooney (notably Giggs is effectively  positioned on the midfield against Chelsea)

 

Ferguson, who's used a 4-4-2 formation for most of his Old Trafford life, insisted he had to tinker with his formation and tactics to keep up with opposition. He explained: "The trouble with 4-5-1 is that it doesn't give you enough points of attack and if Rooney and Ronaldo come deep to defend or cover, your lone striker can get isolated."We used to play 4-4-2, with one player just behind the striker, because it gives you more options, more threats, but 4-3-3 makes the best use of the players we have.
"It keeps Ronaldo and Rooney forward, where they do most damage, and gives us more points on the pitch from which to attack."The Scotsman also claims Manchester United can never play defensive football, regardless of the opposition. "Manchester United just can't play defensively. The fans would not stand for it. It's just not United," he concluded.

 

Ferguson is likely to maintain the same 4-3-2-1 formation Ronaldo at the spearhead of attack, with Rooney and Park gadding about on the wings had worked majestically against Arsenal. Since both Arsenal and Barcelona are similar in terms of attacking football, it might be a good option. Giggs might be the best replacement for Fletcher position, where his presence will boost confidence of the squad. Although he did not feature regularly, he has been excellent this season, notably his winning performance against the like of Chelsea, Inter Milan and West Ham.

 

(The Scot will become only the second manager after Bob Paisley of Liverpool to win three European Cups if Manchester United retains the trophy.

Asked what the achievement would mean to him, Ferguson gave a rare insight into some of his emotions.

"I just wish my father was alive. He would've loved to have seen me achieve that," he told reporters at United's training ground Carrington last week.

Ferguson's father, also called Alex, died aged 66 in 1978 before his son began winning trophies first with Aberdeen and then with United.

Ferguson junior said he owed his father and his mother Lizzie a debt.

"It is something you are born with. It's in your genes," he said. "My father was very quiet. My mother was the one with the real determination.

"My father was a hard-working man, who just read books. He was always reading. My mother ran the house," although, he added wryly: "it's difficult to see part of me in that.") (reuters)

 

(In 23 years at Old Trafford, Ferguson, now 67 but with his hunger for success apparently undiminished, has so far collected 25 trophies. Guardiola, in his first season in charge of Barcelona at age 38, has two, the Spanish league and cup, and now they go head-to-head on Wednesday for the biggest title in European club football when Manchester United meets Barcelona in the Champions League final.

"People have said that there is a big difference between the experience of Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola," said Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho. "Experience? What is that? For me, if you are good, you are good at 35 and you are good at 65.

Ferguson has guided United through the days of Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy to the current crop of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney with long-standing stars Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville on the team for more than a decade.

At the club since November 1986, Ferguson has rebuilt United time and again by blending mainly homegrown players with established stars, making sure that the overall strength of the team stayed.

Tall and lean, Guardiola stands at the side of the field often looking pensive but calm. Then he can explode in a dramatic bout of arm waving, furious with his players, the opposition or the match officials.

Ferguson usually stays in his seat, chewing gum throughout the game as he watches developments on the field. He blows his top too, charging out of his seat to berate players but usually referees and their assistants. Away from the field, his withering blasts at his players have become known as the "hairdryer" treatment.

"Sir Alex is a man of soul and heart and he will have the adrenaline that we all need to be at the top level in these moments," said Mourinho, a rival of Ferguson's at both FC Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan.

"He is a super manager and a victory or a defeat in this moment of his career doesn't make him better or worse -- he has had a great career. But, of course, if he wins on Wednesday, it will make him the greatest club manager.") (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

 

 

Ronaldo, Messi dueling for world's best player 

 

The Game may decide if Ronaldo or Messi is best 

Both Players have been rank one above another for the past 2 seasons

-          Messi one place ahead of Ronaldo for the 2006/2007 FIFA World Player of the Year

-          Ronaldo winning FIFA World Player of the Year 2007/2008 edition and Messi was the runner-up.

 

First of all, neither the Argentine nor the Portuguese has an impressive record against clubs from England and Spain, respectively.

It is only natural that people are arguing who is the best among them. But whatever they pointed the ability of each can boost of….it seem to be endless argument, the same stuff are spoken again and again …

Perhaps it will be better if the notion of the debate on which style of players is the most effective on matches.

But it still depend on the team plays, for example Ronaldo is suited at the spearhead of attack for Manchester United counter-attacking style, because of his lightning-speed, no doubt…

The same goes for Messi flair for the creative style of Barcelona gameplay.

 

Although ronaldo has not been consistent at both early season of Premier's league and Champion's league with only 2 goals and did not emulate staggering 42 goals in all competitions last season,  his winner away to Porto and two at Arsenal in this season's Champions League campaign have gone some way to answering criticism of his big-game temperament. 

 

Both have unpleasent moments in their life

Ronaldo with his late father's alcoholism. He also had to have a heart operation, Doctors diagnosed a 'racing heart' when Ronaldo was in his mid-teens and it was feared the Portuguese winger would have to give up playing when he was just 15 years old to save his footballing career and 
Messi from the expensive growth hormones he required to help him beat the prediction that he would grow no higher than 4ft 7in. As a Madeiran from a poor background, meanwhile, Ronaldo was an outsider in Lisbon through his formative years

 

Ronaldo: I do not fear Messi, I respect him

Messi: I'd pay to watch Ronaldo

 

Since both have different size and shape,

Ronaldo has the perfect athletic physique; tall, lean and muscular, with a seemingly inexhaustible arsenal of skills

-His power, movement and finishing ability are impressive, and his tricks, flicks and unique moves set him a class apart. His raw talents are essential; with his speed he can overrun defenders, his height with his killer header and strength are threats in set pieces as a deadball specialist.

Messi is a little player at 6'1" and 172 pounds whose abilities are more difficult to pin down because of low center of gravity. 

-A magician with a ball at his feet with his darting runs . His low center of gravity enables him to effortlessly ghost through defenders.

 

Messi's fans argue that, while Ronaldo may sometimes appear more graceful or spectacular, the Barcelona player offers more significant production. As evident on last year Champions League semi-final, although Barca did not progress and Ronaldo eventually crowned as the FIFA World Player of the Year 2007/2008 edition.

 

 

What the expert say

("Ronaldo is the complete footballer," says Avram Grant, the former Chelsea manager whose team lost to United on penalty kicks in last year's Champions League final in Moscow. "He's quick, he's strong, he can hit a free kick, he strikes the ball equally well with either foot, he's creative, and he's an outstanding header of the ball. In terms of ability, he doesn't have a weakness in his game."

"Messi may be as quick over five yards as Ronaldo but not over longer distances, and his right foot is ordinary," says Grant, "but he has an awareness and an ability in tight spaces which nobody else has. And he has real magic in his left foot."

Whatever the result in Rome next Wednesday, one thing is certain: Since Ronaldo is 24 and Messi just 21, this is only the beginning of a rivalry that will captivate the sports world for the next decade. "Each is the future in his own way," says Grant.) -Avram Grant

"Ronaldo foreshadows players who are constantly becoming bigger, more athletic, more skillful. Messi, as players get bigger, space gets smaller. Anyone can play in ample space. Playing when there is no room requires magic and Messi is magic." Messidona….

 

"Which player could I replace? Thierry Henry? No, he is too good and I think Messi will be the World Player of the Year. If I could vote it would be for Messi. Even if you just count the goals and the beautiful passes and look at it statistically, Messi would win over Ronaldo. -Arshavin

 

WHO will be the Roman ruler on May 27?

The SUN asked four soccer experts to compare United’s Cristiano Ronaldo with Barca hero Lionel Messi.

Here’s our High Court verdict . . .

Q. WHO would you prefer to have in your team and why?

Graham Taylor: RONALDO is the better player. I don’t use this word often but he is a great player. We have seen a young Portuguese boy come here and develop, which is great. He has more end product than Messi.

Paul Parker: I’M a big fan of Messi. He beats people without pace and drops his shoulder and makes it all look so easy. They are both great players but Messi is slightly easier on the eye.

Jason Roberts: RONALDO because he’s master of many things. He can create, he can score, he’s excellent at those stunning long-range free-kicks. For a winger to get as many goals as he does is phenomenal.

Frank McLintock: WOW, that’s a toughie. It’s like asking if you would want Pele or Maradona. Both are unbelievable players and I’d sell my house to have one of them playing for Arsenal.

 

Q. WHAT are Ronaldo’s real strengths?

GT: THE way he keeps the ball and his end product. He scored 42 goals last season and that was unbelievable. He is the man for the big stage and I can’t wait to watch him in the Rome final.

PP: QUITE simply his pace is the strength of his game. He needs it to beat players and it gives him stature. This is the one area where I consider he has the edge over the slightly built Messi.

JR: FOR me Ronaldo is the complete article. His goalscoring last year was exceptional and he’s beginning to catch the bug again now. He can turn a game with those unstoppable free-kicks.

FM: HE is good in the air, he can beat defenders with pace and tricks and he can score goals. Bags of goals. And not only from open play but from set-pieces with his fantastic free-kicks.

Q. AND what are the Portuguese star’s weaknesses?

GT: I JUST can’t see one. It is easy to speak about diving, but if he doesn’t jump out of the way quickly enough he will break a leg. He really does not have a weakness — but you can always improve.

PP: HIS petulance. Sometimes he is his own worst enemy and should smile more often. Every time he gets tackled he thinks it is a foul — but he has got the world in front of him.

JR: I DON’T think he has got any weakness whatsoever in his game. Probably the only thing the Portuguese superstar can’t do is make a cup of tea whilst playing football. He really is that good.

FM: I HAVE to say the only weakness I can see is he does have a tendency to be a pain in the backside sometimes. But the rest of his entertaining play more than makes up for that.

 

Q. WHAT do you think Messi’s real strengths are?

GT: HE can get through the tightest of gaps. When you watch him, surrounded by three defenders, you think he won’t get through them. But somehow he manages it. His close control is sensational.

PP: HE is a natural street footballer in what he does and didn’t get told how to play by coaches or from some soccer school manual. Everybody enjoys watching him play, he’s so sleight of foot.

JR: MESSI is a fantastic little player. His pace and performances this season — up to the Chelsea games — and eight goals in the Champions League prove that for sure. I enjoy watching him.

FM: HE might not be as good as Ronaldo in the air but, apart from that, he can do everything the Manchester United player does. And the Argentinian has a better temperament than Ronaldo.

Q. AND what are the Argentine schemer’s weaknesses?

GT: HE is so left-footed and it makes you think he lacks power in the right. If you can get him on the right side he won’t be as effective. Ronaldo is two-footed and that is what Messi needs to master.

PP: I REALLY can’t see any. The only thing you might say is that he doesn’t score against Premier League teams and that could come into the equation when he faces United.

JR: MAYBE he went missing at times during both legs of the semi-final. That was a shame. He denied a worldwide audience the chance to see him at his best. Perhaps it will come in the final.

FM: THE only question marks over him are his performances against Chelsea when he did not live up to expectations. But he is still an exceptional player and would be on any teamsheet.

 

Q. Who will lift the Champions League trophy in Rome on May 27?

GT: MANCHESTER UNITED on penalties. I have a nagging feeling it will happen again — just like in Moscow last year. It is the final everyone wanted and I hope it lives up to expectations.

PP: IT is the final most people wanted to see and I would love to see my former club win. But I also love watching Barcelona play. Whatever happens, football will be the winner in Rome later this month.

JR: RONALDO. United are so strong defensively and in attack. Barca are probably my favourite team to watch but I don’t think they put as much effort into defending as they do attacking.

FM: IT’S a very close call but I have to say Ronaldo because I fancy United just to shade the final in Rome. That will give them the title for a second successive year and it will be thoroughly deserved.

I hope Barcelona wins, but I think Manchester United is going to again," an MLS midfielder told me. "Man, they're just so good."

"It's got to be Manchester United," a TV broadcaster told me. "I wish Barcelona would win it, though."

Andrei Arshavin has revealed openly he hopes that Manchester United will lose in the Champions League final. 

 

Apart of  the manager and the best players, it will be intresting to see Barcelona fowards against United's back four and the Barcelona creative gifted midfielders v the hardworking, composed midfielders.

The defenders against the best players:

Barcelona centre-back Yaya Toure admits the Spaniards can ill-afford to allow Ronaldo the freedom to control the midfield if they are to fulfi ll their ambition to win the competition they last claimed in 2006.

"They are physically very strong, they have a truly great footballer in Cristiano Ronaldo and they won the Champions League last year, so we know it will be very difficult," said the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international.

"It will be a great game and it's important that we play at 100 percent because anything less and you cannot beat this team."

While Ronaldo can strike fear into the heart of any goalkeeper with the deadball, Messi can give defenders nightmares with his ability to beat opponents with the slightest of touches from his favoured left-foot.

United defender Patrice Evra, 28, insists there is no special preparation for facing the Argentinian winger, but feels that coming up against the likes of Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney every day in training is adequate.

And the knowledge he would have to face the wrath of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the event of a poor display is an added incentive when dealing with Messi who came second in the voting for the world player of the year.

"Messi is a great player. I might stop him 10 times, but if on the 11th he goes past me and scores, people will say I have played badly against him," said the French international.

"I need to concentrate for all the game and win every challenge. Last year the boss told me I could win the game for United. I was very proud about that.

"The boss (Ferguson) trusts you but he likes to say things that will give you confidence. I don't want to disappoint him or my team-mates."

 

The midfielders

 "Since I don't know what sort of game they'll play, what we have to do is get hold of the ball, dominate midfield and attack," midfielder Xavi told a news conference before jetting into Italy's capital.

"Winning means we have to impose our own style. The boss has told us to play the way we have all season, to enjoy ourselves and go for it from the off. He also reminded us that we need to control our nerves and emotions 

 

United midfielder Michael Carrick is aware last season's semi-final between the pair was far from pretty, with the English side prevailing 1-0 in the second leg at Old Trafford.

"We thought it would be very open and attacking when we played them last season and in the end there was only one goal over two legs," Carrick told www.manutd.com 

"They can score and create chances at any time but we believe we can defend well and attack them."Carrick's comments suggest United may be prepared for another "smash-and-grab" raid, where they nullify Barca's attacks and hit them on the counterattack.

 

 

Machine (Man Utd) V Dreamers (Barcelona) - Arshavin 

Barcelona tactical philosophy: attacking game with creative flair.

Man Utd tactical philosophy: -balance-, defensive yet breathtaking when they are offensive. The perfect blend or pair of defensive system is quick counter-attack for winning team, so speed matters..and United are blessed with such speedy fowards: Rooney, Ronaldo, Nani, Park, Macheda, Ljajic and Tosic.

There is no point playing defensive without quick counter attack, it is like weak team against opponents bombardments. When the team is in possession, they will only find the opponents defenders in their own half creating ‘great wall of China’.

From back to front, side to side, Fergie's side is one of the greatest collections of players ever. They aren't all superstars (Darren Fletcher? John O'Shea?) but they play for each other and they fit their roles to perfection (would anyone a year ago have guessed that Fletcher's absence would be talking point?).

 

It's this freestyling attitude that stirs so many hearts, Unfortunately, style tends to run into problems when confronted by a more realistic opposition.

Whoever win, i will accept it, but i will hope human hold their destiny on their hand and change the course of history..

 

 

 

Park Ji-Sung v Patrice Evra 

A showdown between the two teams' best player on a pretigious Champions league game.

There were 6 players that would be joining Epl clubs;

PSV Eindhoven: Wilfred Bouma, Lee Young-Pyo, Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa, Heurelho Gomes and Park Ji-Sung.

AS Monaco: Patrice Evra.

 

 

Park Ji-Sung

Park join Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United In the closing months of the 2004-05 season. Ferguson was impressed with Park's lively style of play, terrific pace, and unparalleled fitness. Park signed for the Premier League side for ï¿½4 million. 

The departure of Arjen Robben to Chelsea afforded Park more starting opportunities and he quickly proved his worth to the team. Demonstrating the sheer scale of his hero status at the club, PSV fans even wrote a song for Park for his contributions during his time with the club. Titled "Song for Park", it was included in the PSV official album "PSV Kampioen", and repeats "Ji-Sung Park" in Dutch pronunciation the whole time.

 

Patrice Evra

Evra signed for Manchester United on 10 January 2006, joining for a transfer fee of around ï¿½5.5 million from AS Monaco, putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract. Evra's arrival signalled Alex Ferguson's intention to shore up a United defence that had suffered since the sidelining of Gabriel Heinze. In his early career at Nice, he played as a centre forward. Due to injuries within the club, he was made to play as a left back during a game. Salvioni continued to alternate him between the two positions. Evra shined in defence after being named Ligue 2's best left back.

 

 

 

 

Manchester United's Academy products have contributed significantly in the England youth set up, particularly for the England’s U-16s and U-17s. For the past years the squads were filled with United products:

 

2006/2007

 

England U16- Players

Nicky Ajose, Oliver Norwood, Cameron Stewart and Matthew James(c) .

 

England U-17 Players

Ben Amos, Danny Welbeck and David Williams.

 

England U-18 Players

Febian Brandy 

 

England U-19 Players

Sam Hewson 

 

 

2007/2008

 

England U-16 Players

Fryers and Tunnicliffe(c) and Lampkin. 

 

England U-17 Players

Nicky Ajose, Cameron Stewart, Matthew James and Oliver Norwood.

 

England U-18 Players

Danny Welbeck, Danny Drinkwater and Gary Woods 

 

England U-19 Players

Febian Brandy 

 

England U-21 Players

Tom Heaton

 

 

The present 2008/2009 batch:

 

England U-16 Players

Name: Ravel Morrison
DOB: 02/02/93

Position: Midfielder
Club: Manchester United

 

Ravel is an exciting, yet composed winger who loves to get forward. Able to play on either flank and a constant threat with the ball at his feet. Scored England's sixth goal against Northern Ireland in October.

 

Name: Tom Thorpe
DOB: 13/01/93

Position: Defender
Club: Manchester United

A tall and athletic central defender. A right-footed player, he is assured on the ball and a good passer out of defence as well as offering an aerial threat in the opposing box.

 

Name: John Cofie
DOB: 21/01/93

Position: Forwards
Club: Manchester United

Manchester United's tall, pacy forward received his first call-up for the U16s in the cancelled game in Germany and will now be hoping to make up for lost time in France.

 

Name: William Keane
DOB: 11/01/93

Position: Forwards
Club: Manchester United

 

Like his United team-mate, John Cofie, Keane will also be hoping to shine in Montaigu. Keane is a good passer of the ball and composed in possession.

 

 

England U-17 Players

Name: Samuel Johnstone
DOB: 25/03/93
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Manchester United

Tall and athletic, Samuel made his first appearance for the U16s against Scotland this season and produced a fine display, commanding his area and pulling off a few excellent saves. 

 

Name: Ezekiel Fryers
DOB: 09/09/92
Position: Defender
Club: Manchester United

 

A strong defender who is with the United Academy that has produced so many top players over the last few years. Calm and assured, he reads the game well from centre back and was a regular in the centre of the England U16 back line last season, helping them to lift the Victory Shield.

 

Name: Ryan Tunnicliffe
DOB:  30/12/92
Position: Midfielder
Club: Manchester United

 

An all-action player who can be useful at either end of the pitch. As well as showing great tenacity in the engine room, Ryan also has the ability to play. Wore the captain’s armband for the England U16 team last season out and will be looking to continue his international development with the U17 squad this season.

 

Name: Jesse Lingard
DOB:  15/12/92
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester United

 

Name: Scott Wootton
DOB:  12/9/91
Position: Midfielder
Club: Manchester United

 

England U-18 Players

Name: Ben Amos

DOB: 10.4.90
Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Manchester United

 

Ben has been involved with England for a number of seasons and only injured denied him the chance to turn out at last summer’s U17 World Cup. Last played for England in March 2007 as England beat Serbia to reach the European Championship. Highly regarded both by club and country.

 

Name: Danny Drinkwater

DOB: 05.03.90
Position: Midfielder

Club: Manchester United

 

Danny made an immediate impression on Head Coach Brian Eastick by scoring on his debut against Ghana in November. The midfielder has been with United for more than seven years and is now a first-year scholar with the Old Trafford club. Comfortable with the ball at both feet, Danny has an excellent range of passing.

 

Name: Daniel Welbeck
DOB:  26.11.1990
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester United

 

Daniel made his debut against Wales at Under-16 level two years ago and was a key component in England's run to the European Championship Finals, starting three games. Scored twice against New Zealand in the U17 World Cup and netted the first goal against Ghana in November. Singled out by Sir Alex Ferguson as one to watch.

 

England U-19 Players

Name: Ben Amos

DOB: 10.4.90
Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Manchester United

 

Ben has been involved with England for a number of seasons and only injured denied him the chance to turn out at last summer’s U17 World Cup. Last played for England in March 2007 as England beat Serbia to reach the European Championship. Highly regarded both by club and country.

 

Name: Danny Drinkwater

DOB: 05.03.90
Position: Midfielder

Club: Manchester United

 

Danny made an immediate impression on Head Coach Brian Eastick by scoring on his debut against Ghana in November. The midfielder has been with United for more than seven years and is now a first-year scholar with the Old Trafford club. Comfortable with the ball at both feet, Danny has an excellent range of passing.

 

Name: Daniel Welbeck
DOB:  26.11.1990
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester United

 

Daniel made his debut against Wales at Under-16 level two years ago and was a key component in England's run to the European Championship Finals, starting three games. Scored twice against New Zealand in the U17 World Cup and netted the first goal against Ghana in November. Singled out by Sir Alex Ferguson as one to watch.

 

England U-20 Players

 

Name: Ben Amos

DOB: 10.4.90
Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Manchester United

 

Ben has been involved with England for a number of seasons and only injured denied him the chance to turn out at last summer’s U17 World Cup. Last played for England in March 2007 as England beat Serbia to reach the European Championship. Highly regarded both by club and country.

 

Name: Tom Cleverley 
Born: 12.08.89
Position: Midfielder

Club: Manchester United (on loan to Leicester City)

 

A versatile midfielder who has been winning plaudits for his performances at Old Trafford and now Leicester City. Also able to play in defence if needs be, this is his first England call-up.

 

England U-21 Players

 

 

 

 

There were times when the England U-21 foward positions are all filled up with Man-Utd academy products; Daniel Welbeck, Fraizer Campbell and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Unfortunately, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Ryan Shawcross had been withdrawn due to injury. Although, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake could not break through United first team, he had been impressive in the Championship. He was named Championship Player of the Year at the 2009 Football League Awards, and also won the Goal of the Year award for his solo effort at Charlton Athletic in March 2008.Having beaten his previous year's tally, Ebanks-Blake is currently in pole position to retain the Championship Golden Boot Award with 25 goals.

The most recent call up, Daniel Welback is the youngest in the squad.

 

 

The most consistent and impressive player is Ryan Tunnicliffe, He had shone at international stage for England's U-17 squad.

Playing alongside well known promising youngsters such as Jack Wilshere,Thomas Ince, Jose Baxter and John Bostock, he had overshadow them with his impressive perfomance. A tenacious midfielder, Bostock and he are the engines of the England u-17s squad. He always burst  from midfield into opponents penalty area, creating or scoring goals.Typical Gerrard type,he has the steely determination and commitment needed to emulate the player he admires most, Liverpool’s Stevie Gerrard. He said  "I think determination is my best quality and, for my age I can handle the physical side. I’m all right technically and a good passer of the ball."

 

England 1-2 Portugal

7pm, Wednesday 27 August 2008

England started the brighter and came so close to taking an early lead in only the sixth minute when Ryan Tunnicliffe burst forward and latched onto a pass from captain John Bostock in the area. He side-stepped a defender before placing a shot at goal only to see it bounce clear to safety off the post.

England’s early superiority was made to count in the 13th minute though when another Tunnicliffe dart from midfield was brought to an abrupt end by Tiago Ribeiro 25 yards from goal. Tunnicliffe picked himself up and struck a low free kick at goal, which found the net via a post with Portugal keeper Jo�o Figueiredo having no chance.

Another decent England move after 24 minutes saw Tunnicliffe and Jacob Walcott combine to set up Cameron Park on the left. He cut inside his man and into the box but saw his low shot go just wide of the far post.

England rallied though and when Tunnicliffe and Bostock combined well again in midfield, it resulted in the former bursting through again only for a fine tackle from Miguel Ser�dio to deny him a shooting chance.

 

England 7-0 Estonia
6pm, Friday 24 October 2008
The goal was made from midfield, as Ryan Tunnicliffe burst through into the box and saw a shot well saved by Estonian goalkeeper Marko Meerits. The ball rebounded out to the Everton striker and he squeezed a shot back on target which rolled over the line.

Tunnicliffe then finished the rout in the final minute as England did their goal difference no harm at all ahead of Monday's encounter with Spain

 

 

England 2-0 Italy

3pm, Sunday 31 August 2008

The impressive Ryan Tunnicliffe scored a superb brace to ensure all three points and continue his good form in The Tournament, with a third goal in as many games for the Manchester United youngster.He opened the scoring in the first half after he coolly finished from an incisive England breakaway, with his second coming in the last minute of the game as he put away the rebound from his own penalty after Cameron Park had been brought down by Italy 'keeper Mirko Ranieri.

 

England 4-0 Israel
9.30am, Tuesday 24 February 2009

The third goal arrived shortly after the hour mark when Elford-Alliyu combined with substitute Ryan Tunnicliffe before setting up Benik Afobe to score his first goal for the U17s following his promotion from the U16s.

Israel looked determined to get themselves a goal and 'keeper Sam Johnstone had his busiest spell of the game midway through the second half but managed to stay solid and keep a clean sheet.

 

 

 

 

picture to come

 

 

 

Man Utd Coronation video

The players of Manchester United and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrate the club's 18th league title win, which was sealed at Old Trafford with a 0-0 draw.

 

 

 

 

Full name: Adem Ljajić

Date of birth: 29 September 1991 (age 17)    

Place of birth: Novi Pazar, SFR Yugoslavia  

Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)

Playing position: Attacking midfielder

 

Ljajic is the biggest talents to come from Serbia with his immense skill. The lad was the game creator on every single match he played with his array of passing and great vision.

He can play in almost all attacking positions in the team and blessed with heights.

He is a brave young player with strong character that essential for him to develop into a world class player

He is a threat for his well delivered long shots and free kicks.

According to many sources, he's one of the top 5 talents his generation in the world.

A young player with:

Good control

Great vision  

Very creative

Excellent dribbler

Impressive technique

 

Nicknamed ‘the little Kaka’ as he is is similarly gifted in technique and vision.

Likened to Messi for he likes to use his skill to take on defenders.

In my opinion there is resemblance in physique and his  movement to Nedved when he run and swerve.

 

He had been selected in serbia U-19 and serbia U-21 national team, despite being just a 17 years old player. Featuring in the serbia U-19 that won 4-1 against England and scoring second goal.

 

A compilation video of Ljajic's goals in international and Partizan first team games:

 

His debut for Partizan First Team:

 

A compilation video of Ljajic's skills.

 

 

RESERVE GAME

 

 

10 Reasons why opponents should be afraid of United 2 new acquisition:

 

1 RED AT HEART

On the wall of his bedroom at his parents’ house in Zrenjanin, Zoran Tosic has pinned a Manchester United scarf and flag. “I’ve been a United fan since I was five,’ he said. “I still have in front of my eyes a picture of the Champion League final in 1999 when United made that brilliant comeback against Bayern Munich. I liked the Red Devils before, but that was decisive moment. I said to myself then: “You will play in Manchester.”

            And Zoran can clearly remember the moment when it became apparent that his United dream might become reality.

            “It was on 20 November,” he said in an interview with Serbian newspaper Sportski Zurnal. “I was resting at home when my girlfriend Dijana called me and told me to turn on the TV. There was the news that Adem Ljajic and I would travel to England on 12 December.

            “The 1^st thing that comes into my head was that they would not broadcast something like that if it wasn’t true.” Don’t worry Zoran, it’s true all right.

 

2 “BAMBI” WITH A SWEET LEFT FOOT

When Tosic was very young, his mother used to send him to training with cookies in the shape of Bambi. His team-mates soon nicknamed him after the Disney character, and because of his slight physique and thin legs – Tosic stands at 5ft 7in, and is far from stocky – the name stuck. He is lightning quick and his ability with a dead ball has drawn comparison with the former Red Star, Lazio and Internazionale great, Sinisa Mihajlovic.

            “It’s natural people make the comparison,” and Mihajlovic. “I honestly hope that he will be better than me, but it won’t be easy – he’ll have to eat a lot of beans to get there! But I’d say he’s on the way. I’ve had the chance to see him in national team games and he has a brilliant left foot.”

 

3 ‘THE LITTLE KAKA’

Adem Ljajic is nicknamed ‘the little Kaka’ but actually there is nothing small about him He stands at a fraction over 6ft tall, and is of a far more robust build than the Brazillian. The comparison with Kaka is valid though: Ljajic is similarly gifted in technique and vision, and can play in any attacking position on the pitch. He admits his weaknesses are his heading (despite his height) and his defending.

            Ljajic was 12 when he was spotted playing in a tournament by the Partizan youth coach Dusan Trbojevic, who quickly snapped him up. He soon impressed in Partizan’s junior ranks, and began training with his senior squad last summer, where he impressed

with his hard work and willingness to learn.

 

4 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

It was United’s Serbian scout Budimir Vujacic who recommended Tosic to Sir Alex Ferguson after fledging career on home soil. Tosic began his career with Radnicki and Proleter, 2 clubs in his home town of Zrenjalin, before joining Buducnost Banatski  Dvor midway through the 2005/2006 season. They then merged with Proleter to form Banat Zrenjalin, and in his 25 appearances  for the new club, Tosic was a key figure in helping them avoid relegation.

            He signed for Partizan in August 2007, and was a regular from this point on. He made his Under-21 debut for Serbia against Belgium in March 2007, scoring his first goal for the team against Portugal four days later. His debut for the full national team came against Finland later that year, and he has since won another 11 caps.

            Ljajic, meanwhile, was a star in the Serbia Under-19 side that, last October, emphatically secured their place in the elite round of qualifying for this summer’s European Championship. In this preliminary competition, in Newry, they put three past Northen Ireland and five past Albania, before winning 4-1 against England – Ljajic scoring the 2^nd. He also played for the Under-21 side, scoring with a header in a 1-0 win over Sweden.

 

5 IN HIGH DEMAND

Rumors of Ljajic’s exceptional ability drew offer from Internazionale and Spartak Moscow before he decide to sign for United. (incidentally both he and Tosic call the club “Manchester”, which is fairly common in Serbia; vidic, notably, was calling them “united” almost from the beginning.)

            Ljajic had a trial at United in October, something that caused controversy in Serbia as various newspapers suggested he had travelled without the club’s permission. Partizan’s general secretary Darko Gruber, however, confirmed that the club had already been in talks for some time, and had taken advantage of Ljajic’s in Northern Ireland to squeeze in a trip to Manchester.

 

6 SPEED MERCHANT

As the fastest player in the Serbian league, Tosic was selected by Nike to promote their Mercurial Vapor Rosa – and he subsequently wears the boots. He joins such luminaries as Frank Ribery, Hatem Ben Afra, Marco Materazzi and Arsenal new boy Andrei Arshavin in sporting the footwear, “They’re an interesting and unexpected colour,” Tosic said. “But I’m happy to be wearing them and I hope they make me faster.” Defenders beware…

 

7 ONE STEP AT A TIME

Tosic admits he finds the excitement that surrounded his move from Serbia to England disconcerting, but suggests he’ll be taking things one step at a time.

            Everybody is asking if I can replace Ryan Giggs, if I can play with Cristiano Ronaldo, if I can cope with the tempo of the Premier League,” he said. “I’m not bothered by any of that. Really, I’m going to progress and then we can see how I compare to other players. I’ve never been afraid before in my life, and I’m not afraid of this.

            ‘My friends and family are euphoric. They’re joking with me that I’m better than Ronaldo, but I’m not burdening myself. When I get to England  and run out on the pitch, then we’ll see where my rightful place is, and how near or far I am from the best players at the club.”

            He also shows confidence and maturity in how he sees himself fitting into Sir Alex’s first-team plans in the future, and he’ll be looking to build on his substitute appearances against Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion. “I am aware of my quality,’ he said. “I’m sure I’ll have no problems. It will be easier for me if I accept that I belong there. I’m sure nobody from Manchester thinks I am a player who is strong in duels, or at tackles, or in the air. They recognised my other characteristics, though, and maybe others can be added to make me a real player. The qualities that I already have are not easy to add to a player if he does not already have them.”

 

8 FAMILY MAN

Tosic’s mother works for a bank and his father runs a small company. They built up their house in Zrenjanin; it has a big yard in which they grow grapes, and Tosic would often spend his Sundays relaxing around the barberque with girlfriends Dijana and other friends. He has known Dijana for a long time, but they have only been together since last year.

            Zoran’s preferred pastimes are equally homely. “I’m just a normal guy who enjoys hanging out with my girlfriend, walking my dog and going to the cinema,” he said.

“And I love my home town.”

            Certainly the presence of Nemanja Vidic should help avoid my homesickness.

            “It will be a great help as I know Vidic from the national team,” says Zoran.

United’s rich traditions also swayed his decisions to head west. “I am full of confidence, I will learn quickly and I hope United can count on me very soon. I want to become a top player at United and not waste the opportunity of being a member of the greatest football family. It is a great feeling, but now I must think about working hard.”

            Incidentally, Tosic was on Mount Zlatibor, a tourist resort in the west of Serbia, to celebrate New Year’s Eve when his agent called him telling him to return to the Partizan Belgrade’s stadium so he could continue his negotiations with United. He ended up at a New Year party at his parents’ house in Zrenjanin, but flew to Britain the next day to conclude the deal.

 

9 FIT TO WEAR THE SHIRT

            So highly is Ljajic regarded at Partizan that he was allowed to take over the no.22 jersey formerly worn by Sasa Ilic, who had captained them to success in the late 1990s. The shirt had lain vacant since Ilic left the club for Turkey in 2005.

            Adem will finish the year at Partizan before moving to Manchester. “It’s a great pleasure to play one more year here. “It’s great pleasure to play one more year here,” he said. “I am excited by the move, but I’m only 17 and Partizan will always be in my heart.’

 

10 YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

The reported fee of 17.3m pound for the young pair is an unprecedented sum in Serbian football, and it has certainly pleased Partizan president Dragan Djuric. “Milorad Cavic won a silver medal at Olympic in the 100m butterfly, and tennis player Novak Djokovic has done great things, but this transfer is worth more than all their results,” he said. “Which of our neighbours are selling players for anything like this amount of money? They would have to sell half their stadium and their entire team. This is a great boost for us ahead of what will be a hard year financially.” It’s a substantial investment, no doubt, but Sir Alex knows a bit about the long game: back in 2003 people said Ronaldo was a bit pricey. Watch this space.

 

 

 

Jonathan Wilson

 

 

 

Interview with both of them:

 

-Adem Ljajic 

 

04/03/2009 08:45, Report by Gemma Thompson

Exclusive: Adem Ljajic Q&A

 

He may not be able to join the club officially until next January, but Serbian youngster Adem Ljajic has been in Manchester for a few days to train with his future team-mates.

Regarded as Serbia’s brightest young talent, the 17-year-old is an attacking midfielder blessed with vision and intelligence.

Ljajic (pronounced ‘yaich’) will continue his footballing education at Partizan Belgrade until next January, but will make regular trips to Carrington to allow United’s coaches to monitor his progress.

During his latest visit, ManUtd.com sat down with Adem (and fellow countryman Zoran Tosic, who acted as translator) to discuss his hopes for the future at Old Trafford…

When did you first hear about United’s interest and how excited are you at the prospect of playing for the club?
I first heard they were interested in me about a year-and-a-half ago, which I was very excited about. I spent a week at Carrington training with the first team, which I really enjoyed, and I feel very happy to be a Manchester United player. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome and I’m looking forward to joining in January.

How does the training at United differ to what you’ve been used to in Serbia?
The quality is very high over here because you’re training with great players, but the main difference is it’s much quicker. I have enjoyed it very much and training with these top players can only help me improve. Training with the team has allowed me to see how things work so I know what to expect when I come here. And I hope that when I join in January I will be involved with the first team from the start.

What have you learned from the other players so far?
I am a big admirer of all of them and I learn things from them in every session. I try to copy what they do and I hope I can keep improving.

For those United fans who have not seen you in action, how would you describe yourself as a player?
[Laughs] I think I am good technically – I like to dribble with the ball and I am quick.
[Tosic gives his own evaluation] Adem is a very good player with great technical ability. He likes to play just behind the striker or on the right side of midfield. We played together for around six months at Partizan and we worked well together – me on the left and him on the right. He has just under a year left in Serbia to keep practicing for when he joins and when he arrives I think he’ll be ready to play for the first team. And I’m sure that when he starts playing for United, the fans will love him. 

Adem, how much has it helped having fellow countrymen Nemanja Vidic and Zoran at the club?
It’s been great. I have spent a lot of time with them whenever I have been over in Manchester and they have both shown me around the city. It can be hard when you move to a new country and don’t know anyone and are yet to learn the language, so it’s been fantastic to have them both here.
[Tosic continues] Vida told us what a great place United was before we joined, but both Adem and I knew what an amazing club it was. I’ve been a big United fan since they won the Treble in ’99 and have watched every game I could in Serbia between then and now. Our family and friends are very excited to see us at United and we both feel very proud to have signed.

Sir Alex Ferguson has always put a lot of faith in the club’s young players. Is he one of the major reasons why you joined?
Ljajic: Yes, he is a great manager. I was very excited to meet him and although Vida had to translate for us, we had a good discussion. I am looking forward to working with him.
Tosic: He is a fantastic manager who has always given young players a chance. We saw the way he brought Giggsy, Beckham, Scholesy and Gary into the team and help them develop. We hope he will do the same with us and help us improve

  

 

 

-Tosic

 
First Interview Exclusive By Count Dracula

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                         

 

Rome is the mob. 

Conjure magic for them,|and they'll be distracted. 
Take away their freedom,|and still they'll roar. 
The beating heart of Rome... 
is not the marble of the senate. 
It's the sand ofthe Colosseum. 
He'll bring them death... 
and they will love him for it. 
You could be magnificent. 
I'm required to kill, so I kill. 
That is enough. 

 

 

 

Under the  Man-United Emperor Alex Chapman Ferguson the Supreme Strategist decree, his Highness reorganized Elite generals to command the 4 garrisons Battalion in order to better handle the menace of the barbarians Barca from the Catalan in Rome. Safeguarding the "Precious Trophy", which he often whispered to himself  "my precious, oooh my preciousss..."  for many years to come:

 

Commander-in-Chief Man-United (The Gatekeeper Forces):  praefectus praetorio Edwin VDS The Keeper of Rome.

Commander of Scholae units

Nature: Reliable Commanding General who is calm and compose with good intituion/awareness, quick to stretch forth his hand spotting threats and overcome intruders effectively.

 

Commander-in-Chief Man-United (The Defender Forces): praefectus urbi Nemanja Vidic The Terminator.

Commander of Palatinae units.

Nature: Very brave solid General who terminate all threats. A fearless soldier who defended his Lordship's Palace with his lifet and unwavering loyalty, often returning back to home with bloodied face.

 

Commander-in-Chief Man-United (The MiddlEarth Forces): praepositus sacri cubiculi Paul Aaron Scholes The Maestro. 

Commander of Comitatenses units I.

Nature: Creative General who display Tactical superiority, commanding the Long Range Units and supplies crucial reinforcements/ rations. Loyal servant to the true Emperor Alex Chapman Ferguson the Supreme Strategist. Long serving General of the Man-Utd Elite Battalion, whose ART Works in battlefield have been appreciated by many of the Royalty' Red Army .

 

Commander-in-Chief Man-United (The MiddlEarth Forces): magister militum Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro The Right-Wing Flying Vanguard who Conquers the East, West and South.

Commander of Comitatenses units II.

Commander of the armies of the East
General of the Flying Legions

Nature: A Valiant Vanquisher who is gifted in the art of kill, blessed with superior body that make him the perfect fighting machine. Portrayed as quickly and single-handedly slaying numerous enemy generals as he rode his horse from group to group. He is matchless on the battlefield, said to have wielded the strength of a thousand men in battle. Supreme fighter in short-range and long-range fighting. His trademark move in short-range fighting is named  the "Dolorous Strike" and the deadly long -range blow that he send terror across his opponents counterpart is known as the "Sky Piercer".

The sky piercer involved a heavy lance being thrown into the enemy troops which pierce the opponents lining in a line, can pierce up to 10 bodies. The troops also manage the Siege Weapon units.

 

Commander-in-Chief Man-United (The destroyer Forces): sive peditum Carlos Alberto Tevez The General with the Might of Incredible Hulk.

Commander of Pseudocomitatenses units tier I.

Nature: A valour Warrior who is physically robust with abudant of wild energy, he led an entrouge of  fearsome dark armoured cavalary. 

In battle, they were used in such light cavalry roles as harassing enemy skirmishers, overrunning artillery positions, and pursuing fleeing troops.

Sending terror to the world, creating havoc in enemy defences and demolishing enemy troops which is larger ten times. He is so popular within the Red army royalty for his commited attack, that they make an award winning comic and opera named the 'scarneck' featurring him as the main character. The current episode is the "Red Nose day", it tell the tales where he  raising fund through his hame in a bid to free himself as mercenary under the evil slavemaster kia joorabchian.

 

Commander-in-Chief Man-United (The destroyer Forces): sive peditum Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov The Intelligent/ Technical Godfather of the Realm.

Commander of Pseudocomitatenses units tier II.

Nature: A crafty general, he think more than act. Laying ambush and traps in the enemy frontier. His job is to stretch the enemy defence and providing ample supply of troops to reinforce the main attacking force.

 

 

The army was formed by field units.

 

The field units were to stay well behind the border, and to move quickly where they were needed, with both offensive and defensive roles. Field units were formed by elite soldiers with high-level training and weapons. They were divided into:

1. Scholae units: the personal guard of the Emperor;
2. Palatinae units: "palace" units were the highest ranked units;
3. Comitatenses units: "line" or "regular" units, some were newly formed;
4. Pseudocomitatenses units: these were limitanei units diverted into the field army and often kept there; 

 

 

Audio mp3

 

 

 

 

 more to come...

                     

                      

                      

 

                                                           

  

              

 

 

A Legendary Footballer in the eyes of  Legends:

 

                                         

                                         "Giggs is a great player. I still vivdly remember the games i played against him.

 My shock after watching Giggs' play for the first time was very much similar to the shock I had after seeing Luiz Ronaldo."

 "If he was french, Pires or myself would have been on a bench, Man with the most trophies in Europe would have been him..."

           

                                                                                                                                                                              -Zinedine Zidane-

 

 

                                                            " He has the most talent than any other football player.

                                                                                    He is delicate and dynamic.

                                                                                    He is the player chosen by god."

                                        "If Ryan was with us, Strongest of Europe would have definitely not  been France."

 

                                                                                                                                                                 -Luis Figo-                 

                                                                            

                                                                               "Ryan Giggs is fast, skillful and sharp.

                                              With Luis Figo, he is the most fantastic winger I have ever seen in my life."

                                        "I was the dutchman, the Flying Dutchman would have been Ryan Giggs, not me."

                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                              -Marcs Overmars-

                                                                          

 

                                                                               "How could I possibly appraise him?

                                                                             Fantasy star? yeah, that's Ryan Giggs."

                                      "This is embarrassing to say but I have cried twice in my life watching football player.

                                                           The  first one was Roberto and the second was Ryan Giggs."

 

                                                                                                                                          -Alessandro Del Piero-

                                                                            

 

 

 

A uniqe comment of  the 23rd of 100rd Greatest Sporting Moments

Ryan Giggs' goal for Manchester United against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup Semi-Final (Football)

 

Paul Hayward, June 1999,

"Confession time. When Ryan Giggs' goal against Arsenal went in, I was scrambling on the floor for my dropped pen. I heard a gasp in the press box and looked up to see half-naked Welshman swinging his shirt round his head"

 

It also has the distinction of being the last ever goal and the best goal scored in an FA Cup Semi-Final Replay as, from the following season, the FA Cup Semi-Finals have been decided in a single game, with extra time and a penalty shootout if required.

 

 

in progress more pic to come 

 

 

Christiano Ronaldo Special younger days before joining Man Utd -

other whizkids apart from MADIN, CHERA and DAVIES

IN PROGRESS(players profile) 

 

Superstar

Video description- 

Talented 10 years old wonderkid, part of Besiktas U13 team, displaying his amazing skill against  13/14 years old opponents.

 

Personal information-

Birth year: 1995.

Turkish/Kurdish? wonderkid, when he was 12 years old, host of top European clubs were monitoring his talent.

With Chelsea and Barcelona were 2 of the top contenders chasing him. FC Barcelona, one of the world leading teams, inked a deal with the family.

Under the deal, Mohammad and his family will move to Spain and will be given all the care and accommodation needed to nurture his talents

He made international headlines and become a familiar face in the Turkish media after the FC Barcelona announced he would be joining its ranks in few weeks once he turns 13, the minimum legal contracting age set by FIFA. Barcelona was amazed by his breathtaking talent, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta had expressed his admiration of the Turkish player's flashy skills. He felt the wonderkid is the rightful heir of legendary Ronaldinho. Football experts and FC Barcelona predict a career of fame and stardom for him. The wonderkid from Turkey hailed as the next Ronaldinho with his flashy and amazing skills much like the person he is likened to.

 

Known for-

A tactical and a team player.

Highly technical with the ball.

He could manage himself effectively in limited spaces, attracting defenders, only to dash out from the defence or give an assist to a unmarked teammate.

 

Club information-

Former club: Beskitas

Intrested clubs: PSV, Chelsea, Barcelona.

Current clubs: FC Barcelona

 

Monthly wage-  1,500 

Transfer fees-  2 million/4 million euro to Beskitas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Million dollars wonder kid! 

Video description- 

 A deal between South Korea's Oinspo, Management company authorized manager/ talent scout Ki Young Yoon and the youngster signing a contract. Some footage of him playing against older/bigger boys, dribbling past 4 of them.. and glimpse of his technique and decent free kick/shot.

 

Personal information-

Birth year: 1994.

Another wonderkid, products of Beskitas Youth Academy similar to the previous player(featured above) . The youngster, one of the biggest talent from Bekitas went abroad after his teamate(featured above).

The lad was labelled as a "Major Talent" by the Korean talent scout, having watched the youngster for more than 2 times with his naked eyes.

Soon, the company decided to invest in his talent, with an offer beleive in the region of $ 2 million euro to Beskitas.

They predict the Turkish wonderkid will worth around $20 million and will be a big star in the future, with European clubs, likes Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton are following his development.

Currently he is a part of U-15 Newcastle United academy and was a hit, which he impressed the club officials. Invitation was made and certificate was prepared for him to join the academy. This would be the first time a 14 years old young Turkish in one of the EPL clubs youth set-up. He is now at Emre former club.

 

Club information-

Former club: Beskitas

Intrested clubs: Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton, Newcatle United

Current clubs: Newcatle United FC??

 

Monthly wage- $500 thousands

Transfer fees-$ 2 millions euro to Beskitas

                    $3 millions euro to Oinspo

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The jewel of mexico, most beloved and sweet heart of the tricolor, wait till 1:56 min for his actions.. 

Video description- 

0 - 0:51 Featuring in a nike comercial 

0:51 - 1:56 Intervewed by Mexico ESPN, call up for U-15/17 Tricolor national team.

1:56 - a glimpse of his progress as a promising  footballer as a 7 years old kid who capable of beating any defenders he is taking to

a technical team player with great vison, accurate passing and free kick takers as he matured.

 

Personal information-

 While players like Vela, Dos Santos and Villaluz led a exciting era in Mexican football by winning the World Under-17 football and still progressing, Mexico was rocked by a sensational young prodigy following their footsteps. In many Mexican and football scout eyes, the boy was superior to the 3 names I mention earlier. 

 Pablo Carrillo mention in his program for Fox Sports that this lad is to be the best Mexican soccer player of all time, the famous 10 Mexico has never had to live up to the big world. Highly rated, he is dubbed as the next Hugo Sanchez.

 First came into spotlight while participating in an audition for a Nike commercial with other 5000 applicants from around the world. He was the top player of the 25 handpicked participants progressing to the later stage and he won the competition.

 Soon, he shot to prominence being part of the Nike Skill Squad Team. He appeared in several advertising campaigns for Nike; the main star in US

T90 Nike commercial and the Aguilas Del America(project Socio Aguila). Since then, he grabs the media's attention and featuring in sports channel such as ESPN. 

His quality and growing reputation which led him to be an official image of the Nike commercial in the United States drew the attention of Real Madrid.

He went to Real Madrid for Trial and remain there for ten days subjected to various test by the scouts of the club.

 

 Real Madrid Fuerzas Basicas(Youth Department) trial report:

1 .- He has an outstanding technique in handling the ball with both legs.
2 .- His positioning and vision is very good.
3 .- He is a prospect with great skill and flair 

4 .- Shows disciplined and companionship.
5 .- He has disadvantage in physical strength, but knows how to fill his weakness with skills. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Touch of Genius....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Free kick king! LOB king, Eric the 'KING'?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Accucrazy!!Beckham in style

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

letter from LFC academy + signatured lfc magazine by gerrard specially for him..!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Algerian wondrkid, 7 years old French-Algerian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A beautifull video of Manchester United Golden Generation,

 

which we always remember and left  intact in our memory banks forever

 

those were the days....                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

               

          

       

            

 

     

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

McGuinness: Be inspired

 

 Jus 15 years old, the youngest on the field during Fa youth cup between Man Utd and Chelsea..... the press was mesmerize by his perfomance!!

 

 for more information of his excellent perfomance and his picture, join http://indonewyork.net/group_discussion_view.php?group_id=14&grouptopic_id=15

 

 absolutely class he has overshine Welback in that match, nxt year he would likely to feature in utd reserve team....and first team soon

 

 here a glimpse of his superb performance video compliation from MUTV   vs bolton, chelsea, liverpool,

 

well done kid, you make us proud

 

 raw talent, skilz

 

This was one of the video i posted on the old site chat, while Amy was talking about her cousins named Zidane

 

Now it makes worldwide headlines,

 

Madin Mohammed 6 Year Old New Zidane in the Making Tracked by Europe's Elite.

 

Both are Algerian descendant,

 

the lAst time we saw wonderkids on video sharing website that make headlines were Jean carlos chera and RHain davis

 

LOvely footwork,  probably better than Zidane when HE was 6

 

sizzling spin/turn move

 

 Btw Djimi Traore did nice turn at burnley vs liverpool fa cup 3rd round  XD

 

 

 

Ryan Giggs' display against Derby on Sunday provokes plenty of debate across the tabloids,

 

with several scribes putting the veteran winger forward as the favourite for PFA Player of the Year.

 

Rams midfielder Robbie Savage agrees, saying: "Ryan was unbelievable. For me, he's Player of the Year."