United's News Archive on SkySports

[Busby Boy]

I love looking at the archive of news on SkySports.com, the earliest it dates back to is October 1999, and the standout story on there for me is ''KEANO SET TO GO!'', which made me laugh because I remember at the time, I was 10, and I couldn't bare the thought of Keano leaving. He was stalling on a contract and talk of him moving to Madrid grew and grew, in hindsight we know he eventually signed and stayed for a further 5/6 years.

THE future of Manchester United captain Roy Keane is looking increasingly likely to be away from Old Trafford as rumours of a big-money move to Italy or Spain intensify.

Although settled in Manchester, the Republic of Ireland international is prepared to accept the lure of the Lira from either Juventus, Lazio or Inter Milan or the prospect of massive pay-day at Real Madrid.

Under-fire United chief Martin Edwards told The Mail on Sunday: "There will be now new moves from us" and this would seem to signal the end of the club`s efforts to keep the 28-year-old star in England. Whilst Edwards admits he would be prepared to talk to Keane at any time, the Bosman Ruling is set to deprive The Premiership of one of its leading lights.

Real Madrid boss John Toshack, although facing an uncertain future in the Spanish capital, is reportedly targeting Keane the smart money must be on a move to Italy to one of United`s main rivals in The Champions League at the start of the next Millennium.

home.skysports.com/club.asp?clid=1&m=10&y=1999&cpid=0&archive=true

Take a look at the archive, you can change the month & year from the drop down list at the bottom. Share your views on the stories as they unfolded at the time.

[Busby Boy]

That one made me laugh, this one will make you cry:

May 2003:

Ronnie's United preference
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 25 May 2003

RONALDINHO has revealed he would prefer to play for Manchester United, rather than Real Madrid, as the Brazilian fuelled speculation he will leave Paris Saint Germain in the summer.

The Brazilian playmaker has been a long-standing target of The Red Devils with rumours abounding that a £10 million bid will be lodged at the end of the season.

PSG have already rejected a request from United to hold a meeting later this month to discuss Ronaldinho's situation at Parc des Princes.

He admits he would be honoured if United's interest in his services ultimately leads to a summer switch to Old Trafford and would readily choose The Red Devils ahead of Spanish titans Real.

Going against the grain of his fellow compatriots, Ronaldinho believes The Premiership is the place to be and hailed the collective spirit at United, in comparison to the spectacular individuality at Santiago Bernabeu.

"Most Brazilians prefer La Liga or Serie A but I think The Premiership is the best league in Europe," Ronaldinho told The Sunday Herald.

"Of course, Spain is perhaps more interesting because there are more contrasting styles and tactics, plus stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Raul. But I don't think that, as a group, say, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes and Thierry Henry are that far behind in terms of talent.

"More importantly, English football has a spirit and a passion which is quite unique. There is a strong collective sense of unity, an identification with the fans, a purity to the game. I enjoy it because it's so different to the football played elsewhere.

"I'll tell you more, I'd rather watch Manchester United play than Real Madrid. Real Madrid's superstars are fantastic, but they are individuals. The beauty is in the individual genius, they aren't necessarily a team.

"But when I look at Manchester United, I see a collective, a unit working towards the same goal. By playing within United's system, the players perform better than they would if they were individuals, like at Real. Beckham may be the most talented, Juan Veron the most creative, Ruud van Nistelrooy the most effective, but no one stands out as an individual.

"In fact, you could argue that a Keane, or a Scholes, or a Solskjaer are all just as important as the three I mentioned before. That's what fascinates me. Anyone can put great players on the pitch, but not everyone can get them to perform together."

The 23-year-old has been unhappy in the French capital due to his strained relationship with coach Luis Fernandez and that has sparked the sustained exit talk, with Juventus and Internazionale also believed to be interested.

But Fernandez is leaving his role at the end of the campaign and will be replaced by Vahid Halilhodzic who has stated his desire to hang on to the influential services of Ronaldinho.

The Bosnian may struggle to achieve his aims as Ronaldinho has claimed he is champing at the bit at the prospect of playing for The Red Devils and learning from manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Samba star further pressed his claims for a transfer to Old Trafford by hailing Ferguson's managerial ability and revealing he would be flattered to work under the hugely successful Scotsman.

"Right now it's just speculation, right?" he continued. "But I'd be lying if I said that English football isn't one of my ambitions. And, the way things are looking right now, playing in The Premiership, at Manchester United in particular, is more than just a dream.

"It's a concrete possibility. But there is nothing more I can say today. First of all, because nothing has been agreed and, second, because I am a PSG player and I have three years left on my contract. If PSG and United reach an agreement and everyone is happy with it, I'll be very proud to come.

"At the same time, I'm proud to play for PSG, our season is not over and I want to respect the club, my team-mates and the fans.

"What more can I say about Manchester United?. Everyone knows how powerful and respected they are in every corner of the globe. It would be a tremendous honour to be the first Brazilian in history to play for them.

"I imagine it to be a lot like playing for Brazil: you are expected to dominate every game, everybody wants to beat you and you have to prove yourself every day.

"When I think what it would be like to work with and learn from a master like Ferguson, I get goosebumps. We'll see what the future brings. I want to win trophies and grow as a footballer and obviously playing in England would be a major stepping stone."

and

Ronny reaffirms United desire
By Steve Luckings - Created on 31 May 2003

RONALDINHO has once again fanned the flames surrounding a possible move to Old Trafford by claiming he has a 'burning desire to play for Manchester United'.

The Brazilian forward played what is widely expected to be his final game for Paris Saint Germain in their French Cup final defeat against Auxerre on Saturday evening.

The talented 23-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premiership champions and is clearly attracted by the prospect.

"I admire Manchester United," Ronaldinho tells the Independent on Sunday, "and I love watching them play.

"Of course I would like to be at a great club like that - anybody would.

"The idea of joining Manchester United makes me dream, because they are a big, successful club and play my kind of football.

"I have a burning desire to be involved with a club that plays in big games all the time."

July 2003:

Ronnie: Barca were my first choice
By Alex Livie - Created on 22 Jul 2003

RONALDINHO has claimed Barcelona was always his first option ahead of Manchester United.

The Red Devils lost out in the summer`s biggest transfer saga when Barcelona landed the multi-talented Brazilian on Saturday.

United were quick to claim that although disappointed, the Samba star`s decision to move to Spain will not harm them.

Red Devils chief executive Peter Kenyon hinted that the player did not have the required quality and desire to play for United, but Ronaldinho has hit back by saying he has nothing to prove to the Old Trafford hierarchy.

"I haven't got anything to prove to the English," the 23-year-old said.

"My first option was always to play in Spain. There were a lot of reasons but the most important one is that it is where the best championship in the world is.

"I'm grateful (Sir) Alex Ferguson was so interested in me but in life you have to make a lot of important decisions.

"I've opted for Barca and I hope I haven't made a mistake."

The World Cup winner claims he could still be seen in The Premiership at some point in the future.

He added: "I'm young and there's a lot of football left for me to play. Who knows if one day I'll end up in The Premiership?"

United meet Barca in a friendly on August 3, and Ronaldinho is ready to play if given the go-ahead.

"If I take part in it, I'll be calm and won't feel any kind of pressure," he concluded.

WHAT A KICK IN THE BALLS!...

I also found out that United have been tracking Nemanja Vidic, our recent signing (Jan 2006) since May 2003.

PSG join hunt for Vidic
By Vlatko Siljanovski - Created on 27 May 2003

MANCHESTER UNITED face competition to sign Serbia & Montenegrin defender Nemanja Vidic from Le Championnat side Paris Saint Germain.

New Parisian boss Vahid Halilhodzic has joined the race for the Balkan centre back and could be set to battle it out with The Red Devils for the 21-year-old's signature.

Sir Alex Ferguson enquired about the stopper's availability nearly six months ago but Vidic's current club Crvena Zvezda were reluctant to do business.

Halilhodzic has been an admirer since seeing Vidic mark Italian striker Filippo Inzaghi out of the game in Serbia's Euro 2004 qualifier against the Azzurri recently and perform well in the Uefa Cup, and is keen to bring the player to Parc des Princes.

Both bosses may get a chance to check out the starlet's form on June 3 when Serbia & Montenegro take on England, if the player is selected.

Ferguson has made a defender his priority this summer after Laurent Blanc's retirement and Wes Brown's long-term injury, while Bosnian Halilhodzic is set to get an idea of his transfer funds once Brazilian star Ronaldinho's future is settled and is also keeping tabs on Alaves striker Adrian Ilie.

You can tell I'm bored and uninterested in the World Cup, if England and Brazil aren't in it I seem to lose interest!

[fergieswarriors]

a good post adz mate...

[redom]

actually we've been tracking vidic since jan 2003

Vidic United talks confirmed
By Vlatko Siljanovski - Created on 17 Jan 2003

CRVENA ZVEZDA have confirmed there have been talks with Manchester United over Nemanja Vidic, and the player would jump at the chance to move to Old Trafford.

Although the centre back has previously expressed a desire to play in Spain, the lure of representing The Red Devils would prove too strong to resist, although he is focusing on his current club at the moment.

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be looking for a long-term replacement in his squad for Laurent Blanc with Auxerre's Philippe Mexes at the top of his list, after missing out on Servette whizz-kid Philippe Senderos when he opted to join Arsenal.

21-year-old Vidic fits the bill, and director Dusan Savic has admitted United have been in touch.

"Nemanja is pure gold without a real price," said Savic.

"It is not a secret that many clubs paid attention and called, but Manchester were the most correct.

"We have made the contact, and there have been talks to some point, but, at the present, there is no chance of selling him.

"Maybe in the future."

The player himself would love to join United, after impressing the Premiership giants when playing for the Yugoslavia Under-21 side.

United's scouts then tracked his progress in the Uefa Cup ties with Chievo and Lazio, plus in the Euro 2004 qualifier against Italy.

"I love English football," he revealed.

"It is something very special or I should say inspirational.

"For sure, my dream is to continue my career at a famous club such as Manchester.

"But there is enough time.

"The club and national teams are my first priority at the moment."

Vidic is under contract until 2006, and is tipped to have a bright future in the game.

this one also made me smile

FERGIE INSISTS HE'S QUITTING
By Adam Marshall - Created on 1 Jan 2002

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has insisted he is quitting his managerial post at Manchester United at the end of the season.

The Scot, who celebrated his 60th birthday on New Year's Eve, will step down out of respect to a promise he is believed to have made to his family, as concerns have been raised about the stress levels attached to top-flight management in today's game.

Several tabloid newspapers twisted some comments from the United boss to suggest he was about to change his mind, and extend his stint at Old Trafford.

When asked if there was any possibility of him remaining, he answered: "I don't think so, but you never know what might happen."

However, some sections of the media decided this was enough to promote the likelihood of Ferguson staying put, even though United are actively looking for his successor.

"I'm going all right," stated the Red Devils boss. "That has been settled for some time now.

"I was asked by a reporter about my retirement and said, as I would about anything in life, that you never know what might happen.

"That's true, but it didn't mean I was thinking about changing my plans.

"I've told you before that it's my intention to give up managing at the end of the season, and that still goes.

"I've also told you there are powerful reasons for the decision, and those haven't changed," he told The Scotsman.

At least United are back on track towards giving their successful manager the perfect send-off.

Five consecutive wins in The Premiership have dragged the champions back into the title race, and the prospect of a glorious swan-song in Ferguson's native Glasgow is being sang about by the club's supporters at every fixture, even despite doubts about the team's defensive frailties.

he just cant leave us can he ;D

[redom]

what about this,

UNITED TO JOIN FOWLER RACE?
By Patrick Goss - Created on 16 May 2000

THE English media is speculating that Manchester United are ready to make a bid for unsettled Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler - with some papers suggesting that a £15 million fee could be enough to take the England international to Old Trafford.

Fowler was dropped from Liverpool`s last Premiership game against Bradford City with declarations from his manager Gerard Houllier that Fowler was `simply not fit enough` to participate - sparking reports of a training ground bust-up that have been flatly denied by the club.

Liverpool born Fowler, who was called into Kevin Keegan`s 28 man training squad for Euro 2000 despite not fully proving his form and fitness since a comeback from an ankle operation, has been rationalised within the Anfield based club since the arrival of record signing Emile Heskey.

Houllier is keen on bringing a four pronged rotation system to his forward line in much the same way as Manchester United - and will no longer guarantee first team football for even the most talented of his strikers.

However, it still seems unlikely that Manchester United, whose manager Alex Ferguson has stated publicly that he will not be signing another striker after an injury to prolific target Ruud van Nistelrooy, will be prepared to outlay what would be an English record transfer fee of £15 million on a man that has still not proved that he has fully recovered from a serious injury.

never mind ronaldinho we really missed the boat on that one

[onenedkelly]

"Red Devils chief executive Peter Kenyon hinted that the player did not have the required quality and desire to play for United"

Ronaldinho not got the required quality


Peter Kenyon your a grade A #Wa#

redom said:

what about this,

UNITED TO JOIN FOWLER RACE?
By Patrick Goss - Created on 16 May 2000

THE English media is speculating that Manchester United are ready to make a bid for unsettled Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler - with some papers suggesting that a £15 million fee could be enough to take the England international to Old Trafford.

Fowler was dropped from Liverpool`s last Premiership game against Bradford City with declarations from his manager Gerard Houllier that Fowler was `simply not fit enough` to participate - sparking reports of a training ground bust-up that have been flatly denied by the club.

Liverpool born Fowler, who was called into Kevin Keegan`s 28 man training squad for Euro 2000 despite not fully proving his form and fitness since a comeback from an ankle operation, has been rationalised within the Anfield based club since the arrival of record signing Emile Heskey.

Houllier is keen on bringing a four pronged rotation system to his forward line in much the same way as Manchester United - and will no longer guarantee first team football for even the most talented of his strikers.

However, it still seems unlikely that Manchester United, whose manager Alex Ferguson has stated publicly that he will not be signing another striker after an injury to prolific target Ruud van Nistelrooy, will be prepared to outlay what would be an English record transfer fee of £15 million on a man that has still not proved that he has fully recovered from a serious injury.

never mind ronaldinho we really missed the boat on that one

[Red Yank]

onenedkelly said:

"Red Devils chief executive Peter Kenyon hinted that the player did not have the required quality and desire to play for United"

Ronaldinho not got the required quality


Peter Kenyon your a grade A #Wa#

Hmm...I wonder if Barca think that he doesn't have the required quality...

[Scott]

I cant stand to read those. I got through the first couple and then realised it was just going to be too painful lol. Bugger.