If you register for free, you will be able to post threads, vote on polls and lots more. If you have problems with the registration or logging in, please contact the administrator.
One week after the shock resignation of Sir Alex Ferguson on grounds of ill health, Manchester United have appointed Peter Robinson as the new Manager on a one year contract.
Robinson, a relatively unknown entity with an obscure management background, had apparently won over the Man Utd board with his vision and ambitions for the club.
Information from a reliable source within the organisation, who did not wish to be named, said that that some 'major' changes were in the wind including some playing personnel changes.
Portuguese wonderkid Nani, Teenage Brazilian sensation Anderson, and English International Owen Hargreaves were introduced to the press today by United Manager Peter Robinson.
Robinson said he was 'excited' about the future with the footballing talent the three players brought to the club and they were certain to play a significant role in the new era.
When questions were asked about possible additional player movements, Robinson refused to elaborate although he did confirm there would be a 'few' changes to the squad.
PMR - thats me. A 49 yr old New Zealander,avid Man U fan, been playing these types of games since CM 97/98 (wow, has it really been that long?). Played a few seasons with this version and devised my own tactics, and have my own favourite players. So, unfortunately, some real life Man U favourites are going to have to further their careers elsewhere
Day 1 and the supporters are cautiously optomistic about my management ability. That may change in the near future with some of the squad changes I plan to make, but I hope to win them over eventually with results.
The board has graciously increased my transfer budget to 30M. I want to make one, and maybe two big signings to add some firepower up front. I also want to grab some young stars for the future, because I plan to be here a while and some of the existing squad arent getting any younger. So im off to the tranfer market for some wheeling and dealing. Its gonna cause a fuss, but its necessary for the style I want played.
After discussions with Queiroz, its been decided that the entire youth setup needs a revamp. Queiroz considers that only 5 players in the under 18 squad and only one player in the reserves, not on loan, are worth retaining. I concur.
The scouts have been dispatched far and wide with specific instructions to research only the under 18 talent. A target list of players outside this agegroup has been drawn up and will also be scouted.
Some revamping of the coaching setup is required as well.
A preseason tour of Greece has been arranged by Queiroz with games against Kerkya, PAOK, and 2 games against Atromitos. Then back to England for 3 games against local affiliates Walsall, Newport Co and Bury.
Im a little concerned about the strength of the opposition before our opening Premiership game against West Ham, but Ill let it ride for now. I need Queiroz's support as there maybe some unpopular personel movements in the near future.
While its somewhat of a soft itinery it will give the lads an opportunity to get familiar with our new style of play and the new players we plan to bring in.
Eddie Johnson - 22, Kansas City, USA
I like this kid, hes fallen under the radar abit. Hes extremely athletic and while not as technically gifted, hes creates chances which others indirectly feed off.
Andrea Caracciolo - 24, Palermo, Italy
This lad is 6'4 and totally dominates in the aerial contest. Again, hasnt got the technical skills of others, but is a setpiece target and create opportunites for others.
Wingers
Andres Guardado - 19, Atlas Mexico
Exciting young prospect. Ryan is a lock on the left wing, but age catches us all eventually and Guardado would be a fine replacement after a season or two under his belt.
Full Back/Wing Back
Manuel Pasqual - 24 Fiorentina, Italy.
Another whos fallen under the radar. Attacking left wing back with marvelous crossing skills and quite adequate defensively.
Eduardo Ratinho - 18,Corinthians, Brazil
Exciting attacking right wingback. Lovely ball skills, a bit loose defensively, but his raw pace often gets him out of trouble.
Anthony Vanden Borre - 18, Anderlecht, Belgium.
Extremely versatile player with some great ball skills. Defensively hes a risk, but a nice option coming off the bench when additional attacking options are needed.
Central Defender
Curtis Davies - 21 yrs,West Brom, England.
Shows great potential, very solid at the back. Not in the same class as Rio or Vidic at the moment but has time on his side. Displays promising leadership skills for one so young.
Most of these kids wont start straight away, but show great promise for the immediate future and would provide good/reasonable backup in case of injury.
We'll need to look very closely at an eventual replacement for Van der Sar. Im not sold on the options we have at present. Theres a young russian kid with loads of potential but hes too raw at the moment. We'll keep an eye on him.
I have in mind a couple of star players who I would like to bring in for immediate impact up front and in the midfield. but they are going to cost alot more than what we have to work with financially. So some hard choices have to be made.
After further discussions with Queiroz, the Bury and Walsall friendlies have been cancelled and replacement away fixtures against Feyenoord and Anderlecht have been arranged. This will give the squad much stiffer opposition prior to the regular season kickoff.
manutd.com
3rd July 2006
Manchester United have signed Espanyol coach Gonzalo Abando to a 3 yr contract. Physio Garry Armer has had his contract terminated.
Man Utd have signed Roma's Italian striker Okaka for a fee of 500k.
PMR
My first signing. We've had an eye on him for a wee while. 16 yrs old and the scouts rave about him..going to be as good as Rooney, they say. I agree. Got him for a song too, Roma's going to regret that in the furure.
7th July 2006
Man Utd have signed 17yr old Spanish Striker Aaron Niguez from Valencia for 500k. The former Valencia "C" striker has already said he hopes he can do enough at his new club to impress his new manager
Man Uts have completed signing of Rayo's fifteen year old Spanish sentral midfielder Carlos Saez for a fee of 200k. Saez had been out of contract at his old club.
9th July
The transfer of central defender Alessandro Tuia to Man Utd from Lzio for 50k has been agreed. The tranfer will go through on 23 August 2006.
Man Utd have completed signing of Caen's 19 yr old goalkeeper Benoit Costil for a fee of 50k. Costil had been out of contract at his old club.
Man Utd have signed 16yr old French left winger Martial Riff from Sochaux for 300k. Riff had been out of contract at his old club.
Man Uts have signed Barcelona's Spanish striker Bojan for a fee of 600k. Bojan had been out of contract at his old club.
10th July 2006
Man Utd have signed Sochaux's French central defender Aurelian Teaudors for a fee of 240k.
Man Utd have signed West Brom's Curtis Davies for a fee of 4.2M. Davies, who joined West Brom from Luton for 3M in 2005, is said to be eager to join up with his new team-mates and impress his new manager
Davies has described his move as a 'dream come true". On completing his signing, the 21 yr old central defender told the press conference that when a club like Man Uts show interest in you and then make a bid its a fantastic complliment for any young player.
Man Utd have signed Monaco's French central defender Leo Schwechlen for a fee of 300k.
West Ham sign Richardson
West Ham have signed Man Utd's Kieran Richardson for a fee of 5.75M. Richardson, who left West Ham to join Man Utd for 250k in 2000 is said to have welcomed the chance to return to Upton Park.
11th July 2006
Guardado set for Man Utd
Atlas' Andres Guardado is ecstatic to have agreed to terms with Man Utd. He said that he is very keen to rise to the challenge of playing for such an illustrious club.
He rejected offers from Bremen, Marseille and Liverpool.
Kerkyra 0 Man Utd 3
Saha 40,Smith 50,Ronaldo pen 52)
PMR
First friendly of the season against Kerkyra. As expected the lads are a little rusty and the first half isnt much of a spectacle, a number of chances created but finishing left alot to be desired.
5 mins before halftime Rio sends a lovely 30 yd through ball to Saha, who slots it home to open the scoring. The lads start to gel a bit better and Smith extends the lead heading home a Giggs corner cross at the near post. 2 mins later Rooney is dragged down in the box and Ronaldo steps up and converts to make it 3-0.
The bench is then emptied to give everyone a run but despite a clear dominance of possesion theres no additional scoring. The opposition wasnt testing but its a good stretch for the legs for the lads, who are all in good spirits and no injury concerns at all in the squad, which is good news.
Red Tide Rising - Manchester United 
Linear Mode
