Man Utd Thread:

[full back]

Looks like the last season.
Will be very suprised if his valuation is as high next year as it is now


Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he will remain at Manchester United for another season.

In the longest running transfer saga of the summer, the Red Devils winger had fluctuated between his desire to remain at Old Trafford and fulfilling his dream of playing for Real Madird.

United had always insisted that the Portugal international was not for sale, but Real have a history of getting what they want.

However, the 23-year-old appears to have brought an end to the endless speculation surrounding his future by stating his intentions to remain in England for the 2008/09 campaign.

"I will remain with Manchester United for at least another year," Ronaldo told Portuguese newspaper Publico.

Dedication
He goes on to praise United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who flew to Portugal in the aftermath of Euro 2008 to hold clear-the-air discussions with his enigmatic playmaker.

"Sir Alex Ferguson heard my arguments, I heard his and, in fact, it was settled that the best for both parties would be for me to stay," he added.

"Therefore, I can confirm that, next season, I will play for Manchester United.

"Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear - whoever says or writes that is lying.

"I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always."


Controversy
Ronaldo also accepted full responsibility for failing to stop the constant rumours regarding from spiralling out of control.

"I was responsible for all this controversy," he said.

"I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid. I ended up being, even involuntarily, responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs."


Desire
While United will be pleased to here their prized asset committing himself to the club, Ronaldo went on to admit that he maintains his dream of playing for Real at some stage in the future.

He explained: "I knew Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had allegedly made a very high offer to Manchester United.

"My desire was, for some time, that Manchester had accepted my transfer to Madrid.

"Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness."

[Yes I Would]

Attention seeking p***k

[corn02]

I heard they took a gamble on missing some jabs to avoid any side effects. Dunno if that would have prevented the viruses they picked up in Nigeria or not...

Fergie said they only took malaria tablets - harldy ideal?

[An Fear Rua]

Twins looked useful tonight, hopefully GN long term replacement sorted

[full back]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/aug/07/manchesterunited.ronaldo1

He doesnt come across too bad in this interview TBH

[Maximus Marillius]

When ferguson goes, will Ronaldo go....by reading the interview he show serious trust in ferguson

[EC Unique]

As a Utd fan that interview reads very well. Fair play to him for giving it as he could have said f**k all and just slipped back into the team in October and got on with playing. If Utd were to win the CL again this year I think he would stay to go for a 3 in a row(record?). Otherwise I think this season will be his last.

[Goats Do Shave]

I think Madrid won it 5 in a row!

[EC Unique]

I think Madrid won it 5 in a row!

How many have they won in total?

[Goats Do Shave]

I think Madrid won it 5 in a row!

How many have they won in total?

Winners (9 - record): 1955–56*, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1965–66, 1997–98, 1999–00, 2001–02.
Runners-up (3): 1961-62, 1963-64, 1980-81

From wiki!

[Norf Tyrone]

Twins looked useful tonight, hopefully GN long term replacement sorted

Who are the twins (I know I'll regret asking)?

* What about your fella Manaucho or is that what the home office comment was about?
* Do you Rooney only got malaria tablets as there would be 'performance enhancing' concerns with other medications? Drugs tests can be failed for even the simplest medicines these days.

[corn02]

Twins looked useful tonight, hopefully GN long term replacement sorted

Who are the twins (I know I'll regret asking)?

Was afraid to ask in case I looked stupid too.

[Goats Do Shave]

De Silva's!

Brazillian full backs... think they were signed at 14, but can only play now...they're 17.

[the Deel Rover]

Ye thats right gds one of  them made their debut the other night heres a little report about them



                    ***********************************************************************
Sir Alex Ferguson was beaming after Machester United remained unbeaten in pre-season following their 2-0 win over Peterborough. But the big smile on Ferguson's face had nothing to do with his side's victory over his son Darren's club.

Instead, the delight Ferguson expressed was all down to the debut of a very promising youngster by the name of Rafael Da Silva.

Ever heard of him? Chances are you haven't.

The odds are you will know his name, as well as his twin brother, Fabio, in a couple years time, if not sooner. Sir Alex handed Rafael Da Silva his first start since joining United from São Paulo last month. They both agreed to join United more than a year ago, but under FIFA rules were forced to wait until they turned 18 to sign professional contracts.

Fabio and Rafael have been tipped to become the next Neville brother's, with Rafael playing the same position as Gary, and Fabio occupying Phil's former position for United at left back. Both players have also been involved in Brazil's Under-17 squad.

Sir Alex described Rafael as being a sensation after the young Brazilian finally made his Manchester United debut.

"The young players were fantastic and young Rafael the right-back was a sensation for me," Ferguson said. "I thought it was a real eye opener for us. He hadn't played for a year but he's played a full 90 minutes today. His brother Fabio has played 45 minutes and he's also done well so we're really pleased by their contribution. On the evidence of tonight I think we have got a good player here."

Rafael and Fabio could even be involved once more in pre-season as United take on Juventus at Old Trafford in their final pre-season friendly. But even if they aren't, I'm sure we will be seeing a lot more of them in the future, whether it be this year or the following. With Gary Neville drawing closer to retirement every year, Fabio would be a perfect long term candidate to replace the United captain at right back.

In the mean time, Manchester United can anxiously keep tabs on yet another exciting youngster, this time out of Brazil. The future appears to be very bright at Old Trafford.

[slow corner back]

If they contribute half as much as the Nevilles they wil have some careers. Having said that I am always a bit suspicious about Brazilian defenders, h ope these two are OK