Late sub for Santa Run

01/12/2011 09:00,

Tom Cleverley is to replace Paul Scholes at the annual Santa Run at Old Trafford this Sunday, 4 December.

Scholes was originally scheduled to take part in the MU Foundation event, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the midfield legend is unable to attend.

However, just as he has done on the pitch this season, rising star Cleverley has stepped into Scholesy's boots and will be on hand to officially start the 2km family race at 11.30am.

Foundation chief executive John Shiels said: "We’re extremely pleased that we have a first-team player to start the race and we’re sure everyone will have a great time at our festive charity event.

"It’s unfortunate that Paul is now unable to attend but it can’t be helped.  We are sure the Santa Run will still raise a great deal of money for charity on the day."

Now in its fifth year, the Santa Run raises money for the Foundation and its charity partners The Christie, Francis House and UNICEF – or any other charity.

Following the 2km family run, a 5km route for serious Santas will start at 12.30pm, this year taking in some of Manchester and Salford's finest landmarks.

Starting at Old Trafford, runners will follow a route that takes them past the Imperial War Museum, The Lowry and MediaCity, before finishing with a lap around the world-famous Old Trafford pitch.

source : Manutd

Papers: New deal for Nani?

15/11/2011 09:05'

Phil Thomas in The Sun writes..Nani's new deal to ward off Italy interest

Nani is to be given a mega pay-rise by Manchester United to see off interest from Italy. United plan to move the Portuguese winger, already on £90,000 a week, up to the next tier of their pay-scale alongside the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand on a reported £130,000 a week. Both Milan clubs and Juventus are showing interest in a summer raid. But United top brass have pencilled in talks with Nani's representatives for early in the New Year, when the 24-year-old has 18 months left on his contract. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson will resist any attempts to cash in on the £30million- rated star, who he signed from Sporting Lisbon for £18.5m in 2007. That is likely to mean an improved four-year deal. The Old Trafford chief is convinced Nani can develop along the same lines as Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Daily Mirror believe United and Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid and AC Milan in a race to sign Sao Paolo youngster Lucas.

The Hull Daily Mail report Nick Barmby's elevation to caretaker manager of Hull City, indicating that a move to appoint United Reserves boss Warren Joyce as Nigel Pearson's successor fell through. It is claimed that Joyce decided to remain at Old Trafford instead.

source : Manutd

05/11/2011 15:13, Report by Adam Bostock

 

 

Stand renamed for Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson has received a very special 25th anniversary tribute from his grateful employers at Manchester United - with Old Trafford's biggest stand being renamed in his honour.

The North Stand is now known as the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, after a new sign was unveiled just before kick-off against Sunderland. It's the first time in the 101-year history of Old Trafford that a stand has been named after an individual. In addition, the renowned sculptor Philip Jackson has been commissioned to create a statue of the manager. This will be erected outside the stand's entrance, hopefully in August 2012.

In a club statement, United chief executive David Gill said: "To be at a club of our standing for so long is truly remarkable. In that time, Sir Alex has established himself as the most successful manager in British football history, winning countless trophies and creating numerous sides admired around the world for their flair and ability.

"Sir Alex's contribution to United has been immense and the magnificent stadium we have here at Old Trafford is a testament to his ability and success. The Board felt it right to take this unique step, as well as to commission Philip Jackson to create a statue to go alongside his other great pieces here of Sir Matt and the United Trinity. These tributes are made with the grateful thanks of the owners, board, staff, players and fans of Manchester United, for the great pleasure Sir Alex has brought us all over a quarter of a century."

Sir Alex saw his name on the former North Stand for the first time after walking through a guard of honour formed by both teams. Talking on the stadium PA system, he remarked how proud he felt to "work for the greatest football club in the world" and to have managed "some of the greatest footballers we've ever seen in this country."

source : manutd