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--------------------------------- [29] Fergie on Veron injury --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: group phase of the Euro campaign. "Seba has been carrying the knee injury for around two months. It has been painful for him and you get to a point where you have to give it a rest. We have sent him for a scan on the knee and the results of that came back clear so there’s no great problem which is good news. However, he needs to give it a bit more time. He won’t play against Sunderland on Saturday but he should be OK for our match against Charlton at the Valley a week on Sunday. But we’ll have to wait and see about that one. But he’s be certain to be fit and available again properly for the European campaign." --------------------------------- [28] Roeder on Di Canio --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: "Our turning down Manchester United's offer showed we are trying to keep him. We are not trying to sell di Canio." --------------------------------- [27] Ref is --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Rob Styles who hasn't reffed us this season - and onl sent off one player all year. --------------------------------- [26] BBC online United-Sunderland stats --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Manchester United are seeking a fifth successive Premier League win over Sunderland. The Black Cats have recorded one win in seven Premiership home and away matches. The Red Devils hold a 100% home Premiership record over the Wearsiders (3 wins out of 3). United have won the last four home League games against Sunderland and five in the last six. Sir Alex Ferguson's club are undefeated in 13 home League meetings with the Wearsiders, eight of which have been won. Sunderland have won one of the last 22 League visits to Old Trafford over 49 years. That was 0-1 in the old League - Division One on 11 May, 1968. United are on course for a second successive Premier League 'double' over the Black Cats and ninth since the League fixture was first staged in 1893. --------------------------------- [25] Saturday fixtures --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Arsenal v Southampton Derby County v Tottenham (12:00) Everton v Ipswich Town Fulham v Aston Villa Leicester City v Chelsea Man Utd v Sunderland Newcastle v Bolton West Ham Utd v Blackburn --------------------------------- [24] Beach soccer with Eric --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: We've just heardthat the provisionally date for the European Beach Soccer English leg is in Brighton 1st - 3rd June. --------------------------------- [23] Latest team news --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: >From Ananova 'Diego Forlan is likely to be on the Manchester United bench once again for the game against Sunderland. Juan Sebastian Veron is still out with a knee injury, so Sir Alex Ferguson is set to stick with the side that beat Bolton. Sunderland's new signing Joachim Bjorklund is standing by to make his debut against the Premiership leaders at Old Trafford. Bjorklund is expected to line up in central defence after signing from Venezia for £1.5million this week. Stefan Schwarz is suspended, while Paul Thirlwell is again ruled out with an ankle injury. Gavin McCann is also struggling with a knee problem, so Darren Williams could play in midfield. Man Utd (from): Barthez, P Neville, Blanc, G Neville, Silvestre, Beckham, Keane, Scholes, Giggs, Solskjaer, van Nistelrooy, Forlan, Butt, Brown, O'Shea, Chadwick, Irwin, Carroll. Sunderland (from): Sorensen, Haas, Gray, Craddock, Varga, Bjorklund, McAteer, Reyna, McCann, Williams, Kilbane, Quinn, Phillips, Arca, Macho, Bellion, McCartney, Kyle.' --------------------------------- [22] SUN reckons --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: It's us and Aresnal in for 'Argentine superkid Andres D’Alessandro.' --------------------------------- [21] Mirror, mirror on the wall --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: One thing, who leaked this information? >From Gary 'the mirror today has a big front page headline about the wages United players receive, this is then backed up with a fairly bland summary of the wages, bonuses etc that are rewarded... it's then followed up with an editorial: GREED CAN'T BE THE GOAL Manchester United is one of the richest football clubs in the world. And it boasts some of the greatest players. Yet the salary figures we reveal today are still astonishing. An average £1.5million per player per season. With another £500,000 in potential bonuses. Some, like poor old transfer-listed Dwight Yorke at the moment, will be raking in thouands a week by NOT playing at all. And don't shed too many tears for David Beckham if Sir Alex Ferguson keeps him on the subs' bench - he's still coining in win bonuses left, right and centre for doing nothing. The Mirror does not begrudge the players their cash. They are entertainers on a big stage and people are happy to pay to see them. But our fascinating investigation also discloses that reserve team players get just £90 a win - proving there is a massive gap between the top and even the closest step down the professional football ladder. And that gap is getting wider every year. In the light of their breathtaking pay packets, we could do with fewer of their regular bleatings about the pressures of life as a soccer star and more thought for the hard-up parents spending their last pennies on the umpteenth new United shirt. And we'd also welcome a few more Niall Quinns giving something back to the communities that pay them so handsomely. "The Mirror does not begrudge the players their cash" - yeah, like we believe that(!) When was the last time you heard a United player come out with "regular bleatings about the pressures of life as a soccer star"? It seems they even want to canonise Niall Quinn if it means being able to have yet another pop at United. --------------------------------- [20] Mirror reckons bonus per game is --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: 12 Group matches at £10,000 for a win...........£120,000 Winning the quarter-final................................£25,000 Winning the semi-final...................................£40,000 Winning the final...........................................£100,000 Share of £160,000 pool for first stage...............£10,000 Share of £320,000 pool for second stage..........£20,000 Share of £150,000 appearance pool...................£9,375 Maximum bonus............................................£324,375 PREMIERSHIP £300 per point (£900 for every game they win) Plus squad shares £300,000 pot if they win the title Maximum bonus.............................................£52,950 FA CUP Winning a third round game..............................£1,500 Winning a fourth round game............................£2,000 Winning a fifth round game...............................£3,000 Winning a sixth round game.............................£5,000 Winning the semi-final......................................£10,000 Winning the final...............................................£20,000 Share of £150,000 pool.......................................£9,375 Maximum bonus...............................................£50,875 WORTHINGTON CUP Winning a second round game...............................£750 Winning a third round game.................................£1,000 Winning a fourth round game...............................£1,500 Winning a fifth round game..................................£2,500 Winning the semi-final.........................................£5,000 Winning the final................................................£10,000 Share of £150,000 appearance pool.......................£9,375 Maximum bonus.................................................£30,125 FIFA WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Winning all three league stage games..................£30,000 Winning final......................................................£25,000 Maximum bonus................................................£55,000 UEFA SUPERCUP One-off game between winners of European Champions League and UEFA Cup Win bonus......£20,000 MAXIMUM TOTAL BONUS...............................£533,325 Based on team winning every match and pools being shared out among 16 players --------------------------------- [19] Mirror reckons players earn --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Roy Keane £2.7M Juan Veron £2.5M Laurent Blanc £2.3M Fabien Barthez £2.1M Ruud van Nistelrooy £2.1M Ryan Giggs £2.1M Paul Scholes £1.9M Ole Gunnar Solskjaer £1.6M David Beckham £1.3M Denis Irwin £1.3M Wes Brown £1.1M Gary Neville £1.8M Diego Forlan £1.4M Nicky Butt £1.3M Mikael Silvestre £1.1M Phil Neville £1.1M --------------------------------- [18] Mirror on wages --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: 'MANCHESTER United's superstars can look forward to picking up £100,000 each if they win this season's European Champions League. And that's on top of the £225,000 they will receive should they win all their games on the way to the European final. The incredible cash windfall plus all the other win bonuses would mean the average first team player would earn around £2million a year. Top-up payments spread throughout the season include £300 a point for Premiership games plus more money for appearances in cup competitions. That means stars like captain Roy Keane, Argentinian Juan Veron and England skipper David Beckham can pocket £900 each for a Premier league victory. So far United have 48 points - that's £14,400 for each player. There are 13 games left. If they win every game until the end of the season they will pick up a further £11,700. All in all the stars will walk away with £26,100 if it all goes right. And they'll share £300,000 if United win Premiership In a fascinating insight into the high finances of the world's richest football club, the incentives for players to win every game are clear. Apart from the pride and honour of representing United and competing with the best Europe has to offer, the cash rewards provide an extra motivation for top class performances week in week out. But even if United lose in the Champions League final the blow will be softened by a £40,000 payment to each player. Substitutes who don't get on the pitch will pocket half the bonus amount. An Old Trafford insider said last night: "The players are already paid fortunes to perform, but these bonus schemes give them an incentive to win rather than just turn up to a game and take their wages. "Every player is hungry for these payouts, so naturally the whole team is hungry for success. The more you win, the more cash you earn." If United do lift the Champions League cup at Hampden Park in Glasgow this year the 16-strong squad will have already picked up £20,000 each for reaching the qualifying stages plus £10,000 a win or £5,000 a draw for each game. The there's the UEFA Supercup - a one-off game between winners of the Champion's League and the UEFA Cup. Each player will get a win bonus of £20,000 each. Should United compete in the FIFA Club World Championship they will get £10,000 each for a win in the league stages and £5,000 for a draw In the Third and Fourth Round they'll land £7,500 each for a victory. The winners will receive £25,000 apiece and the losing finalists £15,000. United were knocked out of this season's FA Cup by Middlesbrough in the Fourth Round but each player had already scooped £1,500 for their efforts in the competition. If the team fail to finish in the top four of the Premiership and only qualify for the Uefa Cup there is still an automatic £150,000 pot available to share. As they move forward through each round the cash bonanza grows. In the First round they get £3,000 each, Second round £4,500, Third round £5,000, Fourth Round £6,000, semi-final £10,000 each and £12,500 each should they win the competition. Highly-paid foreign stars like Veron and new signing Diego Forlan are likely to benefit from the added perks United offer, including free accommodation, a number of free business class flights home each year and complete private health care cover. Players can cash in even when they're off duty. Expenses incurred for club-related business like PR stunts or hospital visits are fully reimbursed. Many also get the fees for their agents paid by the club. This can often amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. And even if a player is injured while on first team duty his bonuses are protected. On top of his basic wage he would receive the full payments - but only for as long as manager Sir Alex Ferguson considers fair. The ever increasing costs of wages, bonuses, and perks which last year left United with a £50million wage bill, compared with £44million the year before, are now being resisted by the United board. They are determined to halt the spiralling bills which United's players force them to pay. Club chairman Sir Roland Smith said in last year's annual report: "Controlling player costs remains the most single challenge in our business." United have yet to finalise a deal to keep their biggest star David Beckham at the club. The 26-year-old, who earned almost £10million last year from playing fees and sponsorship deals, wants a £100,000-a-week plus contract. This would comprise £80,000-a-week in wages, and more than £20,000-a-week in image rights - where he receives a percentage of the profit made on his name through merchandising. Beckham currently earns £25,000-a-week which is far less than United captain Roy Keane, who is on a reputed £52,000. United have offered Becks a new deal worth £85,000-a-week but negotiations are at a stalemate.' --------------------------------- [17] 3am girls on Barthez night out --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: 'He cut an unmistakable figure. It's hard to miss Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez. He's the kind of guy that really stands out in a crowd. Soon after 11pm, the stridently bald Frenchman arrived at top London nightspot China White. Outside, the cautious star had taken every possible measure not to be recognised. With a giant silver anorak, hood pulled tightly over his head, Fabien entered the club by the back door in a bid to foil photographers. Inside he was less anxious, no doubt relaxed by the star-studded atmosphere of one of the capital's most exclusive establishments. Smoking heavily and dressed casually in a V-neck top and cream trousers, he flitted from room to room - especially favouring the inner sanctum of the VIP section. It was a scene his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, would have been furious to witness. The United boss has slapped an all-out ban on his players burning the candle at both ends. Quite simply, 3am's Bryony was there as £40,000 a week Fabien openly defied his formidable boss's orders. Clearly, Mr Barthez was not aware of the golden rule: when the stars misbehave, 3am will always be watching. When we contacted the club, who are currently top of the Premiership, they said they had no comment to make. But we can bet that 60-year old Sir Alex will not be happy with the antics of Fabien, who he signed from Monaco two years ago for £7.8million - a record British transfer fee for a goalkeeper. The 30-year old seemed to be getting over his recent split from supermodel fiancee Linda Evangelista, who dumped him last month because she couldn't bear the North West's gloomy weather. Guarded by a burly bouncer, Fab sat at a table with a male friend and watched the many scantily-clad females on the dancefloor. It was 3.30 in the morning before France's World Cup hero decided to call it a night. And once again, he revealed his naivete as he hid his face from the paparazzi in the futile belief that he had got away with his stolen evening of illicit fun.' --------------------------------- [16] Mirror on Barthez's night out --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: 'FABIEN BARTHEZ faces being fined £80,000 after partying in London only hours before he was due to be training with Manchester United. The Old Trafford goalkeeper is set for a showdown with manager Sir Alex Ferguson - and the loss of two weeks' wages - after becoming the latest player to breach the club's strict code of conduct. The France World Cup winner left London nightspot China White at 3.30am yesterday and reported for training in Manchester six hours later. It was hardly the best preparation as United enter the most crucial stage of the season, and Ferguson is ready to punish the 30-year-old. Sir Alex has banned his players from going clubbing until the early hours, with England skipper David Beckham and Dwight Yorke having already paid the price for being caught out. While Ferguson tolerates Barthez's eccentric side, this incident could be the final straw. Barthez made every effort to conceal his identity at the club. He arrived by a back door with a hood pulled tightly over his head.' --------------------------------- [15] Ruud on Forlan --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: "With Diego we have got a very young and talented player. He only came on for the last 15 minutes, but you could see that he has a lot of potential. He's very, very quick, has two great feet and I think at 22 years of age, he has a great future." --------------------------------- [14] Mirror go ABU mad --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: With front and back pages and editorial on United. They may as well name their ABU inspired angle Daily Man U - are you Man U, you? Back page is revelations that Barthez partied - no mention of him drinking, just smoking (as we revealed in this RN) - until 3.30am on Wednesday night in London before heading back to train at Carrington at 10am. Then the first three pages list a 'Mirror investigation' about the 'real' wages at United, telling us, er, very little that we didn't already know. It's made out to sound sensational that the players will collect £325,000 each if we win the Champions League - yet it was public knowledge that when we did win it the pay out was £250,000. --------------------------------- [13] Arsenal prepare for red cards --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Ray Shirley Temple Parlour on Arse training “We quite often do 10 against nine, or 11 against 10 in training sessions. The manager likes to make everybody aware of our positioning and defensive responsibility — and it certainly stood us in good stead last Sunday.” --------------------------------- [12] Capello tipped to be our main man --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: SUN exclusive tips the bulging eyed Capello >From the SUN 'By NEIL CUSTIS FABIO CAPELLO has been told the Manchester United manager’s job is his — if he wants it. But the Italian coach must give Old Trafford chiefs a clear indication of his intentions by the beginning of March. Capello, 55, currently in charge of Serie A leaders AS Roma, has been made aware through a third party that he is now United’s No1 choice to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as boss. He wants to give the club an answer nearer the end of the season. But United are not keen to wait that long. They want their man lined up well before the present Premiership campaign ends and unveiled prior to the World Cup. At the start of the season, Capello said he was honoured to be mentioned as a potential successor to Ferguson and that he would be interested in a move to Old Trafford. He then quickly backtracked, following the furore his public utterances caused in Italy. But I understand Capello remains very interested and is torn over the decision he has to make. He has 18 months of his Roma contract left. There has been talk of a new deal, though nothing has so far materialised. Capello is also being chased by his former club AC Milan and Spanish giants Barcelona.' --------------------------------- [11] Fergie disappointed about Di Canio --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: “Di Canio is the type of player who can change the pattern of the game. He’s tremendously talented and it’s just disappointing. It all hinged on the Dwight Yorke move, unfortunately. I don’t think we’ll be back in for him. Dwight has decided to stay for the rest of his contract and that seems to be it. Forlan is shaping up nicely, so we have cover now. But you never know, something might turn up.” --------------------------------- [10] Di Canio comments --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: “West Ham are desperate to sell me. I want to stay but they want me to go. It’s not the manager, it’s other people at the club. Glenn and I have a charter — he knows I want to play because it is important for us to show unity as a squad.” --------------------------------- [9] Wouldn't have played anyway --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Di Canio gets a 3 match ban for stamping after the Chelsea sending off. Despite his 'I didn't want to leave talk' he must be gutted the dream move fell through. --------------------------------- [8] Only ripped us off because it's United? --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Boro reduce prices for the FA Cup game against Rovers Boro club spokesman Dave Allan - the one who slagged us off "These prices have been set in view of the disappointing attendance for our fourth round win over Manchester United and the feedback we have received from supporters about the price of tickets for that tie. FA Cup rules state that both clubs must agree on the prices and we have been able to agree with Blackburn what we believe are very attractive prices. This is a great chance to continue our cup run and we are hoping for a big attendance to get behind the team." Dream on. --------------------------------- [7] Buy the current Red News - issue 83 - tomorrow --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: and help the RN cause. Just £1.50, the current issue of Red News - 83 - is on sale on Saturday outside Old Trafford. It includes Exclusive Denis Irwin interview: on Fergie, this final season, what next, his best memories, the ups and downs and much, much more. Tony Smith Superb Des Buckley cartoons Dirty thirty - guilty or not guilty What happened when one of our contributors got a ticket in the Exec section at Old Trafford Exclusive gossip, and we mean exclusive Exclusive translation of a Luarent Blanc interview back in France Nantes guide by our French correspondent Andy Cole A red in the home end at Villa Park and some good old fashioned Mickeys abuse! Best bet is to bag yourself a copy BEFORE the game as we want to head to the pub quickly afterwards! Help the cause, just £1.50 and hours of fun! --------------------------------- [6] Chris Casper to retire --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: >From Ananova ' Reading's Chris Casper is likely to quit football after failing to recover from a badly broken leg more than two years ago. Casper was injured against Cardiff on Boxing Day 1999 in a challenge which left him with knee and ankle ligament damage, as well as a broken leg. The former Manchester United midfielder, still only 26, spent 18 months battling back to fitness and played for the Royals' reserves - but said his leg did not feel right. A Reading spokesman said: "Chris has seen a specialist in the last few weeks but has not formally decided whether he will retire or not. He will make a decision in the next week or so." --------------------------------- [5] Champions League squad changes --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Andrew Cole out, Forlan in. That's all folks. --------------------------------- [4] Quote of the day --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: Clayton Blackmore on MUTV talking about Dwight stalling on a move. 'Anywhere away from United is a downhill move, even Liverpool...and Boro is a downhill move. It has its positives but not that many' Clayton played for Boro after United! --------------------------------- [3] Youth Cup match live --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: As well as being played at OT, the Youth Cup game next Wednesday against Hartlepool is live on MUTV. --------------------------------- [2] Never forgotten --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: The Sunderland match on 2nd Feb is the closest to the 44th anniversary of the Munich disaster. As we did last year a group of fans will be gathering under the Munich memorial at the NE corner of the ground to sing 'The Flowers and Forever' at 2 pm. Never forgotten. --------------------------------- [1] Forlan song --------------------------------- Posted Friday, February 1, 2002 by bar-knee: But here is my suggestion for our new striker: (To the tune of Viera, Whooo oooh, he gave Giggsy the ball...) Diego Forlan, Diego Forlan, He comes from Uruguay, And said "Fuck Off Riverside". Dan
