More news from ManUtd.com
Fergie lands Wayne
Sir Alex Ferguson has pulled off a top secret move to sign Wayne Rooney on the cheap…and Everton are furious. Rooney is on his way to Manchester United and the timing of the move is highly significant. Sir Alex is playing a shrewd waiting game to ensure the prices comes down and then he will pounce, even if he has to wait for a year to get England’s boy wonder.
Harry Harris and Paul Hetherington, Daily Express
Rooney rejects Everton
Wayne Rooney will formally reject Everton's offer of a new contract this week - and plunge the club even further into crisis. Goodison boss David Moyes was last night locked in emergency talks with supremo Bill Kenwright about his own future. And both men were facing the bombshell announcement from Rooney that he will not be signing a fresh five-year deal worth £50,000 a week - and will spark a £40m transfer scramble for his services between Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Graham Johnson and Simon Mullock, Sunday Mirror
Corker Keane
Roy Keane made an emotional return to Cork last night. The Manchester United skipper delighted a 7,000 capacity crowd as he played in his home town for the first time in 13 years. Keane, untroubled by his recent knee problems, said: “I’m happy to be back playing on a pitch I know so well.” United went on to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Mads Timm and Kenny Cooper.
Jack Allen, News of the World
Villa nip in for Fergie’s Forlan star
Aston Villa are trying to sign Diego Forlan from Manchester United in a shock one-year loan deal. Chairman Doug Ellis has opened talks with opposite number David Gill about the ambitious swoop for the unpredictable Uruguayan striker. Ellis wants explosive Forlan to stay at Villa for the whole campaign, covering for injured Juan Pablo Angel before possibly partnering the Columbian in a South American front line pairing. Forlan will be allowed to leave by United, who wanted him to be sold but may now consider the loan option in the last year of his stay.
Alan Nixon, The People
Boro in Butt bid
Middlesbrough have revived their interest in Nicky Butt after failing to land any of their top midfield targets. Boss Steve McClaren wanted the Manchester United ace in January but lost out after Birmingham bid £5.5million. That deal fell through and he now wants Butt on loan.
Staff reporter, News of the World
Everton to go back for Butt
Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt will be back in the frame for a move to Everton once Wayne Rooney confirms he is not willing to sign a new contract. Everton boss David Moyes would prefer a player-plus-cash deal for Rooney and will hope Butt lowers his wage demands.
Staff reporter, Sunday Mirror
Vieira in Man U deal
Patrick Vieira sensationally ‘signed’ for Manchester United three years ago in a secret agreement. The Arsenal skipper’s former agent Marc Roger completed top secret negotiations on the player’s personal terms with the Old Trafford giants in 2001. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was convinced that he had landed the French midfielder but the Arsenal board refused point-blank to do business.
Harry Harris, Daily Star Sunday
Bruce wants to be England manager
Unless you speak with a foreign tongue, or glow from a year-round tan, the big clubs don't want you. England have Sven. Both Chelsea and Liverpool went abroad for their new bosses. There are just eight Englishmen doing the job in the top flight. One of them is Birmingham City's Steve Bruce, whose managerial passport has stamps from Wigan and Huddersfield rather than Milan and Madrid. But his dream job is ... to manage his country. "Look, I've read things, but just being associated with England bewilders me," he admits. "There's no-one prouder to be English than me. It would be every Englishman's ultimate job to be manager of the national team. If there ever comes a time, how could you refuse?"
Neil Moxley, The People