Pre Season Friendly: Guangzhou 0 Man. Utd 3

United's pre-season tour of Asia ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in the Guangdong Olympic Stadium, with strikes from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Lee Martin.

Injuries to Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo meant Sir Alex was able to hand Lee Martin and Tomasz Kuszczak their first pre-season starts, while youngsters Phil Bardsley, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson also gained starting berths.

Dong Fangzhuo fulfilled his dream of starting for United in his home country and was cheered throughout. But it was a frustrating run-out for the China international, who so desperately wanted to find the back of the net. The game's first chance fell to Dong, when Martin's low ball flashed across the goalmouth. Dong was unable to make a connection on that opportunity but did go closer on 15 minutes when he headed wide.

The home team showed little ambition going forward, content instead to try and soak up the pressure. It was a risky tactic and the Reds made Guangzhou pay on 20 minutes when Michael Carrick was chopped down inside the penalty area. Guangzhuo weren't happy with the referee's decision to award a penalty – he'd initially signalled for a free-kick just outside the box – but Rooney ignored the protests to blast home from 12 yards.

The Reds scored three in 15 minutes against FC Seoul and three in 11 minutes in Macau, but there was no goal rush this time. United struggled to penetrate Guangzhou's defensive line, although the home side's negative tactics didn't help matters.

The first real chance from open play arrived in the 41st minute when a Michael Carrick cross was touched onto the woodwork by a Guangzhou defender. It was a timely intervention since Rooney was lurking at the back post and would surely have buried the chance. As it was, the ball bounced back into play and Rooney was penalised for a foul in the ensuing scramble.

It was left to Nani to brighten what had been a sloppy first period. The Portugal international, who scored on his debut against Shenzhen FC, added to his goal tally with a glorious chip from the left side of the penalty area, which drifted over Guangzhou goalkeeper Shuai and in off the far post. It was the kind of sublime piece of skill and ingenuity United fans will hope to see more of during his Old Trafford career.

Sir Alex made two changes at the start of the second half, with Gibson making way for John O'Shea and Tom Heaton coming on for Kuszczak… eventually. The referee actually blew his whistle to get the second period underway without realising the Reds had nobody in goal. The game was quickly stopped, however, to allow Heaton time to take up his position between the sticks.

The error drew ironic cheers from the crowd, which soon turned to celebrations as Martin fired United further into the lead with a brilliant swerving strike from 30 yards. Had it not been for Nani's spectacular first-half effort, Martin's goal would surely have grabbed all the headlines.

The game opened up somewhat as both teams made a string of substitutions. Alan Smith, Chris Eagles, Patrice Evra, Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown all saw action, but it was the 76th-minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo that drew most attention. Despite playing for only a quarter of an hour, Ronaldo still managed to pull out his tricks in what was a thrilling display of exhibition football. It was a lively end to the match, although, on the whole, Sir Alex will be delighted with United's pre-season form.

Team Line-ups

United: Kuszczak (Heaton 46); Bardsley, Vidic (Silvestre 58), Ferdinand (Brown 58), Simpson; Martin (Evra 58), Carrick, Gibson (O'Shea 46), Nani (Eagles 58); Rooney (Ronaldo 76), Dong (Smith 62)

Unused subs: Evans, Fletcher

Guangzhou: Shuai; Zhihai (Xichang 74), Dechao (Suozhi 83), Yan, Wenpeng (Zhixing 56), Z Lin (Xianrong 69); Pengfeng (Yong 56), Zhijie (Zhiyi 69), Oliveira, L Lin (Deen 56); Batista (Junyan 56)

The Simpsons Movie

I have not watched this movie yet, but reviews have been kind of impressive...... .

Strongly recommended. Plot of this show? I rather not let the cat out of the bag.... .

Please watch it if you have the opportunity to do so, and you will definitely like it.

Regards

The Simpsons Movie opens in Singapore on 26th July

Homer and Bart Simpson

Homer Simpson

Lisa Simpson

Marge Simpson

Maggie Simpson

Visit the official website: http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/

Pre Season Friendly: Shenzhen FC 0 Man. Utd 6

New signing Nani scored on his debut as United ran riot against Shenzhen FC in a humid Macau Stadium.

The summer signing hit the Reds' third after just 23 minutes in a game that felt more like a practice match than a pre-season showpiece. Shenzhen rarely troubled United's rearguard and Sir Alex may have preferred a sterner workout. But the Reds did provide plenty of entertainment, including spectacular goals from Wayne Rooney and Chris Eagles.

Only five players who started against FC Seoul last Friday kept their place in Macau, with the manager handing starts to a number of youngsters. Nani operated on the right side of midfield, while Jonny Evans partnered Nemanja Vidic in central defence. Paul Scholes' injury-enforced absence handed Darron Gibson a chance to prove himself in central midfield and he looked lively early on when he combined with Wes Brown to force a corner in the third minute. Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to head the cross past Shenzhen goalkeeper Jianjia, but the referee had already blown his whistle for a foul.

But the Reds continued to press and duly took the lead after 12 minutes. Rooney collected a curling Darren Fletcher pass inside the area and headed straight for goal. But while everyone expected the England forward to shoot, Rooney squared the ball inside to Ryan Giggs who rolled the ball into an empty net for a deserved lead.

The home side looked comparatively ineffective going forward but could have equalised had the referee spotted Evans' 15th-minute handball as he attempted to block a cross. United took advantage on 20 minutes via another moment of magic from Rooney. This time it was Giggs who provided the splitting pass into the area. Rooney controlled the ball before sending a superbly disguised chip over Jianjia - a sublime piece of skill that called to mind a similar pre-season effort in 2005.

Nani marked his debut with a goal shortly afterwards when he thumped Ryan Giggs' lay-off into the bottom corner. It was a well-taken strike that left the goalkeeper with little chance and prompted the 20-year-old's trademark somersault celebration.

Giggs, now 33, enjoyed a sparkling first half and was involved in all three United goals. The Welshman certainly doesn't look like relinquishing his spot in the side, despite the arrival of Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves over the summer. Giggs made way for Alan Smith at the interval, while the United boss also introduced Tomasz Kuszczak, Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea.

Shenzhen started brightest in the second period, with Ferdinand doing well to block a fierce Marek Zajac shot. But the more numbers the home team committed forward, the more the gaps opened up at the back. O'Shea kept his cool to net on 55 minutes after Ronaldo had drawn two men inside the penalty area, before the Portuguese winger capped a brisk counter-attack shortly afterwards to send the Reds 5-0 up.

It was the last action Ronaldo saw, as Sir Alex made a further four changes. Among them was Chris Eagles, whose impact was felt almost immediately. With the ball bouncing almost 35 yards from goal, the youngster lashed a shot over substitute goalkeeper Lei and under the bar. It was a fine finish and one that rivalled Rooney's first-half gem.

Smith should have made it 7-0 on 75 minutes but the striker almost seemed to have too much time when sent clear of the Shenzhen defence. Of course, it mattered little to the final result, as the Reds coasted to victory in front of yet another capacity Far East crowd.

Team Line-up:

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 45), Brown, Vidic (Ferdinand, 45), Evans, Evra (Silvestre, 59), Nani (Carrick, 59), Fletcher, Gibson (O'Shea, 45), Ronaldo (Eagles, 59), Giggs (Smith, 45), Rooney (Dong, 59)

Pre Season Friendly: FC Seoul 0 Man. Utd 4

Chris Eagles and Patrice Evra both got on the scoresheet as United trounced FC Seoul 4-0 in the Reds' second pre-season tour match.

United, inspired by an effective and entertaining performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, were clinical in front of goal and sped to a 3-0 lead after just 21 minutes. Evra capped the scoring on the hour to seal an impressive win in front of a fanatical Korean crowd.

The Reds made four changes to the side that started against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher all rested. Injuries again prevented fans from getting a first glimpse of new signings Owen Hargreaves and Nani, but Sir Alex handed starts to Chris Eagles and Phil Bardsley. Elsewhere, Mikael Silvestre and John O'Shea were called into the starting XI.

With both Silvestre and Evra in the side, the manager gave the Frenchman the freedom to push into midfield and he showed off his skills as early as the third minute with a cheeky back-heel pass.

But it was the star combination of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo that put the Reds in front on six minutes. With his back to goal, Rooney laid the ball square to Ronaldo who was given far too much space to run at the defence. In fact, nobody moved towards the Portuguese international, who advanced to the edge of the area before unleashing a low shot that beat Seoul goalkeeper Kim Byung-Ji at his right-hand post.

Rooney and Ronaldo carved open the defence again 10 minutes later but Ronaldo's touch was too heavy and the ball ran out for a goal kick. He got it right just nine minutes later when he cheekily dragged the ball inside to Chris Eagles on the edge of the area. Eagles, who last netted at Goodison Park in April, had time to pick his spot and curl the ball inside the left-hand upright to send United 2-0 up.

Rooney added a third two minutes later when FC Seoul were again found guilty of backing off United's attackers. The England international turned his marker before shifting the ball onto his right foot and blasting past Kim at the near post.

United were cruising at 3-0 but remained disciplined and continued to pass the ball freely. Ronaldo took the opportunity to show off a few tricks as the half drew to a close and even garnered squeals of delight from the crowd when he poured water over his head.

Sir Alex made wholesale changes at half-time, with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Alan Smith, Tomasz Kuszczak and Danny Simpson all given opportunities to impress.

FC Seoul emerged much sharper in the second half and almost pulled back a goal on 49 minutes. Nemanja Vidic was booked for a foul out wide and the resulting free-kick was curled in dangerously by Seoul's Portuguese midfielder, Ricardo. Defender Tae-Hwi Kwak was first on the scene but headed wide from just six yards.

The home side certainly showed more adventure after the break and kept Tomasz Kuszczak on his toes. But the Reds' fourth never looked too far away and it duly arrived in the 60th minute when Patrice Evra, released by Ryan Giggs, strode into the box and fired low and hard across the goalkeeper.

Seoul never recovered and failed to create any clear chances in the remaining half an hour. In the end it was a comfortable victory for United and an occasion the Korean fans will remember for many years.

Team Line-ups:

FC Seoul: Kim (Kim, 82), Kwak, Adilson, Lee (Kim, 45), Kon (Koh, 73), Choi, Ki (Song, 82), Lee Chung-Yong, Ricardo (Ahn, 73), Lee, Jung (Shim, 45)

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 45), Bardsley (Simpson, 45), Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans, 77), Silvestre, Eagles, Carrick (Scholes, 45), O'Shea, Evra, Rooney (Smith, 45), Ronaldo (Giggs, 45)

Champs Light The Way For Minnows

Manchester United has donated floodlights to a non-league football club which came to its aid in the wake of the Munich air disaster.

Bishop Auckland FC loaned three players to the champions following the 1958 crash which killed 23 people, including eight members of the Busby Babes.

It has now been rewarded with the gift of 24 lamps from the football giant's famous Old Trafford stadium.

The County Durham-based club hopes to use them at its proposed new ground.

Tony Duffy, Bishop Auckland FC secretary and director, said: "This is a tremendous gesture and it just shows that despite all their success they have not forgotten the value of non-league football."

Decimated squad

At the time of the air disaster Bishop Auckland FC was one of the leading non-league teams in England, having just won the FA Amateur Cup three years in succession.

It loaned its three England amateur internationals Warren Bradley, Bobby Hardisty and Derek Lewin to help manager Matt Busby rebuilt his decimated squad.

Earlier this year, Manchester United placed an advert asking amateur clubs to write in and explain why they deserved the floodlights being replaced at Old Trafford.

Four other non-league clubs have benefited.

Pre Season Friendly: Urawa 2 Man. U 2

Despite scoring twice in a frantic five-minute period at the start of the second half, United ended the first Asia Tour match on level terms with Urawa Red Diamonds in Tokyo's Saitama Stadium.

Inspired by goals from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Reds overturned a 1-0 half-time deficit to take the lead on 52 minutes. But drizzly conditions and a late equaliser from home crowd favourite Shinji Ono put a dampener on proceedings.

Despite the rain, both sides were determined to keep the ball on the ground and Paul Scholes was particularly effective early on, orchestrating United's attacks from the centre of midfield. Cristiano Ronaldo didn't disappoint his admirers either, pulling out his party tricks as early as the second minute.

The Portuguese winger, who drew cheers with every touch, forced Urawa Reds goalkeeper Tsukuki into his first save on 25 minutes when he shot fiercely towards the near post.

But a minute later, the Premier League champions were behind. Urawa's Hideki Uchidate found space in the United half and let fly from 30 yards with a shot that swerved wickedly past Edwin van der Sar. In fact, the deviation was so severe, van der Sar was left diving in the wrong direction.

Urawa threatened again four minutes later but then seemed content to settle on the ball. So it was left to Wayne Rooney to inject a little sparkle into the match. With 43 minutes on the clock, Rooney provided an inch-perfect cross for Paul Scholes, but the midfielder could only steer his header into the arms of a grateful Tsukuki.

A minute later, the England striker had everyone at the Saitama Stadium on their feet after coming within a whisker of a spectacular equaliser. Rooney picked up the ball inside the United half before turning on the speed to brush aside what seemed like most of the Urawa defence. But, when left with only Tsukuki to beat, the Reds' no.8 scuffed his shot and the goalkeeper stretched out a right boot to divert it around the post.

Sir Alex made three changes at the interval, bringing on defenders Danny Simpson, Johnny Evans and Mikael Silvestre for Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. Perhaps it should have been the home side shoring up the defence. It wasn't, and within seven minutes of the restart, United were 2-1 up.

Darren Fletcher scored the equaliser from 12 yards after substitute goalkeeper Yamagishi failed to hold a Michael Carrick shot moments earlier. Then, in the 52nd minute, the crowd got what they came for when Cristiano Ronaldo cut inside from the left wing to unleash a rasping drive past Yamagishi at the near post. It was typical of so many of Ronaldo's goals last season and a reminder of how dangerous the Portuguese winger can be when given space.

United looked comfortable thereafter but failed to capitalise on a number of half chances. Shinji Ono, however, was lethal when presented an opportunity in the 78th minute. The midfielder showed enormous composure to turn Johnny Evans and roll the ball coolly past Edwin van der Sar and into the far corner.

It was the last significant piece of action in an entertaining and free-flowing affair. The Reds now travel to South Korea for Friday's match against FC Seoul.

Team Line-ups:

Urawa Red Diamonds: Tsukuki (Yamagishi, 45), Hosogai, Horinouchi, Nene, Yamada, Uchidate (Hiriwaka, 45), Hasebe, Soma (Okano, 91), Ono, Ponte (Koike, 83), Tanaka (Nagai, 75)

Subs: Tsutsumi, Sakai, Nishizawa

United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand (Evans, 45), Vidic (Simpson, 45), Evra (Silvestre, 45), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick (O'Shea, 69), Giggs (Smith, 69), Scholes, Rooney

Subs: Kuszczak, Heaton, Bardsley

Sunderland Sign Winger Richardson

Sunderland have completed the signing of England midfielder Kieran Richardson from Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light and joins for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £5.5m.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane said: "I'm well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is. He's ready for a fresh challenge and we can provide that."

Richardson added: "Sunderland is a big club and it's a great move for me."

Richardson, who began his career as a trainee at Man Utd, has been capped eight times by his country.

He enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Brom in 2005 during which he helped them stay in the Premier League.

He continued: "I know all about Roy Keane and I am looking forward to playing for his team. It's an exciting time for me."

Richardson could make his debut in Wednesday's friendly at Darlington and he becomes Keane's fourth signing of the summer.

The Black Cats gaffer has already bagged central defender Russell Anderson, full-back Greg Halford and striker Michael Chopra since they won promotion back to the Premier League.

Manchester United Arrive In Tokyo

Sir Alex Ferguson and his 24-man Reds squad arrived in Japan on Monday as United begin a pre-season tour of Asia.

Gary Neville, Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ji-sung Park, Anderson, Gabriel Heinze, Dong Fangzhuo, Ben Foster and Kieran Richardson did not travel due to injury or international commitments. But new signings Owen Hargreaves and Nani were both named among the list of travelling players.

The squad departed Manchester Airport on Sunday afternoon destined for Japan where the Reds kick-off the tour on Tuesday against Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium in Tokyo.

After a three-day stay in the Japanese capital, the party head to Korea to take on FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Friday 20 July.

Next up is a match with Shenzhen FC at Macau's National Stadium on Monday 23 July, before the final game in China where the Reds will play Guangzhou Pharmaceutical FC at the Guangdong Olymipic Stadium in Guangzhou on Friday 27 July.

Travelling Squad: Van der Sar, Kuszcak, Heaton; Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, Silvestre, O'Shea, J.Evans, Bardsley, Simpson; Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (c), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Nani, Eagles, Gibson, Martin; Rooney, Smith.

Why Should The Wedding Ring Be Worn On The 4th Finger?

Just came across this lovely theory and feel that it worth to share with everyone. This is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese.

Thumb represents your Parents, second (Index) finger represents your Siblings, middle finger represents Yourself, fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner and the Last (Little) finger represents your children.

Read it and try it, you will be surprised it sounded.

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back. Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip, as shown in the picture.

Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents), they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later.

Join your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings), they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now join the Index fingers and separate your Little fingers (representing your children), they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day.

Finally, join your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse). You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT because Husband & Wife have to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!

New Red Devils Signings Unveiled

Owen Hargreaves (right): It's great to be here

It seemed like a long transfer at times, but finally I’m here. At first Bayern Munich didn't want to sell me, but I made my intentions clear and I'm glad they accepted United's offer. This is a great opportunity.

I had a lot of success like Bayern Munich and now I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career and I have the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest. I'm looking forward to having lots of success and winning as many titles as possible.

There are so many fantastic players in this squad, and every player brings his qualities – mine are in the defensive midfield area. Hopefully I can win some tackles, help keep a clean sheet and give the back four some protection. After that I want to get the ball to our fantastic attacking players – Giggsy, Scholesy, Wazza, Cristiano, and now Nani and Anderson.

Roy Keane, who played in a similar position to me, is one of the legends at this club. But I’m looking forward to making a name for myself and not trying to emulate anyone in particular. Manchester United have a fabulous history of players – not only in midfield but across all the positions – and to be a part of this club is a dream come true for me. I'm really looking forward to the future with United.

Owen Hargreaves
Monday 9 July

Nani relishes reds chance

Nani says he is excited to have joined "the biggest club in the world" after being officially unveiled to the world's press at Carrington on Monday.

The pacy 20-year-old Portuguese winger, who can play on either flank, joins former Sporting Lisbon team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford and he's looking forward to linking up with his fellow countryman.

"I'm very excited to be at the biggest club in the world," he says.

"I want to do my best. Ronaldo and I grew up at the same club and the fact that he was at United gave me a real incentive to join the club. I'm very much looking forward to playing alongside him."

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he knew about Nani when the Reds were monitoring Ronaldo, but preferred him to learn his trade in Portugal.

"We've known about Nani for a few years - it was about the same time as Ronaldo, although Nani was younger of course. Carlos' knowledge of Portugal meant we were able to keep track of his progress. He's got time to adapt into the way of our club. He won't play every game next season but he'll play a lot."

Manchester United New Kit

Manchester United players looking cool in their new jersey.......

(Desktop wallpaper)

Click on the picture for the full size image

Manchester United Launch New Home Kit

United have unveiled their new home kit ahead of the new season.

A giant image of the team in the new Nike-produced kit adorns the East Stand window at Old Trafford. The players will wear it for the first time during their first match of their Asia Tour against Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan later this month.

The front of the new home shirt features an engineered mesh pattern inspired by the architecture of Old Trafford and the contours of the body. On the back a flash of white tape frames the name and number with a fine black stripe, MUFC and the Red Devil emblem inside. As a final touch there is a label with the Red Devil emblem and the nickname 'The Red Devils.' White shorts and black socks complete the kit.

It has been made using Nike Dri-FIT fabric which helps transport moisture away from the skin to the fabric’s surface for rapid evaporation, keeping the players comfortable for longer. It's already a popular design with the squad and they believe the fans will be equally impressed.

"It’s very important to feel comfortable when you’re playing and hopefully this kit will be a good one for us in all types of weather conditions," Wayne Rooney told ManUtd.com.

"It’s quite simple and traditional which is the way I like the kits to be," added skipper Gary Neville. "I’m sure the fans will like it."

Fans should visit myspace.com/manutd to see more images and a behind-the-scenes video from the kit shoot with the players. Supporters can post their views on the kit and also win a signed shirt. The kit is now available to pre-order through store.manutd.com or at the Megastore, Old Trafford. It will be available for delivery and purchase from 1 August.

Thoughts On My Birthday

Introduction:

Before I started writing on this posting topic, I would like to share something really private.

Days before my 27th birthday, I have to admit that I have been feeling a bit unstable. I do not know what causes this feeling, but I think it probably has to do with my upcoming birthday. I have been feeling particularly lonely and neglected on the days leading up to this special day. Maybe its because I am scared that people will not remember this day or they have totally forgotten about it. It is not as though I am that desperate for their presents, but I really hope that someone will send me a simple birthday greeting good enough to make my day.

1st July:

The day is my birthday. Feeling very down, slightly depressed even though this is my special day. Constantly checking on my mobile phone for incoming messages, but there isn't any. Feeling quite desperate, I sent a text message to a person whom I did not even get to talk to and yet got her number (sounds complicated?), telling her to send me a happy birthday message. As expected, I got nothing from her as she didn't even know me in the first place. This recipient of my message is a person whom really fits into the criteria of my princess.... .

My birthday ended without a single birthday greeting..... .

Day after 1st July:

It is monday, and I am feeling quite blue. Have to drag myself to work..... .

Reached the workplace with a visibly grumpy face, but that soon change when I saw something on my desk. What could it be? As I prepared to take a good look at the item, someone in front of me turned her head and wished me happy birthday. Yes, the two words which I have been longing to hear! Feeling quite happy, I proceeded to switch on my computer and to check my e-mails. The birthday greetings were coming in thick and fast, just like the flowing water out of the tap.

Ended the day with a smile on my face.

Thoughts on my Birthday:

I just turned 27 yesterday. I am happy and would like to share my joy here...... .

First and foremost, I would like to thank my working colleagues whom have been sending me Birthday wishes through e-mail. Although we seldom meet due to our busy work schedules, its nice to know that you still remember me. I would also like to thank those working colleagues whom we have never met or liaise before, and have been sending me Birthday greetings. Its great to receive your messages.

Secondly, to my pen pals. Its good to receive your electronic Birthday cards and wishes, hope that we can continue corresponding for as long as possible.

Thirdly, to Jason, Calisa and Huey Huey. Thanks for your lovely present. Its been a long time since I had gotten a present for my birthday. Although the shirt size is a tad too small, its okay as I can feel your sincerity in my heart. You people are the best!

Special thanks also to Vanessa, my insurance agent, for the lovely birthday card. Please keep up the good work and hope that you will make it to the Million Dollar Round Table soon. Really hope that we will be able to meet up and have a nice meal.

I would also like to take this opportunity to give my comments on my 27th birthday. I am very happy to know that I occupy a certain space in your hearts, and its a very heartwarming feeling indeed. I will not forget the times, be it good or bad. Your friendship will be forever remembered in my mind. Friends forever!

Lastly, wishes from the Birthday boy. Although I should have made my wishes on the day of my birthday, I feel that it is not too late to do it now. I hereby wish that people around me will be happy, healthy and wealthy. I also hope that I will be able to find my princess soon and to live happily ever after...... .

See you soon! Take care and god bless!

Hargreaves Completes Man Utd Move

England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has sealed his move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United.

The 26-year-old, who is believed to have cost about £17m, has signed a four-year deal with United.

"It has been a long time coming - it was probably the worst-kept secret in football," he told the club website.

"I think it's great to finally reach a positive conclusion. Especially after all the time and energy that has been put in from everyone involved."

Hargreaves praised Bayern following a decade with the German giants.

"I would never have thought that I would move to Germany," he said.

"I am very happy that Bayern gave me such an opportunity. I wish them all the best. The last 10 years were a dream."

The midfielder won four Bundesliga titles with the club as well as the 2001 Champions League and World Club Championship.

However, his final season with Bayern was plagued by injury and ended in disappointment as the Munich side finished fourth in the Bundesliga and missed out on Champions League qualification.

Hargreaves sat out four months of the season because of a broken leg and went on to play in only nine league games.

The England international said he was hoping his move to Old Trafford would provide him with more honours.

"I set lots of targets over the last decade and I have also fulfilled them. I expect that to continue," he added.

"A new era is starting for me now and I hope to achieve even more. I don't have any concrete aims but you have got to win everything at United."

Owen Hargreaves finally signs a four-year deal with Manchester United costing the club around £17m

My Birthday

Today is my 27th birthday. I am still waiting for somebody to call me and wish me Happy Birthday....... .

Anyway, I have sent myself a birthday card since nobody has ever done so.... .

New Shirt Number For Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is changing his United squad number from 8 to 10 for the forthcoming season and beyond.

To mark the switch, Wayne met probably the club's greatest ever number 10, Denis Law for a special photograph at Carrington.

"When I was offered the chance to wear the number 10 shirt I jumped at it," says Wayne.

"Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing number 10, none more so than Denis Law.

"He was crowned King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it."

Rooney's manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne is a worthy addition to the roll-call of players who've worn the iconic red shirt.

"There have been some wonderful footballers who have worn the Manchester United number 10 shirt," says Sir Alex.

"These men have captured the imagination of our fans around the world with their skill and their goals. Wayne is the right man to carry on that tradition and I'm delighted that Denis Law was able to pass on the mantle."

United have yet to confirm who will replace Rooney at number 8, or which numbers will be worn by new signings Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves.

Wayne Rooney (right) poses with former Manchester United player Denis Law with his new number 10 jersey. Law used to wear the number while playing for the Red Devils.