Thank You, Solskjaer!!!

Tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his dedication to Manchester United.....

His career in photos

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signs for Manchester United from Molde in July 1996 and makes a goalscoring debut against Blackburn

The Norwegian international finishes as top scorer with 18 goals as United win the Premiership in the 1996/97 season

Solskjaer scores a record four goals in 12 minutes against Nottingham Forest as United win the 1998/99 Premiership title

The diminutive striker sets up the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Newcastle in the 1999 FA Cup final victory

And his dramatic injury time winner seals a 2-1 Champions League final win against Bayern Munich and an historic treble

Solskjaer scores 30 goals for club and country in the 2001/02 season, including a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers

After missing the entire 2004/5 season following knee surgery, he returns against Birmingham City in December 2005

Solskjaer starts a match for the first time in 20 months, appearing against Burton Albion in the FA Cup in January 2006

He signs a new contract in March 2006, and makes two more Premiership appearances before the end of the season

Solskjaer scores his first Premiership goal in over three years against Charlton in August 2006

He finishes the 2006/07 season with 11 goals, his last strike for United coming against Blackburn in March 2007

Solskjaer makes his last Man Utd appearance as a substitute in the 2007 FA Cup Final defeat against Chelsea

But persistent knee injuries have hampered the 34-year-old in recent years, and he has called time on his career

Future Excites Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called time on a glorious playing career on Tuesday, and told ManUtd.com that he is proud of what he has achieved at United, and positive about what the future holds in a coaching role with the club...

How difficult was it to make the decision?
It actually wasn’t difficult to make at all. I was very relieved when I spoke to the Gaffer and David Gill. It’s been well-documented that my knee has not been 100 per cent. And last week when it flared up in training it made the decision for me because it means that I wouldn’t be able to play at the level I want to for this club. I also have to think about my long-term health as well.

Were you glad, then, that you got to play your part last season?
That meant a lot. When I was out for so long before, it was always my ambition not only to play again and pull on the United shirt, but I also wanted to lift the Premier League trophy. That was my big dream. I had set myself targets of playing and scoring again in front of the Stretford End, but the ultimate aim was to win the league again. So, in that sense, last season was a fantastic experience for me and I’m glad I was able to enjoy that.

You played 366 games and scored 126 for United in 11 years at Old Trafford. What do you think when you look back on your career here?
I think I can say that I have given my all, given everything I could as a player to Manchester United. I’m proud to have been a part of this fantastic club, and played under such a brilliant manager. I’ve also played alongside some great players and made some great friends here. I’ve had some fantastic experiences that are too numerous to just list here and now. Most of all, the fans have been magnificent. The people of Manchester and the club’s fans all around the world have given me a different perspective of how passionate people can be about football. I really have to thank the fans a lot because they have always supported me, not only when I was on the pitch, also in the more difficult times when I was coming back from injury.

You've always had a really good rapport with the fans and there will be plenty of supporters that will be sorry not to see you play again?
I’ll be sad not to walk out on the pitch again. It’s almost become a habit of mine for over a decade. I’ve felt like it was home walking out at Old Trafford. That’s never going to happen again, but life goes on and no footballer plays forever. Every player’s career ends, and my time is now. I’ll miss the buzz of playing at Old Trafford and being in the dressing room with all the lads, but I’m a positive person and I always look forward.

What does the immediate future hold for you?
I’ll do my coaching badges and, as I have discussed with the manager already, I will start my coaching education here with United. We’ve not had serious discussions in terms of defining what that role will be, but the gaffer has been great with me ever since the decision to retire was made. There is an offer to coach here, and that is something I’m pleased about.

So, the prospect of coaching excites you?
Yes, definitely. I’m not one for dwelling on the past, that’s not in my nature. I’m looking forward and I’m very excited about working… on the other side of the line, if you like. It will be very challenging, which is important, and I’m pleased that I’ll make my first steps into coaching at this club. Whenever I’ve thought about coaching I’ve always wanted to work at United, it feels right. But you never know if you’ll be wanted, so when the manager told me there might be a place I was absolutely delighted.

Nani Earns Vital Win For Man. United

Nani drilled in his first goal for Manchester United to hand the champions a precious first win of the season and frustrate a brave Tottenham display.

After Robbie Keane hit the bar for Spurs in the first minute United dominated, with Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes going close to an opener.

The visitors held firm, though, and had appeals for a penalty turned down after Wes Brown's apparent handball.

And Nani compounded their misery when he fired in the winner from 25 yards.

It was harsh on Tottenham, who had mixed a solid defensive display with the odd good chance, but United were good value for something from a game they dominated for spells.

Sir Alex Ferguson had boldly stated "we will win the game on Sunday" before the match, and the fact that Spurs had failed to beat United at Old Trafford in nearly 18 years suggested the Scot's pre-match confidence was well placed.

But it was some indication of the recent turmoil surrounding Tottenham that most of the talk before the game centred around Martin Jol's position as manager, rather than the fact that United began the match second from bottom.

The Dutchman cut a relaxed figure before the match, though, and having received vocal support from fans and players in recent days, it was little surprise the visitors began full of purpose.

In fact, there was barely a minute on the clock when Dimitar Berbatov and Steed Malbranque linked up well to set up Keane for the visitors' best first-half effort, the Irishman's curler dipping onto the bar from 20 yards.

With United struggling to find early rhythm, Spurs had plenty of possession and when Rio Ferdinand allowed the ball to run in the box, only a block tackle from Nemanja Vidic prevented Berbatov's shot going in.

However, having seen off Tottenham's early endeavours, United upped the ante on 20 minutes and it was almost exclusively a backs-to-the-wall effort from Spurs for the rest of the half.

First Ryan Giggs's cross-shot was pushed away by Paul Robinson, and then Carrick's rasper from 25 yards was deflected inches past the post.

Scholes was the next United player to go close, clipping over from Giggs's pass, before Nani's run and shot flew past the post.

It was proving a sound defensive effort from Spurs, though it was not hard to understand why United had scored just once in five matches before the game, so lacking was the final pass or shot on occasion.

The second half began much like the first, with the visitors' all-action approach frustrating the visitors, and Rocha wasted a glorious chance to hand the visitors the lead when he headed a Bale free-kick wide from six yards out with the goal gaping.

Suddenly it was Spurs who were asking the questions and Berbatov twice went agonisingly close, the first when he tapped past Edwin van der Sar only for Rio Ferdinand to clear on the line and then when his shot from six yards out struck Brown and flew wide.

Replays suggested the ball struck the defender on the arm and Spurs were furious no spot kick was awarded, but Howard Webb waved the appeals away.

And, as if to add salt into the wound, United took the lead minutes later.

After Carlos Tevez's drilled shot had been cleared off the line by Jenas, the subsequent attack saw the ball fall to Nani 25 yards out and the winger drilled a superb effort into the roof of the net to send the home fans wild.

Jol responded by bringing Adel Taarabt and Jermain Defoe on, but it was Berbatov that came closest to a leveller, the Bulgarian turning and shooting in one movement only for his effort to curl millimetres over.

The ensuing Spurs rally brought little reward as United held out to leap up the table and ensure a difficult week for the Londoners and Jol ended in defeat.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"That was narrow, touch and go, nothing to choose between the two sides. They dug in and got forward a bit and there was really nothing in it in the second half.

"I thought we lacked a little bit of confidence. Players are anxious, there is a lot of expectation here, and what was required was to dig in, show great commitment and we did that.

"As for the penalty appeals, at the time they protested so much I thought it was a penalty, but Wes said it has hit him on the chest. It does hit him on the chest, I'm sure of that."

Tottenham manager Martin Jol:
"Of course I am bitterly disappointed because we absolutely deserved something from this game - maybe even the win.

"We were comfortable throughout, I thought, and we had as many chances as they did. Plus we should definitely have had a penalty - Brown has used his arm and spread himself to block the shot like a keeper and you can't do that.

"They scored a marvellous goal but we had chances too, we just needed a bit of luck or a decision to go our way.

"As for me - I'm not under pressure. The chairman's backing me and you can see today how the players are desperate to play for this team so there is no problem."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Hargreaves, Carrick (Eagles 57), Scholes, Giggs, Tevez (Fletcher 77).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Dong, O'Shea.

Booked: Giggs, Brown.

Goals: Nani 68.

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Rocha (Zokora 83), Gardner, Lee (Taarabt 75), Malbranque, Jenas, Huddlestone, Bale, Berbatov, Keane (Defoe 75).

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Stalteri.

Booked: Huddlestone, Berbatov, Gardner.

Att: 75,696

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Owen Hargreaves argues with referee Howard Webb as Man Utd struggle to dominate and the first half ends goalless

The game bursts into life in the second half and Spurs claim a penalty after Dimitar Berbatov's shot deflects off Wes Brown

It's Tottenham's second chance in minutes after Rio Ferdinand also clears off the line, but the appeals go unheeded

With Spurs still rueing their luck, Nani's 25-yard shot deflects off Carlos Tevez to give the hosts the lead on 68 minutes

The fans at Old Trafford finally have something to celebrate and Man Utd manage to defend their lead until the whistle

Nani (right) and Ryan Giggs celebrate the winger's winner

New Manchester United Away Kit To Be Launched Soon....

Heinze To Join Real Madrid

Gabriel Heinze will join Spanish side Real Madrid on a four-year deal, the Spanish club have confirmed.

The 29-year-old, who on Tuesday was told by a Premier League arbitration panel that he could not join Liverpool as he had wished, will sign for an undisclosed fee.

The La Liga champions announced the news on their official website. A statement said: "Real Madrid and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the transfer of Gabriel Heinze.

"The Argentinian will sign a contract for the next four seasons and will be immediately incorporated into Bernd Schuster's squad."

The move draws the curtain on three years at Old Trafford for the all-action left-back, who United signed for £6.9million from Paris Saint Germain in June 2004.

Heinze made 83 appearances for the Reds scoring four goals, including a fabulous first season that saw him collect the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. However, injuries hampered his second season with the Reds and last season he was under pressure for the left-back slot from Patrice Evra, now Sir Alex Ferguson's first choice.

Heinze Loses Bid For Anfield Move

Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze has lost his attempt to force the club to allow him to move to rivals Liverpool.

United disputed claims from Heinze, 29, who said the Red Devils gave him written permission to pursue a transfer to another club for a fee of £6.8m.

But a Premier League arbitration panel concluded that the permission "was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer".

The defender is set to appeal against the panel's decision.

United will have 14 days to respond and, with the transfer window scheduled to shut on 31 August, Heinze is short of time if he wants to leave Old Trafford.

But his solicitor Richard Green says the Argentine could still join Liverpool after that date using Rule M4, which allows the Premier League discretion to grant a transfer outside the window.

Green told BBC Radio 5live: "My client and myself hoped the appeal would be concluded by the end of the window but that is clearly not going to take place.

"It is too early to say what may happen.

"I don't know if there will be any other teams interested. I don't know if United's attitude will change or if they are happy for him to stay or not."

The arbitration panel's verdict read: "The Premier League Board-appointed panel have heard submissions of evidence from both parties and has ruled to dismiss the player's case.

"The hearing concluded that nature and intention of the disputed 13 June 2007 letter, especially when taken in context of verbal discussions and Manchester United FC's transfer policy, was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer.

"Furthermore, the hearing finds the letter constitutes an 'agreement to agree' and did not create an obligation or binding agreement for the club to transfer the player to any particular club."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill travelled to Monday's hearing in London to put their case and will be happy with the verdict.

A Manchester United spokesman said: "We are pleased that the panel has endorsed our case."

The Old Trafford side said they did not want to sell Heinze to a Premier League rival.

They said they made it clear to the defender both orally and in writing that he would not be allowed to join one of their title competitors.

But Green is adamant that Heinze should be allowed to move to Anfield, adding: "The player believes, as do his advisors, that the fax which was sent - which is the one being talked about - gives him the right to move to any club.

"The club were happy to sell the player.

"As a result his agent went to find clubs who were keen to buy him. That is how this has arisen - it is not because he has tried to force a sale or engineer a sale of any sort."

Transfers between the two north-west rivals are rare and the last first-team player to move from United to Liverpool was Phil Chisnall in 1964.

Any appeal will be heard by the Premier League's appeals committee.

City Take Manchester Derby Spoils

Manchester City made it three Premier League wins out of three this season with a shock win over rivals United.

United dominated the derby from the off and Nani forced Kasper Schmeichel into two good saves as City hung on.

The home side had created nothing until they took the lead when Geovanni's shot deflected home off Nemanja Vidic.

Vidic hit the bar and Carlos Tevez saw a late header fly wide but City, led by the impressive Micah Richards, held out and United are still winless this term.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have taken only two points from their first three league games and the champions lie seven points behind City, who are at the summit of the table.

It has been a perfect start for the Blues and their new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is yet to see his hastily-assembled side concede a goal.

That statistic seemed unlikely early on as United started like a train and, with City struggling to keep the ball let alone create anything with it, it seemed only a matter of time before they took the lead.

Inside the first five minutes Nani forced an instinctive block out of Schmeichel and the young keeper did well to hold a firm shot from the same player soon afterwards.

United had set up camp inside City's half by now and another neat move set Patrice Evra running clear - only for him to slice his shot horribly wide.

City, who had lost Valeri Bojinov to injury early on too, were simply hanging on and if it had not been for the brilliant Richards they would surely have collapsed.

England coach Steve McClaren is short of centre-backs for Wednesday's friendly with Germany and he will surely be glad he can call on the 19-year-old City defender to play there, if needed.

Richards, nominally a right-back, began the season in the centre under Eriksson and has emerged as a real star of the new City regime.

He made one brilliant tackle to deny Tevez as the Argentine closed in on goal and then made a timely clearance after Schmeichel had dropped a Ryan Giggs cross.

But at the other end, City were still creating absolutely nothing and it was a total shock when they took the lead in the 31st minute.

With United's defence backing off, Elano fed Geovanni, who let fly with a 25-yard shot that spun off Vidic's back and swerved into the corner of the net.

If anything, City controlled the remainder of the half but United were soon threatening again after the break.

Vidic beat Richard Dunne to Giggs' corner but saw his header cannon off the crossbar before another dangerous Giggs cross was somehow cleared from danger by Richards.

Yet more United possession followed and Tevez went close to levelling when he flicked another Giggs ball agonisingly wide.

But the goal would just not come for Ferguson's men and their frustrating afternoon was summed up in injury time.

Another Giggs corner found its way to Tevez at the far post but the striker could not react quickly enough to find the target with his header and City survived again.

Man City: Schmeichel, Garrido, Richards, Dunne, Corluka, Geovanni (Ball 74), Hamann, Johnson, Petrov, Bojinov (Mpenza 8), Elano (Bianchi 63).

Subs Not Used: Hart, Onuoha.

Booked: Hamann, Corluka.

Goals: Geovanni 31.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown (O'Shea 73), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Hargreaves, Scholes, Carrick (Campbell 73), Giggs, Nani (Eagles 60), Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Silvestre.

Booked: Brown, Ferdinand.

Att: 44,955

Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Co Durham).

City suffer an early setback in the Manchester derby when Valeri Bojinov is carried off injured

But City recover and go ahead when Geovanni's long-range effort finds the net just after the half-hour mark

Richard Dunne and Micah Richards work hard to keep United's Carlos Tevez quiet as the home side protect their lead

With his father Peter watching from the stands, City keeper Kasper Schmeichel produces a number of good saves

United defender Nemanja Vidic hits the bar and in the dying seconds, Tevez misses a golden chance at the far post

Beckham Scores His First Goal For LA Galaxy

David Beckham scored his first goal for Los Angeles Galaxy to help secure their place in the SuperLiga final.

The England midfielder, 32, was named captain as he started a game for the first time for his new team.

He responded by scoring a trademark free-kick after 28 minutes against DC United before setting up the second with a pass for Landon Donovan. He sent a long pass to a streaking Landon Donovan, who scored on a breakaway in the 47th minute for a 2-0 lead.

Beckham was given a rapturous reception when he was substituted on 63 minutes as the Galaxy went on to win 2-0.

The only blip for Beckham came after 18 minutes when he was booked for a foul on DC United's Jaime Moreno.

The Galaxy advanced to the Aug. 29 tournament final in Carson against Mexican club team Pachuca, which tied Houston 2-2, but won 4-3 on penalty kicks.

The Los Angeles Galaxy pose for a team photo before the SuperLiga semifinal game against D.C. United at the Home Depot Center on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, in Carson, Calif.

David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy (R) is tackled by Ben Olsen of D.C. United early in the Superliga semifinal match.

L.A. Galaxy star David Beckham bends the ball as he scores on a free kick against D.C. United for his first MLS goal.

Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham celebrates after scoring on a free kick against D.C. United.

Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham waves at the crowd as he walks off the field after being substituted in the second half. The Galaxy won the match 2-0 to reach the SuperLiga final where they will face Mexican champions Pachuca.

Ronaldo Sent Off As Man. United Drew At Fratton Park

A header from striker Benjani denied Manchester United their first win of the league campaign at Portsmouth as both sides ended with 10 men.

United took the lead when new signing Carlos Tevez set up Paul Scholes who fired in from 25 yards.

Portsmouth equalised when Benjani sent a superb header past Edwin van der Sar.

Sulley Muntari earned a second yellow for a late tackle on Michael Carrick, while Cristiano Ronaldo saw red for his part in a fracas with Richard Hughes.

All eyes were on Tevez who was thrust to centre stage by manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a result of Wayne Rooney's injury.

In one sense, it worked out well for the Scot because it postponed the inevitable scrutiny over whether Rooney and Tevez could play in the same team together because of their similar styles.

Of course, Ferguson would prefer to have that enviable problem, but while Rooney is sidelined he can sit back and marvel at the industry and talents of his new Argentine signing.

There was not too much to marvel at after a quiet, yet physical, opening few minutes to his United career, but then Tevez showed a bit of the Argentine flair those who have followed his progress knew he had.

The 23-year-old collected the ball on the edge of the area with his thigh before turning to lay a pass into the path of Scholes.

The former England ace, lethal from most distances, smacked the ball from 20 yards past David James, the keeper doing his best to pull off a miracle save, to no avail.

Aside from that piece of action there was little else to talk about from an opening half that exuded a lot of energy but little substance.

United should have extended their lead straight after the break but Nani's low shot from eight yards was brilliantly blocked by the feet of James, before Tevez's control and volley from eight yards flew over the Portsmouth bar.

A 2-0 deficit would have been slightly unfair on the home side, whose line-up altered when boss Harry Redknapp brought on Matthew Taylor and Djimi Traore.

Redknapp's tactical substitution did the trick when Taylor found Benjani from the right and the Zimbabwean gave Van der Sar no chance with a cracking header.

United, who drew with Reading in their first match, were desperate for their first three points of the campaign and both Giggs and Ronaldo went close only to be denied by the alert James.

At the other end, Portsmouth striker David Nugent was well marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but the one time he managed to find himself one-on-one with Van der Sar, the former Preston star slipped embarrassingly.

The match ended on an unsavoury note when Muntari received his marching orders from referee Steve Bennett after a late challenge on Carrick, and then Ronaldo received a straight red for his part in a scuffle with Hughes.

And the red cards late in the game overshadowed a match that had earlier been all about Tevez's debut.

Portsmouth: James, Pamarot (Hughes 64), Cranie (Traore 46), Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Pedro Mendes (Taylor 46), Davis, Muntari, Mwaruwari, Nugent.

Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Kanu.

Sent Off: Muntari (83).

Booked: Muntari, Davis.

Goals: Mwaruwari 53.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown (Eagles 88), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Giggs (O'Shea 81), Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Pique, Fletcher.

Sent Off: Ronaldo (85).

Booked: Vidic.

Goals: Scholes 15.

Att: 20,510.

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).

Carlos Tevez makes his debut for Man Utd and receives a robust reception at Fratton Park
But slick control from Tevez and a lay-off into the path of Paul Scholes gives Man Utd the lead in the 15th minute

Man Utd enjoy a half-time lead but Benjani Mwaruwari rises well to level from Matthew Taylor's cross in the 53rd minute

Tempers flare in the second half - Cristian Ronaldo is sent off - but the score remains locked at 1-1 at full-time

Erika Sawajiri Launches Debut Single

Erika Sawajiri's debut single is titled "Free"Erika Sawajiri

Following the huge success of the Taiyou No Uta single released as singer named Kaoru Amane, Erika Sawajiri has just released her debut single titled "Free' last month.

Using Erika as her stage name, her latest single consists of 3 songs, titled "free", "fantasy" and "time to go home".

Her latest album is currently enjoying great sales as of today.

Exclusive Music Videos:

Free:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEl4Za-mY7E&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyrelaxplace%2Ecom%2F2007%2F07%2F19%2Fmiss%2Dsawajiri%2Derika%2Dnew%2Dsingle%2Drelease%2D%25e2%2580%2593%2Dfree%2Dfantasy%2F

Fantasy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld0LfJ4F7o8

* To purchase Erika's latest single, kindly go to HMV to place an order. Be prepared to pay a deposit of $10 and to wait for around 2 to 3 weeks for the album. Once her album is ready for collection, be also be prepared to pay the remaining $18. (For Singapore)

Man. United Draw In Season Opener

Manchester United had an uncomfortable start to the season as the champions were outsmarted tactically by Reading.

Worryingly, United also had to withdraw Wayne Rooney at the interval when the England striker fractured his foot after a challenge by Michael Duberry.

For the last 17 minutes Reading were a man short after substitute Dave Kitson was sent off seconds after coming on.

The closest United came to scoring was in the first half when Ryan Giggs hit the post with a finely executed volley.

Sir Alex Ferguson may have spent £50m over the summer on strengthening his squad, yet the United manager was reduced to deploying substitute John O'Shea as a makeshift centre-forward in the second half.

O'Shea did not disgrace himself as a striker but he was no replacement for Rooney.
In last season's opening fixture of the season, United were four goals up against Fulham after only 19 minutes.

Reading proved altogether less charitable opponents, with their manager Steve Coppell deploying man-markers to pay close attention to Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Coppell's strategic thinking worked a treat in the opening half and United only once seriously tested Marcus Hahnemann.

That was early on when the American had to come out quickly to snaffle the ball from Rooney after the England striker picked up Michael Carrick's pass.

Hahnemann had a busier time of it in the second half, saving well from O'Shea, Carrick, Ronaldo and Paul Scholes.

Those saves from Carrick, Ronaldo and Scholes came in the final minutes as United piled forward in search of the winner.

Even when Giggs hit the post with that first-half volley the Reading goalkeeper looked well enough positioned to stop the ball going into the net.

Rooney was injured when he managed to get in front of Duberry, falling awkwardly after going close with a first-time effort.

The United striker hobbled on until the interval but failed to re-emerge after half-time.
It was later confirmed the England striker had suffered a hairline fracture of his left foot, an injury that will rule him out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia in September.

If Reading's defensive organisation was exemplary, their attacking efforts were less eye-catching, with Edwin van der Sar spending most of the opening 45 minutes as a virtual spectator.

Indeed, Reading were so preoccupied with defence it was hard to remember them creating a single meaningful chance.

Rooney's injury allowed the Old Trafford crowd to glimpse the first of Ferguson's close-season signings in Premier League action, with Nani brought on to deputise for the England international.

The United debutant almost broke the deadlock with a beautifully struck shot that went narrowly wide.

Kitson came on for Kevin Doyle only to be sent off within a minute of his introduction for a dangerous tackle on Patrice Evra.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown (Fletcher 77), Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre (O'Shea 57), Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Evra, Giggs, Rooney (Nani 46).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Pique.

Reading: Hahnemann, De la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Duberry, Shorey, Murty, Ki-Hyeon (Oster 57), Harper, Gunnarsson, Hunt (Bikey 87), Doyle (Kitson 72).

Subs Not Used: Federici, Cisse.

Sent Off: Kitson (73).

Booked: Ki-Hyeon, Oster.

Att: 75,655.

Ref: Robert Styles (Hampshire).

Recent signings Anderson and Carlos Tevez watch as United open their Premier League season

Reading's Brynjar Gunnarsson challenges Paul Scholes as the visitors defend doggedly in the first half

United lose Wayne Rooney, who is injured by a challenge from Michael Duberry and fails to appear for the second half

Rooney is replaced by summer capture Nani, who endures a frustrating Premier League debut

Reading striker Dave Kitson is sent off for a 73rd-minute foul on Patrice Evra - just seconds after coming on as a substitute

Rooney out for 2 months

United have confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be sidelined for two months after suffering a hairline fracture of his left foot against Reading on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Reds striker was forced off at half-time after clashing with Michael Duberry shortly before the break whilst stretching to reach Michael Carrick's cross.

The forward was sent for a scan after the match which confirmed the fracture, and an early-season blow for the Reds.

At a press conference to unveil Anderson and the player likely to step in for Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the hammer blow which will see United lose Rooney until October, but alluded to a slight possibility that Rooney could return sooner than expected.

However, metatarsal injuries, as Wayne is well aware, make it difficult to predict specific comeback dates.

"It's two months," confirmed the manager. "But you never know with these kind of fractures, hopefully it will be sooner, but that's the timescale we're putting on it at the moment."

The boss also confirmed that he will not dip into the transfer market to find extra cover, having already added Carlos Tevez to his striking ranks last week.

"That should be it," he added. "We've got a good squad and we have alternatives to compensate for Wayne's loss."