Part 2: The Solskjaer Story

Part Two of Inside United's look back on the life and times of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in appreciation of his glittering 11-year, 126-goal Reds' career…

CAN SCORE FOUR, TOFFEES
Few players ever score four in a game, fewer do it twice in the space of nine months. United were one down against Everton in December 1999, but levelled quickly through Denis Irwin. Then the fun began. Two minutes after the equaliser, Ole had put United ahead. Racing past David Weir he slid the ball past Paul Gerrard’s despairing dive to watch it trickle over the line. Minutes before half-time and deja vu, Everton let United through again. Solskjaer – one on one, following a brief catnap from Weir – duly made it 3-1. Three became four when he converted Irwin’s cross for his hat-trick – completing the rout when he tidied up the mess Gerrard left behind following Giggs’ run and shot.

CENTURY BOY
We’d come a long way from ‘Ole who?’ Seven glorious years, in fact. Ironically, given his precision finishing, there was some doubt about when his 100th goal in Red had actually arrived. “After the Bayer Leverkusen game (November 2002) I was told UEFA wanted to give the goal to me, but took it away because my shot would probably have gone for a throw-in,” he remembers. “Well, it wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t on target. So officially the one against West Brom [January 2003] was the 100th. To me though, it doesn’t really matter which is the 100th goal or the 99th. A goal is a goal.” Such modesty.

THE COMEBACK KID
An emotionally charged scene on a rainswept, south London night in August 2006: the game against Charlton was already in the bag, but United’s travelling fans celebrated the third and final goal like it was 1999. Their hero was back. Ole had scored for the first time since April 2003 (against Panathinaikos) and shared the love-in with United’s fans in Charlton’s Jimmy Seed Stand. “After three years out it was great for the fans, for the players and the supporters,” Sir Alex Ferguson said in the post-match after-glow. “Ole is a player who has persevered in trying times and he has never lost faith that he would get his repayment one day.

OLE HANGS UP HIS BOOTS
“When my knee 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,” Ole admits. “I also have to think about my long-term health as well. 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. So, in that sense, last season was a fantastic experience for me and I’m glad I was able to enjoy that.” Amen.

THE BEST OF THE BEST?
So many highs, but the Nou Camp aside, which was the peak? Talking to this magazine in 2003, Ole revealed putting one over against the old enemy is always special. “My debut was a big moment, as was the first time we won the league after I arrived. The FA Cup final [in 1999] is a special game. The FA Cup match against Liverpool in the Treble season was a good one, too. The 3-0 away win in Juventus was amazing. That night will always remain special, we scored at crucial times.” So, all in all, it’s fair to see he enjoyed himself.

OLD TRAFFORD
Ole may be gone – on the pitch at least – but his legend, and his Red flag will fly high, in the stands, and in his heart. “Europe’s great stadiums all have a different feel about them but Old Trafford is home, and that’s special,” he said. “I feel at home at Old Trafford, I really enjoyed playing here, and I’ve never been scared of walking out and playing in front of those huge crowds, because they always want us to do well. For me, there’s nowhere like Old Trafford.”

THE UNITED EXPERIENCE
We’ve done the maths: 216 starts, plus a further 150 substitute appearances, makes 366 games and a fantastic return of 126 goals – Ole strained every sinew for the United cause. “I think I can say I’ve 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.”

RED ARMY LOVE-IN
“The fans have been magnificent,” says Ole. “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, but also in the more difficult times when I was coming back from injury. It’s strange to think that I’ll be an old man, and I’ll be meeting United fans, and they’ll still want to talk to me about that goal. I always get asked questions like: ‘How did it feel? You were the one who won it…’ It wasn’t me who won it, the team won it, it wasn’t my touch, it’s what the team did over the season… but never mind.”

AND, FOR MY NEXT TRICK
In May 2008, Sir Alex revealed that Ole would take charge of United's Reserves from the start of the 2008/09 season. “I’m very excited about working on the other side of the line," he said. "It will be very challenging, which is important, and I’m pleased 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.” The feeling is mutual.

Part 1: The Solskjaer Story

Inside United looks back on the life and times of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in appreciation of his glittering 11-year, 126-goal Reds' career…

‘OLE WHO?’
It was the phone call Age Hareide had been dreading. The Molde boss knew how good Ole Solskjaer was, the question was when – not if – the big clubs would come calling. "Sir Alex phoned me up a lot to get my opinion on players in Norway," Hareide said. "He knew I knew the English scene and wanted my views on certain players and how they might do in England. Then, finally [July 1996] came the day when the call was about one of my players. Sir Alex asked about Ole Gunnar. I knew we’d miss him badly, but you can't stand in a player's way when Manchester United come along. "I told him: `You've got to sign him.' And he did. United got him for £1.5 million! I think they owe me some money considering what they got!”

FIRST AND LAST
For Ole and United, it was love at first sight. Little hoopla surrounded his move, but that changed fast. The first indication we’d got ourselves a baby-faced assassin came at Oldham’s Boundary Park, Ole bagging both in a 2-0 win for the Reserves. Then, days later, he came on as a substitute, with United trailing Blackburn at Old Trafford. Entering the fray in the 64th minute, he equalised just six minutes later to preserve an unbeaten 32-game home streak in a 2-2 draw. He hasn’t forgotten either occasion. “Both those matches are firmly stuck in my mind,” he said. “It was a very proud moment to be wearing the Red shirt for the first time, even if it was only a Reserves fixture. To then score at Old Trafford was so special. I’ll always treasure the memory of those two matches.”

DON’T LEAVE US THIS WAY…
You don’t become United’s top goalscorer in your first season without having other clubs swarm round you when you’re not in the team. In 1997/98, Ole was linked with a host of Europe’s finest, and our worst fears almost came true. Thankfully, he knows his own mind. "I remember talking to my agent a lot about a move to Spurs and he said I was the most stubborn player in the world," he recalls. "The two clubs had agreed a fee – I’ve still got the fax at home! It would have been easy to be pressurised into something like that, but I didn’t want to go and the manager kept telling me I’d get my chance, and he was true to his word. It was the pride of playing for the best club in the country. I wanted to be part of that.”

FIRST AMONG EQUALS
Ole came to win trophies and, after nine months, 33 starts and 18 goals had not only finished the campaign as United’s top scorer (19 all told), he had his first Premiership winners’ medal. “It was the first time I’d won anything in football, apart from an under-11 or under-12 district championship,” he recalls. “That Tuesday was wonderful, when I sat in front of my telly and watched West Ham versus Newcastle and Wimbledon’s clash with Liverpool. Ronny [Johnsen] called after the final whistle – we stood there screaming at each other like madmen. It was marvellous. I wanted more of that wonderful feeling.” And boy, did he get it…

TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM
With just four games left of the 1997/98 campaign, a United win against Newcastle was paramount to keep a Red-hot poker up Arsenal’s backside. Most fans remember the game – a tough 1-1 draw – for another iconic moment fresh from the bench, but of an X-rated variety. Having come close to scoring a dramatic winner, Ole’s goalbound effort beating Shay Given before it was blocked on the line by Nikos Dabizas, Rob Lee broke free for Newcastle with the game almost up. A goal would have virtually handed the Gunners the title. Ole tracked back with the determination of a greyhound on speed and took Lee out of the game with a challenge best described as agricultural. Out of character, sure, but desperate times call for desperate measures. As Uriah Rennie branished a straight red card, the TV camera caught Ole mouthing the words, “I had to do it,” to David Beckham. He knew what his challenge did for the side’s slender chances of catching Arsenal and retaining the title – and we’ve never forgotten it.

BACK IN THE WINTER OF ‘99
“It is my dream to score against Liverpool. My dream would be to score the winner in a 1-0 victory in the 90th minute at Old Trafford.” Ole’s dream came true – if the scoreline was slightly askew – on a memorable afternoon in January 1999 of the Treble-winning season. Liverpool led 1-0 through Michael Owen’s goal and, despite huffing and puffing, we couldn’t bring the house down. As Liverpool’s celebrations began to get into full swing, with two minutes left, Dwight Yorke levelled the scores. Shredded nerves restored, silence in the away end. Then pandemonium everywhere else. The 90 minutes were up when Ole swooped for a late winner – once again he was the opiate of the people, fully five months before repeating the feat in the greatest comeback since Matt Busby and the boys of ‘68.

FOUR-MIDABLE
Hat-tricks anywhere these days are about as frequent as long-serving City managers, but Ole could make the task look easier than shelling peas. Against Nottingham Forest on 6 February 1999 he executed as deadly an example of finishing as you’ll see. He not only scored four goals, he did so in the 19 minutes available to him. "Good job they didn't put him on earlier," mused Forest boss Ron Atkinson. So nonchalant was Ole’s performance, he looked almost embarrassed. The 8-1 – yes, 8-1 – remains the Premiership’s biggest away win.

NOU ORDER
While the rest of us panicked, crossing what remained of our gnawed fingers, Ole was the calm at the eye of the Nou Camp storm. He was in the know, y’see. “It’s hard to explain, it was just a feeling,” he said of that staggering Treble-clinching climax. “It’s about positive thinking, maybe; you always visualise yourself scoring, so perhaps that’s all it was. But it was a little bit of a stronger feeling. I don’t know why. The goal? It’s one of those that you score one time out of five if you’re lucky, because you haven’t practised that finish. You just do it, you guide the ball on. More often that not it goes over the bar or it's cleared by the man on the far post. There were so many things that could have gone wrong with that finish… it was just instinct.” Killer instinct.

Neville Eyes Battle With Brown

Gary Neville is braced for the most important pre-season of his United career.

The defender not only has to prove his fitness after missing almost the entire 2007/08 campaign, he also to oust the man who replaced him as the Reds' regular right-back.

"I've got a number of challenges ahead of me and the ultimate one is to try and get back into that team ahead of Wes (Brown)," said Gary, in an exclusive interview with MUTV.

"That's going to be hard for me given the way Wes performed last season. I would say he was in our top two or three most consistent players. He was fantastic throughout the season and deserved all the success he got.

"I can talk about my injuries and being out for 12 months, but Wes has had two cruciate ligament injuries and been out for 12 months twice. I know now where he was during those years and I appreciate how difficult it is. And even though Wes is younger than me, he is a great example to me of how you come back into the team after an injury."

Neville's bid to get back into the team starts on Wednesday when the Reds reconvene at Carrington, initially without the men who represented their countries at Euro 2008.

"Pre-season is hugely important for every player but this time it's massive for me as I try to break into a team that's won the Double," said Gary. "And it's an even greater challenge than normal for the team as we try to repeat the success of last season."

Saha Vows To Prove Fitness

Louis Saha is determined to stay and fight for his place after another injury-disrupted campaign at United.

The striker made just 24 appearances last term and was forced to withdraw from the Reds’ Champions League final squad at the 11th hour with a calf problem.

It was another frustrating end to the season for the Frenchman, who has suffered a series of injury setbacks since arriving from Fulham in January 2004.

Reports have linked Saha with a summer move away from Old Trafford, but the 29-year-old insists that proving his fitness to Sir Alex Ferguson is his sole priority.

"I am under contract at Manchester until 2010," he told France Football. "Furthermore, the coach has not said anything to me yet, either about a transfer or a loan.

"I don't hide anything. I will say it again: I have to play before thinking about anything else. I will predict nothing before knowing what will happen for me.

"I am a football player and I have not been able to play. Today, only the pitch matters to me.

"I have worked all summer long. There are facilities close to my home so I have worked with a specific programme. I know what I want – to be fit for the start of the season."

Vidic Proud Of Man. United Success

The success Nemanja Vidic has enjoyed at United has erased the self-doubts that plagued the start of his Old Trafford career.

The Serb admits he initially questioned his ability to adapt to Premier League football after arriving from Spartak Moscow on Christmas Day 2005.

But the 26-year-old has since become a mainstay in the starting line-up, helping the Reds win two Premier League titles and a Champions League.

“In truth, when I first arrived I found it hard and was not sure I could become a regular in the first team,” Vidic said.

“I asked myself if I could make it in this league and at this club. It’s important to learn how to play here. If I had played how I used to play, I would not have succeeded, so I had to adapt.

“The game is different here, the referees allow the game to be more physical. It’s not easy to come to England and play well straight away – you need a couple of months to settle.

“Now when I play, I feel proud of what I have achieved over the last few years. To play for United and win trophies is a big thing and I am proud to be part of this team.”

Queiroz Urges Ronaldo To Stay

Carlos Queiroz has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford because the club can give him the "attention and affection" he deserves.

The Reds' number two is keen not to comment on media speculation that Ronaldo will join Real Madrid, but insists United is the best place for the winger to be next season.

"Manchester United is very special," Queiroz told Portuguese radio station Renascenca.

"Because of that we know how to surround Cristiano completely with all the affection and all the attention he deserves.

"However, not speaking is the most sensible course of action at this moment, so that we don't contribute to a less than positive spectacle and so we don't aid those whose interests are difficult to identify."

Queiroz has also been linked with the Portugal coaching job vacated by Luis Felipe Scolari, but refused to declare his interest in the post.

"I'm not going to put myself in the market because the decision on the national coach should not be a result of those who make themselves candidates, but a decision that is conscious, rational and based on what the Federation judges [believe] is necessary for the team.

"I'm not going to tell you whether or not I'm contacted, that way I know for sure that it will be dealt with in due form and in due place."

Zidane Tips Ronaldo For Real Madrid Move

France legend Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid will end up signing Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish giants have made no secret of their desire to sign the 23-year-old Portuguese winger, despite United's insistence they will not sell.

"Every time Madrid want good players they get them," said former Real star Zidane, in Vienna for Euro 2008.

"He's had a great season, and he's a Champions League winner, and if he wants to play there, then he can."

Zidane cost £45.8m when he moved from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001.

That fee remains a world record for a player, but the Frenchman, 36 on Monday, thinks Real Madrid could possibly have to spend more than that to land Ronaldo.

And he said he would be happy to no longer be the world's most expensive footballer.

"If he goes to Madrid, it will be a big amount, but Madrid is ready to pay far more than they paid for me," said Zidane.

"This will actually lift a weight from my shoulders. Hopefully they will pay more for Ronaldo than they did for me."

In Touch With Nature -- The Southern Ridges (Part 1)

Introduction:

The Southern Ridges comprise a 9-kilometre chain of green, open spaces spanning the rolling hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park before ending at West Coast Park.

It is an area steeped in history and is home to some of nature's greatest gifts of flora and fauna. It is also one of the best spots in Singapore to catch panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands.

Last saturday, I decided to get in touch with nature and to visit the Southern Ridges as it is near my home. Putting on my sports attire and bringing my camera along, I then took a walk from my home at Telok Blangah Drive to the Alexandra Arch Bridge, the midpoint of my two-part journey. I read from the papers that it is advisable to visit this new attraction on separate days instead of just cramping everything in a single day.

In this first part of my journey to the Southern Ridges, I will start to trek along the Forest Walk all the way to Harbourfront MRT Station. Along the journey itself, I will be passing by prominent spots like the Henderson Waves, which is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge and Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore.

Are you ready to join me on this adventure?

Map of the Southern Ridges

Alexandra Arch - the midpoint of my 2-part journey of the Southern Ridges

Forest Walk. The raised walkway with heights ranging from 3 to 18 metres brushes the canopy of trees and offers a bird’s eye view of the forest. The modules of the elevated walkway derived their design from the triangular-shaped leaves of the fast-growing “Mile-a-Minute” plant. The ground level earth trails offer a more rugged experience, bringing you closer to the wildlife found in the area.

Look what I have spotted, its a durain tree

Photos from the trek along Forest Walk

Telok Blangah Hill Park. On the extreme left of the picture is the path leading to Henderson Waves

Henderson Waves. Does the structure of the bridge looks like waves from the sea?

Panoramic view of the greenery

Telok Blangah housing estates

Perfect spot to rest those arching legs

Can you spot those skyscrapers?

Beautiful shot

The jewel box at Mount Faber Park

Sentosa. The construction site is for the upcoming integrated resort

Carribean, living by the sea

Mount Faber cable car station

The souvenoir shop

Sky dinning inside the cable car

Steps leading to the Marang trail

Winding steps. The Marang trail covers an elevation of 70 metres (or the equivalent of a 24-storey building).

The path leading to Harbourfront MRT station

Just walk along the white pavement

Harbourfront MRT station (Exit D)

Part 2 of the Southern Ridges trip will be coming soon..... Cheers!

Getting there:

Marang Trail:
By MRT: alight at Harbourfront station Exit D
By Bus: take bus service number 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 93, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, 161, 300, 646 or 855 alight at bus stop in front of Seah Im Food Center at Telok Blangah Road
By Car: Carpark is available at Seah Im Food Center

Henderson Waves:
By Bus: take bus service number 131, 145, 176 or 648 alight at bus stop along Henderson Road, take the staircase up to Mount Faber Park.
By Car: Parking is available at Mount Faber Carpark D (17 lots) and Telok Blangah Hill Park Carpark 1 (17 lots) & Carpark 2 (total 39 lots)

Forest Walk:
By Bus: take bus service number 51, 61, 93, 97, 100, 166 or 963 and alight at bus stop along Alexandra Road (junction of Hyderabab Road)
By Car: Parking is available at HortPark-the gardening hub (155 lots) or Telok Blangah Hill Park Carpark 2 (39 lots) & Carpark 3 (8 lots)

Man. United Unveil New Away Kit

The Reds have unveiled their new away kit for the 2008/09 season.

Made up of a white shirt, blue shorts and white socks, it is on sale from 18 July in the Old Trafford Megastore. The players will wear the kit for the first time during the opening two games of their pre-season trip to South Africa.

Those matches take place in Cape Town against Kaizer Chiefs on 19 July and in Durban against Orlando Pirates on 22 July.

The trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in September looks likely to be the first competitive game in which the team will play in their new attire.

Ferguson To Bid For Berbatov?

Sir Alex Ferguson will go all out to sign Dimitar Berbatov when the United boss returns from holiday.

Fergie is ready to go back to Tottenham with a £25million bid — the same amount he offered in a doomed attempt to capture the Bulgarian striker last summer. That cash is still available to Fergie, who has been on a break in France.

United have also banked another £32m for winning the Champions League. Around £20m has been earmarked for making Carlos Tevez’s transfer permanent.

Spurs are ready to sell Berbatov, 27, after bringing in Croatia’s Luka Modric and Mexican Giovani Dos Santos. And agent Emil Dantchev insists Berbatov must be playing in the Champions League.
- Neil Custis, The Sun -

Man. United Fixtures 2008/09

United have been handed a tough start to the Barclays Premier League season, with taxing trips to two of the Reds' perennial title rivals among the first five games.

The champions will travel to Liverpool and Chelsea in successive September weekends, after facing Newcastle first at home and then Portsmouth away in August. The third match, home to Fulham, is set to be rescheduled with United playing in the UEFA Super Cup final on the previous day.

United face a host of tough trips in the early part of the season, with games at Blackburn, Everton, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City all scheduled before the end of November.The run-in includes City and Arsenal at home, before a last-day trip to Hull.

(Please note that these fixtures have not been amended to take into account games which will be shown live on television, nor do they include changes that will be made due to the Club’s participation in the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco on 29 August and the FIFA Club World Cup in Tokyo in December)

Evra Puts Pen To Paper

Manchester United is pleased to announce French full-back Patrice Evra has signed a four-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until at least June 2012.

Sir Alex said: “Patrice has been a key part of the Club’s success in the last two seasons. He's developed into one of the best full-backs in world football and his infectious personality has helped build the incredible team spirit that exists at Old Trafford.”

Evra, 27, was delighted to pledge his future to United, claiming "the last two-and-a-half seasons have been the start of a dream".

"It's a pleasure and an honour to be part of this fantastic side and to be coached by Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff," he said. "United is more than a club – it’s a family I am proud to be a part of and that's why it's always been a first choice for me.

“I declared when I arrived that I was coming here not just to play but to win, and United is the ideal place to realise such a dream. It's a privilege to play in front of our fantastic fans and I'm sure the success we've earned in the last two seasons confirms the history of this club and will be the start of something even more special.”

Rio Tips Boss To Stay On

Sir Alex Ferguson may have intimated that he will step down as United manager within the next three years, but Rio Ferdinand disagrees.

Although the Reds' manager is approaching 70, United and England defender Ferdinand cannot envisage how Sir Alex would cope without life at Carrington.

“I don’t think he’ll leave in two or three years," he told Sky Sports News. "I think his passion for the game will overtake everything else.

"The manager loves football. He eats, breathes and every minute of the day is thinking and talking about it, so I can’t see him leaving.”

Sir Alex previously announced his intention to retire in 2002, but reversed his decision after consulting his family.

However, he recently admitted: "I deserve a rest. I have also got to respect my wife too, because she's suffering. She's not a football fan, she's an Alex Ferguson fan."

Ramsey Snubs United

Cardiff City starlet Aaron Ramsey has decided to join Arsenal, snubbing offers from United and Everton.

The highly-rated 17-year-old midfielder met with all three clubs for talks after bids - believed to be around £5million - were accepted last week.

The Premier League and Champions League holders appeared to be in pole position to sign the talented young Welsh international, but Cardiff have since confirmed the teenager's future lies elsewhere.

"Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey’s preferred destination this summer is at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal,” Cardiff's website confirmed.

"We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with a view to Aaron’s move being completed."

The move, unlike other options, however, does not include a loan-back period at Ninian Park for the 2008/09 season."

Interview: Edwin's Fab 5

In part two of this interview with United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, the Dutchman pays tribute to his team-mates’ performances throughout the season and reveals the strength of the Reds’ team-spirit…

Who was your United Player of the Year?
I voted for Cristiano [Ronaldo] and he deserves it. He has had such a great season, scoring so many goals from the midfield, so many important goals… how can it go to someone else? Yet were it not for Ronaldo, it could have gone to Rio [Ferdinand] or Vida [Nemanja Vidic]. They have done so well for us this season, Rio especially. And as a defence we also had so much success because of the contribution of Wes [Brown], filling in at right-back for Gary [Neville] all season, and Patrice [Evra] on the other side. If I could have voted for those five players then I would have – they’ve all been fantastic.

United’s 22 goals conceded was a record low which must make you proud…
Defensive records are not a major thing unless you win something at the end. In the two years I was at Juventus we had the best defensive record in Serie A, but we didn’t win the league in either campaign, so it didn’t mean a thing. If we had lost the title on the last day then our great record wouldn’t have added up to much either. I couldn’t have celebrated it. But when they bring you silverware, it is special. We have a lot of quality in the [defensive] department and for the first eight months of the season the back four hardly changed – always it was Wes, Rio, Vida and Patrice. The more you play, the more familiar you get.

How important was it that the back four barely changed throughout the season?
The understanding just grows all the time. And even when we did have to change and they did have to drop out of the side with injury, the players coming in, like John O’Shea, Owen [Hargreaves], Gerard [Piqué] and Mikael [Silvestre], all did very well for us. The club normally has an attacking side – it’s what we’re famous for – but this season we’ve had a defence to help grind out the results we’ve needed from certain games. You can’t always go out and play exciting football because sometimes that suits the opposition. The Barcelona games were like that. We played a style to get the result we wanted so much. So as a defence we have done well this season, but that is because others in the team have been working hard to help us. Likewise, the forwards score because the defence gives them a sound base: it is a team thing and it is a great team.

As you say, there was a perfect platform for United to prosper up front…
Our attack scored lots of goals and caused problems for the opposition. Just look at the goals scored by Wazza [Wayne Rooney] and Carlos [Tevez]. But the midfield was also impressive. The manager had many options and changed the side to suit the opposition. They all did so well there. Scholesy was missing for a few months, but players like Anderson, Michael Carrick and Owen filled in. There’s so many good players. And in the matches they needed to help the defence, they put in the extra shift. We defend as a team and attack as a team. All season we fought for each other, whether that was to score a goal or to keep a clean sheet.

United again scored a few late goals in 2007/08. What is it about United and all those late strikes?
At United you are expected to win. Anything else is seen as a terrible result. Throughout the club the thought is always to win. It’s not just the players, it’s the staff and the fans – everyone has a part in it. Don’t give up, that’s always the attitude. It’s saved us many points and won us games many times. When you see that success, you remember it and always feel that anything is possible.

Is it down to the team spirit, too?
Team spirit does play a part, yes. Just like this club always has to try and play nice football, the attitude is always that we’re a team and will achieve together. Sometimes you go out and it doesn’t always work – the opposition goalkeeper is very good or you miss your chances. But you just have to keep going and fight for each other until the final whistle.

Many players have stated that the OT team spirit is the best they’ve known…
It is great, right from all the experienced players to the group in the mid-section – that’s the 26- and 27-year-olds. And then you’ve got the young foreign lads that have come in, like Anderson and Nani… everyone gets along and wants the best for the club. Off the pitch, too, everyone is always willing to help each other. If someone wants to know a good restaurant, we tell them the places to go, or which shops. Anything we can help with, we do. Then, for games, we tell each other about other players. We want to work for each other – that’s the key to success, I think.

Rio Hopeful Over Ronaldo

Rio Ferdinand fully believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be a Manchester United player come the start of next season.

Speculation has been rife over the winger's future with quotes attributed to him claiming he wants to join Real Madrid. Gary Neville said on Saturday evening that he sees no reason why Ronaldo would want to leave Old Trafford and Ferdinand is in full agreement.

"As a footballer of Manchester United and as a fan, I would like to think he will stay, and I am quite positive of him staying," the defender told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

"I haven't spoken to him, but I just feel he will. He is at a great club, with great team-mates and great fans who adore him. Hopefully he makes the decision that we all want and he will stay.

"A lot of the players are signing up. In the last couple of months myself, Wes Brown and Michael Carrick have all signed up. I think Patrice Evra has agreed a new contract, Wayne Rooney is staying, Edwin van der Sar has extended his contract; everyone's singing from the same hymn book.

"It would be nice if we can keep this team together because there's a great chance to be really successful over the coming years."

After helping Portugal to a 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opening game at Euro 2008, Ronaldo again reiterated his desire not to discuss his future until after the tournament.

"I haven't decided yet about my future," he insisted. "I'll only do that after the European Championships are over."

Interview: Edwin Keeps On Going

Edwin van der Sar’s penalty heroics in Moscow to ensure a Premier League and Champions League double may have represented the perfect final act in the career of some 37-year-old goalkeepers. Not a bit of it for United’s giant Dutchman; he’s as driven as ever after an unforgettable 2007/08 season…

So, let’s start at the beginning: United, strange as it seems now, only took two points from the first nine in the league…
Despite playing well, we just couldn’t score goals to take the points. Then we went on a run of 1-0 wins that were important for us. And once the goals came, we had four matches where we scored four goals in each game – we played some great football in that period. After that we played some good, winning football – sometimes at our best, occasionally not. At this club we’re always disappointed when we don’t win, but we can still be pleased with the football we played.

Did you feel more pressure playing as champions?
There’s always pressure here to win every game, so there’s no difference. As players we are always focused on winning and the opposition always gives something extra because it’s Manchester United – that’s no different if we’re champions. We’re prepared for the teams we play to give their all.

In terms of your own performances, which game did you most enjoy?
I’d probably say Sporting Lisbon away. That game was almost perfect for me. The preparation, the coaching before the game, the saves I made, the way I played with the defence – it all felt right. We were under pressure for periods of that game, and I made some saves that turned out to be important because we won the game 1-0. And that was part of an important run of wins for us.

Which opposing team would you say gave you the toughest game?
We lost a few times so you can see that those were tough matches, but the away game at Reading was as tough as any of them. That was one of our hardest games, no question. We had to work so hard and run so much. We won 2-0 in the end, but the second goal came really late. Reading made it really difficult for us that day. The 1-1 at Tottenham was a hard game too, where Tevez scored an injury-time goal to save us also. Those two games were as hard as any we played all season.

Did any opposition player really stand out?
Of course: [Lionel] Messi. We played him very well, I think, but you could see in the games against Barcelona how good a player he is. We stopped him in both matches and that was important to beating them.

The atmosphere in the game at Old Trafford against Barcelona must have been incredible to experience?
The fans were really up for it, we wanted to win so badly, and it was against a Barcelona team that likes to play nice football. So it was set up for a big occasion and that’s what it was. It was the best atmosphere, no doubt, and the noise and colour helped us, especially towards the end when we were under pressure.

What was it like to win at Old Trafford against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal?
As players we think every game is important, but we know how much those matches mean in the fight to win the Premier League. And for the fans, those matches are the ones they want to win most – you can tell by the noise and feeling inside the stadium. So to take three points from all of those matches was good for us and good for the fans. Each game was intense but we got the results we wanted. When you play 38 games it’s hard to pick out three as the most important, but those wins gave us a lift at the time we played them.

Having extended your stay by another season, are you ready for the challenge of the two, talented young keepers behind you?
As a goalkeeper you are always more separate from the main group than the outfield players, and there is only one place to compete for. But there is a great relationship between myself, Tom [Kuszczak] and Ben [Foster]. We do our work and help each other. We’re trying to learn from each other. I’m always willing to help them, of course. I give them advice and they learn things from me. But I can always learn things from them too. They may be young, but there is always a different way to do things. I see things and think, “Hey, that’s interesting – maybe I could try that.” You can do that with any goalkeeper.

So that makes it sound as if you’d like to stay longer than one more season if you can?
I just take it year by year and this year has been good for me – I feel good. I’ve had some little injuries, some little niggles, and that reminds you that you’re getting older. But really they’re nothing that a younger player can’t get also. I’ll keep on reviewing it, but winning trophies makes you feel younger. It makes you want to keep on playing.

Rumour: Ronaldo Off In A Year?

Cristiano Ronaldo has told friends: “If I don’t leave Manchester United now, I certainly will in a year.”

The Portugal winger and his agent Jorge Mendes are now considering their get-out strategy.

Ronaldo believes that having now won the Champions League and Premier League double it is the right time to chase his dream of joining Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old may have to concede staying at Old Trafford for one more season. But it seems inevitable that he will leave sooner rather than later.
- Neil Custis, The Sun -

Sir Alex: I Will Quit Before I Am 70

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he will not be United manager by the time he turns 70, and says he won't remain a part of the club and cast a shadow over his eventual successor.

The Reds boss, who turns 67 in December, still has unquenchable enthusiasm for United and football, but in "two or three seasons" he says he'll have earned a rest.

"I think no more than three years - maybe two more," he told Sky Sports. "I'll keep the enthusiasm up long past 70 - whether I'll still be doing the football, I'm not so sure about that.

"Anyway, I deserve a rest. After you've done 21, 22 or 23 years – after a couple more seasons – you need one. I have also got to respect my wife too, because she's suffering. She's not a football fan, she's an Alex Ferguson fan."

Sir Alex doesn't see United's next boss as having had to have played for the club. "It's not a prerequisite for the job," he said. "I didn't play for United, and Matt Busby played for Man City. It will be down to ability and how well some managers are doing at the time."

Carlos Queiroz, the United assistant manager, would have to be in a strong position to take over. "You can't discount Carlos Queiroz," admitted the Scot. "I think he's outstanding. He's done fantastic work for the club.

"At that point I wouldn't have an interest in how it was run. It would be the manager's domain. People say that if you're about the place, you are in the road, and I don't want that – the field will be left clear.

"Whoever follows one of the greatest reigns in football management history has a tough task, but Sir Alex says that person must be wholly in charge.

"It's the most difficult job and the most important man at Manchester United is the manager - without question, the minute that ever changed it would mean a massive free-fall," he said.

"You can never allow the players to run the football club and you can never allow the supporters to run the football club. They've all a part to play. Without our supporters, we'd be nothing - without the players, we'd be nothing. They are the most important components of a football club - but somebody has to run it. Somebody has to be in charge, and the manager is the best man - and has always got to be supported."

United To Bid For Santa Cruz?

United are planning to hit Blackburn with a £15million bid for towering striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Boss Alex Ferguson has earmarked the Paraguay international as United’s main summer signing.

Fergie sees Santa Cruz, 26, as the big man who Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney can feed off. The United boss has given up on Louis Saha playing that role after a succession of injuries.

Fergie has also had to give up on an audacious bid to land Barcelona top scorer Thierry Henry, who was persuaded he still has a major role to play at the Nou Camp.

Rovers will be desperate to keep their main striker. But with manager Mark Hughes on the way to Manchester City they will struggle to hold their prize asset.
- Neil Custis, The Sun -

Ramsey Fee Agreed

United have agreed a fee with Cardiff City to bring talented teenager Aaron Ramsey to Old Trafford.

The 17-year-old left-sided midfielder has yet to agree personal terms and must also pass a medical before any deal can be completed.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical."

But the Reds aren't the only club in for the teenager. Cardiff have confirmed that "three top Premier League teams" have made bids, with two given permission to speak to the Wales starlet.

Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country's brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol Ryan Giggs.

He earned rave reviews following his performance in Cardiff's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Middlesbrough and played in their final defeat to Portsmouth at Wembley.

百变张韶涵世界巡回演唱会新加坡站2008

Some photos of Angela's "comeback" concert after her recent illness scare.

The 2 hour long concert at the Singapore Expo yesterday has her belting out songs after songs which clearly delighted her fans. She showed absolutely no signs of being temporarily "out" of the music scene as her high-powered vocals were clearly evident throughout her debut show in Singapore.

Go Angela go! You rock girl!

The opening act has Angela singing 夢裡花

Angela displaying her dancing moves while belting out the song, 潘朵拉.

Striking a beautiful pose

Hitting the high notes....

Angela in another costume change. She is not called 亞洲百變天后 for nothing....

Angela on stage with really looking "hot" dancers

Singing 如果的事 with 范玮琪, one of her guest stars for her concert

范玮琪 singing 是非題. (Hope I don't get the title of her song wrongly)

Angela playing the cello

张韶涵, 范玮琪 and 郭静 singing 仨人 (Sa ren). Its the first time that the trio has performed this song on stage

郭静 singing while Angela and 范玮琪 looks on

郭静 singing 我不想忘记你. I was really hoping that she will sing 下一个天亮 because it is a really nice song. For your info, Claire 郭静's latest album (下一个天亮) is currently on sale at all music stores.

Angela singing 我戀愛了from her latest album, Ang 5.0

Singing 快乐崇拜 with a fan

Singing with emotion.....

Singing her last song, 寓言 (from her first album, Over the rainbow)

Remember her name, Angela Zhang (张韶涵)