13th to 28th July 2013: Manchester United News In Summary

Dear Readers,

Here is a brief summary of news updates involving Manchester United during my overseas trip to Japan.

13 July 2013

Pre-season Friendly: Manchester United suffer defeat in first game under David Moyes
David Moyes' first game as Manchester United manager ended in a 1-0 defeat as Teeratep Winothai gave the Singha All Stars victory in Bangkok.

No manager likes to lose, especially their first game for a new club, and in this instance, replacing a man who served for 26 years and won 13 Premier League titles.

But Moyes can take several positives from this first run-out, as Adnan Januzaj in the first half and Wilfried Zaha - following his introduction in the second - impressed hugely.

And with Robin van Persie among those set to link up on Sunday in Sydney, where United will spend a week in rather cooler temperatures, the Scot can at least start to feel the hard work has begun in earnest.

16 July 2013

Rooney 'angered and confused' by Manchester United
Wayne Rooney has been left angered and confused about his position at Manchester United, after manager David Moyes hinted the striker would not be his first choice at Old Trafford.

Rooney, 27, has expressed his disappointment to senior figures at the club and insisted he would not accept a squad role behind Robin van Persie.

The England forward has two years left on his contract with United.

He has been linked with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

17 July 2013

Rooney: Manchester United dismiss Chelsea bid
Manchester United have rejected Chelsea's offer for Wayne Rooney and insisted the striker is not for sale.

Chelsea have confirmed making a bid for the 27-year-old but denied they would be willing to include either Juan Mata or David Luiz as a make-weight.

United rejected the offer on Tuesday night but Chelsea are expected to return with an improved bid.

Rooney has reiterated his desire to leave United after manager David Moyes said he was not his number one striker.

Rooney: Jose Mourinho says Man Utd striker is only target
Jose Mourinho says Wayne Rooney is Chelsea's only summer transfer target after Manchester United rejected their bid for the England striker.

Mourinho denied suggestions that David Luiz or Juan Mata were offered in part exchange for the 27-year-old.

And when asked if the Blues had made any other bids for players, the Portuguese said: "No - and we won't."

19 July 2013

Rooney: David Moyes says Man Utd striker not for sale

Manchester United manager David Moyes has again insisted Wayne Rooney is not for sale after Chelsea said the England striker is their sole transfer target.

Speaking at a news conference in Sydney, the United boss said: "The club's position has not changed."

20 July 2013

Pre-season Friendly: Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck star as Manchester United cruise in Sydney
Youngster Jesse Lingard netted twice as Manchester United enjoyed a comfortable 5-1 friendly victory over the A-League All Stars in Sydney.

The 20-year-old Warrington-born midfielder opened the scoring in Australia before adding a second goal early in the second half.

Danny Welbeck also poached a brace while Robin van Persie came off the bench to snatch the final goal in the 87th minute.

Lingard, who is yet to start a competitive match for the club, fired the tourists ahead with a low shot in the 11th minute after a clever dummy by Welbeck.

Welbeck then made it 2-0 on 34 minutes after good work by both Lingard and 39-year-old Ryan Giggs.

Ex-Burnley striker Besart Berisha pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute only for Lingard - who spent time on loan at Leicester last season - to restore United's two-goal advantage with an excellent strike from 18 yards.

Welbeck made it 4-1 in the 70th minute with a near-post glancing header from Van Persie's corner.

And the Dutchman, who replaced Giggs just after the hour mark, completed the scoring in front of more than 83,000 spectators at the Olympic Stadium with a low shot on the rebound after the home keeper had blocked his initial effort.

22 July 2013

Fabregas: Barcelona president warns off Man Utd
Barcelona have told Manchester United that Cesc Fabregas is not for sale.

United confirmed on Monday that they had submitted an improved bid - understood to be £30m plus add-ons for the midfielder - but reports in Spain claim that has been turned down.

"Fabregas is not for sale," a Barcelona source said on Monday. "The president (Sandro Rosell) has been very clear with Man United."

23 July 2013

Rooney: Manchester United striker may play in Sweden
Manchester United manager David Moyes expects Wayne Rooney to play against Swedish side AIK Fotboll on 6 August.

Rooney, who Moyes says will not be sold despite speculation about the striker's future, flew home from Thailand earlier in July with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old had spent just 24 hours on the pre-season tour but is expected to return for the friendly in Sweden.

"I do expect Wayne to be in Stockholm. As far as I know he is coming on," the United manager said.

"He has started light jogging and the feedback from the physios is that he is progressing, so hopefully those dates will still be right when we get back."

Pre-season Friendly: Yokohama F Marinos struck late to beat Manchester United 3-2
Manchester United suffered their second defeat in three pre-season matches as J. League outfit Yokohama F. Marinos struck late to sink David Moyes' men 3-2.

Jesse Lingard scored another goal to continue his impressive run of form but despite holding a half-time lead, United were unable to keep their advantage.

In the stadium where they won the World Club Cup in 2008, not even the introduction to great acclaim of Shinji Kagawa, who amazingly was named man of the match, could inspire United to victory, with Yoshihito Fujita netting the winner three minutes from time.

Having named a youthful starting line-up, manager Moyes must have been delighted at the manner in which they responded to a quite unexpected early setback.

Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck suffer knocks against Yokohama
Manchester United's attacking options could be further diminished after Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck picked up knocks during the 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos.

Van Persie was substituted at half-time during Tuesday's Nissan Stadium friendly while Welbeck pulled up after challenging for a through ball.

With Wayne Rooney back in England recovering from a hamstring injury, United boss David Moyes is hoping the pair's injuries are only minor.

"We've got a couple of wee worries," said Moyes. "Robin just felt his thigh in the first half and we didn't want to take any chances.

"Danny Welbeck felt his groin when he came on and we've just got to make sure they're all okay especially with so many games coming up.

"We've still got a few games to play before the season starts when we get back home."

Dortmund would welcome back Shinji Kagawa
Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insists Borussia Dortmund would happily welcome back Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa one day.

Watzke's claims come after the Japan international revealed to a local TV station that he was disappointed with his debut season in England, and would be open to a return to Dortmund in the future.

The attacking midfielder was frustrated by injuries and a lack of regular first-team football in his debut campaign in the Premier League, leading to speculation he is unsettled and a return to the Bundesliga could be on the cards.

"Shinji (Kagawa) is a player we would welcome back," Watzke told BILD. "The door is always for him at our club."

But Watzke knows that the chances of the 24-year-old making a sensational return are unlikely after just one season in the Premier League.

24 July 2013

Januzaj not keen on loan move from Manchester United

Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj insists he would rather remain at Old Trafford and fight for a starting place than move elsewhere on loan.

The 18-year-old Belgian winger has yet to make a first-team appearance for United but was named on the bench for the 5-5 draw at West Brom in Sir Alex Ferguson's final game last season.

Januzaj was taken on the club's pre-season tour to the Far East and Australia by boss David Moyes and has made a positive impression so far.

"My target for the season is to try and get some games for the first team," he said.

"I have not spoken to the manager about it yet but I would prefer to do that rather than go out on loan.

"That is what I came here for. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United."

Evans says Manchester United relish tough Premier League start
Jonny Evans says Manchester United will relish a tough opening month to start their Premier League title defence.

David Moyes' competitive reign will begin with games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City after an opening-day trip to Swansea.

It has been debated outside of the club what pressure would be exerted on new manager Moyes should those results go badly but Northern Ireland centre-half Evans offers a different perspective.

"Whenever we have had a batch of tough fixtures in the past we have done really well and come out of them in strong positions," he said.

"At Manchester United, you have to win every game, no matter what the opponent. That is the way it is here.

25 July 2013

Fabregas: Manchester United move is 'ongoing'
Manchester United have not given up on their efforts to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have failed with two bids for the former Arsenal player, the latest of which is understood to be £30m plus add-ons.

But David Moyes has confirmed he is still targeting the 26-year-old as his first capture since taking over as manager at Old Trafford.

He told a news conference in Osaka that "things are ongoing".

Song says Cesc Fabregas "will not be leaving Barcelona"
Alex Song is convinced Cesc Fabregas will still be a Barcelona player at the start of the new season.

Song, the former Arsenal midfielder who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Spain in 2012, says his team-mate has no intention of quitting Camp Nou.

Fabregas, also a former Gunner, has been the subject of two bids from Manchester United already this summer, and David Moyes said this week he will give the transfer "every opportunity to materialise".

But after featuring in Barca's friendly defeat at Bayern Munich Song told Sky Sports News he is "100%" sure Fabregas is going nowhere.

He said: "I did not speak with him but I know Cesc is 100 per cent here.

"He loves Barcelona, he loves the club. He will stay here next season and give 100 per cent because I know him very well and he'll want to fight. He's focused on the club.

"He wants just to give his best for Barcelona. He's from Barcelona, he loves Barcelona and he'll want to start the season to show what he can do.

Moyes to learn from Ryan Giggs in Champions League
David Moyes has admitted he will have to learn about the UEFA Champions League quickly and says he will ask Ryan Giggs for advice as he bids to plot a course to European glory for Manchester United.

Moyes made the move to Old Trafford this summer after a decade in charge at Everton, but while he is vastly experienced in the Premier League he has never before managed on the Champions League stage.

He is relishing the prospect of continental competition but recognises that it will be a steep learning curve and he plans to make the most of player-coach Giggs' knowledge.

"For me it will be a thrill," said Moyes. "I'm going to have to learn a lot quickly and that's where I'm looking to the likes of Ryan Giggs and a few players around me for the things which I need to be told about.

"It's not all about the playing side of it.

"I've been in the Champions League, watched loads of games, managed in the Europa League. Everybody has to start somewhere."

26 July 2013

Moyes has challenged his Manchester United players to start well
David Moyes has challenged his players to hit the ground running with title contenders Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal waiting to capitalise when his debut campaign as Manchester United boss kicks off next month.

Moyes must pit his wits against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, north-west rivals Liverpool and his Manchester rivals City after an opening-day trip to Swansea at the start of the club's Premier League trophy defence.

"Manchester United is a great football club that has been successful most years," said the Scot at the launch of the club's new away kit.

"The biggest strategy we have is to continue that. We want to be winners and with the group of players I have, I am sure that will happen."

Phil Neville backs David Moyes to succeed as Manchester United manager
Phil Neville believes that David Moyes has all of the qualities needed to be the perfect replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

Neville returned to Old Trafford this summer in a coaching capacity, following eight years playing under Moyes at Everton, where he was handed the captain's armband.

Moyes has come under much scrutiny in his early days in charge of United, but Neville insists that the new boss is already having a big impact on the training pitch.

"David has been preparing for this job all his life and whether it has been at Preston or Everton, he has, at the back of his mind, always been thinking that one day he wanted to manage the best," he told The Sun.

"He has the drive and the determination and already he has the respect of the players. That is his strength - out on the training field when he is coaching the team.

"As a young coach, you can learn a massive amount from his sessions. The players have said that the structure and the way each session has a theme has challenged them. David is very hands-on and likes to do a lot of the coaching.

"It's not just about stamping his own style, but it is continuing the style we have got and that United demand while adding his own touches to it as well.

"He is from that part of Glasgow where they tell the truth and say it how it is.

"So if you are doing well he will tell you, if you are doing bad he will tell you - he won't sugar-coat anything. But he has a humble, human side as well which most Glaswegians have."

Neville retired from playing football at the end of last season, but was keen to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Gary, by going into coaching, and he says he was delighted to be able to continue to work with Moyes.

"It seemed like this was fate in a way - David got the United job and I came back home. I can't wait for the first game," he said.

Fabregas: Man Utd told Barcelona player not for sale
Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told Manchester United that they will not sell midfielder Cesc Fabregas at any price.

United manager David Moyes revealed on Thursday that the deal was "ongoing" but the Spanish club insist no offer will be accepted for the 26-year-old.

Bartomeu said: "United's interest for Cesc Fabregas is obvious, he's a great player but it does not bother us.

"It does not matter what they offer us, we are not selling him."

Pre-season Friendly: Zaha earns Manchester United a 2-2 friendly draw with Cerezo Osaka
Substitute Wilfried Zaha grabbed a late equaliser as Manchester United earned a 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka on Friday.

United playmaker Shinji Kagawa was taking on his former employers and revelled in the hole role behind Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck.

The hosts took the lead on 34 minutes when Chris Smalling's defensive error created a chance for Kenyu Sugimoto, who finished it clinically, rolling the ball past a wrong-footed Anders Lindegaard into the net.

Kagawa spurned the chance for an equaliser on 53 minutes when Jin-Hyeon Kim dived to his right to save his penalty, which was awarded after Ashley Young was sent tumbling in the 18-yard box.

But the former Borussia Dortmund man made amends a minute later, latching onto Ryan Giggs' cross from the left, swivelling and beating goalkeeper Kim with a low left-footed strike.

The hosts went ahead again on 63 minutes when 18-year-old forward Takumi Minamino sent a 20-yard piledriver into the top of the net, giving Lindegaard no chance at all.

But in the dying seconds, Zaha spared United's blushes when he put the icing on the cake to a flowing move by tapping home from close range.

Zaha says he is keen to make his mark at Manchester United
Wilfried Zaha says he is desperate to appear in as many games as possible in his first season as a Manchester United player.

The 20-year-old moved to Old Trafford for £15million in January 2013 before moving back to Selhurst Park on loan until the season finished.

He subsequently won the Championship's Player of the Year award after helping guide the Eagles back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The England international rejected any suggestions he may be loaned out again by new United manager David Moyes after firing a late equaliser in the 2-2 friendly draw with Cerezo Osaka in Japan.

"My own target for my first season in Manchester is to be able to get minutes," Zaha said.

"I don't want to go out on loan or anything. I just want to play when I get the chance."

Moyes admits Hong Kong pitch concerns
Manchester United boss David Moyes says he is worried about the state of the pitch at the Hong Kong Stadium, where his side are due to play on Monday.

Hong Kong has been hit by heavy rain and the surface has been described as a "killer pitch" by Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio.

On Wednesday Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen suffered ankle-ligament damage in the Asia Trophy loss to Sunderland.

"I do have concerns about the surface," Moyes admitted on Friday.

Speaking after United's 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka, Moyes added: "It is mainly due to the weather."

Alcantara denies claims about Manchester United interest
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara insists he was never approached by Manchester United about a move to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old Spaniard joined Bayern from Barcelona earlier this month, ending speculation about a possible summer switch to United.

Thiago's father and agent, Mazinho, suggested his son had been "very close" to joining the Premier League champions, but the Spain Under-21 international appeared to contradict this claim.

"The truth is that in no moment did United come to us and talk to us. It came from the press, it was always a lie," he said.

27 July 2013

Scholes hopes Manchester United can sign Cesc Fabregas and urges Wayne Rooney to stay
Paul Scholes believes the arrival of Cesc Fabregas at Manchester United would ensure the club remains a dominant force in the Premier League next season.

New Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino insists he is determined to keep Fabregas, despite constant speculation about the ex-Arsenal midfielder returning to England with United.

Scholes played against Fabregas on a number of occasions before announcing his retirement last season and he feels the 26-year-old would help the club challenge for more silverware in the new campaign.

"Well it would be nice to sign a player of that quality," he told Sky Sports News.

"He's proven in the Premier League, obviously he's with Barcelona, it's a big club, it will be difficult to get him away from there. But if you do, you have to fancy your chances strongly that we can go on and be successful with a player like that in your team."

Wayne Rooney sat out Scholes' final game for United in May after making a transfer request and his future at the club is uncertain, with Chelsea keen to sign the unsettled striker.

Moyes is reluctant to sell Rooney and Scholes has advised the England international to remain at Old Trafford.

"Well my advice would be to stay obviously," he said. "I don't think there's anywhere better than Manchester United to play your football, but it's not the same for every person.

"If someone is not happy there then they want to go. If that's Wayne's feeling then that's up to him, but he's a top, top player and I think every United player and fan hopes he stays."

Lindegaard impressed by Chris Woods
Anders Lindegaard has praised the contribution of new Manchester United goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.

United boss David Moyes has brought Woods in from former club Everton, with the former England international taking over from Eric Steele at Old Trafford.

Denmark international Lindegaard has not been working with Woods for long but admits he is impressed by what he has seen so far.

"It is very different with Chris compared to what we are used to," said Lindegaard, who played in Friday's 2-2 draw with J-League side Cerezo Osaka in their pre-season friendly.

"All I can say is that I have had a very good impression of him. I don't want to go into details but everything is different.

"It has been a very good experience because he has done a brilliant job.

"He slid into his new role in Manchester really well. I am enjoying working with him."

Scholes confirms talks with Manchester United manager David Moyes
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has confirmed he has held preliminary talks with manager David Moyes about one day becoming part of his coaching staff.

Scholes retired from football in 2011 and did get involved with some coaching at Old Trafford only to reverse his decision and return to action in January 2012.

But he called it a day again at the end of last season and is planning on taking a break from the game before considering a coaching position in the future.

"I have spoken to him (Moyes) a couple of times but I am going to take a nice break now and try and get my head away from football for a little bit," Scholes told Sky Sports News.

"You do find it hard with all the pre-season games though, you find yourself watching them.

"I am going to take along break then see how I feel.

"Obviously it's nice there is something there for me if I want to go back to it.

"I am sure ultimately I probably will do (take up the coaching offer)."

Ferdinand impressed by new Manchester United signing Wilfried Zaha
Rio Ferdinand says he has been hugely impressed by the impact Wilfried Zaha has made in the early weeks of his Manchester United career.

Zaha has caught the eye in a couple of United's pre-season friendlies, and scored a late equaliser in Osaka on Friday against J.League side Cerezo.

Ferdinand admits Zaha lacks experience, but he is confident the winger - signed from Crystal Palace - can make a real impact this season.ar.

"Wilfried is a fantastic talent. That is why you pay £15m for a kid," said Ferdinand. "He is raw, with great individual skills and the early indications are that he is a hard worker.

"He wants to be a top footballer and he wants to improve. With those attributes, that desire and the influences he will have at this club, hopefully we will have a top player on our hands.

"Wilfried can take people on from a standing start.

"He is quick and direct but what has surprised me more is that he gets his shots off.

"I have not watched him loads but obviously he is a winger who has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents' box. That is a good thing to have."

Manchester United cancel open training session as rain threatens game
Manchester United have cancelled an open training session at the Hong Kong Stadium as continued bad weather threatens to hinder their pre-season schedule.

United, who are due to play Kitchee FC in the stadium on Monday, have taken the decision after the torrential rain in the region over the last few days.

That match - the final game of United's five-match tour of Asia and Australia - would now appear to be at risk, with Moyes having admitted concerns about the pitch on Friday before further storms.

"Manchester United, Kitchee and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session, planned for tomorrow (Sunday) evening at the Hong Kong stadium," read a statement on behalf of the club.

"The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week, as well as staging a number of games in a very short space of time.

Henriquez a target for Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza boss Paco Herrera has confirmed his club's interest in Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez.

Herrera has told the media in Chile that he feels Henriquez would be a good signing for Zaragoza as they bid to bounce back to La Liga after suffering relegation at the end of last season.

"We are very interested in Angelo Henriquez," Herrera is quoted as saying in El Mercurio.

"We have been following him and we hope to get a response from their club soon."

"He is a striker full of technical qualities, could be a good signing."

Teenage forward Henriquez, who has already been capped at senior international level by Chile, joined Manchester United last September.

He was unable to break into Sir Alex Ferguson's first XI but gained vital experience of the Premier League when he was sent out on loan to Wigan Athletic for the second half of the season.

Henriquez has previously admitted that he would be prepared to go out on loan again, and Zaragoza looks to be a possible destination.

28 July 2013

Fabregas: David Moyes unsure of new Man Utd bid
Manchester United manager David Moyes is confident he will add to his squad this summer, but has yet to decide whether he will make a third bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have had two bids rejected for the 26-year-old with Barcelona insistent he is not for sale.

"I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid [for Fabregas]," he said.

"I never at any time said I knew we would get him. We will take stock and consider what we are going to do next."

Moyes: No feud with Jose Mourinho over Wayne Rooney
Manchester United boss David Moyes insists there is no feud with Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho has irritated Moyes by openly stating his interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

When both clubs were in Bangkok at the start of their pre-season tours of the Far East Mourinho claimed discussion of other club's players was off-limits - only then to say he would be a "hypocrite" if he denied he was a fan of the England international.

That led to talk of mind games between the two managers, which Moyes fuelled when he said "bring it on".

But Moyes insists there is no conflict between the pair, beyond what normally exists between competing managers, and that they have always got along.

"Jose Mourinho is a tremendous manager," said Moyes. "He has done really well in the Premier League.

"Like me, he started doing his coaching badges in Scotland and whilst I wouldn't say I know him that well, I do know him."

And Moyes revealed he offered his sympathies after Mourinho's exit from Chelsea in 2008.

"I remember when he lost his job I wrote him a letter," he said. "So, for people to say there is any feud is wrong.

"Of course, you are going to find two really competitive managers. When our teams play we will both be highly committed to make sure our clubs win.

"But I admire him for how well he has done as a manager."

Sir Bobby Charlton: Wayne Rooney will stay and beat my goalscoring record
Sir Bobby Charlton reckons Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United and go on to beat his goalscoring record.

The England striker, whose tally of 197 goals is 52 short of Charlton's club record, has been left "angry and confused" by comments from David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward since the end of last season and is open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford.

But United continue to insist Rooney - named publicly by Jose Mourinho as Chelsea's sole remaining transfer target this summer - is not for sale at any price.

And Charlton, now a United director, told laureus.com: "Wayne Rooney is a Manchester United player and I think that he will continue to be a Manchester United player.

"I don't like losing really, really good players and he is a really great player.

"I was hoping one day that he might score as many goals as I had and that would have been really nice if it was at our club - and I'm still thinking that way."

Moyes dismisses concerns over state of Hong Kong pitch
Manchester United boss David Moyes has dismissed concerns about the state of the pitch in Hong Kong where they will play on Monday.

The surface has been in a terrible state because of heavy rain before Tottenham played Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy last Wednesday.

More rain fell on Sunday, though the efforts of Spurs groundsman Darren Baldwin at least ensured the tournament was completed on time with Manchester City beating Sunderland in the final.

Baldwin has now flown home, and United will play the final game of their five-match pre-season tour against Kitchee FC on Monday evening.

Moyes was present to watch Spurs' game and he cancelled a planned open training session with the aim of protecting the pitch.

But he insists the show must go on, and the fixture will be fulfilled.

"Two teams have to play on it," Moyes said. "It is the same for everybody. We are used to playing on good surfaces and pitches but there was nothing the people in Hong Kong could do to make the weather any better. It was terrible for three or four days.

"It is drying out now, which might make it worse if it gets bobbly."

Vidic set for return to action
Nemanja Vidic is in line for his first pre-season action for a Manchester United XI against Crewe on Monday night.

The Reds skipper did not travel with the squad on Tour 2013 presented by Aon, due to a mild case of sciatica, but has been working on his fitness at the Aon Training Complex.

And boss David Moyes confirmed at a press conference in Hong Kong on Sunday: "Vidic is coming on well. If everything goes well, he'll play tomorrow evening at Crewe."