David Beckham could become Manchester United ambassador

This morning's Sun claims United's American owners are keen to exploit Beckham's popularity to boost the club's profile.

The paper quotes a United source, who says: "It's something that has only been whispered at this stage but Beckham will always be part of the United family.

"He could do for us what Sir Bobby Charlton has done for us all these years.

"There are emerging markets all the time and there could come a time in the very near future when Becks' association with United would be renewed. "The club has lost Cristiano Ronaldo as a key marketing tool and Becks would help fill that void when he retires."

Beckham left United under something of a cloud in 2003 after his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson became strained. However, he has always professed his continuing love for United, the club he supported as a boy.

Manchester United to swoop for Valencia duo David Silva and David Villa

David Silva has his audition at the Theatre of Dreams tonight as Sir Alex Ferguson ponders a £25million swoop for the Valencia star.

Ferguson has been tracking Silva all summer and will be eager to see how the Spanish playmaker performs in the friendly against Manchester United.

Despite making tentative enquiries about Silva, United have yet to make an official bid. The Reds have moved ahead of long-term admirers Liverpool after Rafa Benitez accused Valencia of making public their negotiations.

Unlike Liverpool, Fergie also has the cash to capture Silva with £80million from Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid sitting in the club's bank account.

Valencia would find it hard to refuse a £25m offer for Silva because of their huge debts, although they are adamant that £40m-rated David Villa is not for sale.

READ OUR PROFILE ON DAVID VILLA HERE

Club president Manuel Lorente insists Villa will not be leaving the Mestalla, saying: "The club is not interested in selling this player. We have not received any formal offers and it is not in our plans to consider David Villa's exit."

Regardless of the outcome of Fergie's pursuit of Silva, Michael Carrick feels Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia have already plugged the gap left by Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. The Geordie was impressed by the new boys during United's Asia tour and the Audi Cup in Munich.

Owen has bagged four goals from five games, while Valencia netted on his debut in the win over Boca Juniors in Bavaria.

"Michael's already done really well," said Carrick.

"He's a top player and I'm sure he'll score lots of goals for us.

"Antonio joined us a little later for training so I've only seen a bit of him so far, but he's already shown what great qualities he has."

Carrick, 28, claims the clash with Valencia is precisely what United need now as they prepare for the big kick-off against Birmingham at home on Sunday week.

"Valencia are a top side," he said. "This will allow us to gauge where we're at and look at the things that need tweaking or working on ." Despite Carrick's optimism, United's pre-season plans have suffered a blow with the news that keeper Edwin Van der Sar will be out for two months with a broken hand.

The Dutchman had surgery yesterday after breaking two bones saving a penalty in the defeat to Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup last Thursday.

David Silva

Born: Jan 8 1986 CLUBS: Valencia 89 games, 13 goals. All comps: 118 games, 21 goals. Eibar (loan) 35 games, 5goals, Celta Vigo (loan) 34 4 goals. 26 games, 3 goals. seven-year contract June 2007.

David Villa

Born: Dec 3 1981 CLUBS: Sp Gijon 80 games, 38 goals, Zaragoza 73 games, 31 goals, Valencia 134 games, 86 goals.

All Comps: 167 games, 101 goals SPAIN: 49 games, 31 goals. Top scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals.

Manchester United’s Van der Sar to Miss Start of New Season After Surgery

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will miss the start of the soccer season following surgery on a broken finger and bone in his left hand.

Van der Sar, who got injured saving a penalty in United’s shootout loss to Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup pre-season tournament, won’t be back until Aug. 29 at the earliest, United said on its Web site.

Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak are the backup goalkeepers in United’s squad. United manager Alex Ferguson last month backed Foster, 26, to eventually establish himself as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.

United plays Chelsea in the Community Shield on Aug. 9 before opening the defense of its Premier League title a week later against Birmingham.

David Beckham Could Return To Manchester United After Retirement - Report

UK tabloid The Sun reports that Manchester United are scouting out David Beckham to take on an ambassadorial role at the club once his career draws to a close.

The Premier League giants are already among the very most popular teams in world sport, but the owners - the Glazer family - are nevertheless looking at ways to further enhance the club's global appeal.

And what better way to corner the worldwide market than by making perhaps the most recognisable footballer on the planet the face of your campaign?

Interestingly, it is understood that Beckham will be teamed up with Sir Alex Ferguson, the man largely responsible for the England midfielder's exit from Old Trafford in 2003, once the Scottish manager calls it quits.

Furthermore, there is a suggestion that United are hatching these plans now in an attempt to recover some of the glamour they lost with the sale of a certain Portuguese star to Real Madrid.

An 'insider' was quoted as saying, "The club has lost Cristiano Ronaldo as a key marketing tool and 'Becks' would help fill that void when he retires."

Manchester United's Edwin Van der Sar out for two months

Manchester United will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, for about two months after the Dutchman had surgery on a broken finger and bone in his left hand.

Van der Sar sustained the injury saving a penalty during United's shoot-out against Bayern Munich in a pre-season tournament in Germany last week and United have confirmed he will be out for "up to eight weeks".

His absence opens the way for Ben Foster to prove his worth at Old Trafford. Foster has been described by United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, as England's best goalkeeper but the 26-year-old has had few first-team chances because of injuries and Van der Sar's excellence.

With United ruling out Van der Sar until 29 August at the earliest, Foster has a chance to stake a claim for a regular place not just with his club but also with England in the build-up to next summer's World Cup.

United play a friendly against Valencia tonight and then face Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday before the Premier League season begins. Tomasz Kuszczak is the other goalkeeping option available to Ferguson.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Liverpool Are No Threat To Manchester United

After last season saw Liverpool mount their first serious challenge for the Premier League title this decade, some are backing them to go a step further in the 2009-10 edition.

Sir Alex Ferguson is not one of those people.

The Manchester United boss held off Rafael Benitez's Reds down the stretch last term to claim a third straight PL crown, and he doubts that the Merseysiders will pose any more of a threat this time around.

"It will be hard for them to match last season, let alone improve on it. Other teams will know more about them," Ferguson told The Sun.

"Liverpool had probably their best season for 20 years and still finished four points adrift."

Some observers have begun leaning towards the Scot's way of thinking now that 'Pool have confirmed that Xabi Alonso, arguably their star man last season, is on his way to Real Madrid.

However, Ferguson is not convinced that the Spanish midfielder's departure will have much of an effect either way, as he is of the opinion that the Scousers' greatest weapons lie further afield.

"The thrust of their team is all about [Steven] Gerrard and [Fernando] Torres," he added.

Still, the question remains: who will be Man United's most dangerous rivals in 2009-10? Ferguson believes the answer is to be found in west London.

"It has to be Chelsea as the main threat. [Carlo] Ancelotti will change how they play," he said.

"They will play the Milan way. It brought him two European Cups - it should have been three, because they should never have lost to Liverpool. So why should he change?"

Eriksson Backs Manchester United's Michael Owen For World Cup Appearance With England

Sven-Goran Eriksson, now installed in a role as director of football at League Two outfit Notts County, believes that Michael Owen still has the capability to lead the line for England in next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Owen signed for Manchester United earlier in the summer and is currently the Red Devils' pre-season top scorer.

Eriksson thinks he will have no problem scoring goals in this season's Premier League and subsequently re-establishing himself in Fabio Capello's England side.

"I'm very pleased to see Michael back and injury-free," the Swede told Sky Sports News.

"Because he 's been extremely unlucky with injuries, one after the other, and he's been out more than he's played during the last years.

"Of course, if Michael Owen is fit, if he's playing more or less regularly, he's a man who can do the World Cup, but that's up to Capello.

"But a fit Michael Owen is always a guarantee that there will be goals scored."Eriksson also felt that the

Three Lions has the right man at the helm in Capello, with the Italian having all the pieces in place ready to mount a serious challenge in next year's tournament in South Africa.

"The team is good," he added.

"Fabio for sure is a good manager. He has everything there too. As I have said before, they are almost qualified, and they will qualify and then [they have] to prepare for the World Cup in the best way possible."

Valencia issue Villa warning to Manchester United and Liverpool

Liverpool and Manchester United will have to break the bank to prise David Villa away from Valencia, after boss Unai Emery described the Spain striker as “priceless”.

Villa’s future at Valencia had been in doubt with reports that his club may be forced to cash in on their prized asset due to financial difficulties.

Rafa Benitez is believed to be keen on using money gained from the expected sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid to link Villa up with his Spanish international colleague, Fernando Torres.

United are also monitoring the situation and though Sir Alex Ferguson stated that his summer spending is over, with £80million burning a hole in his pocket after Madrid swooped for Cristiano Ronaldo, he would surely open up his chequebook if Villa was to become available.

However, Emery has claimed that Valencia don’t need to sell and reiterated that Villa is committed to staying put.

Emery said: “Valencia want to keep David, but he also wants to stay with us. We don't want to sell him because he is priceless. Barcelona and Real Madrid have already shown an interest in him but David decided to come back to us.

“That was an unbelievable feeling for the club and we don't believe he will change (for Liverpool or Manchester United).”

Meanwhile, Manchester City are set to complete their move for Joleon Lescott.

The Everton defender is expected to hand in a transfer request in a bid to prompt a £20m switch to Eastlands.

City have already had two bids turned down by the Merseyside club.

But it is understood that Lescott is in the process of formally writing to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to make it clear that he wants to leave, even if it means waiving his rights to a pay-off.

Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung Omitted From South Korea Squad

Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung has been omitted from the latest South Korea squad, allowing him extra time to prepare for the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

South Korea take on Paraguay in Seoul in a friendly on August 12 but coach Huh Jung-Moo has decided not to call-up the former PSV Eindhoven man.

Having already returned to pre-season training late following his World Cup commitments, Park may well have missed United's opening two fixtures against Birmingham City and Burnley had he travelled with the rest of his national squad.

With South Korea's place in next year's World Cup in South Africa already assured, Huh has recognised the importance of Park remaining in Manchester next week.

"There is a full list of fixtures and [Manchester United] have made new signings so the start of the season is very important for Park," the South Korea coach told the Press Association.

United have only recently returned home following their participation in the Audi Cup, where they lost out to Bayern Munich on penalties in the final.

The Red Devils take on Valencia in a friendly at Old Trafford on Wednesday before meeting Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

Main threat to champions United comes from much closer to home

THE final day of last season may be remembered more for Phil Brown's off-key singing on the KC Stadium pitch than the usual high drama, but 2008-09 was still one to savour in the Premier League.

Whether it was Liverpool's dogged pursuit of Manchester United, Aston Villa's attempts to ambush the 'Big Four' or the early heroics of newly-promoted Hull City, there were so many twists and turns that it was sometimes difficult to keep up.

Richard Scudamore warns teams over mid-season friendlies

The Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, believes it would take an improbable combination of events to make an increase in mid-season friendlies a feasible option.

Friendly matches played during the season are not uncommon with Manchester United having played a testimonial game in Saudi Arabia in January 2008 while Manchester City will head to Abu Dhabi in November to tackle the United Arab Emirates national team during the international break.

India is rumoured to be considering a bid to host an exhibition between United and Liverpool some time before Christmas and the United chief executive, David Gill, admitted last month that a mid-season friendly is something they would consider. However, Scudamore believes such a proposition is unrealistic.

"It is almost physically impossible I would think unless they both decided they did not want to play in the FA Cup, which no one will be recommending they do," he said. "There is almost no chance of being able to plan with enough certainty and in advance friendlies within the season until you know you are knocked out of various competitions. This is going to be a very limited opportunity for a very limited few.

"We get many, many people with many, many schemes in terms of when they would like to play, who they would like to play and how they would like to do it. I can't sit here and react to every 'let's play this game here' or 'let's play that game there'.

"It is such a rare combination of events, you would have to get knocked out of the Cup and with these things you can suddenly see a date appear in the calendar, but with only two weeks' notice."

United and Liverpool both enjoyed hugely popular tours to the far east recently and friendly matches played during the season could be seen as a more realistic option than the implementation of an extra Premier League fixture played abroad.

The proposition for a 39th game was unveiled in February last year but garnered a largely negative reaction and while Scudamore admits the controversial plan is still being considered, it will not be looked at again until mid-2010 at the earliest.

"In some ways [the 39th game] is further away now than perhaps it's ever been," he added. "We won't come back to look at anything strategically again for the 39th game before mid 2010 and we'll work on it again.

"We spent a long time talking to host cities about the 39th game and we never worried that we could generate the attendances and make the game work in some way. But that doesn't mean it's going to happen. It's very much on the back burner and there are no immediate plans."

Manchester United Spokesman: We Did Not Steal Pogba From Le Havre

Manchester United have denied claims they stole 16 year-old Paul Pogba from Le Harve.

The Red Devils had been accused of offering large sums of money to the parents of the teenage midfielder to seduce him into coming to the Premier League.

The French club denied the claims in a statement which read: "This act is even more unacceptable as it comes from a club with such stature."

However, a United spokesman told BBC Sport, "It is complete nonsense. Everything has been done within UEFA guidelines."

Pogba is the latest youngster to move to Old Trafford amid controversy resulting from Federico Macheda's equally contentious move from Lazio to United two years ago.

Man United Stars: Help Children With HIV/AIDS Lead A Normal Life

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3(Bernama) -- The excitement and anxiety were on their faces. The children had been fidgeting with nervousness almost one hour before the 'special guests' arrived.

Chris Ng, the facilitator for the event, was busy chatting with the children who sat in a circle, more of an effort to soothe their nerves.

As soon as the special guests appeared, their faces lighted up, in particular M.H, for he now came face to face with his football icons -- Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Federico 'Kiko' Macheda of the Manchester United Football Club.

The three Manchester United players visited these children of five boys and four girls at PT Foundation's Positive Living Drop-In Centre on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman here, about four hours after the Red Devils team landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last July 17.

The English Premier League (EPL) champions were in Malaysia as part of their Asia Tour 2009.

The children selected for the get-together session were from families affected with HIV, whose parents were sex workers or drug users as well as street children and refugee children.

During the one-hour session, the children shared their feelings, dreams and daily life experiences, shadowed by HIV, drug abuse, violence, exploitation and displacement, with the special guests.

The Manchester United stars were joined by John Shiels, Manchester United Foundation Chief Executive.

Youssouf Oomar, Unicef Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam was also present.

EDUCATE THE PUBLIC

In an interview with the media, Giggs who has been associated with Unicef since 1999 said education would be the key to break down the stigma against children having HIV.

The people, he said, may not know a lot about HIV and AIDS and educating them will break down the stigma and allow the young children to lead a normal life and give them a chance any children would have.

In describing the suffering of marginalised children due to stigma as a tragedy, Giggs hoped the visit to PT Foundation Positive Living Drop-In Centre would send the much needed message.

"Hopefully today we can put across that message. There is no need to shun them or disown them. They are only children. Maybe they have different background and experience in life but they too have aspirations.

"No matter what their background is, where they live or their HIV status, they should be treated equally like the children I have seen here today. They are lovely and intelligent children.

"They want to make a difference in the world because of their experience and that is very pleasing to hear," said Giggs who was also appointed as Unicef's United Kingdom Ambassador since 2006.

He also hoped children who looked up to football players as their idols and did not know so much about HIV would adopt a positive attitude towards the affected children upon seeing pictures of the players interacting with them.

VERY INSPIRING

Meanwhile John Shiels said the slogan for the foundation, "Inspiring Potential Fulfilling Dream", aptly matched the get-together session between the footballers and children.

"It is about giving these youngsters a belief in themselves on what they want and with a little bit of luck and with them working hard, they can go towards it," he said.

During his talk with the children, Shiels was using Kiko who was born in Rome, Italy and who signed as a professional player with Manchester United at the age of 16, to inspire them.

"Kiko is now 17 years old. He has the world at his feet and he is tipped to be a big star but only if he makes the right decision along the way. The right decision to look after himself properly and surrounds himself with friends of values.

"The facilitator, Chris (Ng) explained to the children that they too have to make the same decision, to ask themselves whether they are in the right circle of friends," said Shiels.

According to Shiels, from what he had gathered while conversing with the children (Chris acting as the interpreter) was the feeling of anger welling up in their hearts for having to put on a 'public face' despite being frustrated with their lives.

The children, he said, was told there was nothing wrong in being angry but they must learn how to control their anger.

"There is more chance of finding a solution if they are positive rather than being negative and say there is nothing I can do.

"We also told them if they cannot find the answer, they should not be afraid to talk about the issues and to find people or agencies that can provide the answer," said Shiels who himself has four children who aged 15 to 19 years old.

As for Ng, he described the session as very beneficial for the children because the Manchester United players were living examples of success.

"The players shared their personal experience. Evra who is from Senegal is from a poor background and he told the children he never lost track of what he wanted to be.

"The players also stressed on discipline and education. The children really showed their interest. There was no language barrier and they were just being themselves," said Ng.

DREAM COMES TRUE

Speaking to Bernama after the football stars had left the session, M.H, 17, who has been playing football for the past six years, was obviously still on 'cloud nine'.

M.H said he was so elated when told two weeks ealier that he would be meeting the players, to a point he was not able to sleep.

"Giggs, Evra and Macheda, they are too good. I followed their games on television and meeting them today has made one of my dreams come true," said M.H who aspired to be a professional footballer.

M.H who sat next to Giggs during the interaction session said he posed a question to his football icon n what made Manchester United so successful.

"The reply was play well, believe in yourself and if you want to win you have to play good.

"I also asked Evra a question on how to be a good footballer and he told me if I want to be successful, I must believe in myself, train hard everyday and no matter what the people say, whether I can do or not do, I must just believe in myself. If I have a dream, just work on it and it will become true, "said M.H.

UNITED FOR UNICEF

The visit by the three Manchester United players and Shiels marked the latest highlight in the 10 years 'United for Unicef' partnership between the Old Trafford football club and Unicef.

It also signified the club's continuing commitment to Unicef's 'United for Children, United Against AIDS' global campaign.

Since 1999, the club has raised over US$3.75 million (approximately RM13 million) for Unicef programmes which had benefited over 1.5 children worldwide.

The club's 10-year partnership with Unicef coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child this year.

Oomar said children from marginalised communities, including children of sex workers and drug users as well as refugee children became virtually invisible as they were excluded from the mainstream of society due to prejudices, stigma and discrimination.

"The fact that the players came today, talking to the children and brought joy to the children, it is because they care and concerned. They feel they can do something to bring some joy in the lives of the children and keep that smile on their face.

"It is great so let us together be united for children so that together united we can keep the smile of the face of the child," said Oomar.

-- BERNAMA

Manchester United and Liverpool fight over Valencia star Villa

Manchester United and Liverpool are poised to go to war over Valencia hotshot David Villa.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is determined to snap up Villa once Xabi Alonso completes his move to Real Madrid but he faces stiff competition from his fierce rival, Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United boss, despite claiming his summer spending was over, has realised the club would be short of attacking options should Michael Owen’s injury curse stike again.

United officials will discusss a possible deal for Villa when they meet their Valencia couterparts before Wednesday's glamour friendly at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils would have to pay £25 million to land the Spainish star who can play in midfield or up front.

The 27-year-old had hoped to continue his career in Spain but moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona collapsed.

David Silva is another Valencia star attracting the interest of Ferguson.

Alonso is expected to complete his deal with Real today for £30million and Benitez would love to pair Villa with his compatriot Fernando Torres.

If Villa evades the club, Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani is also on Benitez's radar.

Liverpool were in action in a pre-season friendly last night, but they crashed 3-0 to Espanyol in a game celebrating the Spanish club’s new home, Estadi Cornella-El Prat.

Real Madrid target Alonso made a brief appearance, leaping off the bench with six minutes remaining.

Goals from Luis Garcia and a brace from ex-Chelsea reserve Ben Sahar sealed the win.

Manchester United To Tempt Sergio Aguero From Atletico Madrid - Report

Premier League champions Manchester United are set to re-ignite their interest in Argentine wonder kid Sergio Aguero, and reports suggest that they will test Atletico Madrid’s resolve with a substantial bid.

The 21-year old had another successful season in La Liga with Los Colchoneros, partnering Diego Forlan in attack for the Champions League qualifiers, and has been previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The English side have cash to burn following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, and The Sunday Express comments that Sir Alex Ferguson will look to the young striker as he builds his side for defending their league crown.

A bid of around €41m is expected from Old Trafford, despite Atletico frequently insisting that Aguero is not for sale at any price, but Ferguson sees Aguero as a direct replacement to Carlos Tevez and wants to boost his striking options.

The Red Devils are also interested in Valencia winger David Silva, who has also been linked with rivals Liverpool, and it is believed that an offer of around €29m would be sufficient to commence negotiations with Los Che over a possible transfer.

Carragher wary of Owen threat

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is pleased to see former Red Michael Owen back at a top-four club, but hopes his friend finds life at Manchester United tough going.

Carragher predicted United's latest signing could prove a masterstroke for Sir Alex Ferguson, but is crossing his fingers the England striker struggles for goals in the Premier League title race.

"For me, Michael Owen is still a great player and great role model and I have this feeling he'll be good for United." Carragher told the Sunday Mirror. "But he plays for our biggest rivals now so he'll know I won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts."

He added: "In a way I'm pleased he's got a big move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle.

"Why? What did he do wrong up there?

"He's scored a lot of goals in the first few games for United and I hope he scores a few more pre-season because I want him to do well.

"But as soon as the season starts I hope he has a drought."

Despite his respect for Owen's talents, Carragher believes Liverpool's forward pairing of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard could not be bettered.

"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres. There is no better partnership in the world at the moment.

"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker, but that's what he has become and, for me, in that position behind the main forward there is no one better. When he's playing alongside Torres they have the ability to tear defences wide open in a split second."

Manchester United To End Interest In Gremio's Douglas Costa - Report

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be ready to end his interest in Gremio sensation Douglas Costa because of fears surrounding his private life.

United have been monitoring the progress of the 18-year-old for some time, and were thought to be readying an offer for the player earlier in the summer.

Ferguson declared that the spending at Old Trafford to have come to a close, however, after the signings of Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen, Gabriel Obertan and Mame Biram Diouf.

The News Of The World is now reporting that Costa was arrested by Brazilian police earlier this week for driving without a valid license.

The UK tabloid also states the midfielder has been criticised by coaches at Gremio in the past for turning up late for training and leading a party lifestyle, despite the fact he does not drink.

Such revelations, coupled with the Red Devils' unwillingness to activate a buy-out clause in Costa's contract, thought to be set at £18 million, could bring and end to any possible move in the near future, according to the Sunday newspaper.

Jamie Carragher salutes Sir Alex Ferguson for signing Michael Owen

Jamie Carragher believes Sir Alex Ferguson has produced another masterstroke by signing Michael Owen.

The Anfield defender says any suggestion Manchester United are a spent force following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid has been dispelled by the arrival of the one-time Kop idol.

Carragher admits Liverpool's rivalry with United makes it impossible for him to wish his close friend a successful time at Old Trafford.

But he predicts the reds from the opposite end of the East Lancs Road will once again be the team to beat if Liverpool are to end a 20-year wait for the title.

Carragher said: "Signing Michael Owen was a clever piece of business by United and he has started really well for them in pre-season.

"In a way I am pleased he's got a move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle.

"Why? What did the lad do wrong up there? "For me, Michael Owen is still a great player and a great role model and I have this feeling he'll be good for United.

"Michael is a good friend of mine, but he plays for our biggest rivals now so he'll know won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts.

"He's scored a lot of goals in the first few games for United and I hope he scores a few more pre-season because I want him to do well.

"But as soon as the season starts I hope he has a drought!

"That's only right because hopefully we are going to be big rivals again this season."

Carragher added: "I don't expect United to be weaker just because they've lost Ronaldo.

Rejuvenated Owen targets World Cup

LONDON: Michael Owen believes his move to Manchester United can help propel him into FabioCapello's England squad for the World Cup finals.

The 29-year-old striker has no doubt that he can still force his way back into the set-up despite an injury-plagued spell at relegated Newcastle which contributed to his international exile.

"My mind's been thinking about that since I was three years old in the back garden, and nothing has changed," Owen told told FourFourTwo magazine.

"Winning the World Cup is the ultimate - it's still my dream."

Owen also hit back at his critics who insist he is past his best and could struggle at Old Trafford where the summer exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have piled more pressure onto his shoulders.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce and Wigan owner David Whelan both distanced themselves from a move for Owen.

"If that was how they were perceiving me, fine, because the greatest accolade I could have is that Sir Alex Ferguson didn't think about that," Owen

"I can quietly sit here and and look around where I am now - and if anyone else wants to look at what they've said, then they might feel embarrassed. I don't feel I have to impress these people.

"I only need to prove things to people who believe in me. I want to show Sir Alex was right to believe in me."

Owen is unfazed about the challenge of filling the gap left by the departures of Tevez and Ronaldo.

"The team has lost two players - Tevez, who scored a few, and Ronaldo who got lots over the last two seasons," he said.

"There's a big hole to fill, and I hope I can help plug it in terms of goals. I can't do it on my own - but I will help out.

"When you sign for United you get excited about a lot of things. One of them, I hope, is scoring a lot of goals - because I am going to get a lot more chances here than at other teams."

Manchester United's Michael Owen has brushed aside criticism from Sam Allardyce and Dave Whelan, stating only Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion counts.

Rovers boss Allardyce questioned Owen's ability to play 36-games plus this season while Whelan felt that perhaps the 29-year-old's desire and hunger had faded over time.

However, the former Newcastle striker, who has impressed for The Red Devils in pre-season, believes Ferguson's desire to bring him to Old Trafford supersedes any negativity aimed his way.

Owen goes as far as saying the pair might even feel 'embarrassed' by their remarks, although he is focusing his effort on impressing the United boss, not silencing the doubters.

"If that was how they were perceiving me, fine, because the greatest accolade I could have is that Sir Alex Ferguson didn't think about that," he FourFourTwo magazine.

"I can quietly sit here and look around where I am now - and if anyone else wants to look at what they've said, then they might feel embarrassed. I don't feel I have to impress these people.

"I only need to prove things to people who believe in me. I want to show Sir Alex was right to believe in me."

English champions Manchester United have signed Paul Pogba from French Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre.

The signing does not sit well with the French side, however, as they find themselves losing one of their up and coming stars.

Le Havre believed the 16-year-old was bound by an agreement with the club until at least the end of the 2009/10 season.

According to the club's official website, the club announced: "Le Havre want to express their indignation at the actions of Manchester United officials and their pursuit of Paul Pogba,

"Paul Pogba, his parents and Le Havre were bound to a contract called a 'non-solicitation agreement' from autumn 2006.

"At the end of that contract, the three parties agreed to sign a trainee contract when the player matched certain age and scholarship criteria, taking him through to the end of the 2009/10 season.

Arsenal were also interested in aquiring the French starlet's services but were beaten to the punch.

"However, the player and his parents have refused to fulfill the agreement because Manchester United have offered big money to the parents to get their son to England.

"While a lot of voices have started to be heard coming out of the EU, governments, Fifa and Uefa against 'minor slave trade', Manchester United have not hesitated to uproot a 16-year-old kid."

The lure of the Red Devils seems too strong for Pogba to resist as he makes his way to Old Trafford.

Manchester United are to test Bayern Munich's resolve by tabling a £35million bid for Franck Ribery.

The France international midfielder has been the subject of numerous transfer rumours throughout the summer with United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spanish giants Real Madrid all trying to secure his services.

United will now however up the stakes by making a sizeable offer in two weeks time when Ribery is expected to land a loyalty bonus from Bayern before choosing to leave the German outfit.

Ribery has made no secret of his admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but the 26-year-old may yet be denied a move after his current employers slapped a staggering £85million price tag on his head.

Bundesliga runners-up Bayern are adamant that they will not sell their star asset, who is under contract until 2011.

Manchester United are to test Bayern Munich's resolve by tabling a £35million bid for Franck Ribery.

The France international midfielder has been the subject of numerous transfer rumours throughout the summer with United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spanish giants Real Madrid all trying to secure his services.

United will now however up the stakes by making a sizeable offer in two weeks time when Ribery is expected to land a loyalty bonus from Bayern before choosing to leave the German outfit.

Ribery has made no secret of his admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but the 26-year-old may yet be denied a move after his current employers slapped a staggering £85million price tag on his head.

Bundesliga runners-up Bayern are adamant that they will not sell their star asset, who is under contract until 2011.

Michael Owen insists he has nothing to prove at Manchester United, but feels critics may end up embarrassed about snubbing him

The former Liverpool forward was left kicking his heels for a while this summer after leaving Newcastle and appeared likely to end up at Hull or Stoke until Sir Alex Ferguson took him to Old Trafford.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce and Wigan owner Dave Whelan distanced themselves from a move for the England striker - and Owen, 29, believes they will realise they were wrong.

"If that was how they were perceiving me, fine, because the greatest accolade I could have is that Sir Alex Ferguson didn't think about that," Owen told FourFourTwo magazine.

"I can quietly sit here and and look around where I am now - and if anyone else wants to look at what they've said, then they might feel embarrassed. I don't feel I have to impress these people.

"I only need to prove things to people who believe in me. I want to show Sir Alex was right to believe in me."

Owen is unfazed about the challenge of filling the gap left by the departures of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The team has lost two players - Tevez, who scored a few, and Ronaldo who got lots over the last two seasons," he said.

"There's a big hole to fill, and I hope I can help plug it in terms of goals. I can't do it on my own - but I will help out.

"When you sign for United you get excited about a lot of things. One of them, I hope, is scoring a lot of goals - because I am going to get a lot more chances here than at other teams."

Owen insists his international ambitions remain stronger than ever as he contemplates next summer's World Cup.

"My mind's been thinking about that since I was three years old in the back garden, and nothing has changed," he said.

"Winning the World Cup is the ultimate - it's still my dream."

Rio Ferdinand backs Evans and Cathcart at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has revealed Manchester United’s future is in safe hands thanks to Northern Ireland duo Jonny Evans and Craig Cathcart.

While Evans won wide acclaim for his displays in the heart of the Old Trafford defence last season, Cathcart spent much of the campaign on loan at Plymouth Argyle to gain vital first-team experience.

Only injury prevented the 20-year old from making his international debut against Italy in June but Sir Alex Ferguson handed him his first start for the Premier League champions during the Audi Cup in Munich and he took the opportunity with both hands against Boca Juniors and Bayern Munich.

The Belfast man shone following injuries to Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic and will now push to follow in Evans’ footsteps to become a regular in the United squad.

Unfortunately for Evans, he missed a decisive penalty in a 7-6 shoot-out defeat in the final against Bayern, but Ferdinand is confident that the Ulstermen can eventually replace himself and Vidic as the regular centre-back pairing.

“We’ve got two young lads who are more or less playing in the first team and I think they have very big futures ahead of them,” said Ferdinand.

“Jonny has played a good few games now and has looked comfortable and assured.

“Craig has joined us in Germany and I think he has surprised a few people by how well he has done.

“I think everyone knew he had the potential to be a very good player but against Boca Juniors in particular, he confirmed he is player of real potential at Manchester United.”

Milk Cup: Manchester United too sharp for Blades

Manchester United made their own little bit of history on two counts as they retained the Premier Section of the Milk Cup last night in Coleraine.

They recorded a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United to become the only club to win back-to-back Premier titles.

It now leaves them on four trophies overall, which is again unsurpassed at that level in the Milk Cup’s 27 year history.

United boss Paul McGuiness said: “It’s a really good achievement and quite a lot of the boys can come back next year, so maybe they can make it three in a row.”

The young Red Devils had started the week on fire in the group stages, but required a penalty shoot-out to progress past Desportivo Brasil, before edging past 10-men Fenerbahce with a late strike from top scorer Robert Brady in Thursday’s semi-final.

Last night’s game was a tight affair at the Showgrounds, with Sheffield United pushing the Old Trafford stars, but the young Red Devils certainly deserved their win in the end.

It was the Blades who threatened first in the game when midfielder Shane Murray turned and fired a warning effort across the face of Sam Johnstone’s goal.

However, they fell behind when fine work from Brady allowed him to feed Michael Ngoo, who slid the ball home for his second goal of the tournament.

Ngoo then wasted a glorious chance to double his and his side’s tally when he received a delightful chipped throughball from William Keane, but fluffed his lines in front of goal.

United wrapped up proceedings in the second half with a goal from Norwegian midfielder Etzaz Hussain after some slick football on 52 minutes.

Scorer of the first goal Ngoo took the ball to the byline before delivering a clever flick into the path of Hussain to slide past goalkeeper Andrew.

Tempers threatened to boil over after a tackle from Ryan Tunnicliffe on Elliott Whitehouse earned the United midfielder a yellow card.

Sheffield grabbed a deserved consolation when he poked the ball home from inside the six yard box, a minute into stoppage time.

The win for Manchester United also completed a clean sweep for the competition with last year's winners all returning to defend their trophies as Everton, Northern Ireland and United all reigning once more.

PREMIER RESULTS: Milk Cup final: Manchester United 2 Sheffield United 1.

Slemish final: Co Antrim 1 Co Londonderry 2.

Dunluce Trophy League: Cantolao 0 Co Fermanagh 2, Burnley 1 Co Tyrone 2.

Slemish play-offs: Cruz Azul 0 Trudovye Rezervy 0 (Trudovye win 4-3 on penalties), Otago 1 Watford 3, Co Armagh 1 Shamrock Rovers 2.

Milk Cup play-offs: Co Down 0 Desportivo Brasil 3, Cherry Orchard 1 South Coast Bayern 1 (Cheery Orchard win 4-3 on penalties), Fenerbahce 1 FC Porto 0.

Sir Alex Ferguson sets Manchester United target of 100 goals

Sir Alex Ferguson has set his Manchester United strike force a target of 100 goals this season as the Premier League champions adjust to life without Cristiano Ronaldo.

United scored 99 times last season with the Portuguese attacker, sold for £80m to Real Madrid at the start of the summer, contributing 26 of those strikes.

Ferguson says the club will have to change tactics and he wants his midfielders and defenders to contribute to the tally. "Obviously Cristiano is a big loss in terms of the goals he gave us," he said. "But we will just have to find the goals from somewhere else and our tactics will adjust accordingly. Fans will see us playing a slightly different style of football this season.

"Usually you look to score about 100 goals in all competitions, so we are aiming for that again. If we are going to win the league again or do well in Europe we certainly need players to step up.

"Going back a few years, we could always guarantee goals from Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, who always pitched in with about 10 a season.

"Those goals from midfield have dried up a little in recent years, so we have to address that. I will be looking to [Ji-Sung] Park, Nani, [new sigining Luis Antonio] Valencia – even [Danny] Welbeck and [Federico] Macheda – to contribute 40 goals between them. The defenders will contribute a few from set-pieces, too."

Ferguson added in an interview with Inside United magazine: "Wayne Rooney's capable of scoring 18 or more a season and Michael Owen can get us 15 goals."

Manchester United to offer £35m for Franck Ribery, Liverpool eye Roma star and much more in today's Paper Talk

Sir Alex Ferguson is thinking about bidding for Franck Ribery, Bayern Munich's star winger before the transfer window closes. But he will have to offer at least £35m. (The Sun)

Manchester United look to sign Ribery

Bayern Munich have placed a world record transfer fee on his head but that may not stop Manchester United making a cheeky bid for French star Franck Ribery.

At the Audi Cup last night, where Bayern beat United on penalties, there were suggestions that the Red Devils were set to offer the German giants £35 million for Ribery.

And this even though Bayern have stated it would take more than the £80 million that Real Madrid paid United for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The belief is that United will wait a fortnight before making their move.

Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest in Ribery and indeed he has been quoted saying he would relish a move to the Bernabeu.

Chelsea will also be watching developments closely while Liverpool have also been linked with Ribery.

Patrice Evra: Manchester United looking good

Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra refuses to believe the Premier League champions are any weaker after losing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer.

While manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted replacing Ronaldo, who scored 26 goals last season, is going to be difficult, he will surely be buoyed by the performances of Antonio Valencia, Anderson and Nani during the Audi Cup over the last few days.

Valencia and Anderson both opened their accounts for the club in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Boca Juniors while Nani stood out in last night's penalty shoot-out defeat to Bayern Munich.

And Evra believes United have nothing to worry about in compensating for the loss of two key members of their team from last season.

"They are two big players, but the star of the team is the team," he said.

"Two players alone do not make a team. We have signed some good players and, like I say, Manchester United are a team and not only about two players.

"I can already see a good team coming along and we are all confident about doing well with this team as it is."

Evra believes United have made good progress since waving goodbye to Ronaldo and Tevez.

Although there has been much criticism of their tiring tour of the Far East, Evra believes it has played an important role in preparing for the upcoming season.

It has allowed Ferguson to take a look at new options in attack following the arrival of Michael Owen, who probably should have scored his fifth goal in as many games at the Allianz Arena last night.

And Evra is confident the team will be firing on all cylinders come the start of what he is predicting to be another successful season for the Red Devils.

"We worked really well in Asia and played some good games, it was a good tour," he said.

"We are moving along bit by bit in preparation for our first match of the season on August 9 against Chelsea.

"We want to at least defend the titles we won last season and try to win the Champions League."