Manchester City will be ready for United says Roberto Mancini
Manchester town should quickly regroup when their dismal Champions League campaign came to a fittingly sorry finish against Borussia Dortmund.
Julian Schieber scored the sole goal at the Westfalenstadion as town unerect to a loss that left them bottom of cluster D and while not even the consolation of an area within the Galilean League.
Roberto Mancini's men currently have till Sunday to urge the frustration out of their system before facing rivals Manchester United in associate degree eagerly-anticipated, top-of-the-table lid within the Barclays Premier League.
Will City win the battle for Sneijder?
Will City win the battle for Sneijder? All the transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers
Manchester United Players Who Must Find Their Form Quickly
Standing up to the stress of a Premier League season isn't straightforward for any player, however a specific attribute needed of 1 hoping to play for Manchester United is consistency.
Unfortunately, this is often one side of soccer that eludes sure stars on quite frequent basis, with this season being no completely different at recent Trafford.
Whether it’s as a result of they're in peril of being offloaded or got to save their career, many Red Devils might do with bucking up their concepts somewhat.
With that in mind, the subsequent candidates aren’t taking part in to the potential their club has return to expect of them and will do with a proverbial propulsion of the socks so as to urge things back on target.
Manchester United defence must improve for derby, says Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United team they're going to be liable to another dangerous defeat against Manchester town unless they drastically improve the "Cartoon Cavalcade" defensive that has left their manager considering whether or not they have ever looked therefore inclined at the rear throughout his twenty six years to blame.
Ferguson aforesaid he had been afraid by United's defensive record and reported "absolutely no chance" of Nemanja Vidic that includes in Sunday's hat currently his captain has force out of a potential comeback in their Champions League tie against Cluj at recent Trafford on Wed.
Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck learning from Robin van Persie
MANCHESTER United striker Danny Welbeck is set to absorb the maximum amount info as he will from Robin van Persie, despite the fact that the Dutchman is obstructing his path to the primary team.
Although Welbeck is hoping to form his nineteenth look of the season in tonight’s Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj at recent Trafford, solely ten of the previous eighteen are as a starter.
And most of these are as a wide-man, instead of through the center wherever Welbeck enjoyed most success at monetary unit 2012.
Welbeck finished 2012 as England’s high scorer, with 5 goals on the international stage.
Manchester United Transfer Rumors: United Warned Off Robert Lewandowski
Currently sitting at the highest of the Premier League table with one in every of the simplest frontlines in England, if reports square measure to be believed, Manchester United square measure keen to any prop up their attack by labor in Borussia Dortmund poacher parliamentarian Lewandowski.
However, per Dortmund’s manager Jurgen Klopp, the Red Devils can ought to wait up at-least till the tip of the season before launching a revived bid for the European country international.
Via ESPN:
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reveals derby concerns
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his facet have to be compelled to improve on their recent defensive type or risk paying the value in Sunday's plug hat with neighbours Manchester town.
Ferguson's facet looked vulnerable as they won 4-3 at Reading on weekday.
United have conceded thirty two goals all told competitions this season, and Ferguson conceded: "It's a worry.
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic dominated out of Manchester plug hat as injury comeback delayed
MANCHESTER United manager Alex Ferguson has dominated captain Nemanja Vidic out of Sunday's lid at Manchester town when golf shot his comeback on ice.
Serbia defender Vidic, 31, was as a result of come when 3 months out with a heavy knee injury against Romanian champions CFR Cluj within the Champions League.
Man City vs Man Utd – “Is Your Blood Red Or Blue?”
“Is your blood red or blue?” i'm asked by a person on the seat ahead of ME, because the 142 bus into Manchester’s central city continues down Wilmslow Road, his breath laced with alcohol. I answer.
“Well aforementioned son, we’ll have ‘em’ on the weekend” he says, standing able to exit at his stop in Rusholme. once the doors open he faces ME one final time and punches the air. “There is merely one team in Manchester!”
Nemanja Vidic trains for Manchester United ahead of Cluj test
Nemanja Vidic took another step towards creating his Manchester United comeback in Wednesday's Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj once he took half in Tues morning's coaching session at Carrington.
The Serbian has been absent since undergoing knee surgery in Sep and has compete solely fifteen matches since the beginning of last season.
But it's anticipated the 31-year-old can come back as captain, that may place him in line to face Manchester town at the Etihad arena on Sunday.
The only surprising traveller was Jonny Evans, though no reason was given for the Northern Irishman's failure to coach.
Midfielder Anderson, WHO wounded his hamstring within the 4-3 win at Reading on weekday, was missing, as was Antonio Valencia, WHO includes a hip drawback Sir Alex Ferguson hopes can ease in time for Sunday's Manchester chapeau, that United get into 3 points earlier than the champions.
While Wed night's game may be a dead rubber for the Reds, whose standing as cluster H winners is already assured, it may well be of big significance to Cluj. The Romanian champions ought to higher Galatasaray's result against urban center to succeed in the last sixteen.
Sir Alex Ferguson's 10 Best Decisions at Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson has won it all at Manchester United and might quite justly be thought of the best manager ever to grace the sport of soccer.
He has overseen incalculable players coming back and going, worked with a number of the simplest associated has created an nearly seamless series of squads capable of dominating the billet.
Behind every of those squads lurk crucial choices that have impressed them to attain such a lot.
Here square measure his ten best choices, to date.
Record for Barcelona, Man United go clear
MADRID: 2 goals by the dynamic Lionel Messi helped La Liga leaders Barcelona maintain their flying begin to the season with a 5-1 destruction of Athletic Bilbao.
In England, Manchester United charged 3 points afar from second-placed Manchester town with an exhilarating 4-3 win at Reading whereas their neighbours were control 1-1 by Everton.
Manchester United and City on Wesley Sneijder alert as Inter talks stall
Wesley Sneijder has alerted Manchester United and Manchester town to his potential accessibility in Gregorian calendar month when talks with Internazionale concerning his future on Mon did not resolve the impasse that centres on the club wanting him to comply with reduced terms.
Although Sneijder includes a agitate lay that runs till 2015, his tag would be considerably down on the €35m (£28.2m) United were quoted within the summer of 2011, with reports suggesting he can be oversubscribed for as very little as €15m. That valuation might drop additional if Sneijder isn't stirred on within the window and also the dispute continues.
Zeki Fryers: Why I left Manchester United
It's a massive week for Manchester United’s young hopefuls at previous Trafford.
There will be Champions League tasters for a few older wannabes whereas the solfa syllable Youth Cup kicks-off for the younger teens.
Heading the additional senior fringe Reds are going to be adolescent midfielder Nick Powell.
The £4m summer obtain from Crewe massively affected on his European debut within the volatile Galatasaray pot last month.
The 18-year-old established his mental nerve in Turkey and is ready to face FCR Cluj within the final cluster H match tomorrow night as United – already section winners and qualified – play out a dead rubber.
A associated true|gone through|had|undergone|passed through|saw|felt|responded to|suffered} detachment can begin against the Romanians with Nemanja Vidic in line for an early comeback from injury.
Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Oscar De Marcos a Fit for Red Devils
Manchester United may alright air the verge of adding depth to its list.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils area unit once more showing interest in Athletic Bilbao midfielder laurels Diamond State Marcos.
Manchester United was reportedly inquisitive about effort Diamond State Marcos' services throughout the summer, however the club found his tag somewhat too high to drag the trigger.
Sir Alex Ferguson may well be slightly a lot of serious this point around, because the International Business Times is coverage that Ferguson sent his brother to scout the midfielder in a very game against Barcelona on weekday.
This move may come back at the right time for the Red Devils, as current midfielders Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs area unit commencing to show their age.
Tactics Talk: Manchester United attack covers farcical defending… again
Reading welcome Manchester United to the Madejski arena with aspects|each side|either side} probing for 3 points to assist their cause at either side of the Premier League table. Brian McDermott’s aspect have won only one game within the league as they languish second-bottom and solely a strict military science performance would provide them any probability of beating the league leaders. United knew a win within the late weekday kick-off would see them stay 3 points ahead at the highest. This meeting brought along 2 sides notoriously poor in defence, however proficient in attack therefore goals were expected…
Nani out of the picture at Man United as out-of-favour winger is left off calendar for 2013
Manchester United athlete Nani is that the latest star name to be hit by the curse of the Christmas calendar.
For the 26-year-old athlete, who's future at recent Trafford has been solid doubtful by his reluctance to sign a brand new contract, has been not noted of the club's official 2013 calendar.
United v Cluj preview
Date, time and coverage: Wednesday 5 December, 19:45 GMT. Watch it live on Sky Sports (UK) or follow the action live via radio and text commentary on ManUtd.com. A limited number of returned tickets are also available – visit manutd.com/tickets to purchase.
Robert Lewandowski to Manchester United doesn't bother boss
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp claims he's not disquieted by contemporary reports linking star striker parliamentarian Lewandowski with Manchester United.
It has been claimed that the prolific European nation international (above) can be part of the Premier League club in a very £12million deal at the top of the season.
It is advised the value for the 24-year-old would be comparatively low-cost as he would be out of contract the subsequent summer.
Nemanja Vidic can stop Manchester United letting in ‘crazy’ goals after another shaky display against Reading
If Manchester United go on to win the the Premier League, as they have done on four of the previous five times when they have led the table at the start of December, it will not be a victory built on solid defending.
United overcome Reading as Chelsea, Arsenal lose
LONDON: Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after an extraordinary 4-3 victory at Reading on Saturday in which all seven goals arrived in the opening half.
Defensive manuals were ripped up as United trailed 1-0 and 3-2 but once again they showed their trademark resilience as two goals from Wayne Rooney, one from Anderson, and Robin van Persie’s 10th league strike of the season sealed the points.
Champions Manchester City needed a Carlos Tevez penalty to draw 1-1 at home to Everton — their 37th home league match without defeat — but they lost ground to their rivals in what is already looking like a two-horse title race.
Third-placed Chelsea surrendered a halftime lead to lose 3-1 at West Ham United to leave under-fire interim manager Rafael Benitez still without a win while Arsene Wenger was the target of jeers as his Arsenal side were humbled 2-0 by Swansea City.
Juan Mata gave Chelsea a well-deserved lead but West Ham roared back to pile pressure on Benitez with former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole levelling just past the hour before substitutes Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga struck late on.
Benitez, whose appointment in the wake of Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking has proved unpopular among fans, is the first Chelsea manager not to win any of his first three matches in charge since Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich bought the club.
“In the second half we didn’t start well, they got on top of us and we couldn’t manage,” former Liverpool manager Benitez, whose first two matches in charge ended in 0-0 draws against Manchester City and Fulham, told Sky Sports.
The European champions, now without a win in seven league matches having topped the table, are joined on 26 points by Tottenham Hostpur, who won 3-0 at Fulham with England striker Jermain Defoe scoring twice.
West Bromwich Albion slipped to fifth, also on 26 points, after a 1-0 defeat at home by Stoke City.
DEFENSIVE FRAGILITY
Manchester United have now conceded 21 league goals this season, managing just three clean sheets.
Their defensive fragility was exposed again by Reading, who took the lead after eight minutes through Hal Robson-Kanu.
Anderson equalised five minutes later after combining with Ashley Young before Jay Tabb bundled over Jonny Evans in the box and Wayne Rooney fired United ahead from the spot.
Two goals in four minutes from Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison put Reading 3-2 ahead after 23 minutes but Rooney turned in Patrice Evra’s cross to make it 3-3 before Van Persie kept his head to slot home what turned out to be the winner.
“It was agony. The worst defending of this season and we needed to do something about it,” United manager Alex Ferguson, who hauled off defender Rafael in the first half, said.
“We’re needing to rescue the situation all the time. Fortunately we have players who can do that.”
Looking ahead to next week’s derby with Manchester City, Ferguson quipped: “If we defend like that against Manchester City, I might need to play myself.”
Arsenal were booed off at the Emirates as they slipped to10th following Michu’s late double for Michael Laudr up’s impressive Swansea side.
“Of course you can understand the fans when we lose a match the way we did today,” Wenger told Sky Sports.
“We were maybe lacking a bit of maturity to keep it 0-0.It’s a big blow because the games are coming very quickly. Today was not the way we want to play football.”
Liverpool were 1-0 winners at home to Southampton and bottom club Queens Park Rangers drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa as their search for a first league win of the season continues under new manager Harry Redknapp.
IN CONTROL
Banners protesting about Benitez’s shock appointment were still in evidence at Upton Park, yet for 45 minutes Chelsea looked in total control and heading for victory.
When Fernando Torres cut the ball back from the by line for Mata to shoot Chelsea in front after 13 minutes, it seemed that Benitez could silence his critics, at least for a day.
West Ham were far more adventurous after the break and deservedly drew level when Cole nodded past Cech from close range after appearing to climb over Branislav Ivanovic.
Mata nearly restored Chelsea’s lead with a superb free kick that thudded against the woodwork and Chelsea looked the more likely winners as the game entered its closing stages.
However, West Ham roused themselves to beat Chelsea for the first time in nine years.
With four minutes of normal time remaining Diame smashed a low shot past Cech and with is grunted Chelsea fans already heading for the exits Maiga converted a rebound for the third after Cech had saved Matt Taylor’s shot.
Manchester City extended their unbeaten league run at home to 37 matches but they were given a scare when Marouane Fellaini scored for Everton after 37 minutes.
Argentine Tevez levelled just before halftime when Fellaini was adjudged to have dragged down Edin Dzeko.
“If teams come here and get soft penalties awarded against them it’s going to be hard to get a result,” Everton manager David Moyes told Sky Sports after his sixth-placed side’s eighth draw in 15 league games.
http://www.thenews.com.pk
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini must play his best side in Europe despite the Manchester United clash
In an ideal world, Roberto Mancini would prefer to board Manchester City’s flight to Dortmund with a travelling party resembling a collection of starry-eyed teenagers and twentysomethings on a Club 18-30 holiday.
Mourinho could replace me at Manchester United: Ferguson
Manchester: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his belief that Real Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho would be a worthy candidate to succeed him in the Old Trafford hot seat. The 70-year-old has been in charge at United since 1986 and has yet to reveal when he plans on stepping down from the role in order to retire.
But he has hailed the Real Madrid boss as a man with the qualities to manage the Red Devils in the future.
"He can manage anywhere, absolutely," Sir Alex told an ITV4 documentary on the Portuguese when asked if the 49-year-old could succeed him at Old Trafford. "I would never think a guy who hasn't played a game could be a top coach but then you've got to look at his personality. He's got a marvellous, strong personality and that bridges that gap.
"I remember his first press conference [at Chelsea] and I thought, 'Christ, he's a cocky b*****, him'. He was telling the players, 'Look, I'm the special one, we don't lose games'.
"Bloody hell, coming to England, he is only a young man and saying he is the special one! But it told all the players to have the belief they were going to win the league."
Sir Alex went on to reveal he enjoys a close friendship with the former Chelsea boss, adding, "When he comes into my office he can take a joke against himself, that is what I like about him.
"I give him a lot of stick and he laughs it off. I don't think it bothers Jose [having a controversial image]. He knows it is results that count."
Manchester United on the brink of signing in Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski
Borussia Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski is set to leave for Manchester United during the January transfer window. Reports suggest Sir Alex Ferguson is on the verge of adding Robert Lewandowski to Manchester United plentiful forward department.
Manchester United first attempted to sign in the Polish striker during the summer transfer window, but they couldn’t agree upon transfer fees with Borussia Dortmund. The upcoming transfer window has breathed new life into the whole transfer saga, only this time Manchester United is prepared to bring Robert Lewandowski to Old Trafford.
A number of top notch European clubs have set out to after the signatures of Robert Lewandowski, who is rumored to be around £12 million. If that is the actual price tag on the forward then Manchester United would already be in possession of gentleman’s agreement for the Robert Lewandowski.
The 24-year-old Poland international has already indicated towards a move out Borussia Dortmund. Just a couple of weeks ago, Roberto Lewandowski revealed that he was eager to join a big English Premier League club.
Reportedly, Borussia Dortmund have reluctantly agreed to Manchester United’s transfer proposal. The Bundesliga champions attempted to renew Roberto Lewandowski’s contract with the club, but given that the striker had already handed in a transfer request pursuing a renewal is a lost cause.
Robert Lewandowski has a small release clause and a nearing expiration date on his contract. Therefore, Borussia Dortmund will be forced to sell off Robert Lewandowski for handful of money rather than risk losing him for pennies later.
Just last week Borussia Dortmund Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told TMW: “We still have to talk about it with him, even regarding an eventual termination clause; to determine it we must make a calculation based on his performances during this season.”
Meanwhile, in England reports suggests Robert Lewandowski has already agreed to the personal terms of a contract offered by Manchester United. Nonetheless, Robert Lewandowski can be forced to fulfill his duties at Borussia Dortmund for another season given that he still has 18 months left on his contract.
http://www.faniq.com
Manchester United first attempted to sign in the Polish striker during the summer transfer window, but they couldn’t agree upon transfer fees with Borussia Dortmund. The upcoming transfer window has breathed new life into the whole transfer saga, only this time Manchester United is prepared to bring Robert Lewandowski to Old Trafford.
A number of top notch European clubs have set out to after the signatures of Robert Lewandowski, who is rumored to be around £12 million. If that is the actual price tag on the forward then Manchester United would already be in possession of gentleman’s agreement for the Robert Lewandowski.
The 24-year-old Poland international has already indicated towards a move out Borussia Dortmund. Just a couple of weeks ago, Roberto Lewandowski revealed that he was eager to join a big English Premier League club.
Reportedly, Borussia Dortmund have reluctantly agreed to Manchester United’s transfer proposal. The Bundesliga champions attempted to renew Roberto Lewandowski’s contract with the club, but given that the striker had already handed in a transfer request pursuing a renewal is a lost cause.
Robert Lewandowski has a small release clause and a nearing expiration date on his contract. Therefore, Borussia Dortmund will be forced to sell off Robert Lewandowski for handful of money rather than risk losing him for pennies later.
Just last week Borussia Dortmund Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told TMW: “We still have to talk about it with him, even regarding an eventual termination clause; to determine it we must make a calculation based on his performances during this season.”
Meanwhile, in England reports suggests Robert Lewandowski has already agreed to the personal terms of a contract offered by Manchester United. Nonetheless, Robert Lewandowski can be forced to fulfill his duties at Borussia Dortmund for another season given that he still has 18 months left on his contract.
http://www.faniq.com
Manchester United reveal shocking bid for Liverpool star Raheem Sterling
Manchester United are considering a shocking bid for Liverpool rebel Raheem Sterling. Reports of Manchester United’s surprise interest in the teenage surfaced after Liverpool hit a bump on the road to ensure Raheem Sterling’s future at the club.
Sir Alex Ferguson wants Raheem Sterling as long-term replacement for Manchester United’s out of favor Portuguese winger Nani. Well, the Old Trafford boss actually has a chance of stealing the 17-year-old from their archrivals as Raheem Sterling is questioning his contract extension with Liverpool.
Liverpool and Raheem Sterling are currently at the table negotiating over a new contract. The England international was up for a new contract after being made a permanent member of Liverpool’s first team. However, the negotiations have fallen apart over the new salary of the youngster.
Clubs insiders have revealed that Raheem Sterling is demanding as much as £50,000 per week from Liverpool, but the Merseyside club is willing to offer no more than £30,000 per week. No official statements on this topic have been made by Liverpool or Raheem Sterling, but it’s clear that the contract negotiations have taken a serious blow.
A number of clubs will be in pursuit of Raheem Sterling during the January transfer window. Top notch clubs from Europe such as Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Arsenal are already being linked with moves for the youngster.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has asked Raheem Sterling to focus on football rather than worrying about his salary. However, the stalled talks between the club and the player are fueling speculation about an away move.
Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on kicking out Nani from his squad during the January transfer window. Rife rumors suggest the Scotsman is already looking for buyers, which means Manchester United will probably sign in a new winger this fall.
Any moves between Liverpool and Manchester United are guaranteed to be an acrimonious one. The last direct transfer between Liverpool and Manchester United occurred almost 50 years ago in the form of Phil Chisnall.
Since then there have been very rare cases of players switching allegiances between these two clubs. The indirect transfer sagas of Michael Owen and Gabriel Heinze are two good examples of how bitter things can become between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson wants Raheem Sterling as long-term replacement for Manchester United’s out of favor Portuguese winger Nani. Well, the Old Trafford boss actually has a chance of stealing the 17-year-old from their archrivals as Raheem Sterling is questioning his contract extension with Liverpool.
Liverpool and Raheem Sterling are currently at the table negotiating over a new contract. The England international was up for a new contract after being made a permanent member of Liverpool’s first team. However, the negotiations have fallen apart over the new salary of the youngster.
Clubs insiders have revealed that Raheem Sterling is demanding as much as £50,000 per week from Liverpool, but the Merseyside club is willing to offer no more than £30,000 per week. No official statements on this topic have been made by Liverpool or Raheem Sterling, but it’s clear that the contract negotiations have taken a serious blow.
A number of clubs will be in pursuit of Raheem Sterling during the January transfer window. Top notch clubs from Europe such as Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Arsenal are already being linked with moves for the youngster.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has asked Raheem Sterling to focus on football rather than worrying about his salary. However, the stalled talks between the club and the player are fueling speculation about an away move.
Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on kicking out Nani from his squad during the January transfer window. Rife rumors suggest the Scotsman is already looking for buyers, which means Manchester United will probably sign in a new winger this fall.
Any moves between Liverpool and Manchester United are guaranteed to be an acrimonious one. The last direct transfer between Liverpool and Manchester United occurred almost 50 years ago in the form of Phil Chisnall.
Since then there have been very rare cases of players switching allegiances between these two clubs. The indirect transfer sagas of Michael Owen and Gabriel Heinze are two good examples of how bitter things can become between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Gossip: Manchester United back in for Athletic Bilbao star
Manchester United are ready to go back in for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos, according to a report.
De Marcos impressed against the Reds in Europe last season and the Reds scouted the 23-year-old in Saturday's game at Barcelona, report the Daily Mirror.
United are still searching for a reliable midfield formula with the likes ofAnderson, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and veterans Ryan Giggsand Paul Scholes in and out of the side.
Would you like to see United go for De Marcos? Have your say.
http://menmedia.co.uk
De Marcos impressed against the Reds in Europe last season and the Reds scouted the 23-year-old in Saturday's game at Barcelona, report the Daily Mirror.
United are still searching for a reliable midfield formula with the likes ofAnderson, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and veterans Ryan Giggsand Paul Scholes in and out of the side.
Would you like to see United go for De Marcos? Have your say.
http://menmedia.co.uk
Man Utd legend Beckham: I told Keane to take Galaxy pen
LA Galaxy ace David Beckham insists it was HIS idea for Robbie Keane to take their late spotkick to seal the MLS Cup final against Houston Dynamo.
Manchester United legend Beckham could've crowned his Galaxy career with the spotkick, but insisted: “I told Landon to take it but he said he was too tired. So I told him to let Robbie take it because I didn’t want it as I’ve missed a few over the years.
“All I wanted was to win the game. It’s not about me taking a penalty to top things off.
“Being successful doesn’t come easy. I tell my children every day that if you want to be a success it’s hard graft.”
Read more:
Read more at http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/man-utd-legend-beckham-i-told-keane-take-galaxy-pen-3670191#6DZCIAGu8loVExoc.99
Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross resists lure of return to Manchester United
Ryan Shawcross has told Stoke he is ready to reject the opportunity to rejoin Manchester United because he does not want to part with his manager and mentor, Tony Pulis.
Stoke have offered their 25-year-old captain a record-breaking six-year deal, said to be worth £14m, and Shawcross confirmed that he has no wish to leave the Britannia Stadium, even though it means committing himself to a team never likely to be better than mid-table in the Premier League.
Only six weeks ago, the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, said that he wished Shawcross was still at Old Trafford and doubted his wisdom in letting Pulis sign him for £1m in January 2008. But the 6ft 3in centre-half is clear that he wants to repay Pulis for the faith he showed in him then and for turning him into an England player.
"The talks are ongoing and we are not that far along yet for me to say it has been agreed in principle, but the main thing is that I want to stay and Stoke want to keep me," Shawcross said.
"Ultimately, it is up to my agent and the club to sort it out but I've told them I want to stay and the main reason is the gaffer. He's been great to me throughout my time here and made me captain at a young age. I've told him I want to stay here, even if a top four club comes in.
"I feel like he's improved me every year. He got me into the England squad, which has been a goal of mine, and it showed a Stoke player can get into the England squad, which has been an issue."
Shawcross helped Stoke to their seventh clean sheet of the season as Dean Whitehead's goal gave them a fourth win in five matches on Saturday.
Match facts
WBA: MYHILL 6/10, REID 7, McAULEY 7, OLSSON 6, POPOV 7, DORRANS 7, MULUMBU 7, ROSENBERG 5, YACOB 6, GERA 6, LONG 6
Stoke: BEGOVIC 7, CAMERON 6, HUTH 7, SHAWCROSS 7, SHOTTON 7, ETHERINGTON 6, ADAM 6, NZONZI 7, WHELAN 7, WALTERS 6, K JONES 8
Goal: Stoke City Whitehead 75. Subs: WBA Lukaku 6 (Rosenberg, 64), Odemwingie 7 (Gera, 64), Brunt (Yacob, 81). Stoke City Kightly 7 (Etherington, 59), Whitehead 7 (Adam, 64).
Bookings: Stoke City Huth, Adam, Shawcross. Man of the match K Jones. Match rating 6/10.
Possession: WBA 52%. Stoke City 48%.
Attempts on target: WBA 11. Stoke City 4.
Referee K Friend (Leicestershire). Att 24,739.
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