United will sign one more player this summer, insists Gill... but will it be Sneijder or Vucinic?

Manchester United expect to sign one more player before the end of the transfer window, but it remains unclear which of the club's two targets, Wesley Sneijder and Mirko Vucinic, will join.
United have been linked with a number of players this summer and are refusing to give up hope of bringing in one of either the Inter Milan midfielder or Roma striker.

Vucinic is 'very close' to joining Manchester United, according to his agent, as chief executive David Gill suggested that United may yet add more personnel this summer.

Take your pick: United are tracking Sneijder (top) and Vucinic (bottom)

Montenegro international Vucinic recently requested a transfer from Roma and was widely expected to join big-spending Juventus.

'We are very close to Manchester United,' agent Alessandro Lucci told La Signora In Giallorosso.

'The meeting was yesterday and there were no formal offers, but the English club made it clear they very much appreciate Mirko. We will know more in the next few days.'

United fear Samir Nasri is bound for neighbours Manchester City, and although Gill held talks with Inter officials and Sneijder's representatives earlier this month, negotiations stalled over the Italian club's £35million valuation as well as the player's personal terms.

Gill said: 'We are looking at one more player to bring in. We've been looking at a particular position and two or three players in that position.'

Eastlands bound? Nasri is a target for Man City

Huff and puff! United striker Berbatov hits back at style critics

Dimitar Berbatov is desperate to prolong his Manchester United career but insists he will not change his much-maligned style on the pitch to prove it.

Berbatov, 30, enters the final year of his contract knowing this could be his last pre-season tour with United.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted last week he would not have blamed the Bulgarian striker for demanding to leave after he was axed for the Champions League final against Barcelona in May.

My way: Dimitar Berbatov says his style of play is what got him to Manchester United team in the first place

But Berbatov, a £30.75million signing from Tottenham three years ago, is determined to fight for his future, saying: ‘Manchester United is the top. Where can you go from there? Only down. Maybe Barcelona. At the moment, I don’t see anything else.

‘I come from a small country. I have the good fortune to play for Manchester United. Why would you
want to go anywhere else?’

Berbatov remains something of a contradiction. He bagged five goals in one game against Blackburn and a hat-trick against Liverpool to finish joint top scorer in the Barclays Premier League last season, yet he has not scored in Europe since 2008.

Brooding one minute and happy the next, Berbatov’s determination to succeed at United does not always sit comfortably with the languid, lazy-looking approach that so infuriates his club’s supporters.
In his opinion, it is a mark of class.

‘There is a saying in Bulgaria that great quality doesn’t require much effort,’ he said. ‘You’re not going to see me puffing around the pitch.

‘I always play like this. That is what got me here. Last season was proof that, even if you have some downs in your career, if you believe in your style of play, you can do it as well. I’m a proud person. I don’t like to show my weaknesses and emotions in public. That is why people probably sometimes misjudge me.’

Berbatov was so ‘ashamed’ to appear in public at Wembley after Ferguson left him out of the squad that he sat and cried in the Wembley dressing room. But the Bulgarian prefers to look forward rather than back.

Hat-trick hero: Berbatov celebrates the first of three goals against Liverpool in the Premier League last season

‘I still have time. Of course it will drive me on. The good thing about football is that there is always next year. I will have new goals. I was pretty happy we did the historic thing about the 19th title. I was the top goalscorer. For me, the personal thing was great.’

Berbatov's status as a role model sits comfortably on his shoulders, even if he recoils from the thought he could be regarded as an icon, reserving that status for his own hero, Hristo Stoichkov.

'When I was young, I was looking to people like Stoichkov,' he said. 'I told myself one day I would like to be as successful as him. Dreams do come true sometimes.'

Although there was one cataclysmic low, Berbatov experienced some dream days last year too.

The first United player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool in 64 years, a tally that included a magnificent overhead kick, the first non-Englishman to score five in a Premier League game, the Golden Boot for his 20-goal haul.

'I didn't know scoring three goals against Liverpool would mean so much to so many people,' he reflected. Obviously three goals - and the second one was a bit special - it will stay in my memory for ever - and after that I scored five!

'What makes me really proud is that there have been so many foreigners playing in English football, I am the only one with five goals.

Earning his Spurs: Berbatov says he had the same laid back attitude at Tottenham and he will not change it

'But it is something I have to push to the back of my mind. Last season I had highs in my career. But what if we didn't win the title? Then these things wouldn't matter so much.'

Talking to Berbatov, it is clear that he does care, both about his team and his performance. It seems he wants to be liked, not in an arrogant way, but as an individual who tried to do things a little differently.

'As a good player, doing things the fans enjoyed,' he replied, when asked how he would like to be remembered. I always tend to think my goals are beautiful goals. That is what I want to score; beautiful goals, and create beautiful chances.'

How long will that attitude prevail at Old Trafford, where the challengers, all younger, are queuing up to oust him?

Berbatov does not answer. What he is prepared to concede is that once leaving United, the only way is down. 'Smaller clubs might be able to match Manchester United with the way they play, with their organisation, everything. But Manchester United are at the top,' he said.

'Where can you go from there? Maybe Barcelona. At the moment, I don't see anything else. If you go somewhere else it is a big step down.

'I come from a small country. I have the good fortune to play for Manchester United. For the time I am here I try to do my best and win everything there is to win. There is no other way I can play.

I'm surprised Rooney has time to play football, says judge at appeal hearing

A senior judge joked about the number of personal appearances made by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and told a court: 'It's a wonder he's got time to play.'

Lord Justice Sullivan sparked laughter during a Court of Appeal hearing in London, where sports management firms are staging the latest round of a legal tug of war over the 25-year-old England frontman.

The judge intervened as a barrister outlined contract details which required Rooney to make appearances for commercial sponsors and to wear a certain brand of boot.

American dream: Wayne Rooney is in the United States on Manchester United's pre-season tour

The barrister joined in the banter by suggesting that the 'man in the street' would not find a footballer's life 'onerous'.

'It's a wonder he's got time to play football, he's making so many personal appearances,' said Lord Justice Sullivan.

'For Nike, for Coca-Cola... It's a wonder he's got time to practice.'

Christopher Jeans QC, for sports management firm Proactive, replied: 'Bearing in mind footballers train in the morning only, it's not what the man in the street would consider an onerous obligation.'

Proactive, which used to represent Rooney and his wife Coleen, is appealing against an earlier ruling on the dispute.

The company made a £4.3million claim against the former Everton player, his wife, and two firms the couple are linked to, saying it was owed 'commission payments'.

Suits you: Rooney (centre) and his Manchester United team-mates at a fashion show in New York this week 

But in July 2010, following a three-week hearing at Manchester Mercantile Court, Judge Brendan Hegarty QC ruled that Rooney should pay £5,000 and his wife around £90,000.

After that hearing Rooney said he was 'delighted to have won' and said the judge had 'knocked back their massively over-inflated claims'.

Judge Hegarty heard that Rooney had been signed by agent Paul Stretford for Proactive in 2002 when at Everton.

Stretford, a founder and director of Proactive, left the firm in 2008. He launched a new sports management firm and took Rooney with him.

Rooney had not made commission payments on deals after Stretford left, the judge was told. Proactive argued that because contracts were brokered by Stretford while he was still at the firm, it was due 20 per cent commission amounting to £4.3m.

On Tuesday Jeans told three appeal judges - Lady Justice Arden, Lord Justice Sullivan and Lord Justice Gross - that Judge Hegarty had dubbed the dispute a 'tug of war'.

'The judge described these present proceedings as something of a tug of war between Proactive and Mr Stretford over the right to represent Wayne Rooney,' said Jeans.

'They (Proactive) have not tried to hold Mr Rooney to Proactive but seek to be paid for the contracts they secured.'

The Rooneys argue that Judge Hegarty's ruling was correct and say the appeal should be dismissed. 

My hero! Hernandez desperate to face Bravo when Manchester United meet MLS stars

Javier Hernandez would be going head to head with a hero if he managed to play any part of Wednesday night's MLS All-Star game against Manchester United.

As Hernandez only returned to training this weekend after finishing top scorer in Mexico's triumphant Gold Cup campaign, Sir Alex Ferguson has already placed doubt over the 22-year-old's likely involvement.

But if he does manage a few minutes, he would hope to be on the same pitch as Omar Bravo, who was drafted into the MLS squad by commissioner Dan Garber, a Mexican striker Hernandez looked up to as he was taking his first steps in the game at Guadalajara.

It's good to be back: Javier Hernandez has rejoined his Manchester United team-mates in the United States

'You are talking about a legend of Mexican soccer,' said Hernandez. 'At Club Guadalajara he is an icon and an idol. To me, he is still an extraordinary player.

'I spent a lot of time with him as a kid. He taught me a lot and the season we played in the same team together, our club made history by completing eight consecutive victories. I am really grateful to him.'

The chances are Hernandez will not play though, with Ferguson determined not to rush back to full fitness the man who shocked everyone by scoring 20 goals in his debut Premier League season.

Idol: Hernandez is a huge admirer of Omar Bravo - pictured above playing for his club, Sporting Kansas City

'He has had a month's holiday, which he needed after the Gold Cup,' said Ferguson. 'It was a long season and he played in the World Cup as well, so he has not had a lot of rest in the last year.

'The most important thing for us is to give him some proper training before we even consider him for the first team.'

Hernandez's arrival has been welcomed by fans, who on United's three stops so far have been disappointed by the Mexican's absence.

It is a reflection of the impact he has made since joining United 12 months ago, although he insists his life has not changed despite the obvious adulation.

More of the same: Hernandez enjoyed a successful first season as a Manchester United player

'I feel the same,' he said. 'I am playing for the best team in the world. The only thing that has changed in the last 12 months is that I have played a lot of games.

'All I have done is try to improve. That is the only thing on my mind. "This whole move has been a dream come true for me.

'The key has probably been my boss (Ferguson) and my team-mates. It means a lot to me to be part of Manchester United. All the extra things are just that, extra things. To be part of this team is wonderful.'

Fergie warns 'noisy neighbours' City ahead of Community Shield clash

Sir Alex Ferguson warned Manchester City that he will use next month's Community Shield as an opportunity to put his 'noisy neighbours' in their place.

City beat United in last season's FA Cup semi-final on the way to ending their 35-year wait for a trophy, and Ferguson admitted that Roberto Mancini's side have now emerged as a genuine threat to his hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League title.

However, the Old Trafford boss is determined to strike an early blow when the two rivals return to Wembley on August 7 after reviving his famous comment about City in New York.

Impressive line-up: Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United will take on an MLS All-Stars side

'Obviously the Community Shield is not a normal one for Manchester United,' said Ferguson. 'It's about addressing our noisy neighbours again. It's going to be an interesting match.

'If you look at the possibilities of the top teams, anyone one of them can win the league. Ourselves, City, Liverpool have improved a lot, and Arsenal and Chelsea are always challengers.'

Striker Javier Hernandez has joined United's tour party ahead of their game against the MLS All-Stars in New Jersey in the early hours of Thursday morning, but Ferguson will ease the prolific Mexico striker into his second season at Old Trafford to avoid any danger of burn-out.

Noisy neighbours: Tempers flared at Wembley as Manchester City beat United in the FA Cup

He added: 'Chicharito's had a long season with the World Cup last summer and now the Gold Cup for Mexico, so there's no a lot of rest there. We need to re-energise him before we even consider him for the first-team because the title won't be decided in the first game.'

Old Trafford favourite David Beckham and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will be among United's opponents at the Red Bull Arenal.

And Henry ruled out any chance of playing in Europe again, unlike Beckham who had two spells on loan from the LA Galaxy with AC Milan, and also trained with Tottenham last season.

Double act: Thierry Henry (left) and David Beckham train together ahead of the All-Stars game against United

Henry, the leading scorer in MLS in his second season since joining New York Red Bull from Barcelona, said: 'I'm done with Europe. I had my career over there and was lucky enough to win everything with the national team and at club level.

'I respect what David did, but that's where I am right now and where I'm happy to be.'

Asked whether Cesc Fabregas should be allowed to follow in his footsteps from Arsenal to Barcelona, Henry added: 'I'm not the boss of Arsenal so it's up to them to deal with that. I took my decision and now we'll see what Cesc will do.'

Raring to go: Ferguson, Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney speak in New York

Wesley's the one! Beckham urges United to snap up Sneijder as Scholes replacement

Manchester United legend David Beckham has urged the club to sign Wesley Sneijder to replace the retired Paul Scholes.

Sir Alex Ferguson has targeted the Holland playmaker this summer but the move stalled after Inter Milan demanded £35million for their star midfielder.

But Beckham, who played for LA Galaxy as they lost to Manchester City 7-6 on penalties on Sunday night, believes his former club should persist with their chase of Sneijder as he is the man capable of filling the gaping hole in United's midfield.

Wes craving: Manchester United have targeted Inter Milan and Holland midfielder Sneijder (left)

'Scholes is the one player they want to replace,' Beckham said. 'He is such a great talent and he will be missed. They're going to have to get someone special.

'There's a lot of talk about Wesley Sneijder. He's such a talented player, a great guy as well. I'm sure he would fit right into a United team.'

Former England skipper Beckham also said he believes he has at least two more years left before retirement.

Old enemy: United legend David Beckham (left) played for LA Galaxy against Manchester City on Sunday

The 36-year-old has a year to run on his current contract with LA Galaxy and hinted he may be willing to extend that deal to finish his career in the United States.

'I still feel good, I feel healthy. I'm still enjoying getting up in the morning to go training,' he told various newspapers. 'Yes (I have), one, maybe two, more years.

On tour: United are currently playing friendlies in the United States in preparation for the new season

'Until I get up and don't feel the same, I'll continue. I still have to play at a certain level but I think I can do that.

'This is the last year in my contract but I enjoy playing in this league, for this franchise, with the players we have and with Bruce Arena as my manager.'

Fergie tells rivals Hernandez is only getting started at Man United

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Javier Hernandez to eclipse last season's 20-goal haul for Manchester United.

The popular Mexican was due to link up with his team-mates in New York overnight ahead of Wednesday's encounter with the MLS All-Stars at Red Bull Arena.

A capacity crowd was already expected but such has been the clamour for Hernandez on this trip, his presence will ensure an even greater frenzy than would normally be the case for a match likely to pitch David Beckham in combat with his old club.

Big impact: Javier Hernandez made a great start to his Old Trafford career

Hernandez stunned Ferguson with the manner of his integration into the English game last season.

And now the United boss is demanding more.

'It was tough for him last season but over time, Javier will mature and get better,' said Ferguson.

'He is improving technically and now he has had a good season behind him in a tough division.

'We are setting targets for him. We thought he would get 20 last season and he did.

'He might do even better this time.'

The same is also true of Nani, who found that finishing top of the Premier League assists table, with 18, and being voted United's players' player of the year was not enough to get him a starting spot for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Flipping brilliant: Ferguson also expects Nani to have a bigger impact at Manchester United this season

In the aftermath of that loss, and with Ferguson looking at how best to strengthen a team that was so badly outplayed at Wembley, there were plenty happy to write off Nani's Red Devils career completely.

But he returned for the current five-match tour of the United States, and appears in the right frame of mind to provide an even greater contribution this time around.

'Of course I can get better,' he said.

'That is what I am trying to do. It is not easy but it is what I look to achieve every year.

Competition: Ferguson is expecting a selection headache at Old Trafford this season with all his star players

'If I can get more goals and more assists, that will be good for the team and help us in all the competitions we are going for.

'There is competition at this club but that is good. It inspires you.

'If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game.

'At Manchester United, you have to be ready every time you go on the field.'

Evra urges Nasri to shun City's millions for the silverware on offer at United

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has told his France team-mate Samir Nasri to move to Old Trafford and not rivals Manchester City if he values success above money.

Nasri's future remains in the balance as he decides between signing a new deal at Arsenal and leaving the Emirates, with United and City leading the chase for the 24-year-old midfielder.

But despite admitting that he came close to quitting United a year ago, Evra confirmed that he has spoken to Nasri and urged him to join the Barclays Premier League champions if he wants to become one of the best players in the world.

Uncertain future: Samir Nasri is a target for both Manchester clubs, while Arsenal are desperate to keep him

'If he goes to City, it's his choice,' said Evra. 'But I know, as a player, if I have Manchester United and Manchester City, I would go straight for United. It can be for the money, many different things. But I would prefer to go for the glory.'

Sir Alex Ferguson said earlier this month that he fears Nasri is destined to join another club - widely believed to be City - but Evra is refusing to give up hope that he will choose United instead as a replacement for Paul Scholes.

He added: 'Of course I've talked a lot with him in the holiday and also when we met up for friendly games with France at the end of the season. I told him how great it is to play for United and how important it would be for him to become of the biggest players in the world.

'I don't know how negotiations are at the moment, but he has a lot of clubs (interested in him) and he has to think.

'I just told him how good it would be for him coming here. He will have a nice welcome, and I can help as well because I'm French. I don't know what he's going to do yet. It was looking interesting but I don't know. We'll have to see.

Familiar scene: Patrice Evra has enjoyed sustained success since moving to Old Trafford

'He said that it's a privilege a club like United want him but he has to think about his future and talk with his agent. I'm not Nasri, I'm not his agent or his dad. You'd have to ask him.

'But I would definitely tell him to come to United. Definitely. I made that little joke saying that he's a prince now but if he wants to be the king then he has to join United. But that's the reality, and I've told him that.

'I said, "If you want to win trophies you have to come here". In five years I've won 12 trophies, and I don't know if I'd have won more than that with another club. I just told him the truth.'

Evra risked further upsetting City by revealing that his close friend Carlos Tevez told him three years ago, long before he made a controversial switch from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium, that he was planning to return to South America.

Old friends: Evra's old team-mate Carlos Tevez wants to leave England

A £40million move to Brazilian club Corinthians broke down last week, but Tevez remains determined to leave City and be nearer his two young daughters in Argentina.

Evra added: 'I'm very close to Carlito and even when he was playing for United when he was 23 or 24, he told me that another two years in the UK and he would be back in Argentina.

'I said, "Carlito, you're young". But he told me, "Yeah, but I've won everything. I want to go back closer to my family and play in my country".

'Now I know he wasn't lying. He's doing what he told me three years ago, and I'm not surprised at all.'

Evra, 30, almost followed Tevez out of United last summer when Real Madrid and Inter Milan made an approach in the wake of United surrendering the title to Chelsea and a disastrous World Cup that saw the France captain banned for five games for his part in a player revolt in South Africa.

It was only when Ferguson summoned the full-back to his Cheshire home for face-to-face talks that Evra, a £5.5million signing from Monaco in 2006, had a change of heart.

'After the World Cup I told him I wanted to go,' said Evra. 'Sometimes in your life you want to try something different, a big challenge.

'For family reasons perhaps there was a choice to move, and there was an approach from two big clubs. I just had a chat about it with the boss.

'When I went to his house we talked a lot. In the end, he didn't have to persuade me to stay because my heart wanted to stay at United.

'It was a big, tough decision because it was after the World Cup and I just decided to follow my heart and be honest with myself, and that was to stay at United.

Staying put: Evra was confused about his own future after last summer's World Cup

'For me, playing for United is a big challenge because every season you have to win every trophy. Even if I win a lot of trophies, I get more hungry to win more.

'The manager just said, "Pat, it's the greatest news you want to stay because United are the biggest club in the world and you have a lot of respect here for myself, your team-mates, the fans. I don't know why you want to move to another club. But I think you've made the right choice to stay here".

'Sometimes you have to think twice about what you're doing but when I make a choice now it's in the past now and I'm focussed on what I'm doing. To be playing for United is a privilege.'

Chelsea boss Villas-Boas bites back at Fergie after jibe over ageing Blues squad

Andre Villas-Boas sprang to defend his Chelsea pensioners after Sir Alex Ferguson hinted he is struggling to freshen his squad with signings.

Ferguson commented during Manchester United’s tour of North America on Chelsea’s inactivity in the transfer  market, and the barb found its target here as the London club beat the Thai Premier League All Stars 4-0.

On the defensive: Villas-Boas believes his ageing Chelsea side can still wrestle the league title away from United

Villas-Boas said: ‘Chelsea are the third, fourth or second oldest team in the Premier League but look at the trophies these players have won.

‘They have a lot to offer. You have to find the correct balance between experience and youth and find out what kind of game you can play.’ 

Ferguson has ventured down this avenue of attack before. Three years ago, the United manager said the formidable Chelsea unit built by Jose Mourinho had reached their peak. That side endured better than he thought and won the Double two years ago.

However, they finished last season empty handed, sparking new suspicions it was time for a rejuvenation.

Window shopping: Whilst Chelsea have yet to add a marque signing to the ranks, Ferguson has strengthened his side

Villas-Boas arrived from Porto last month to replace Carlo Ancelotti but the club have yet to confirm his first signing.

The deals closest to completion concern promising teenagers — Thibaut Courtois, Oriol Romeu and Romelu Lukaku — who are unlikely to make an instant impact on the first team. Goalkeeper Courtois, 19, will spend the season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Villas-Boas added: ‘It’s normal that there is an expectancy at any club moving into the summer that they will go into the market but we are approaching it in a more wise way, selecting our decisions.

‘The market closes on August 31 and the most important thing for us is to make wise decisions and do what’s best for the club. This doesn’t mean we won’t move in the market. I think we will. There’s still plenty of time.’

Young blood: McEachran (top) could be joined by Moutinho as boss Villas-Boas looks to reduce the average age of his squad

Chelsea’s top target has been Luka Modric, although Villas-Boas is considering a raid on his former club for Joao Moutinho as an alternative.

It seems a two-pronged transfer policy is developing, with big-money moves for players ready to improve the first team along with investment in prized young players for the future.

Neymar was another in their sights, although the 19-year-old Brazil forward looks bound for Real Madrid.

Josh McEachran impressed again in the Blues win. Freed from the restrictions of the midfield holding role, he showcased his passing range and vision. The 18-year-old is a year younger than Jack Wilshere and Villas-Boas will hope he develops at a similar rate.

‘He is an amazing British  talent for the future,’ said the Chelsea manager.

Safe keeping: De Gea recovers from early blunder to deliver assured debut

Maybe it was the best thing for him. Maybe the fastest way for David de Gea to show that he is not daunted by becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of English football was to be picking the ball out of net with practically his first act as a Manchester United player.

It gave the 20-year-old a chance to demonstrate that he has the self-confidence and mental strength to match his physical skills.

All eyes were on De Gea after that, and on whether the £17.8million man would wilt on his debut in the 100 degree heat of Soldier Field after the Barclays Premier League champions conceded a shock 13th-minute goal against Chicago Fire.

It's behind you: David De Gea conceded just 13 minutes into his Manchester United debut, but recovered well

But there was just a rueful shake of the head. Then the Spaniard dusted himself down and got on with an assured performance that came less than a week after meeting his new team-mates on their tour of America.

‘He wasn’t fazed by it,’ said United’s goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, who is in charge of overseeing the progress of a player he has followed since watching De Gea impress for Spain in the Under 17 European Championship four years ago.

‘When you’ve played for Atletico Madrid in La Liga 84 times at 20 years of age and faced some of the top players, he knows that’s what you have to do — get it out of the net and start again.

‘You’re always nervous in the first game but in the end I thought he equipped himself well. Don’t forget, he only came in on Monday to a big club and within five days we’ve put him in.’

Flippin' marvellous: United overcame the deficit to win 3-1 in near 100 degree heat

Even so, the goal raised more concerns that De Gea is not too confident under the high ball, a flaw that would be ruthlessly exposed in the Barclays Premier League.

Steele shared manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s impression that he should have come out for a free-kick launched into his penalty box, allowing Cory Gibbs to steal in ahead of United’s other debutant Phil Jones and score with a header from close-range.

Ferguson later revised his view and claimed the keeper ‘had no chance’, but Steele said: ‘I thought he probably could have come for the ball. But it’s pre-season and we’ve not had time to work on it.’

Dominant: United's goalkeeping coach admitted some work must be done on De Gea's dealing with the high ball

De Gea more than redeemed himself with a point-blank save on the stroke of half-time and an even better effort just after the hour mark, which appeared all the more valuable when United then scored three goals in the space of 16 minutes to run out 3-1 winners.

Possibly the goalkeeper’s greatest assets, however, were his composure at the back and confidence with the ball at his feet, which was a key consideration when Ferguson was seeking a replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

Steele added: ‘He’s very mature for his age on the ball, which we’ve been used to. If we’re going to play the United way, we need a keeper who can do that. He’s got a hard act to follow but we always knew that. You’ll see a gradual improvement right through, but we have to do it quickly.’

Two other areas of concern are De Gea’s build — relatively slight considering he is 6ft 4in - and the fact he hardly speaks a word of English. But Steele, who has been learning Spanish to help communicate in the early stages, is confident both issues will be resolved.

United flew to New York yesterday morning ahead of their game against the Major League Soccer All-Stars and another meeting with Barcelona in Washington DC at the weekend.

The European champions are familiar opponents for De Gea, but he said: ‘It doesn’t matter to me that it’s a Spanish team. It’s a rematch of the Champions League final so we have to try to beat Barcelona. I want to get my levels up to 100 per cent as soon as possible so I can give my best for United.’

City striker Tevez rejects ex-boss Fergie's claim that he is set for early retirement

Shoulder to lean on: Ferguson admits Tevez warned him of his early retirement during his spell at United

Carlos Tevez has rejected Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that he was not offered a new contract at Manchester United because he told the Scot he intended to quit within four years.

Ferguson made the revelation during United's current tour of the United States.

It came amid continued uncertainty over Tevez's intentions for the new season following the collapse of a proposed move to Corinthians.

Previously, it was felt United backed off from extending an initial two-year 'loan' for Tevez due to the massive costs involved.

Instead the South American went to Manchester City, where he is thought to be the Premier League's highest paid player.

However, he has now fallen out of love with the Blues, citing a desperate desire to see more of his wife and two daughters as the major reason for wanting to quit.

And with his familiar failing to settle in Manchester that has unsettled the Argentine striker further.

In the past, Tevez has spoken of his willingness to retire, which gives credence to Ferguson's words.

However, the 27-year-old forward has distanced himself from those claims and it is suggested he will continue his career for another eight years.

'At no time did he discuss retiring with the Manchester United management and Mr Ferguson has not mentioned this at any time before.

Hand in hand: Tevez's relationship with current boss Mancini has been temperamental 

'In fact Carlos feels he is capable of playing for a further eight years and though he has been in the form of his life, he feels he is only going to get better in the coming years.'

Ferguson was quoted in The People as saying Tevez told United he intended to play on for only four years when he discussed a contract at Old Trafford in 2009.

Ferguson said: 'He told us at the time of negotiations that he was only going to play for four more years, so if we had signed him on a five-year contract knowing that he was going to quit in four years' time, there is no re-sale value for us.'

Barton vows to stay at Toon as Man United consider joining race for bad boy

Joey Barton insists he wants to stay at Newcastle as Manchester United emerged as the latest club to be linked with the controversial midfielder.

Arsenal and Aston Villa have shown interest in signing Barton, who is available on the cheap with just one year of his contract remaining.

Where am I going? Joe Barton's future is up in the air right now

Barton has so far failed to agree a new deal at St James' Park after rejecting a two-year extension on reduced terms.

But despite United's reported interest, the former Manchester City man has vowed to stay at Newcastle.

On Twitter, he wrote: 'Nice to be linked with some big clubs today but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks. #unfinishedbusinesshere'

He then added: 'I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. Its out of my hands #iwanttostay?'

Feisty: Barton is now wanted by several top sides after impressing for Newcastle

On the hunt: Sir Alex Ferguson

 

It is yet to be confirmed whether United's interest is genuine, although they are in need of reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves have both departed, and Darren Fletcher still struggling with the after-effects of the mystery virus he picked up last season.

Fletcher has missed the tour of the United States and has been placed on an individual conditioning programme after losing a substantial amount of weight.

Barton would be viewed as a cut-price deal for Ferguson to shore up his options in the short-term, although there are still obvious doubts about his temperament.

The Liverpool-born midfielder is currently on tour with the reserves in Holland after being a denied a working visa to the US because of his previous criminal convictions.

Barton is the latest big-name heading for the Newcastle exit after captain Kevin Nolan was sold to Championship side West Ham.

Andy Carroll joined Liverpool for £35million in January and Jose Enrique is also expected to leave this summer.

I'm going nowhere! Nani warns Young and Valencia he'll fight for future at United

Nani has claimed he will be inspired by the intense battle for first-team spots at Manchester United this season.

The arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa has provided immediate competition for the winger, who with Antonio Valencia sidelined for most of last term, was the only orthodox wide-man at Sir Alex Ferguson's disposal.

Danny Welbeck has operated on the flanks and is now available after a successful loan spell at Sunderland, whilst Mame Biram Diouf was picked there for the first half of the 3-1 win over Chicago Fire.

Head over heels: Nani celebrates his goal against Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on Saturday

However, Nani, who scored the visitors' final goal at Soldier Field, is adamant he does not intend to take a backward step.

'The competition is good,' he said. 'It inspires you. If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game. At Manchester United, you have to be ready every time you go on the field.'

The 24-year-old contributed nine goals and 18 assists - the highest in the league - to United's record 19th championship triumph. Yet it still was not enough to earn him a starting spot for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in May.

It must have come as a bitter blow to a player who started the campaign so well, but tailed off just as Valencia was recovering from the broken ankle he sustained in September.

Goal threat: Nani (right) fires the ball past Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Conway

In the aftermath of that loss, and with Ferguson looking at how best to strengthen a team that was so badly outplayed at Wembley, there were plenty happy to write off Nani's Red Devils career completely.

But he returned for the current five-match tour of the United States, and appears in the right frame of mind to provide an even greater contribution this time around.

'Of course I can get better,' he said. 'That is what I am trying to do. It is not easy but it is what I look to achieve every year. If I can get more goals and more assists, that will be good for the team and help us in all the competitions we are going for.'

Nani believes improvement will be required too. For, whilst United proved good enough to finish top of the pile last season, with Manchester City trying to get stronger and Liverpool expected to challenge along with Arsenal and last year's runners-up Chelsea, Nani is anticipating an even fiercer battle for supremacy.

New arrival: Ashley Young (centre) has joined the wide men at Old Trafford after his move from Aston Villa

'In every season it is important to start well,' he said. 'But it is even more the case now because this season will be much harder than the last couple. All the teams are getting stronger and trying to be much better. We have to match that.'

Although Saturday's first-half showing was the least convincing of United's performances so far, Sir Alex Ferguson was reasonably satisfied. Goalkeeper David de Gea and former Blackburn defender Phil Jones made decent debuts.

Sir Alex Ferguson retracted an initial thought that De Gea was responsible for Chicago Fire's early opener and by the time he has bulked up, which United's medical staff insist will happen over time, he should be a positive influence.

The same is already true of Javier Hernandez, who is expected to join United on the next leg of their journey, to New York, where they will face an MLS All-Stars side containing David Beckham and Thierry Henry at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.

Boys on tour: Wayne Rooney congratulates the Portugal winger on his strike

'It was tough for him last season but over time, Javier will mature and get better,' said Ferguson. 'He is improving technically and now he has had a good season behind him in a tough division.

'We are setting targets for him. We thought he would get 20 last season and he did. He might do even better this time.'

United complete their tour in Washington next Saturday when they square up to Barcelona in a rematch of that one-sided European final. With Lionel Messi missing, it hardly represents an opportunity for revenge.

It will be a guide though, with Nani convinced United have what it takes to get revenge in Munich next year, when the European Cup will be up for grabs again.

'We have to be ready for the challenge,' he said. 'Barcelona play fantastic football and are the best team in the world at present. But we have the conditions to be better in the future.' 

Sir Alex Ferguson: They're all out to get us, but we don't care

Ready for another battle: Sir Alex Ferguson laps up the sun in Chicago

Sir Alex Ferguson has prefaced the new football season by turning the spotlight on the Football Association, claiming there is 'an unfair focus on Manchester United on disciplinary issues'.

The United manager cited 'possible resentment about the club because of our success since the Premier League began'.

'I think that has something to do with it really,' said Ferguson.

'It will always be there and I think we know that. I don't really know whether it's about me or the club. That's a difficult one. They have certainly always found a way to treat us differently.

'It has been happening for a while now and they always seem to find a way to do us when, with others, it's seemingly forgotten.'

Ferguson was banned for five matches and fined £30,000 last season for criticising referee Martin Atkinson after United's defeat at Chelsea, the latest in a long list of battles he has had with the FA.

He was also furious when Wayne Rooney was banned for two games for his outburst into a television camera during victory at West Ham, leading to the manager accusing the FA of victimising United.

'Personally, I felt hard-done-by last season but it's always difficult and I'm not wanting to get involved with it, to be honest,' said Ferguson.

'It doesn't bother me one bit. I defend my club and that's my job. Part of the problem is that when I make comments, the media are on to the FA right away.

Made an example of: Ferguson said Wayne Rooney was punished too severely for his foul-mouthed rant at a TV camera in United's win at Upton Park

VICTIMS OR VILLAINS?

 

Six flashpoints last season that saw Sir Alex Ferguson clash with the FA:

1. Said Liverpool were 'lucky' after Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano escaped over incidents similar to one which saw Rio Ferdinand banned for violent conduct.
2. Described FA as 'dysfunctional' for their failure to take action against Gerrard for catching Portsmouth's Michael Brown with an elbow.
3. The 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last March had Ferguson complaining: 'We've had terrible decisions against us. You've got to be careful you don't have paranoia.'
4. Wayne Rooney was banned for two games for swearing into a TV camera, prompting Ferguson to claim the FA had gone out of their way to make an example of them.
5. Claimed there was a 'refereeing conspiracy' after United were denied a penalty at Arsenal.
6. Accused the FA of being too hard at hearings. 'There is a scenario for every other club and another for us.' 

'Then they feel forced to do something and they are afraid of what might happen if they don't. There is no consistency in the disciplinary situation. We all know that.'

The 69-year-old Glaswegian is brimming with as much anticipation about the start of his 25th season in charge as he did for his first.

His team continued their preparation with a 3-1 win over MLS side Chicago Fire in the famous Soldier Field Stadium on Saturday night.

Ferguson's enthusiasm is certainly fired as he eagerly prepares to take on the challengers who threaten United's attempt to win their 20th league championship.

And he was happy to ponder over which team might finish second to his club in the Premier League.

'That's a hard one,' he smiled. 'There's a big expectation on Manchester City and Liverpool. There's a big expectation at City, obviously, but the bigger expectation is on ourselves. Most clubs will be expecting us to do something and there will be more pressure on us than the rest.

'We've faced that before and it shouldn't be a problem, but we've lost three players with great experience - Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar - so that is where the expectation may bother us a wee bit this season.

'Scholes will be a big loss, but I'm hopeful that David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard will solve the goalkeeping problem because Edwin was such a great professional, he had great experience and was great in the dressing room. It's hard to replace that.'

Ferguson acknowledged United cannot afford to allow Chelsea to get off to the flying start they did last season when they won their first five games, scoring 21 goals.

'Chelsea have done that a few times,' he said. 'The two times they won it under Mourinho in a row they were 10 points ahead of us within six weeks and we couldn't catch them.

Lucky boy: Gerrard got away lightly after elbowing Brown, according to Ferguson

'After that we made good starts and changed our training to make sure we started more quickly, and that made the difference. Last year we fell behind because we weren't 100 per cent in the opening matches.

'We had some stupid results at Everton and Fulham, dropping four points. We had nine draws away from home, which was unusual for us. Chelsea gave us a chance because they hit a bad spell and we took advantage. We did well in that period, got in front and held on.

'Chelsea will still be there. They have the most experienced squad in the league with the likes of Terry, Lampard and Cech. Drogba and Anelka have experience, too, so they will be there. You can't see them being out of the top four, so it is a pretty difficult league now. They are approaching an evolutionary stage and the new manager hasn't signed anyone yet, so that will be a bit of a concern for Chelsea fans.

'There are probably five clubs in the title race. Spurs did fantastically well last season, but the European run probably cost them a place in the top four when they got a few injuries. That, and their lack of experience of competing in the Champions League and Premier League, cost them.

'They have a bit of work to do to get back to that level because it doesn't look as though they are going to sign any players.

'But the rest? Liverpool have bought a lot of players so there will be expectation the rest. Arsenal have to replace Nasri and Fabregas because it looks certain that they are going to move.'

Ferguson believes Carlos Tevez will not move from the Etihad Stadium.

Conspiracy theory: Sir Alex claimed referees were united against his side after Michael Owen was refused a penalty at Arsenal

'I think it's a certainty he will start the season at City because you look around and wonder who is going to buy him,' he said. 'I'm not sure Inter Milan would pay £45million, especially after he said he wants to go back to Argentina to see his kids.

'He told us at the time of our negotiations that he was only going to play for four more years so, if we had signed him on a five-year contract knowing that he was going to quit in four years, there is no resale value for us.

Staying put: Fergie says Carlos Tevez is a certainty to remain at City

'He's an impact player, he's good at times when you need someone to make an impact. He isn't always consistent in a game but he has periods of games when he does really well in bursts.'

Ferguson has been rotating his players on an exhaustive tour which has already taken in trans-American journeys from Boston to Seattle and Chicago, to be followed by games in New York and against Barcelona in Washington this week.

Lessons learned: Fulham's Brede Hangeland scores against United to clinch a draw at Craven Cottage last season

But he insisted he would heed the lesson of the build-up to last season when he felt that certain players lacked match fitness because they had not played enough.

'We made a mistake last year at the start. When we got to the Fulham game we weren't really 100 per cent,' he said.

'We were well short in the opening games because we gave some of the players too many half games in the pre-season.

'Now we will give the players a full 90 minutes in the game against the Red Bulls in New York and against Barcelona.

'We have a big squad so it's difficult to give some players the required number of minutes.

'We are well off for strikers. Federico Macheda is all right and Mame Diouf has his certain qualities.'