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It has been well documented that the next few months will be key for the long-term development of the Manchester United squad. Before the start of the new season, several squad players will surely discover whether or not they fit into Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans for the future.

The biggest clue as to how Ferguson intends to shape his squad has come with the announcement that Michael Carrick has been awarded a new three-year contract – the former Spurs man has become a mainstay of the United line-up since his arrival in 2006.

The deal is arguably the clearest indication yet that Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe that Owen Hargreaves will make a complete recovery from the chronic knee injuries that have dogged his career over the last two and a half years.

From that point of view, the retention of a player of Carrick’s calibre is understandable. However, the one time West Ham player has really struggled to match the form that made him indispensable during United’s run of three consecutive league titles between 2007 and 2009. Such has been the indifferent level of performance coming from the once imposing midfielder that there were hushed rumours that Ferguson may have tried to sell up in the summer.

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I was at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night during Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to defending league champions, Chelsea, and got a first hand look at the problems Carrick has been experiencing of late. Despite looking tidy in possession during United’s dominant period in the first half, Carrick was unable to impose himself on the game. By the time the home side had taken control of the game during the second half, he was completely ineffectual and was unable to break up the advancing waves of blue possession. For a man that scores so infrequently, United’s coaching staff would have expected far more defensive solidarity in such a pivotal position.

Yet, despite watching this, and numerous other insipid performances from Carrick over recent months, a new deal has been offered to the two time Champions League finalist. A potential answer as to why may lie in the advancing years of several of the club’s most influential figures.

Experienced heads at Old Trafford are hardly in short supply, but Ferguson will be aware that with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs entering what must surely be their final year as United players, and players like Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown struggling to string a run of games together, that the role of someone with Carrick’s experience is likely to become far more valuable over the next couple of years.

This new contract is also a well-timed fillip for Carrick’s international hopes. With Gareth Barry struggling for form and both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard showing signs of wear and tear, there will fresh hope for a more permanent berth in the England squad. Twenty-two appearances across a near ten year career would suggest at unfinished business for a man who was the outstanding performer in England’s quickly forgotten 1-0 win over Ecuador at the 2006 World Cup.

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Alex Ferguson has rarely offered new contracts to players who have not warranted them, and whilst this is not as left-field a decision as the one to give Michael Owen a two year spell at Old Trafford, Carrick will know he will need to repay his manager’s faith handsomely in the coming months.

I’ve always wanted to write a piece on Michael Carrick. Mainly because when Clive Tyldesley says his name on ITV it sounds like ‘Tariq’ and I wanted to share it. More bizarre musings available on Twitter – subject to availability.

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Valencia striker Jonas was delighted to have made his international debut for Brazil in their 2-0 friendly international win over Scotland.The 26-year-old came off the bench at London’s Emirates stadium on Sunday, a moment he claims will stay with him forever.

“I think that it is very difficult to get into the Brazilian national team, because of everything that the side has achieved,” Jonas said.

“It means a lot to me. It was incredible – a day that I will never forget.”

“I spent four days with the squad, and there was a great atmosphere. I will work hard in order to try and get picked again. I know that it is tough, because the Brazilian side has great players. I am going to do all I can until the end of the season here.”

Jonas, who signed with Valencia from Brazilian club Gremio in January, insists he is enjoying his time at the Estadio Mestalla and is looking forward to helping his new team reach the Champions League again next season.

“I think that I’ve done a lot of good things in the little time that I have spent here,” Jonas said.

“I have been here for around two months, and we have two more remaining in which to take third place.”

“The Champions League is the aim of every player, and we have nine games in which to try and get there.”

“One of those games is against a direct rival in Villarreal. We are going to work a lot in these remaining weeks in order to get to third place.”

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has hinted at signing Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo if his team wins the Serie A.With six league games remaining, Milan hold a three-point lead over Napoli with fierce cross-town rivals Inter a further two points back.

The Italian prime minister has declared his interest in the 26-year-old former Manchester United winger, even though Ronaldo has not indicated he wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

“If we win the scudetto then the next transfer window will see us add one or two great players. One of those could be Ronaldo,” Berlusconi said.

“If we were able to add Ronaldo to our squad I think it would please everybody. Sometimes dreams come true.”

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined the Italian giants at the start of this season, although disciplinary issues have reportedly left Berlusconi questioning his investment.

It would be the first time since 2004 that Milan have won the league title if they hold off the challenges of their rivals.

The current squad includes ageing pair Clarence Seedorf, 35, and Andrea Pirlo, 31, who are both coming off contract.

After yesterday afternoon’s 2-2 draw at home to West Brom the door is beginning to close on Tottenham’s bid for another season in the Champions League. Manchester City now look comfortable favourites for fourth position but by no means are Tottenham being written off. However, after Saturday’s draw it is looking very difficult for Tottenham – especially if we take into consideration their upcoming fixtures. As the season draws to its conclusions, the Tottenham board and senior management have to consider the consequences of not reaching the Champions League next season. It must be a worry for Harry Redknapp, after the success of their début season, Tottenham may find it increasingly difficult to win a place back in Europe’s elite competition.

The Tottenham fans certainly have the appetite for the competition, and they crave more. This has had a lot to do with how well Tottenham equipped themselves in the competition. Wins over European Champions Inter Milan and AC Milan gave the fans the confidence to believe their side could go further in the competition. Whatever the reasons for their defeat to Real Madrid, the fans must feel that they have unfinished business in the competition. It is difficult to imagine White Hart Lane buzzing in the same way in the Europa League. Will the fans have the passion for the competition, will the players have the same buzz on Thursday evenings and will the quality of the opposition give the fans value for money? Even Anfield, one of the greatest European stadiums lacks atmosphere in the Europa League. It has to be a fear for the Tottenham board.

If Tottenham do finish in fifth position this season and Manchester City make the Champions League, Spurs may well struggle to catch City. Manchester City will continue to spend big, and with the pull of Champions League football Manchester City wont struggle to attract some more of the world’s greatest footballers. With funds being tied up in a new stadium, Tottenham could find themselves struggling to compete with Manchester City and may find themselves cut adrift. Added to this, Liverpool will no doubt strengthen in the summer, whilst Tottenham, without Champions League football may not have the same strength to both keep players and invest in new talent.

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It is obvious that some Tottenham players will be targets for both English and European clubs who will offer the lure of Champions League football. Players like Gareth Bale, Michael Dawson and Luca Modric have proven they can play at the top and without a doubt they have the taste for it. It would not be out of the question if players started to ask questions, Harry Redknapp looks set to take the England job after Euro 2012 and if Manchester City and Liverpool invest big, some of Tottenham’s stars may be attracted elsewhere.

The Tottenham board and management must consider these consequences of Europa League football next season, and consider them seriously. If they do finish fifth next season, would it be right to put a new stadium on hold until they return to the competition? It would free up funds to invest and compete for Champions League football next season. Tottenham may yet qualify for the Champions League this season, and if they best Manchester City at Eastlands, who would bet against them doing it? However, Tottenham are dropping silly points against teams they should defeat and it could be this that ultimately costs them this season. The board has to forget about the adventures of this season’s Champions League run for the time being. The squad knows what it takes to compete and they know what the prize is, something that may help them in the running. However, all bases need to be covered. If Tottenham do not qualify for the Champions League next season, it could be a very long summer for the club.

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Article courtesy of Tom at This Is Futbol

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There was a moment during Arsenal’s visit to White Hart Lane on Wednesday night that highlighted just what a quality player Sandro is. The Brazilian midfielder, usually accustomed to seeing out Tottenham’s defensive duties bust a lung to pick up a stray pass, knock it forward and smash a dangerous shot in the direction of Arsenal’s goalmouth. The Gunner’s keeper Wojciech Szczesny may somehow have managed to smother it, but that moment served to underline something a lot of Spurs fans already believed – that this young lad can aid a Tottenham attack, as well as break-up opposition play.

He’s clearly a wonderful young player, who shows no fear in the big games – if this game and his performances against the two Italian giants are any testimony. The trouble Harry Redknapp has, is finding a space for him in an already congested midfield. At the moment Sandro seems to be favoured above the likes of Tom Huddlestone in games against opposition sides that are known for their ‘physicality’, or tough tackling, whilst Thudd is favoured in most home games.

I realise that Harry Redknapp wants his side to play attacking football, and thus the selection of Tom Huddlestone in the midfield seems like a positive thing, but I can’t help but feel as though Sandro would be a better choice. Apart from his goal against Arsenal, I thought Thudd’s performance was a little poor – his passing game was way off and he didn’t look as mobile as he usually does. Can you imagine Arsenal finding the space to create three goals had Sandro been on the pitch from the beginning of the game? It’s little coincidence, I think that Arsenal’s creative juices ceased to flow soon after Sandro’s introduction.

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Of course, Tom Huddlestone’s been out injured for quite some time, so perhaps we shouldn’t expect so much from him so soon. It’s good to see that even when he’s not playing particularly well, he’s still capable of a rare sublime moment.

It’s possible for Tottenham to accommodate both players in a 4-5-1. Play Peter Crouch as the loan striker and have Thudd and Sandro sit a little deeper in the midfield, whilst granting Rafael van der Vaart, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale more freedom to get forward. That’s a fearsome looking midfield by any means. If Tottenham can bring in a decent striker next season and keep hold of their best players, they’re going to be a real force.

Tottenham’s midfield dilemma is one of those ‘good problems’ – they have a batch of quality footballers and not enough slots in the centre of the park to play them all. Sandro has rarely put a foot wrong since he’s entered into this Tottenham side and it’s clear that he’s still improving and adding to his game on a weekly basis. He’s got drive and energy, likes to join the attack and can still fulfil his defensive duties. He consistently delivers and it’s for this reason that if I had to choose between Sandro and Thudd, I’d go for the Brazilian every time.

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Article courtesy of This is Futbol

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Manchester United will face Barcelona in the Champions League final, after they crushed Schalke 4-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.United led 2-0 from the semi-final first leg, so when Antonio Valencia drilled an angled shot past Manuel Neuer after 26 minutes and Darron Gibson made it 2-0 five minutes later the tie was all but over.

Schalke did reply through Jurado before half-time but United were able to see out the match and even score twice more after the break, both through midfielder Anderson, to complete a 6-1 aggregate win.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson took a huge gamble on his side’s Champions League future by resting nine of the 11 players that started their English Premier League match at Arsenal last weekend – clearly concerned about a title-deciding fixture against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Only goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and midfielder Anderson survived the cull, with Wayne Rooney not even included on the bench.

Fortunately for Ferguson’s men, their opponents showed little belief that they could rescue the tie, even against a shadow United line-up, and the home side were convincing victors.

Irishman Gibson set up the opening goal with a wonderful pass for Valencia, who fired low across Neuer for 1-0.

Gibson doubled the lead five minutes later, firing in a shot that Neuer – who had played so wonderfully in the first leg – let slip into this own net.

The Germans did briefly pose a threat, scoring through Jurado, but United were back on the attack after the break and almost scored another through an Anderson curling shot that was well saved.

The Brazilian then tapped home after 72 minutes and converted a pass from Dimitar Berbatov four minutes later to wrap up a remarkably easy victory.

The result means United will play in the Champions League final for the third time in four years.

They won the title by beating Chelsea in Moscow in 2008, but lost to Barcelona in Rome a year later. Now they must face the Catalan giants again – but this time at Wembley on May 28.

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been selected in the France squad for the first time since surgery to remove a tumour from his liver.Abidal had the surgery in March and he missed almost two months of football before making his comeback in a Champions League match against Real Madrid on May 3.

The 31-year-old left back has now been named in Laurent Blanc’s 26-man squad for their upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier with Belarus on June 3 before friendlies against Ukraine on June 6 and Poland three days later.

Blanc said he was delighted to see Abidal – currently preparing for the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday – back in French colours.

“I left him a message about 10 days ago to tell him I was really happy to see him back on a football pitch,” Blanc said.

“Hopefully he will be given a starting spot, he is coming back to form.”

“He will be delighted to return to the squad and he can bid for a starting spot at left-back.”

“It is amazing what he has already achieved, this is a good surprise. His return to the squad will boost his morale.”

Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra is injured, and he is replaced by Sochaux midfielder Marvin Martin, while Lyon star Yoann Gourcuff is also missing with a knock.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Adil Rami (Lille), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain).

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (Saint-Etienne), Marvin Martin (Sochaux).

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kevin Gameiro (Lorient), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris St Germain), Jeremy Menez (Roma), Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan), Loic Remy (Marseille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

There is little doubt that England put on a poor performance against Switzerland at the weekend and in the aftermath of this game there has been the suggestion that the players were tired after a long and hard Premier League season. But isn’t it time England came up with a new excuse? Bearing in mind that this seems to be the line that comes out whenever England put on a lacklustre performance.

Yes, there might be something in it because as we all know the Premier League is played at a high level at a very high pace. However, if it was 100% responsible for the performance then you would expect it to affect every player in the England squad and come to that every player that has played in the Premier League this season. But we don’t often hear of internationals that play their football in the Premier League putting on lacklustre performances for their countries. However, plenty of players have been outspoken about the need for a winter break if England are ever going to win the World Cup again – but that is really an argument for another day.

The real issue is why was it that Ashley Young, Jack Wilshere and Leighton Baines all seemed to be full of running? Let’s remember that Jack Wilshere is the player that had Arsene Wenger and others cry for him to be withdrawn from the England U21 squad over fears of burnout – so surely if anyone should be tired it should be him?  But he wasn’t, he was full of energy and with some really quality on the ball. In fact he had a vital part to play to get England back in the game by winning the penalty to get the game back to 2-1. Ashley Young also looked full of energy when he came off the subs bench to score England’s equaliser and Leighton Baines was making some useful runs that were causing problems.

Fabio Capello felt the team looked tired and didn’t have the energy to press – but could the problems be more mental than physical. It seems like most of the England players were thinking about their holidays rather than a vital Euro 2012 qualifier. Then there is the issue of if the players really want to play for Capello – after all more and more players are announcing that they don’t want to be selected for England. Now surely that has to have something to do with the manager?

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John Terry did not agree with the manager and didn’t feel that the players were tired and wasn’t interested in making such mistakes. As the match showed the two goals that were scored were as result of mistakes that England must sort out. Different people will have different ideas about what the precise reasons are for the poor performance by England. However, I don’t think we can keep saying that it is all down to a long and hard Premier League season, because if that is the case then why doesn’t it affect all the players? Also it does seem to be funny that it only seems to have an impact on the established internationals.

When other players are given opportunities either from the bench or in friendly games these problems don’t seem to be so evident. Peter Crouch has never really let England down but in important games he rarely gets the opportunity to impress. But if the established England players can’t handle a Euro 2012 qualifier at the end of the season then maybe we should let the fringe players have a go.

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Yesterday saw the beginning of the 43rd Copa America in Argentina where a host of the world’s finest footballers will be on display and no doubt the eyes of Europe’s top clubs will be on them.

The tournament will include some the world’s most high profile players such as, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez and will also be a platform for some of the most wanted men in football to show just why some of the biggest clubs in Europe are chasing their signatures.

Alexis Sanchez of Chile, Neymar of Brazil, and Javier Pastore of Argentina have all been linked with high profile moves to the likes of Chelsea , Barcelona , and Real Madrid . They will see this tournament as an ideal chance to attract more suitors and demonstrate the vast amount of talent they possess.

Sanchez for example has been told by Chile that he can leave their training camp in the build up to the Championship in order to complete his much anticipated move to Barcelona for around £35m. Neymars club Santos recently declared that five major European clubs have met the £40m buy-out clause in his contract and he too could soon be on the move.

Javier Pastores club Palermo have announced in the past few days a number of top clubs have shown an interest in him before club President Maurizio Zamparini declared one club in particular have tabled a £45m bid.

Between them these three players alone could cost a combined £130m for what is relatively unproven talent in the eyes of many fans, though the Copa America is the ideal platform for them to justify such high transfer fees and prove there is foundation to the hype.

Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero is another player being linked with a big money move on the eve of the competition, with Juventus reportedly ready to spend £32m in order secure his services in Serie A.

Aguero is part of an Argentinean squad that has finished as runners-up in the past two tournaments and will be looking to stop Brazil claiming the crown for a third time in row. Both have squads blessed with a number of superstars but both also have a lot to prove.

Though the Copa America isn’t all about the high profile players, it’s also a chance for some a South America’s lesser know players to show the world what they can do in the hope of attracting a lucrative transfer to a top European club.

Take for example Columbian defender Cristian Zapata , currently with Udinese, who declared he was a transfer target for Liverpool just a couple a weeks ago and this will be his chance to demonstrate why he is seen as one of the finest defenders in Italy.

Manchester United’s Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia was discovered by Wigan in this tournament a number of years ago and he has gone to not only establish himself as a Premier league player but also as a vital part of United’s Championship winning team.

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So as the competition evolves from here on in, there will not only be millions of fans watching with intrigue a number a Europe’s top scouts will be there and searching for the next South American Gem.

Article courtesy of Patrick Giffney from This Is Futbol

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that he is happy with the club’s business in the transfer market so far this summer, and has hailed the new players.

The Premier League champions have added Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea to their ranks in the last month, which the veteran feels are positive moves.

“It is just what the club needs. Three of our most experienced players have retired, so the manager has reinforced certain positions on the field. This club is always evolving. That is what has happened since I have been here,” the 32-year-old stated in a press conference in Boston.

“That is what you aim to do. It is not about your personal feelings. It is about the club becoming better and more stable and continuing the success we have had over the years.”

The fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has added youthful additions to the squad is also a decision backed by the England centre back.

“It is great to see young players. We have some very young players coming through the youth team already, so when the manager adds players of quality like Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea, it can only improve the squad, increase our longevity and continue our success,” he concluded.

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The Old Trafford side are currently in the United States to play five friendlies in the build up to the 2011/12 campaign.