In Case You Forgot, Tim Howard Is Still Playing At A Ridiculously High Level For Club & Country

It's been a whirlwind week for U.S. men's goalkeeper Tim Howard. He was an integral part of the 1-0 U.S. win in Mexico last Wednesday, their first ever victory there in 75 years. Today, his 2012-13 club season in England with Everton got off to an excellent start as they beat Manchester United 1-0.

Facing arguably the English Premier League's most fearsome strikers-Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie (who replaced Welbeck in the 68th minute)-Howard was up to the task as he earned a clean sheet against one of the world's top clubs. He made four saves including a punch on a Rooney header in the first half and a nice run off his line to stuff Shinji Kagawa in the second half.

The easiest thing to do is freak out (positively or negatively) about the first result in a season. Keep in mind, the EPL schedule lasts 38 matches. With that said, some good signs for the Toffees: it was the first time United had failed to win their opening fixture since 2008 but it was the first victory in five seasons for Everton in their opener. Plus, they had won only twice at home against United in 17 years.

Up next, Howard and Everton visit Aston Villa on Saturday morning (10 a.m. ET).

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I Don't Even Like Manchester United But I Will Still Salute Ryan Giggs' Longevity

Everybody knows that I hate Manchester United but in all sports, I'm always fascinated by players that can last for 15+ years.

Today, Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs signed a one-year extension, which will commit him to the EPL giant for a 23rd straight season.

The only player to score in every Premier League season he played, the 38-year-old Giggs made his first-team debut in March 1991 and has never played for another club.

He beat Bobby Charlton's long-standing appearance record in the 2008 Champions League final and has played 898 matches for United, 140 more than Charlton.

United manager Alex Ferguson says "he has constantly reinvented himself, adapted to the changing nature of the game and retained that desire and hunger for success."

The Welsh living legend isn't a novelty either; if you've watched any of the Red Devils' games the last few seasons you've noticed that while Giggs isn't the same player he once was, he is still more than capable of giving them a lift off the bench.

He's an inspiration to soccer players around the globe that shows you don't have to be wildly talented or athletically gifted to forge an incredible career. Giggs' best characteristics are toughness, intelligence, adaptability and a high level of fitness.

Congrats Ryan, here's to many more years of success with Manchester United.

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Chicarito Out For A Month With Ankle Injury

Big news for Manchester United and Mexico fans not to mention those of us that despise both of those teams: striker Javier "Chicarito" Hernandez will likely miss a month of action with torn ligaments in his ankle.

On Saturday, in the first half of Man U's 1-0 win at Aston Villa, Hernandez was taken off on a stretcher.

The Red Devils had a Champions League match tomorrow afternoon against Basel and they also have seven games in the next four weeks. A busy stretch of the season for the defending EPL champs and Champions League runner-up.

"I think it is torn ligaments in the ankle and he'll be out for four weeks," Sir Alex Ferguson said. "We are having a bad time with injuries at the moment but that is why we have a strong squad."

The injury to Hernandez compounds Ferguson's selection headaches. He is already without midfielders Tom Cleverly and Anderson. In recent weeks, he has used forward Wayne Rooney in the midfield. Danny Welbeck is the only available first-team striker that has seen significant playing time in recent months. Ferguson plans to take a patch-work approach to the attack in the coming weeks.

"Danny Welbeck is fit again and fortunately he got 15 minutes (against Villa) which is good, so he is an option for Wednesday," Ferguson said. "He has not had a lot of football recently which is something I have to consider.

"But Nani did alright through the middle and Antonio Valencia did very well for us when he came on, he was excellent. So I have some options up-front. We may have Berbatov fit for Wednesday also, but we are getting our fair share of injuries at the moment."

I'm sure scummy Mexican fans (some of the worst on the planet) would cheer if U.S. men's national team stars like Landon Donovan, Tim Howard or Clint Dempsey got hurt but I'm going to take the high road here. Mostly because I love soccer and whenever a great player like Chicarito misses time, we all lose.

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Javier Hernandez aka Chicharito Gets Five More Years At Manchester United

Any U.S. men's national team fan can tell you that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez aka Chicharito is one of the world's best strikers these days. As such, he's one of the reasons that Mexico will likely always be at a level above the U.S. for as long as he laces up his cleats with his buddy Giovani Dos Santos.

Likewise, the 23-year-old made an immediate impact for the world's second best club team-Manchester United-last season with 20 goals in all competitions. Today, he was rewarded with a five-year extension with the English Premier League's top team.

I hate Man U but watching Chicharito and Wayne Rooney work together is beautiful, they're easily one of the top striker duos right now. Just lethal with Hernandez providing the speed and Rooney the power. Some evidence of that will surely be on display Saturday morning as Liverpool faces Manchester United in a huge early season showdown.

His representative Eduardo Hernandez told ESPN Deportes: "The initial contract was good for Manchester and for Javier because it enabled them both to see if they could fit together and if he could achieve what was expected of him. Both sides have met their expectations and United were happy to reward Javier after his very good performances last season.

"I will not talk about numbers, but it is a five-year contract. It is a fixed salary with incentives based on the team's success in each of the different tournaments.

"Javier was not badly paid with his initial contract, but it was his first contract and, with respect, not comparable with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Nani. But today I can say that the contract has just been signed and everyone is satisfied."

The agent also played down recent speculation linking his client with Spanish giants Real Madrid, saying: "It was never likely that Javier would leave.

"Talks began some time ago and United came up with a very good offer and I have nothing but praise for the way they have recognised Javier's performances."

He's been battling injuries this season so he's off to a slow start (2 goals, 7 shots in 6 games) but expect Hernandez to pick it up now that his contract status is all sealed and his health has improved.

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Wayne Rooney To Miss All Three Games In Euro 2012 Group Stage

England has qualified for Euro 2012 but they'll be without their best player for the group stage (3 matches) since striker Wayne Rooney was suspended for a sloppy challenge (red card) he committed against Montenegro last week.

Rooney won't be available until the quarterfinals of Euro 2012, should his country advance that far without him.

England have three days to appeal the decision, which seems a formality given the severity of the punishment.

A statement from UEFA read: "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has today handed down a three-match suspension to England forward Wayne Rooney following his dismissal during the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier in Montenegro last Friday, 7 October.

"Today's decision was taken in relation to the red card shown to Rooney for assault after 74 minutes of England's final Group G game, the 2-2 draw with Montenegro in Podgorica. The striker will now be suspended from playing in his country's next three UEFA national competition matches for which he would be eligible.

"An appeal may be lodged against the verdict of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

The FA say they will look at the full reasons behind the UEFA decision before deciding whether to appeal.

An FA statement said: "Further to UEFA's decision to impose a three-match suspension on Wayne Rooney following his sending off against Montenegro, the FA await the full reasons from the disciplinary committee, and will give full consideration to the decision internally, before deciding on any response to UEFA or making any further public comment.''

England head coach Fabio Capello said that Rooney will not start any of England friendlies in the run-up to Euro 2012 as he tries to find a system that works without the Man U superstar. Still, if the three-match ban stands he may have to reconsider his place in the squad.

The draw for the Euro 2012 finals is on December 2.

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Manchester United Injuries Start To Pile Up After One EPL Game in 2011-12 Season

Sunday was an up and down day for Manchester United, the defending English Premier League champions.

The Red Devils managed to salvage a 2-1 win on the road at West Bromwich in their 2011-12 EPL opener.

More importantly, defender Rio Ferdinand picked up a hamstring injury (forcing him to get subbed out after 76 minutes) and it has already been announced that he's expected to miss six weeks. If he's out for that projected time period, he'll miss club matches against Arsenal and Chelsea along with England national team Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

Fullback Rafael da Silva was out 10 weeks after injuring his shoulder in training before the season had even started and center back Nemanja Vidic also exited today's game with an injury (to his calf) and he'll likely miss two weeks.

These three injuries to their defense means that Manchester United could be shaky in the back heading into a tough early stretch in the EPL (vs. Tottenham and vs. Arsenal in the next two weeks).

"Rio has a hamstring injury. He will be out for six weeks,'' said Ferguson. "With Nemanja, we hope it is a nerve in his calf. He felt it prior to the game but he wanted to play. That may be a couple of weeks.''

The bright spot for Ferguson is the anticipated return of Patrice Evra from a knee injury against Spurs next Monday.

"We can always put Fabio on the right if we need to. We also have Chris Smalling, so we will get through,'' said Ferguson.

While I don't like Man U at all, I never root for injuries to good players (or anyone for that regard) so hopefully these guys all get back to the field in due time.

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Manchester United Ready To Roll Over New England Revolution On U.S. Tour

Manchester United announced its roster for the five-game tour of the United States, which includes a stop at Gillette Stadium this Wednesday against the New England Revolution (formerly one of the MLS' best teams that is now in rebuilding mode).

A few players, including Mexican international Javier Hernandez, will join the club in the United States during the tour after their agreed leave time.

MANCHESTER UNITED TOUR ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS: Ben Amos (ENG), David de Gea (ESP)*, Sam Johnston (ENG), Andres Lindegaard (DEN)

DEFENDERS: Fabio Da Silva (BRA), Rafael Da Silva (BRA), Jonny Evans (NIR), Patrice Evra (FRA), Rio Ferdinand (ENG), Phil Jones (ENG)*, Chris Smalling (ENG)*, Nemanja Vidic (SRB)

MIDFIELDERS: Anderson (BRA), Michael Carrick (ENG), Tom Cleverley (ENG)*, Ryan Giggs (WAL), Nani (POR), Gabriel Obertan (FRA), Ji-Sung Park (KOR)

FORWARDS: Dimitar Berbatov (BUL), Mame Biram Diouf (SEN), Javier Hernandez (MEX)*, Federico Macheda (ITA), Michael Owen (ENG), Wayne Rooney (ENG), Danny Welbeck (ENG)*, Ashley Young (ENG)

MANAGER: Sir Alex Ferguson

* Player will join tour in progress.

As you can see, most of the big names will be on the tour so expect some lopsided scores and play against crappy MLS teams. European teams use these preseason trips to get ready for their long domestic seasons so it's not like you'll see Nani or Rooney going 90 minutes each night.

Still, it's pretty cool that you get to see some of the world's top players and one of the most prestigious clubs in our own backyard.

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A Manchester United legend retires

When your career spans 17 professional seasons and you spend it all with one powerhouse club, odds are you are a legend in soccer.

With the news today that Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has retired, I'd say it's time to start making his statue for outside Old Trafford.

The England midfielder formed the core of one of United's greatest ever teams along with Neville, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, which culminated in winning the Treble in 1999, though Scholes missed the final through suspension.

Fergie's Fledglings broke up in the subsequent years but Giggs, Scholes and the elder Neville continued to star as Ferguson built a new team. In 2008, nine years after missing out on a glorious night in Barcelona, Scholes started as United lifted the European Cup again, beating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has frequently repeated this season that he wanted Scholes to continue for another year but, despite impressing at the start of the season, the Salford-born midfielder's powers had seemingly been waning in the latter part of the season.

Scholes, who will carry away a reputation for genius on the pitch and for humility off it, having shunned the celebrity spotlight his entire career, insisted deciding to quit was not an easy decision.

"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing. To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

Ferguson paid tribute to the midfielder, who has wowed fans since netting two goals on his debut against Port Vale in 1994, and revealed that Scholes will be joining the club's coaching staff.

"What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before?" Ferguson said. "We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player.

"Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season. Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

United chief executive David Gill added: "It is very sad day for Manchester United fans around the world. We all know that Paul was one of the players that came through the ranks of the academy system in the 90s and has established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt.

"It is very important that the club keeps the associated with these great players and we are delighted that Paul will join the coaching staff.''

His final game for United was Saturday's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, though fans will be able to show their final appreciation at a testimonial match in August.

United team-mate Rio Ferdinand led the tributes that flooded Twitter in the aftermath of the announcement.

Ferdinand said: "Paul Scholes retires from football....the BEST player of his generation, loved every minute of playing football with him. #legend.

"Paul Scholes aka Sat Nav went from a scoring midfielder to a dictator of the game (changed his game while still at top of the game) #genius."

It's always hard to see someone retire that has seemingly played at the highest level for as long as you can remember. You have to respect Scholes' choice to walk away rather than force United to the awkward stage of trying to get rid of such a storied player. I hate Man U but even I have to shower love on Scholes, a guy that always played hard, didn't say much and got the job done forever.

Manchester United coming back to the U.S. this summer

This summer, the most bandwagon soccer team on the planet will be making an appearance in Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Why I'm talking about Manchester United of course. Sir Alex Ferguson's team will play the New England Revolution on July 13 at Gillette Stadium and at Red Bull Arena on July 27 as they take on the MLS All-Stars.

Man. U came over last summer to play the MLS All-Stars and the English superpower won 5-2 at Houston's Reliant Stadium. It's a great draw for the MLS to get connected with the most popular team in world.

They'll also play the Seattle Sounders (July 20), Chicago Fire (July 23) and the main event-Barcelona-wraps up their U.S. tour on July 30 in Washington DC.

Gary Neville calls it a career

By nature, defensive players in pretty much any sport don't get as much love as their offensive counterparts. That's the way it has always been and will be forever.

Still, we must recognize greatness when we see it and today the EPL and Manchester United said goodbye to a legend as right back Gary Neville retired.

Gary Neville has become the first of the 'Fergie Fledglings' to end his career after announcing his immediate retirement from professional football at the age of 35.

Neville, who has made only three Premier League starts this season due to fitness problems and a lack of form, made 602 appearances for United and represented England on 85 occasions.

Hailed as "the best English right back of his generation" by Sir Alex Ferguson, Neville was a member of the famous side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992, and along with fellow academy graduates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes dedicated his entire career to his manager at Old Trafford.

But while Scholes and Giggs continue to shine in the Premier League, Neville has decided that the time is right to hang up his boots, bringing to a close a trophy-filled career that saw him secure eight league titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and two League Cups.

"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had," Neville told the club's official website. "Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now.

"I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to have been part of the team's achievements and the club's great success.

"There are so many people I want to thank and, of course, top of that list is Sir Alex. He has given me so many opportunities and countless support over the last 20 years - he is truly one of the greatest managers - and I have to thank him for that."

"I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life going forward. However, the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United and I will be supporting them all the way, as a fan."

Striking up a successful partnership with his good friend David Beckham on the right side of the United team, Neville came to epitomise United's spirit under the leadership of Ferguson and his dedication and professionalism saw him awarded the captain's armband in 2005.

Ferguson said: "Gary was the best English right back of his generation. He is an example to any young professional; hard-working, loyal and intelligent. As a United fan born and bred, his fantastic career at Old Trafford has cemented his place in the affection of the club's supporters everywhere.

"His impact on the club in general has been huge; his presence in the dressing room and leadership qualities have been an asset to me as a manager. All the young players who have sought his advice on many matters, particularly on contract issues owe him a great debt.

"As a young boy he had the will and determination to succeed as a footballer and that character remained with him throughout his career. That's the legacy he leaves every young player at Manchester United."

Neville also attracted tributes from his colleagues, with Rio Ferdinand writing on his Twitter page: "Gary Neville has retired from football ... the best right back in premier league history #fact. Gonna be a loss to our dressing room #banter."

You could say he should have retired a year or two earlier but you have to respect Neville for not prolonging it too much ala Brett Favre and a million other washed up professional athletes. I was never a Manchester United fan (and never will be) but I loved Neville's game: it was fundamental, tough, without flash. It was about substance not style and that seems rare these days.

Also, it's crazy that Giggs and Scholes are A) still with Man U and B) playing at such a high level.

Other transfer news

So many things going on as far as the transfer window is concerned since it ends this Monday.

Fulham captain Danny Murphy has signed a deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage through the summer of 2012.

"I'm delighted to have signed a contract extension this morning," Murphy told the club's official website. "As a Club we've achieved great things during my time at Fulham so far, not least our highest ever League finish and reaching the Europa League Final, and it is a great source of pride for me, as club captain, to have played a role in some truly historic moments for Fulham Football Club.

"We've made great progress as a club, on and off the pitch over the past few years, and with the chairman's continued support, I believe we've got many more great years ahead of us.

"On Sunday we've got a massive game against Spurs in the FA Cup and as a team we will give our all tomorrow afternoon to earn a place in the fifth round. I'm sure it's going to be a great atmosphere at the Cottage and hopefully we can continue our impressive start to 2011."

Murphy joined Fulham from Tottenham in the summer of 2007 and has made 119 Premier League appearances for the club.

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given wants to drop down to the Championship in order to play more often and regain his form.

The Ireland 'keeper saw Roberto Mancini opt to make Joe Hart his No. 1 at Eastlands and he has cut a frustrated figure through the autumn and winter. He has made few comments about his future but, after Mancini said last week that he was reluctant to let Given leave as it may leave him short should Hart pick up an injury, he has now signalled his determination to move on.

Given is prepared to drop down the divisions and is hopeful a recall clause may persuade City to let him head out on loan.

"I just want to play football," Given is quoted as saying in the Irish Times. "I do not want to go for an entire season without playing, which is how it's looking if I don't get games.

"I am prepared to go to a Championship club immediately to get some games and to be on a 24-hour call-back to Manchester City. That would benefit me, by getting me match-sharp, and City, who would have an experienced, match-sharp goalkeeper to come in if Joe got injured. I'd hope it would also benefit the club I'd be at. There are a couple interested."

Chelsea is ready to offer a record $40 million pounds for Fernando Torres.

It is understood that having failed with offers of £28 million and £32 million, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sanction a bid of £35 million plus the £5 million-rated Daniel Sturridge in order to bring Torres to Stamford Bridge.

That offer would represent a British transfer record, but it remains to be seen whether it would be enough to convince Liverpool to sell the striker, who has scored 65 goals in 102 Premier League games for the club since his move from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007.

Torres has made his own perspective clear having shocked the club's fans by submitting a written transfer request on Friday. Liverpool subsequently announced that the request had been denied as manager Kenny Dalglish is determined to retain the services of the Spain international.

However, it is understood that Torres is desperate to play Champions League football - a scenario that looks deeply unlikely at Liverpool for next season, even if the club are on the brink of signing Ajax forward Luis Suarez for £22.8 million.

Chelsea have left it late in the transfer window to secure Torres but hope to sign the striker prior to the deadline closing on Monday night at 2300 GMT.

The Blues are also considering whether to increase their offer for Benfica defender David Luiz to £25 million after seeing talks collapse with the Portuguese club on Friday.

It is understood Abramovich has been advised to complete the two transfers in January, rather than the summer, in order to make it easier for Chelsea to comply with UEFA's incoming Financial Fair Play regulations.

A source told ESPNsoccernet: "The snag over Luiz for example has been quite small, but Abramovich has been told that he must spend now because if he wants to keep within the new rules, it will be more difficult in the summer.

"January is not normally the time when the big clubs recruit in this way, but it is an exception because of what is coming up in the summer."

Manchester United is interested in Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

A dependable presence in South Africa last summer for the World Cup finalists, the Ajax goalkeeper is highly rated across the continent. And now United coach Rene Meulensteen has confirmed the 28-year-old - who only has a year left on his current deal with the Eredivisie club - has attracted Sir Alex Ferguson's interest.

"Stekelenburg is indeed the 'keeper who is at the top of our wanted list," Meulensteen said. "We naturally talk a lot among ourselves about who should replace Van der Sar. Alex Ferguson has spoken about Stekelenburg with Edwin and that does not seem strange to me at all."

United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele acknowledged earlier in the week that the club had three targets in mind who could potentially succeed Van der Sar, who will retire at the end of the current campaign, with assistant manager Mike Phelan suggesting on Thursday that Sporting Lisbon's Rui Patricio is also someone of interest to the Old Trafford hierarchy.

"He's a young keeper with enormous potential - we've known Rui Patricio for a long time and we've also played against him a few times," Phelan said of the 22-year-old. "The only thing I can confirm is that we haven't made any offer."

Tottenham won't sell Gareth Bale according to head coach Harry Redknapp

Bale is one of the most talked about players in Europe, having twice this season tormented European champions Inter Milan in the Champions League. His form in the Premier League has been of a consistently high standard and his wicked left foot has seen him become the subject of widespread transfer speculation.

It was claimed this week that Inter were readying a summer bid believed to be in the region of £40 million, although this was swiftly played down by the Serie A giants. The chatter has not been missed by Redknapp and he has once again made it clear that Tottenham have no intention of selling a player they bought for £5 million from Southampton in 2007.

"We won't be selling Gareth Bale in the summer, it's up to the chairman but I'd be very surprised if we were interested in selling him at any price," Redknapp said. "You have special players in your team and if we're going to be a top team you've got to keep your top players, you can't be selling Gareth Bale.

"You've got three or four players who can make a difference and he's one of those players. And, if you lose him, you can't replace him. Where are you going to replace him? You go and get one from here, one from there, another one.

"When he gets the ball something happens, he can do something that no one else can do. We can't afford to lose him."

Redknapp has revealed that midfielder Tom Huddlestone has suffered a setback in his bid to return from the ankle injury that has sidelined him since September.

"Tom's had a setback and it seems he's going to be longer than we expected," Redknapp said. "His ankle is sore. He tried to do a bit of running and is still a long way away.

"We will have to look at his situation with regard to the 25-man squad. I am hoping he'll be okay as he is important to us and is a fantastic player."

Spurs fail to get Nolan Carroll.

Tottenham Hotspur have failed with a reported offer of £25 million for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll.

Harry Redknapp has been linked with a move for the England international, 22, for much of January and it is understood that Spurs firmed up their interest with a formal offer.

However, Newcastle rejected the bid, reported to be in the region of £25 million, and have instructed Tottenham they do not want to lose Carroll before the transfer window closes.

The striker, who travelled to Sweden on Friday to address a troublesome thigh injury, has scored 11 goals for the club this season.

Carroll's impressive form for the Magpies saw him win his first international cap in the game between England and France in November.

Spurs want Scott Parker from West Ham.

West Ham have rejected a last-ditch bid by Spurs to snatch Scott Parker in exchange for Robbie Keane. The Hammers are still hoping to sign Keane, although negotiations are now sure to run until the final day of the transfer window on Monday.

ESPNsoccernet has been told that the Keane deal with Spurs will be concluded over the weekend and the deal signed on Monday morning.

But West Ham were forced to tell Spurs "no" for the third time regarding Parker, as Harry Redknapp has twice before tried to capture the midfielder. Redknapp was desperate to bring in his long-term target and offered £8 million plus the £6 million-rated Keane, but again West Ham turned them down, even though Spurs might have also thrown in Jamie O'Hara as part of the package.

West Ham want to take Keane on loan, paying a £1 million fee, with a view to a permanent deal on the condition that the Hammers stay in the Premier League at the end of the season. Spurs want a £6 million fee even if they go down, and that issue is the final piece of negotiations.

West Ham United chairman David Gold confirmed the move to sign Keane before the close of the transfer window, having also signed striker Demba Ba from Hoffenheim.

"Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly available and quality players rarely are," Gold said. "We see him as a potential acquisition. We are looking at all players that are available from top-quality clubs.

"David Sullivan (West Ham's co-chairman) was up until the early hours of the morning still pursuing targets that we have. It will probably go right to the wire. We like to think we don't leave a stone unturned. Our people will go the extra mile to do whatever it takes to try to bring in players that otherwise you wouldn't get if you didn't pursue."

West Ham have also rejected moves by promotion-seeking Cardiff to bring Wales defender Danny Gabbidon home. Cardiff boss Dave Jones wanted the 37-times capped player - who spent five years with the Bluebirds. Cardiff offered £250,000 but it was instantly turned down.

Sunderland have indicated they would offer £3.5 million for Frederic Piquionne, which was also immediately rejected by West Ham. The offer arrived via an agent but was dismissed out of hand by the Hammers.

Sunderland secures loan of Sulley Muntari.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has finally made a transfer breakthrough when he secured Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari on loan for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old Ghana international, who left Portsmouth for Inter in a ¬16 million move in July 2008, will join compatriots John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan at the Stadium of Light.

Bruce said: "Sulley is a fabulous acquisition for the club. When the opportunity arises to bring in a player of his ability - even in the short term you have to take it, and I'm delighted that we have been able to.

"His adaptability is a great asset. He did extremely well at Portsmouth so he knows the Barclays Premier League well and you have to be some player to move to Inter Milan for the fee that he did. He's a great addition."

Barcelona: US-bound in summer of 2011

Not that you need anymore reason to look forward to next summer already but you have a little more incentive since it was announced that Barcelona is hitting the United States for three stops in 2011.

The only bad news for people in New England (ie. most of our readers) is that they're not coming to Gillette Stadium. Nope, they'll play Manchester United on July 30 in Landover, MD. They take on AC Milan August 3 in Miami and conclude their visit with a match against Club America (the Mexican club) in Dallas on August 6.

The Spanish club also said it will play preseason games in Munich, Germany and Split, Croatia.

The club hopes the six-date tour, which includes three matches in Europe before the team departs for the U.S., will net Barcelona $8.1 million. Matches are being arranged in conjunction with Major League Soccer's Soccer United Marketing and the Creative Artists Agency.

Contracts for venues and opponents have not been finalized.

Barcelona toured the U.S. as part its preseason preparations in 2008 and 2009.

Now comes the only bad part.

The Blaugrana are likely to be missing star forward Lionel Messi, right back Daniel Alves and midfielder Javier Mascherano because of the Copa America in Argentina, which ends July 24. Messi and Mascherano are regulars on Argentina's national team and Daniel Alves on Brazil's.

This is van der sar's swan song

I have to give Edwin Van der Sar his due credit: when I saw him playing for Fulham in the winter/spring of 2005, I figured he was close to wrapping up his EPL career.

Not so much. He took the unusual path of bouncing from Fulham to Manchester United and he's been a respectable goalkeeper on the much bigger stage.

Today, United coach Sir Alex Ferguson said that he thinks this is Van der Sar's final professional season.

The 40-year-old Dutchman has featured 19 times this season, helping United reach the Premier League summit and the Champions League knockout phase.

But Ferguson said Thursday that "we are planning for this being his last season.''

Van der Sar has won three Premier League titles and the Champions League since arriving in 2005 from Fulham and has a contract until the end of this season.

There could still be a coaching role for Van der Sar at United in the future.
Ferguson says that "We have not discussed it, but Edwin is a player who would be of interest in terms of his knowledge and standing in the game.''

Happy Holidays Anderson, here's a dump truck full of pounds

If you've paid close attention to Manchester United at all this season, you've noticed that Brazilian midfielder Anderson has really started to come into his own.

For his juicy potential, he was rewarded today with a three-year deal which extends his stay in Manchester until June 2015.

The 22-year-old Brazil international joined United on a five-year contract from FC Porto in 2007.

Having returned from long-term knee problems that ended his chances of going to the World Cup, Anderson has featured regularly for United in recent weeks.

He netted only his second goal for the 18-time English champions last week to secure a 1-1 draw with Valencia in the Champions League and featured in a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Monday.

United manager Alex Ferguson said on the club website that "Anderson has developed tremendously since joining the club and he has fantastic potential.''

A little hatred goes a long way

Ahead of Monday's big match: Manchester United vs. Arsenal, Man U star Patrice Evra took some time out of his day to make fun of the Gunners.

Arsenal is a point clear of second-place United, which has a game in hand, heading into Monday's match at Old Trafford but Evra has cast doubt on the Gunners' title chances.

"For me, it (Arsenal) is a training center,'' said Evra, speaking on Canal+ Sport show Les Specialistes on Thursday. "I hear them being compared to Barcelona but people in 20 years' time aren't going to remember Arsenal's football.''

The France left back said defending English champion Chelsea, which is a point further back in third, is United's main threat in this campaign.

"Arsenal is a great club which hasn't won anything in five years - that's a crisis,'' Evra added. "Our real rival is Chelsea.

"We can lose against them (Arsenal) but then what is there? There is nothing. There's no trophies, nothing.''

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger shrugged off Evra's comments.

"We do not want to go into any unneeded talking before a game like that,'' he said. "We want to focus on the way we want to play and ignore any provocation before a game.

"We are motivated by the desire to win the game and by the quality of the football we want to play. Personally, I believe if you are a big player you always respect your opponent and that is what we try to do.''

I love stuff like this, there's not nearly enough of it in professional sports these days. Not to sound like your grandfather but sports were always more interesting when guys genuinely hated each other, versus these days were they're all best friends and overpaid mercenaries.

All I know is this makes me even more excited for the game. It only adds to the hype after Ferguson told his home fans not to rip Wenger. I'm sure that'll work out for Sir Alex.

Spector scores twice against Man. U? Is this real life? Answer: sort of

When I was going through Associated Press stories tonight and noticed West Ham played Manchester United in the Carling Cup, the result stuck out like a sore thumb: West Ham 4, Manchester United 0.

Even crazier than that score was the fact that American Jonathan Spector (moved from defense to central midfielder) bagged a pair of goals in the win.

Before you get too excited, realize that both squads used a mix of reserves and younger players with the more seasoned pros in this barely relevant midseason tournament.

Only time will tell if this is a defining moment in Spector's career that gets him back on track or a puzzling performance in a disappointing stay with the Hammers.

(spits out lager) Rooney signs 5-year extension with Man. U?

The latest development in the neverending drama with Wayne Rooney is perhaps the most surprising twist: after bashing Manchester United and showing every indication that he was on the next jet out of town, he signed a 5-year extension to remain there until June 2015.

Haha, what?

Only days after announcing he was prepared to leave the club he joined in 2004 because it was not aggressive enough in acquiring players, the star England striker said he was persuaded to stay following talks with manager Alex Ferguson and the club's American owners, the Glazer family.

The contract extension makes him the highest-paid player in team history and keeps him at United until June 2015.

"I'm signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history, which is the reason I joined the club in the first place," Rooney said in a statement.

Not surprisingly, his manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ecstatic to have his mercurial star sticking around.

"They've convinced me this is where I belong," Rooney said. "I said ... the manager's a genius and it's his belief and support that have convinced me to stay. I felt I had to get my point across and we finally came to an agreement."

Ferguson signed Rooney six years ago for then more than $40 million. Rooney helped the club to Premier League titles in 2007, '08 and '09, and played on the team that won the Champions League in 2008. He was England's player of the year last season after scoring 34 goals in all competitions.

"I said to the boy that the door is always open and I'm delighted Wayne has agreed to stay," Ferguson said. "Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realize just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand.

"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is. This is a big day for Manchester United."

I would bet anything that he didn't craft it himself, since he's an idiot, but Rooney's publicist/agent/manager made a fair assessment of what he has to do moving forward.

"I'm sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they've read and seen," Rooney said. "But my position was from concern over the future. It's up to me through my performances to win them over again."

Following this whole saga is making my head spin, no more Rooney talk (about off the field bullshit) until further notice.

Rooney wants out of Man. U

You've got to hand it to Wayne Rooney, with David Beckham's career quickly washing away in Hollywood (the site of so many failed dreams), the Manchester United striker is really carrying the English newspapers, tabloids and gossip websites.

Like any good star, Rooney's exploits on the field these days are far outweighed by his neverending list of transgressions off the pitch.

After starting Saturday's game vs. West Brom on the bench and failing to help his club recover for a win (they tied 2-2), Rooney wants out of Manchester United (if you believe widespread reports).

It is said that well-placed United sources are suggesting that Rooney is refusing to sign a new contract to stay at Old Trafford and that irreconcilable differences with manager Sir Alex Ferguson are said to be at the root of his desire to leave the club he joined in 2004.

Rooney was a mere substitute, and an ineffective replacement when coming on with just 18 minutes to play of Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion. That team selection came after Rooney had denied in midweek that he has been suffering the ankle injury that Ferguson had stated was the reason behind his repeated absence from United's line-up.

The 24-year-old is yet to reignite the form that saw him win the PFA Player of the Year award in the 2009-10 season, and has looked rather more akin to the ailing figure of the summer's World Cup finals. He has also been under a heavy media glare after tabloid revelations about his private life were splashed across newspapers in September.

The Daily Mail suggests that Rooney was telling England colleagues before the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro that his time at United is coming to an end, and that Rooney has been unhappy about his non-selection against Fulham, Everton, Sunderland and Valencia.

Ferguson is no stranger to fall-outs with his leading stars, and, with Rooney having just over eighteen months on his contract then it is highly possible that if any such rift continues then he may even be sold in January 2011.

Sunday morning reports planted the seeds of such a schism between Rooney and the club he has repeatedly said he would like to stay at for the rest of his career before an official United statement dismissed the reports as "nonsense".

Where he would end up is another story for another cold English winter night.

As the World Turns starring Wayne Rooney

It's been a rough couple months for England and Manchester United star striker Wayne Rooney.

First he was a shell of himself at the 2010 World Cup last summer as the Three Lions submitted their usual weak sauce performance. Next, Rooney is hit with the latest scandal (in a young career full of them) when it comes out that he was going to prostitutes when his wife was pregnant. Nice.

Finally, he's out for three weeks with an ankle injury.

You can't feel sorry for any of these things but when healthy, anyone will tell you that he's one of the most dangerous goal-scorers in the world.

Rooney has not travelled to Valencia for Manchester United's Champions League game on Wednesday and manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the striker will almost certainly miss England's game with Montenegro in two weeks' time.

''It will be two to three weeks,'' said Ferguson. ''But it depends because Wayne has done quite well with his recovery from injury in the past. It is a straightforward ankle injury. And it is not the same one he did in Munich. Nobody likes to be injured but he is. There is nothing you can do about it.''

So get well Wayne and stay away from those expensive hookers!

Get well soon Anderson

Sad news coming out of Portugal as Manchester United midfielder Anderson was involved in a car crash and reportedly pulled from the wreckage moments before it burst into flames.

Anderson is said to have spent hours in hospital after the crash, which occurred at around 7am on a rural road in Braga, but sustained only minor injuries.

The 22-year-old spent the night at the Sardinha Biba nightclub before leaving in a £125,000 Audi R8 and a witness said he was pulled ''lifeless'' from the wreckage before it went up in flames.

Almeno Antunes, who according to Jornal de Noticias helped rescue the three people in the car, said: "I saw a cloud of smoke ahead of me. The car was unable to straighten up after a slight bend and went into the field and caught fire. I thought he was dead. My brother dragged him out."

Two companions - a man known as Victor and a young Brazilian woman, whose details have not been released - were also said to have been involved in the accident and were taken to St Mark's hospital to be treated for concussion, whiplash and shock. "They had only minor injuries," a hospital spokesman, Roman Fresco, said.

Anderson ruptured his cruciate ligament in February and has been out of action since. The Portuguese press quoted the Gestifute agency, which represents Anderson, as saying the Brazilian would now return to Manchester to continue his rehabilitation after suffering an "almighty scare".

I'm not a fan of Manchester United whatsoever but you don't want to see this happen to anybody. Hopefully Anderson is OK and he can get back on the pitch as soon as possible. He's one of the Red Devils' most talented youngsters and he deserves a clean bill of health after how last season ended for him.