www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Wed Oct 06 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. Bitter Brown blow ««
2. STAM IS LATEST INJURY PROBLEM
3. REDitorial on the Goalkeeper Massimo Taibi
4. BBC - Inquests at Old Trafford
5. Goalkeeping Woes at Old Trafford (Times)
6. MONEY MATTERS
7. GIGGS SET TO MAKE SWISS ROLL
8. £14m for O'Leary, but Fergie's out of pocket
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
MANCHESTER UNITED DAILY NEWS Wednesday 6th Oct 1999:
Barry Comment:
Answers to our REDitorial on the Goalkeeper Massimo Taibi
in todays newsletter. Bad news about WES BROWN out for the season.
Look forward to a 100% comeback in 2000/2001
Latest Table:
1 Leeds United 10 7 1 2 19 - 12 22 pts
2 Manchester U. 10 6 3 1 23 - 15 21
3 Sunderland 10 6 2 2 18 - 8 20
4 Chelsea 8 6 1 1 15 - 3 19
5 Arsenal 10 6 1 3 13 - 9 19
ECL Group D ** Manchester United **
Olympique de Marseille * NK Croatia Zagreb * SK Sturm Graz
Manchester United FC Champions League Squad List
1 Mark John Bosnich 2 Gary Alexander Neville 3 Dennis Joseph Irwin
4 David May 6 Jakob Stam 7 David Robert J Beckham
8 Nicholas Butt 9 Andrew Alex. Cole 10 Edward Sheringham
11 Ryan Joseph Giggs 12 Philip Neville 14 Johan Jordi Cruyff
15 Lars Jesper Blomqvist 16 Roy Keane 17 Raimond RJH Van der Gouw
18 Paul Scholes 19 Dwight Yorke 20 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
21 Henning Berg 23 Michael Jamie Clegg 25 José Quinton Fortune
26 Massimo Taibi 31 Nicholas James Culkin 33 Mark Antony Wilson
34 Jonathan Greening
Real Audio - Last weeks Daily News Sound Archive:
Click on INDEX at http://www.red11.org/sound
************************
99/2000 fixtures/match reports are at
http://www.red11.org/mufc/992000.htm
Mark Bosnich's Personal Details
http://www.red11.org/mufc/bosnich.htm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MANCHESTER UNITED STATS v ALL teams on the Web
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats.htm
Previous News:
BSKYB Takeover news/pics at http://www.red11.org/mufc/bskyb.htm
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------
NEXT MATCHES
---------------------------------------------------------------
11-OCT-1999 Sir Alex Ferguson's testimonial OT [Schmeichel + Cantona]
13-OCT-1999 [19:45] Manchester Utd. vs Aston Villa (Worthington (League) Cup, AWAY)
16-OCT-1999 [15:00] Manchester Utd. vs Watford (FA Premier League, HOME)
19-OCT-1999 [19:45] Manchester Utd. vs Marseille (UEFA Champions League, AWAY)
24-OCT-1999 [15:00] Manchester Utd. vs Spurs (FA Premier League, AWAY)
The line-up for the testimonial game is:
Eric Cantona Peter Schmeichel
Zinedine Zidane Gabriel Batistuta
Paul Gascoigne Juninho
George Weah Alessandro Costacurta
Christian Ziege Lillian Thuram
Roberto Mancini John Collins
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED -
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
ALL FIXTURES at: http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix992000.htm
First Team Fixtures 1999/2000
All dates/times subject to change
Dates of possible cup ties also shown
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/07/99 Melbourne Australia pre-season W 2-0 - 60,000
18/07/99 Sydney Australia pre-season W 1-0 - 78,000
21/07/99 Shanghai Shenhua pre-season W 2-0 - 80,000
24/07/99 Hong Kong South China pre-season W 2-0 - 40,000
1/08/99 Arsenal Wembley Charity Shield L 1-2 - 70,185
3/08/99 Omagh Town Omagh Bomb Fund W 9-0 - 7,000
4/08/99 Wigan Athletic friendly W 2-0 - 15,000
08/08/99 Everton Away PL D 1-1 10 39,141
11/08/99 Sheffield Wednesday Home PL W 4-0 3 54,941
14/08/99 Leeds United Home PL W 2-0 1 55,187
22/08/99 Arsenal Away PL W 2-1 1 38,147
25/08/99 Coventry City Away PL W 2-1 1 22,024
27/08/99 Monaco - Lazio ESC L 0-1 - 15,223
30/08/99 Newcastle United Home W 5-1 1 55,190
11/09/99 Liverpool Away W 3-2 1 44,929
14/09/99 Croatia Zagreb Home EC D 0-0 - 53,250
18/09/99 Wimbledon Home D 1-1 1 55,189
22/09/99 Sturm Graz Away EC W 3-0 - 16,480
25/09/99 Southampton Home D 3-3 1 55,249
29/09/99 Marseille Home EC W 2-1 - 54,276
3/10/99 Chelsea Away PL L 0-5 2 34,909
*11/10/99 Sir Alex Ferguson's testimonial OT [Schmeichel + Cantona]
13/10/99 Aston Villa Away WC 3 19.45
16/10/99 Watford Home PL 15.00
19/10/99 Marseille Away EC 19.45
24/10/99 Tottenham Hotspur Away PL 15.00 - moved from 23/10
27/10/99 Croatia Zagreb Away EC 19.45
30/10/99 Aston Villa home PL 15.00
2/11/99 Sturm Graz Home EC 19.45
6/11/99 Leicester City Home PL 15.00
20/11/99 Derby County Away PL 15.00
24/11/99 ? EC
27/11/99 Sheffield Wednesday Away PL 15.00
30/11/99 Tokyo Palmeiras WCC 20.00
1/12/99 ? WC 4
4/12/99 Everton Home PL 15.00
8/12/99 ? EC
11/12/99 FAC 3 Will not enter ...
15/12/99 ? WC 5
18/12/99 West Ham United Away PL 15.00
26/12/99 Bradford City Home PL 15.00
28/12/99 Sunderland Away PL 20.00 "live on sky"
3/01/2000 Middlesborough Home PL 20.00
***** 5-14 /01/2000 Brazil WTC ***** [3-4 games]
* 8/01/2000 FAC 4 Will not enter ...
12/01/2000 ? WC sf i
15/01/2000 Leeds United Away PL 15.00
22/01/2000 Arsenal Home PL 15.00
26/01/2000 ? WC sf ii
* 29/01/2000 FAC 5 Will not enter ...
5/02/2000 Coventry City Home PL 15.00
12/02/2000 Newcastle United Away PL 15.00
* 19/02/2000 FAC 6 Will not enter ...
26/02/2000 Wimbledon Away PL 15.00
27/02/2000 ? Wembley WC f
1/03/2000 ? EC
4/03/2000 Liverpool Home PL 15.00
8/03/2000 ? EC
11/03/2000 Derby County Home PL 15.00
15/03/2000 ? EC
18/03/2000 Leicester City Away PL 15.00
22/03/2000 ? EC
25/03/2000 Bradford City Away PL 15.00
1/04/2000 West Ham United Home PL 15.00
5/04/2000 ? EC qf i
8/04/2000 Middlesborough Away PL 15.00
* 9/04/2000 FAC sf Will not enter ...
15/04/2000 Sunderland Home PL 15.00
19/04/2000 ? EC qf ii
22/04/2000 Southampton Away PL 15.00
24/04/2000 Chelsea Home PL 15.00
29/04/2000 West Ham United Away PL 15.00
3/05/2000 ? EC sf i
6/05/2000 Tottenham Hotspur Home PL 15.00
10/05/2000 ? EC sf ii
14/05/2000 Aston Villa Away PL 15.00
* 20/05/2000 Wembley FAC f Will not enter ...
24/05/2000 ? EC f
http://www.red11.org/mufc/match.htm
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: Bitter Brown blow ««
Wes Brown could be out for the rest of the season after deciding to have
the knee operation which he had been hoping to avoid.
The United defender suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in pre-season
training but looked well on the road to recovery when he started kicking
the ball again last month.
But Brown's hopes of returning to first team action in the next couple of
months are over after he admitted defeat in his bid to avoid surgery.
He said: "I've tried it in training but it keeps on giving way so I've
decided to have the operation done."
The news comes as another blow to Sir Alex Ferguson who has several star
names on the club's long-term injury list.
Jesper Blomqvist recently underwent an operation on his knee injury,
sustained in pre-season, while Ronny Johnsen had a double knee op which
will keep him out until at least Christmas.
Gary Neville is out for at least another month while David May's
long-awaited return appears to be anyone's guess.
Barry wrote:
>Sorry to bringer of bad tidings, Wes goes under the knife next week
>Full details real audio now at
>http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/wes_out_for_season.rm
>
>214k Oct 5 2m... wes_out_for_season.rm
>Realistically it will be next season before he plays again.
>
>Barry
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: STAM IS LATEST INJURY PROBLEM
Jaap Stam has had to pull out of the Dutch squad ahead of
Saturday's friendly with Brazil as he becomes the latest
United defender to suffer injury this season. Stam
picked up an Achilles injury during Sunday's defeat at Chelsea and he
will not be risked against Brazil.
Defenders Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Ronnie Johnsen and
David May are already missing for United with long-term injuries.
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: REDitorial on the Goalkeeper Massimo Taibi
From: Diana Low
Well, I don't really know....how long do they take to
settle in? How long did Pete take? I know that being
in this position as United are in right now, everybody
needs to perform asap, especially a goalie.
After the Chelsea game, (which I tuned in through the
BBC, hence not being able to judge anyone), I felt
dejected, but then maybe Chelsea were the better team
on Saturday.... You can just go on winning every game
you know..........
But personally, I prefer Raimond. He did well in the
Champions League, so why not stick with him between
the post? Give him a chance, he was always second to
Pete, so now he should be first choice.
My ratings:
Bosnich
----------
I reeeaaaaaallly do not know, but so far, gave us some
pretty shaky performances.
Taibi
------
Good goalie but lack the Schmeichel influence. Should
learn English faster and start shouting nonsense.
Rai
----
My choice. 'nuff said. He's been with the team, know
the team, and the defenders probably play well and
have good communication with him.......
PS: I take the Chelsea game as an off-day for us.
Can't blame the goalie.. Shouldn't blame the goalie...
It's just ONE bad game.....
Diana Low Designer
-----------------------------
A quick point before I discuss Taibi with regard to this notion that
Peter Schmeichel made a shaky start to his United career, he began by
keeping 4 clean sheets. Alex Stepney's best run of clean sheets was four
in a row (Oct 71), the great Harry Gregg's was only three in a row
(April 59).
On to Massimo.......
Massimo Taibi's task this year is virtually an impossible one. He
arrived after pre-season had been completed meaning he didn't get a
proper chance to integrate with the team, he doesn't speak a word of
English so he isn't able to communicate with his defenders and he had to
replace a goalkeeper, who arguably was the greatest ever.
Given all this I still think he has performed at a substandard level in
his first games for United and he does not look very promising. He
generally has great difficulty dealing with crosses and on one or two
occasions his positioning has been wrong e.g. should have been closer to
the near post for Pahars goal in the Southampton match. Some people
might think this a miner point but it isn't. Things such as positioning
are basics and therefore are learnt in youth team football, Taibi is 29
and if he hasn't mastered these things now he is never likely to.
To look at things positively, I think Taibi's difficulties with crosses
is not unique among foreign goalkeepers arriving in this country - given
time on the pitch he should improve. The language problem should not be
underestimated either - once he has a basic grasp of English he will
feel more at home both on and off the pitch. Also one of the most
important points in his favour is that Massimo Taibi now plays for
Manchester United. Alex Ferguson obviously believed him to be a quality
keeper and as we know Fergie can judge a player. At United he will have
access to a great coaching staff and you need only look at Andy Cole to
see the sort of improvements that can be made.
In conclusion, I personally believe Taibi does not look a great keeper.
However I am no expert and given the promising signs he showed on his
debut he should be given a fair go. I have been proved wrong by the boss
too many times to go against his judgement again. I think that Taibi
should continue in goal in what should be a relatively easy home fixture
with Watford. A clean sheet and comfortable win should do wonders for
his confidence. ( I know about Southampton and the dons but
Watford......surely not).
Wednesday's CC Cup game vs Villa could be a good chance to have another
look at Bosnich.
Andrew McGrath
Email : a.mcgrath@liberty-it.co.uk
-----------------------------------
"Vincent Tan"
I personally feel that the Italian is not up to mark, at all. The first goal
was a pure blunder by the keeper and so were a few in the season already.
The hardest part to swallow is when my Liverpool friends compare him to
their keeping great, David James! Not.
Vinz.
--------------------------
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: BBC - Inquests at Old Trafford
Inquests at Old Trafford
For the first time in a long time, there are red faces among the Red Devils.
Manchester United's 5-0 thrashing by Chelsea on Sunday was the reigning
champions' first defeat in the Premiership for 10 months.
The Stamford Bridge match brought their 29-game unbeaten run to a
shuddering and humiliating halt.
And it re-ignited a title race that had looked like turning into an
anti-climax after the Treble winners began the season in the same vein they
had finished the last.
But what has suddenly happened to a team that had seemed destined to
effortlessly strengthen their stranglehold on the domestic game?
Crisis, what crisis?
Three weeks ago everything was rosy at Old Trafford.
A 3-2 away win over their arch rivals Liverpool had taken Sir Alex
Ferguson's team six points clear at the top of the Premiership.
Nicky Butt (right) gets a red card to add to United's troubles
Victories over two of their closest competitors, Arsenal and Leeds, and a
5-1 demolition of Newcastle already had United's huge band of supporters
contemplating the prospect of yet more silverware.
Europe has so far proved a successful enough diversion - but since that
high-point at Anfield, the Premiership has turned into a problem area for
Ferguson and his players.
Two of England's less glamorous top-flight sides, Wimbledon and
Southampton, both came away from Old Trafford with surprise draws - swiftly
followed by the embarrassment at Chelsea.
Ferguson himself insists Sunday's result will not give him sleepless nights
and vowed that his side would bounce back from the setback.
"We'll just have to bite the bullet and get on with it," the manager said.
Ferguson and assistant Steve McLaren see their defence ripped apart by
Chelsea
But for the fans, accustomed as they now are to such unprecedented levels
of success, the 5-0 mauling may be harder to take.
Questions are being asked about the United defence, which has been singled
out as the major factor in the team's recent Premiership stutter.
So far United have conceded 15 league goals - more than any other team in
the top half of the table.
In particular, Ferguson's choice of goalkeeper has raised eyebrows among
the United faithful.
It was never going to be easy to replace Peter Schmeichel, the Danish
keeper who left at the end of the season after playing a huge role in
United's domination of English football in the 1990s.
Schmeichel's iconic status ensured any successor would struggle to fill his
boots.
Ferguson decided to replace the Dane with an Australian, Mark Bosnich, who
joined on a free transfer in the summer.
But before long rumours began to circulate that Ferguson was unhappy with
Bosnich - speculation that intensified when Schmeichel's deputy Raimond Van
Der Gouw was brought into the team.
Massimo Taibi contemplates his error against Southampton
Then United signed a third keeper, Italian Massimo Taibi, and Ferguson
looked to have finally resolved the question of who should take the gloves.
But the start to Taibi's Old Trafford career has been far from auspicious.
He committed a farcical mistake against Southampton, allowing a feeble Matt
Le Tissier shot to slip through his legs, which gifted the Saints a 3-3 draw.
And he was humiliated again in the Chelsea debacle - caught out of position
for Gustavo Poyet's opener, he then saw Jody Morris' fifth goal go between
his legs.
But the question of Schmeichel's succession is not the only cause of
United's on-going defensive woes.
Ferguson has built a formidable squad capable of competing on many fronts,
but even his vast resources have been tested by a spate of injuries that
has robbed him for long periods of the services of key defenders like Gary
Neville, Ronny Johnsen, Wes Brown and Dennis Irwin.
And of those defenders who are playing, new signing Mickael Silvestre has
yet to find his feet, Henning Berg has developed a penchant for finding his
own net and even Jaap Stam - arguably the best defender in England - has
not been the force he was last season.
Fergie puts faith in history
Despite the sudden leaks in his back four, Ferguson remains upbeat.
Indeed he is drawing heavily on the memory of how United reacted to a pair
of similarly devastating blows three years ago.
In the space of two weeks in October 1996, they lost 5-0 to Newcastle and
6-3 at Southampton.
But by the following May, the title again belonged to United.
"This was a result that seems to happen to us now and again," Ferguson said
of the Chelsea defeat, "and in the past we've always responded in the right
manner.
"We've got to hope history repeats itself.
"A result like this just shows how hard it is to win the title, but my
players have bounced back before.
"And we'll do it again - no question."
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: Goalkeeping Woes at Old Trafford (Times)
Jim Leighton can still feel the anguish of the moment so vividly that he is
unable to watch any footage of the 1990 FA Cup Final to this day, and even
the mention of Alex Ferguson had him in torment for some time thereafter. A
decade on, the malaise afflicting the bearers of Manchester United's
goalkeeping jersey is no less significant. Indeed, the Leighton affair was
special not so much for the actual event - when he was dropped for the Cup
Final replay against Crystal Palace - but for the ruthlessness shown by
Ferguson, the United manager then and now.
Leighton was broken by it, while Les Sealey, the victor in this instance,
was made up by it. It shall be interesting to see whether similar fates
await Massimo Taibi, Mark Bosnich or, perhaps to a lesser extent, Raimond
van der Gouw. There may not be an FA Cup Final in the equation, but, in
slumping to a 5-0 defeat at Chelsea in the FA Carling Premiership on
Sunday, it is evident that Ferguson may not have confronted his last,
contentious ruling on the club's number one.An autumnal blip is not
uncommon, but the sense of instability coursing through the team is
virtually unheard of. Was life without Peter Schmeichel supposed to be this
traumatic?
For weeks, and not days, Ferguson thought long and hard about his decision
to sacrifice Leighton. A similar process will be unfolding in his mind now
about Taibi, Bosnich and van der Gouw, as he attempts to extricate his
side's fortunes from the messy situation in which they have become
embroiled. Taibi, the unknown Italian, was purchased for £4.5 million at
the end of August, in Ferguson's hope that he might provide an antidote to
the mental and physical shortcomings displayed by Bosnich. However, Taibi's
costly mistakes, against Liverpool, Southampton and Chelsea, do not look
good given his status as Britain's most expensive goalkeeper.
Taibi is not helped by his poor English, the sense that he is not settling
easily to life in the Premiership is growing. At the moment, he does not
have to do that in Europe, for another of the calamities to befall the club
was the refusal of clearance by Uefa to allow Taibi to play in any
Champions' League games before Christmas. While Bosnich was annoying
Ferguson, van der Gouw has stepped in to that breach with his usual minimum
of fuss.
Van der Gouw, unfortunately according to Ferguson, is 36-years-old and not
one, therefore, for the future. So, it is time for Bosnich to re-enter.
After an enforced break through injury, and after heeding the warnings, it
seems that Bosnich is back on the straight and narrow, and not far away
from earning a reprieve.
It is likely that Ferguson will try and comfort Taibi by naming him in the
team to face Watford in the Premiership on October 16, but United have a
Worthington Cup fixture three days before. heir trip to Villa in that
lowly-regarded competition could provide Bosnich with his chance.
Thereafter, there are five more Champions' League matches in which Taibi
cannot interfere and in which Bosnich can hope to play. If he has not made
an impact by then, time may well have run out: the six-month embargo
concerning the selling-on of Bosman transfers ends for Bosnich in December.
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: MONEY MATTERS
Manchester United's operating figures from the
year 1998/99 have been announced, and good
reading they make too!
The big number, total turnover, sees the club
break the nine-figure barrier for the first time, with 110.7
million pounds the magic figure. That represents a 26%
raise on last year's performance, and includes record operating
profits of 32.3 million pounds before player costs.
Martin Edwards, speaking from his luxury office overlooking
Stretford Tripe Works in the distance, welcomed the
amazing announcement, saying, "1999 was a truly
outstanding year for Manchester United PLC and the board
is pleased to announce record turnover exceeding 100
million pounds for the first time, record operating profits and
an increased dividend, lovely jubbly.
"Performance both on and off the pitch was excellent - the
stadium operated at full capacity and the Manchester
United team achieved an unprecedented treble by winning
the Premier League Championship, FA Cup and European
Champions' Cup.
"For the fifth time in seven years, Manchester United has
started the financial year as Premier League Champions
and we shall be defending the European Champions Cup in
a competition that has been extended by UEFA with
greater financial reports," he concluded.
"However, the collapse of the BSkyB deal has repercussions.
We cannot afford to go out a buy a Rivaldo. We have spent
around 40 million pounds on players in the past two years
and quite frankly, it has got to stop. I look down to the
bench during games and see up to five players sat about
earning massive wages and doing nothing. It is obvious
that the manager has far too many players. Personally
I think Sir Alex's best signing was the Dutch goalie,
Van Der Valk, we got him on a free you know."
As he spoke he shoved a large wad of money into his
back pocket. "Another problem is players wages. I chatted
to Victoria somebody in the Directors Box last week, she's
married to one of the staff here, turnstile operator or
whatever, and she admitted that she and her husband
David don't have a Washing Machine in their home. She
posts their washing to her Mum! Now, I don't know what a
Washing Machine is, but it made me realise that our players
are far too cossetted. From next month they can take their
kit home with them."
Edwards rolled another cigar as his customised wheelbarrow
was filled with gold bullion. "More savings will have to be made.
I intend to raise the price of the pies here to reflect the fact
that we are selling European Champions pies. Programmes will
be in line with Wembley ones - our ground is much better and the
product has to show that, well, at least the price does."
"The stadium rebuilding is coming on a treat. Soon we will
have more seats for corporate hospitality than for the
normal working-class types who spoil matchdays with their
noise and crudities. I mean, you give them a seat and they
won't even sit on it. The executive apartments, sorry training
complex at Carrington will soon be completed and available
to the estate agents, er, playing staff. I am even investigating
timeshare options in the South Stand. Just think, you could
sit in your seat any time of the week you fancy."
The United supremo then returned to the players wages.
"I know we have won one or two trophies lately, but football
goes in cycles, unlike money, which once it goes into the
bank, stays there. These fancy superstars, your Jam Stamps and
Quids-In Fortunes, ponce about in their designer gear and flash
cars. Well, soon they'll have to use their Versace jumpers as
goalposts. I'm getting them all to meet up at the Dog And Partridge
before kick-off, and even start paying subs, like other local sides
do."
Edwards glanced up as his personal assistant wiped his nose with
a fifty pound note. "MUTV has been a loss-maker. I don't think it
been a problem with the programme content, but I have told them
to exclude Paul Hinson in future, I have seen his satirical efforts
and the Board and myself do not approve. Take-up has been
poor, piss-poor actually, there's a crazy guy in Denmark but that's
about it. Replica shirts are a worry, I used to say, launch a new
one and the mugs, sorry punters will buy it. We must look at other
revenue streams, such as pension plans, mortgages and loans.
Just imagine, fans with Red Devils Mortgages, what a way to
respossess and own properties all over the world!"
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: GIGGS SET TO MAKE SWISS ROLL
By Paul Walker, PA Sport
Welsh winger Ryan Giggs could be set for a remarkable return against
Switzerland in the Euro 2000 qualification game.
The Manchester United star appeared to be out for two months after
aggravating a hamstring injury against Wimbledon a fortnight ago.
But Giggs believes that he still has a chance to play against the Swiss and
help former team-mate Mark Hughes claim the Welsh manager's job on a
permanent basis.
"The injury is clearing up nicely, and the key to it is the next few days
to see if I'm OK to play," Giggs said.
"I rate my chances at 50-50 at the moment. I have done some running with
the United physios, but obviously that is a lot different from playing a game.
"I will be going back to United for treatment now until Friday at least,
and just take it from there.
"I will give it until the very last minute. These next few days are crucial
but hopefully I will be available for Saturday.
"Mark and me will then just have a chat to see how the injury is
progressing, to make sure I'm 100 per cent and don't come back to early. I
don't want to be out for six or seven weeks. I would imagine Sir Alex
Ferguson would have a say in what happens!
"We'll just see how it goes, if I'm fit then I will play. But I won't do
anything silly, I won't risk it if it means I will be out for another eight
weeks.
"But everyone wants Mark to get the job, and we all aim to do everything we
can to make sure that happens."
But Giggs' return is bad news for the Swiss, who still have an outside
chance of reaching the play-offs.
And Hughes is prepared to leave Saturday's opponents guessing as to whether
Giggs will play at The Racecourse, Wrexham, on Saturday.
Hughes has lost Mark Pembridge (ankle) and Andy Melville (thigh) from his
squad.
Paul Trollope of Fulham has been added to the party, with one of the
Under-21 youngsters promoted to the full squad after Friday's game with
Switzerland at Newtown.
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Subject: £14m for O'Leary, but Fergie's out of pocket
By Peter Ferguson
David O'Leary was last night sitting on the richest transfer fund in
Britain following a near-£14million cash injection into Leeds United.
While Alex Ferguson was left wondering what he has to do to prise
substantial cash out of Manchester United plc, O'Leary is looking at the
best part of an astonishing £30m war chest with which to pursue Elland
Road's title dream.
United, the wealthiest club in the world, posted record profits of £32.3m
after a sensational season in which the European Cup completed an
unprecedented treble - but chairman Martin Edwards immediately ruled out a
major signing to supple-ment Ferguson's injury-hit squad.
Yet Leeds counterpart Peter Ridsdale will invite O'Leary to utilise the
riches provided by the sale of just over nine per cent of the club to BSkyB.
The irony will not be lost on Ferguson, who would have been provided with
awesome spending power if Rupert Murdoch's £635m bid to buy United had not
been blocked.
Instead, he has seen Leeds march to the top of the table on the same Sunday
that United were thrashed at Chelsea and yesterday had any hopes of a big
buy flattened by Edwards. He has taken a long, hard look at Ferguson's bill
for summer signings, a not insignificant £11.3m for Massimo Taibi, Mikael
Silvestre and Quinton Fortune.
He pointed out: 'If you look at our profits after tax, we are left with
just £16m. We have spent £40m in the past two years on players, effectively
spending more than we earned. And you cannot keep adding to the wage bill.'
Forty miles across the Pennines, the man who would be king is being made
privy to a king's ransom. A huge majority of shareholders swept aside
dissenters to give BSkyB 9.2 per cent of Leeds for £13.8m. O'Leary has been
promised the new funds that bring even Europe's biggest names within his
compass.
BSkyB will act as 'media advisors' to Leeds and pocket 30 per cent of any
increased profits regarding television contracts over the next five years.
Leeds' last set of figures showed a £6.4m profit, small change when
compared to Old Trafford's worldwide licence to print money reflected in
United's massive £110m turnover. But O'Leary will be content to leave the
bid for global supremacy to others. At least for now.
Click On pic - for latest interviews/pics from OT"
Pic Link today is http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99/
To debate ALL subjects about Manchester United Football
Club we at Simplenet recommend:
The "RED-DEVILS MAIL LIST" all subscription
requests to: <RedDevils-subscribe@onelist.com
>
If ever they are playing in your town
You must get to that football ground
Take a lesson come to see
Football taught by Matt Busby
Manchester, Manchester United
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes
They deserve to be knighted
Barry
J. Leeming Digest Prgram
by 
William
McArthur Canada
