A round-up of news and gossip relating to Manchester United over the past 24 hours.
Sky Sports have confirmed that Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Buttner has flown to Manchester to undergo a medical as United finally fill the hole at the position. Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged earlier in the summer that United were looking for cover for Patrice Evra and had been linked with Everton’s Leighton Baines. Priced out of a move for the Everton and England international full-back, United have agreed a deal with Vitesse for €5m to purchase Dutchman Buttner.
Manchester United go into tonight’s game with Everton with only one fit central defender. Nemanja Vidic, who himself only returns to action after an eight month layoff, remains the only fit centre-half for United after Rio Ferdinand suffered an injury in training ruling him out for four weeks. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are all likewise sidelined. Michael Carrick is expected to deputise in defence as he has done so in pre-season. United have otherwise a fully-fit squad going forward with Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie expected to make full Premier League debuts for their new club. How Sir Alex Ferguson accommodates his attacking players remains to be seen.
Rio Ferdinand disclosed on Twitter his frustration at suffering an injury before the start of the season. “P***** off doesn’t get close to how I feel at the moment. Sake”. Ferdinand suffered the injury in a training session at United’s Carrington base and is expected to out for a month.
News broke out on Sunday that Sir Alex Ferguson was considering a loan offer for Real Madrid’s Kaka. The Brazilian, 30, was left on the bench for Madrid’s opening La Liga game against Valencia and with wages of £250,000 per week, is seen as a cumbersome squad player. Galatasaray and AC Milan have expressed an interest but United could swoop for the player if Ferguson can be convinced of the former World Player of the Year’s form and fitness.
There are more encouraging news for United fans regarding Darren Fletcher’s fitness. Fletcher played 90 minutes in the club’s Under-21 game against Stoke as one of the eligible over-aged players. The Scot has been suffering from a bowel condition but will step up his progress as he looks to return to the first-team fold.
Danny Welbeck will sign a new four-year deal this week, according to The Sun. The 21-year-old forward will treble his wages to £50,000 per week that could possibly rise to £70,000 pending on clauses and bonuses. Last season Welbeck scored 12 times having spent the previous season on loan at Sunderland.
Wayne Rooney will enter his 10th year in the Premier League this season by playing for United against his former club Everton. The 26-year-old striker mused that last season’s reverse fixture ultimately cost United the title. United led twice but failed to hold on as the game finished 4-4 with United eventually losing the Premier League on goal difference.
Meanwhile reports from Italy have linked United with Mexican winger Hector Herrera. The 22-year-old Olympic gold medal winner is also being scouted by Liverpool, and his club Pachuca are keen to sell at the right price.
image: © gordonflood
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