Cesc Fabregas wants to stay at Barcelona

Cesc Fabregas has refused to talk about the rumours of a transfer to Manchester United and says he only wants to stay at Barcelona.



The former Arsenal star has been linked with a big-money switch to both Manchester clubs and Arsenal this summer, with the intriguing prospect of him rekindling his great understanding with Robin van Persie on tthe cards if he were to choose Old Trafford.



But the Spaniard, who has hit 14 goals this season, has made it clear he has no intention of leaving the Nou Camp.



When quizzed on his future, Fabregas told a Catalonian radio station: "There is nothing to say.

"I'm very happy at Barca, and I want to stay for many more years to come.



" Fabregas has been played out of position as he cannot displace any of the three regular starters in Barca's much-vaunted midfield.

And the signing of Brazilian whizkid Neymar means it is even less likely that he will squeeze into the side as a forward next season.



Fabregas left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011 and still has three years left on his contract.

Man Utd top TV earners

Champions Manchester United earned a record £60.8million in Premier League TV money after winning the title this season.

The Premier League distributes its TV money in a way that sees half of the total cash from the domestic deals divided equally between the member clubs, and all of the overseas broadcasting income also split equally.

A further 25% of domestic TV income is split as merit money depending where each club finishes in the final league table, and the final 25% paid in 'facility fees' for each time a club's matches are shown on television in the UK.

For that reason, Arsenal and Tottenham both earned more than Chelsea despite finishing below their capital rivals in the table because both the north London sides appeared in more live TV games.

Under the 2010-13 deal, which expired this season, each club received a £13.8million equal share each season plus £18.9million from overseas rights.

Clubs were further guaranteed a minimum of £5.78million for live TV and highlights appearances.

Manchester United earned the most from these facility fees, totalling £12.9million from 25 live appearances.

The three clubs relegated from the top flight earned the least amount, with Wigan Athletic getting £40.8m, Reading £40m and Queens Park Rangers £39.8m.

Some £88million was paid out in parachute payments to clubs relegated over the last three seasons.



TV revenue totals:

• Man Utd £60.8m


• Man City £58.1m


• Arsenal £57.1m


• Tottenham £55.8m


• Chelsea £55m


• Liverpool £54.8m


• Everton £51.7m


• West Ham £48.7m


• West Brom £48.3m


• Swansea £47.6m


• Norwich £46.1m


• Fulham £45.3m


• Newcastle £45.1m


• Aston Villa £44.9m


• Stoke £44.5m


• Southampton £43.8m


• Sunderland £43.4m


• Wigan £40.8m


• Reading £40m


• QPR £39.8m.

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Ferdinand to sign new one-year United contract

Ferdinand, who confirmed his retirement from international football last Wednesday after winning 81 England caps, has just five weeks remaining on his current £115,00-a-week deal at Old Trafford.



But with Moyes expected to start work at United in an unofficial capacity from Monday following the end of his eleven-year reign as Everton manager on Sunday, it is understood that Ferdinand’s future will be the first issue to be addressed by the Scot.

Ongoing uncertainty over Wayne Rooney’s commitment to United is another priority for Moyes to deal with, as are the stalled contract negotiations with Portuguese winger Nani, who is expected to be sold this summer.

Ferdinand’s advisers have been in discussions with outgoing United chief executive David Gill in recent weeks in an effort to finalise the terms of a 12-month contract extension.

And while Sir Alex Ferguson, who retires as manager on Sunday, has repeatedly insisted that the £30m buy from Leeds will be offered a new deal, the final decision on Ferdinand has been left with Moyes, who has given the nod to the player’s new agreement.



Despite being plagued by back and calf problems in recent years, Ferdinand has enjoyed a renaissance over the past 18 months and he made a crucial contribution to United’s title success this season, making 27 appearances in the Premier League.

Sources close to Ferdinand have confirmed that the defender has received numerous lucrative offers to leave Old Trafford this summer, with clubs in China and the Middle East prepared to double his current United salary in an effort to tempt him away.



However, the player has stated his desire to remain at the top level for as long as possible and he is expected to sign his contract extension in the early stages of this week to hand Moyes a positive start to his reign as United manager.


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Rooney no longer Sir Alex Ferguson's problem

Sir Alex Ferguson is content to leave the problem of what to do about Wayne Rooney to new Manchester United manager David Moyes.

Rooney has asked to leave United this summer even though he still has two years on his contract remaining.



Ferguson revealed last week the request had been turned down, and, along with Gary Neville, advised the England forward to get away during the summer, get his head sorted out and return refreshed.



The matter is not quite so simple, as United will not want to allow the 27-year old to drift beyond the summer without some kind of clear vision of his future. However, as Ferguson acknowledged, it is not his problem any more.

"I have not spoken to David about Wayne," said Ferguson.



"I'm sure he will address it when he gets here. I have no idea why Wayne wants to leave, it is not my department. I am no longer interested in that.



"David is going to deal with that and, quite rightly, he wants to deal with it."

Sir Alex on Mancini sacking:

"It is quite amazing," said the Manchester United manager, who retires after Sunday's game at West Brom.

"He has won the FA Cup, been in the final, second in the league and won the league and it's not good enough?



"I was surprised, but actually no, you can't say you are surprised not with some owners today. You can't be surprised, but I still don't think it was right.



"I was with the chief executive of Liverpool at our reserve game the other night and he told me that Brendan Rodgers, who has not been in the job a year, is the 30th longest-serving manager in the country. That's incredible."



Meanwhile, Ferguson revealed that he is no longer interested in the future of wantaway striker Wayne Rooney and says that his successor, David Moyes, will decide on whether the player has a future at Old Trafford.



He said: "I have not spoken to David about Wayne; I'm sure he will address it when he gets here. I have no idea why Wayne wants to leave, it is not my department. I am no longer interested in that.



"David is going to deal with that and, quite rightly, he wants to deal with it."

Bayern deny Rooney link

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insists his club have no interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed at the weekend that Rooney had made a transfer request, heightening speculation over the England international's future.

German champions Bayern have been amongst a number of clubs linked with Rooney but Sammer has firmly denied any interest.

"I don't know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga," Sammer is quoted by the Daily Telegraph. "I can't answer that.

"I can answer that we have great respect for Wayne Rooney but there has been no contact with him.

"He's not on the agenda. No, no. Absolutely not."

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Mixed reception for Rooney

Wantaway Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney received a mixed reception from fans during the club's trophy parade.



Thousands of supporters lined the streets of Manchester to applaud Sir Alex Ferguson and his players, but there were a host of boos for Rooney - who the manager revealed on Sunday had asked for a transfer.

Rooney did however pay tribute to his outgoing manager at the close of the parade, but made no comment on his future at the club.

"He has been brilliant for us all," said Rooney.

"He is a great manager. He is a winner and to do it for so long is incredible.

"He is a fantastic manager and a fantastic person."

And while there was varied reaction from fans for Rooney, team-mate Robin van Persie received cheers as he posed with the Premier League trophy, clearly relishing his first experience of being a league champion.

"It is incredible, much nicer than I expected," he said. "The medal has not left my neck since yesterday.

"It has been a really good year. The boys have been fantastic since day one.

"They want to share success. I want to have success but I want everyone to have success. Everyone plays their part."

United midfielder Paul Scholes, who announced his retirement on Saturday, received a striking reception from fans as he celebrated his 11th Premier League title.

"We set out each year to try and win the league. Most seasons we do it but it is good to see this turn out," Scholes said.

Rooney: Reports rubbish

Wayne Rooney has reacted with anger to reports that he had deleted the words Manchester United from his Twitter profile.

Rooney asked to leave the club two weeks ago and, in the wake of David Moyes' appointment as manager, it was pointed out that his profile used the term 'athlete' rather than specifying his club.

This was taken as another sign that the England striker wanted out of Old Trafford where, if he stays, he will be working with a manager he previously had a high-profile falling-out with.

But Rooney is adamant the stories are wide of the mark, and he said in a statement on his official website: "There's a load of rubbish being written about me changing (my) Twitter bio saying I have deleted Manchester United from it.

"I have never deleted Manchester United from the bio whatever the papers are saying because it was never on there.

"All that happened was that I was asked by Nike to add @nikeuk to it - the same as many other sportspeople they sponsor. Funny, no-one's written about that though!

"That change was made THREE weeks ago and yet people are talking about it as if its something that was put up yesterday.."

A spokesperson for Nike confirmed: "In April, we asked Wayne Rooney and other Nike sponsored athletes to add @nikeuk on to their profiles due to changes in ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) guidelines relating to athletes and social media."


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Moyes to replace Ferguson

Everton boss David Moyes is set to be appointed as the new Manchester United manager, following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.



An announcement could be made on Thursday.



Ferguson, 71, revealed his decision to step down after nearly 27 years at Old Trafford on Wednesday.



Fellow Scot Moyes, 50, who has been in charge at Goodison Park since 2002, held talks with Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright on Wednesday evening.



Moyes is expected to tell the Everton players and staff of his decision to join United at a training ground meeting on Thursday morning.



He could still lead Everton out at Goodison Park against West Ham on Sunday for what would be his final home game in charge.



The former Preston boss was installed as bookmakers' favourite to become the next United boss following a rush of bets over the weekend, even before speculation mounted about Ferguson's retirement.



"He's cut from the same cloth," said former United captain Steve Bruce.



"It wouldn't surprise me if he got the job and I'm sure he would be very successful.



"He's not had huge finances but he has still managed to put an Everton team together that comfortably finishes in the top 10."



Former United assistant manager Steve McClaren also believes Moyes is the right man for the job.



"He's a winner and has a work ethic similar to Sir Alex," the ex-England manager told BBC Radio 5 live. "He's also built a dynasty and legacy at Everton.



"He's waited many years for this opportunity and I hope he gets it."



Former England striker Gary Lineker, who presents the BBC's Match of the Day programme, said Moyes would be a "sensible" appointment.



"It is a great choice for United, but not a great choice for Everton because he will be a great loss to them. It makes the transition easier to get another British and Scottish manager in," said the ex-Toffees forward.



"He (Moyes) is hugely respected within the game and he will instantly get the respect of the players but it's the biggest pair of shoes you can follow. It's intensely difficult and I think the best job at Manchester United is the one after the one after Sir Alex Ferguson because expectations will be so tough.



"It is going to be extraordinarily difficult for the next boss of Manchester United because if it goes wrong the fans will let him know they are missing Sir Alex.



"He will always be judged against someone with phenomenal success, but he will know that anyway. However, you can still see the allure of the job. It is one of the three biggest clubs in the world, so it will always get big names wanting that job."



Former United defender Gary Neville also backed Moyes as a potential successor to Ferguson.



"I don't know if he's going to be appointed, but I would welcome it - it makes sense," Neville, who won eight league titles at United, told Sky Sports.



But former England striker Alan Shearer believes the appointment of Moyes could be a gamble as he has not won a trophy during 11 years in charge at Everton.



"Anyone who has worked with David Moyes says great things about his man-management and his coaching," Shearer told BBC Sport.



"The only thing you would say is that he has not won a trophy at Everton.



"But I suppose anyone who goes into Manchester United is a big gamble because it is going to be one heck of a big pair of shoes to fill."



And former United manager Tommy Docherty said he would "feel sorry" for Moyes should he be appointed.



"If it is David Moyes then I congratulate him and feel sorry for him. How can you follow the impossible?"

Sir Alex to retire

Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season, Manchester United have confirmed.

Rumours about Ferguson's United future began to circulate at the club's golf day on Tuesday and were widely carried in Wednesday's newspapers.

And at 9.15am United made the announcement on their website that English football's most successful manager will call time on a 26-and-a-half-year reign this summer.

Ferguson's decision comes just days after he secured his 13th Premier League title, and he also delivered United two European Cups, five FA Cups, four League Cups and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

He will stay on at Old Trafford as a director and a club ambassador.

In a statement, Ferguson said:

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

"Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

"Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."

Alex Ferguson retiring at end of season

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of the season, bringing an end to more than 26 trophy-filled years at the club.



"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly," Ferguson said in a statement on Wednesday. "It is the right time."



The club did not immediately announce a successor.



Since taking charge at Old Trafford in 1986, Ferguson has established himself as the most successful manager in British soccer history, having reversed a previous plan to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season.



After the Scotsman secured a 13th Premier League title two weeks ago - extending the club's record English championship haul to 20 - he declared that he had no retirement thoughts.



But now he has just two more matches left in charge of the club he has turned into one of the world's biggest sports teams.



"It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," Ferguson said. "The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth setup will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."



Ferguson will stay at the club as a director and an ambassador.



"With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future," Ferguson said. "I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential."

United post record turnover

Premier League champions Manchester United have revealed a record third-quarter turnover of £91.7m, with a 16 per cent decrease in debt.

In figures issued to the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, the Premier League club revealed it is on course to generate more than £350m this season after posting record turnover figures in the three months up to March 31.

Along with a 52 per cent increase in sponsorship revenue, the figures also show a 28 per cent increase in commercial income to £114.5m over the full nine-month period.

And Premier League champions United, owned by the American Glazer family, has reduced its debt to £367.6m, a drop of 16 per cent in nine months.

Ed Woodward, the club's executive vice-chairman, said: "Each of our three primary sectors - commercial, broadcasting and matchday - delivered strong top-line gains and helped us achieve a record third quarter for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization)."

United's Premier League title triumph did come at a price, though, with a 25 per cent increase in wages to £44.9m through the signings of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa, as well as renegotiated contracts and the growth of United's commercial team.

The figures issued on Thursday excluded the £120m eight-year deal with AON, which includes naming rights to their Carrington training complex and sponsorship of their training kit and overseas tours.

And it was also confirmed that completing the purchase of the club's own TV channel, MUTV, cost United £2.7m.

United have developed plans to open a commercial office in the US and are keen to make an impact in the Far East, where so much of their overseas support is based.
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Tuesday's round up of the top transfer rumours

- Italian sites are claiming Manchester United’s interest in Juventus star Claudio Marchisio will be revived this summer.



- Liverpool face a battle with Inter Milan to clinch the signing of Barcelona defender Martin Montoya, according to talkSPORT.



- Liverpool look set to sign Reading defender Alex Pearce.



- Roman Abramovich could strip John Terry of the Chelsea captaincy and replace him with David Luiz, according to DailyMail.



- Andre Villas-Boas wants Danny Rose to snub a potential move to Sunderland and return to Tottenham next season.



- Arsenal will have to switch their attentions elsewhere after Napoli midfielder Gokhan Inler revealed he has no intentions of leaving the Italian club.



- Everton have been put on red alert after the agent of Fiorentina midfielder Adem Ljajic revealed they are no closer to agreeing a new contract with the club.



- West Ham defender Winston Reid has signed a new contract that will keep him at Upton Park until 2015 - as revealed by Sportsmail in January.



- Borussia Dortmund have opened contract renewal talks with Ilkay Gundogan to ward off interest from Manchester United.



- Stephan El Shaarawy shrugged off interest from Manchester City today. “I’d like to stay at Milan for life.”



- English media claim Lazio are close to signing Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia, beating Inter and Liverpool.



- Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo claims he came close to joining Chelsea and Real Madrid during his days at AC Milan.



- On loan Atalanta midfielder Luca Cigarini has revealed that he is happy at the club and doesn't want to return to Napoli.



- The agent of Francesco Bardi has admitted that he does not know if his client will return to Inter at the end of the season.



- Udinese sporting director Fabrizio Larini has insisted that Luis Muriel will not leave the club over the summer.



- Zinedine Zidane believes Europe's major clubs will not be deterred by the £60million price tag hanging over Tottenham's star player Gareth Bale.



- Djibril Cisse is eyeing a move back to Marseille after admitting playing in the Championship with QPR appears "complicated".



- Kevin De Bruyne may have scuppered Chelsea's chances of signing Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle after the midfielder's agent told Voetbal International that his future at Stamford Bridge will depend on who succeeds Rafael Benitez as manager this summer.



Bayer are believed to be wanting De Bruyne as part of any deal for Schurrle.



- Thiago Silva, who continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona, has told Le 10 Sport that he is happy at Paris Saint-Germain.



- Raphael Varane, who has reportedly emerged as a summer transfer target for Manchester United, has a whopping €200million buy-out clause in his contract with Real Madrid, according to L'Equipe.



- Nicolas Gaitan is ready to move away from Benfica according to his agent as he suggested that he would love to play in England.



- Freiburg have insisted that starlet Matthias Ginter will not be leaving the club this summer.



- Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius is pleased to be attracting interest, with scouts flocking to watch him in action.



- Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly joined the race to sign Simone Zaza, beating Juventus, Milan and Napoli’s bids.



- Lens midfielder Samba Sow says he is flattered to be linked with a move to Middlesbrough.



- Goalkeeper Stephan Andersen has revealed that he will be leaving Ligue 1 strugglers Evian Thonon Gaillard at the end of the season.



- Sao Paulo are still keen to reach a permanent agreement with Arsenal for Denilson, but are planning to bide their time.



- Blackpool have already kickstarted negotiations with Ludovic Sylvestre over a new deal.



- Plymouth have offered contracts to seven first-team players, including player of the year Onismor Bhasera and captain Conor Hourinhane.



- Accrington manager Leam Richardson has left the club to become Paul Cook's assistant at npower League Two counterparts Chesterfield.



- Jamie Reed is among nine York City players to have been released by the League Two club.



- Bilel Mohsni is among five Southend players to have been shown the door by Shrimpers manager Phil Brown.



- Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has confirmed that four of his squad will definitely depart St James' Park this summer.



- Oldham winger Lee Croft admits he is open to the prospect of an extended stay at the League One outfit.



- Graham Stack wants to stay at Barnet and help them back into the Football League following their relegation this season.



- Preston North End are poised to offer German goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann a new contract.



- Scott Cuthbert has signed a new deal with Leyton Orient, but Lee Cook and Martin Rowlands are among those to be released.



- Walsall have offered professional contracts to youngsters Jake Heath, Danny Griffiths and Danny Roberts.



- Rotherham are set to sign Bury's Joe Skarz when his contract at Gigg Lane comes to an end.

Vidal happy to stay at Juventus

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has pledged his future to the club amid interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.



Vidal has been superb for Juventus this season and he has attracted interest from Europe's top clubs.



The Serie A giants signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 and he has since gone on to become one of their star performers.



Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will be active in the summer transfer window and Vidal, 25, is a target.



But the Chile international told Gazzetta dello Sport:

"I am happy in Turin and with Juventus.



"I will stay here next season and (try to) win everything. I always aspire to improve as a player and here I have the confidence of the club and coach."

Ferguson confirms Scholes stay

Paul Scholes is certain to be at Manchester United next season, even if Sir Alex Ferguson is not sure if it will be as a player or a coach and is expected to retire a second time after failing to make a league appearance in an injury-hit 2013.

But Scholes, who spent six months as a reserve-team coach before returning to the first team in January 2012, will revert to a role on Ferguson's backroom staff if he decides to call time on his playing career.

The United manager stressed that Scholes, who is behind only Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton in United's all-time appearance makers, is yet to say whether he will be in the squad again next season.

But he said: "He'll be here anyway - whether as a player or coach. We'll have to wait and see with Scholes."

Scholes was a notable absentee when the other United players celebrated their title win on the Old Trafford turf after last Monday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa but Ferguson played down the significance of that.

He told the club's official website: "I don't think he came onto the pitch but he's not that type. He was probably home by the time the game ended!"

Scholes was in superb form in the second half of last season and Ferguson is glad he returned, adding: "It would've been easy to say nothing and carry on with the reserves but he made his mind up he wanted to come back and play and it was a good one for us.

"I think there will come a time when he has to quit anyway, whether it's next year or this year. He's not made his mind up about that. He has got a lot to offer us and we do this now, it's a very important part of our club to get players who have made a great contribution."

The United manager reiterated his wish that two more of his current playing squad will become members of the club's coaching team.



He added: "Nicky Butt is with the reserves; Darren Fletcher, when his time comes, will join. Ryan Giggs will join. [Then there are] Brian McClair, Tony Whelan, Paul McGuinness, Marek Szmid. We have a lot of former players in positions at the club which is healthy for us."

Ferguson: I'll spend for the right player

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he would be willing to spend big if it meant luring the right man to Manchester United this summer. After years of hunting for value in the market, United broke their own rules last summer by splashing out £24m on a 29-year-old with minimal resale value who had only one year left on his contract.



Yet the arrival of Robin van Persie proved to be the masterstroke which allowed United to reclaim their Premier League title. Ferguson estimates he only needs a couple of players to freshen up his squad this summer.



However, with rumours of potential bids for Robert Lewandowski and Radamel Falcao still circulating, despite obvious interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively, Ferguson insists he has the funds to make another marquee purchase.

"I don't think we need to rebuild at all," said Ferguson. "We possibly need two players. It depends. If a player came along who met our criteria we would push the boat out and get him, irrespective of how many players we have."

It is bad news for United's domestic rivals given they are already well behind, but such an easy stroll to championship glory cannot be anticipated next term, with Manchester City sure to strengthen and Ferguson expecting a renewed threat from Chelsea, especially if the Special One returns.

"Chelsea will definitely be involved next year," said Ferguson. "They have some good players and it looks likely (Jose) Mourinho will be going there."

It would not be Ferguson's way to rest on his laurels, of course. Planning for a 14th league title has already begun and the trophy for the 13th has not been collected yet. This is where United's mighty commercial muscle is paying off.

"I look at it as being one thing to win the league, another to do it by beating the record. Ninety-six points would be phenomenal."

United have done so many deals recently, most are greeted with a snigger given the unknown significance of companies such as gloops, who were confirmed as their social gaming partner yesterday.



But the cash is regenerated, with some paying off the club's reduced - but still enormous - debts, and the rest filtering into Ferguson's transfer kitty. "It does trickle down," said Ferguson. "Having spoken with the Glazer family, there is every intention to kick on.

"You have to credit the commercial people. They have done a great job. Of course the football team has been the platform for it but they are capitalising on such a great profile for the club. There is no doubt, worldwide, it seems to be getting bigger."

United head to Arsenal on Sunday still with the aim of reaching Chelsea's Premier League points record of 95 points, which they would eclipse by winning their remaining four games. It is those little targets that allow Ferguson to attain so many big ones, and ensure he is never short of an incentive to drive his players with.

"I said last week I don't mind winning the league in the last game of the season," he said. "Now we have won the league with four games left, I look at it as being one thing to win the league, another to do it by beating the record. Ninety-six points would be phenomenal. I don't know if that could ever be beaten."

Medals aplenty

It also seems Ferguson's team selection will not be influenced by kindness. Anders Lindegaard for instance still requires two more appearances to reach the ten previously viewed as the minimum requirement to qualify for a medal.



It seems such restrictions no longer apply, which is good news for both Alexander Buttner and Darren Fletcher, who is still trying to overcome a chronic bowel complaint that required surgery which ruled him out for the season.

"They will get medals," said Ferguson. "The system has changed now. They give you an allocated number of medals now which you can distribute the way you want. That is fair because it is only injury that has prevented Darren Fletcher from getting a medal.



"Buttner has been involved in every away game and every training session and it is very difficult for a goalkeeper to get ten games when your first choice goalkeeper has performed the way (David) De Gea has. He deserves his medal too."

Manchester United set for transfer snub

Roma winger Erik Lamela is set to sign a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico and snub Manchester United in the process, according to Yahoo.



Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson sent his brother and scout Martin to Italy ten days ago where it was reported that he was checking on Roma’s 21-year-old, £25million-rated Argentina international during his side’s 2-1 win at Torino.



Rivals Manchester City are also thought to be interested in Lamela, who has thrived in an attacking role in Rome this season to become the club’s 17-goal top scorer at present.



However, it now looks like United’s attempts to lure the player to Old Trafford, possibly as a replacement for Nani, will end in failure.



Reports coming out of Italy are claiming that former River Plate starlet Lamela will sign a new, improved five-year contract extension which will see him stay at Roma until summer 2018 and see his wages rise from £35,000-a-week to £50,000-a-week.

Kagawa unhappy with debut season at United

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa says he is dissatisfied with his first season in English football, despite lifting the Premier League title.



Kagawa, 24, arrived at Old Trafford last summer with a big reputation having played a key role in Borussia Dortmund's back-to-back Bundesliga triumphs.



The Japan international showed plenty of glimpses of quality throughout the season - notably with a memorable hat-trick against Norwich in March - but injuries hampered his consistency.



And after securing his third straight league title, Kagawa has promised United fans that there is plenty more to come from him.



"I was looking to produce even more results," Kagawa said. "I was injured and I felt things didn't go well easily. I had a lot of conflict, frustration and worries. In that sense, I think it has been a profound year.



"Honestly, I haven't contributed as much as I did at Dortmund. I was even injured. I still don't quite have that feeling of accomplishment. But I've managed to win three in a row. I think my career is bound to get better and better."

Kagawa: I had more to offer

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa admits he wishes he could have contributed more to his side's Premier League title winning season.

Kagawa, who arrived at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund last summer, started his debut season at United brightly but suffered a knee injury in October which kept him sidelined for two months.



The 24-year-old scored five goals in 18 Premier League outings for the club, including his hat-trick in the 4-0 success over Norwich last month.

"Honestly, I haven't contributed as much as I did at Dortmund. I was even injured. I still don't quite have that feeling of accomplishment."

Shinji Kagawa

The Japan international has earned plaudits in his home country after helping United to a 20th league title but believes he could have offered more to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.



He said: "I was looking to produce even more results. I was injured and I felt things didn't go well easily.



"I had a lot of conflict, frustration and worries. In that sense, I think it has been a profound year.



"Honestly, I haven't contributed as much as I did at Dortmund.



"I was even injured. I still don't quite have that feeling of accomplishment."



Despite feeling he could have offered more on an individual level, Kagawa was pleased to be part of three successive title wins after helping Dortmund to back-to-back championships following his move from J-League club Cerezo Osaka in 2010.



The midfielder is hoping to build on that tally, adding: "I've managed to win three in a row. I think my career is bound to get better and better."




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Valencia wants United stay

Antonio Valencia has revealed that he hopes to end his career at Manchester United.

The 27-year-old winger - who has two years left on his current deal - also played down rumours, which he believes emanated in his homeland, that he was looking to leave the club this summer.

"Neither the club or the coach have said anything about that (leaving Manchester United), I think it was a rumour that came about in Ecuador more than anywhere else," the Ecuadorian ace told Radio La Deportiva.

"This [Manchester] is my home, I would like to stay here for a lot longer and retire here before going back to Ecuador."

Valencia admits that it has taken him time to physically get over the broken leg he suffered in September 2010 against Rangers in the Champions League.

"When I had the problem with my leg I recovered mentally without any difficulty," he said.

"But the problem with my back was something that affected me for a lot longer, but now I am fine and physically much better."

Valencia was talking after helping United to clinch the Premier League title on Monday against Aston Villa.

"I am very happy, this is my second championship here," he said.

"I have the confidence that the coach has given me and when you go into a match with the confidence of the team, it gives you extra motivation."

Valencia is now focused on helping Ecuador seal their place at the 2014 World Cup finals.

"It has been an effort from everyone in the national side, it's like a family that we have formed," he said.

"We cannot let it slip now, we missed out on the last World Cup, we can't miss this one. We have two difficult games coming up, but they are six points and two games that could give us qualification."


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RVP: Team triumph

Robin van Persie insisted that the plaudits should be shared equally after his first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa wrapped up a 20th league title for Manchester United.

The Dutchman's treble - including a goal of the season contender - took his league tally for the season to 24 but he was more interested in the overall prize than personal landmarks.

"It doesn't matter who scored, as long as we won the game. From the first minute, everyone played well and it was great to score so early and a great win for us," he told Sky Sports after the 3-0 victory.

"I am very happy but it is weird. I had to wait so long for my first title. It is a great feeling. It is a fantastic team and fantastic players.

"It is a championship for every single one of them. The staff, the managers, the physios. This is our 20th title, it is deserved.

Van Persie's second goal had the crowd off their feet - a breath-taking left-foot volley as he latched onto a long-range pass from Wayne Rooney.

"It was a great ball from Wayne," he added. "So the only thing I had to do was guide it right and hit it properly and it went in great but more important was the result.

"The second goal was one the best goals. I only had to time it right. Let me enjoy this moment, the next game is against Arsenal, but let me enjoy this moment."


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