CITY FANS CONCERNED ABOUT TRIBUTE

Manchester City’s official supporters club fear some fans may try to ruin a minute’s silence to commemorate the Munich air disaster at next month’s derby against Manchester United.

The supporters group have written to United and the Premier League to request that a minute’s applause be held instead prior to the match at Old Trafford on February 10.

However, United are thought not to consider a minute’s applause as appropriate.

The game takes place four days after the 50th anniversary of the disaster, in which seven United players were killed.

Kevin Parker, the City supporters’ club secretary, told the Daily Mail: “Although there is some friendly rivalry between supporters of the two clubs, there is also a great deal of hatred and there will be some City fans who will not want to go along with the recognition of the disaster.

“We plead with United to change the proposed minute’s silence to applause.

“In this way, any idiot who does not share these views (of respect) will be drowned out rather than highlighted.”

David Beckham to return to Man Utd

MANCHESTER UNITED hope David Beckham will become their global ambassador when he retires from playing.

His old club want him to take over the role now held by 70-year-old Sir Bobby Charlton. The LA Galaxy star, 33 in May, is still held in high esteem at board level at Old Trafford.

And the move will be given its blessing by boss Alex Ferguson, who long ago patched up his differences with the player.

Beckham would be expected to earn around £2million a year in the role, which would take him all round the world aiding the commercial arm of the club.

United feel Becks would help to rake in millions in advertising and sponsorship, as well as winning them millions more fans.

Senior club figures have been impressed at how he has refused to say anything negative about United, despite his acrimonious departure in 2003.

That followed a series of bust-ups with Ferguson, who infamously kicked a boot which hit Beckham on the head in a dressing-room rage.

Becks joined United as a kid and played 265 games, scoring 61 goals, in a 10-year career before moving to Real Madrid.

F.A Cup 4th Round Draw

Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/ Barnet v Fulham/ Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford vWolves
Peterboroughv Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utdv West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff

United fans where are you?

It seems there is alot more criticism this past year regarding the vocal support at home games.

The last few days have seen Alex Ferguson come out and publically ask questions of why the home fans aren’t as noisey and supportive of the United team, even he has quoted Roy Keane’s argument about the prawn sandwich brigade.

Have we finally lost the support of the real vocal fans at Old Trafford?
Have we at last lost the support of the genuine fans and they have been replaced by the business sector, who give out tickets to their customers and dont really support our great team?

Personally I have mixed feelings on the subject because on some games the fans are really great and yet others they seem very lacklustre.

Lately our away fans seem to be singing much better than when we play at home.

So lets see if we can remedy this in the next home game against Newcastle on the 12th and raise the roof at Old Trafford.

Rooney Aiming For The Double

Going into 2008, Wayne Rooney has made clear his ambitions for Manchester United this year: to win the Premiership again, and add the Champions League to his haul…

Wayne Rooney has had what is becoming a typical season for the young forward with Manchester United so far. He’s been injured, had a wave of goal-scoring form, and then a consequent drought.

Nevertheless, his all-round game always looks like it’s improving, and the same can be said of his team as a whole. After winning the Premiership title for the first time last season, Rooney now has greater trophy hauls in mind as he seeks to win the Champions League as well.

“In an ideal world, we would win both,” Rooney told the Daily Star. United came close to the feat last year, but were picked apart by an incredible Milan side in the semi-finals. “Last year we thought we could do it, but we came up just short in Europe against AC Milan in the semi-finals. But, a year on, we are more experienced and we will cope better.

“We didn’t play how we knew we could against Milan, but we were still close to reaching the final.”

When quizzed on his preference, the ex-Everton striker gave an answer that seems resounding throughout the Red Devils’ squad.

“To be honest, I would like to win the Premier League again because it’s a massive prize and you play in the league every week,” he explained.

“Of course, the Champions League is a big trophy, too, and I am desperate to win that one for the first time.”

Manchester United host Birmingham today as they start the new year two points behind Premiership leaders Arsenal.