QUOTE
Ferdinand agrees new deal
Rio Ferdinand has signed a new one-year contract, in a deal that will see the defender complete his 12th season as a first team player.
The centre-back has made 432 appearances since his debut in 2002 and won his sixth Barclays Premier League medal with the club this season.
David Moyes said: “It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club and I think even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room, so I am delighted he has signed a new contract. I am looking forward to working with him.”
Rio Ferdinand said: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Who wouldn’t want to play in this fantastic team in front of 76,000 fans each week? It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue. I can now fully concentrate on my club career which has worked well for me over the past few years.”
“This is a great team to be part of and we are now moving into a new era with the club which is very exciting. I have met with David I am really looking forward to working with him and winning many more trophies with this great club."
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features...ith-united.aspxQUOTE
Kagawa roots for Dortmund
Shinji Kagawa admits he has been "inspired" by his former team Borussia Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final this season.
Dortmund take on Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, who regained the German title at their expense last month, at Wembley on Saturday evening.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have won plenty of admirers for their pressing, high-tempo game and Japanese star Shinji, who played for them for two seasons between 2010 and 2012, hopes they'll win the European Cup for a second time this weekend.
"I want to play better in the Champions League next season because I’ve been inspired to see Dortmund make it to the final," Kagawa told ManUtd.jp recently. "I was encouraged to know there is a chance for me to be on the big stage with United.
"I’ve followed how they are doing and have kept in touch with some of the players. Each time they progressed in the Champions League, I sent them a text to say congratulations."
Bayern won the league this season with six games to spare, a record in Germany’s top flight, but have failed to win any of their last six league encounters with Dortmund.
"Bayern will find it hard against Dortmund as they haven’t beaten them in the league for three seasons," added Kagawa, who will be watching on TV while on international duty.
"Dortmund will play hard without being over-confident. I expect it will be an exciting match and I hope Dortmund will be European champions."
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features...ague-final.aspxQUOTE
Scholes joins Legends
Just weeks after retiring, Paul Scholes will return to Old Trafford to play in the Red Heart United legends match with Real Madrid at the request of team manager Bryan Robson.
Scholes will join a host of former team-mates including Andy Cole, Jaap Stam and Edwin van der Sar to face the Spanish giants, who will include the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Claude Makelele among their ranks.
Having recruited Scholes, who bowed out of football after last weekend's 5-5 draw at West Brom, Robson relished the prospect of seeing the United hero play again: “I think Scholsey will love not just being on the pitch with Real Madrid, but also with Zinedine Zidane.
“In the past he has said that Scholsey was the best midfield player in the world, so it will be nice for Paul to play against him again and the rest of the Real Madrid players. We all still love participating in the game and playing for charity is something players enjoy doing.”
Real Madrid travel to Old Trafford hoping to defend a 3-2 victory claimed in the first leg at the Bernabeu last year. And although the match is being played in aid of the MU Foundation, Scholes is keen to turn the deficit around.
“It would be great to win the game,” Paul explained. “But there are some true greats in their team; players who have won World Cups and European Championships.”
“The skill, dedication and passion it takes to be the best in the world is something you never lose. It may be for charity, but it’s going to be a very tough game.”
That sentiment is echoed by the great Zidane, who is only too aware of Scholes' abilties having once described him as 'the complete footballer': “He’s almost untouchable in what he does,” Zizou said.
“I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get. One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”
The Red Heart United legends match will be pre-empted by an opening ceremony in which JLS, Amelia Lily and Tinchy Stryder will all perform a selection of hits, offering a fantastic day out for the whole family.
In keeping with the two clubs’ origins, fans can also try their hand at various Spanish and British themed games whilst sampling traditional cuisine from both nations.
All proceeds from Red Heart United will go to the Manchester United Foundation and will help to fund projects that help young people in disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester. Tickets are on sale now and are available by visiting www.manutd.com/legendsareback or calling 0161 868 8000 and selecting option 9.
http://www.manutd.com/en/LEGENDSAREBACK/Ne...art-United.aspx