Kaka Ready To Renew Milan Contract


Milan superstar Kaka has put any doubts over his future to bed by declaring that he is ready to sign a new deal with the club.


The 25-year-old has continuously been linked with a move to Real Madrid for almost two years now and he raised eyebrows earlier today when he said that players would start to leave Italy if all the football violence among supporters didn’t stop. 

“For the moment Real Madrid is closed for me,” Kaka told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“If Milan want to keep me, then I am ready to renew my current deal. This way nobody can have any more doubts over my future.” 

Kaka also spoke about the imminent return of Ronaldo, as well as young sensation Alexandre Pato, who is eligible to play from January onwards. 

“Ronaldo will be a help for us, while Pato is raw and will certainly entertain. He could become our Lionel Messi, however I don’t want to put too much responsibility on him.” 

Finally Kaka spoke about Milan legend Marco Van Basten. The Dutchman has recently been likened to current Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for their similarity in style, but Kaka is perplexed by the comparison. 

“Ibra is a champion, however I cannot understand why he has been compared to Van Basten,” said Kaka. 

“They are two completely different attackers. Van Basten would never have unloaded the bomb that Ibra did in his last Champions League [against CSKA Moscow].” 

I Have The Quality To Play With Milan - Oliveira

Milan-owned striker Ricardo Oliveira, currently on loan at Real Zaragoza where he has made a good start to the season, claims he still has what it takes to play with the Rossoneri.


The Brazilian striker's strong start in La Liga with Real Zaragoza, where he scored 5 goals in 12 appearences, is giving him renewed confidence after his nightmare season with the Rossoneri.

"Everything can happen, I still have three years on my contract with Milan," he said, "I'm convinced I have the technical qualities to play there.

"I want to do my job well here, take advantage of all chances I get to play and feel important again after the difficult year I went through."

Oliveira revealed that a big reason for his struggles at Milan was the kidnapping of his sister which occurred in October 2006: "The kidnapping, which came at a moment where I was doing well, really conditioned my performances.

"I did not have a clear head and this prevented me from giving my best. Without that problem, I'm not sure I wouldn't have played, despite the competition from champions like [Filippo] Inzaghi, [Alberto] Gilardino, and Ronaldo," he continued.

"I've won a lot in Brazil as well as in Europe, with the Selecao and Milan, even though I can't say I won the Champions League as a protagonist. But overall I can't complain." 

Maldini: World Club Cup Is My World Cup

Milan captain Paolo Maldini is desperate to win next month’s FIFA World Club Cup and describes it as his version of the World Cup.


The World Club Cup, formerly known as the FIFA Club World Championship, is contested between the champion clubs from all of the continental confederations. 

Milan qualified courtesy of their 2-1 European Champions League final victory over Liverpool last May, and go into the tournament as the hot favourites. 

Maldini has won virtually every domestic, European and international club trophy on offer during a glittering 23-year career, however he sadly never won anything with the Italian national team and had already retired from the Azzurri when they won the World Cup last summer.

“I have no regrets about the World Cup in Germany as I had already been out of the reckoning for four years,” said the legend. “However the pain of defeat in 1990 and 1994 still burns inside of me. 

“Now I think only about Milan and the World Club Cup. It is a unique competition and I want to win it at all costs having lost the last three editions of it that I played in. 

“It is an opportunity that must not escape – it is the greatest club event out there.”

Plus, i'd like to make another point. Adriano had/has Golden Ball talent - his dad passes away and he's a bench warmer. Oli is a 23 goal scorer in one of the premier football leagues in the world, la liga..his sisters' whereabouts and livelihood were unknown to him for a whole season? could we possibly, as fans, realize this could have had major effects?

I remember saying in this forum that this is what was going to happen..we would let him go and he would flourish. If he proves himself and scores over 14 goals..i say why not! plus, ronnie isn't a safe bet this season, so that makes him what for next?..

food for thought.

Fans of over a dozen clubs in Italy will not be permitted to attend their team’s next away games as a result of the fallout from last weekend’s tragic events.

Though it is not yet confirmed whether the season will restart on the weekend of November 24, fans of 15 teams will surely have to settle to watch the next away match of their team from the television.


Serie A sides Atalanta, Catania, Milan, Roma, Sampdoria and Torino have all been barred from traveling next round, while the same counts for supporters of Serie B outfits Bari and Cesena and are Serie C sides Potenza, Reggiana, Taranto, Ternana and Verona.

In April, the Italian government introduced a law designed to stamp out football hooliganism following the death of a policeman in rioting at a match in Sicily in February.

AC Milan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff is looking increasingly likely to be back in France next year on a season-long loan.


Despite his obvious promise, the 21-year-old has had to become all too familiar with the feel of the bench at the San Siro, and as such he is said to be no longer as adverse to spending next season out on loan.

Touted as the heir apparent Zinedine Zidane in the French national team, Gourcuff has started just one game this season, and his opportunities are bound to get even more limited come January when Brazilian phenom Pato becomes eligible to suit up for the Rossoneri first team.

French football publication L’Equipe has been leading the speculation of a temporary return of Gourcuff to his homeland, and have identified Lens and Monaco as the most likely destinations.

Milan star Andrea Pirlo talked about a range of topics, including the Scudetto race and last summer's rumours surrounding team mate Kaká's possible departure.


Milan's star midfielder Andrea Pirlo spoke exclusively to Sky on a program dedicated to the Rossoneri today.

Asked whether there was a player that inspired him to take free kicks the way he is doing lately, he admitted: had seen it done by the Brazilian player of Lyon (Juninho Pernambucano). I looked at the way he kicked them, then I started trying to imitate him and gradually I saw it worked and from then on I started to take them like that."

On Milan's poor home form especially in the league, Pirlo said: "It's true, our home league games have been disappointing. Perhaps unconsciously we have a different attitude to our Champions League matches, which are more strongly felt and important.

"But we shouldn't neglect the league now, also because it's been a few years since we've last won it. So it would be nice to win it again.

"We know that when we don't win, we are criticised, but that's football," he continued. "We know our strengths, the team spirit is good and we are not bothered by the criticism. Also last year we were heavily criticised, but in the end we reached an important objective which nobody believed in, and it could be the same this year."

Pirlo's final comments were on team mate and Ballon D'Or favorite Kaká: "There were rumours about him leaving, so we weren't sure what to think. But we know he has affection for this team, this group of players, and we are happy to keep him here with us."

In an effort to add some youthful energy to an undeniably aging squad, European Champions Milan have turned their attention to a number of interesting young Brazilians.

After many years of investments on already established players during their transfer campaigns, Milan seem intent on altering that policy and look at more youthful players in the future.

That doesn't mean they're doing it to spend less money; consider only that they spent 22 million euros last summer to snatch then 17-year-old Pato away from Internacional. That was the move that started the change in Milan's market strategies.

Right now the Rossoneri have set their sights on San Paolo defender Breno, who at 18 years of age is already considered to be one of the best stoppers in Brazil. This means he will not cost much less than Pato did.

Milan's recent double-header against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League showcased two more interesting young Brazilians, Fernandinho and Ilsinho, both 22. Currently the market value of Fernandinho is estimated at 7-8 million euros.

Then there is also the hypothesis of forming an attacking couple composed of Pato and CSKA Moscow's Jo, which would be the same of the Brazilian Under 20 side.

The latter impressed the Milan management in the recent Champions League matches against Inter, in which he managed to score twice. The Russian side, who bought the player for around 5 million euros, now consider him to be worth at least twice as much.

Italy striker Luca Toni has praised Roberto Donadoni for the work he has done as Coach of La Nazionale

Donadoni position as Azzurri boss has been a contentious issue ever since he replaced Marcello Lippi following last year’s World Cup success.

Many in Italy argued that he was not experienced enough for the job, given his previous coaching roles at Lecco, Genoa and Livorno.

A draw with Lithuania and a defeat to France at the beginning of this Euro 2008 campaign immediately put Donadoni under pressure but he has recovered well with seven wins from his last eight competitive games.

"I think Donadoni has done a great job," admitted Toni. "It wasn't easy for him to replace Coach Marcello Lippi, who won the World Cup.

"We struggled at the beginning of our qualifying campaign but we bounced back."

The Azzurri need to avoid defeat in Saturday’s crunch qualifier in Scotland to, in theory, book their place at next summer’s European Championships.

Failure to qualify would almost definitely see Donadoni sacked, with Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti the favourite to replace him should this occur

bit off-topic but here are the braces Roni and Pato scored in the training game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58-HrGkH5hg

AC Milan star Kaka has come in for criticism from legendary Rossoneri midfielder Zvonimir Boban. In his column for Gazzetta dello Sport, the Croatian great questioned whether the Real Madrid target had an hidden agenda after he recently stated that the increase in Calcio related violence could ultimately force him abroad

Boban wrote: "Many small clues have been offered and suggestions have pointed towards Spain. Is it only harmless flirting or is Kaka really betraying the love the Rossonero show for him?

"His hints about being available to extend his contract, saying that it all depends on the desire of Milan appears to me to be increasingly misplaced. Then I wonder, but hasn't his contract not already been retouched?

"Being the true symbol of a club is a recognition of the human and professional values of a player. And one of these is loyalty.

"Kaka, although time is running out, you have the chance to choose. If you do not want to stay in Milan, you should find a more elegant way of expressing yourself. Perhaps with a bit of clarity."

Boban was reacting to the following comments made by Kaka shortly after Milan’s match with Atalanta was abandoned due to Nerazzurri Ultras threatening to cause a riot if play continued.

“Could I leave Italy? Yes, if these violent episodes continue,” said Kaka. “I love football because it brings me happiness, but at the moment I can’t enjoy myself.

“If there are big problems in Italian football that prevent me doing my job properly, anything could happen.

“I am worried for my family’s safety as my wife and parents frequently come to watch me, so there is a chance I could move to another country.” 

Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that, following this weekend’s football violence, he fears another big tragedy like the Heysel Stadium Disaster could take place.

The Heysel Stadium Disaster in 1985 was one of the most catastrophic events in European football history when 39 people, mostly Juventus fans, were killed prior to the European Cup final between the Bianconeri and Liverpool. 

“After what happened last weekend in Italy I have the feeling that the horrors of a disaster like that from Heysel could take place again,” Ancelotti told Bulgarian newspaper ‘168 Chas’. 

“Football is only a game and it should never be transformed into something that is a matter of life or death.” 

Meanwhile Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has also added his voice to the debate and reveals that he has spent €230m trying to make the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium safe.     

"It's time that football does something, but if the political institutions and justice don't do anything, then it's not enough,” said Galliani. 

“I don't agree with those who attack the clubs. We have no rapport with the Ultras, we have spent over 230 million Euros to make San Siro a safe stadium, I don't know what else we can do."

Milan captain Paolo Maldini had words of praise for Juventus ahead of their upcoming clash, while he describes next week’s trip to Cagliari as a must-win game.


The Rossoneri have had their worst start to a Serie A season in many years and are currently sitting in 11th place in the table. 

Next weekend Milan travel to Sardinia to play struggling Cagliari, before the European champions then renew their famous duel with Juventus on December 2. 

“It’s great because there’s such a great rivalry between the two clubs and Serie A isn’t the same without Juve,” Maldini told the Milan channel. “I think it’ll be a great spectacle. 

“As for Cagliari we want to prove ourselves so badly and we are going there desperate to win as these matches are crucial.

“I think results will depend a lot on the start of the game as has happened for us a lot this season.” 

Maldini has only recently returned to first-team action following a long spell on the sidelines injured. 

The legendary defender is currently in his 23rd season at the club, having made his debut way back in January 1985.

So that's where the transfer money went...

YO wat up ya'll i jus gat a question..I know tis a totally unrelated topic.. But in Messi and Pato, who's better?

ٌDid Inter pay anything at all!?

Milan manager and former Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo talked about the Rossoneri's probable opponents in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Urawa Red Diamonds.

While everyone seems to be taking for granted that AC Milan-Boca Juniors will be the final of the Club World Cup in Japan, few people know that, before the final, there will be a semi-final against a club from another continent, most probably Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan.

Milan manager Leonardo, who has had experience in Japanese football as a player, claims the J-League champions-elect are not a team to be underestimated.

"We must be careful of Urawa Red Diamonds, they will be playing at home and they'll have a lot of enthusiasm," he said.

"I know them well because I've played in the Japanese league for two years so I can tell you they are the strongest team in the nation. They have ten international Japanese players in the squad, so we'll have to keep an eye on them.

"We all know that Milan and Boca are stronger, and both won't want to miss this chance to win an important trophy, but in football, especially in these brief tournaments, surprises are always around the corner," Leonardo concluded.

Exactly what I've been thinking. If we under estimate them we will lose. On a good day, these guys are as strong as Celtic.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has praised the older members of the Milan team, following yesterday’s win over Celtic.


The Rossoneri ensured top spot in Champions League Group D with a 1-0 win at San Siro.

The 34-year-old Filippo Inzaghi scored the winner to become the top scorer of all time in UEFA competition.

SuperPippo swept the ball home from close range after a cut-back from the 37-year-old Cafu, who was probably Milan’s best player on the night.

“I have been at this club for 21 years at international level and that time has taught me something – the veterans don’t feel the pressure,” explained Galliani.

“Cafu has played more games than Pele. The fact he hasn’t taken part in every match means he has been ready for the top level ties. Favalli is a professor, he really knows how to place a pass. I love these players.”

Galliani was pleased that Milan didn’t just settle for the point they needed to finish top.

“I am happy that we knocked back that cliché of Italian teams who quite happily play for a draw,” smiled the Vice-President.

“We created many scoring opportunities and won deservedly. It is a good thing that honours the sport. We did our duty and nobody can complain.”

World Cup-winning former Italy national boss Marcello Lippi has re-iterated that he will return to management next season

The Viareggio-born tactician has been out of the game since stepping down as coach of Azzurri following last summer’s World Cup success in Germany.

Despite numerous offers to return to the bench, including an ambitious bid from Premiership minnows Birmingham City just a few weeks ago, Lippi has so far rejected all overtures.

A few days ago the 59-year-old declared that he would take charge of a team for the 2008/09 campaign.

“Next year I will return to the bench. That is 100 per cent,” Lippi stated.

The Paul Newman look-alike has now re-iterated this stance in an interview with
Primocanale.

“I want to get back to work,” Lippi confirmed. “I will only return at the start of a season because if you pick up a side half-way through it shows that they have problems.”

Lippi is one of the most successful coaches of the modern era having won five Italian championships during two spells at Juventus.

With the Bianconeri he also won a Champions League title, an Intercontinental Cup, a Coppa Italia, and a European Supercup.

He also finished as a runner-up in the Champions League on three occasions in 1997, 1998 and 2003, as well as losing a Uefa Cup final in 1995.

Juventus are lining up a bid for unsettled Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, according to Tuttosport.

The Ukrainian star signed for the Blues last summer after a hugely successful seven-year spell with AC Milan.

However Shevchenko has badly failed to live up to the standard he set himself in Italy, and has been a pale shadow of the once great player.

He has scored just five league goals since arriving at the club, with only one of those coming this season.

Since Avram Grant took over as Chelsea manager, Shevchenko has barely featured, and many expect the 31-year-old to be transferred in January.

Tuttosport is claiming that Juventus want to take Sheva on a six-month loan deal in January, with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.

The Bianconeri still have a non-EU place available in their squad, and Chelsea would help pay the forward’s astronomical wages.

Shevchenko is still highly-rated in Italy and both Milan and Inter have also been linked with the player recently.

However Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani has now ruled his club out of the running by saying that their non-EU spot in the squad will be taken by Brazilian wonderkid Alexandre Pato.

“We cannot take him, as we only have one place for a non-EU player and that will go to Alexandre Pato in January,” he said.

“He is the one who wanted to leave and we didn’t sell him willingly. He knew what it was like here, but when you change clubs it is all starting from scratch. Transfers are always dangerous.”

“I have been at this club for 21 years at international level and that time has taught me something – the veterans don’t feel the pressure,” explained Galliani.

They don't 'feel' motivation in the league either. It works both ways.

And that matter about the coach? You didn't answer it yet misha!

Except why would Prandelli or Spalleti leave?

They've been given a Wengeresque opportunity to build a team as they like. Without any pressure.

Milan defender Dario Simic is set to remain with his current team after coach Carlo Ancelotti and general manager Adriano Galliani blocked the transfer of the player who was heading towards Fulham.


Dario Simic will remain with the Rossoneri as Ancelotti pushed for this option rather than to sell him to Fulham as it was predicted in the transfer rumours of the last few weeks.

The Croatian defender was a target of coach Roy Hodgson and everything seemed to point out towards a smooth negotiation that would lead him to England in the Premier League.

However, Ancelotti has opted to hold on to the player who is currently considered as a reserve of Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Nesta, but considering Paolo Maldini is not in the best physical condition, the Rossoneri have decided to keep him as a precaution.

This will surely not please the player who was hoping to move elsewhere in order to have more playing time, but the 32-year-old defender will now have to sit on the bench for the remainder of the season.

Massimo Moratti has hit back at claims in the Italian media that Inter are the “new Juve” due to the number of controversial incidents involving the Nerazzurri this season.


Inter have been accused by a number of sources of being favoured by referees in the peninsula since Calciopoli, and the debate reached boiling point after they received a dubious late penalty against Parma nine days ago, which helped them turn a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 win. 

The Nerazzurri have even been labelled by some as the “new Juve”, referring to the way that Juventus supposedly were favoured by officials during the pre-Calciopoli Luciano Moggi era. 

Inter have been particularly angered by these claims and even issued a ‘silenzio stampa’, a press silence last week, in protest at what they perceive as biased media reporting. 

President Massimo Moratti has now had his say on the matter and he has made it perfectly clearly that Inter should in no way be compared to the Juventus under Moggi. 

“Inter are not the new Juve,” Moratti stated. 

“Our position is totally different. I feel the same as I did before. There is not much difference from the past.” 

Quite what Moratti means by this is unclear, especially considering the fact that he was a heavy critic of officials during the pre-Calciopoli era. 

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has called for foreign referees to be brought in to officiate, citing that the current referees in Serie A are just not up to the task. Moratti disagrees and says that they should stay. 

“They [the referees] always try to do the best possible,” the oil tycoon said.  “Frankly I do not think it a good idea to go fishing abroad.” 

Milan star Ronaldo has revealed that he would love to see fellow compatriot Ronaldinho join the club, but has admitted that it will be a difficult transfer to complete.


Ronaldinho is currently having a miserable season on-and-off the pitch in Barcelona, and he seems very likely to leave at the end of the season. 

There are only a handful of clubs in world football who realistically could afford to sign the 27-year-old, with reports suggesting that it will be a straight fight between Milan, Inter and Premierships-powerhouses Chelsea. 

The Rossoneri seemed to be the frontrunners before Christmas, with President Silvio Berlusconi, a long-time admirer of the player, hinting on a number of occasions about a possible move. 

However, following their new multi-million-pound sponsorship deal with Nike, the same sponsor of Ronaldinho, Inter have fast emerged as favourites. 

Ronaldo however is still holding on to hope that his ex-Selecao team-mate will be hooking up with him at San Siro. 

"Could he come to Milan? It would be beautiful,” said Ronaldo.

“However I know it will be a difficult operation." 

Even if Ronaldinho does join, there is no guarantee Roanldo will still be at the club, as he has still not signed a new contract with the club, which runs out in June. 

Italian sports daily 'Corriere dello sport' reported that during the night Atletico Madrid made important steps forward in trying to sign Tiago Mendes from Juventus, despite sporting director Alessio Secco yesterday declaring that the player will remain in Turin.

Tiago's future at Juventus remains a mystery as apparently Atletico Madrid have accelerated their negotiations in order to sign the midfielder during this transfer window.

If this transfer goes through, the Bianconeri will try to sign an Italian midfielder in order to make the squad as competitive as possible.

For this reason, Ranieri has indicated two possible targets: Luca Cigarini (21-years-old, Parma) and Sergio Volpi (33-years-old, Sampdoria).

For the former player, Parma are asking 20m Euros and that might be too expensive for the Old Lady's budget. Juventus could try to part exchange a player to decrease the expense, but that would require time and the transfer window will close in a couple of days.

Therefore, it would be easier for the Bianconeri to go for the Sampdoria player who would not cost much and would be willing to be a reserve of Mohammed Sissoko and Cristiano Zanetti.

José Mourinho is considering whether to step into the breach at Valencia after being made an offer to replace the beleaguered Ronald Koeman, according to a report.


The Portuguese boss was approached by Los Ché before they appointed their current coach, but he turned down the offer as he hoped for a bigger club to make their move.

Koeman joined Valencia in early November and has won just one league game and caused major upheaval at the club that has now seen the fans turn against him.

According to The Sun, Mourinho has now been approached and if he accepts the role then the Dutchman will be sacked this week in order to make way.

While the former Chelsea boss was rumoured to fancy a return to English football and was linked to both Liverpool and Newcastle United, he has yet to say anything publicly.

Valencia's offer to help rescue them this season may be tempting, but Mourinho is believed to be holding out for one of Europe's major clubs to offer him a post.

AC Milan are the favourites with Carlo Ancelotti expected to step down in the summer, so Valencia may only be able to keep the outspoken trainer until then.

In Spain, Valencia have publicly given Koeman their backing, but defeat in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening against Atlético de Madrid would see the pressure increase dramatically.

Sir Alex Ferguson reckons Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are the best players to play for Manchester United since his arrival as manager on November 6th, 1986. Gil Gillespie begs to differ.


Now, if the longest serving boss in the Premier League had been talking about the club's greatest servants since his reign began in 1986, then Scholes and Giggs would have to be right up there, along with Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Brian McClair and Dennis Irwin.

But, in truth, not many observers would put Giggsy and Scholesy at number one and two in a top ten of players who have served under Alex Ferguson. Compiling such a list is no easy task.

First, there are the players that don't quite make it into the top ten. There is no room on this particular hall of fame for the following United legends:

Gary Neville, because he is a great professional but by no means a great player, decent enough defensively but very average going forward.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who spent 11 patient years at the club and was a useful little striker but never a world class one.

Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, who were, again, great servants, but journeymen defenders on a global scale.

Jaap Stam, who despite being the finest centre-back in the Premier League at the time was booted out by Fergie after three years.

Imagine if Nesta had played at Man U

Rio Ferdinand, doesn't make the cut because of his lapses in concentration that occur in every other game he plays in.

Paul McGrath, although he is the greatest Irish defender of all time and did indeed look like Nelson Mandela's son.

And neither do Paul Ince, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Nemanja Vidic or the excellent Carlos Tevez. But the most glaring omission, and the one that's certain to receive the most criticism, is Wayne Rooney.

Since his arrival on the Premier League stage, there is no doubt that Rooney has been a revelation. He is that most uncommon of English players - a technically-gifted second striker who is able to mesmerise and destroy in equal measures.

He is still the only current member of the England football team who regularly uses the outside of his foot. But he doesn't make this list of United greats because he hasn't quite proved himself worthy of inclusion yet.

The finest English talent since Gazza hasn't lived up to his potential. In fact, there is a genuine fear that he might even be going backwards as a player. His first touch, these days, is often heavy and sometimes even sloppy. He himself admits that he has lost the ability he used to have to go past defenders. And, against the classiest of opponents - AC Milan in last season's Champions League, for example - he can be nothing short of missing in action.

I've been saying this for sometime now, he's more inconsistent than Gila

So here, in order of greatness, are the best ten players to ever play under Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United.

1. Eric Cantona
Not for nothing is he referred to as King Eric. The Rimbaud-quoting French genius who, in the words of Roy Keane, "glided into the arena as if he owned the f******* place," has to be number one. Cantona's influence on the club he joined from Leeds in 1992 is almost immeasurable. He changed the way they trained, changed the way they played, even the way they re-fuelled. As George Best, the greatest player to ever pull on a Reds shirt, once said; "I'd give all the champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford."

2. Roy Keane
Like Cantona, Keane is a true maverick. And, like Cantona, he was not your average footballer. Intelligent, supremely focussed, slightly unhinged and a leader of men who was capable of grabbing a game, and his team-mates, by the scruff of the neck and literally forcing events to go his way. Who will ever forget his stellar performance in dragging a down-and-almost-out United side back from two goals down against Juventus in the Champions League semi-final of 1999 in Turin?   

3. Peter Schmeichel
Not so much a goalkeeper as a screaming, Rudolph-nosed, superhuman with the smothering capabilities of thousand goose-feathered pillows. He wore an XXXL shirt size. No other keeper, before of since, has been so commanding in his own area: his organisational skills and distribution saw him transcend the status of shot-stopper. In 2001 Schmeichel won a Reuters poll with more than 200,000 participants who voted him as the best goalkeeper of all time. The Old Trafford faithful reckon he was worth 12 points a season at least.

4. Bryan Robson
Before Roy Keane, there was Bryan Robson. Captain Marvel led his team out onto the pitch for 12 years, making him the longest-serving skipper in Man United's history. Back in the 1980's, people used to call United a 'one-man team'. Robson was that man. A ferocious tackler with a habit of making perfectly-timed runs into the box, he was always at the centre of Ferguson's plans, everyone else rotating around his aggressive, match-winning aura. The epitome of the all-action modern midfielder.

5. Paul Scholes
Despite growing up as an Oldham Athletic supporter, Paul Scholes has spent his entire career at Old Trafford. This small, quiet, asthmatic is apparently the only one of the long-serving United players never to receive the hair-dryer treatment from Alex Ferguson. His intelligent, simple passing and ferocious long-distance shooting have made him one of the first names on the team sheet for more than a decade. If he'd improved his tackling, he'd be rated as one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe.

6. Ruud van Nistelrooy
Or Rutgerus Johannes Martinius van Nistelrooy, to give him his full name. If Alex Ferguson's reign at Man United has been short of one thing, it has been world class centre-forwards. Cole, Yorke, Solskjær, Saha - none of them were world class. This Dutch Greg Rudeski look-a-like definitely was. In 150 appearances for United he scored an astonishing 95 goals. And, as is always the case with six-yard box predators, most of them were more about being in the right place at the right time than aesthetic delight. He continues to prove his worth at Real Madrid.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo
It's difficult to remember any other player who has had such an all-conquering influence on the Premier League as Cristiano Renaldo has had this season with Manchester United. He has scored 25 goals in 25 games so far and has, at times, been almost unstoppable. Dispensing with the more ridiculous side of his dribbling, the Portuguese winger has been by far the most outstanding performer in the league and has led some people to ask, 'what would Man United do without him?'

8. David Beckham
With his move to Real Madrid, his sojourn in Los Angles and all the tabloid activity that's surrounded his every breath, it's easy to forget how important David Beckham was at Man United.  Twice runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards, Beckham dodged his lack of pace and ability to go past players by becoming the most deadly crosser of the ball in the world.Always gave 100%, sometimes even more, but probably should have used some the time he spent on marketing himself to make himself a better footballer.

So true, Becks was underrated by pundits, and overrated by the press

9. Ryan Giggs
Possibly the last of the genuine left-wingers in the game, Giggs has played 636 games for just one club and has been one of the key components in the lighting quick attacking philosophy that has defined Man United for the last ten years. Why is he so low down on this list? Because the occasional incredible display and the odd breath-taking goal have disguised the fact that he doesn't always perform to the level he's credited for.

10. Mark Hughes
Blessed with incredible upper body strength and deadly shooting ability, Hughes was an unusual blend of work-horse and spectacular goal-scorer. The Welshman's talent for holding the ball up was second to none, as was his capacity for unleashing gymnastic volley's that would almost break the net as they fizzed past the goalkeeper's outstretched hand. 'Sparky' scored 164 times in 453 games for Man United and is currently doing a pretty good impression of being Britain's best young manager with Blackburn Rovers.

^^^
Send Gila over to Hughes for a short vacation