I am happy to announce Stretty Stories is back from hiatus. With the Wayne Rooney saga dominating headlines in recent times, there has not been a lot of other news coming from Old Trafford. Instead of crunching all the Rooney updates into small Stretty Stories recaps, our writers instead gave it full-length posts. However, with things hopefully back to normal at the club, the Stretty Rant will get back to business as usual, particularly regular Stretty Stories posts. So without further ado, I give you today’s news…
Can’t help loving the Carling Cup – ManUtd.com
This was just such a great read from the official site yesterday that I had to share it with those of you who haven’t had a chance to read it yet. This article comes from MUTV commentator David Stowell after he witnessed United’s Carling Cup victory over Wolves on Wednesday. Basically it’s just a really nice article about how much he enjoys seeing all our young talent get a chance in the Carling Cup. It’s a very short article and definitely worth the time it takes to read, especially if your a big fan of the club’s youngsters.
Hodgson warns United off Reina – The Daily Telegraph
Manchester United continues the search for Edwin van der Sar’s heir, and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is the most recent name to to be linked with a move to Old Trafford in the press. Liverpool boss Woy Hodgson has moved to quash these rumours claiming the Spanish goalkeeper is not for sale. Reina signed a new six-year deal with Liverpool in April. I can’t help but believe this story is completely fabricated. Sir Alex Ferguson denied Liverpool’s attempts to sign Gabriel Heinze in 2007; so why would Liverpool be willing to do business with us now? Sir Alex knows any attempts to deal with Liverpool would be futile. This rumour surely falls under the category of transfer bollocks.
Sneijder commits to Inter – Sky Sports
Manchester United has been linked with making a move to bring Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford since summer, but after the Dutch midfielder signed a new contract with Inter Milan today this speculation can finally be put to bed. This is somewhat disappointing news as I don’t think there is anyone more suited to replace Paul Scholes than Sneijder. And even then, Scholes is irreplaceable. Senijder’s new deal with Inter runs through 2015. With a new long-term deal now in place a move for the 26-year-old would come at an outrageous expense. I believe it’s safe to say we won’t be seeing Sneijder at Old Trafford any time soon…unless, of course, we play Inter in the Champions League.
Owen hints at retirement – The Daily Telegraph
Michael Owen has suggested he may hang up his boots at the end of this season if he is not offered a new deal from United. Owen’s contract expires this season and he would be free to find a new club should an extension not be offered. I’m having a hard time not letting my personal feeling towards Owen get involved. I really like him as a player, but I just don’t think he’s good for our squad. There is no doubt that when in form he is a deadly goalscorer, but he is also preventing some of our young strikers from getting games. Another issue has been his lack of reliability as he is often injured. At the age of 30 Owen still has a few years left in him surely. I’d much rather see him join another club than simply call time on his career. That said, I also think his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end. Javier Hernandez and Kiko Macheda are both establishing themselves in the squad and on-loan duo Danny Welbeck and Mame Biram Diouf should be pushing for spots as well next season. No one will forget what Owen has done for us, the last-minute winner against City in particular. But for the sake of his career it may be time to move on; I just hope it doesn’t mean his retirement as well.
Anderson can still be handy for United – The Sun
Our regular readers will know how highly Stretford-End rates Anderson. Now his fellow Portuguese-speaking teammate – Nani – has leapt to his defence as well. And just as the Portuguese winger has proven his worth in recent months, he is now backing Anderson to do the same. Like Nani, we believe the Brazilian midfielder still has a lot to offer and we have continued to show our support of him. We’re not alone; Anderson’s teammates believe he’ll prove to be a success at Old Trafford as well.
Happy Birthday… Edwin van der Sar! The Dutch shot stopper turns 40 today!
Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.
You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.
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