Originally posted by RioNkeanofan:
[QB]
<hr></blockquote>
out goes beckham, in comes the young ronaldo. a signing for the ladies, perhaps?
-
In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
I'd hit it.
fecking hell, Ronaldo was on 275 pounds per week at Sporting!
Ronaldo strikes it rich
Exclusive by Stuart Brennan
WONDER kid Cristiano Ronaldo has landed one of the biggest pay rises in football history by signing for Manchester United - almost 11,000 per cent!
The 18-year-old Portuguese star, born into poverty on the island of Madeira, was the lowest-paid player in the Sporting Lisbon first team, on just £275 a week.
But his transfer to the Reds, completed yesterday, means he will start on £30,000-a-week - and wear the sacred United number seven shirt.
That is a sign of how highly Sir Alex Ferguson regards the under-21 international, a player he describes as "one of the most exciting young players I've ever seen".
Modest
His £12.24m move - a record for a player moving from a Portuguese club - even eclipsed the completion of World Cup-winner Kleberson's £5.93m move from Atletico Paranaense, which was also completed yesterday.
And M.E.N. Sport can reveal that the modest Ronaldo tried to turn down United's offer of the number seven shirt, and had to be persuaded by United officials and his own agent Jorge Mendes.
The player asked if he could have the number 28 instead, saying: "It didn't cross my mind to take the number seven because it is so linked to David Beckham".
The deal makes Ronaldo the second most expensive teenager in football history, behind Italian Antonia Cassano, who moved from Bari to Roma for £20m just ten days before his 19th birthday last year. And that is quite a leap for a young man who began his football life far away from the spotlight glare of European football, playing for tiny Andorinha on Madeira, a Portuguese island off the Moroccan coast.
He soon moved to the bigger Madeira club Naceonal before Sporting picked him up.
United have tracked him ever since he broke into the Sporting first team last year, and had an agreement in place with their Portuguese partners months ago. That became a firm deal when it became plain that other clubs, especially Barca, were stepping up their interest.
Raving
The fact that United players were raving about the boy after being tormented by him in last week's friendly, also helped Fergie to a quick decision.
He said: "After we played Sporting the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly, and on the plane back from the game they urged me to sign him."
Able to play on the left, right or as a central striker, Ronaldo says he cannot wait to link up with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
"When I saw Manchester United play on television a few years back, I never thought that some day I would be here, and so soon, even though I dreamed of it.
"I expect to make a lot of assists for Ruud's goals. It's a huge responsibility to play for United, but it doesn't frighten me.''
-------------
<a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65147.html" target="_blank">http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65147.html</a>
Ronaldo strikes it rich
Exclusive by Stuart Brennan
WONDER kid Cristiano Ronaldo has landed one of the biggest pay rises in football history by signing for Manchester United - almost 11,000 per cent!
The 18-year-old Portuguese star, born into poverty on the island of Madeira, was the lowest-paid player in the Sporting Lisbon first team, on just £275 a week.
But his transfer to the Reds, completed yesterday, means he will start on £30,000-a-week - and wear the sacred United number seven shirt.
That is a sign of how highly Sir Alex Ferguson regards the under-21 international, a player he describes as "one of the most exciting young players I've ever seen".
Modest
His £12.24m move - a record for a player moving from a Portuguese club - even eclipsed the completion of World Cup-winner Kleberson's £5.93m move from Atletico Paranaense, which was also completed yesterday.
And M.E.N. Sport can reveal that the modest Ronaldo tried to turn down United's offer of the number seven shirt, and had to be persuaded by United officials and his own agent Jorge Mendes.
The player asked if he could have the number 28 instead, saying: "It didn't cross my mind to take the number seven because it is so linked to David Beckham".
The deal makes Ronaldo the second most expensive teenager in football history, behind Italian Antonia Cassano, who moved from Bari to Roma for £20m just ten days before his 19th birthday last year. And that is quite a leap for a young man who began his football life far away from the spotlight glare of European football, playing for tiny Andorinha on Madeira, a Portuguese island off the Moroccan coast.
He soon moved to the bigger Madeira club Naceonal before Sporting picked him up.
United have tracked him ever since he broke into the Sporting first team last year, and had an agreement in place with their Portuguese partners months ago. That became a firm deal when it became plain that other clubs, especially Barca, were stepping up their interest.
Raving
The fact that United players were raving about the boy after being tormented by him in last week's friendly, also helped Fergie to a quick decision.
He said: "After we played Sporting the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly, and on the plane back from the game they urged me to sign him."
Able to play on the left, right or as a central striker, Ronaldo says he cannot wait to link up with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
"When I saw Manchester United play on television a few years back, I never thought that some day I would be here, and so soon, even though I dreamed of it.
"I expect to make a lot of assists for Ruud's goals. It's a huge responsibility to play for United, but it doesn't frighten me.''
-------------
<a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65147.html" target="_blank">http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65147.html</a>
"When Carlos came he said we must sign this player from Portugal, about the same time we started the alliance with Sporting," Ferguson revealed.
"There's enormous talent there and he wants to play, you saw that last week against us. He wanted the ball. He's not fazed by anything, he has enormous talent.
"I don't think the players knew anything about the boy but in the pre-match talk we said this was a very talented boy. They knew that at half time."
-------
full article here:
<a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65140.html" target="_blank">http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65140.html</a>
"There's enormous talent there and he wants to play, you saw that last week against us. He wanted the ball. He's not fazed by anything, he has enormous talent.
"I don't think the players knew anything about the boy but in the pre-match talk we said this was a very talented boy. They knew that at half time."
-------
full article here:
<a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65140.html" target="_blank">http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/stories/Detail_LinkStory=65140.html</a>
Cristiano Ronaldo gets the nod from Scolari
Aug. 14, 2003 10:19 p.m.
LISBON, Portugal (AP)— Two days after being signed by Manchester United, teenage striker Cristiano Ronaldo had another reason to celebrate Thursday when he was called up to the Portuguese national team for the first time.
The 18-year-old, who moved to Manchester in a 12.24 million pound (US$19.7 million) transfer from Sporting Lisbon, was included in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad for next week's friendly game against visitor Kazakhstan.
FC Porto's 20-year-old reserve goalie Bruno Vale also was picked for the first time.
"These are players who have a great future," Scolari said. "Let's see how they do in the 'A' team."
Ronaldo will be alongside two other youngsters who made their names in Portugal's under-21 team - forward Helder Postiga, who moved from UEFA Cup winner FC Porto to Tottenham during the off-season, and Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana.
But there was no place for winger Ricardo Quaresma who recently joined FC Barcelona from Sporting Lisbon.
Scolari, who led Brazil to last year's World Cup title, is testing out Portugal's rising stars in a series of exhibition games ahead of next year's European championships. Portugal automatically qualifies for Euro 2004 as host nation.
"We're looking for immediate and future results," Scolari told a news conference.
"We want to see if we can count on (the youngsters) for upcoming games and for Euro 2004."
Ronaldo, playing mostly on the left wing, produced a dazzling performance last week in Sporting's 3-1 win over Man United.
Postiga scored twice in Portugal's 4-0 victory over Bolivia in June. He scored 19 goals for Porto last season.
Postiga will be competing for a place with regular striker Pauleta, who moved from Bordeaux to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer.
The 30-year-old scored 65 goals in 98 matches with Bordeaux over two seasons. In each of the last two years, Pauleta was voted the league's best player by other players in the first division.
Other mainstays who kept their places were Real Madrid's Luis Figo and AC Milan's Rui Costa.
Ricardo Pereira (Sporting Lisbon), Bruno Vale (FC Porto).
Rui Jorge (Sporting), Fernando Couto (Lazio), Fernando Meira (Stuttgart), Jorge Andrade (Deportivo Coruna), Nuno Valente (FC Porto), Miguel (Benfica).
Luis Figo (Real Madrid), Rui Costa (AC Milan), Hugo Viana (Newcastle), Deco (FC Porto), Nuno Maniche (FC Porto), Costinha (FC Porto).
Pauleta (Bordeaux), Simao Sabrosa (Benfica), Helder Postiga (Porto), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).
Aug. 14, 2003 10:19 p.m.
LISBON, Portugal (AP)— Two days after being signed by Manchester United, teenage striker Cristiano Ronaldo had another reason to celebrate Thursday when he was called up to the Portuguese national team for the first time.
The 18-year-old, who moved to Manchester in a 12.24 million pound (US$19.7 million) transfer from Sporting Lisbon, was included in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad for next week's friendly game against visitor Kazakhstan.
FC Porto's 20-year-old reserve goalie Bruno Vale also was picked for the first time.
"These are players who have a great future," Scolari said. "Let's see how they do in the 'A' team."
Ronaldo will be alongside two other youngsters who made their names in Portugal's under-21 team - forward Helder Postiga, who moved from UEFA Cup winner FC Porto to Tottenham during the off-season, and Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana.
But there was no place for winger Ricardo Quaresma who recently joined FC Barcelona from Sporting Lisbon.
Scolari, who led Brazil to last year's World Cup title, is testing out Portugal's rising stars in a series of exhibition games ahead of next year's European championships. Portugal automatically qualifies for Euro 2004 as host nation.
"We're looking for immediate and future results," Scolari told a news conference.
"We want to see if we can count on (the youngsters) for upcoming games and for Euro 2004."
Ronaldo, playing mostly on the left wing, produced a dazzling performance last week in Sporting's 3-1 win over Man United.
Postiga scored twice in Portugal's 4-0 victory over Bolivia in June. He scored 19 goals for Porto last season.
Postiga will be competing for a place with regular striker Pauleta, who moved from Bordeaux to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer.
The 30-year-old scored 65 goals in 98 matches with Bordeaux over two seasons. In each of the last two years, Pauleta was voted the league's best player by other players in the first division.
Other mainstays who kept their places were Real Madrid's Luis Figo and AC Milan's Rui Costa.
Ricardo Pereira (Sporting Lisbon), Bruno Vale (FC Porto).
Rui Jorge (Sporting), Fernando Couto (Lazio), Fernando Meira (Stuttgart), Jorge Andrade (Deportivo Coruna), Nuno Valente (FC Porto), Miguel (Benfica).
Luis Figo (Real Madrid), Rui Costa (AC Milan), Hugo Viana (Newcastle), Deco (FC Porto), Nuno Maniche (FC Porto), Costinha (FC Porto).
Pauleta (Bordeaux), Simao Sabrosa (Benfica), Helder Postiga (Porto), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).
That's some shirt, that.
Sky blue, beautifull.
You know his mum made him wear it.
markorm said:
Jardel's Ronaldo warning
Richard Frost
BOY WONDER: Ronaldo
MARIO Jardel, Bolton's new Brazilian striker, has shattered any relief felt by manager Sam Allardyce over the departures of David Beckham and Seba Veron from Manchester United.
Allardyce takes his side to Old Trafford tomorrow with his eyes on the most unlikely hat-trick of away wins in Premiership history.
But Jardel has warned him about the brilliance of United's new teenage striker Cristiana Ronaldo, a teammate at Sporting Lisbon last season.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has also brought in Kleberson in a busy week and it remains to be seen if they will figure tomorrow.
Exciting prospect
But Allardyce said: "He has bought some very young and exciting players and none more so than Ronaldo.
"Jardel tells me he is an unbelievable, fantastic footballer. Who knows how long it will take to get him ready for the Premiership or if he'll be involved tomorrow."
He feels that the timing of tomorrow's game is all wrong for Bolton, who have caught United between Champions League matches for the last two seasons when they have won 2-1 and 1-0.
Allardyce added: "The right time for us to visit the top teams is between Champions' League games.
"That's when Sir Alex has a very busy schedule so we aren't as big a priority as we will be tomorrow.
"And we have won our last two games there so he will be making sure that they are ready.
"We are trying to carry on where we left off last season when we finished on a high with form that would have put us in the top six.
"If we can keep the team fit we could have an exciting season. But we haven't a big squad and it could be very costly if we are hit by injuries and suspensions.
Ambitious
"It's the time for us to go forward because of the quality of the players we have now.
"We've got to be more ambitious and I won't give them any negative vibes because they are capable of doing better than last year."
Youri Djorkaeff resumed training yesterday after fracturing his cheekbone and a protective mask has been made should he feel ready to play.
Simon Charlton is also training again after pulling out of Monday's reserve game with a knee problem. But a place on the bench seems the best he can expect tomorrow.
New Greek forward Stelios Giannakopoulos, who will make his debut at Old Trafford, said: "It is exciting for me to go there.
"It hasn't been easy to settle down at Bolton but I am trying to adjust as fast as I can so I can do my best."
Richard Frost
BOY WONDER: Ronaldo
MARIO Jardel, Bolton's new Brazilian striker, has shattered any relief felt by manager Sam Allardyce over the departures of David Beckham and Seba Veron from Manchester United.
Allardyce takes his side to Old Trafford tomorrow with his eyes on the most unlikely hat-trick of away wins in Premiership history.
But Jardel has warned him about the brilliance of United's new teenage striker Cristiana Ronaldo, a teammate at Sporting Lisbon last season.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has also brought in Kleberson in a busy week and it remains to be seen if they will figure tomorrow.
Exciting prospect
But Allardyce said: "He has bought some very young and exciting players and none more so than Ronaldo.
"Jardel tells me he is an unbelievable, fantastic footballer. Who knows how long it will take to get him ready for the Premiership or if he'll be involved tomorrow."
He feels that the timing of tomorrow's game is all wrong for Bolton, who have caught United between Champions League matches for the last two seasons when they have won 2-1 and 1-0.
Allardyce added: "The right time for us to visit the top teams is between Champions' League games.
"That's when Sir Alex has a very busy schedule so we aren't as big a priority as we will be tomorrow.
"And we have won our last two games there so he will be making sure that they are ready.
"We are trying to carry on where we left off last season when we finished on a high with form that would have put us in the top six.
"If we can keep the team fit we could have an exciting season. But we haven't a big squad and it could be very costly if we are hit by injuries and suspensions.
Ambitious
"It's the time for us to go forward because of the quality of the players we have now.
"We've got to be more ambitious and I won't give them any negative vibes because they are capable of doing better than last year."
Youri Djorkaeff resumed training yesterday after fracturing his cheekbone and a protective mask has been made should he feel ready to play.
Simon Charlton is also training again after pulling out of Monday's reserve game with a knee problem. But a place on the bench seems the best he can expect tomorrow.
New Greek forward Stelios Giannakopoulos, who will make his debut at Old Trafford, said: "It is exciting for me to go there.
"It hasn't been easy to settle down at Bolton but I am trying to adjust as fast as I can so I can do my best."
I can't wait to see this kid play. everyone is talking him up. Roy Keane said he's superb, Figo rates him highly, Jardel said the same, and our entire backline says as much, so he should be something special. I really do hope he gets a run out tomorrow.