Lets have those Sunday rumours

Pride Of The City
It was ironic that a contest to determine Mancunian pride ended up becoming a tale of two Scousers. In the red corner was Wayne Rooney, brimming with muscular magic and an intent to inflict grevious damage on United's neighbours from across this famous footballing town. Wearing the blue of City was Joey Barton, searching for salvation after 12 months of madness which had threatened to end a promising career. And while there was no winner on the day, it was City fans who went home the happiest after Barton's 76th-minute equaiser cancelled out Ruud van Nistelrooy's opener. That Rooney didn't deserve to lose there was no doubt. At times he took on City single-handed and even had time to make a cheeky gesture to the City fans who baited him. But that was seconds before Barton dragged City level to complete his rehabilitation.
Simon Mullock, Sunday Mirror

Praise For Reformed Barton
Reformed bad-boy Joey Barton received a pat on the back from his manager in midweek - and the mighty congratulations of his Manchester City team-mates at Old Trafford following his derby-day strike against United. Barton deflected Darius Vassell's shot 15 minutes from time to earn City a 1-1 draw and extend their unbeaten run under manager Stuart Pearce to 13 games. "I have seen a level of maturity in Joey that wasn't there a month ago," said Pearce. "Not too long ago Joey wanted to take on everybody and fight the world. You can never win like that." Pearce continued: "He has asked for help, which is not easy, and I am proud of him for that. He has worked extremely hard and I had a chat with him on Tuesday just to give him a pat on the back and say well done." Sir Alex Ferguson described the result as "ridiculous" but the United boss knows it would have been far worse had Edwin van der Sar not miraculously kept out Andy Cole's injury-time effort which threatened to hand City their first win on enemy territory since 1974. "It was a ridiculous scoreline," observed Ferguson. "They pulled everyone to the edge of their box, just as they did last season and looked for the scraps. They ended up scoring with their first shot. It is very frustrating but that is football. It has happened before and it will happen again. You just have to accept it." Ferguson added: "We have only played four games and it is very early yet. We are playing with great confidence and team spirit. We don't look like getting beaten either, so that is a good sign."
Peter Fitton, Mail on Sunday

No Rest For Roo
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed last night that he won't take Wayne Rooney out of the firing line. The 19-year-old starlet has played regularly for his club and country this season and carries a burden of expectancy for both Manchester United and England. But Fergie has no plans to give him a break. The United boss insisted: "I don't have any problems with Wayne. He's a powerful lad - he seems to thrive on playing. I definitely won't be resting him."
Paul Hetherington, Daily Star

I'll Prove You Wrong, Fergie
Diego Forlan last night warned he is ready to put the golden boot into Manchester United's Champions League hopes. The striker, who faces his former club on Wednesday, said: "It's a dream come true to be playing against them now. I can't wait to show them what I can do. I was happy at United but eventually it became too frustrating that I wasn't playing. I am confident I can score goals."
David Harrison, News of the World

I Blame Wayne
Sven Goran-Eriksson claimed yesterday that Wayne Rooney's indiscipline cost England in their nightmare defeat in Belfast. The England boss said his side lost their way after 19-year-old Rooney lost his head on Wednesday night. He told BBC1's Football Focus: "He was guilty of a stupid challenge and could have been sent off. He was booked in the 41st minute and after that we did not play well."
Paul Hetherington, Daily Star

Rooney And Becks Clash
David Beckham and Wayne Rooney were involved in a furious half-time bust-up during the humiliating World Cup qualifying defeat by Northern Ireland. Astonishingly, coach Sven Goran Eriksson left England coach Steve McClaren to intervene as Beckham and Rooney traded verbal blows. And at the end it was also McClaren who tore into England's players with a brutal post-match assessment while Eriksson stood virtually speechless, shaking with emotion and close to tears. Beckham erupted with fury after Rooney lost his head in the first half and came close to being sent off for an aerial challenge on Keith Gillespie. The Manchester United youngster was fortunate to escape with just the yellow card that rules him out of next month's crunch World Cup qualifier with Austria at Old Trafford. But what infuriated Beckham more was Rooney's four-letter outburst at him and Rio Ferdinand as they attempted to calm the United youngster down on the pitch and prevent him receiving a second yellow card for using foul and abusive language. The England skipper confronted Rooney in the dressing room and the pair stood face-to-face as a major row erupted. The other England players were left stunned by the row, which ended when the players came out for the start of the second half and Rooney went over to Beckham and apologised.
Paul Smith, Sunday Mirror
 
Norwich and Ipswich have targeted Charlton's England Under-19 defender Osei Sankofa. (News of the World)

Middlesbrough are planning a renewed bid for Rangers forward Peter Lovernkrands. (News of the World)

Aston Villa manager David O'Leary will make a new bid to sign Chelsea defender Robert Huth. (News of the World)

The Premiership's top clubs are hoping to boost their coffers by winning the right to host a super-casino. (The Mail on Sunday)

Millwall are preparing a fresh raid for Southampton defender Chris Baird. (Daily Star)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to battle with Sir Alex Ferguson for the signature of Germany midfielder Michael Ballack. (Sunday Express)

Former England manager Bobby Robson believes Sven-Goran Eriksson should ditch his suit and play an active role in training. (The Mail on Sunday)

Meanwhile, Eriksson is considering dropping Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard. (The Mail on Sunday)
 
bangortom said:
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to battle with Sir Alex Ferguson for the signature of Germany midfielder Michael Ballack. (Sunday Express)

:eek:
 
Keane16 said:
Apparantly Keano has made the 'shock' announcement that he may consider his Ireland future if we don't make it to the World Cup....

Honest to God.

Apparently Warne and McGrath are considering their international futures if they don't get picked for the 2007 Ashes :rolleyes: