Tag Archives: feyenoord

Spurs are competing with Fiorentina to sign Dutchman Jordy Clasie

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Spurs eye Dutch talent Clasie but Fiorentina first to table offer

By
David Kent

PUBLISHED:

11:00 GMT, 30 March 2013

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UPDATED:

11:00 GMT, 30 March 2013

Tottenham will have to make their move soon if they want to sign Feyenoord playmaker Jordy Clasie before Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

The 21-year-old, who has been called the Dutch Xavi by some, has been attracting interest from Europe's top clubs, but the Viola appear to have been the first to table on offer, according to the Metro.

Clasie has already played a handful of games in the national side, and could be a perfect fit next to Sandro in the heart of Spurs' midfield.

Wonderkid: Feyenoord playmaker Jordy Clasie is one of Europe's rising stars

Wonderkid: Feyenoord playmaker Jordy Clasie is one of Europe's rising stars

Wanted: Feyenoord are realistic in their attempts to keep him in Holland

Wanted: Feyenoord are realistic in their attempts to keep him in Holland

If a move to White Hart Lane was successful, it could mean the end of Scott Parker's career in North London, with a switch to Fulham, or even QPR if they stay up, on the cards.

Feyenoord's technical directior Martin Van Geel said: 'We do not need to sell him, nor do we
particularly want to, but we have to think of the player’s ambitions and
evaluate the offers from other clubs.

‘There is an offer from Fiorentina, but
we’ll only discuss it at the end of the season. Right now the players
must focus only on Feyenoord.’

Getting on: Scott Parker could be on his way out if Clasie signs for Tottenham

Getting on: Scott Parker could be on his way out if Clasie signs for Tottenham

PSV Eindhoven"s Jeremain Lens and Feyenoord Joris Mathijsen brawl in tunnel after game

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VIDEO: Extraordinary scenes as Dutch title race gets heated after PSV's Lens sparks tunnel brawl with Feyenoord defender Mathijsen

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

06:52 GMT, 25 February 2013

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UPDATED:

09:53 GMT, 25 February 2013

Feyenoord may have cut the lead at the top of the Dutch Eredivisie to three points after a 2-1 win over league leaders PSV Eindhoven – but the main talking point came off the pitch.

PSV goalscorer Jeremain Lens waited for Feyenoord defender Joris Mathijsen in the tunnel – and a brawl occurred.

The two players had been involved in a row on the pitch and Lens was keen to continue the row after the game.

Scroll down to watch a video of the brawl

PSV Eindhoven Jeremain Lens

Feyenoord's Joris Mathijsen

Head to head: PSV Eindhoven Jeremain Lens and Feyenoord's Joris Mathijsen squared up in the tunnel

Come here: Jeremain Lens waited for Feyenoord defender Joris Mathijsen in the tunnel and squared up to him

Come here: Jeremain Lens waited for Feyenoord defender Joris Mathijsen in the tunnel and squared up to him

Getting heated: Lens and Mathijsen become embroiled in a row

Getting heated: Lens and Mathijsen become embroiled in a row

The incident, which was caught on video, shows Lens waiting for Mathijsen in the communal area and squaring up to him when he appeared.

Lens grabbed a chunk of Mathijsen’s shirt, players from PSV and Feyenoord both piled into the mix to separate the warring pair.

That, in turn, sparked a physical melee between the sides whilst the officials were in close proximity.

Earlier, on the pitch, Feyenoord had came from a goal down to win the game and cut the gap at the top of the league.

VIDEO: Watch Jeremain Lens and Joris Mathijsen start tunnel brawl

The Feyenoord fightback put the Rotterdam club in third place on 47 points, just three points behind PSV.

Second-place Ajax wasted a chance to draw level on points with PSV when it had to rely on a late goal by Lasse Schoene to salvage a 1-1 draw with ADO The Hague.

In-form forward Lens gave PSV the lead in the 34th minute, finishing off a one-two with Tim Matavz after Feyenoord midfielder Jordie Clasie had needlessly given the ball away.

Getting stuck in: Players from both sides got involved in the brawl

Getting stuck in: Players from both sides got involved in the brawl

Brawl

Clasie made amends early in the second half when his pass freed winger Ruben Schaken to draw Feyenoord level. Graziano Pelle sealed all three points for Feyenoord with a 68th-minute strike.

‘We were behind at the break, but didn't deserve to be,’ Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman said. ‘We lacked conviction in the first half, particularly in attack. We managed to put that right in the second half. We were better, more aggressive, won more tackles, were more threatening and in the end we deserved to win.’

Michu bargain of the century? Football"s best ever buys

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Is Michu the bargain of the century Sportsmail gives its verdict on the players to rival him for the title

PUBLISHED:

14:57 GMT, 10 January 2013

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UPDATED:

16:51 GMT, 10 January 2013

His manager Michael Laudrup called him the ‘bargain of the season’ but Gary Lineker has hailed Swansea star Michu as the ‘bargain of the century’.

The Spaniard has been the surprise star of the Premier League since his 2.2million move from Rayo Vallecano.

Bargain buy: Michu has had a big impact for Swansea this season following his 2.2m summer move

Bargain buy: Michu has had a big impact for Swansea this season following his 2.2m summer move

MICHU'S GOAL CELEBRATION

Michu’s goal celebration, in which he ‘turns up the volume’ next to his ear, has been the talk of Swansea since he moved to Wales in the summer. He first did the action to Granada fans to let them know he couldn’t hear them after he scored for Celta Vigo. Cheeky.

He scored 15 goals for the Spanish strugglers from midfield last season, helping them survive on the last day of the season.

This season he has already scored 13 for Swansea in the Premier League — does it make him the bargain of the century

We asked our team of writers to pick their best bargain of this century. Who is your pick Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Finding the net: Michu scored the opening goal in Swansea's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea

Finding the net: Michu scored the opening goal in Swansea's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea

MATT BARLOW
Robin van Persie (Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2.75m, 2004)

Arsenal got him for 2.75million. Once he got over his injuries and attitude problems he proved to be genuine world-class talent. Sold for nearly 10 times as much and still getting better.

Doing the business: Robin van Persie signed for Arsenal from Feyenoord

Doing the business: Robin van Persie signed for Arsenal from Feyenoord

ALEX KAY
Lionel Messi (Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona, Free, 2000)

The best player in the world… for almost nothing. So impressed were Barcelona with a young Lionel Messi they offered him a contract on a paper napkin and offered to pay for the boy’s medical bills if he moved from Argentina. The 11-year-old had been diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Luckily for Barca, he turned out all right.

Simply the best: Lionel Messi joined Barcelona for free as a teenager

Simply the best: Lionel Messi joined Barcelona for free as a teenager

SAMI MOKBEL
Edwin van der Sar (Fulham to Manchester United, 2m, 2005)

Sir Alex Ferguson fired plenty of blanks in his attempts to replace Peter Schmeichel. Massimo Taibi and Mark Bosnich, for instance, just could not cut the mustard. Enter Van der Sar. A colossus for United in his six years at Old Trafford.

Safe hands: Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United late in his career but had a big impact at Old Trafford

Safe hands: Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United late in his career but had a big impact at Old Trafford

JOHN EDWARDS
Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, 12.2m, 2003)

It’s probably fair to describe Sir Alex Ferguson’s transfer dealings that summer as varied, until he struck gold with Ronaldo. Up to then, he had recruited David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Tim Howard and Kleberson. Howard apart, it was hardly an array of new talent destined to take the Barclays Premier League by storm. Ronaldo, on the other hand, drew comparisons with some of the all-time greats to don a United shirt and had completed a clean sweep of club and individual honours by the time he joined Real Madrid for 80million on July 1, 2009. If we are analysing value, a profit of 68m surely takes some beating.

Making his mark: Cristiano Ronaldo would become the best player in the Premier League

Making his mark: Cristiano Ronaldo would become the best player in the Premier League

SAM CUNNINGHAM
Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, 12.2m, 2003)

Six seasons at the club returned three consecutive league titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, one Community Shield, a Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. So that cost them roughly 2m per season, or 1.4m per trophy. Then they made 68m profit on him. Bargain.

LAURIE WHITWELL
Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Manchester United, 7m, 2010)

A relative unknown when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him before the 2010 World Cup. A handful of sparkling displays in South Africa later and 7m already looked a snip. Hernandez stormed the Premier League in his debut season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions as United won the title and made the Champions League final. His place came under threat last term but he has come again, netting 12 times this season despite the arrival of Robin van Persie meaning limited game time. A firebox character and a joy to watch. United can depend on him from the start or from the bench.

Super sub: Javier Hernandez hit the ground running following his move to Manchester United

Super sub: Javier Hernandez hit the ground running following his move to Manchester United

JAMES ANDREW
Louis Saha (Metz to Fulham, 2.1m, 2000)

When Jean Tigana arrived at Fulham in 2000 one of the first things he did was sell Geoff Horsfield to Birmingham for 2.25m and then bought Saha for 2.1m. It proved to be a masterstroke as the Frenchman went on to score 27 goals in Division One (now the Championship) and fire Fulham into the Premier League. While his years in the top flight were blighted by injury he rediscovered his goalscoring touch again in 2003-04 when he netted 15 goals in 22 games before a 12.4m move to Manchester United. A 10m profit and Premier League football is not a bad deal.

Saha so good: Louis Saha helped gain Fulham promotion to the Premier League in 2001

Saha so good: Louis Saha helped gain Fulham promotion to the Premier League in 2001

MIKE ANSTEAD

Vincent Kompany (Hamburg to Man City, 6m, 2008)

In among all Manchester City's eye-watering signings, there is Vincent Kompany. An exceptional defender, a leader on and off the pitch and an all-round good guy. Oh, and he became the first City captain to lift the league trophy in 44 years. Not bad for 6million…

Flying start: Vincent Kompany takes on the FC Copenhagen defence in a 2009 UEFA Cup tie

Flying start: Vincent Kompany takes on the FC Copenhagen defence in a 2009 UEFA Cup tie

MARK ALFORD
Gareth Bale (Southampton to Tottenham, 7m, 2007)

Shrewd business by Tottenham – no not selling Berbatov to United for 30milllion – but buying Gareth Bale for an initial 5m fee from Southampton in 2007. That figure was set to rise to 10m depending on honours and appearances but Spurs struck another shrewd deal with the Saints, agreeing an early settlement so the total bill was 7m. The Welsh wizard is coveted by the world’s finest football clubs now and it’ll take 50m to prise him away from White Hart Lane. Kerrching.

Spur of the moment: A youthful Gareth Bale scoring for Tottenham against Middlesbrough

Spur of the moment: A youthful Gareth Bale scoring for Tottenham against Middlesbrough

PHIL GRADWELL
Jay Jay Okocha (PSG to Bolton, free, 2002)

So good they named him twice – and he didn’t cost a penny. Okocha’s brilliance kept Bolton in the Premier League in 2003 and he scored a stupendous free-kick to help them to the Carling Cup final in 2004. Was made club captain by Sam Allardyce and dazzled the Reebok with his tricks, the best of which was an outrageous flick over Ray Parlour’s head.

Scorcher: Darren Anderton looks on in awe as Jay Jay Okocha unleashes a shot

Scorcher: Darren Anderton looks on in awe as Jay Jay Okocha unleashes a shot

CHRIS CUTMORE
Joe Hart (Shrewsbury to Man City, 100,000*, 2006)

Every great team needs a huge presence between the sticks – think Banks, Schmeichel or Casillas – and it cannot be questioned that Hart was a major force behind City’s Premier League title triumph last season. Roberto Mancini’s men saw off local rivals United on goal difference alone and Hart marshalled by far the stingiest defence in the league. His mistakes this season have shocked all the more because of his consistent brilliance previously. But don’t expect the dip in form to last long, or Hart’s Premier League medal to be his last.

*according to City deputy chairman John Wardle

Young at Hart: Joe joined Man City from Shrewsbury for the bargain price of 100,000 in 2006

Young at Hart: Joe joined Man City from Shrewsbury for a bargain 100,000 in 2006

LUKE BENEDICT
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid to Liverpool, 21m, 2007)

To get 65 goals out of a player and then make a near 30million profit is pretty good business. In fact, it surely ranks as the bargain of the century. Aged 23, El Nino took a pay cut to move to Liverpool for 21m from Atletico Madrid. He scored more than 60 goals in a 102 games. Then Chelsea infamously paid 50m for him and he’s scored only 26 in his first 100 games at Stamford Bridge. That’s an awful lot of profit for a striker who can hardly score.

Hit the ground running: Fernando Torres scores one of his first goals in Liverpool colours

Hit the ground running: Fernando Torres scores one of his first goals in Liverpool colours

Andre Santos "sorry" for Robin van Persie shirt swap

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Santos 'sorry' for RVP shirt swap but Arsenal defender will still be a fall guy

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UPDATED:

07:04 GMT, 6 November 2012

Even after apologising to Arsene Wenger and his team-mates for making that embarrassingly premature move for Robin van Persie’s shirt on Saturday, Andre Santos is unlikely to be back in Arsenal colours on Tuesday evening.

The under-fire Brazilian is in serious danger of losing his place, with Wenger considering significant changes to his defence for a hugely important Champions League encounter against Schalke.

It is not because of one error of judgment at the end of the first half at Old Trafford, when he took the bizarre decision to ask a certain former Arsenal striker for a swap; it is because of mistakes of a purely sporting nature.

Scroll down for video

Slammed: Andre Santos (left) was criticised by fans and now his manager after trying to swap shirts with Robin van Persie at half-time during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United

Slammed: Andre Santos (left) was criticised by fans and now his manager after trying to swap shirts with Robin van Persie at half-time during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United

Centre of attention: Santos was in training on Monday ahead of Arsenal's Champions League tie against Schalke

Centre of attention: Santos was in training on Monday ahead of Arsenal's Champions League tie against Schalke

A TIME AND A PLACE

One of Robin van Persie's most treasured possessions is a shirt that Ronaldo wore when the pair shared the same pitch for a UEFA Cup clash between Feyenoord and Inter Milan.

Van Persie was a fresh-faced, 18-year-old, gracing the same European semi-final as one of the game's greats.

The Dutchman will probably have that jersey for the rest of his days.

Andre Santos is 29. He's a Brazil international, playing for Arsenal, with spells at Corinthians and Fenerbahce under his belt.

Why he felt the need to ask Van Persie for his shirt at half-time on Saturday confused most of us watching Manchester United's win over the north Londoners.

It also angered the Gunners faithful. Several supporters reckoned they were first with 'it was the closest Santos got to Van Persie all day' gag.

The shirt-swap is a gesture, and most would agree that football, as it takes a new battering every week, needs sportsmanship.

But there's a time and a place. When the whistle blows at the end of the game, wear what you like.

Brian Lee

The brunt of Arsenal fans’ frustrations in recent weeks, Santos is finally being held accountable for his displays.

Wenger had given serious consideration to handing Kieran Gibbs an early recall from injury before deciding on Monday morning that playing him tonight would not be worth the risk. Instead, he has identified Saturday’s clash against Fulham as the England man’s comeback game.

But Wenger was on Monday plotting another option, removing Santos from his defence in a switch that would see Thomas Vermaelen shifted out to left back and Laurent Koscielny deployed as partner to Per Mertesacker in the heart of the back four.

Santos can only hope the apology he is understood to have issued — after learning of the furore he caused when his misguided approach to Van Persie was caught on camera — is enough to secure him a place elsewhere.

On Tuesday, Wenger gave Santos a public rap across the knuckles for his behaviour, even if he did also defend him against some of the criticism.

‘I spoke about that with him but I do not want to make too big a story of that,’ said the Arsenal manager.

‘I believe that was not the right thing to do at all, but that is not an explanation of our bad performance on Saturday.

‘I don’t even understand it, but it’s interesting because Santos is a player who cares. He gives an image of himself which is not him.

'He is serious, he wants to do well. The shirt thing is a difference of culture. I can understand that an English guy doesn’t understand it. I’m French and I don’t understand it either.

'But he is completely in a different world when he does that. He understands today what it means and, believe me, he won’t do it again.’

Ill advised: Santos accosted Robin van Persie at half-time

Ill advised: Santos accosted Robin van Persie at half-time

Controversial: Van Persie left Arsenal for 24million to Manchester United in summer

Controversial: Van Persie left Arsenal for 24million to Manchester United in summer

Unhappy: Arsene Wenger let Santos know that it was inappropriate to swap shirts with Van Persie before the game was up

Unhappy: Arsene Wenger let Santos know that it was inappropriate to swap shirts with Van Persie before the game was up

Teams

Sportsmail understands the 29-year-old did not make the apology under duress from Wenger, who, privately, is said to have taken a relaxed view on the issue.

Santos, speaking to The Sun on Tuesday, said: 'I'd like to apologise to supporters who felt aggrieved by it. Did I think it would cause such a commotion Of course I didn't, otherwise I would have told Robin to exchange the shirts away from public view.

'Robin's departure to United did not turn him into an enemy for me. We remain friends and he talked about exchanging shirts, which is something players do all the time. I just want people to understand he is my friend and I wouldn't treat him differently because of the move to United.

'He approached me at half-time and at the time I did not think it would create such an uproar. I would never refrain from saying 'hi' to a good friend.

'It surprised me that people latched on to a gesture that promotes friendship and fair play. Arsene Wenger had asked the supporters to show respect towards Robin, after all.'

Given Wenger’s injury problems in wide attacking areas, with Gervinho and Aaron Ramsey out and Theo Walcott struggling with an upset stomach, Santos could yet find himself used in an advanced position.

The Brazilian is not the only Gunner guilty of defensive errors in recent weeks.

Fingers have also been pointed at Vermaelen and goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who have made costly errors.

Like Santos, Mannone is also likely to be dropped on Tuesday for the fit-again Wojciech Szczesny.

However, Wenger insists it is not
only defensively where his side have let themselves down.

‘The problems
in our defence are a bit about confidence and bad luck,’ said the
Frenchman.

‘Vermaelen is in good form physically, but you have to
accept sometimes that human beings go through periods where it goes less
well. We are more concerned about where our creativity has gone.

‘Our
defensive record is not very bad. Of course, in the three big games of
the season — Chelsea, Schalke and Man United — we made defensive
mistakes. But at the moment, we are not used to playing games and not
creating chances. That’s what we want to rectify because that is our
game.

‘We have been
criticised many times for giving chances away but we are not used to
being criticised for not creating, because we have a team that is based
on creativity.’

Tough task: Arsenal now turn their attentions to Schalke in their bid to progress in the Champions League

Tough task: Arsenal now turn their attentions to Schalke in their bid to progress in the Champions League

Star man: Santi Cazorla scored Arsenal's consolation goal at Old Trafford on Saturday

Star man: Santi Cazorla scored Arsenal's consolation goal at Old Trafford on Saturday

VIDEO: Wenger doesn't doubt Santos' commitment

DM.has('rcpv1949098507001','BCVideo');

Robin van Persie and Andre Santos – wrong time and place to swap shirts

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There's a time and a place for swapping shirts… and it's not halfway through the big match at Old Trafford

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UPDATED:

13:04 GMT, 5 November 2012

One of Robin van Persie's most treasured possessions is a shirt that Ronaldo wore when the pair shared the same pitch for a UEFA Cup clash between Feyenoord and Inter Milan.

Van Persie was a fresh-faced, 18-year-old, gracing the same European semi-final as one of the game's greats.

The Dutchman will probably have that jersey for the rest of his days.

Hardly used, one careful owner: Robin van Persie gives Andree Santos his shirt

Hardly used, one careful owner: Robin van Persie gives Andree Santos his shirt

Andre Santos is 29. He's a Brazil international, playing for Arsenal, with spells at Corinthians and Fenerbahce under his belt.

Why he felt the need to ask Van Persie for his shirt at half-time on Saturday confused most of us watching Manchester United's win over the north Londoners.

It also angered the Gunners faithful. Several supporters reckoned they were first with 'it was the closest Santos got to Van Persie all day' gag.

Sorry to disappoint, but an older generation were just as proud of the same one-liner when Steve Hodge got his hands on Maradona's jersey at the 1986 World Cup.

Most Gooners were fizzing though – and who can blame them

Van Persie is now the villain since joining Manchester United and scoring after three minutes of their reunion didn't help.

Cheer up: Santos had a miserable opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford

Cheer up: Santos had a miserable opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford

But it was Santos getting it in the neck after putting the lid on his own 45-minute nightmare as he walked towards the tunnel with his former team-mate.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour slammed his lack of professionalism, saying the defender should have been concentrating on his performance.

Parlour is right. As fans watching, we want the players to get stuck in, giving their all, to come out on top.

A Santos-like howler can (just about) be forgiven if we reckon somebody is 100 per cent committed to the cause.

Mutual respect: Pele and Bobby Moore swapped at the 1970 World Cup

Mutual respect: Pele and Bobby Moore swapped at the 1970 World Cup

But can they be totally focused if at some point they're discussing clothes Would you back a player to fly into a 50-50 with the man wearing the top he's been eyeing up

Santos did have some support – his wife was quick to defend him on Twitter. He's really not doing himself any favours, is he

The shirt-swap is a gesture, and most would agree that football, as it takes a new battering every week, needs sportsmanship.

But there's a time and a place. When the whistle blows at the end of the game, wear what you like.

PS Having an opponent's shirt tied round the neck and draped over the shoulders for a post-match interview – no need.

And don't get us started on pre-arranged swapsie deals between players.

Robin van Persie deserves respect from Arsenal fans, says Sir Alex Ferguson

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Van Persie deserves nothing but respect from Arsenal fans, insists Ferguson

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UPDATED:

14:32 GMT, 2 November 2012

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would be surprised if Robin van Persie was not given a warm reception by Arsenal fans this weekend.

The prolific Dutchman is poised to face his former club for the first time since joining United in a 24million summer deal as the Gunners visit Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Van Persie scored 37 goals for the Londoners last season but, with his contract running down, opted not to renew and the club sold to their rivals.

All smiles: Van Persie trains at Carrington on Friday

All smiles: Van Persie trains at Carrington on Friday

All smiles: Van Persie trains at Carrington on Friday alongside team-mate Wayne Rooney

The 29-year-old has since made a fine start at United, scoring nine times in 12 appearances.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said Van Persie, who was brought to England from Feyenoord by the Gunners in 2004, deserves respect and Ferguson agrees.

Ferguson said: 'I think Arsene has laid his seed for his supporters in terms of respecting him.

'I think, if you think about all the former players who have come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause.

'I don't think he'll have a problem
tomorrow. I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them
and I think that will be nice.'

As
well as scoring goals, Van Persie has made a good all-round
contribution to the United cause and Ferguson thinks he has settled
quickly because no acclimatisation was necessary.

Ferguson said: 'He is a mature player and I think that helps, and the experience he has got playing eight years in England.

Dutch of class: Van Persie has got his United career off to a flying start

Dutch of class: Van Persie has got his United career off to a flying start

'The fact he has played in England makes it easier to go to another English club.

'It has been very satisfying for us. It has been a fantastic start and hopefully he keeps it going.'

Van Persie was on target for Arsenal on their forgettable last visit to Old Trafford in August last year, when they were hammered 8-2.

Ferguson is certainly not expecting a repeat of that extraordinary scoreline.

He said: 'It won't happen tomorrow, that's for sure.

'There is no point living in the past, we have just got to look forward to tomorrow.

'It
could be a way of motivating Arsenal, that is possible, but I think we
have got to have the motivation to make sure we win the match.'

Having
beaten leaders Chelsea last weekend, United, possibly only briefly,
could go top of the table with victory in the lunchtime kick-off.

Last time out: Van Persie has a penalty saved by David De Gea during Arsenal's 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford last year

Last time out: Van Persie has a penalty saved by David De Gea during Arsenal's 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford

But Ferguson, whose side enjoyed a fierce top-of-the-table rivalry with Arsenal in the last decade, believes Wenger's men are a tougher proposition than in the recent past.

Ferguson, who reaches the 26th anniversary of his appointment by United next week, said: 'Of course every game against Arsenal is always a big one.

'Since I have come down here it has always been a most important derby game, in the sense that both teams have been challenging for the league. It won't be any different tomorrow.

'I think they have improved defensively this year, there is no question about that. They are a solid team.

'I think they are stronger – physically stronger – if you look at the make-up of their team.

'(Lukas) Podolski, (Olivier) Giroud, all these players they have brought in are more physical types of player than they have had in the past.'

Both sides go into the game on the back of remarkable Capital One Cup ties that went to extra time in midweek.

Ready to go: Ferguson overseas training on Friday as his team prepare for the visit of Arsenal

Ready to go: Ferguson overseas training on Friday as his team prepare for the visit of Arsenal

Ready to go: Ferguson overseas training on Friday as his team prepare for the visit of Arsenal

Arsenal overturned a 4-0 deficit to beat Reading 7-5 and progress to the quarter-finals, while United were undone 5-4 at Chelsea despite leading 3-2 in the final minute of normal time.

Ferguson said: 'You have to give amazing credit to Arsenal. It has been an amazing turnaround.

'It was one of those crazy games – 12 goals in that game and nine in ours the next night.

'Twenty-one goals in those two League Cup games. Capital One, the sponsors, will be rubbing their hands.

'It's probably the best night they're ever going to get. A great advert for the cup.'

Ferguson made 10 changes for what was a second match against Chelsea in the space of three days but, despite it not being top priority, he was still bothered by the loss and his porous defence.

He said: 'It was frustrating. I think the laws of the game have changed, the linesman giving offside against Chicharito (Javier Hernandez) in his own half.

'That's a new one, and they scored from that. But football's football.

'The one thing that came out of it was it was a fantastic game of football.

'Nine goals – we are now in a situation where we need to score six goals to win games!'

Evander Sno suffers second on-pitch heart attack

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Former Celt Sno spends night in hospital after suffering SECOND on-pitch heart attack

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UPDATED:

22:41 GMT, 30 September 2012

Former Celtic player Evander Sno has suffered a second heart attack on the football pitch.

The 25-year-old midfielder walked off the pitch after 34 minutes of NEC Nijmegen’s 5-1 defeat at Feyenoord and spent the night in hospital.

Feyenoord doctor Casper van Eijck said: 'Evander had a cardiac arrest which was followed by a shock from his internal defibrillator.

Another one: Evander Sno (centre) walked off the pitch after suffering a second heart attack, aged just 25

Another one: Evander Sno (centre) walked off the pitch after suffering a second heart attack, aged just 25

'And the shock is what he felt and that terrified him, which I could see in his eyes on the pitch.

'He was transported to a hospital because the defibrillator caused arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat) so he has to stay there for the night.'

Recovering: Evander Sno was revived by his internal defibrillator after suffering an on-pitch heart attack

Recovering: Evander Sno was revived by his internal defibrillator after suffering an on-pitch heart attack

Almost exactly two years ago Sno collapsed during an Ajax reserve match and had to be revived by an external defibulator.

Sno has started all seven games this season for NEC after joining them from Second Division RKC Waalwijk during the summer.

Celtic, meanwhile, have pledged their support to their former player Sno.

The midfielder was thankful for an internal defibrillator fitted after he suffered a previous cardiac arrest during a game for Ajax reserves two years ago.

Former Celt: Evander Sno spent two years in Glasgow

Former Celt: Evander Sno spent two years in Glasgow

Sno spent the night in hospital after the effects of the defibrillator led to an abnormal heartbeat, but the fact that the device revived him on the pitch is an obvious source of comfort.

A Celtic spokesperson told the club's website: 'Clearly all the best thoughts and best wishes of everyone at the Club are with Evander and his family at this time, and we are sure Evander can also count on the support from the entire Celtic family.'

Sno has also played for NAC Breda and RKC Waalwijk in his homeland and English Championship side Bristol City, and represented Holland at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Nuri Sahin signs for Liverpool after passing medical

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Kop that! Sahin set to seal Anfield switch after Liverpool agree loan deal with Madrid

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UPDATED:

09:08 GMT, 25 August 2012

Liverpool have confirmed they have reached an agreement to sign Real Madrid playmaker Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan deal.

The Reds saw off competition from Arsenal for the Turkey international, who helped Madrid win the Primera Division title last season.

A statement on the club website read: 'The 23-year-old will now undergo a medical on Merseyside.'

Star quality: Brendan Rodgers is sure Sahin will improve his side

Star quality: Brendan Rodgers is sure Sahin will improve his side

Sahin will be the fourth new arrival at Anfield following Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi.

The midfielder joined Madrid last
summer after catching the eye during a successful spell with Borussia
Dortmund, with whom he won the Bundesliga title in 2010/11.

Sahin has also won 31 caps with Turkey, scoring his first national goal aged just 17 against Germany in 2005.

More to follow.

SAHIN PASS NOTES – by Dom King

That all sounds exciting. But who is he

Sahin was born in the German town of Ludenscheid. He is a 23-year-old Turkey international, who has been capped 35 times, and, given he is blessed with the sweetest of left-foots, has been destined for big things from a young age.

How do you mean

Such was the progress Sahin made through the ranks of Borussia Dortmund’s Academy, he became the youngest player to feature in the Bundesliga when, at 16 years and 334 days, he made his debut for Dortmund.

He is also the youngest player to ever score in Germany’s top flight and, for good measure, won the Bronze Ball prize at the 2005 Under-17 World Cup.

Sahin had a spell playing on loan in Holland for Feyenoord in 2007-08 and the experience clearly did him the world of good, as he returned to Germany and established himself in Dortmund’s side. His crowning season was 2010-11, when he helped them win the title and was named Player of the Year.

His progress made clubs sit up and take notice and Real Madrid won the battle for his signature, paying 10million to bring him to Spain on a six-year contract.

But his time at the Bernabeu hasn’t been so good What does Jose Mourinho think of him

Injuries have prevented Sahin from flourishing for Madrid and he only made four appearances in La Liga as they won the title. Mourinho, though, is a fan and believes his season-long switch to England will do him the world of good.

'The Premier League is a good place for players to pick up certain characteristics which he does not have,’ said Mourinho.

Safe to say, then, that Brendan Rodgers is delighted to have captured a player who had indicated he wanted to move to a Champions League club and seemed destined for Arsenal

Absolutely. This deal could have so many benefits and the Liverpool manager is adamant he has captured some star quality.

‘He is a great technician,’ said Rodgers. ‘He was player of the year in Germany and captain of Dortmund. My hope is that he will be exciting and his quality will help improve the group. We hope that the deal will be complete. I believe from the club that everything has been organised.’

John Guidetti set for new Manchester City deal

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Young star Guidetti closing in on new Man City deal before shooting off on loan

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UPDATED:

15:03 GMT, 22 August 2012


Young talent: John Guidetti is likely to go on loan this season

Young talent: John Guidetti is likely to go on loan this season

Manchester City's hot prospect John Guidetti is close to agreeing a new long-term deal at the club before moving away on loan.

The 20-year-old striker smashed in 20 goals on loan at Feyenoord last season and boosted his status to earn a new deal – he only signed his current contract, which lasts another two-and-a-half years last summer.

He has only featured in one game for City since joining in 2008, a League Cup match.

The Sweden international might go on loan again to Feyernoord but there are clubs across the continent that want him.

In England both north east sides Sunderland and Newcastle are interested in picking up the striker.

'He liked his stay at Feyenoord and enjoyed putting in strong performances for them,' Guidetti's agent told Voetbal International.

Fantasy football 2012

'Joining them again is definitely an option, but there are more possibilities, we are going to explore all options without rushing and we will surely come to a decision before the transfer window ends at the end of the month.'

Feyernoord are less optimistic about securing the striker's return.

'At the last moment, anything can happen but we are not assuming the return of John is realistic,' said technical director Martin van Geel.

'We do not know what City want – and besides, he needs time to recover from his injury.'

Arsene Wenger says football"s money madness cannot continue

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Money madness just can't go on! Wenger rallies against football's recklessness after RVP deal

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UPDATED:

21:31 GMT, 17 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Arsene Wenger has predicted a backlash against football’s reckless pay spiral after Robin van Persie signed his lucrative contract at Manchester United.

Van Persie completed his 24million transfer to United on Friday, signing a four-year deal worth more than 40m to the Dutchman, as Arsenal were finalising the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona.

A fee of 15m is close to being agreed for Song and he is expected to fly to Barcelona on Sunday to complete the deal.

Big move: Arsenal have lost Robin van Persie

Big move: Arsenal have lost Robin van Persie

Arsenal were prepared to make Van Persie the best paid player in their history but his 250,000-a-week wage at Old Trafford is double what any player earns at the Emirates.

‘We live in the economic reality which other clubs do not,’ said Wenger. ‘There are some things we cannot afford to do. It is as simple as that.

‘How much do you want to pay, 250,000 a week 300,000 We are here to make the players as rich as possible but aslo to respect our balance sheet.

‘Honestly, I think it is a short-term problem. You cannot imagine the world will go on just splashing money out without any return.

‘When you have lost the standard of living for normal people, and the football world always gets higher and higher, that cannot last because people will not accept it.’

Wenger, who signed Van Persie from
Feyenoord for 2.75m eight years ago, remained patient as the striker
struggled with injuries and refused to criticise him for joining rivals
United after an incredible 37-goal season.

‘This is a situation that is a
completely brutal reality of professional sport,’ Wenger said. ‘Robin
was captain of the team last year and until the last minute of the
season he fought like mad. That is professional.

This must end: Arsene Wenger (right) says the cash splashing will have to stop

This must end: Arsene Wenger (right) says the cash splashing will have to stop

‘It is a miracle we finished third. A big part of the miracle is down to him and you have to give him credit for that. He prepared for every game the right way. When he played the game he was 100 per cent committed.

‘At the end he chose to go somewhere else. OK, I don’t like it, but that is being professional again. He is a boy, born in Holland. We have taken him from Holland and we have to accept that when a player is professional, he can move again.’

Wenger admits the recent trend of losing his best players is ‘a concern’ but the proposed sale of Song to Barcelona was the manager’s choice.

Unlike Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Song wanted to extend his contract at the Emirates.

‘Midfield is different because we have nine or 10 midfielders of top quality,’ said Wenger.

Nuri Sahin is lined up as a replacement. Arsenal are confident that Champions League football will persuade the Real Madrid midfielder to join them ahead of Liverpool.