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Ferguson warns players over discipline

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned that he will not hesitate to sell any player who breaches club discipline. Ferguson has taken a hard line with his players throughout his career and has not been afraid to sell some of the club's biggest stars. And his latest warning comes after the club's Christmas party ended in rape claims.

The United boss has reportedly fined the players involved in the party a total of one million pounds (1.9 million dollars) - the biggest penalty ever dished out by a Premiership team for a breach of discipline. And he has also banned any more parties and told his millionaire players there will never be a repeat performance.

The Scot said: "Football has changed but you cannot lose your control. That is why we make changes here at Manchester United when we see anyone interfering with this sense of control. When we see this, then it's time for them to go because this club is based on everyone being together. When we start going off at tangents you have to assess it - definitely."

Ferguson also expressed his dislike of the celebrity lifestyle now enjoyed by many high-profile players. "What annoys me about some players today is this personal glory thing," he said. "They score a goal and then knock players out of the road so they can have their own private, personal gratification and praise from the fans. It's ugly seeing these kind of celebrations. These present-day footballers need to be noticed, with their earrings and tattoos. They no longer go to the small Italian restaurants but to the big and bright places."

Source: newsnow.co.uk

Matthaus among candidates for Bosnia job

SARAJEVO (AFP) - German football legend Lothar Matthaus is among the candidates to coach the Bosnian national side, the country's football association said Friday. Apart from the German World Cup-winning captain the association is talking with two more candidates - former Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar and former Bosnian football star Meho Kodro - a spokeswoman said.

The new coach will be announced on January 5, spokeswoman Slavica Pecikoza told AFP. He is to replace Fuad Muzurovic who had been sacked on December 17 after his team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

Source: soccernews.com

Chelsea confirms Lampard blow

Chelsea have confirmed that Frank Lampard faces 'a few weeks' on the sidelines after the midfielder sustained a thigh injury in the first half of the amazing Boxing Day draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The England international had to be replaced by Michael Ballack in the 26th minute of the clash against Martin O'Neill's side that eventually ended 4-4.

Chelsea have confirmed that Frank Lampard faces 'a few weeks' on the sidelines after the midfielder sustained a thigh injury in the first half of the amazing Boxing Day draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. A brief statement on the Blues' official website read: "Scans today have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh. The tear is not in the same leg that Frank injured earlier this season. He will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant had said after the eight-goal thriller: "We can't give a diagnosis on Frank Lampard yet, we'll wait and see. Frank was not happy about coming off because he likes playing, even in training games. We need to wait for an update."

Lampard's absence is a further blow to Grant who will be without several players next month when the African Cup of Nations starts. In addition, Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho will be suspended after they were dismissed against Villa while John Terry's metatarsal injury means he continues to be unavailable.

Source: football.co.uk

Carvalho sorry for tackle

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has apologised for his vicious two-footed challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor in Boxing Day's 4-4 Barclays Premier League draw with Aston Villa. Carvalho was shown a straight red card by referee Phil Dowd for the 80th minute horror-tackle that could have inflicted serious injury on Agbonlahor.

The Portuguese defender said: "It was never my intention to hurt Gabriel Agbonlahor with the tackle. I was going for the ball and I don't want people to think that I tried to hurt another player. I didn't see him after the game to apologise but I asked for a message to be passed on to him." Chelsea boss Avram Grant backed Carvalho's claim there was no malice involved in the incident. He said: "For me what's important is that Carvalho did not intend to hurt the player - I didn't see any intention. The red card was the decision of the referee and I respect it. I will look at the incident again."

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill maintained the sending off was fully justified. He said: "It was straightforward red card and Gabriel was the last man, even though he had 40-odd yards to go."

Carvalho will now miss matches against Newcastle and Fulham and an FA Cup third-round tie against Queens Park Rangers. His dismissal was one of three in a controversial clash at Stamford Bridge with team-mate Ashley Cole and Villa centre back Zat Knight also receiving their marching orders. The absence of Carvalho and Cole leaves Chelsea without virtually their entire first-choice defence with skipper John Terry also in the treatment room.

Source: football365.com

Wenger not interested in new transfers

The absence of Ivory Coast players Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue could be a severe blow for the Gunners as the current Premier League leaders seek their first title since 2004.

But Wenger admits he may have to "suffer" during January rather than buy players who will end up being surplus to requirements. "Kolo Toure goes off to the African Nations Cup shortly and we may lose Alex Song for it as well," said the Frenchman. "Even with Johan Djourou returning from Birmingham we would then be left with three specialist centre-backs. "If I signed another one we'd have too many after the African Nations. Sometimes you just have to suffer during the tournament and let your players play."

Philippe Senderos is determined to seize his chance when Toure goes on international duty with Ivory Coast. "It could be a big opportunity for me to go in there and show what I can do," said the Switzerland defender. "I believe I've already shown what I'm capable of but this could be a big chance to come into the team for a while. "It would be a good time to come in as well - we are playing great football, winning games, and I'm ready for the challenge." Senderos would probably partner skipper William Gallas.

Source: teamtalk.com

Angolan striker Manucho signs with Manchester United

Manchester United have agreed to sign Petro Atletico Luanda's striker Manucho on a three-year deal. The Angolan international will join next month provided that he receives a work permit.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told his club's official website: "We have had Manucho here for a 3-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a 3-year contract. He is a tall, agile and quick forward and through contacts that [assistant-manager] Carlos [Queiroz] has was brought to our attention around six months ago."