Park sets sights on Treble

Ji-sung Park is determined to make up for lost time by helping United achieve glory on all three fronts this season.

The energetic Korea midfielder made his first appearance after nearly nine months out with a knee injury in the 4-0 home win over Sunderland on Boxing Day.

With the second half of the season underway, United are well placed behind Arsenal at the top of the league and face a home tie against Tottenham or Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

And the Reds will be confident of winning next month’s Champions League last-16 tie against French champions Olympique Lyonnais, who sneaked through their qualifying group after conceding 10 goals in six games.

The optimism around Old Trafford has convinced Park that the current crop of players can improve on last season’s title triumph by emulating the achievements of the 1999 Treble-winning squad.

“I want to win all of the titles,” the 26-year-old told MUTV.

“Last season we won the league but reached the semi-final of the Champions League and the final of the FA Cup. This season we have a better squad.

“Compared to last season, we have more players and the new signings have done very well so far. We have a lot of quality players.

“There are more matches this season, so we need a good enough squad – but I know we have it.” Read more...

City want Munich respect

Manchester City have written to their fans to urge them to respect the 50th anniversary of the Munich Disaster when they take on United. City go to United on February 10, four days after the anniversary of the plane crash which claimed 23 lives, including eight United players and ex-City keeper Frank Swift. There are fears City fans may ruin the proposed minute's silence, so boss Sven Goran Eriksson and skipper Richard Dunne have helped pen a letter to encourage their supporters to behave. The letter reads: "Prior to this game, the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster will be marked with a special commemoration. Many supporters will already be aware that City lost one of our own in the tragedy, goalkeeper Frank Swift. We ask all supporters uphold the good name of Manchester City and support the commemorations which will also be attended by friends and family of the victims including Frank Swift's family."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...

Reds reveal pre-season plans

The club have confirmed they will spend a week in South Africa as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2008/09 campaign.

The travelling party, which will be confirmed at a later date but will include those players not involved in Euro 2008, will fly out on 19 July for their seven-day trip.

Full details of match dates will be communicated by Sir Alex Ferguson at a press conference in February.

The Reds last visited South Africa in 2006 and the United boss is looking forward to the team's summer return.

"We really enjoyed our visit in 2006," he said. "The atmosphere in all the stadiums and the enthusiasm from the fans helped make for a great trip. All the facilities were first class and I am looking forward to returning." Read more...