Nein Danke Says Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola walked out of a news conference on Friday after being asked about reports linking him with the England job.

Guardiola is out of contract with the Bundesliga champions next June, but has refused to discuss his future publicly.

Reports on Friday suggested the Football Association wants the former Barcelona boss to succeed Roy Hodgson.

Pressed to comment, Guardiola said: "Oh come on, I'm coach of Bayern Munich. Many thanks and auf wiedersehen."

He then left the briefing, organised to preview Bayern's trip to Mainz on Saturday.

Hodgson's contract with England expires after Euro 2016, and his future will not be discussed until the tournament is over, FA chief executive Martin Glenn has indicated.

Guardiola made clear at his news conference he did not want to discuss the issue, having earlier answered a more general question about his future plans with a polite "next question please".

The 44-year-old has led Bayern to two Bundesliga titles in his two years at the club, yet he questioned at the start of this season whether he was the right man for the job.

He said he would step down if he ever got the feeling somebody else would be a better choice for the club, leading to speculation that he will leave next summer.

Bayern have said that negotiations over a new contract would be held as and when Guardiola is ready.

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Galatasaray v Manchester United - Preview

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Manchester United have already booked their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League so can afford to take their foot off the gas during a trip to Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Maximum points from their opening four fixtures have seen the Red Devils through to the knockout stage with two games spare.

Sir Alex Ferguson now finds himself in the enviable position of being able to rest key men and rotate his squad.

United will not roll over for anyone, though, and those sent into continental battle in midweek will be looking to preserve a 100 per cent record and maintain momentum.

A shuffling of the pack by the Premier League outfit could, however, play into Galatasaray's hands as they seek to keep their noses in front in the race for a second-place finish in Group H.

The Turkish giants sit level on points with CFR Cluj and only one ahead of Braga heading into Matchday Five and have work to do if they are to prolong their European adventure.

Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim has vowed to make 'two changes' to his starting XI, following a 3-1 reversal against Kardemir Karabukspor on Friday. He has, however, stopped short of revealing the identity of those set to be drafted in and out of his plans.

Galatasaray have a virtually fully-fit squad from which to select, with Tomas Ujfalusi their only long-term absentee. Aydin Yilmaz is a slight doubt heading into the game, as he is struggling with a bout of flu, but Terim claims he will be available 'if needed'.

For United Captain Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David de Gea have all not travelled to Turkey.

Of the more experienced members of the United squad, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are included, as are strike duo Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

It means Sir Alex Ferguson's team will have a strong infusion of youth, including Nick Powell, while Josh King, Davide Petrucci, Tom Thorpe and Ryan Tunnicliffe are among those hopeful of having some involvement in the Champions League for the first time.

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United Extend Michael Owen Deal

Michael Owen's contract has been extended for a further year, in a deal that will see the forward complete a third season as a first-team player. 

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Michael has proved to be a top footballer. It’s unfortunate Michael didn’t get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season.” 

Michael Owen said: “I’m delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract. To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many incredibly passionate supporters, is a real inspiration. I can’t wait for next season to start." 

When Owen arrive in July 2009 at Old Trafford the move raised eyebrows, but the former Liverpool striker Michael Owen is undoubtedly one of the finest goalscorers in the history of English football. 

The Chester-born forward notched up more than 200 goals for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United, plus 40 goals in 89 England internationals prior to signing for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. 

Owen burst to prominence at his boyhood side, Liverpool, where he scored on his first-team debut aged just 17. His lightning pace, untraceable movement and clinical finishing made him a Premier League revelation, and it wasn’t long before he took the international stage by storm. 

The 1998 World Cup in France was Michael’s springboard, as he scored an incredible solo goal in England’s second-round tie with Argentina. While red-carded United midfielder David Beckham became something of a scapegoat for the Three Lions’ penalty shootout exit, Owen was hailed a national hero. 

His Liverpool career went from strength to strength, and in 2001 his part in the Merseysiders' triple cup haul of UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup – together with international feats including a hat-trick against Germany – earned him the Ballon d’Or and FWA Player of the Year awards. 

Michael left Liverpool after eight years following the arrival of new manager Rafael Benitez, swapping countries with the new man at the Anfield helm as he moved to Real Madrid. Although he was only in La Liga for a season, Owen bagged 14 goals in 22 starts for Real before a surprise £16million move to Newcastle. 

A spate of injuries underscored Owen’s career at St James’ Park, and his four seasons with the Magpies yielded only 65 starts, although he did still notch 30 goals in that time. Michael’s contract expired in the summer of 2009, at which point Sir Alex swooped to sign the famed goal-poacher on a free transfer, offering him a two-year deal. 

He got his United career off to the perfect start with a winning goal on his non-competitive debut during the 2009 Asia Tour. After coming off the bench in the 61st minute, Owen pounced on a loose ball after Ryan Giggs had been tackled in the area and coolly slotted home to secure a 3-2 win over a Malaysian XI. 

The striker's first official goal for the Reds came in the 5-0 away win over Wigan Athletic on 22 August 2009, but his second strike, on 20 September, was the one that instantly catapulted him into Old Trafford folklore. After coming on as a late substitute, he popped up in the 96th minute to collect Giggs' penetrative pass and make it 4-3 to United in a thrilling Manchester derby. 

Although two thirds of his appearances were as a sub, Owen's tally of nine goals in all competitions more than justified his acquisition. That’s especially true given the importance of some of those efforts – including a hat-trick away to Wolfsburg in the Champions League and the opening goal in the 2010 Carling Cup final. 

It was so unfortunate that Owen's injury curse came back to haunt him shortly after that latter strike, not only curtailing his first season at United but also snuffing out any hopes he might have had of being in England's 2010 World Cup squad. And of course, we'll never know what difference Michael might have made to the title race that United lost by just one point had he been fit in March, April and May. 

Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and new signing Javier Hernandez kept Owen on the bench for much of 2010/11, but though he started only four games in all competitions, he managed five goals. 

His 11 league appearances (10 from the bench) were enough to earn him a first Premier League winners' medal.

Scholes Calls Time on United Playing Days

Paul Scholes at Wembley

Manchester United's Paul Scholes announced his retirement on Tuesday bringing an  end to his playing career at 36.

In 1994 Scholes made his United debut and ended his career following 676 appearances.

The midfielders retirement came after he helped the club win a record 19th league title, the 10th of his career, and his last game was Saturday's Champions League final loss to Barcelona.

"This was not a decision I've taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing," he said.

The famously low key Scholes added: "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Scholes and called him "a truly unbelievable player".

The Scot stated: "Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

Scholes was held in high esteem by his fellow professionals - in 2009, former world player of the year Zinedine Zidane said he was "the complete midfielder" and "my toughest opponent".

The France international added: "Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest of his generation."

That same year, United legend Sir Bobby Charlton also had warm words to say about the one-club man.

He commented: "Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United - players I worshipped, then lost with my youth in Munich. Players like Denis Law and George Best, who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Ferguson era - and in so many ways Scholes is my favourite."

Scholes was part of United's Class of 92, which also produced David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville - another player who announced his retirement this season.

United chief executive David Gill said Scholes had "established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt".

In addition to winning 10 Premier League titles, Scholes was a member of the team that triumphed in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea but was suspended for the 1999 final win over Bayern Munich.

He also won 66 England caps before retiring from international football following the Euro 2004 tournament, aged only 29.

England manager Fabio Capello tried to tempt him to change his mind before the 2010 World Cup - without success.

Scholes will now join the coaching staff at Old Trafford.

Alex Signals End for Hargreaves at United

Owen Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves could have played his last game for Manchester United after manager Alex Ferguson revealed the midfielder almost certainly will not be fit before the end of the season.

The England international has endured chronic injury problems since his arrival from Bayern Munich in 2007.

Although he was a member of United's Premier League and Champions League-winning squads during his debut campaign, he had to battled through a major tendinitis problem in both knees, which eventually required surgery.

Hargreaves managed only seconds on the field last term, during a late-season encounter at Sunderland and lasted just five minutes of a surprise start against Wolves at Old Trafford this year before pulling his hamstring.

Now the 30-year-old has sustained a shoulder injury which Ferguson does not believe he will recover from. 

Hargreaves' contract is due to expire in the summer and there must now be major question marks over him ever playing for United again.

'I don't see it at all,' said Ferguson.

'It is a shoulder injury. It has just brought his season to an end.

'He has just carried bad luck all the time he has been here. I am pretty sure he won't be playing this season.

'His contract is up at the end of the season but I don't know what is going to happen.

'David Gill had a discussion with the boy last week. But no more than that. We have to make a decision.'

Hargreaves was never going to be in contention for tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Gill No Worries about Finances

David Gill

Manchester United chief executive David Gill says he is "comfortable" with the club's financial situation, including debt and interest repayment levels.

Mr Gill told a Commons committee hearing into football governance that net debt of £370m and annual interest of £45m was not hampering United.

"We know it's there but it doesn't impact what we do," he said.

He added that if the £45m figure was not there "it would be better", but it had not halted development at the club.

"There has been no impact in terms of our transfers," Mr Gill said.

And he said that under club owners, the Glazer family, revenues had risen from £40m in 2006 to more than £100m.

Mr Gill was appearing before the House of Commons' Culture, Media and Sport committee inquiry into football governance,Investment

Mr Gill said there had been great growth in the past five years since the Glazers took over in terms of turnover and that the Old Trafford club was "a profitable business".

He said those running the club were always looking to "try to grow our revenues, invest in the business, so that we can continue to be successful".

He also said that club debt had not restricted the club in the transfer market, or in improving facilities such as training pitches for the players or in terms of items such as corporate boxes.

In addition, Mr Gill said the club had invested in its workforce over the years, with the number of staff at the club rising from 460 to 600.

He told the committee of MPs that "the business objectives of Manchester United" depended on "how successful our team is".

The club currently sits top of the Premier League and is still in the FA Cup and Champions League.Balance sheet

Last month, the Glazer family again denied rumours of a plan to sell Manchester United to Qatar, as the football club revealed strong merchandise sales.

Those latest results showed revenues of £156m for the six months to December, up 8% on a year earlier.

Commercial sales of £50m were up 30%. However, matchday turnover fell marginally, down 0.4% to £52.4m.

Meanwhile, the football club's balance sheet - a sore point for many fans since the Glazers' debt-financed takeover - was somewhat healthier.

Gross debts fell and rising cash balances rose, meaning that the club's net debt position - the difference between the two - fell 9% over the year, to £355m.

The Glazers' insistence that they remain committed to their long-term ownership of the club follows a similarly robust statement three months ago that failed to quash rumours of a possible sale.

Glazers set to pay off £220m

Glazers family set to pay off £220m in high-interest loans borrowed to fund purchase of Manchester United - Telegraph