Here is roundup of recent reads on Manchester United:

* Is Sir Alex Ferguson set to drop some players for Everton as retribution for the derby nightmare? This piece suggests Darren Fletcher and Anderson will be dropped for Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick this Saturday when Manchester United travel to Goodison Park. It is also hinted that other players could be dropped. {Mirror Football}

* This read further suggests that the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, Anderson, Nani, Fletcher, and Ashley Young should be feeling vulnerable. It is suggested that these changes are usually not made en masse but the recent poor performances by United versus Manchester City and Liverpool FC may result in more drastic action. {Guardian}

* 1985 was a dark time for English football. Here is a read on the forgotten story of the English Super Cup. English clubs were banned from European competition and this Super Cup was an attempt at compensation -- both for footballing and financial reasons. {Guardian}

* From the club's official website is a look at United's Scandinavian stars. The likes of Peter Schmeichel, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jesper Blomqvist, and others are discussed. {ManUtd.com}

* Historically, cup competitions have provided solace to Untied after thrashings before. Perhaps Tuesday's night match versus Aldershot Town was the shot in the arm that United needed. {ESPN Soccernet}

* In case you missed it, here is TBB's tactical review of United's 3-0 away victory at Aldershot. Included are post-match quotes from Fergie, Michael Owen, and Ben Amos. {The Busby Babe}

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Over the holiday weekend here in the United States, I was not able to spend much time around a computer, therefore, I was not privy to some of the happenings of Manchester United during the time. However, I did spend some time today catching up on news and transfer rumors - Here are some links to check out to get caught up on the recent happenings of the club:

Transfer News & Rumors

* The On The Move blog does a nice job tracking transfer rumors from various media outlets and also in providing their own. The latest United related update includes quotes from Sunderland manager Steve Bruce about his interest in defenders John O'Shea and Wes Brown. There is also news that Nicky Ajose has joined Petersborough on a 4-year deal. {ESPNSoccernet}

* Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn admits to be being hopeful about signing O'Shea. He also reveals that there is still some ways to go in their pursuit of Darron Gibson. {ESPN Soccernet}

* Inter Milan manager Gian Pero Gasperini reveals that the future of Wesley Sneijder is uncertain. The Dutch playmaker has continually been linked to United and it is no secret that manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for reinforcements in the center of the pitch {Manchester Evening News}

* It was reported by some media outlets that Luka Modric was to meet with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to discuss his future. However, the Croatian is still on holiday and such reports appear to be false. Modric has been a hot topic of discussion - both United and Chelsea FC seem keen on signing the midfielder. {M.E.N}

* Reported United target Samir Nasri reveals his desire for trophies. The Frechman has only a year left on his contract and rumors have been rampant that he seeks a move from Arsenal FC. {ESPNSoccernet}

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Did Sir Alex Ferguson jump the gun a little? It is odd that David de Gea would feel compelled to deny his move if he, in fact, had agreed to switch to Old Trafford.  Sir Alex obviously has other options he can pursue who already look to be chomping at the bit to replace Edwin van der Sar.

Wesley Sneijder is committed to Inter and denies any Manchester United interest for next year. His has been a common name thrown around the transfer rumor marketplace also known as the internet.  Will this statement slow down the speculation now????? I didn’t think so either but it may open the door to the new name of the week.

United has been rumored to be interested in numerous wingers, such as Alexis Sanchez and Ashley Young. This seems odd considering the Alex Ferguson already has the likes of Antonio Valencia, Ji-Sung Park, Nani, and an occasional Ryan Giggs at his disposal. This may make a little more sense with the news that Juventus have put in a substantial bid for Nani's services. It’s obviously nothing but rumor and gossip at this point but is very intriguing, nonetheless.

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Manchester United are currently on a two-week international break, however, that hasn't stopped the news from pouring in. Here is a round-up of the recent happenings with the club:

* Sir Alex Ferguson believes that international friendlies are a waste of time. I tend to agree with the general sentiments of the Gaffer. {The Guardian}

* The United boss also feels that playing the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley is a poor idea. With the number of sporting of events in London at that time, and with the number of supporters headed to London from England's north-west, Fergie felt Anfield and Villa Park would have been better venues. {The Guardian}

* The Gaffer feels that injuries will make the treble difficult to achieve. This wasn't nearly as much of an issue in 1999. {Manchester Evening News}

* Fergie also says that United's loanees will return to the club's first team next season. He specifically mentions the success of Tom Cleverley at Wigan Athletic, Danny Welbeck at Sunderland, Mame Biram Diouf at Blackburn Rovers. {ESPN Soccernet}

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It's the international break but transfer rumors and news that relate to Manchester United FC keep pouring in. Here are some links to keep you up to date on the happenings of the club:

Transfer Rumors

* Despite the reported 108.9-million-pound loss reported this week by United's parent company Red Football Joint Venture, the club apparently has a 165-million-pound transfer chest. Names such as Jack Rodwell, Ashley Young, Gareth Bale (be still my heart), Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Douglas Costa, Manuel Neuer, Mario Goetze, and Daniele De Rossi are being linked as possible arrivals to Old Trafford this summer. {Manchester Evening News}

* Neuer reportedly wants to win a Bundesliga title and may not want to leave Germany any time soon. The Germany No 1 is also rumored to be a target of Bayern Munich. {M.E.N}

* There are contradicting reports as to whether Shaktar Donetsk's Douglas Costa was visiting Old Trafford last weekend during the match versus Bolton Wanderers. This piece examines the possibility of Costa being the player to replace Paul Scholes. Sir Alex Ferguson has once labeled Costa as "probably the best young player in South America." {M.E.N} 

More transfer rumors and news after the jump... 

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Manchester United FC head into the international break still alive and doing battle on three fronts. They currently top the table in the Barclays Premier League with a five point advantage on Arsenal FC, however, the North London side have a game in hand. In addition, the Red Devils have reached their 27th FA Cup semi-final, more than any other club. They will clash with 'noisy neighbor' Manchester City in mid-April at Wembley. Furthermore, United have earned passage to the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Chelsea FC in a two-legged tie in early April. The two-week international break comes at a convenient time for the club as injuries have taken their toll after the congested fixture list. Keep checking in with us during the break here at The Busby Babe as we'll continue to provide news and United-related content.  Here are some links to hold you over on MUFC news on the first few days of the break. 

* Bolton Wanderers' Stuart Holden is out for six months after Jonny Evans injured him in a tackle in this past Saturday at Old Trafford. The American received an apologetic phone call from Evans and the American appears to hold no ill-will towards the United defender. Both appear to have dealt with the issue in a classy way, however, Holden's injury is extremely unfortunate... especially after Nigel De Jong broke Holden's leg last year with a dirty tackle in an international friendly prior to the World Cup. {The Guardian}

* Wayne Rooney flat-out admits that he relishes the opportunity to overtake Liverpool with a record 19th league title. You're not the only one Wazza... {The Guardian}

* Rio Ferdinand is upset at Fabio Capello for taking away the England captain's armband away from him. John Terry has been re-instated as England skipper, news that Rio apparently only received while reading the papers. Capello, to the papers and not to Rio personally, cites the United defender's recent injury history as a reason... this reasoning might be acceptable if Capello didn't hand to the armband back to Terry, who himself has spent considerable time on the treatment table recently. {Manchester Evening News}

More news after the jump...

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Yeah, yesterday sucked. This past week sucked. From my point of view, I'm thrilled to have no mid-week matches so that I can decompress as a supporter. For those of you who still need your daily fix on Manchester United related news, here are some links to hold you over. 

* Well, the most important news is probably Nani related and determining how severe his injury is after Jamie Carragher's awful challenge on the Portuguese winger. No word yet on the extent of the injury per the Manchester Evening News.

* Photos from Nani's gash were released on twitter by a United staff member after the game. EPL Talk has photos of Nani's horrific gash. WARNING: The photo is a bit graphic, so view it with caution if you get a bit squeamish with blood. 

* Media blackout by United, per the Manchester Evening News.

More news and links after the jump...

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An unfortunate occurrence from yesterday's defeat to Chelsea FC is that Ryan Giggs' club record equaling 606th league appearance for Manchester United did not receive the attention it deserved. Today marks 20 years as a first team player for the Welshman at United. Cliches and accolades get thrown around much too easily, but teammate John O'Shea's simple assessment of the United great is spot on, "he is an absolute legend." Here is United related news and some links that will hopefully get you caught up on the club's general happenings in the aftermath of yesterday's loss at Stamford Bridge.

I'll start it off with that goal... Giggs' slalom run through the Arsenal defense in the FA Cup semi-final replay in 1999. 

Ryan Giggs v Arsenal (FA Cup Semi-Final Replay 1999) (via pledjuraa)

More on Giggs, aftermath of yesterday's match, Manuel Neuer transfer rumor, and United's pre-season tour news after the jump... 

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