In an interview prior to the Champions League first leg semi final tie with Germany’s Schalke 04, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed why he failed to make a determined attempt to sign veteran Raul when the 32 year old striker finished his glittering 16 year career with Real Madrid at the end of last season. “He simply became available at the wrong time, if we did not already have Michael Owen at the club we may have been very tempted”

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The eight Champions League groups have been completed, all sixteen qualifiers for the knock out stage have been identified – and Manchester United now have a much better idea of who may be their next opponent in February. Nine clubs will definitely be avoided because they are either fellow Group Winners, Premier League clubs who cannot meet each other and Valencia who were in the same group as United in the first round. The clubs that United  CANNOT possibly meet are Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia, Schalke 04, Bayern Munich, Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal

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At some point during the next season Sir Alex Ferguson will have to make a decision which will be present him with an agonising dilemma. Goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar will turn 40 in six months time and while the giant Dutchman continues to show the same class that has been his hallmark throughout his long career, the time is fast approaching for him to hang up his gloves.

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