22. John O'Shea

keys: manchester united, John O'Shea, Midfielder, John O'Shea profile, John O'Shea photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	30 Apr 1981
Birthplace:	Waterford, Ireland
Position:	Defender/Midfielder
Appearances:	269
Joined United:
United Debut:	13 Oct 1999 v Aston Villa (A)
International	Rep of Ireland

Match-winning striker, full-back, midfielder, even goalkeeper – United’s utility player has done it all.

A shining example of selflessness and professionalism, John O’Shea has been ever-willing in his service of United. Whether coming on from the bench or in the starting line-up, he is ready for the fight from the second his boots touch the turf.

In his first full season, 2002/03, O’Shea was an absolute revelation at left-back: galumphing up and down the wing, effortlessly picking the pockets of opponents who ran at him, cheekily nutmegging those who tried to stop him – most notably Luis Figo –

he was one of the star men as United regained the Premiership.

Sadly, as so often happens with young stars in their second season, O’Shea’s gradient levelled off throughout 2003/04. And when United bought Gaby Heinze in the summer of 2004, he had to look to other positions than left-back for regular action. Thankfully, O’Shea has the tools to play pretty much anywhere. He was always a footballing defender, blessed with beautiful balance, crisp passing and formidable upper-body strength, and that enabled him to slip into midfield as well as anywhere across the back four.

In 2004/05 he played in all those positions, and in the following season he began to establish himself in the holding role in midfield – forming an unlikely but extremely effective partnership with Ryan Giggs that was the basis of United’s late-season surge. The Irish international continued where he'd left off at the start of the 2006/07 campaign, but soon saw his chances limited by the burgeoning midfield partnership between Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

He still went on to make 49 appearances (including a cameo between the posts at White Hart Lane when Edwin van der Sar suffered a broken nose) and chipped in with five goals, the most

memorable of which came at Anfield in March 2007. Pepe Reina could only parry Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time free kick and the ball fell to substitute O'Shea who coolly swept it home in front of the Kop to the delight of United fans everywhere.

He netted another crucial strike at Goodison Park a month later, stabbing home the Reds' first goal after Iain Turner had spilled Ryan Giggs' corner. United, of course, went on to seal a thrilling 4-2 victory and eventually their ninth Premiership title. O'Shea signed a three year contract extension in November 2007 which will keep him at the club until June 2012.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

21. Fangzhuo Dong

keys: manchester united, Fangzhuo Dong, Striker, Fangzhuo Dong profile, Fangzhuo Dong photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	23 Jan 1985
Birthplace:	Dalian, China
Position:	Striker
Appearances:	3
Joined United:	12 Jan 2004
United Debut:	19 May 2007 v Chelsea (A)
International

Dong Fangzhuo had to be patient to become the first ever Chinese player at Old Trafford. Having joined United in January 2004, he finally made his senior Reds debut in May 2007 against Chelsea.

He spent two years on loan at Royal Antwerp until he was eligible to play in England. In his first season in Belgium, he was the league's top scorer with 17 goals, and scored 35 goals in 61 games during his time at Antwerp.

There is often confusion over the spelling of his name. His surname is Dong, first name Fangzhuo, which is often spelt incorrectly as Fangzhou. In China, the family name (in this

case Dong) comes first, which often causes confusion in countries and cultures where family names appear last.

Dong pulled on the red shirt for the first time in a friendly against Hong Kong XI in July 2005 and scored in the 2-0 win. The following summer he got the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs during the 2006 pre-season tour of South Africa.

After much ado and a great deal of waiting from the striker, he can now concentrate on becoming a regular member of the United first team squad.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

19. Gerard Pique

keys: manchester united, Gerard Pique, Defender, Gerard Pique profile, Gerard Pique photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	02 Feb 1987
Birthplace:	Barcelona, Spain
Position:	Defender
Appearances:	18
Joined United:	01 Oct 2004
United Debut:	26 Oct 2004 v Crewe Alex (A)
International	Spain

Gerard Piqué arrived at United in the summer of 2004 with great promise and potential. Highly-regarded at his former hometown club Barcelona where he was nominated as the Catalonia Player of the Year, Piqué opted to relocate to Old Trafford in search of first team chances.

United’s coaches were so impressed with the way Piqué settled in that he was handed an earlier-than-expected senior debut as a substitute for John O’Shea during the Reds’ Carling Cup trip to Crewe. Piqué's 23-minute cameo in the 3-0 victory came barely a week after his first appearance for the Reserves. He looked instantly at ease alongside Wes Brown

in the centre of defence, twice snuffing out the threat of then-Crewe striker Dean Ashton.

He made two further first team outings during the 2004/05 campaign, as a sub for Brown in the Reds' 3-0 Champions League defeat away at Fenerbahce and as a starter in the goalless FA Cup stalemate against Exeter at Old Trafford. The young Catalan was also an integral part of the club’s quadruple-winning Reserve side, chipping in with two goals in 24 appearances. Piqué won yet more silverware in his second season at Old Trafford as he helped the Reserves claim the Treble. He was a regular fixture in Rene Meulensteen’s side, playing 26 times and firing two goals.

The Spanish defender made his Premiership debut at the Stadium of Light in October 2005 as United ran out 3-1 winners over Sunderland. He featured in six more league and Cup matches during the remainder of the 2005/06 season including an impressive display at right-back in his first Premiership start against West Ham at OT in March 2006.

With so many senior contenders vying for a regular berth in the Reds' defence, Sir Alex Ferguson decided to send Pique on loan for the entire 2006/07 campaign. He joined Real Zaragoza in La Liga and although opportunities weren't

immediately forthcoming, Gerard soon had an impact on the first team and became a regular starter.

Although he scored on his debut at Villarreal and again against Gimnastic and hometown club Barcelona, it was Pique's impressive defensive displays which caught the eye as Zaragoza finished a superb season with a UEFA Cup slot.

Such was Pique's impact at La Romareda that the Spaniards enquired about a permanent transfer for the youngster. However, Sir Alex Ferguson sees his future at United.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

18. Paul Scholes

keys: manchester united, Paul Scholes, Midfielder, Paul Scholes profile, Paul Scholes photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	16 Nov 1974
Birthplace:	Salford, England
Position:	Midfielder
Appearances:	548
Joined United:	08 Jul 1991
United Debut:	21 Sep 1994 v Port Vale (A)
International	England

You must have a rare and special football talent to impress the great Bobby Charlton. The United legend sums up Paul Scholes perfectly: "He’s always so in control and pinpoint accurate with his passing – a beautiful player to watch."

Part of the new wave of talent that ushered in Beckham, Giggs, Butt and the Neville brothers in the mid-1990s, Salford-born Scholes scored twice on his debut in the League Cup at Port Vale in 1994/95 – and on his first league outing against Ipswich – and hasn't looked back.

A host of golden seasons at Old Trafford include 1995/96’s Double-winning campaign, in which

he covered admirably during Eric Cantona’s suspension, finishing second behind the Frenchman in the scoring charts with 14 goals; he was a cornerstone of 1999’s Treble-winners, although suspension ruled him out of the Champions League final, and in United’s Premiership success in 2003, his 20-goal haul was vital.

Neat and compact, a misplaced Scholes pass remains one of the rarest sights in football. His superb eye for goal and late runs from midfield also served his country superbly on 66 occasions.

An eye problem kept the man the fans dubbed the 'Ginger Prince’ out of action for a large part of 2005/06, but he burst back onto the scene during the 2006/07 title-winning campaign, playing a key role in helping the Reds reclaim the Premiership crown. Personal highlights included his opener in the 2-0 win over Liverpool in October 2006 and a volley of the highest calibre in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa two months later, which earned him the Goal of the Season Award at the club's Player Awards ceremony.

His contribution was recognised by players and press alike - he finished third in the PFA Player of the Year category and fourth in the Football Writers' vote - both of which were won by team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.


Now in the top seven highest ever appearance makers and the top twelve highest goalscorers at the club, Scholes is, indisputably, one of the finest talents in United's history.


reference: http://www.manutd.com

17. Nani photos

17. Nani

keys: manchester united, Nani, Winger, Nani profile, Nani photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	17 Nov 1986
Birthplace:	Cape Verde, Africa
Position:	Winger
Appearances:	19
Joined United:	01 Jul 2007
United Debut:	05 Aug 2007 v Chelsea (N)
International	Portugal

Highly rated Portuguese winger Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha ("Nani") will aim to emulate the achievements of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo when he starts his Old Trafford career in earnest.

Nani officially joined United in July 2007 for an undisclosed fee from Sporting Lisbon after being tracked for some time by Sir Alex Ferguson and his scouting staff.

After making his Sporting Lisbon debut at the age of 18, Nani featured 29 times in the league for Sporting in 2006-07, scoring five times. During his time at Sporting he also featured in the Champions League before winning the 2007 Portuguese Cup.


He played for Portugal during the European Under 21 Championship in Holland during the 2007 close season. The Cape Verde Islands born player also earned five caps for the senior side prior to his move to United, scoring on his debut against Denmark in September 2006.

Primarily a left sided player, Nani can also play in numerous other attacking positions.

There are obvious similarities between Ronaldo and Nani. And Nani is tipped to match the standards of 2006-07's PFA Player of the Year.

"He (Nani) is an amazing player, he's an amazing kid as well, he works very hard and has got a big heart," said Portuguese Under 21 team mate Ricardo Vaz Te. "He got a gift from god which is his talent obviously."

Portugal assistant coach Paulo Sousa is another who is backing Nani to be successful in England. "Nani is very explosive and very strong. He's fast and is going to be a great signing for United," he said. "I think that in the next five or 10 years, he and Cristiano Ronaldo can become the best players in the world."

Nani's move to Old Trafford undoubtedly had something to do with assistant boss Carlos Queiroz. Quieroz is credited with

helping Ronaldo settle and improve his game, and he is expected to help out Nani too.

Ronaldo has also promised to help Nani. “I really hope he has the same success as me, or even more, because he’s got the ability to do this," he said. "He’s joining the right club to evolve as a player and as a person.”

Nani is also famed in Portugal for a trademark goal celebration. His back flips graced the pages of the Portuguese tabloids while at Sporting, and United fans will be looking forward to seeing such celebrations many times during the coming seasons.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

16. Michael Carrick

keys: manchester united, Michael Carrick, Midfielder, Michael Carrick profile, Michael Carrick photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	28 Jul 1981
Birthplace:	Wallsend, North Shields
Position:	Midfielder
Appearances:	70
Joined United:	31 Aug 2006
United Debut:	23 Aug 2006 v Charlton (A)
International	England

With outstanding vision, quick feet and a broad-ranging repertoire of passes, Michael Carrick proved in his first season at United to be an ideal partner for Paul Scholes, albeit a very different one to the previous number 16, Roy Keane.

Contrary to the usual central midfield blend of crafter and grafter, Carrick and Scholes' playmaking talents were key to the free-flowing football which won a ninth Premiership title for United.

It was the first major honour of Carrick’s professional career, although he did win the FA Youth Cup with West Ham in 1999, scoring twice in the 9-0 final

demolition of Coventry City.

West Ham loaned Carrick out to Swindon in 1999/2000 and then Birmingham in 2000/01 when he earned a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year, eventually won by Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Carrick spent much of the 2002/03 season sidelined with injury. West Ham were relegated at the end of it but rather than join Joe Cole, Fredi Kanoute and Jermain Defoe in an exodus, Carrick stayed for a season in the Championship. However, after losing the 2004 play-off final to Crystal Palace, Carrick decided he couldn't wait another year for a return to the Premiership and moved across London to join Tottenham Hotspur in a transfer worth £2.75million.

He blossomed into an accomplished midfielder in two seasons at White Hart Lane. However, he only scored two goals in 64 games and it seemed this low strike-rate would continue at United, at least for the first few months following his £14million transfer (this fee could eventually rise to £18.6million).

Encouraged by Sir Alex Ferguson to push forward, Carrick eventually weighed in with six strikes from midfield in 2006/07. His first was a well-taken half-volley against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 13 January 2007;

his second, at home to Reading in the FA Cup, was shortlisted for the club's Goal of the Season award (won by Scholes away to Villa). His other goals included two against Roma in the fairytale 7-1 win.

Carrick's role in a title-winning midfield should help his international ambitions, as he competes with Owen Hargreaves, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for a place in England's starting XI. He's been there and done it at the highest level, earning praise for his holding role against Ecuador during the 2006 World Cup.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

15. Nemanja Vidic

keys: manchester united, Nemanja Vidic, Defender, Nemanja Vidic profile, Nemanja Vidic photos, pictures, wallpapers

Birthdate:	21 Oct 1981
Birthplace:	Uzice, Serbia
Position:	Defender
Appearances:	74
Joined United:	05 Jan 2006
United Debut:	25 Jan 2006 v Blackburn (H)
International	Serbia

Nemanja Vidic is a beast of a defender. Tall, athletic and solid as a rock, he's uncompromising in the tackle and formidable in the air. His partnership with Rio Ferdinand during the 2006/07 season drew comparisons to great United pairings like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.

Vidic began his career with his boyhood club, Red Star Belgrade, when he joined their youth programme at the age of 14. His first-team debut didn't arrive until 2001 but he went on to make 22 appearances in his first season. His leadership qualities quickly saw him handed the captain's armband. After three successful years as

skipper – he scored 12 times in 67 matches – he ended his stay with Red Star on a high by leading them to Serbia's domestic league and cup double. He made the switch to Russian outfit Spartak Moscow in August 2004 and soon became a regular starter. Just 39 games and four goals later, United came calling.

The Reds announced his signing on Christmas Day, 2005. He hadn't played for two months as the Russian season had recently ended, so it took some time for his true ability to shine. But after completing an intensive training programme, Vida began to show his class. A training ground injury while on World Cup duty with Serbia & Montenegro ruled Vidic out of the tournament and United's first six games of the 2006/07 season. But when he did take his place alongside Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the defence, he gelled immediately and soon began to pose an attacking threat from set pieces. Vidic scored three league goals on the way to clinching his first Premiership medal and also notched a crucial equaliser on Champions League Matchday 6 against Benfica at Old Trafford.

A collar-bone injury sustained at the end of March kept Vidic out of the bulk of United's

title run-in, but his performances until that point had been strong enough to help the Reds to the top of the league... and inspire a rousing song of his own among the matchgoing faithful.

His form was also acknowledged with a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

7. Cristiano Ronaldo photos

keys: manchester united | Cristiano Ronaldo | Winger | Cristiano Ronaldo photos pictures Cristiano Ronaldo wallpapers

10. Wayne Rooney photos

keys: manchester united | Wayne Rooney | Striker | Wayne Rooney photos pictures wallpapers

11. Ryan Giggs photos

keys: manchester united | Ryan Giggs| Midfielder | Ryan Giggs photos pictures wallpapers

13. Ji-sung Park

keys: manchester united | Ji-sung Park | Midfielder| Ji-sung Park profile | Ji-sung Park photos pictures wallpapers

irthdate:	25 Feb 1981
Birthplace:	Seoul, South Korea
Position:	Midfielder
Appearances:	65
Joined United:	08 Jul 2005
United Debut:	09 Aug 2005 v Debreceni (H)
International	Korea Republic

Though his first title-winning campaign ended six weeks prematurely due to cartilage problems, Ji-Sung Park’s departure from the Premiership stage in 2006/07 was typical of his efforts in a Red shirt thus far.

It was the industrious South Korean’s tap-in, his fifth league goal of the campaign (from just eight starts), that virtually secured the points against Blackburn at Old Trafford, another pivotal moment in a season chock-full of them. It followed a succession of lung-bursting efforts across United’s midfield, whether as a first-choice or as substitute, that have made him something of a cult hero since his arrival from

PSV in the summer of 2005.

Born in Seoul, raised in Suwon just outside South Korea’s capital, Park left school at 18 to join Japanese side Kyoto Purple Sanga. His potential to make the leap from Asia to Europe was spotted by Guus Hiddink, who coached the South Korea during their successful run to the World Cup semi finals in 2002. Later that year, Park followed Hiddink to PSV.

Jiearned widespread recognition in 2005 after scoring against Milan in the Champions League semi finals, but he had gradually been building his reputation in Holland. Park played only a fleeting part in PSV’s title success in his first season in Holland. Two years later he had fully adapted to European football and was an integral component of the side that clinched Holland's League and Cup Double.

Alerted to his blossoming talent, Sir Alex had Park watched more than 20 times before finally signing him for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £4 million, in June 2005. Having already proved his ability in Europe, acclimatising to the Premiership was Park’s initial test. He rose to the challenge, playing all but four of United’s Premiership matches in 2005/06. He scored his first goal for the club with a fine strike in the 3-1 away win

over Birmingham in December 2005, and claimed his first medal in the Carling Cup final win in February.

Fresh from a visit to renowned knee surgeon Richard Steadman in April – his second operation of the season – we look forward to a return as swift as the pace with which he attacks opposing defences.

reference: http://www.manutd.com

12. Ben Foster

keys: manchester united | Ben Foster | Goalkeeper | Ben Foster profile | Ben Foster photos pictures wallpapers

Birthdate:	03 Apr 1983
Birthplace:	Leamington Spa, England
Position:	Goalkeeper
Appearances:	0
Joined United:	19 Jul 2005
United Debut:
International	England

Ben Foster's arrival at Old Trafford was a whirlwind affair. The gifted goalkeeper was on loan at Wrexham when he caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in the Football League Trophy final.

In Cardiff to watch his son Darren in action, the Gaffer noted Foster's fine performance, who kept a clean sheet as Wrexham won 2-0 after extra time.

Foster was scouted in the following three months, before being prised away from Stoke City - without ever playing for the Potters' first team - for an undisclosed fee in July 2005. He's never been one to stay in a place too long, with five loan spells in three

years at the Britannia Stadium, and that precedent continued after his move to Old Trafford.

After just one and a half pre-season friendlies for United's Reserves, Ben was farmed out to Watford on a season-long loan. Although tipped by many for relegation, the Hornets had a stunning campaign - thanks in no small part to Foster's performances.

Aidy Boothroyd's side returned to the Premiership after beating Leeds in the final of the Championship Play-offs. For the second year in a row Foster kept a clean sheet at the Millennium Stadium as Watford won 3-0.
Foster was a shock call-up to the standby list for England's 2006 World Cup squad. Although Ben's presence wasn't required in Germany, his international bow wasn't long in coming as a superb second loan season at Watford earned him a start - ironically at Old Trafford - in England's friendly with Spain in February 2007.

Steve McClaren's side lost 1-0, but Foster's noteworthy display was in keeping with his fine form throughout his season at Vicarage Road. Although he couldn't prevent the Hornets' relegation, Foster emerged as one of the great young hopes for both United and England.

reference: http://www.manutd.com