Old Trafford Time

We all know the accusations of playing until United score at Old Trafford, but when they play to 97 minutes you've got to admit it looks like a fair comment...

Owen scored at 95 mins 28 secs

I think Sparky is right to feel a bit miffed when the fourth official indicated four mins, even if they did count goal celebrations..

And do you think Fergie would've felt it was the best derby ever if he hadn't got the win?

Will He Stay Or Will He Go?

The transfer story of the week rumbles on as David Moyes has come out and publicly reiterated that he has "no intention" of selling Joleon Lescott. This of course follows on from Lescott's transfer request this week after some persistent flirting from Mark Hughes.

Everton have now rejected a number of bids, the most recent is thought to be around £18m, but it will be interesting to see if and how the player reacts, both in the press and on the field.

Moyes has told the official Everton website:

"I have always said that we are not selling any players and that hasn't changed,

“We will continue to work with him as we appreciate his many qualities as a player.

“I have said all along that I have no intention of selling my best players.

“Joleon is simply not for sale.”

I have to say, in my opinion when a player makes a fairly bold move of requesting a transfer, it is not always the best option to keep the player on as performances do tend to suffer. Moyes is a stubborn man though so will stick to his guns. £18m is a good price, but who exactly could Everton find to replace like-for-like this close to the season's kick-off?

My prediction? Lescott stays, but there will be friction between the two as a result.

Barry Moves To City

I have to say I was a little surprised to see the news that Gareth Barry has moved to Man City today for a £12m fee. Apparently Barry was able to command a £92,000 weekly wage in return for his services. The early transfer will give Martin O'Neil the full window to shop for a replacement.

I think that most people, myself included assumed that Gareth Barry was off to Liverpool this summer after last summers pleas for Champions League football and considering the overtures from Liverpool in seeking to reach a deal worth around £18m. So it is a very good piece of business from Man City and Mark Hughes and a first class signing.

In fact I am not sure what happened to Liverpool or Barry's desire to go there, but that may drastically alter Rafa Benitez's summer transfer plans.

Klinsmann Linked With Man City

Sky Sports has the rumour, here, that Jurgen Klinsmann has been linked as a replacement to Mark Hughes at Man City. Luiz Felipe Scolari is another linked to the role.

Klinsmann is said in the report to be flattered by the link, but not interested.

What does Mark Hughes have to do to keep his job at Man City in the Summer and how big is the gulf between expectations and results at Man City?

City Have Latest Bid For Santa Cruz Rejected

Man City have had an improved bid for Roque Santa Cruz rejected by Blackburn. This is despite Santa Cruz again openly stating his desire to move away from Blackburn.

City boss Mark Hughes has also confirmed that the club have made an offer for Shay Given, and are waiting to hear back from Newcastle.