United warned off Schalke star

zocoss SG

Red devil: Manchester United are interested in Schalke's Germany No 1 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer

Political infighting at Bayern Munich has left the way clear for Manchester United to snap up their top goalkeeping target Manuel Neuer.

Schalke's Germany No 1 seems certain to leave at the end of the season, if not sooner, after heavily criticising his side's 5-0 defeat at Kaiserslautern and claiming they were in danger of being relegated from the Bundesliga.

Bayern and United looked to be shaping up for a straight fight for the 24-year-old, but Sportsmail can reveal that a war of words behind the scenes at the Allianz Arena has left Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson in pole position.

While president Uli Hoeness and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge both strongly favour a move for Neuer, manager Louis Van Gaal is standing up to them and insisting the club stick with 22-year-old prospect Thomas Kraft, who won rave reviews on his Champions' League debut against Roma last week.

As a further encouraging sign for United, locally-born Neuer, who has retained his membership of Schalke's supporters' club, is wary of upsetting a fan base who would prefer him to move abroad rather than to bitter rivals Bayern.

Looking ahead: Ferguson is planning for life after Van der Sar

Neuer, under contract until 2012 and valued at around £16million, refused to discuss his future after Saturday's mauling at Kaiserslautern, but said: 'That was a catastrophe and I have no explanation for such a disastrous performance.

'I can understand why the fans were so angry because if we keep playing like that, we will be relegated.'

Ferguson is keen to sign an experienced stopper to take the gloves from Dutchman Edwin van der Sar, who is approaching the end of a brilliant career, having celebrated his 40th birthday last month.

The United manager is already building for the future, after paying Aalesunds £3.5m for Denmark keeper Anders Lingegaard.

iceFatboy SG

really that good??

jonchao72 SG

what about de gea :(

iceFatboy SG

what about de gea :(

too young??

Rock^Star SG

if he so good, how come he let in 5 goals? lol

CKeer SG

if he so good, how come he let in 5 goals? lol

Casillas also let in 5 goals ma, although you can argue the team they play against but Real Madrid's backline supposed to be better than Schalke's?

The man who was death SG

I still think benaglio is the best choice....alex can just give mcclaren a call....

Rooney9 SG

if he so good, how come he let in 5 goals? lol

Peter Schmeical also let in 5 goals by Newcastle in the late 90s remember. so is he no good?

funniegal SG

wa...so who is confirm coming to be nos.1. scarly...a surprise for us again..

so andres is coming to become a no.2? 0.0 hm..

Rooney9 SG

I hope Buffon is able to come and join united next season.

Rooney9 SG

Neuer wanted by Sir Alex as new No.1
Political infighting at Bayern Munich has left the way clear for Manchester United to snap up their top goalkeeping target Manuel Neuer. Schalke's Germany No 1 seems certain to leave at the end of the season, if not sooner, after heavily criticising his side's 5-0 defeat at Kaiserslautern and claiming they were in danger of being relegated from the Bundesliga. Bayern and United looked to be shaping up for a straight fight for the 24-year-old, but Sportsmail can reveal that a war of words behind the scenes at the Allianz Arena has left Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson in pole position. While president Uli Hoeness and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge both strongly favour a move for Neuer, manager Louis Van Gaal is standing up to them and insisting the club stick with 22-year-old prospect Thomas Kraft, who won rave reviews on his Champions' League debut against Roma last week. As a further encouraging sign for United, locally-born Neuer, who has retained his membership of Schalke's supporters' club, is wary of upsetting a fan base who would prefer him to move abroad rather than to bitter rivals Bayern. Neuer is under contract until 2012 and valued at around £16million. Ferguson is keen to sign an experienced stopper to take the gloves from Dutchman Edwin van der Sar, who is approaching the end of a brilliant career, having celebrated his 40th birthday last month.
John Edwards, Daily Mail

The Daily Mirror claims Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola will resist any potential future approach from Chelsea - because he wants to work alongside Sir Alex at United. Guardiola has told friends he wants to take over when the Scot calls time on his Old Trafford reign, although he would want Fergie to stay around the club as a mentor.

In other news the Independent claim Antonio Valencia could be back in action by mid-February.

Rooney9 SG

Schalke coach Felix Magath has warned Manchester United and other clubs off Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after his weekend heroics.

Neuer turned in another impressive display as he helped the Royal Blues beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Bayern have made no secret of their wish to sign Neuer, while United are also believed to be taking an interest in the 24-year-old.

However, Magath, who on Saturday hailed Neuer as "the best goalkeeper in the world", is not interested in selling.

"A year ago, we would maybe have had to think about a transfer in the situation we were in, but not now," he told Kicker magazine.

"We are now far better off financially and do not have to sell Manuel Neuer at all."

Nevertheless, Bayern are still monitoring the situation in view of making a bid in the summer.

"My colleague Magath will not sell Neuer, but I will discuss this issue with my board," said Bayern coach Louis van Gaal at the weekend.

He is currently looking for a replacement for Hans-Jorg Butt, whose career is coming to an end.

Neuer's contract with Schalke expires in 2012 and, should he not commit to a new deal, his valuation will drop in June.

And the chances of him staying in Gelsenkirchen would reduce if they cannot offer him Champions League football next season, which is looking unlikely at present with the team 15th in the standings.

iceFatboy SG

I hope Buffon is able to come and join united next season.

isn't he coming back from injury? i think MUFC will be wise to see whether he is back to his level first b4 buying him..

trolol SG

i prefer neuer over buffon any day. buffon is not the same as before already and he reached the 30 mark liao.