Nani Wants Berbatov to Stay at Manchester United

This article was written by Pete South, follow him on Twitter @peterwsouth.

Manchester United winger Nani has begged with striker Dimitar Berbatov to stay at Old Trafford after the Bulgarian was left out of the squad which lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final. Speculation surrounding the future of the former Spurs forward began to increase after he was repeatedly left out of the United team, with youngster Javier Hernandez taking his place in the line-up. Adding to this, Michael Owen was given a surprise inclusion on the bench for Saturday’s final at Wembley.

Nani was a substitute as Man Utd were out-classed by Barcelona in the final two days ago, eventually going down 3-1 thanks to goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi, and David Villa. With a host of English and Spanish sides said to be interested in the services of Berbatov this season, Nani believes he still has a future with Manchester United.

Here's what  Nani said regarding Berbatov:

"I don't know what he has in mind but everyone knows he's a fantastic player... He has scored a lot of goals for us, finished as the top scorer in the league, and I would like him to play for Manchester United again next season."

Manchester United's top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov

The Portuguese winger then added:

"I don't know which players will be coming in but most important is that the ones who stay fight for us."

Berbatov’s absence from the bench on Saturday paved the way for rumours suggesting he had stormed out after not being picked, something the players agent described as “nonsense” however.

With rumours about an impending bid from the Premier League champions for Aston Villa’s Ashley Young, Berbatov may find his chances with the first team limited. As before Saturday’s final, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of a desire to sign some additional players to help his side secure a 4th European title next season.

Another name linked with the Old Trafford club is Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, who is interested in leaving Atletico Madrid. But having worn more that his fair share of Copa America shirts in the past and with the 2011 tournament falling mid-way through the 2011/12 Premier League season, Ferguson may be put off from the Argentine.

Atletico Madrid Could Lose David De Gea and Sergio "Kun" Aguero

David De Gea has apparently already joined Man Utd.

Atletico Madrid have had a fairly quiet season, especially compared to last season when they won the Europa League. While at the beginning of this season Atletico won the UEFA European Supercup over Inter Milan, after that they went on to place seventh in La Liga, not qualifying for any European competitions for next season.

In that European Super Cup victory two stars played exceptionally, helping Atleti win the trophy. Sergio Aguero scored one of the goals in the 2-0 victory, and David De Gea saved a crucial penalty taken by Diego Milito. Now, Atletico Madrid could see both of those key players leave the club over the summer. Throughout this season, Sergio Aguero and David De Gea have proved to be important, maybe even irreplaceable players.

Aguero has scored 27 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid while providing six assists as well. As the season's top goalscorer for Atleti, Aguero has dribbled around the best defenders in the Champions League and La Liga, attracting the attention of many clubs for years now. He's still a young player soon turning 23 years-old, and while about a month ago he said he wanted to stay at Atletico Madrid, he has now seemingly changed his mind.

Aguero might sign for city rivals Real Madrid!

He says it's the right time to go for him, and that it has nothing to do with money. While Atletico Madrid fans might be slightly confused and unhappy with the mixed messages the Argentine has been sending out, it's important to remember that Aguero has scored over 100 goals for Atletico since joining the club.

Atletico might be losing Kun, and it's almost certain that their 19 year-old David De Gea will be leaving Madrid. It has been revealed that he has practically already signed for Manchester United, and all that is missing are the official announcements. The fee is rumored to be around 16-19 million Pounds, with which potential added bonuses could turn out to be quite a hefty profit for Atletico Madrid. While De Gea has a few things to sort out with his agent, Sir Alex Ferguson seems happy to have signed what should be Edwin van der Saar's replacement.

Regarding who Atletico Madrid could buy to replace the pair, most of the news has been about replacing "Kun" Aguero. Espanyol's Italian-Argentine Osvaldo could join Atletico for around 10 million Euros, but there have also been murmurs regarding Diego from Wolfsburg and Porto's Falcao or maybe even Hulk.

It will be a big blow for Atletico losing Aguero, especially if he joins the city rivals Real Madrid. But there are other clubs keeping an eye on him, including Chelsea who want the player to take a pay cut to join. If "Kun" decides to sign for Real Madrid, we could be in for a few very interesting upcoming Madrid derbys. And if Aguero does join Real, and De Gea leaves for Manchester United, who will be between the sticks to stop Aguero from scoring against his former club?

If you're interested in following all things Atletico Madrid, check out Madrid Atleticos. Some great writers there who report anything regarding Atleti.

Atletico Madrid conquer UEFA Supercup over flat Inter

Second trophy of the year, more to come this season?

This was probably one of the most interesting UEFA Supercups I've seen, while some might have expected domination from the Champions League winners, it was Atletico Madrid who bossed the game and won 2-0. And although it's strange to think that this year Atletico Madrid have won more trophies than Barcelona, it's true. If you happen to be an Atletico fan, or if you're interested in a good blog to read about the UEFA Supercup winners, check out Madrid Atleticos.

Inter Milan - Atletico Madrid

While the match began relatively evenly, both teams were unable to put together many memorable opportunities. They were both solid in defense, with Atletico causing more problems than Inter was, but in the end there were only some shots which fizzed wide from Eto'o and Aguero in the first half.

Reyes celebrating the first goal

The second half was a different affair, Atletico began to keep possession, they created more and more chances, keeping the ball away from Inter's front line. Diego Milito barely touched the ball, Eto'o was dangerous but isolated, and Stankovic wasn't a smart choice for starter from Rafa Benitez. Eventually the breakthrough came, Julio Cesar had already saved a couple of insidious shots, but Reyes found a way to slip it past him in the 62nd minute.

There wasn't a reaction from the Inter players, Benitez took off Stankovic and put on Pandev, giving a bit of creativity, but soon enough the Macedonian found himself unable to change the situation. Then the Inter coach decided to take out a disappointing Sneijder and put in the young Brazilian talent, Philippe Coutinho. But right after the switch, Atletico scored again with Aguero. A simple tap-in which was due to Inter's back line falling asleep, Chivu ignored the Argentinean's run into the six yard box and basically let him finish off the team.

There was more reaction after this goal from the Inter player than the first, they pushed more, and eventually substitute Coutinho almost unlocked the situation, creating an attack which earned Inter a penalty in the dying minutes. Diego Milito stepped up to take it, but David De Gea parried the shot well, keeping a clean sheet for Atletico as they went on to defeat the Champions League winners, and conquer the UEFA Supercup.

Atletico Madrid conquer Europa League with Forlan double

The Europa League final has ended 2-1 for Atletico Madrid, both teams were going for the trophy 100% considering that Fulham finished 12th in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid are 9th in La Liga. Here's SWU's match report.

Atletico Madrid - Fulham

Forlan tapping in the winner past Schwarzer

While some will complain that this match was not as entertaining as most, the tension and passion was certainly there to be seen in Hamburg. In the first half, Atletico were strong and convincing, they manouvered well creating space with Aguero who fed Forlan along with Reyes and Simao. The first goal eventually came after Aguero's failed shot which Forlan leaped on and put in the back of the net, but Fulham were beginning to rise. Eventually Fulham found the goal before halftime with Davies who from close range near the post volleyed in a shot which restored everything back to parity. After halftime Fulham began to raise the tempo of the match, causing Atletico problems with the subbed on Dempsey for Zamora. De Gea was fantastic at stopping attempts from Davies and the Englishmen, but it eventually went to extra time. While Fulham were happily waiting for it to go to penalties, Atletico (and Forlan) stepped up their game big time, first the Uruguyan striker played a golden pass to Salvio who wasted the opportunity, then Diego did the work himself and tapped Aguero's cross in to give the trophy to the Spaniards.


What are your reactions to the match? Comment below!

Manchester United wants Sergio "El Kun" Aguero for 53 million euros

According to Spanish newspaper, SPORT, Manchester United have offered 52 million euros to Atletico Madrid for Argentinian star forward Sergio "El Kun" Aguero.
The English champions have been looking for a proven goalscorer ever since cristiano Ronaldo went to Real Madrid.