What do you think was Manchester United's goal of the year

Benfica have rejected an offer from Manchester United to sign Angel di Maria, according to reports in Portugal.

The Argentina international has caught the eye of several top-flight clubs across Europe following a number of impressive displays at the Estadio da Luz this season.

Manchester rivals United and City have both been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old, with the appointment of Roberto Mancini at Eastlands expected to fuel speculation of an impending bid from the Citizens.

But, according to Portuguese radio station TSF, it was the Red Devils who made a move as they offered Nani plus €10 million for Di Maria, a bid which Benfica reportedly turned down.

It is believed Benfica do not want to lose one of their key players half way through the season and are only planning to listen to offers in the summer.

Nani, who arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting in 2007, has been linked with a new challenge after failing to establish himself as Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement at the club following his compatriot's move to Real Madrid last summer.

Source : Goal.com

Exciting young striker Mame Biram Diouf will be available for selection in January after being granted a work permit.

The 22-year-old has impressed in training recently since signing in the summer from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former club Molde, for whom he has since been playing on loan.

Diouf, who has made one appearance for the senior Senegal national side, is a powerful, quick and direct frontman, and has an excellent strike-rate at Molde.

If Sir Alex’s glowing appraisal is anything to go by, he may get a chance in the first team sooner rather than later, although he won’t be available for the FA Cup tie against Leeds on 3 January.

Sir Alex said earlier this month: “If you’re talking about value then you can look at our young boy Diouf.

"He’s been training with us and is looking very exciting. That’s the kind of situation we’re good at – finding young players who can develop at the club and at 22 years of age he’s looking very good.”

Source: manutd.com

So, time will tell about this lad. There haven't been too many reports on him, just about whether or not United would pursue their interest. Another striker. Shame he can't play at the back!!

Its sad to hear of another "Babe" passing away. Albert Scanlon back with the "Boy's" R.I.P.

It is with sadness that Manchester United announced the death of Albert Scanlon. He was 74.

Albert Scanlon, who died on 22 December, 2009, was a member of the ' Busby Babes' Manchester United and a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster .

He suffered a fractured skull and a severe kidney injury in the devastating plane crash in 1958, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight of his team mates.

Yet the following season he featured in all 42 league matches, scoring 16 goals as United finished runners-up in the league - even with their depleted squad.

Albert Joseph Scanlon was born on 10 October, 1935, in Hulme, Lancashire. He worked his way through the renowned Manchester United youth system and made his debut in 1954.

He helped the club win two league titles (1956 and 1957) before the tragic plane crash. It was a twist of fate that at the time, the 22-year-old outside forward was due to transfer to Arsenal, but his injuries and United’s depleted squad saw him remain at Old Trafford for another two years.

After 127 appearances and 35 goals for the Reds, he moved to Newcastle United in 1960, then went on to spells with Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and Newport County before retiring in 1966.

Manchester United team mate and friend Wilf McGuinness offered his tribute following Mr Scanlon’s passing at Salford Royal Hospital: “Albert’s main asset was his pace. He really did have blistering speed and once he got a yard on his marker he was impossible to catch.

“It was astonishing that he played so many games after the Munich Disaster following the injuries he sustained. And he played very well in that season. Everybody talks about United getting to the FA Cup final that season, but what was even more incredible was that we finished runners-up.”

Source: lastingtribute.com

I updated this, as a little more information was available on a different website.

The line up beyond the Pearly Gates is growing in strength.

It would seem that Albert had been ill for some time. I would like to pass on my condolences and those of ManUtdPeople to the family and friends.